St. Peter Chanel Foundation Inc.

08/27/2026

Ernie Kellerman '61

Ernest "Ernie" Kellerman is one of the most accomplished athletes to come out of the original St. Peter Chanel High School and remains a proud representative of the Firebird tradition. A member of Chanel's inaugural graduating class of 1961, Kellerman distinguished himself as a standout multi-sport athlete before embarking on an outstanding collegiate and professional football career.

After graduating from St. Peter Chanel, Kellerman attended Miami University, where he played quarterback under legendary coach Bo Schembechler. He earned All-Mid-American Conference honors and established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the conference during his collegiate career.

Although originally selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1965 NFL Draft, Kellerman ultimately began his professional career with the Cleveland Browns after receiving an opportunity through Browns head coach Blanton Collier. Transitioning from quarterback to defensive back, he spent six seasons with the Browns (1966–1971), becoming a dependable member of one of the NFL's respected defenses. He later played for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills, completing a professional football career that spanned nearly a decade.

Throughout his life, Kellerman has frequently credited St. Peter Chanel High School, his coaches, and the mentors who shaped him for laying the foundation for both his athletic achievements and his personal success. He has remained connected to the Chanel community and has often spoken about the importance of strong role models, hard work, perseverance, and building meaningful relationships.

Ernie Kellerman's legacy as one of St. Peter Chanel's first graduates, a collegiate star, and an NFL veteran continues to serve as an inspiration to generations of Firebirds. His accomplishments exemplify the values of dedication, leadership, and excellence that have long defined the St. Peter Chanel community.

08/26/2026

LAST CALL FOR HOLE SPONSORS!!

Get your Business or Name displayed on Sunday at the Kaz Szczepanik Golf Classic!!

Link below:
http://stpeterchanelfoundation.org/golf-outing

08/25/2026

R.I.P. Dolly Parton. A true legend.

Did you know that Dolly performed on the Chanel stage in 1965 at age 19?!?!?

Thank you to Bill Gagliano '73 for finding and sharing this article and compiling a list of all the musical acts who graced the Chanel stage.

08/23/2026

We are saddened to report that James Freedline, c/o 1970, passed away earlier this month. Fly high Firebird!

In Memory of JAMES RICHARD FREEDLINE, JR., age 73, passed away on August 13, 2026. Beloved husband of Judith (nee Henderson); loving father of Robert Freedline of Brunswick, Rebecca Freedline of Medina, Daniel Miller (Melissa) of Edinburg, Ohio, Robert Miller (Alana Sommers) of South Carolina, and Steven Miller (Ashley) of Alabama; cherished “Papa Jim” of Hannah and Piper Freedline; Catherine Freedline; McKenna, Caleb, and Dylan Miller; Sullivin, Kinsley, Hudson, and Sawyer Miller; Casidhe and Levi Sommers; and Noah, Connor, and Madelyn Miller; brother of the late Pat Robinson. Jim was the longtime owner of Lafayette Tax Service, LLC, an avid motorcycle and boating enthusiast, and a member of Summit Masonic Lodge #213 in Twinsburg. Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA RD. (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS where funeral services will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 a.m. VISITATION ON SUNDAY FROM 2-6 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested in his name to the Special Olympics of Summit County c/o Weaver Sports Booster Clubs, 2300 Call Road, Stow, Ohio 44224.

08/20/2026

Kevin K. Gaines ’78

Kevin K. Gaines ’78 is one of St. Peter Chanel High School’s most distinguished alumni, having gone on to become a nationally recognized scholar, professor, and leading voice in the study of African American history and civil rights.

A 1978 graduate of St. Peter Chanel, Gaines continued his education at Harvard University, earning his bachelor’s degree, before receiving his Ph.D. from Brown University.

Today, Gaines serves as the Julian Bond Professor of Civil Rights and Social Justice and Professor of African American History at the University of Virginia. He is also affiliated with the Carter G. Woodson Institute for African American and African Studies.

Throughout his distinguished academic career, Gaines has held faculty and leadership positions at the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Michigan, Cornell University, and the University of Virginia.

Gaines is the author of several influential works examining African American history, leadership, politics, culture, and the Civil Rights Movement. His book Uplifting the Race: Black Leadership, Politics, and Culture in the Twentieth Century received the prestigious John Hope Franklin Publication Prize from the American Studies Association. His second book, American Africans in Ghana: Black Expatriates and the Civil Rights Era, was recognized as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title.

Beyond his scholarship, Gaines has become an important public voice on civil rights, racial justice, American history, and contemporary social issues. His work has helped connect the lessons of the past with the challenges facing society today.

From St. Peter Chanel in Cleveland to some of the nation's most respected universities, Kevin K. Gaines has built a remarkable career dedicated to education, scholarship, and a deeper understanding of American history.

St. Peter Chanel is proud to call Kevin K. Gaines ’78 a Firebird alumnus.

08/13/2026

Al Gerhardstein '69

Al Gerhardstein, a member of the St. Peter Chanel High School Class of 1969, is one of America's most respected civil rights attorneys. For nearly five decades, he has dedicated his legal career to protecting constitutional rights and advancing justice for individuals facing discrimination, inequality, and government misconduct.

While at St. Peter Chanel, Al distinguished himself both academically and as a student leader. He served as Business Manager of The Flame, Secretary of the National Honor Society, and Editor of The Invictus, the school's literary publication. His exceptional scholarship and leadership earned him two of the school's highest honors: the Phi Beta Kappa Award and the prestigious Chanel Award, recognizing his outstanding achievement and character.

After graduating from St. Peter Chanel, Gerhardstein earned his bachelor's degree from Beloit College before receiving his Juris Doctor from New York University School of Law as a prestigious Root-Tilden Scholar, a program dedicated to preparing lawyers for careers in public service. He began practicing law in 1976 and has since built a national reputation for litigating landmark civil rights cases.

Throughout his distinguished career, Gerhardstein has represented clients in cases involving police reform, employment discrimination, prisoners' rights, voting rights, disability rights, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ equality. He is perhaps best known as lead counsel for James Obergefell in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case, the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide and became one of the most significant civil rights rulings in modern American history.

In addition to his courtroom achievements, Gerhardstein founded the Ohio Justice & Policy Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to criminal justice reform and improving Ohio's justice system. His work has led to significant reforms in juvenile justice, prison conditions, and policing practices, earning him widespread recognition as a champion of equal justice under the law.

A proud St. Peter Chanel alumnus, Gerhardstein exemplifies the values of scholarship, leadership, service, and perseverance. From his days as an award-winning student leader at Chanel to his nationally recognized legal career, his lifelong commitment to defending the rights of others has left a lasting impact on both Ohio and the nation. He stands as one of St. Peter Chanel High School's most distinguished alumni.

08/11/2026

1999 State Basketball Semi-Final Game!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/06/2026

🔥 Firebird Spotlight: Gene Smith '73 🔥

From the halls of St. Peter Chanel High School to the pinnacle of collegiate athletics, Gene Smith '73 has built one of the most distinguished careers in sports administration.

A proud 1973 graduate of St. Peter Chanel, Gene discovered his passion for football during his time as a Firebird. That passion earned him a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he played defensive end and was a member of the Fighting Irish's 1973 National Championship team. After earning his degree in Business Administration in 1977, he remained at Notre Dame as an assistant football coach, helping the Irish capture another national championship in 1977 before beginning a remarkable career in athletic leadership.

Gene went on to serve as Athletic Director at Eastern Michigan University, Iowa State University, and Arizona State University before becoming the Senior Vice President and Athletic Director at The Ohio State University in 2005. Over the next 19 years, he transformed one of the nation's premier athletic departments, overseeing extraordinary success both on the field and in the classroom. During his tenure, Ohio State student-athletes won dozens of national championships, hundreds of conference titles, and achieved record-setting academic success. He also championed the creation of the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute, ensuring Buckeye student-athletes were prepared for success long after their playing days ended.

Respected across the country, Gene became one of the most influential voices in college athletics, serving on numerous NCAA and College Football Playoff committees while helping guide the future of collegiate sports. His commitment to integrity, leadership, and student-athlete development has earned him countless national honors and left an enduring legacy throughout higher education.

Gene Smith's journey is a testament to the values instilled at St. Peter Chanel—faith, leadership, perseverance, and service. The St. Peter Chanel Foundation is proud to recognize one of our most accomplished alumni whose leadership has impacted generations of student-athletes and inspired countless future leaders.

Forever a Firebird. 🔴⚫

08/05/2026

The 13th Annual Kaz Szczepanik Golf Outing is sold out, but we are still in need of HOLE SPONSORS!!!