Fordham Preparatory School - Ramview Ramview Fall 2018 | Page 12

Athletics
Locker Room Renovation Memorializes Christopher Duffy ’96
Before 2017, the Prep’s locker rooms
were, to be polite, vintage. They
retained their original 1972 look,
having received very few updates in
45 years. In 2016, David Randell P ’15,
’17, ’20 led a group of Prep families
that were committed to updating the
locker rooms in the gym and off the
Commons. Through the generosity of
the Fordham Prep community, the
group already renovated two of the
gym locker rooms in the summer of
2017. But two others, including the
first floor, varsity locker room, still
needed upgrades. Through a chance
conversation and a phone call, a
family came together to honor their
fallen son, brother and Prep alumnus.
John Duffy P ’95, ’96, ’99 was very
familiar with the Prep. He grew up a
mile south of the campus and
attended St. Simon Stock Grammar
School on 182nd Street.
The Prep was John’s first choice, but
when he was accepted, his sister sat
him down and laid out his family’s
financial situation. “Growing up in a
single-parent home, I knew we
couldn’t swing the $400 tuition for
Fordham Prep. So I went to Cardinal
Hayes.”
After graduating, Duffy had another
flirtation with Rose Hill. “I almost went
to Fordham University, but again
money was a factor, so I went to City
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College.” Despite traveling to
Manhattan, Rose Hill was always in his
heart and mind. between the ages of 12-18 and the
Jesuits have a reputation of reaching
them.”
Duffy graduated from CCNY and
eventually joined Keffe, Bruyette and
Woods (KBW) in 1978, where he rose
to become CEO and Chairman. He
married Kathy Langan and they raised
five children in Crestwood. When his
older son, Brian, was looking at high
schools, a familiar name went to the
top of both Duffy and Langan’s list.
“We grew up in the Bronx, so we were
well aware of Fordham Prep,” says
Langan. “He chose Fordham Prep with
no influence from us.” Langan agrees. “Their Jesuit education
was well-rounded. They formed moral
and religious values, and open their
minds intellectually with fairness and
understanding.”
“Once Brian got in and chose to go to
Fordham Prep,” says Duffy, “the other
two boys followed.” Fordham Prep
was more than just an education for
the Duffy boys - both Duffy and
Langan wanted their sons to
experience a much broader student
experience. “The excellent Jesuit
education was just a part of it,” states
Langan. “We wanted to open their eyes
to a more diverse world than what they
knew; that’s a part of growing.”
Both Duffy and Langan were
impressed with the education their
sons received. “I wasn't shocked at the
quality given the school's reputation,”
says Duffy. “The reputation of
teachers and the curriculum was
impressive. Boys are vulnerable
The three Duffy boys participated in
sports at Fordham Prep. Brian golfed,
Christopher played football, freshman
basketball and lacrosse, while Kevin
also chose lacrosse. But their parents
made connections through athletics
as well, “ We made wonderful
friendships throughout the years from
being a part of a team, and that
camaraderie followed them
throughout their lives,” Langan
asserts.
“Christopher was captain of the
lacrosse team and a four-year
member of the football team. He was
a leader with a strong personality. He
wasn’t the most gifted football player,
but he stuck with it, determined to
play,” says Duffy of his middle son.
“He became the starting fullback his
senior year. He carried the banner of
Fordham Prep very well. He picked
up lacrosse his sophomore year and
while he wasn’t the most ‘artistic’
lacrosse player, he liked to hit and
loved the competition. Academics
are primary, but it’s important to be