Hall of Fame

Grant Steer ’65

Football • Basketball • Baseball

Grant Steer was a standout three-sport athlete at Palma, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. He entered Palma in 7th grade, skipped 8th grade (with ten classmates), and graduated as Salutatorian. On the field, Grant was known for his exceptional athleticism and leadership. As a senior, he helped lead the Chieftains baseball team to a league championship while batting over .350 as the team’s center fielder.

Grant continued his athletic career at the University of San Francisco, where he started in center field for three years and posted a career batting average above .340 for the Dons. In 1969, he was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 11th round of the MLB June Amateur Draft and went on to play in the minor leagues for the Salt Lake City Bees, Tri-City Padres, Lodi Padres, and Alexandria Aces from 1969 to 1972.

In 1969, Grant earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from USF, and in 1972, a Master’s in Mathematics from UCLA. He also served in the United States Army as a first lieutenant from 1972 to 1973. In recognition of his outstanding collegiate career, Grant was inducted into the University of San Francisco Hall of Fame in 1982.

Jimmy Rossi ‘77

Football • Basketball • Track & Field

At Palma:

Jimmy Rossi was a standout three-sport athlete who left an indelible mark on Palma’s athletic program. A fierce competitor with natural talent and relentless drive, Jimmy excelled in football, basketball, and track and field—earning numerous league, county, and regional honors. 

In football, Jimmy was a four-year player and three-year starter at defensive end and tight end. As a senior, he earned All League and All County honors at tight end, with the tight end/tackle-eligible “pop pass” becoming his trademark play.

On the basketball court, Jimmy’s dedication was just as evident. After six total years in the program (including junior high), he helped lead Palma’s JV team to a championship before becoming a starting forward his junior and senior years. His leadership and play earned him All-League and All-County honors as a senior.

In track and field, Jimmy’s accomplishments were extraordinary. A four-year varsity letter winner, he helped Palma capture MTAL League Championships in his sophomore, junior, and senior years. As a sophomore, he was named All League, All Region IV, and All CCS in the triple jump—setting a frosh-soph record that still stands more than 50 years later. That same year, he became a State Champion in the triple jump. Jimmy continued to earn regional honors through his junior and senior seasons. His senior year brought multiple accolades, including High School All-American, the Muller Award, and the Brother Crumlish Award.

After Palma:

Jimmy continued his athletic career at Hartnell College, where he was a two-year starting forward in basketball and a standout in track and field, competing in the triple jump, high jump, and long jump. His time at Hartnell included two conference championships, All-Conference honors, and qualification for the Northern California and State Championships in the triple jump.

Following Hartnell, Jimmy attended the University of San Diego, pursuing religious studies. Though USD didn’t field a track program, he stayed active athletically, excelling in intramural football and basketball, and continuing to compete in all-comers track meets during and after college.

Returning to Palma:

Jimmy later returned to Palma to give back to the program that shaped him, spending ten years coaching basketball and track and field. As an assistant basketball coach, he helped guide the Frosh and JV teams to league championships alongside Brother Greenan and Dave Sawyer. In track and field, he coached long jump, high jump, and triple jump—helping Palma athletes claim nine out of ten league championships during his tenure. His athletes included future Palma coaches Jason Smith and Greg Lane.

Jimmy Rossi’s legacy at Palma is one of excellence, mentorship, and pride. From record-breaking performances to coaching future champions, his influence continues to resonate through the Chieftain athletic tradition.

Dominic Fortino '85

Football • Track & Field

Orlando Johnson ’07

Basketball

After transferring to Palma following his sophomore year at North Salinas High School, Orlando Johnson quickly established himself as one of the most talented basketball players in school history. His exceptional all-around play earned him a scholarship to Loyola Marymount University, where as a freshman he led the team in scoring and rebounding while setting multiple school records.

Following a transfer to UC Santa Barbara, Orlando became the cornerstone of the Gauchos’ program. He led UCSB in scoring for three consecutive seasons, becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer. During his collegiate career, he was a two-time All-American, a two-time Big West Player of the Year, and a two-time Big West Tournament MVP, guiding UCSB to two NCAA Tournament appearances.

Selected 36th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings and traded to the Indiana Pacers, Orlando went on to play for the Pacers, Kings, Phoenix Suns, and New Orleans Pelicans. He also enjoyed a successful international career from 2014–2022, competing professionally in China, Lebanon, Taiwan, Uruguay, Australia, Russia, and the Philippines—where he averaged 33.7 points and 11 rebounds per game with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

After retiring from professional basketball in 2025, Orlando began the next chapter of his career as an assistant coach and general manager for the Washington State University men’s basketball program. A Seaside native and proud Palma alumnus, Orlando’s remarkable journey from the Chieftain court to the global stage continues to inspire future generations of athletes., 

Roberta ‘59 and Lou Huntington

Roberta Fanoe entered Palma in 1956 as a spirited and engaged student. She participated in mixed choral, drama, and cheerleading, helping to shape the vibrant sense of community that would come to define Palma School.

Roberta and her husband, Louis “Lou” Huntington, shared 61 years of marriage before Lou’s passing in 2025. Together, they embodied the spirit of generosity and service, dedicating their lives to giving back to their community. The Huntingtons were passionate supporters of numerous causes and organizations, including St. Joseph’s Church, Palma School, Notre Dame High School, Sacred Heart School, Dorothy’s Place, Legal Services for Seniors, Sun Street Centers (Huntington Recovery Center in Salinas and Huntington House in King City), and the Hartnell College Ag Center.

Their philanthropy also extended to the Arthritis Research Coalition Board and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health—causes that reflected their compassion for loved ones affected by arthritis and brain-related illnesses. In addition, they were longtime supporters of the Young America’s Foundation, reflecting their deep commitment to education and civic responsibility.

Lou and Roberta’s sons, Chris ’82 and Nick ’86, along with their sisters Bonnie and Michelle, carried forward their parents’ legacy through continued involvement and support of Palma. The Huntington family tradition lives on in the next generation, with grandsons Matthew ’08, Mitchell ’13, Luke ’14, Mark ’16, Kevin ’19, and Neil ’21—each exemplifying the enduring Chieftain spirit that Lou and Roberta helped nurture.

Louis and Roberta Huntington believed deeply in Palma’s mission and worked tirelessly to advance its vision through their generosity, faith, and leadership. Their legacy of service and philanthropy continues to inspire generations of Chieftains.

Calvin and Stella Short

Calvin and Stella Short’s legacy at Palma School is one of quiet generosity, steadfast service, and deep faith.

Calvin served Palma in many capacities over the years—as a member and president of the Board of Directors, a leader on the Palma Development Foundation (where he also served as president), and a member of the Athletic Council. He was instrumental in the creation and construction of the Blessed Edmund Rice Chapel and was the visionary behind the Family Wall located just behind it.

Though he preferred to stay behind the scenes, Calvin’s impact was felt throughout the Palma community. He was a trusted confidant of Br. Dunne played a pivotal role in many of the school’s most significant milestones, often quietly offering support without seeking recognition. At Br. Dunne’s farewell celebration, he publicly acknowledged Calvin’s immeasurable influence, sharing that neither he nor Palma would be where they were without Calvin’s guidance—a sentiment that spoke volumes about his character and contributions.

Calvin’s generosity extended beyond leadership. Through his business, he donated countless pounds of potatoes for school events—the famous “Short potatoes” became a cherished tradition at Palma football games. His kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication made him one of Palma’s greatest, if most unassuming, supporters.

Stella, while never the chair of any event, could always be found behind the scenes—apron on, ensuring everyone was cared for and fed. Calvin would be the first to say that behind every great man stands an even greater woman, and that is Stella. Along with Calvin’s potatoes, her homemade chili beans became a favorite at countless Palma gatherings, especially at the football games.

Calvin and Stella’s legacy continues through their children—daughter Roberta (Notre Dame), Roger ’81, Tim ’83, Eric ’87, and Josh ’93—and their grandchildren Quinn ’05, Seth ’07, Noah ’10, Travis ’10, Brian ’11, Liam ’18, Amelia ’28, and Bennett ’30. Amelia proudly represents the next generation as part of the first class of young women to attend Palma from freshman to senior year.

The Short family’s devotion, generosity, and quiet leadership are woven into the very fabric of Palma School.

2000 Varsity Football Team

CCS Division I Champions

The 2000 Palma Varsity Football Team marked a defining moment in Chieftain history. In Coach Jeff Carnazzo’s first year as head coach, the team entered the newly elevated CCS Division I and Open Divisions—facing some of the region’s premier programs for the first time.

Though not the most dominant Palma squad on paper, this team showcased heart, grit, and perseverance. They battled their way to the CCS Division I final, edging Bellarmine 7–6 and Valley Christian 14–10 to earn their spot in the championship game.

In a dramatic finish against Oak Grove, quarterback Luis Amaral scored on a five-yard run with under a minute remaining, bringing Palma within one point at 14–13. Coach Carnazzo made the bold decision to go for two, and Amaral connected with Justin Cambier for the conversion —securing a thrilling 15–14 victory and the CCS title.

The 2000 team’s resilience, teamwork, and fearless spirit set the tone for the next era of Palma football success.

Team - Lou Amaral, Nathan Barranco, Charles Bozzo, Andres Bavo, Shawn Brock, Nicholas Buich, Justin Cambier, Jerome Carlisle, Andrew Casacca, Aaron Cask, Charles Cochran, Garin Dill, Henry Dill, Kevin Donahue, Charles Fink, George Fontes, Alvaro Gonzalez, Matthew Guibert, Shane Haag, Jonathan Hayes, John Hazdovac, Stephen Hernandez, David Jones, Daniel Kershing, Ross Lee, William Lippincott, Patrick Martin, Anthony Martinez, John Mazzei, James Mendoza, Alfonso Mesa, Keith Michels, Nick Noroian, Erik Perez-Prader, Diego Placido, Ryan Pollacci, Joseph Quinlan, Jeffrey Ramirez, Daniel Reader, Ryan Reyes, Dustin Rubbo, Justin Rueles, Ross Saroyan, Adam Saucedo, John Scherpinski, Kristopher Shaw, Adam Soares, Christopher Stauffer, Dan Sterrett, Quientin Sutter, Kyle Tarp, Anthony Toste, Nick Trebino, and Elliot Vallejo. Coaching Staff - Jeff Carnazzo, Nick Borello, Phil Giammanco, John Amaral, Danny Romero, and Steve Zenk.