Alumni Honored at Panther Athletics Hall of Fame Induction

Ten new members have been added to Ranney School’s Panther Athletic Hall of Fame during a recent induction ceremony held on Thursday, May 27. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Upper School Athletics Awards Ceremony, providing current students the opportunity to see that, even as alumni, they will continue to have an impact on our school.

Nine Ranney alumni, including one faculty member, were honored at this year’s event for their exceptional contributions to the school’s athletic program. The Hall of Fame recognizes and honors former Ranney athletes, past and present coaches and other members of the Ranney community who have made a positive contribution to the athletic program.

This year’s alumni inductees included:

Dr. Shaddy Younan, Class of 1991

Shaddy was an outstanding student athlete during his years at Ranney School. He excelled in soccer, basketball and baseball. He shared the 1991 Athlete of the Year award with his brother Zyad. Shaddy was positive, skilled and had tremendous ability. He had a love for the game, was a true sportsman and was an outstanding citizen. Shaddy believed that participation was as important as winning, earning 12 varsity letters in his playing career. He left Ranney leaving an impression that will not be forgotten.

Dr. Zyad Younan, Class of 1991

Zyad was an outstanding student athlete during his years at Ranney School. He excelled in soccer, basketball and baseball. He shared the 1991 Athlete of the Year award with his brother Shaddy. Zyad was a hardnosed and dedicated athlete, committed to all he did. He helped to a make a winning tradition at Ranney School, understanding that these traditions are founded upon the concepts of pride, respect, dedication, character and loyalty. He knew team’s goals and success should always come before individual interests. He took pride in being a student-athlete. He presented Ranney School, his coaches, his teammates and himself in a positive manner. Zyad always participated with high integrity.

Phillip Kurdyla, Class of 1994

Phillip was an outstanding student athlete during his years at Ranney School. He excelled in soccer, swimming, track and baseball. Phil was named the 1994 Male Scholar Athlete for Ranney School. Phil played with a great deal of ability and a positive attitude. He was a special young man that was dedicated and committed to everything he did. No one worked harder than Phil. He was a team leader that always gave 110%. He left a lasting impression on all his coaches and the Ranney community.

Amy Fass, Class of 1998

Amy was an outstanding student athlete who excelled in tennis, swimming, softball and basketball during her playing career. Amy obtained success through commitment, hard work and enthusiasm. She had great self confidence and was truly dedicated to anything she did. She set her goal on excellence. Amy displayed tremendous leadership skills throughout her years. Amy understood to achieve anything required belief in yourself, your teammates, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication; all things are possible for those who believe. Amy was named to numerous post season award teams and will always be known as one of Ranney’s finest athletes.

Mickey Kaplan, Class of 1998

Mickey was an outstanding student athlete during his years at Ranney School as he excelled in tennis and basketball. Mickey single handily help to put men’s tennis program as a member of the state’s elite by winning NJISAA singles championships in 1995, 1997 and 1998. Mickey was a dedicated tennis player that worked extremely hard 12 months a year to reach the level he did. Tennis was his true passion and he was a leader of the program. Mickey also excelled on the boys’ basketball team helping the program to reach great levels during his playing career.

David Capezza, Class of 2001

David was an important part of Ranney Athletics during his playing career at the school. As a member of the soccer, swim and baseball teams, he was a popular and dedicated teammate that had a great deal of ability, along with being very creative. His work ethic was outstanding. David was the type of player that was willing to do anything necessary for the team to be successful. He had the unique ability to recognize different situations and handle them in a calm, correct manner.

John Jaravata, Class of 2001

While at Ranney, John played basketball, golf and soccer and we credit him with taking Ranney Golf to the next level of excellence. He won the 2000 Prep Conference Championship and the 2001 Monmouth County Championship. He was a true asset to all of the athletic teams he participated on. John worked hard and was the type of player who led by example and was always prepared to meet any challenge. John went on to be a four-year member of the Lehigh University golf team, earning All-conference honors in his sophomore year and leading the team as captain in his junior and senior years.

Lindsay Minerva, Class of 2005

Lindsay was an outstanding student athlete who excelled in field hockey, basketball and lacrosse during her playing career at Ranney. She obtained success on the athletic field as well as in the classroom. In recognition of her academic and athletic accomplishments, Lindsay was named a state finalist for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award and was the 2005 NJISAA State Scholar Athlete, the highest honor a NJ Independent School student athlete can receive. Lindsay was a true leader, helping to establish the field hockey and lacrosse programs. She was well disciplined and earned the respect of her coaches, her peers and that of opposing coaches and players.

Alexandra Salani, Class of 2005

Alexandra was an outstanding student athlete who excelled in cross country, swimming, winter track, and spring track during her career at Ranney. Alexandra worked extremely hard and never once rested on her achievements. As a freshman she won the 2001 Monmouth County cross country freshman championship. Alexandra went on to capture the 2003 and 2004 NJISAA state cross country championships. Alex also helped our women’s cross country team grow in numbers as an excellent example for younger runners to follow.

Also honored was Emmett Walling, a 30-year veteran teacher and coach at Ranney who was recognized for his dedication and commitment to the school’s aquatics program and as a leader and mentor in the athletic department. He is known as one of the premier swim coaches at the Jersey Shore, having built the Ranney aquatics program from the beginning to where it is today. Many have recognized him as a positive influence on their careers and lives. Over the past 30 years, Emmett has had the opportunity to lead many talented student athletes, and has touched the lives of every student, parent and faculty member at Ranney School.  In his introductory remarks about Emmett, Head of School Dr. Lawrence Sykoff said, "It has been my privilege to witness Emmett's success, and it is wonderful to see someone get the recognition he so justly deserves for so genuine a record of accomplishment. This significant career milestone is indicative of Emmett’s commitment to fostering a deep appreciation of three of Ranney’s core principles – knowledge, vision, and honor – within the hearts and minds of his students, and I am proud to have Emmett Walling as part of the Ranney history and future."

Eligibility for nomination to the Panther Hall of Fame begins the fifth year after the nominee graduates from Ranney School. In addition to alumni, former outstanding teams may also be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Coaches and other school community members may also be nominated. While there is no waiting period for these individuals, they must have been involved in Ranney athletics for four years or more. All nominees must demonstrate outstanding character, integrity and good moral fiber while at Ranney School.

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.