Oceanside High School’s Athletic Pride Club held its 11th Circle of Pride dinner and induction ceremony on Nov. 10 at the O’Connell Gardens Grand Ballroom, recognizing the first 100 inductees in the program’s history and adding four teams to its rolls.
The evening’s theme, “First 100,” highlighted the athletes, coaches, families and teams that have been selected for the Circle of Pride since its creation. This year’s team honorees include the 1955 undefeated football team, the 1978 and 1979 girls’ soccer teams and the 1996 boys lacrosse team.
The Circle of Pride originated in 2003 with the start of the Oceanside Athletic Pride Club. Its early advisors, Sean Keenan and Tony Caiazza, helped develop the concept of honoring former athletes for their achievements beyond high school. Keenan later led upgrades to the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, with construction support from Ken and Paul Lucas. Proceeds from the biennial dinner help maintain and expand the Hall of Fame, which continues to grow.
Only one member of the inaugural 2003 class, former NFL quarterback Jay Fielder, was able to attend. The original inductees also included Art Heyman, Dennis Leonard, Ernie Vandeweghe, Frank Januszewski, Jill Krol, Patti Hanlon, Artie Wright and Charles Mosback.
Circle of Pride member Kevin Sheehan introduced the 1996 lacrosse team, followed by remarks from coaches Bob Moltisanti and Sean Keenan. Moltisanti reflected on the season, and Keenan recapped key moments from the team’s championship run.
Danielle D’Ambrosio-Chiera inducted the 1978 and 1979 girls’ soccer teams. A Circle of Pride member and two-time county championship coach, she outlined the work required to build one of the district’s most successful programs. Donna Brockett Calderone, a captain during the 1978-79 seasons, spoke about the program’s early years and the players’ efforts to establish girls soccer at the school.
Coach Marty Halpern, an Oceanside graduate, also addressed attendees and described how he came to lead the pioneering teams.
Oceanside football coach Rob Blount inducted the 1955 football team, noting its undefeated season and the careers of two alumni who went on to coach in the NFL. Team representative John Maxwell, whose father played on the 1955 squad, accepted the honor.
The Circle of Pride remains closely connected to Oceanside High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame, developed over two decades under the influence of Hall of Fame founder Frank Januszewski. Club advisors Ken Dwyer and Allenby Lyson helped organize this year’s event.
