Mystery Classmate 051

Congratulations to Ron Levick, who correctly identified Van Zanic ('88) as Mystery Classmate 051 and remembered Van for his wicked left foot on the soccer field.

In case you were wondering, Van is the head softball coach at Geneva College, and took the Golden Tornadoes to new heights in 2003 in his first year at the post. Geneva finished last season at 42-12, and Van received Coach of the Year honors for both the American Mideast Conference and NAIA Region 9.

Van previously served as an assistant softball coach at Woodland Hills High School for three years under his father, head coach George Zanic. Van holds a bachelor's degree in broadcast communications from Geneva and took over as the school's full-time sports information director in 1998. A four-year starter for the Golden Tornadoes baseball team, Van enjoyed four winning seasons during his playing career, which ended in 1992. Van and his wife, Rebecca, a 1993 Geneva graduate, reside in Beaver Falls with their three-year-old son Zachary.

Maribeth (Mahoney) Misitis guessed Brian "S.D." Stevenson and remembered the "huge smile" on S.D.'s face as he played tuba in the marching band.

Paul Rodgers guessed Alan Checca. Frank Battaglia guessed Chad Calabria. Jim Davliakos guessed Vincent Oddo, although Vince is not of Greek descent.