2025 Cougar Honorees

A three-sport athlete and 1978 graduate of Catholic Central, Pat Cassidy exemplified athletic excellence and leadership during his time as a Cougar. He earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and tennis, serving as a key contributor across all four years of his high school career. In 1978, Pat’s outstanding performance on both the football field and basketball court earned him spots on the All-City Teams for both sports. That same year, he was honored as the Ted Sowle Athlete of the Year and named Grand Rapids City League Athlete of the Year, in addition to receiving the prestigious John Bos Scholarship Award.

Pat continued his athletic career at Grand Rapids Community College, competing in both football and basketball in 1979 before going on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1979 to 1985. Following his military service, he built a successful career in sales leadership, including roles at Malys Beauty Supply, Salon Centric, and currently as a Recycling Specialist with CLEAResult.

Pat lives in Wyoming, Michigan, with his wife Daidre. He is a proud father to three children—son Chase and daughters Chloe and Bella. Pat’s life reflects a legacy of dedication, service, and passion both on and off the field.

A 2009 graduate of Catholic Central, Michael Penny was a dynamic multi-sport athlete whose leadership and talent helped elevate Cougar athletics across three programs. He earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball, making significant contributions to each. In 2008, Michael played a pivotal role in the football team’s postseason run to the state semifinals, earning All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State honors for his performance. That same year, he was equally impactful on the baseball diamond, again receiving All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State accolades.

Michael helped lead the varsity basketball team to a district championship in the 2007–2008 season and remained a dedicated member of the program throughout his high school career.

Following graduation, Michael continued his baseball career at Aquinas College, where he played from 2009 to 2013 and earned a degree in Business Administration. He has since built a successful legal career and is currently a partner at Miller Johnson in Chicago.

A proud 1991 graduate of Catholic Central, John Lauria was a standout student-athlete whose leadership and talent left a lasting mark. As a member of the 1987 State Championship football team, John went on to serve as team captain in both 1990 and 1991. He earned All-Conference honors in 1989, All-Region recognition in 1990, and capped his high school football career with All-State honors. He also found success on the basketball court, helping lead his IM basketball team to a championship in 1991.

John continued his football career at Hillsdale College, where he earned a scholarship and excelled on and off the field. A double major in Marketing and Spanish, he served as team captain his senior year and was named All-Conference in both 1993 and 1994. In 1994, he was selected to compete in the Division II All-Star Game.

John represents three generations of Catholic Central pride, with a family deeply rooted in the Cougar tradition. He credits every success in his life to the love and support of his remarkable family. Today, John lives in Kalamazoo with his wife Kerry. He is a proud father to Holly and stepfather to Christopher, father-in-law to Holden, and grandfather to Elaina. For nearly three decades, he has worked at Stryker Corporation, where he currently leads the Mergers and Acquisitions team.

Jacqueline Prins was a standout two-sport athlete at CC, earning varsity letters in track and field all four years and in basketball for three. On the basketball court, she earned All-City and All-Region honors and helped lead her team to the regional tournament. She continued her basketball career on scholarship at Aquinas College, playing one year before shifting her focus to visual journalism at GRCC.

In track and field, Jacqueline earned All-State honors and set two school records that still stand today. She holds the long jump record at 18’1”, set in 2005, and shares the high jump record at 5’5”, achieved in 2004 as part of a three-way tie. A sprinter and 4x100 relay runner as well, she was a consistent top performer at city and regional meets and qualified for the state meet during her high school career.

Jacqueline has built an award-winning career in visual journalism while living in seven different states—moves shaped by her husband Brendan Fry’s military service. She previously worked as the News Presentation Editor for The Philadelphia Inquirer and is currently a Senior Designer for American City Business Journals. Her work has earned multiple awards from the Society for News Design.

Now living in Lowell, Michigan, Jacqueline recently returned to be closer to family. She and Brendan have two children—Finnley (8) and Adalyn (6)—who she says are her world. She volunteers as a youth basketball coach at the YMCA and previously supported Second Strides Racehorse Rehabilitation in Kentucky. Her siblings, Mike ’11 and Emily ’13, are also proud CC alumni.

Jacqueline is especially grateful for all the coaches who shaped her journey at CC and for the opportunity to compete as a Cougar. She shares deep appreciation for her dad, Tom Prins, who was like a second coach to her throughout her athletic career.

A 2006 graduate of Catholic Central, Melissa (Gary) Cook was a trailblazer in athletics and a leader in and out of the pool. A four-year varsity swimmer, Melissa earned All-City honors every season and was named to the Advance All-Area Swim Team in 2005. She captured All-State recognition in both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events that same year and held four school records by the time she graduated. She also made history as the first female swimmer from Catholic Central to earn a full Division I athletic scholarship.

Melissa’s contributions extended beyond swimming. She was a varsity letter winner in track & field as a pole vaulter in 2002 and played a pivotal role on Catholic Central’s inaugural girls’ lacrosse team. A two-time recipient of the Best Offensive Award in lacrosse, she helped lead the team to a regional championship in 2006.

Melissa went on to swim at the University of Akron from 2006 to 2010, earning both her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and her Master of Science in Exercise Physiology. Today, she serves as the Clinical Program Operations lead at University of Michigan Health-West, where she collaborates with senior leadership to advance healthcare systems across West Michigan.

Melissa is the proud mother of two energetic boys, Charlie and Sam, and a devoted aunt to nine nieces and nephews. She credits her parents, Kim and Pam Gary, for instilling the values of perseverance, faith, and service that continue to guide her. Melissa is deeply honored by this recognition and grateful for the Catholic Central community that helped shape who she is today.

Widely regarded as one of Michigan’s top hockey coaches, Mike Slobodnik has dedicated over 25 years to shaping the sport and the student-athletes who play it. He joined the Catholic Central hockey program as an assistant coach in 2008, and by 2010, had taken the helm as head coach, ushering in one of the most successful eras in program history.

Under his 17 years of leadership, Catholic Central Hockey earned 7 conference titles, 7 Regional Championships, 4 Final Four appearances, a State Runner-Up, and a State Championship. Coach Slobodnik’s impact, however, extended well beyond wins and banners. Known for his integrity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he has left a lasting mark on the Catholic Central community.

A visionary for the program’s future, Mike played a key role in the purchase of Southside Ice Arena, helping secure one of the premier hockey facilities in the state. His work laid the foundation for a legacy of excellence in Catholic Central Hockey, on and off the ice.