Alumni Spotlight

A League of Her Own
Remembering Kay Malach Webb ‘45

On December 19, 2011, the Knoxville Catholic Alumni community lost a shining star with the passing of Kathleen Malach (Kay) Webb.  Shortly after graduating from KCHS in 1945, Kay went on to play semi-professional baseball with the Fort Wayne Daisies.  She also enjoyed a successful 24 year fencing career.  She competed in local and regional tournaments and taught fencing at the University of Tennessee for several years.

Kay’s brother, Phil Malach ‘63, visited the campus this summer to loan the Alumni Office several items from her illustrious athletic career.  The items—including her glove, copy of her contract with the Daisies,  and competition photos —will be on display in the trophy case near the gymnasium.   Thank you to the Malach family for sharing these precious memories with our students, faculty, and the many alumni that visit our campus.

Harrison Smith ’07 Signs with Vikings
First to go First

On April 26, former Knoxville Catholic football standout Harrison Smith made history when he became the first KCHS alumnus to be picked in the first round of the NFL Draft.  Smith, a 2007 graduate, was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings—29th overall in the 2012 draft.

While at the University of Notre Dame, Smith was recognized for his strong leadership skills.  The two-time team captain played safety and linebacker, and recorded 93 tackles and seven interceptions during his senior year.  Off the field, Smith earned his degree in Management-Entrepreneurship and was accepted into the university’s Management-Entrepreneurship graduate program.

His success on and off the field is no surprise to his KCHS family.  During high school, Smith was named a 2006 Gatorade Player of the Year, he earned All State and Mr. Football awards, and he was the 2007 state champion in decathlon.  In addition, he was Sergeant at Arms of the National Honor Society and was a member of Mu Alpha Theta.  “What is so neat about seeing the success that Harrison is enjoying is he represents everything that you want to see in a KCHS graduate.  He is humble, driven to excellence, has great character and is very compassionate,” says Principal Dickie Sompayrac.  “I know I speak for all of his former teachers and coaches when I say how proud we are of Harrison!”

 If you have have a suggestion for the Alumni Spotlight, please contact Megan Locke at mlocke@knoxvillecatholic.com.