StM News

The 2025 Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony on September 26 was a joyful celebration of Saints spirit, as we honored the 1974-75 District Champion Football Team, swimmer Billy Coleman ’97, and multi-sport athlete JaJuan Gair ’97. Held during a special assembly on Homecoming Friday, the St. Martin’s community, along with students in seventh through twelfth grades, gathered to welcome these three honorees into the prestigious group. Emceed by WDSU’s Fletcher Mackel, it was a ceremony filled with heartfelt stories, laughter, and pride to celebrate these outstanding Saints.

The 1974-75 football team was recognized for its strong senior leadership and the impact that athletic excellence had on the school community, as the team earned both Co-District and Regional Championships, with victories over Port Sulphur, Episcopal High, and Country Day, plus a thrilling 6–0 win over rival Newman, and a 33-15 Homecoming victory over John Curtis to clinch a playoff berth.  The team was introduced by classmate Bruce Parkerson ’75, who shared personal memories of the team’s closeness, and referenced classmate Brian Ball’s amazing “run” that sealed the Saints’ victory over Newman, which was memorialized in a video that played on a loop while the team was introduced. In a moving moment, the children of two late team members and one coach accepted their awards on their fathers’ behalf.

Billy Coleman ’97, introduced by Head of School Whitney Samuel Drennan ’94, was recognized for a swimming career that made St. Martin’s history. A six-time High School All-American and twelve-time State Champion, Billy set six Louisiana State records, held three school records, and led the Saints to four consecutive state championships under Coach Alan Smith. He went on to swim at Southern Methodist University on a full scholarship, becoming a conference champion, NCAA finalist, U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier, and College All-American.

JaJuan Gair ’97 was introduced by her beloved Coach and mentor, Coach Chick McGeehan, for her ability to stand out academically and across three sports - Cheerleading, Basketball, and most notably, Track & Field, which earned her the Class of 1997’s title of “Most Athletic” female. As a freshman, JaJuan was a member of the 1994 State Champion Basketball, and later became a two-time state champion in the 100M hurdles, setting a Class 2A record of 14.98 seconds. She was undefeated her senior year and earned All-State honors, all while serving as captain of both the basketball and cheer teams and as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Each honoree was celebrated not only for their achievements, but for their leadership, sportsmanship, and enduring Saints spirit. It was a morning that reminded everyone what it means to be part of the St. Martin’s community,  united by faith, inspired by a dedication to scholarship, and rooted in service, and by memories that last a lifetime.