2025 Hall of Fame
The Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame Class of 2025
1960 Boys Basketball Team
As the 2nd team in Wildwood Catholic’s rich history to achieve “State Champion” status, it is not only appropriate that we honor this team…. it’s well deserved. Coached by Frank McAlarnen – who was inducted into the Wildwood Catholic inaugural class just last year – this team includes: William Leahy (Co-Captain), Timothy McWilliams (Co-Captain), Joseph Bowman, Joseph Preston, Patrick Garrity, Bill Coleman, John Lue, Thomas Town, Victor Hauber, Joseph Harvey, Dominick Cappachione, Robert Gredone, & Charles Harvey (Mngr.)
Thank you, Gentlemen! You continue to be true Wildwood Catholic Crusaders, and today’s induction simply authenticates your place in our history. Welcome to the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame!
Linda Billiris
Class of 1970
Linda graduated from Wildwood Catholic High School and is married to Michael, her high school sweetheart & classmate. Together, they have three children: Krista, Nick and Mike – all of whom are also proud alumni of Wildwood Catholic.A dedicated mother and loyal parishioner of the community, Linda worked in the business world for a number of years prior to her arrival at Wildwood Catholic’s business office in 1993, where she served as Executive Secretary to SIX different administrations/principals before her retirement in 2022.
During her 30-year tenure at Wildwood Catholic, there was not one aspect of the business office that Linda did not oversee. In addition to welcoming everyone with her warm smile and positive attitude she has helped more than 1,000 students navigate their high school experience from freshman to senior year and beyond. Her attention to detail, professional insight, incredibly positive attitude, and years of vast experience made every interaction with her effective, efficient, and pleasant. Over the years, she has served as a volunteer in any capacity needed and had never missed an opportunity to attend and give her support to school events. She was also responsible for all the behind-the-scenes work that kept the school running efficiently, such as tuition, ordering teacher’s aids, attendance records and managing all incoming guests and phone calls. Several of her former superiors have stated that they could not have done their job without Linda’s help & guidance.
Today, we are happy to induct Linda Billiris as a member of the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame, where her name & dedication to our school will forever be recognized.
Linda, welcome to the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame
Carol "Budy" Blum Barnoski
Class of 1990
With her Number 45 retired at Wildwood Catholic, it’s only fitting that Carol “Budy” Blum Barnoski’s place in the Hall of Fame be memorialized. One of the very best basketball players to grace our court and an equally strong presence in the classroom, Budy held the all-time female scoring record (1,759 points) from 1990 through 2021. She remains recognized as one of the top players in Cape Atlantic League history.Budy continued her basketball career at Division I Drexel University, earning a full scholarship and serving as a three year starter for the Lady Dragons. At Wildwood Catholic, she was also a two year member of the tennis team and active in the National Honor Society.
Today, Budy continues to give back to the game she loves. Alongside her husband John, she coaches basketball for the Avalon/Stone Harbor Elementary School. She also coaches the girls program for T. John Casiello, another Crusader alum, and the Tarheels AAU program, mentoring the next generation of young athletes with the same passion and dedication she brought to every game.
Joseph P. Breslin, Jr.
Educator
“Beware the Ides of March.”It’s a phrase that every student who passed through Joe Breslin’s classroom will never forget. Affectionately known as “G.I. Joe,” Mr. Breslin began his teaching career at Wildwood Catholic in 1968. It wasn’t until 2004 that he metaphorically “ate his last piece of chalk”—a quirky ritual many students fondly remember. That’s 36 years of English classes... 36 years of literature… 36 years of Shakespeare... and 36 years of mentoring and inspiring both students and colleagues alike.
Born in the Kingsessing section of Southwest Philadelphia, Joe grew up in a bustling home with his parents, maternal grandfather, and ten siblings—five brothers and five sisters. He attended Most Blessed Sacrament Grammar School, then the largest parochial grammar school in the country, followed by St. Joseph’s Prep (Class of 1964), St. Joseph’s College (1968), and later earned his master’s degree from St. Joseph’s University in 1989. A gold medalist in Studies in Science, Joe also taught graduate-level courses and attended Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. His pursuit of a master’s degree in public safety administration took seven years and countless trips back and forth to Philadelphia.
In addition to his teaching career, Joe served the Borough of Avalon as a firefighter for 53 years. He was honored with two lifesaving awards, one as a Class II Police Officer in Stone Harbor, and another presented at an Avalon Council meeting.
Joe and his wife Teresa raised three children, Mary Beth (’91), Megan (’92), and Joseph (’95)—all proud graduates of Wildwood Catholic.
We are proud to welcome Joe Breslin— “G.I. Joe”—into the Wildwood Catholic Academy Hall of Fame in recognition of his extraordinary dedication, his lifelong commitment to service, and the lasting excellence he inspired in our community.
Kathryn Caruso
Class of 1987 & Coach
The storied legacy of Kate (aka “Coach Kate”) at Wildwood Catholic began in the classroom and has continued onto the basketball court & sidelines ever since. As the valedictorian of her graduating class and as a member of the National Honor Society, Katie continues to have a positive impact within her beloved Crusader community as an assistant coach with the Girls basketball program coach – a position she’s held since 1999. As a player, Kate’s dominance was evident. A career that included being a member of the 1984 Girls Basketball State Championship Team, a 1st Team member of the Cape Atlantic Leagues teams of 1986 and 1987, a member of the All-South Jersey team of 1987, and the Atlantic City Press Player of the Year in 1987. Katie finished her playing career with 1,126 points. The basketball IQ that is necessary to succeed at these levels is an attribute that Kate possesses to this day.
As a coach/mentor, she began as a player with fellow Hall of Fame Matt Tomlin in 1999 and then continued to assist another Hall of Fame, Fran St. John through 2010. To this day, Katie’s dedication to the Girls basketball program lasts under the direction of Steve DiPatri – a position she’s currently held since 2016.
The impact that Coach Kate has had & continues to have on the female student-athletes of Wildwood Catholic is paramount. While many girls may enter the gym with a level of anxiety, Coach Kate has become the calming presence, motivator, and advocate each athlete never knew that they needed. She has pushed these girls to become the best version of themselves & has formed long-lasting relationships & friendships well beyond their time at Wildwood Catholic.
Today, we honor ”Coach Kate” Caruso for her loyalty, devotion, and for a lifetime of allegiance to the Crusader community. Welcome to the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame!
Caroline Doherty
Community Champion
We honor a woman whose heartbeat uplifted this community, whose generosity changed countless lives, and whose spirit remains a cornerstone of our school’s legacy.Caroline Mary Doherty wasn’t just a resident of Wildwood for more than 30 years; she was a pillar of its soul. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Wallingford, Pennsylvania, she brought with her a quiet strength and a boundless love for others. A graduate of the Friends School and Harcum College, Caroline chose a path of service, especially to Wildwood Catholic High School.
Through the Bob Doherty Scholarship Foundation, named in memory of her beloved son, Caroline turned personal grief into a lasting impact. Her support opened doors for students to pursue college dreams and made Catholic education accessible to local families. Thanks to her vision, many have walked these halls and gone on to become teachers, doctors, artists, and leaders, each carrying a piece of her legacy.
Caroline passed away on September 14, 2012, at the age of 80, surrounded by friends in her beloved home. Yet her spirit has never left. Every diploma earned and scholarship awarded bears her imprint.
She was known for her grace, loyalty, and generosity. “One of the dearest people I had the pleasure to know,” said one friend. “A great lady with a beautiful spirit,” said another. Caroline never sought the spotlight; she created opportunities for others to shine.
In 2025, as Wildwood Catholic Academy thrives as a Pre K through 12 school, we recognize Caroline Doherty’s lasting impact. Her legacy reminds us that a true community lifts each other up.
Thank you, Caroline. Welcome to the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame. Rest in peace, and may God bless you alway
Richard Hocker
Community Champion
Philanthropist | Founder, Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation
For more than 15 years, Wildwood Catholic Academy has been blessed by the generosity and vision of Richard A. Hocker. His steadfast support has shaped the experience of countless students and strengthened the foundation of our school.
Mr. Hocker established the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation in honor of his beloved mother, a woman whose values of hard work, humility, and compassion left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Ethel Mae believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives, and her legacy lives on through the foundation that bears her name.
Through this foundation, Mr. Hocker has provided meaningful financial assistance to Wildwood Catholic Academy, ensuring students with financial need have access to a quality Catholic education rooted in faith and service. In addition to student scholarships, the foundation played a vital role in the refurbishment of the school auditorium, a centerpiece for our school and a hub for community, creativity, and celebration.
A respected leader in the financial world and founder of Penn Capital Management, Mr. Hocker has consistently used his success to uplift others.
We are proud to welcome Richard A. Hocker into the Wildwood Catholic Academy Hall of Fame, honoring his extraordinary generosity and the legacy of the remarkable woman who inspired it.
Mr. Hocker established the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation in honor of his beloved mother, a woman whose values of hard work, humility, and compassion left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Ethel Mae believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives, and her legacy lives on through the foundation that bears her name.
Through this foundation, Mr. Hocker has provided meaningful financial assistance to Wildwood Catholic Academy, ensuring students with financial need have access to a quality Catholic education rooted in faith and service. In addition to student scholarships, the foundation played a vital role in the refurbishment of the school auditorium, a centerpiece for our school and a hub for community, creativity, and celebration.
A respected leader in the financial world and founder of Penn Capital Management, Mr. Hocker has consistently used his success to uplift others.
We are proud to welcome Richard A. Hocker into the Wildwood Catholic Academy Hall of Fame, honoring his extraordinary generosity and the legacy of the remarkable woman who inspired it.
Daniel J. Leahy
Class of 1988
Daniel J. Leahy, “Dan”, was a major force in high school – in the classroom, on the track team, and most assertively, on the basketball court! Simply dominating opponents throughout his high school career, Dan is still recognized as one of the best players in the history of the Cape Atlantic League. While scoring 2,030 points at Wildwood Catholic - Dan was simply continuing the Leahy legacy at Wildwood Catholic. At the time of his graduation, Dan was one of four from his immediate family to score more than 1,000 career high school points. His father, Jim, was Wildwood Catholic’s first 1,000-point scorer in 1953. His older brother Jim scored over 1,000 points prior to graduating in 1981, and his younger brother John played two years at WC, eventually eclipsing the total at another school. Dan’s dominance did not just start/stop on the basketball court. He also became a State of NJ Individual Champion in the High Jump in 1988 with a jump of 6 feet, 6.5-inches - a school record to this day. Dan was highly recruited and ultimately decided to accept a scholarship to Drexel University. During his four-year career at Drexel, Dan was a major contributor, eventually being a starter during his Junior and Senior years. Despite being a great scorer in high school, at the collegiate level – Dan became a defensive stopper. Dan used his strength and athleticism to become of the best perimeter defenders in the conference – earning all-conference all-defensive team honors TWICE! He was also awarded the “Dragon D” award twice, given to the best defensive player on the team.
Today, we honor Dan – whose name will remain embedded whenever discussing the very best to ever play basketball for Wildwood Catholic and throughout South Jersey. Dan, welcome to the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame!
John Maloy
Class of 2007
Class President. Valedictorian. Swimmer. Runner. Not only did John get “involved” at Wildwood Catholic, but whatever he did – he did with passion, intensity, and a continued pursuit of excellence. Perhaps the question should be asked: What didn’t John Maloy do at Wildwood Catholic? A standout in the classroom, on the track, and in the pool…his determination to become the very best must be a family thing. Most likely fueled by a lifelong competition with his brother Joe (2024 WCA HOF inductee), the never-ending pursuit of perfection continued. After Wildwood Catholic, John attended Boston College where he once again thrived – even holding records in swimming events. John graduated from Boston College in 2011.
As if the accolades through 2011 weren’t enough…the next logical step is obviously to attend law school. John attended Villanova Law School and earned his JD in 2014. This was all driven by a belief in justice – rooted in his Wildwood Catholic upbringing.
John currently resides in Rumson, NJ with his wife Maddie and children, Scarlet & Saylor.
Today, we are pleased to welcome John Maloy into the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame, where the Maloy name will even further be enshrined into Crusader history. John, welcome to the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame!
John McGrody
Coach
From 5 a.m. arrivals at the swimming pool to 9 p.m. returns after long meets, John McGrody shaped the lives of countless Wildwood Catholic Crusaders. As Swim Team Coach for 16 years and a major force behind the creation of the program itself, John’s commitment to our school and student athletes is truly worthy of recognition.Throughout his coaching career, John emphasized personal growth, encouraging every swimmer to give their best and strive for constant improvement. Under his leadership, Wildwood Catholic Swim Teams captured four New Jersey State Championships. The program became not only feared by competitors but admired by many for its excellence and discipline. John also coached the Wildwood Crest Dolphins swim team for 20 years, further expanding his impact on young swimmers in our community.
Many of the student athletes who trained under Coach McGrody remain among the most accomplished to ever represent Wildwood Catholic—a testament to his dedication, guidance, and belief in their potential.
Today, we are proud to induct Coach John McGrody into the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame, where his name and legacy will live on for generations. Congratulations, Coach McGrody!
William Waters
Educator
William Waters had a profound influence on his students during his 41 years of teaching at Wildwood Catholic High School. His journey began at St. Mary’s Grammar School and Gloucester Catholic High School, followed by an A.B. in English from Rutgers University and an M.A. in English from the University of Missouri. He made the Dean’s List at both institutions and received the Bishop Galante Holy Family Medal for 40 years of service in Catholic education.In the classroom, Mr. Waters expected excellence, whether teaching American Literature, Honors British Literature, AP English Language and Composition, or Journalism. As English Department chair, he revised the term paper policy, created a “Writing Across the Curriculum” program, and completely overhauled the AP English curriculum. His 8-day tutorial for AP test prep significantly boosted student scores, placing them well above local and national averages.
Outside the classroom, Bill supported many school activities including baseball, yearbook, and the school newspaper. His most lasting mark was in forensics. From 2004 to 2012, his teams dominated the diocesan forensics league. Fellow educator Frank Smith once called him “the Coach K of forensics.” Between 1986 and 2012, many of his students qualified for the Grande National Catholic Forensic Tournament held each Memorial Day Weekend in cities across the country.
Bill remains active in the St. Mary’s parish Knights of Columbus, raising funds for schools like St. John of God and supporting lunch programs for the needy. He also founded a scholarship at Wildwood Catholic Academy in memory of his mentor, Sister St. Gervase.
To this day, when alumni gather and share memories of their time at Wildwood Catholic, Bill Waters’ name is sure to be mentioned.
We are honored to induct William Waters into the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame.
Edward Young
Class of 2003
A 7-time New Jersey State Champion - with 3 NJ State Championships in the 2003 season alone, Ed Young is quite frankly one of the finest student athletes to be associated with Wildwood Catholic.
At the time of his graduation, Ed held 4 school records and is still the record holder in the 110-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles – a record lasting 22 years (and counting)! Other highlights of Ed’s time at Wildwood Catholic were winning 3 titles at the Cape Atlantic League Championship meet and winning the High Jump at the South Jersey Championships in 2003. Ed also combined with Joe Maloy and Mike Spille to win the South Jersey Non-Public B 2003 Team title, the only time this was achieved in school history. Ed won 3 events and scored points in a fourth event in that meet.
Throughout all four years of high school, Ed was recognized as a Cape Atlantic League (CAL) All Star. In his senior year, he received the Wildwood Catholic High School MVP Award for Varsity Sports, a reflection of his leadership and excellence across all athletic disciplines.
Ed’s achievements weren’t limited to athletics. He also excelled in the arts, earning first place in the school’s Art Award competition during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Academically, he was a consistent honor roll student, demonstrating a well-rounded commitment to excellence.
Ed went on to earn All-American Honors while matriculating at The College of New Jersey, where he graduated in 2007.
Ed is still involved with Wildwood Catholic Academy athletics, volunteering his timecoaching today’s track & field team.
Today, we are thrilled to induct Edward Young as a member of the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame, where his name will always be associated with track dominance. Ed, welcome to the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame!
At the time of his graduation, Ed held 4 school records and is still the record holder in the 110-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles – a record lasting 22 years (and counting)! Other highlights of Ed’s time at Wildwood Catholic were winning 3 titles at the Cape Atlantic League Championship meet and winning the High Jump at the South Jersey Championships in 2003. Ed also combined with Joe Maloy and Mike Spille to win the South Jersey Non-Public B 2003 Team title, the only time this was achieved in school history. Ed won 3 events and scored points in a fourth event in that meet.
Throughout all four years of high school, Ed was recognized as a Cape Atlantic League (CAL) All Star. In his senior year, he received the Wildwood Catholic High School MVP Award for Varsity Sports, a reflection of his leadership and excellence across all athletic disciplines.
Ed’s achievements weren’t limited to athletics. He also excelled in the arts, earning first place in the school’s Art Award competition during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Academically, he was a consistent honor roll student, demonstrating a well-rounded commitment to excellence.
Ed went on to earn All-American Honors while matriculating at The College of New Jersey, where he graduated in 2007.
Ed is still involved with Wildwood Catholic Academy athletics, volunteering his timecoaching today’s track & field team.
Today, we are thrilled to induct Edward Young as a member of the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame, where his name will always be associated with track dominance. Ed, welcome to the Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame!