1970's
Michael Ashe ‘75 / Class of 2012
Michael Ashe was a 2-sport star at BMHS, competing at the varsity level all four years in both water polo and swimming. In water polo, Ashe was an All-Santa Fe League 1st Team selection all four years and was named 3rd team All-CIF as a senior. As a swimmer, he was named league Most Valuable Player as a senior when he broke many school records. He still holds school records in the 100 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke and is a member of the 200 Free Relay team that still holds the school record. Following graduation, Ashe turned down a water polo scholarship to Cal to train full time for the 1976 Olympic Games. From 1975-1977, he played on the U.S. Junior National team. In swimming, Ashe qualified for the 1976 U.S. Olympic Trials in the 400 M Individual Medley. Ashe attended Southern Oregon University where he was a 4-time All-Pacific Northwest 1st team selection in water polo and a 2-time All-American. At SOU, he was a 6-time All-American in swimming and holds school records for the 500, 1000, and 1650 yard freestyle. Ashe coached water polo at the high school, collegiate and international levels.
Steve Bateman ‘79 / Class of 2023
In today’s world of high school athletics, there are not many more student-athletes like Steve Bateman. He was not only a three-sport athlete, but he was exceptional at all three sports that he played. On the football field, Bateman was a 3-year letterwinner who excelled as a tough safety. As a junior in 1977, he helped lead the Knights to a Camino Real League title for the first time in seven years. He was a leader on defense for the Knights and was named 1st Team All-Camino Real League. As a senior in 1978, the Knights moved into the Angelus League, generally regarded as one of the most competitive leagues in Southern California. Bateman continued to be a leader on the field and was named 2nd Team All-Angelus League. Bateman’s leadership and defensive abilities carried over to the basketball court in the winter. He was a 2-year letterwinner and in 1978-79, he was a captain on the BMHS team that advanced to the CIF playoffs. In the spring, Bateman was a standout on the baseball team for the Knights. He was a 3-year letterwinner and was a 2-time 1st Team All-League selection. In all during his high school career, he earned eight varsity letters and he was named the 1979 BMHS Male Athlete-of-the-Year. Classmate and football teammate Nick Tonsich writes that “Steve and Mark Sewald were the best athletes in the school in the late 1970’s. Steve played three sports at a high level and he was a leader on and off the field. He was very well-respected by his classmates and teammates. Following graduation from BMHS, Bateman went on to play baseball at Loyola Marymount University.
Bill Bordley ’76 / Class of 2011
Bordley is arguably the greatest baseball player in BMHS history. He also played three years on the varsity basketball team. On the diamond, Bordley won numerous awards. As a sophomore in 1974, he was named 2nd Team All-League. As a junior, Bordley led the Knights to the CIF title by winning the deciding game against Lynwood 1-0 in Dodger Stadium. That year, he was named Camino Real League Co-Player of the Year, Daily Breeze Player of the Year, and CIF Player of the Year. As a senior, he was named All-Camino Real League and, once again, CIF Player of the Year. He holds virtually every single season pitching record at BMHS, including games started (17), complete games (14), innings pitched (115.2), strikeouts (176) and wins (16) - all in 1975. Following graduation he was drafted in the 1st round (4th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers but opted to attend USC. At USC, Bordley went a combined 26-2 and was named a 1st Team All-American in both 1977 and 1978. In 1978, he won the deciding game in the College World Series to clinch the national title for USC. He pitched in the Major Leagues for the San Francisco Giants, compiling a career record of 2-3 with a 4.70 ERA. In 2014, Bordley was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.
Bordley is arguably the greatest baseball player in BMHS history. He also played three years on the varsity basketball team. On the diamond, Bordley won numerous awards. As a sophomore in 1974, he was named 2nd Team All-League. As a junior, Bordley led the Knights to the CIF title by winning the deciding game against Lynwood 1-0 in Dodger Stadium. That year, he was named Camino Real League Co-Player of the Year, Daily Breeze Player of the Year, and CIF Player of the Year. As a senior, he was named All-Camino Real League and, once again, CIF Player of the Year. He holds virtually every single season pitching record at BMHS, including games started (17), complete games (14), innings pitched (115.2), strikeouts (176) and wins (16) - all in 1975. Following graduation he was drafted in the 1st round (4th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers but opted to attend USC. At USC, Bordley went a combined 26-2 and was named a 1st Team All-American in both 1977 and 1978. In 1978, he won the deciding game in the College World Series to clinch the national title for USC. He pitched in the Major Leagues for the San Francisco Giants, compiling a career record of 2-3 with a 4.70 ERA. In 2014, Bordley was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.
Marine Cano '72 / Class of 2017
Maine Cano ’72 is, without question, a soccer pioneer in Southern California. He is responsible for starting programs at Bishop Montgomery, Cal State Dominguez Hills, and Soka University. Cano did not play soccer at Bishop Montgomery since it was not yet a sport at the school. He did, however, contribute on the basketball team as a 2-year varsity letter winner, helping the Knights to a league title his senior year. In fact, Cano credits his basketball coach at Bishop, Coach Sebeck, with being “a guiding light” in his life. Cano arrived back on campus a few years after graduating to start the boys’ soccer program at BMHS along with Sigi Schmid ‘71. In three years as coach from 1974-75 – 1976-77, Cano compiled an impressive 39-15-4 record, two league titles and three CIF playoff appearances. As an athlete, Cano was a goalkeeper who played for 10 years professionally beginning in 1976 for the Los Angeles Skyhawks, becoming the first ever AYSO player to sign a professional contract. Following his rookie season with Los Angeles, he was named to the US National team. His professional career also saw him play for the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL, the California Sunshine and Cleveland Cobras of the American Soccer League, the MLS’ Cleveland Force, and the Los Angeles Heat of the WSL. Even while playing, Cano began his career as a college coach. In 1984 he began coaching at his alma mater, Cal State Dominguez Hills, where he compiled a career record of 83-76-17 as the men’s coach and 133-58-16 as the women’s coach. He not only started the women’s program at Dominguez Hills, he guided the team to two Division II Final Four appearances and the 1991 Division II NCAA title. In 1993, he became head women’s soccer coach at UC Irvine. In 12 seasons, he led his teams to 2 Big West Conference titles and 5 conference tournament appearances. He is the all-time winningest coach at UC Irvine with a record of 113-96-27.
Maine Cano ’72 is, without question, a soccer pioneer in Southern California. He is responsible for starting programs at Bishop Montgomery, Cal State Dominguez Hills, and Soka University. Cano did not play soccer at Bishop Montgomery since it was not yet a sport at the school. He did, however, contribute on the basketball team as a 2-year varsity letter winner, helping the Knights to a league title his senior year. In fact, Cano credits his basketball coach at Bishop, Coach Sebeck, with being “a guiding light” in his life. Cano arrived back on campus a few years after graduating to start the boys’ soccer program at BMHS along with Sigi Schmid ‘71. In three years as coach from 1974-75 – 1976-77, Cano compiled an impressive 39-15-4 record, two league titles and three CIF playoff appearances. As an athlete, Cano was a goalkeeper who played for 10 years professionally beginning in 1976 for the Los Angeles Skyhawks, becoming the first ever AYSO player to sign a professional contract. Following his rookie season with Los Angeles, he was named to the US National team. His professional career also saw him play for the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers of the NASL, the California Sunshine and Cleveland Cobras of the American Soccer League, the MLS’ Cleveland Force, and the Los Angeles Heat of the WSL. Even while playing, Cano began his career as a college coach. In 1984 he began coaching at his alma mater, Cal State Dominguez Hills, where he compiled a career record of 83-76-17 as the men’s coach and 133-58-16 as the women’s coach. He not only started the women’s program at Dominguez Hills, he guided the team to two Division II Final Four appearances and the 1991 Division II NCAA title. In 1993, he became head women’s soccer coach at UC Irvine. In 12 seasons, he led his teams to 2 Big West Conference titles and 5 conference tournament appearances. He is the all-time winningest coach at UC Irvine with a record of 113-96-27.
Anna Maria Fernandez ‘78 / Class of 2011
Fernandez is, without a doubt, the greatest female tennis player in BMHS history. Not only was she the Santa Fe League MVP in 1975, 1976 and 1977, but she was also the CIF Player of the Year for all three years. She was the CIF Singles Champion in 1975 and 1976 and was ranked #8 nationally in 1976. In 1977, she won the CIF Doubles title with her twin sister, Anna Lucia and led the Lady Knights to the 1977 CIF team title. The 1977-78 squad was named CIF State Team of the Year by Cal Hi Sports. Following BMHS, Fernandez was a 3-time All-American at USC (1979-1981) and won the 1981 AIAW singles title (NCAA championship). She also led USC to back-to-back NCAA team titles in 1979 and 1980 and he was a member of the Federation Team Cup from 1979-1981. As a professional, Fernandez won 5 doubles titles on the WTA tour from 1984-1987. She competed in all four Grand Slam events in tennis. Her highest finish in singles came in the 1978 US Open where she advanced to the round of 32. Her highest Grand Slam finish in doubles came at the 1986 Wimbledon Championships where she advanced to the round of 16.
Joe Gerard '72 / Class of 2023
Joe Gerard’s Bishop Montgomery golf career can best be described in one word: unprecedented. During his four years, BMHS did not field a golf team of any kind. Yet in the spring of 1971, Gerard petitioned the CIF to allow him to compete in the CIF-SS playoffs and promptly went out and won the 1971 CIF Individual Championship by shooting a 74 (he actually shared top honors with Roger Calvin of Los Amigos High School). Following the season, he was named 1st Team All-CIF. His classmate, Ralph Lepore, perhaps described the situation best when he wrote: “Joe is a reminder of what Hall of Fame stuff is made of: For four years from 1968 to 1972 Joe had no high school golf training, no high school golf tournaments, no high school league, no high school golf coaching, no high school summer golf program and for four years did not go to golf practice most days after school. Joe petitioned the CIF as a “walk on”, got accepted to the CIF golf playoffs, and won it all.” Joe was much more than a golfer at BMHS. In his senior year of 1971-72, he was student body president and was named Class of 1972 Valedictorian prior to graduation. Following BMHS, Gerard was a 3-year letterwinner in golf at UC Irvine.
Joe Gerard’s Bishop Montgomery golf career can best be described in one word: unprecedented. During his four years, BMHS did not field a golf team of any kind. Yet in the spring of 1971, Gerard petitioned the CIF to allow him to compete in the CIF-SS playoffs and promptly went out and won the 1971 CIF Individual Championship by shooting a 74 (he actually shared top honors with Roger Calvin of Los Amigos High School). Following the season, he was named 1st Team All-CIF. His classmate, Ralph Lepore, perhaps described the situation best when he wrote: “Joe is a reminder of what Hall of Fame stuff is made of: For four years from 1968 to 1972 Joe had no high school golf training, no high school golf tournaments, no high school league, no high school golf coaching, no high school summer golf program and for four years did not go to golf practice most days after school. Joe petitioned the CIF as a “walk on”, got accepted to the CIF golf playoffs, and won it all.” Joe was much more than a golfer at BMHS. In his senior year of 1971-72, he was student body president and was named Class of 1972 Valedictorian prior to graduation. Following BMHS, Gerard was a 3-year letterwinner in golf at UC Irvine.
Lorna Kollmeyer ‘76 / Class of 2015
Bishop Montgomery girls’ basketball has had a long history excellence, with an impressive resume of league, CIF, and state titles and an extensive list of decorated players. In fact, one student-athlete in program history can lay claim to being the program’s first All-CIF player: Lorna Kollmeyer ’76. One could say that Kollmeyer is the program’s first star. From 1972-1976, Kollmeyer dominated on the court for the Lady Knights, leading the team to league titles as both a junior and a senior. She was a 4-year varsity player who stood out for more than just her size. With skills to match, she was one of the top players in Southern California while at BMHS, where she was an outstanding scorer and a prolific rebounder. She scored 1,143 points in her career and pulled down 1,500 rebounds. As a senior in 1975-76, Kollmeyer averaged 23.7 points per game, which still stands as the school record for a single season. Perhaps most impressive, however, is what Kollmeyer did in the rebounding department. As a senior, she averaged 24.6 rebounds per game – arguably one of the most impressive statistics any boy or girl basketball player has ever accomplished at BMHS. Following graduation, Kollmeyer went on to have a decorated playing career at Colorado College, where she was a 4-year letter winner and holds some impressive records. In addition to being the school’s all-time career scoring leader with 2,109 points, she holds 4 of the top 7 single season scoring marks in program history, including the all-time record for points in a season with 625. She also holds the Colorado College career record in rebounds with 1,099 and is 2nd in single season rebounds with 321. Following graduation, Kollmeyer played one year of professional basketball in France and is believed to be the first woman in BMHS basketball history to play professionally. In 2001, Kollmeyer was inducted into the Colorado College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Lisa Lewis ‘79 / Class of 2022
Lisa Lewis ‘79 had a decorated career as a student-athlete and as a career educator. At Bishop Montgomery, Lewis was the first black female to play on the varsity girls’ basketball team. She was a three-year letterwinner and a three-time 1st Team all-league selection and, in fact, was the first player in program history to be named 1st Team all-league three times. Lewis was also instrumental in helping the team make the CIF-SS playoffs two times. In 1977, Lewis played for the South Bay team in the Olympic Development Summer League. As a senior in 1978-79, she was invited to try-out for the Junior Olympic team representing California. Following graduation, Lewis attended a summer basketball camp at Cal State Dominguez Hills and was awarded a full scholarship. After a knee injury ended her playing career, she transferred to Long Beach State and graduated in 1984 with a degree in School Health. For more than 35 years, Lewis worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District as a teacher, academic counselor, college and career counselor and administrator.
Sigi Schmid '71 / Class of 2017
Sigi Schmid ‘71 is a name that everyone familiar with soccer in the United States knows very well. Although soccer was not a CIF sport until the mid-1960’s and did not become a sport at Bishop Montgomery until after Schmid graduated, his impact on the program is huge. Schmid and fellow-inductee Marine Cano ’72 started the boys’ soccer program at Bishop Montgomery in 1974 and their impact was immediate. In the inaugural 1974-75 season, the Knights finished 12-5-1 overall, 9-0-1 in league play, capturing the league title, and qualifying for the CIF playoffs. The following year under Schmid and Cano, the Knights went 13-5-1 overall and 11-2-1 to win another league title. In two years, they went 25-10-2 for a .675 winning percentage. Following his graduation in 1971, Schmid went on to star at UCLA, where he earned his degree in Economics. As a player for the Bruins, Schmid helped lead UCLA to NCAA runner-up finishes during his first two years on campus and finished 11th in career assists. In 1980, Schmid started an illustrious coaching career at UCLA. From 1980-1999, he led the Bruins to three national titles (1985, 1990, 1997) and had a career record of 322-63-33. He was named 1984 Coach of the Year by Soccer America and in 1997 he was named National Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame in 1996. After UCLA, Schmid began a decorated career as a professional coach in the MLS. He coached the LA Galaxy from 1999-2004, winning the 2002 MLS Cup; he coached the Columbus Crew from 2006-2008, winning the 2008 MLS Cup; and the Seattle Sounders from 2009-2016. He retired in 2018 and at the time, had the most coaching wins in MLS history. In 2015, Schmid was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Schmid passed away on December 25, 2018 at the age of 65.
Chris Smith ‘75 / Class of 2023
Chris Smith’s baseball playing career - in high school, college and professionally - is impressive in many ways. He played the sport at all levels and in all parts of the world. And he was successful at every stop along the way. At Bishop Montgomery, Smith was a 3-year letterwinner and one of the top players on the teams in which he played. As a senior in 1975, he was the starting catcher on the team that won the CIF-SS championship with a 27-3 record. During the playoffs that year, Smith hit an incredible .467. His teammate Bill Bordley writes that “without him and his hitting, we don’t win that CIF title.” For that 1975 season, Smith hit.395, with 30 hits, 7 doubles, 3 homeruns, and 21 stolen bases, which is still tied for 10th in school history. Maybe as impressive as anything that season is that Smith struck out only 3 times. After the season, Smith was named 1st Team All-League, 2nd Team All-South Bay, 3rd Team All-CIF and he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 30th round of the MLB draft. Smith did not sign, instead choosing to enroll at USC. While with the Trojans, Smith played for three seasons and was a starter on the 1978 team that won the NCAA title. That season he was an All-Pac-10 selection. In 1977 and 1978 while with USC, Smith was selected to play for Team USA against the Japanese National Team. He was then drafted by Texas in the 11th round of the 1978 draft. On May 14, 1981, Smith made his major league debut for the Montreal Expos, becoming the 2nd player in Bishop Montgomery history to play in the major leagues, joining his BMHS and USC teammate Bill Bordley. He went on the play for a few years with both Montreal and San Francisco before playing for the Yakult Swallows in Japan.