Nine outstanding Crusaders make up the 2025 class of inductees to the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

They will be inducted Saturday, Nov. 8. See canisiushigh.org/alumniawards for more information.

The John Barnes Award winner and Alumni Service Award honorees will be showcased in the coming days. Our 2025 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor class was showcased yesterday.

Mike Bielecki '06 - Wrestling

The four-year varsity wrestler and captain was named Monsignor Martin Athletic Association Wrestler of the Year in 2006 on his way to a Catholic High School Athletic Association state championship. He is one of only three CHS wrestlers to win the CHSAA Iron Man award – given to wrestlers who place in the top six at the state tournament four years in a row.

John Boland '66 – Football, Basketball

The team MVP, Burke Division All-Star and unanimous All-Catholic tight end played offense, defense and special teams for the Crusaders, recording 10 sacks in eight games during the undefeated 1965 season. On the hardwood, he led Canisius to a Manhattan Cup championship.

Chris Curran '97 - Football

A captain and three-year member of the varsity football team, Curran was named team MVP and WNY Lineman of the Year after a senior year in which he recorded 68 tackles – including 12 for loss – and 15 quarterback pressures.

Rod Nickson '76 – Football, Basketball

The All-WNY lineman played three years of varsity football, was a member of the undefeated streak teams, and earned first-team All-State honors as a senior. Nickson was also a three-year member of the varsity basketball team.

Alec Pokornowski '11 – Swimming

The four-year member of the swim team is a three-time All-American, three-time New York State top 10 swimmer, 12-time All-Catholic champion, three-time Team MVP and two-time CHS Athlete of the Season. He set multiple school and league records.

Greg Shea '92 – Basketball, Baseball

The 1992 CHS Athlete of the Year was an All-Catholic selection and All-WNY Honorable Mention in basketball. As a catcher for the baseball team, he led the Crusaders to a Georgetown Cup and Mayor's Cup while earning All-Catholic second-team honors.

Paul Steinig '10 – Hockey

Steinig is the most decorated hockey player in program history. In 2010 the team captain was named New York State MVP, Monsignor Martin MVP, CHS Winter Sports MVP and Team MVP while leading the Crusaders to back-to-back Monsignor Martin, Varsity Federation, and Catholic state championships. As a coach, he led the Crusaders to a third state title in 2014.

Cole Townsend '11 – Cross Country, Track & Field

The All-American is one of the most prolific runners in CHS history. As a senior he earned All-State honors for indoor and outdoor track. He set the Western New York record in the 3,200 meters and holds school records for both the 3,200 and 3,000. He claimed a Catholic state championship and went on to place fifth at the overall NYS Federation meet and sixth at the New Balance national meet. Townsend was also an All-WNY Cross Country runner who set the CHS record for the 3-mile.

Joe Zera '01 – Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Field

The All-Catholic guard tallied 607 points as a senior and finished fourth all-time in scoring at Canisius with 1,197 points while leading the Crusaders to back-to-back state championships. Zera was also a three-year All-Catholic starter for the volleyball program who led the team in kills as a senior. On the track, Zera claimed All-Catholic titles in the 800 meters and 4x800.