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Two Alums Added to Walsh Wall of Fame

Two Walsh graduates that shared a special bond on the football field were placed together one more time as the third class of inductees into the Archbishop Walsh Wall of Fame. Mike Metzler, who played quarterback for the Eagles, and John Flynn, who protected and blocked for him as a lineman, were the latest to be enshrined at the alumni reunion dinner in early August.

 

Metzler, who made his way back to the school from Decatur, Ga. to accept his honor, attributed his success to all the great players that surrounded him in his three years as the starting quarterback, including Flynn. Mrs. Mary Flynn, excepting on behalf of her late husband, amused the reunion crowd with stories of John’s playing days and his time as girls’ basketball and softball coach.

 

The Archbishop Walsh Wall of Fame was created three years ago to honor the distinguished members of our Walsh community and pay tribute to their accomplishments and contributions over the years. Following is a brief biography on both members of the Class of 2009:

 

Mr. John Flynn – A 1969 graduate of Archbishop Walsh, Flynn is one of the most respected and admired alums in school history. He was an accomplished athlete while at Walsh, serving as co-captain of the varsity football, wrestling and track teams. He was an all-Catholic selection in football and wrestling in multiple seasons. He was also a member of student council, the debate club and drama club.

 

Flynn gave much back to his alma mater, serving as president and secretary of the Walsh Parents Club and as a member of the Walsh Sports Booster Club. He also served as JV girls’ basketball coach, JV softball coach and as an assistant varsity football coach. He was an integral figure in the Assist 2000 gymnasium renovation project and in coordinating an offseason weight training program for his football players. He was very active in the community, holding positions with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Enchanted Mountain Figure Skating Club, the Olean Midget Football League and Olean Little League. He was a dedicated teacher in the Olean City School District for nearly 25 years. Flynn passed away in 2001, but his memory remains, especially at Archbishop Walsh.

 

Mr. Mike Metzler – A 1970 graduate of Archbishop Walsh, Metzler is remembered by his classmates as the “prototypical Walsh man”. He was a member of the National Honor Society, student council and Third Order of St. Francis. Athletically, he was arguably the best quarterback the school has ever had, finishing a perfect 23-0 in three years as a starter while guiding the Walsh football team to three Smith League championships. He was also a member of the 1968 Manhattan Cup champion basketball team.

 

Metzler went on to play college football at Tufts University and was a Dean’s List student in each of his four years. He earned his PhD at age 26 from Ohio State University. He is currently a professor at Georgia State University and has written a series of “how to” books on tennis, golf and racquetball as well as the highly acclaimed textbook, Instructional Models for Physical Education. He was recently elected as a new Fellow in the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education, the most prestigious honor in his chosen profession. His classmates have said he epitomizes “Walsh spirit” and the values the school instills: Hard work, love of family, loyalty to friends, kindness and generosity.

 

***The nomination process for the Wall of Fame Class of 2010 is now open. Nomination forms can be found in the newsletter. Completed forms should be mailed to the Office of Advancement and Alumni Services, 208 N. 24th St, Olean, NY 14760.