The Stuff of Legend

The 2024 Hall of Fame Class

Their stories are the stuff of legend. Their grit, accomplishments and selflessness they extended to others, an example to every Gray Bee. On October 1, six individuals and two athletic teams were enshrined in the St. Benedict’s Prep Hall of Fame. 

The 2024 Class includes: championship wrestler and All-American Minga Batsukh ’06; 17-time NCAA track champion Edward Cheserek ’13; Head Coach of the UConn Huskies Dan Hurley; London-based actor Cameron Jones ’06; noted surgeon and humanitarian James Murphy, M.D. ’58; beloved faculty member and coach Joe Sokolewicz H’12 (who was inducted posthumously); the 1968-1969 Wrestling Team and the 1995-1996 Water Polo Team. 

“We are proud to call these alumni and friends our brothers and sisters,” said Benay Nwajei ’25, Senior Group Leader of the Girls Prep Division, who introduced the celebratory occasion with Adrian Rodriguez ’25, Transfer Leader of the Boys Prep Division. Students introduced all of the 2024 inductees, who expressed gratitude for the honor. Speaking on behalf of the 1995-1996 Water Polo Team, co-captain Matt Alban ’96 captured the greater purpose of the Hall of Fame in his remarks. “During the Overnight you are taught the history and traditions of St. Benedict’s and you quickly realize you will always be standing on the shoulders of giants. That your successes are laid upon the foundation set by those before you.” 

Inductees received a commemorative keepsake from Headmaster Edwin D. Leahy, O.S.B. ’63, and rang the George T. Coker ’61 Bell before leaving the podium. St. Benedict’s students ring the Coker Bell for extraordinary achievements, and now too, so will Hall of Famers. The 2024 Hall of Fame was held at The Grove in Cedar Grove, N.J. The event was sponsored by Mike Farrell ’71 and Gemini Restoration Inc.