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It was apparent at an early age that school and athletics were two things that came with success rather easy to Brian. As Brian continued his education through junior high at St. Pius, it also became very apparent that Brian's natural talents were simply a compliment to his work ethic and competitive nature. Brian finished his grade school experience by finishing at the head of his class with straight A's, and multiple high school credits already under his belt. On the football field, Brian played tight end and defensive end for the Dixie Youth Raiders. He finished up his 7th and 8th grade seasons with back to back Super Bowl Championships in the NKYFL. Willy was also a force to be reckoned with on the Basketball court. He played center on what was a very talented class of athletes, and Brian lead St. Pius to a KY Catholic Schools State Championship.
Brian continued his trail of excellence in the classroom and athletics at Covington Catholic High School. By the time Brian ended his high school career he attained a list of accomplishments that included the following:
- 4.0 cumulative GPA and 4th overall ranking in his class out of 125
- 2 state championships in football, Sr Captain, 3 year varsity letterman
- 1st team All-State TE his senior year, and elected to the elite KY vs. TN all star game
- Winner of the “That's My Boy Award” for Greater Cincinnati's Best Football / Scholar Athlete
- 2 time Silver Medalist in the discuss throw at the KY state championships
- 1st team all conference basketball player for Northern Kentucky
While being a 3 sport star and star in the classroom, Brian also excelled in the social aspects at Covington Catholic. Brian, like his brothers Kenny and Andy before him, relished his 4 years at CCH. He was naturally popular not only from his accomplishments, but more so by his personality.
Brian's work ethic, skills, and overall personality made him an attractive football recruit to most Ivy League schools. Willy packed up his things, and took his game to New York City, to attend and play football for Columbia University. At Columbia, Brian played football all four years, 2 years as starting tight end. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Shortly after graduation, Brian began working at Cantor Fitzgerald whose offices were the top floors of the World Trade Center I. Brian's goal was to become financially secure at his New York job, then return to Northern Kentucky to help coach football at Covington Catholic. He was well on his way, when the evil of September 11, 2001, took his life while working at WTC I. Described by one of his Covington Catholic classmates as “tough enough for New York and kind enough for Kentucky”, Brian had a smile that everyone loved to see and will never forget. Called “Willie” by his friends, he had begun giving back to the community. In particular, Brian was contributing to 2 different charities to help young children. One, a Native American school in the west and the other, an organization that sent New York City children to summer camps. His parents are continuing that support. The sinister events of 9/11/01 robbed us of a stand up young man in Brian. However, those of us who knew him are grateful for the time we had with him. |
