1980's
Bryan Bero ’84 / Class of 2012
Bryan Bero is one of the most decorated football players in BMHS history. As a 3-year varsity starter at quarterback, Bero holds school records in several categories, including most passing yards in a season (2,533) and career (4,975); most completions in a season (172) and career (330); and most passing attempts in a season (297) and career (630). He was named 1st Team All-Camino Real League QB in both 1982 and 1983. Following his senior season in 1983, when he led the Knights to a 12-1-1 record and a CIF finals appearance, Bero was named the Camino Real League Offensive Player of the Year and League MVP. He was also named Daily Breeze Player of the Year, 1st Team Los Angeles Times QB, South Bay Lions Game All-Star, and Faith Family Football All-American. He was also named 1984 BMHS Athlete of the Year. The football team award given annually to the top offensive skill player is named after him. Following graduation, Bero was a 4-year letterman and 3-year starter at fullback at the University of Utah. In 1988, he was a team captain and an Honorable Mention All-WAC selection. He holds the University of Utah record for most receptions by a running back in a season (52). Bero played for the Chicago Bears in 1989 and 1990. In 1989 he scored a touchdown vs. the Miami Dolphins on a Monday Night Football preseason game. In 1990, he started in the NFL Hall of Fame Game vs. the Cleveland Browns.
Eileen Dempster ‘81 / Class of 2023
In some ways, Eileen Dempster’s Bishop Montgomery girls’ volleyball career is groundbreaking. Since 1980, the first year that the CIF Southern Section began choosing players for All-CIF volleyball honors, BMHS players have been named 64 times. The very first of those All-CIF selections is Dempster, who was named first team Division 4A in 1980. She is also the first player in program history to be named a prep all-american, receiving 2nd team American National Volleyball Association honors in 1980. As a 3-year varsity letterwinner, she led BMHS to two league titles and three playoff appearances, earned all-league honors all three years, including twice being named 1st Team all-league and was Team Most Outstanding Player three times. Following BMHS, she headed to the University of the Pacific where her success was even greater. She was a 4-time all conference selection and in 1984 was named the PCAA Player of the Year. In 1982, 1983 and 1984, she was named an AVCA All-American, twice being named to the first team and she led Pacific to three NCAA Final Four appearances. In 1983-84, she was a nominee for the prestigious Broderick Award, which is given to the top female athlete in college volleyball. From 1985-1986, Dempster competed for the United States National Team and won a bronze medal at the 1986 Goodwill Games. In 2002, she was inducted into the University of the Pacific Athletic Hall of Fame. Following her amateur career, Eileen played for three seasons professionally for the San Jose Golddiggers of Major League Volleyball.
Patty Froehlich-Gasso ‘80 / Class of 2014
Prior to Patty Froehlich-Gasso’s arrival at Bishop Montgomery, the girls’ softball program had an impressive run of 11 straight league titles. As a player from 1977-1980, Patty only added to the history of the program. A 4-year varsity starter at shortstop, Patty was named team MVP as both a junior and a senior and was named 1st Team All-Angelus League both years as well. As a junior, she hit .333 and led the Lady Knights in runs scored, doubles, triples, RBI’s and stolen bases. She was second on the team in hits with 16. As a senior, she hit .250 and led the Lady Knights in triples and walks. After graduation, Patty headed to El Camino where she had an impressive career before moving on to play two years at Long Beach State. After her playing days were over, Patty began a coaching career that few in the sport have matched. At Long Beach City College, Patty had a five-year record of 161-59-1 and led the Vikings to four South Coast Conference titles and two Southern California Regional appearances. Her next stop was the University of Oklahoma, where she recently finished her 29th season at the helm. During her tenure at OU, Patty has clearly solidified herself as one of the greatest softball coaches in the history of the game. In 29 seasons, she has led the Sooners to seven National Championships (2000, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023). Patty is a member of the El Camino College Hall of Fame (2000), Long Beach City College Hall of Fame (2004), Long Beach Baseball and Softball Hall of Fame (2004), National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame (2012), and now the Bishop Montgomery High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mike Gonzales '82 / Class of 2013
Mike Gonzales is one of the most decorated male track and field athletes in BMHS history, but his accomplishments do not end there. The 1982 male athlete of the year, he was also an outstanding running back for the Knights, earning 3 varsity letters and being named All-Angelus League and All-South Bay in 1981. It is in track and field, however, where Mike truly shined. Competing in such events as the 100m, 200m, 110m high hurdles, 300m hurdles, and the high jump, Mike was an 8-time All-Angelus League selection. He also earned All-CIF accolades in the 110m high hurdles and the 300m hurdles and qualified for the state finals in the 110m HH. While a student at BMHS in 1980, Mike was the US Junior Olympic National Decathlon champion and set the national 15-16 age group decathlon record with 6,505 points. Following his graduation, Mike attended USC where he lettered in track & field all four years as a Trojan. While at USC, Mike competed in the 1984 United States Olympic Trials where he set the school record in the decathlon with 8,022 points, a mark that still stands today. He was named a 2nd alternate in the decathlon for the 1984 US Olympic Games. Also in 1984, Mike finished third in the decathlon at the NCAA Championships with 7,809 points. Mike went on to compete at two other US Olympic Trials in 1988 and 1992. 1987 proved to be a great year for Mike, as he won gold medals in the decathlon at the US Olympic Festival and the Pan American Games.
Mollie Meehan ‘86 / Class of 2022
Mollie Meehan ‘86 was an outstanding three-sport athlete while at Bishop Montgomery, competing at a high level in cross country, soccer and track & field. In cross country, she was a three-year varsity letterwinner and was an integral part of the 1984 team that reached the CIF finals. She continued her running prowess in the spring running track for the Knights. She was a two-year letterwinner and helped the girls’ team capture league titles in her junior and senior years. In the winter, Meehan excelled on the girls’ soccer team. A three-year varsity player, Meehan helped lead the program to the first of its three CIF-SS titles in 1985-86. That season, Meehan was named 1st Team all-league and 1st team All-CIF as the team went 19-6-1. She was named BMHS’ 1986 Female Athlete-of-the-Year. Following graduation, Meehan went on to be a four-year letterwinner in soccer at St. Mary’s College in Indiana. In 2020, Mollie received the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Cardinal’s Award for her service to the church and community.
Doug Pfaff '85 / Class of 2018
In a time when multi-sport athletes were commonplace, Doug Pfaff ’85 stood out in all three sports in which he participated at BMHS. Although he only played one year of football, he certainly made an impact in that one season. During his senior season, Pfaff was named 2nd team All-Angelus league as a receiver and 1984 Los Angeles Times All-South Bay as a kicker. His strong leg also helped Pfaff on the soccer fields, where he established himself as one of the best to ever play at BMHS. In three years on the varsity, Pfaff helped the Knights to three league titles and the 1982-83 CIF title. He was a three-time all-league selection, including twice on the first team and he was a two-time All-CIF selection. To top it off, his 76 career goals stand as the most in school history. On the baseball field, Pfaff was a two-year letterwinner at shortstop and helped the Knights to the 1984 league title. On April 20, 1985, Pfaff hit two homeruns against Pius X High School, tying him with multiple players for the most home runs in a single game in program history. Following his senior year, he was named 1985 BMHS Male Athlete-of-the-Year. After high school, Pfaff attended El Camino College where he kicked for the football team for two years. Following his time at El Camino, he headed to the University of Arizona on a football scholarship and had an outstanding career for the Wildcats. As a two-year letterwinner, he was 42-42 on PATs and 26-36 on FGA. He was named 1989 2nd Team All-Pac-10 and was a 5-time Pac-10 Player of the Week. Following his senior year, he participated in the 1990 Senior Bowl. Pfaff graduated from Arizona with a degree in Marketing.
In a time when multi-sport athletes were commonplace, Doug Pfaff ’85 stood out in all three sports in which he participated at BMHS. Although he only played one year of football, he certainly made an impact in that one season. During his senior season, Pfaff was named 2nd team All-Angelus league as a receiver and 1984 Los Angeles Times All-South Bay as a kicker. His strong leg also helped Pfaff on the soccer fields, where he established himself as one of the best to ever play at BMHS. In three years on the varsity, Pfaff helped the Knights to three league titles and the 1982-83 CIF title. He was a three-time all-league selection, including twice on the first team and he was a two-time All-CIF selection. To top it off, his 76 career goals stand as the most in school history. On the baseball field, Pfaff was a two-year letterwinner at shortstop and helped the Knights to the 1984 league title. On April 20, 1985, Pfaff hit two homeruns against Pius X High School, tying him with multiple players for the most home runs in a single game in program history. Following his senior year, he was named 1985 BMHS Male Athlete-of-the-Year. After high school, Pfaff attended El Camino College where he kicked for the football team for two years. Following his time at El Camino, he headed to the University of Arizona on a football scholarship and had an outstanding career for the Wildcats. As a two-year letterwinner, he was 42-42 on PATs and 26-36 on FGA. He was named 1989 2nd Team All-Pac-10 and was a 5-time Pac-10 Player of the Week. Following his senior year, he participated in the 1990 Senior Bowl. Pfaff graduated from Arizona with a degree in Marketing.
Niu Sale ‘88 / Class of 2022
Niu Sale ‘88 is one of the greatest two-way football players in school history, and he has the hardware to back it up. BMHS’ 1988 Male Athlete-of-the-Year, Sale was a three-time all-league selection and a two-time Daily Breeze All-Area first team pick on defense. Throughout his high school career, Sale was a physical playmaker on defense who was always around the ball. Sale was just as dynamic on the offensive side of the ball. As a junior, he rushed for 1,011 yards and passed for 1,228 yards, becoming the only player in school history to rush and pass for over 1,000 yards in the same season. He also has rushed for the 6th most yards in a single game (277), tied for 2nd in single game rushing TD’s (4) and tied for 5th in single season rushing TD’s (14). Following graduation, Sale played at El Camino College and at the University of Missouri. At El Camino, he was a two-time all-conference and two-time All-American and in 2003 he was inducted into the El Camino College Athletic Hall of Fame. His coach at El Camino, the late John Featherstone, said of Sale at the time he coached him, “I really don’t think I’ve seen a finer athlete than Niu. He’s just a gifted, natural athlete.” Following his collegiate career, he played in the Arena Football League for three organizations.
Niu Sale ‘88 is one of the greatest two-way football players in school history, and he has the hardware to back it up. BMHS’ 1988 Male Athlete-of-the-Year, Sale was a three-time all-league selection and a two-time Daily Breeze All-Area first team pick on defense. Throughout his high school career, Sale was a physical playmaker on defense who was always around the ball. Sale was just as dynamic on the offensive side of the ball. As a junior, he rushed for 1,011 yards and passed for 1,228 yards, becoming the only player in school history to rush and pass for over 1,000 yards in the same season. He also has rushed for the 6th most yards in a single game (277), tied for 2nd in single game rushing TD’s (4) and tied for 5th in single season rushing TD’s (14). Following graduation, Sale played at El Camino College and at the University of Missouri. At El Camino, he was a two-time all-conference and two-time All-American and in 2003 he was inducted into the El Camino College Athletic Hall of Fame. His coach at El Camino, the late John Featherstone, said of Sale at the time he coached him, “I really don’t think I’ve seen a finer athlete than Niu. He’s just a gifted, natural athlete.” Following his collegiate career, he played in the Arena Football League for three organizations.
Kit Schwartzman-Vela ’86 / Class of 2011
Schwartzman enters the BMHS Hall of Fame as both an athlete and a coach. In fact, she is one of only two people in BMHS history to win a CIF title as both a player and a coach (and the first to achieve that accolade). As an athlete, she played all four years on the varsity soccer team, earning All-CIF honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. As a sophomore in 1983-84, she was named 2nd Team All-CIF. As a junior, she was named 1st Team All-CIF. Senior year, Schwartzman was the 1985-86 CIF Offensive Player of the Year when the Lady Knights won the CIF title. She returned in 1991 as the head soccer coach. During her three years, BMHS won three Mission League titles. In 1993-94, she led the Lady Knights to the CIF Championship and they finished the season with an impressive 21-2-2 record. She was named both CIF and Daily Breeze Coach of the Year in 1993-94. She attended Brown University where she was a 4-year letterwinner in soccer and softball, and was a member of a soccer team that won four Ivy League titles. She served as the Head Women's Soccer Coach at the University of New Mexico for 14 years.
Schwartzman enters the BMHS Hall of Fame as both an athlete and a coach. In fact, she is one of only two people in BMHS history to win a CIF title as both a player and a coach (and the first to achieve that accolade). As an athlete, she played all four years on the varsity soccer team, earning All-CIF honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. As a sophomore in 1983-84, she was named 2nd Team All-CIF. As a junior, she was named 1st Team All-CIF. Senior year, Schwartzman was the 1985-86 CIF Offensive Player of the Year when the Lady Knights won the CIF title. She returned in 1991 as the head soccer coach. During her three years, BMHS won three Mission League titles. In 1993-94, she led the Lady Knights to the CIF Championship and they finished the season with an impressive 21-2-2 record. She was named both CIF and Daily Breeze Coach of the Year in 1993-94. She attended Brown University where she was a 4-year letterwinner in soccer and softball, and was a member of a soccer team that won four Ivy League titles. She served as the Head Women's Soccer Coach at the University of New Mexico for 14 years.
Steve Trelease '81 / Class of 2018
Steve Trelease '81 was an exceptional student and athlete at Bishop Montgomery, competing on the track and cross country teams all four years and the basketball team through junior year. He made his biggest impact on the track, however. As a junior, Steve helped the Knights capture a league title. As a senior, he made school history by becoming the first track athlete to win an individual CIF-SS title, bringing home the Division 2A championship in the grueling 800 meter run. His time of 1:55.35 in that race established a school record that has stood for over 35 years. In each of his four years, Steve was named the Boys Scholar-Athlete, and as a junior and senior was awarded the Caer Bannog gold medal as the student "most representative of Catholic education." Steve focused on academics while attending UCLA, initially studying mathematics and computer science and earning a degree in music. His involvement in sports continued as he coached the youth basketball, baseball, and softball teams of his children, BMHS students Nathan '14 and Stephanie '17. In his high school years, Steve was heavily involved playing piano for school liturgies and musicals. When his son and daughter enrolled at BMHS, he returned to his roots by assisting the school's music ministry and band programs as an accompanist.
Lisa Van Wie '87 / Class of 2019
In softball, as in baseball, the action is initiated from the middle of the diamond when the pitcher begins their windup. Unfortunately for Bishop Montgomery’s opponents from 1984-1987, not much action was taking place once Lisa Van Wie ‘87 delivered a pitch for the Lady Knights. If the purpose of a pitcher is to get hitters out, and it is, then Van Wie proved that she is one of the best pitchers in school history. A 4-year letterwinner, 4-time 1st team all-league selection, and 4-time team MVP, Van Wie was a true ace on the mound. As a freshman in 1984, she was the Camino Real League MVP and earned 1st Team All-CIF honors after going 18-1 with 2 no-hitters, 4 one-hitters, and 10 shutouts in helping BMHS to the CIF finals. Her 18 wins are a single season school record and on May 1, 1984, she threw the first perfect game in school history when she beat Westlake 21-0. The perfect game was the second of her six career no-hitters. Believe it or not, her perfect game may not have been her best performance in 1984. In a 1-0 win over Mary Star, Van Wie struck out 15 batters, including an incredible 10 straight, and 13 of 14. As a 15-year old, Van Wie competed internationally for Team USA. Over the course of the next three years, Van Wie continued to solidify her place in BMHS softball history. She helped the Lady Knights to two more CIF playoff appearances and earned 2nd Team All-CIF honors in both 1985 and 1987. Following graduation, Van Wie was a standout softball player at BYU and she coached competitive softball for over 25 years.
In softball, as in baseball, the action is initiated from the middle of the diamond when the pitcher begins their windup. Unfortunately for Bishop Montgomery’s opponents from 1984-1987, not much action was taking place once Lisa Van Wie ‘87 delivered a pitch for the Lady Knights. If the purpose of a pitcher is to get hitters out, and it is, then Van Wie proved that she is one of the best pitchers in school history. A 4-year letterwinner, 4-time 1st team all-league selection, and 4-time team MVP, Van Wie was a true ace on the mound. As a freshman in 1984, she was the Camino Real League MVP and earned 1st Team All-CIF honors after going 18-1 with 2 no-hitters, 4 one-hitters, and 10 shutouts in helping BMHS to the CIF finals. Her 18 wins are a single season school record and on May 1, 1984, she threw the first perfect game in school history when she beat Westlake 21-0. The perfect game was the second of her six career no-hitters. Believe it or not, her perfect game may not have been her best performance in 1984. In a 1-0 win over Mary Star, Van Wie struck out 15 batters, including an incredible 10 straight, and 13 of 14. As a 15-year old, Van Wie competed internationally for Team USA. Over the course of the next three years, Van Wie continued to solidify her place in BMHS softball history. She helped the Lady Knights to two more CIF playoff appearances and earned 2nd Team All-CIF honors in both 1985 and 1987. Following graduation, Van Wie was a standout softball player at BYU and she coached competitive softball for over 25 years.