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Athletic Hall of Fame inducts five alumni
Five outstanding Steward athletes were honored at Steward’s April 28 Athletic Hall of Fame program, which took place in the Lora M. Robins Theatre. Congratulations to Jamie Brock ’93 (field hockey), Adam Lonon ’06 (basketball), Mary Harvard Nolde ’93 (field hockey), Cameron Scales ’08 (baseball), and JT Wauford ’09 (baseball). 

Alumni, former and current faculty and staff members, and family and friends attended the celebration. Director of Athletics Bruce Secrest opened the ceremony and each inductee was introduced by a family member, colleague, or former coach.

Following are highlights about each athlete, plus excerpts of the comments shared at the event: 

Adam Lonon ’06, who was introduced by his father, Aaron Lonon:
  • lettered in varsity basketball for three years
  • helped lead the 2003-04 Spartans to a VISAA Division III State Championship and was named Tournament MVP
  • attended the Virginia Military Institute, where he was ranked in VMI’s Top 10 in Career Assists and earned All-Big South Academic Team honors
  • joined Steward’s athletics staff in 2010 as girls basketball and strength & conditioning coach
  • currently serves as associate athletic director and girls basketball program head at Trinity Episcopal School
Mr. Lonon shared heartfelt stories of his son’s love of basketball, which began at an early age. The proud father recalled when Adam was 13 and tried out for a 15-and-under team.

“He kind of blew the [coaches] away, who said, ‘Who is this kid?’” said Mr. Lonon. He also shared some fatherly wisdom: “All we can do is point our kids where they want to go,” he said. “Some of this craziness … is going to leak in, but hopefully, you build a strong enough foundation …that’s all we wish for our kids.” 

Adam Lonon thanked his family, former coaches, and fellow Spartans. He spoke about the lifelong friends he made at Steward and lauded Mr. Secrest’s inspiring presence in his life.

“Bruce is the godliest person I know, and I have a sister who's actually in youth ministry,” he quipped. “When I [talk to him on the phone], he's like, ‘Hey, Adam! Good to talk to you again. Can't wait to see you tonight!’ Bruce, I love your energy."

Mary Harvard Nolde ’93 was introduced by Janet Rice, former physical education teacher, athletic director, varsity field hockey, and basketball coach at Steward. Ms. Nolde:
  • played tennis, basketball, and hockey
  • served as captain of the field hockey team for the 1991 and 1992 seasons and led the team to regular-season and tournament championship titles
  • was named Most Valuable on the field hockey team
  • was named Most Improved on the basketball team
  • earned the Coaches Award for tennis
  • is a dedicated member of Steward’s Board of Trustees 
Ms. Rice had the audience laughing with her recollection of meeting Ms. Nolde for the first time. She recalled telling her, “Hey, look, I'm calling you ‘MH,’ because that double name thing ain't gonna work with me when I'm yelling at you on the field hockey field. ‘MH’ is a lot quicker. So that was the beginning of MH’s years at Steward.” 

Ms. Rice noted that when Ms. Nolde and fellow HOF inductee Jamie Brock ’93 were at Steward, “we witnessed a true sea change in girls athletics … we went from being the hunted to becoming the hunters, and these athletes paved the way to where we are now.”

Addressing the audience, Ms. Nolde said, “Steward is … very dear to my heart. Athletics is a huge part for me, but there's so much more to this than just athletics. All of you have a special place here.” 

Cameron Scales ’08 was introduced by Mr. Secrest. Mr. Scales:
  • was a member of Steward’s first baseball team
  • lettered in varsity baseball and varsity basketball
  • was named to the VCC All-Conference and VISAA All-State teams multiple times for baseball
  • was named VCC Conference MVP, First-Team VISAA All-State, and a finalist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch/Sports Backers Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year during his senior year 
  • attended Elon University on a baseball scholarship and earned his J.D. at the UVA School of Law
  • is currently an associate lawyer with Haynes and Boone, LLP 
Mr. Scales thanked his wife, parents, sister, and Mr. Secrest, who is his uncle. Turning to his parents, he said, “I know what you guys went through and what you guys did … and I just want to say thank you.” He also reflected on his time at Steward, which “laid the foundation for me to be able to do well in undergrad, get my law degree, and then do what I do now. I’m thankful for the school and for the opportunities of not just athletic growth, but academic growth and growth as a whole person.”

JT Wauford ’09 was introduced by Mr. Secrest. Mr. Wauford:
  • played baseball at Steward from Grades 8-12
  • helped build the baseball program from a startup to one of the toughest teams in the state
  • received the 110% Award and multiple All-Conference and All-Team recognitions
  • was named to the Richmond Times-Dispatch All-Metro Team
  • played D1 baseball and graduated from The George Washington University 
Mr. Wauford thanked Coach Secrest, Ms. Rice, Head of School Dan Frank, his family, and his teammates. 

“I especially want to thank the Steward community,” he said, “because when I played, I really wanted to represent The Steward School well and bring pride to Steward. Being the smaller school in the area, you always have the underdog mentality. And I always wanted to make Steward proud, going out the field and winning and getting our name out there and [wanting them to say], “That's Steward. They're really good at sports. You better not take them for granted.”

Jamie Brock ’93, who lives in Florida, was unable to attend the program. Mr. Secrest accepted her award in her name. At Steward, Ms. Brock: 
  • excelled academically and athletically at Steward, where she was an honor student 
  • earned the Richmond Times-Dispatch Scholar-Athlete Award as well as the Upper School’s Math Award
  • played basketball, tennis, and field hockey
  • scored the most goals of the season for the field hockey team when she was a senior
  • was named Most Valuable on the basketball team
  • received the Athletic Department’s 110% Award 
After Mr. Frank gave closing comments, inductees and their guests had an opportunity to enjoy some refreshments and catch up with one another. 

Take a look at the Steward Snaps from the Athletic Hall of Fame.




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