2022 Homecoming Honoree is Bob Dunning

Our 2022 Homecoming Honoree is Bob Dunning. Coach Dunning was recognized at a school assembly this morning, introduced by Student Council President Pete Mangold and Vice President Annie Melaragno.

Pete Mangold, Student Council President: Coach Dunning has made great contributions to Bishop Watterson and has positively impacted every person he has interacted with here. He has led a life of service to both the Bishop Watterson and Columbus City communities. Outside of Bishop Watterson, Coach Dunning worked as a fireman for 37 years and retired as a lieutenant at the fire station just down the street. He has always loved working with and helping kids, which he says is what got him into coaching. He kicked off his coaching career at Immaculate Conception, but eventually was hired as a girls basketball coach here at Watterson, a role he served in for 25 years, at both the freshman and JV levels, and went 62-1 in his final three seasons.

Annie Melaragno, Student Council Vice President: When we asked Coach Dunning what his favorite thing about Bishop Watterson is, he said that he loves the community and the lasting relationships he built during his time coaching here. Coach Dunning continues to talk to and visit with many of his former athletes. Along with the community, he really values family. He was one of eight children growing up, has three children of his own that are all Bishop Watterson Alumni, and now has seven grandchildren. Coach Dunning took the things he learned from being a father and grandfather and applied them to his coaching, making everyone one of his players feel like they were part of a family. He is a perfect example of what it means to be in service to others, and we are honored to present him with this year’s Homecoming Honoree Award.