Molloy Introduces David Nurnberg as New Athletic Director
Queens, NY, August 3, 2026 — Archbishop Molloy High School is excited to welcome Mr. David Nurnberg as its new Athletic Director, effective August 1, 2026. Mr. Nurnberg brings extensive experience to the role, most recently serving as AD at Lexington Catholic High School in Lexington, Kentucky. Mr. Nurnberg led a thriving athletic program at Lexington that saw its student-athletes win 26 team and individual state championships during his six-year tenure. Previously, Mr. Nurnberg worked as a Program Coordinator at St. Xavier High School in Kentucky, led a Coaching Mentor Program at Father Ryan High School in Tennessee, served as head football coach as part of three successful programs in Georgia and Alabama, and has taught Physical Education and English Literature.
Mr. Nurnberg will serve Molloy’s commitment to meet the needs of today’s student-athletes by building relationships with coaches, students, families, alumni, and the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA). He will celebrate the rich tradition of Molloy athletics, oversee the scheduling and maintenance of athletic facilities, and lead a restructuring of Molloy’s Athletics Department. As part of the reorganization, teacher and assistant varsity baseball coach Ms. Stephanie Staiano will serve as Associate Athletic Director. Mr. Nurnberg’s arrival and Ms. Staiano’s new role coincide with the complete renovation of Molloy’s locker rooms and athletic offices, which are slated to be unveiled in Fall 2026.
Mr. Nurnberg’s hiring concludes a comprehensive search conducted by Molloy. A hiring committee of administrators, faculty, coaches, and school board members, was assembled to interview and assess candidates, with each committee member bringing a unique perspective to the process. After meeting with a number of impressive candidates, the committee agreed that Mr. Nurnberg was the right choice to lead Molloy’s athletic program into the future.
Molloy thanks Mr. Michael McCleary, who concludes a 28-year tenure as Athletic Director. Under Mr. McCleary’s leadership, Molloy athletics built numerous girls programs following the school’s transition to coeducation in 2000. Sports such as softball, ice hockey, lacrosse, and girls volleyball were added, while Molloy continued to foster the traditions that have made it an athletic powerhouse for generations. Mr. McCleary will continue to serve as a Physical Education teacher and varsity basketball coach at Molloy.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Archbishop Molloy High School,” said Mr. Nurnberg. “It is truly humbling to be a part of such a tradition-rich athletics program built by legendary coaches such as Jack Curran, Frank Rienzo, and Lou Carnesecca. Most of all, my family and I are looking forward to being a part of the Molloy community, and cannot wait to start building relationships with everyone in the Stanner Family!”
President Richard Karsten, a graduate of Molloy’s Class of 1981, expressed excitement about Mr. Nurnberg’s arrival. “David is an exceptional athletic director whose core values align with Molloy and the Marist tradition. He is a proud Catholic school educator, a respected leader, and an excellent communicator. In addition, he has a deep understanding of and reverence for our history, and he is committed to celebrating the legacy of our many proud alumni. These qualities are essential for the position of athletic director, and we are excited to see David flourish in the role.”
Principal Dr. Darius Penikas also expressed his enthusiasm. “We are thrilled to welcome David to the Molloy community,” said Dr. Penikas. “David is a leader who has championed the student-athlete approach to athletics. He has a history of driving programs that use participation and competition in sports to develop character, commitment, and faith in students. His programs have always prioritized academic and personal development, produced champions on the field, and empowered lifelong servant leaders in their communities.”
Molloy Releases Latest Issue of Stanner Life Magazine
Calling all members of the Molloy community! The newest edition of Stanner Life magazine has arrived, packed with stories that showcase the accomplishments, spirit, and impact of our students and alumni. Inside, you’ll read features on our extracurricular programs, an introduction to our Innovation Center, recognition of our GCHSAA Hall of Fame inductees, a highlight on the 25th Anniversary of Molloy women, the 40th anniversary of the Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic, how we keep the Marist tradition strong long after graduation, and more!
Haven’t received your copy yet? Need to update your mailing address? Please reach out to Molloy’s Communications Department at communications@molloyhs.org for assistance.
President Karsten Virtually Presents to Marists in South Africa
On July 29th, President Richard Karsten ’81 presented via Zoom to the Marist Management Conference in South Africa. His presentation highlighted the benefits of working in concert with other Marist schools and aligned with the conference theme “From Silos to Solidarity.” President Karsten summarized by saying, “The greatest benefit of networking with other schools is the relationships that develop among the leaders. Collaboration creates trust, encourages innovation, and fosters a true Marist family spirit. By sharing ideas, resources, and experiences, the U.S. schools can better serve their students while advancing the common mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved through an outstanding Catholic Marist education.”
Freshman Camp Welcomes Class of 2030
Freshman Camp remains one of Molloy’s favorite traditions, and this year was no exception! Incoming freshmen spent July 5th – 11th at the Marist Brothers’ Center in Esopus, NY, where they connected with fellow Stanners, met future teachers, and engaged in a range of lively activities.
Another unforgettable week of faith, friendship, and Stanner family spirit, the Class of 2030 spent camp swimming, hiking, playing games, participating in sports, and taking part in morning and evening prayers. Mr. Jim Sheldon ’88, one of the faculty leaders of Freshman Camp, elaborated, “We played flag, dodgeball, and had our yearly camp competition. There were creative activities, basketball, cageball, and our annual first class liturgy. Everyone was welcomed into the Stanner family!”
Each year, faculty, staff, alumni, and current students volunteer their time to make Freshman Camp a success. Thank you to everyone who plans, leads, and supports this incredible tradition to help create an unforgettable welcome for our newest Stanners. In Mr. Sheldon’s words, “The Marist charism burns bright with the incoming freshman experiencing Esopus in the summer!”
Stanner Alumni Center Announces Upcoming Events Calendar
by Sarah Quispe ’19, Alumni Development Officer | squispe@molloyhs.org
We have a wonderful lineup of events coming this Fall! Last year, we launched multiple “first of its kind” events, and our alumni community responded! We’re excited to once again be hosting an Alumni Retreat at Esopus, as well as a celebratory brunch honoring the Women of Molloy. We’re also looking forward to further expanding the spirituality opportunities for our community by hosting another Night of Reflection and introducing the first-ever Alumni Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic.
Along with these newer opportunities, we’ll still be hosting our classic events, including the Stanner Alumni Reunion, Molloy Oktoberfest, and the Thanksgiving Liturgy & Alumni Reception. To round out the 2026 calendar year, we’ll be hosting our first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting right here at Molloy.
We can’t wait to see our alumni, families, and friends at our upcoming events! Whether you’ve been coming to alumni events for years, or you just graduated this past June, there is something for everyone! Click the buttons or flyers below to visit registration pages, and secure your spot at our events today!
* Early Fall Events – Register Now! *
* Events Later in Fall / Early Winter – Register Early! *
Congratulations to Isabella Fortunato ’26, our Class of 2026 Salutatorian, who was recently awarded a $1,500 scholarship by the Italian American Women’s Center! Isabella was among five other local high school students who were honored based on their academic achievements as well as their study of Italian language and culture. Isabella and her fellow recipients were featured in an article published by QNS.com, which you can access by clicking here or the button below.
Back in June, Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Joe Harnischfeger and Girls JV Basketball Coach Christine Harnischfeger-LoCascio ’07, were highlighted by The Tablet newspaper in celebration of Father’s Day. The father/daughter coaching duo spoke to The Tablet about their coaching styles, embodying the values of the CHSAA, and their CYO roots. The article also shines a light on Christine’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2021, how her dad supported her during her fight, and Christine’s determination to overcome the disease and continue coaching. Christine is now in remission. Special thanks to reporter Jim Mancari for highlighting the Harnischfegers! | Read Full Article
Before the start of summer, a group of alums gathered at Lunchbox Brewing Company in Bellmore for our Stanner Alumni World Cup Viewing Party! The alumni included many former soccer players as well as boys varsity soccer Head Coach Andy Kostel. The group enjoyed watching the USA taking on Paraguay in the early portion of the tournament. Special thanks to our event host Leonzo Cuiman ’02 for welcoming us!
In early July, Molloy President Richard Karsten ’81, Saint Joseph Academy President Melissa Valadez (Marist Brothers school in Brownsville, TX) and members of each school’s Advancement team participated in the Partners In Mission Summer Institute annual conference in Chicago, Illinois. The conference welcomed advancement and enrollment management professionals from Catholic schools across the United States, offering opportunities for institutional and professional growth. “It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and share ideas with professionals from other Catholic schools,” said President Karsten. “It was also a pleasure to connect with fellow Marist educators who share Molloy’s mission to carry St. Marcellin Champagnat’s vision ever forward.”
Pictured L-R: Joe Sommo ’03 (Director of Communications at Molloy), Maria Calakos ’13 (Communications Coordinator at Molloy), Sarah Quispe ’19 (Alumni Development Officer at Molloy), Richard Karsten ’81 (Molloy President), Melissa Valadez (SJA President), and Monica Rodriguez (Director of Academy Advancement and Alumni Affairs at SJA)
We extend best wishes to Fr. Peter Purpura ’99, who is now serving as the new chancellor of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Fr. Purpura had been serving as pastor of the Our Lady of Hope parish since 2019. A farewell Mass was celebrated in June, allowing the community the opportunity to offer their thanks and appreciation for his care for and dedicated service to the parish.
According to a press release from the Diocese of Brooklyn, “The role of the chancellor is to oversee the recording of ecclesiastical acts, decrees, and dispensations and to manage diocesan records and archives. The chancellor may also advise the diocesan bishop on various matters.”
Congratulations to recent graduate Kimberly Piazza ’26, who has been chosen as a 2nd Team NYS All-Star! Kimmy, a pitcher and outfielder, accepted a softball scholarship to St. John’s University. She was 15-2 for Molloy as a pitcher.
Earlier this summer, Br. Rob Dittus ’15 joined a contingent of fellow Marist Brothers for a service experience in Liberia. The Brothers have since been serving several communities, including the Missionaries of Charity as well as Marist Brothers Catholic School and Sister Shirley Kolmer Memorial Catholic School. The visiting Brothers have been warmly welcomed by the Marist Brothers of West Africa!
Dr. James Lynch ’83 shares more of his recent “Stanner Sightings!” First, members of the Class of 1983 recently gathered to celebrate a special occasion. Tommy Rose ’83, Dr. Lynch, Jimmy Maguire ’83, and Frank McGuire ’83 came together to celebrate Frank’s son’s graduation from law school. Next, Dr. Lynch connected with current student William Mair ’29 at the NYS Summer Run 5K Race at Caumsett State Park. William introduced himself after spotting Dr. Lynch wearing a Molloy t-shirt!
Terrence Shugrue ’73 shares that he has retired from his lifeguarding duties after three years, which he is excited about because now he “can actually swim more!” In June, he swam total 55 miles as part of the American Red Cross Swim Challenge. “So far in July I have 28 miles in the American Cancer Society’s Swim Challenge,” said Terry. “I’m receiving lots of support from my fellow ’73 Stanners!”
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Deodata “Gina” DiRusso (June 29, 2026), mother of Anthony DiRusso ’80. | Visit Memorial Page
We were recently informed of the passing of Thomas Meyer ’66, who passed away on April 22, 2026. Thomas was a beloved member of the Class of 1966 who regularly attended an annual gathering of class members at Leo’s in Garden City. After earning an accounting degree from Fordham University, Thomas enjoyed a successful career as a bookkeeper, financial analyst, and consultant. In his later years, he used his extensive knowledge of the Lake George area to guide visitors at the Sagamore Hotel as a concierge. Thomas is remembered for his unique sense of humor, and his many passions including sports, travel, collecting media, and cooking. Please keep Thomas and his loved ones in your prayers. | Visit Memorial Page
We were recently informed of the passing of Anthony Contello ’62 in December 2025. Please keep Anthony and his loved ones in your prayers.
