Nazareth Inducts New Members to Athletic Hall of Fame

Submitted by Nazareth Academy.
Photo: Pictured left to right: Dennis Moran, Kevin Frymire, Susan Kennedy, Peter Zavagnin, Maureen Swade Milligan, Alan Swade, Ronald and Joan Swade, Jim Danko and Deborah Tracy.

On January 24, 2015, Nazareth Academy inducted eight new members into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Nazareth welcomed coach Jim Danko (Berwyn), friends Ronald and Joan Swade (Western Springs) and athletes Kevin Frymire ’05 (Chicago), Susan Kennedy ’88 (Burr Ridge), Alan Swade ’86 (Kennesaw, GA), Maureen Swade Milligan ’81 (La Grange Park) and Peter Zavagnin ’05 (Chicago).

The honorees and their guests celebrated before the boys basketball game with a reception at Nazareth. During halftime, each inductee received a commemorative award listing their accomplishments at Nazareth from Nazareth Principal, Deborah Tracy and Nazareth President, Dennis Moran.

“As we pride ourselves on the development of the whole person, we are happy to recall those women and men who have contributed to the Nazareth Academy Athletic Program throughout our history. Their examples as student-athletes, coaches and fans help to raise the bar of excellence as we look to a strong and vibrant future in Catholic High School education. We congratulate and thank them and their families for their contributions and accomplishments as we welcome them into the Nazareth Academy Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Deborah Tracy, Principal of Nazareth Academy.

Nazareth proudly welcomes the following individuals:

Kevin Frymire
Athlete (Class of 2005)

A graduate of the Class of 2005, Kevin excelled in football and basketball at Nazareth and was a three year letter winner for football and two year letter winner for basketball. His talents named him an All-ESCC Selection in football for two years and his dedication to academics landed him a spot on the All-State Academic Football Team in 2004. He continued his football career at Northwestern University and played from 2005-2010. In 2009, he was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team and was a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Recipient in 2010.

Susan Kennedy
Athlete (Class of 1988)

Susan, a graduate of the Class of 1988, played volleyball and softball during her years at Nazareth. An outstanding athlete, she received the Volleyball Roadrunner Award in 1987, one year after the team won Regionals. Susan was also named an All-Conference Selection in volleyball in both 1987 and 1988, as well as the Suburban Life All-Area Volleyball Team in 1986, 1987 and 1988. Susan continued playing volleyball for her four years at Loras College. She then returned to Nazareth as a Girls Volleyball Coach for four years, starting in 2000 and coached her team to two IHSA Regional Championships.

Maureen Swade Milligan
Athlete (Class of 1981)

Maureen comes from a very athletic family. During her years at Nazareth she participated in softball and volleyball. In 1980, Maureen helped her team achieve their second place finishes at both the GCAC Championship and IHSA Districts. As she developed her talents and honed her skills, she was named Most Improved Volleyball Player in 1981. Continuing her family’s athletic legacy, Maureen is also the proud parent of three Nazareth student-athletes. Maureen joins her brothers Terry and Alan Swade, and parents Ron and Joan Swade in the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Alan Swade
Athlete (Class of 1986)

Alan, from the Class of 1986, played basketball and golf all four years at Nazareth. He was selected to the All-Conference basketball team in both 1985 and 1986 and was also featured as the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times Player of the Week. He received an All-State Basketball Honorable Mention in 1986. His talents were not limited to the basketball court. As a golfer, he was on the 1983 team that finished as a State Finalist. Two years later, in 1985 he qualified for State as an Individual, placing 25th.

Peter Zavagnin
Athlete (Class of 2005)

Peter was an active and talented student-athlete on both the basketball and football teams during all four years he was at Nazareth. In 2004, he was named the ESCC Football Offensive Player of the Year as well as selected to the All-ESCC Football Team. He set several Nazareth football records, including single season passing yards with 2,285 yards, most completions in a season with 172 and career passing yards with 4,298 yards. Peter was named the Suburban Life All-Area Quarterback, received an All-Area Special Mention for Quarterback by the Sun-Times as well as landing a spot on the Class 5A All-State Academic Team. His success on the football field and basketball court resulted in co-winning the Roadrunner Award for both sports, as well as receiving the Male Athlete of the Year award in 2005. Peter pursued his football talents and played one year at Drake University, followed by two years at Purdue University.

Jim Danko
Coach (1979-2014)

Jim started his seasoned career at Nazareth Academy as an assistant football coach in 1979 and held that role for two years. That was soon followed by head baseball coach for three seasons. Jim also took on the long-lasting head coach positions for both tennis and golf, coaching tennis from 1985-2001 and golf from 1982-2014. While coaching tennis, five of Jim’s teams took home Public School League titles and the team found its greatest success in 2001 when it placed 14th in the state. Jim’s career as head golf coach included nine Public School League titles, six Regional titles, two Sectional titles and five individuals qualified for state placing 10th, 9th, 8th, 5th and 4th. He is the only coach to take two separate Nazareth teams to State Finals. Jim’s career at Nazareth spanned an amazing 35 years before his retirement in 2014.

Ronald and Joan Swade
Friends of Athletics

All five of Ron and Joan’s children attended Nazareth and all participated in at least one sport, with some playing as many as three. As of tonight, three of their children have even been inducted into Nazareth’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Seven of their grandchildren also attended Nazareth, continuing the family’s passion for athletics. Ron and Joan are dear “fans from the stands,” attending endless games and cheering on countless athletes. Their spirit and enthusiasm never wavered over the years and their love for Nazareth athletics has always been apparent.