Catholic Central proudly honors Joseph "Joe" Host, Class of 1951, one of the most accomplished distance runners in Cougar history. His success in both cross country and track & field established him among Michigan's elite athletes and left a lasting legacy for generations of Cougar runners.

Joe excelled in cross country, earning All-State honors and capturing the 1949 MHSAA Class A State Championship. On the track, he dominated the 880-yard run, earning All-Conference honors, setting a conference record that stood from 1949 through 1951, and winning back-to-back MHSAA Class A State Championships in 1949 and 1950. He capped his remarkable high school career with a state runner-up finish in 1951, reaching the state finals in three consecutive seasons.

Joe’s accomplishments earned him an athletic scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he continued both his academic and athletic careers.

Beyond athletics, Joe lived a life defined by faith, family, and service. He married his high school sweetheart, Marcia, and together they raised four children: Mari Claire, Fredrick, Jeanne, and JoAnn. A devoted member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Joe spent more than 30 years with Steelcase Inc., earning the respect of colleagues with the same integrity and dedication that characterized his athletic career. Joe passed away in 2024, leaving a legacy of humility, perseverance, and excellence.

For his outstanding accomplishments as a state champion, his lasting impact on Cougar athletics, and the example he set throughout his life, Catholic Central High School proudly inducts Joseph "Joe" Host, Class of 1951, into the Cougar Honors Hall of Fame.

Catholic Central proudly honors Dale T. Vanden Berg, Class of 1954, whose accomplishments established him as one of the finest middle-distance runners in school history. His success helped elevate Cougar track & field during an era of growing statewide recognition.

Specializing in the 880-yard run, Dale emerged as one of Michigan's premier competitors during his final two seasons at Catholic Central. As a junior in 1953, he finished as the MHSAA Class A state runner-up, setting the stage for an unforgettable senior season. In 1954, Dale captured the MHSAA Class A State Championship with a remarkable time of 1:59.5, becoming one of the first Catholic Central athletes to break the two-minute barrier in the event. His championship performance remains one of the defining achievements in Cougar track & field history.

Dale's determination, competitive spirit, and pursuit of excellence exemplified the values of Catholic Central athletics. His success brought distinction to the program and inspired future generations of Cougar student-athletes to pursue excellence both on and off the track.

Although his high school career was highlighted by a state championship, Dale's impact extended far beyond one race. His accomplishments helped establish a tradition of excellence that continues to define Catholic Central track & field.

For his state championship, his place among the greatest runners in school history, and his enduring legacy within Cougar athletics, Catholic Central High School proudly inducts Dale T. Vanden Berg, Class of 1954, into the Cougar Honors Hall of Fame.

Catholic Central proudly honors Ed Wagner, Class of 1957, whose legacy extends far beyond the basketball court. A standout athlete, respected educator, and devoted leader, Ed dedicated his life to Catholic education and the development of young people throughout West Michigan.

As a Cougar, Ed established himself as one of the premier basketball players in the Grand Rapids City League. A two-time All-City selection, he earned recognition as one of the area's finest competitors. Four decades later, his impact on the game was further celebrated when he was selected to the prestigious Grand Rapids City League 50-Year Dream Team, an honor reserved for just five players from each of the league's seven member schools.

Following graduation, Ed continued his basketball career at Aquinas College before beginning a distinguished career in Catholic education. He started at St. Thomas the Apostle School as a teacher and coach before joining West Catholic High School in 1963. Over more than three decades, Ed served as a teacher, coach, athletic mentor, administrator, and ultimately principal. After retiring from West Catholic, he continued serving the community for another decade as administrative assistant to the president at Grand Rapids Community College.

Whether on the court, in the classroom, or in the principal's office, Ed exemplified leadership, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to faith and service. His influence shaped generations of students and student-athletes throughout the Grand Rapids community.

For his outstanding accomplishments as a Cougar athlete and his lifelong dedication to education, leadership, and athletics, Catholic Central High School proudly inducts Ed Wagner, Class of 1957, into the Cougar Honors Hall of Fame.

Catholic Central proudly honors David Gerrity, Class of 1993, one of the most accomplished track & field athletes in Cougar history. A record-setting pole vaulter and outstanding multi-sport athlete, David's remarkable career established a standard of excellence that continues to inspire Cougar student-athletes.

David earned All-Conference honors in 1991, 1992, and 1993, emerging as one of Michigan's premier pole vaulters. He capped his outstanding high school career by winning the 1993 MHSAA State Championship, clearing 16 feet, ¼ inch, to win the state title, set an MHSAA state record, and secure his place among Catholic Central's all-time greats. In addition to his success on the track, David was a key contributor on the Cougar basketball team, helping lead the 1992 squad to the state semifinals and demonstrating the versatility and dedication of a true multi-sport athlete.

David continued his athletic career at the University of Notre Dame, where he became one of the top pole vaulters in the BIG EAST Conference. He won the BIG EAST Outdoor Championship, set the Notre Dame outdoor school record, finished runner-up at the prestigious IC4A Championships, and served as team captain during his senior season.

After graduating from Notre Dame with a degree in Management Information Systems, David built a successful career in the technology industry and currently serves as Vice President of Sales for a technology company. He and his wife, Luanne, are the proud parents of six children and grandparents of three.

For his outstanding accomplishments in track & field, his lasting impact on Cougar athletics, and the example he continues to set through his leadership, faith, and service, Catholic Central High School proudly inducts David Gerrity, Class of 1993, into the Cougar Honors Hall of Fame.

Catholic Central proudly honors Sydney Liggins, Class of 2013, one of the most decorated student-athletes in Cougar history and one of the finest tennis players ever to represent the State of Michigan. Her extraordinary accomplishments established a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire future generations of Cougar athletes.

Competing at No. 1 singles throughout her four-year varsity career, Sydney compiled an exceptional 114–6 record while representing Catholic Central with outstanding skill, sportsmanship, and academic excellence. She advanced to the MHSAA Division 3 State Finals in 2012 and 2013 after reaching the state semifinals as both a freshman and sophomore. A four-time OK Gold Conference champion, regional finalist, All-State, All-Area, All-Conference, and Academic All-State honoree, Sydney demonstrated a level of sustained excellence rarely seen in Michigan high school athletics. As a senior, she earned the state's highest individual tennis honor when she was named the 2013 MHSAA Division 3 Miss Tennis. She was also a finalist for Michigan Female Athlete of the Year and was ranked the No. 50 high school recruit in the nation by TennisRecruiting.net.

Sydney continued her remarkable career at Xavier University, where she became one of the most accomplished players in program history. A four-time First Team All-BIG EAST selection, she was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Year in 2014, BIG EAST Player of the Year and Championship Most Outstanding Player in 2016, and later inducted into the Xavier Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.

Today, Sydney continues her pursuit of excellence as a Medical Device Sales Representative for Johnson & Johnson.

For her extraordinary accomplishments, outstanding character, and lasting impact on Cougar athletics, Catholic Central High School proudly inducts Sydney Liggins, Class of 2013, into the 2026 Cougar Honors Hall of Fame.