St. James School Tip Off honors athletes
It was a night of high-energy and proud excitement.
"Tip Off is a long running St. James School tradition. It's an opportunity for the entire Bulldog family to celebrate the contributions that our athletics program makes in helping to build character in our student-athletes," Athletic program director Josh Cohen said.
"We emphasize the students' responsibilities that come along with competing while wearing the Bulldog logo - representing your school, family, community and church; playing with passion and desire; while keeping the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play in their hearts."
This year's Tip Off included several exhibition games, including eighth-grade girls volleyball players vs. the faculty and eighth-grade boys basketball players vs. dads and coaches.
The true highlight of the night was the announcement of the creation of the Bulldog Hall of Fame, inducting Jerry Klopp as the first member. Klopp has coached and helped lead the St. James School program for more than 30 years, coaching 43 different teams during that span.
He has coached each of his six children at St. James, and is currently coaching two of his 17 grandchildren. Previously, Klopp has been recognized with the village of Arlington Heights Heart of Gold Award (2009), Lifetime Achievement Award by the Athletic Officials Service (2017), and recognized by the St. Viator Athletic Hall of Fame for his many years of service.
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