Coach John Carney (right) will be inducted into inaugural Bishop Gorman Hall of Fame Class on Friday.

John Carney and Billy Paul Chrietzberg, two individuals who contributed time and energy to the success of Bishop Gorman Catholic School, are part of the inaugural BG Hall of Fame Class, Jon Froelich, assistant principal, announced.

Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic School in Tyler will induct nine former Crusaders (and one team) into their inaugural “Hall of Fame Class” on Friday. Coach Carney will be inducted posthumously, following his passing in 2016.

Coach Carney spent the majority of his life coaching at Bishop Gorman. Over the course of more than 50 years he coached multiple sports for the Crusaders. He started as the middle school boys basketball coach in 1968, and would also coach the varsity boys and girls basketball teams, in addition to the varsity softball program. He was the softball coach from 1992-2009.

His highest finish was third place in state with varsity boys basketball.

The softball field at Gorman and the gymnasium at St. Gregory are both named for this devoted Crusader.

Coach Carney was married to his wife Barbara for almost 65 years. His legacy at Bishop Gorman goes beyond the programs he started, built and coached, as all 11 of his children graduated from BG. In addition, 26 grandchildren have also graduated with seven grandchildren and great-grandchildren currently attending.

Mr. Chrietzberg was very involved with St. Gregory and Bishop Gorman from 1961 through 1983. Mr. Chrietzberg will be inducted posthumously

“We lost a great man when he passed away in 1983 from a heart attack at the age of 53,” Froelich said.

In his 20 plus years of service he held multiple positions with the Booster Club, including president. He was very instrumental in many projects during the early stages of the high school, helping to build the track and baseball diamond. He was heavily involved in fundraising and the building of the facilities.

He was a team player, who motivated other parents and families to give of their time and energy to support the Tyler Catholic Schools. A true example of a Servant’s Heart, his proudest moments were watching students excelling in their respective school activities, Froelich said.

Chrietzberg had three children graduate from Gorman — Michael (1972), Judith (1973) and David (1977).

Others scheduled to be inducted include (Mia Behm, cross country, track, 2008 graduate); Darwin Crawford (four-sport letterman, 1974 Graduate); Andre Cummings (three-sport lettermen, 1996 graduate); the Rev. Jerome R. Milton (coach, scholarship coordinator); Josiah Mooney (three-sport letterman, 1997 graduate); Michelle Obach (basketball, 2013 graduate); Bo Wilson (coach) and team (Coach Eric Pottkotter and the 1984 state championship football team).

NOTE: A limited number of tickets to attend the Bishop Gorman “Hall of Fame Luncheon” on Friday are on sale at the high school. The luncheon will be held at Rick’s on the Square in Tyler, starting at 11:30 a.m.

The Hall of Fame plaques will be on display in the Brodnax Family Crusaders Center on the Gorman campus.

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