Brotherhood is a pillar of Servite High School that is part of what sets it apart from other private and college preparatory schools. It shows up in force at Servite athletic events in the deafening voice of ‘The Asylum’ (ranked #1 cheering section in Orange County). It becomes a formidable and lasting bond among students who attend Kairos Retreats. It is daily random acts of kindness on campus and expressions of helping each other when needed. It is alumni businessmen who provide job opportunities for college interns and graduates (‘Hire A Friar’). It is seen at reunions among alumni who have not seen each other for decades, picking up where they left off without missing a beat. It is hundreds of alumni giving generously each year so that those needing tuition assistance will be able to experience a Servite education. At Servite, Brotherhood is more than an ideal. It is an intentional part of the Servite Way.
Sometimes the light of Servite Brotherhood shines brightest in the face of tragedy. Here are just a few brotherhood stories that united our hearts and community through the years.
Todd Hart ’81 was a standout athlete at Servite in football and track. He went on to play college football at Long Beach State. On September 11, 1982, Todd, fellow safety Darrell Pattillo and UCLA receiver Jo Jo Townsell collided at the same moment attempting to catch a pass from UCLA QB Rick Neuheisel. Pattillo intercepted the pass, but Todd landed awkwardly on his head. Todd thought he had the wind knocked out of him, but he couldn’t move. Todd had fractured two vertebrae near the base of his head. Doctors told his family he wouldn’t survive, but if he did, he’d never breathe on his own. It took nearly a decade of tedious and painful stretching and exercise, but Todd, aided by his parents, six alumni and other friends proved the doctors wrong. Paul Kelly ’81, Brian Molloy ’81, Jeff Mook ’81, Gene Ramos ’81, Kurt Sardella ’79 and John Stoody ’81 became frequent hospital visitors who helped Todd regain movement. The injury left Todd paralyzed, but his life is an inspiration. “I want my success to help others with disabilities see how much can be done,” said Todd. For his courage and determination, Todd received the Distinguished Alumnus Award and the six alumni who aided his recovery the first Brotherhood Award at the 2015 Excellence in Leadership Formation Dinner.
In 1991, Frank Rivera ’79 was diagnosed with lupus. As the chronic autoimmune disorder progressed, he was forced into full-time disability in 2004. In 2012, his classmates set up the Frank Rivera Iron Man Trust to provide care and support for Frank and his family. They witnessed the unbelievable determination Frank demonstrated in facing challenges associated with lupus. Frank overcame many obstacles while tackling this disease and stands as a monument to one’s desire to live life to its fullest.
The bond of brotherhood created on the football field during high school years makes for life-lasting friendships. Jeffrey Sherer ’83 was the offensive line anchor of the 1982 CIF Championship football team. At 6’2” and 300 pounds, he was a force that was key to Servite’s offensive success. In 1997, Jeff was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Jeff’s teammates rallied on his behalf. Brian Salerno ’83 formed a group of 15 ex-teammates to raise funds for medical costs, meals, housework and the eventual remodeling of Jeff’s home to accommodate Jeff’s disability. Brian created a charity golf tournament in Steve Beuerlein’s ’83 name to raise money for the Sherer Courage Fund. In 2000, Beuerlein testified before a Senate subcommittee hearing on ALS to raise awareness and funding for ALS research. Although we lost Jeff to ALS in 2003, his spirit and remembrance of him as a ‘Gentle Giant’ will not be forgotten by his teammates and all familiar with his life and story.
On February 25, 2006 Alec “Bunk” Wurth ’88 sustained a spinal cord injury during a routine rugby match. After enduring marathon long surgeries, two different hospitals and loss of consciousness for a week, he awoke to discover that Brotherhood was a living community of support of which he was a part. The entire Servite community embraced him through his recovery and rehabilitation. Fellow alums did fundraisers for his ongoing care and medical costs and started the annual Bunk Wurth St. Patrick’s Day Golf Tourney, led by Kevin Traut ’88 that had over 250 participants. He inspired Servite brothers with his strength, courage, his talents as an artist, and his motto of “No bad days.” Bunk died unexpectedly on January 7, 2017, but his spirit continues to inspire the Servite community.
The Servite brotherhood provides support during times of struggle, but it is also present in smaller moments of daily life. Whether hiring a fellow Friar or helping a family recover from illness, the power of the Servite community extends far beyond the campus.
