MBS Athletic Hall of Fame Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Morristown Beard School celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 26, welcoming four new inductees whose accomplishments and contributions have left a lasting mark on MBS Athletics: the 2010–2011 Girls Varsity Hockey Team, Michael McDonald ’01, Patrick Yannotta ’06, and Coach Joe DeKasar, who was inducted posthumously.

The evening celebrated not only athletic accomplishments, but also the teammates, coaches, teachers, and mentors who make athletics such a meaningful part of the MBS experience.

Director of Middle School Athletics Mike Sturgeon P’30, ’33, who served as the evening’s emcee, reflected on his personal connections to each inductee.

“When I look at this group, what makes tonight so special is that these aren’t just people I coached or worked with. They are people who have been part of my life and have had an impact on me in different ways.”

2010–2011 Girls Varsity Hockey Team

The 2010–2011 Girls Varsity Hockey Team completed a remarkable undefeated 18–0 season, winning the WIHLMA Championship while scoring 125 goals and allowing just nine.

Head Coach Bruce Driver P’04, ’10, GP’32, who introduced the team, reflected on what made the group so special.

“Good teams have talent, great teams have character, but elite teams have talent, character and the will to work together. Elite teams care for each other and will do anything for one another.”

Representing the team, Alyssa Bufis ’11 reflected on the importance of the guidance provided by the coaching staff.

“Coach Bruce Driver created a space for each of us. Whether you were a beginner or an experienced player, Coach Driver made sure that you knew Twin Oaks [Ice Rink] and this team was for you. He was our biggest believer and champion. It should go without saying, we could not be accepting this award without him.”

Michael McDonald ’01

A three-sport athlete and multi-year captain, Michael McDonald ’01 earned 11 varsity letters and helped lead MBS to eight team championships across football and baseball.

His brother, and MBS 12th Grade Dean, Kevin McDonald ’98, introduced him and highlighted an accomplishment that says plenty about Michael’s approach to athletics.

“He would rather talk more about his four conference titles and four prep championships rather than any touchdowns, big hits, or no-hitters he threw.”

McDonald reflected on the memories that have stayed with him long after his playing days.

“Some of the greatest memories I have from Morristown Beard don't necessarily involve a score, a championship, or a big play. They involve the people standing next to me when those things happened.”

Patrick Yannotta ’06

Pat Yannotta ’06 was a standout in both hockey and baseball, helping lead MBS to championships in both sports.

Baseball Coach John Sheppard P’17, who introduced Yannotta, described the qualities that made him such a memorable teammate.

“Pat never believed he was above anyone, and he never asked someone to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself.”

Reflecting on his return to MBS for his 20-year reunion, Yannotta shared what the School has meant to him.

“This place shaped so much of who I became, and standing here today means more than I can put into words.”

Coach Joe DeKasar

Known affectionately as “Coach D,” DeKasar dedicated years to MBS as a coach, substitute teacher, and familiar presence in the Athletic Department. He became a beloved mentor to generations of student-athletes and contributed to numerous championship seasons.

Sheppard, who reflected on Coach D, captured his quiet influence:

“He didn’t demand your attention, but somehow you always listened. He didn’t need or want the spotlight, but still he earned everyone’s respect.”

DeKasar’s family accepted the honor on his behalf, sharing a simple reflection that captured his connection to the School:

“He loved this school. He loved the people here. He loved talking to the kids and following everything that was going on. He always said he was stealing a little bit of the youth every time he interacted with a student, and believed the joy and energy he received from his players helped keep him young.”

Celebrating a Lasting Legacy

Joanne Dzama, Director of Upper School Athletics, reflected on what the Hall of Fame represents beyond wins and championships, and spoke on its storied history.

“One person who holds a very special place in the history of MBS athletics is Nancy “Taz” Brower ’47. Taz was truly a pioneer for girls’ athletics. She helped establish girls’ lacrosse programs and worked to create greater opportunities for young women to participate in sports. She was inducted into the MBS Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989 and then spent nearly three decades serving on the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Through that work, she helped preserve and celebrate the accomplishments of generations of Crimson athletes. It is not simply about what happens on a scoreboard. It is about the people who helped build our programs, create opportunities, lead teams, and leave something behind for those who came next.”

Head of School Ryan Liese P’31 reflected on the importance of honoring that history and legacy during his closing remarks.

“Today’s ceremony is about legacy. It is about understanding the contributions made by people and teams at MBS that have helped create and shape the program that we are and that we aspire to be.”

Mr. Liese also spoke about the standard that each generation of student-athletes inherits from those who came before them.

“Celebrating our history gives our current students a roadmap and a standard to uphold, so that when they put on an MBS jersey, they are competing on the foundation laid by the people who came before them.”

With the 2026 class, the MBS Athletic Hall of Fame now recognizes 95 individual inductees and 15 teams, continuing a tradition that began in 1986.

Congratulations to the 2026 MBS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, and thank you for the lasting impact you have made on Morristown Beard School Athletics.