Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Introducing the third class of the Athletics Hall of Fame: nine athletes and one contributor whose accomplishments showcase the legacy of this historic school’s successful athletic programs in Nashville and the State of Tennessee. These exceptional athletes and leaders represent classes from 1949 to 2003.

Athletes

These individuals have been selected for the 2021 class of the Father Ryan Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of their performance while at Father Ryan, as well as their service to the community ever since. Athletes selected have been graduated from Father Ryan for 10 or more years. Click on each person's name to learn more about their accomplishments.

Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Raymond Dunning, from the Class of 2003

Raymond Dunning '03

Raymond Dunning '03

Wrestling.

Father Ryan has long been considered the mecca of Tennessee High School Wrestling, and a big reason why this reputation continued in the early 2000s was because of Raymond Dunning.

Raymond wrestled all four years at Father Ryan and was a four-time TSSAA Finalist and three-time State Champion.

He went on to have a phenomenal college wrestling career at Adams State in Colorado where he was a 3-time All-American and national runner-up in the NCAA Tournament his senior year.

Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Ronnie Dean Francescon, from the Class of 1987.

Ronnie Dean Francescon '87

Ronnie Dean Francescon '87

Basketball, Volleyball.

A two-sport star, Ronnie Dean Francescon was the point guard on the first Girls Basketball Team to make the Elite 8 in the State Tournament. She was named All-District and All-Region multiple times, and also starred as a setter on the Volleyball Team.

Ronnie has been a part of the diocese's Catholic schools as a teacher and a coach for many years, most recently at St. Rose of Lima in Murfreesboro.

Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Carmen Mondelli Lux, from the Class of 1991.

Carmen Mondelli Lux '91

Carmen Mondelli Lux '91

Basketball, Softball, Volleyball.

A rare three-sport star, Carmen Mondelli Lux was a star in basketball, softball, and volleyball. While she shined in all three, her strongest sport was volleyball, where she was named the 1990 MVP of the Round Robin Classic and selected All-City as a senior.

She matriculated to Fordham University in New York City, where she was awarded an athletic scholarship and was a Division I freshman starter for the Rams. She also walked on to the Fordham Softball Team, where she batted .345 with 11 home runs.

Carmen remains involved in Nashville and with Father Ryan, where she has enjoyed a successful business career and currently serves on the Father Ryan Board of Trust.

Athletics Hall of Fame inductee John Sneed, from the Class of 1974

John Sneed '74

John Sneed '74

Basketball.

Standing 6'9", John Sneed was an imposing presence on the court and a friend to all off of it. As a lynchpin of the 1974 Boys Basketball Team, John and his teammate Carl Crain, a fellow Athletics Hall of Fame member, led the squad to the State Semifinals.

John was a top recruit by Vanderbilt University, where he played from 1974-1978 before playing two years professionally overseas.

John enjoyed a successful career in the hospital and real estate industries before passing away from cancer in 2019.

Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Jack Sullivan, from the Class of 1949.

Jack Sullivan '49

Jack Sullivan '49

Baseball, Basketball, Football.

Jack "Red" Sullivan was a standout in football, basketball, and baseball during his time at Father Ryan.

He was a three-time letterman in each sport and a unanimous All-City selection in football in 1948. He was an All-District selection in basketball in 1947 and 1948, and was a starting pitcher on the Baseball Team. A true leader, Jack served as Class President during his senior year in addition to being voted "Most Athletic."

After high school, Jack played basketball and baseball at MTSU before courageously deciding to leave college to serve in the Korean War.

Now deceased, Jack will always be remembered as a proud father, husband, veteran, and member of the Nashville Catholic community, where he was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Edward Catholic Church.

Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Jamie Birdwell Summers, from the Class of 1993.

Jamie Birdwell Summers '93

Jamie Birdwell Summers '93

Softball.

If Jamie Birdwell was on the mound, opposing teams faced an uphill battle. Considered the greatest softball pitcher in Father Ryan history, Jamie was a four-year starter who led the Girls Softball Team to the 1992 State Tournament.

In addition to her dominance on the mound, Jamie was known as a great hitter and student. She matriculated to Mercer University in Macon, GA, where she was named an All-American.

Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Derrick Wigginton, from the Class of 1997.

Derek Wigginton '97

Derek Wigginton '97

Baseball, Basketball, Football.

A three-sport athlete, Derek Wigginton starred in baseball, basketball, and football during his high school days.

Derek chose to focus on baseball, his strongest sport, and played for the Crimson Tide of Alabama after high school. After a successful college career, including playing in the College World Series, Derek spent a few seasons playing in the Chicago White Sox organization of Major League Baseball.

Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Young, from the Class of 1950.

Bobby Young '50

Bobby Young '50

Athletics Hall of Fame inductee George Zimmerman, from the Class of 1985.

George Zimmerman '85

George Zimmerman '85

Baseball, Basketball.

A star in baseball and basketball, it was on the diamond where George Zimmermann truly found his calling. A four-year starter on the Irish varsity team from 1982-1985, George was named to the All-Metro Team as a senior in 1985. He matriculated to MTSU, where he received a full scholarship, was a four-year starter, and was named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1987.

Before he passed from cancer in 2020, George was awarded the 2019 Railbird Jacket from MTSU, honoring his continued volunteer commitment to Blue Raider baseball.

Contributor

This individual has given to Father Ryan Athletics off the field in a variety of facets, and he has made an immeasurable contribution which has forever shaped the program. Click on his name to learn more about his accomplishments.

Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Krenson, from the Class of 1972.

Eddie Krenson '72

Eddie Krenson '72

Principal, Coach.

Truly "All Irish," Eddie Krenson contributed to Father Ryan as a student, athlete, teacher, coach, and principal across a span of more than three decades. A 1972 graduate of Father Ryan, where he won the Leo Long Award for basketball in 1972, Eddie returned to Father Ryan as a teacher and coach from 1979-1988.

In 1988, after years of coaching basketball and leading the Girls Golf Team to a 1987 State Title, Eddie became the first layperson principal at Father Ryan. He served in this role until 2000, and he will forever be remembered for his commitment to Father Ryan.

In This Section

Athletes

Raymond Dunning '03

Wrestling.

Ronnie Dean Francescon '87

Basketball, Volleyball.

Carmen Mondelli Lux '91

Basketball, Softball, Volleyball.

John Sneed '74

Basketball.

Jack Sullivan '49

Baseball, Basketball, Football.

Jamie Birdwell Summers '93

Softball.

Derek Wigginton '97

Baseball, Basketball, Football.

Bobby Young '50

Basketball, Football.

George Zimmerman '85

Baseball, Basketball.

Contributor

Eddie Krenson '72

Principal, Coach.

Father Ryan High School

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