The Downtown Luncheon has been a Riordan tradition for many years, with this year marking the 20th anniversary following a three year hiatus. This year many notable guests were in attendance, including an NBA Hall of Famer, NBA coach and executive, and an Emmy award winning broadcaster.

Warriors great Chris Mullin was the featured speaker, along with former coach and general manager Garry St. Jean, and KTVU’s Sal Castaneda ’82. 

The event also featured four Chaminade Award winners, the most to ever gather together at once: Phil Cazahous ’70, Dan Donovan ’70, Jeff Holl ’72, and Tony Pantaleoni ’70.

The three special guests shared their most valuable experiences of their careers, along with their views on teamwork, and an overarching theme of connections and the people.

Castaneda said, “The access I had to different people, and the connections I made were probably the most valuable experiences of my career.”

He also commented on teamwork, saying “We couldn’t get anything done without a team. Similar to on a sports team, broadcasting takes a team to be successful.”

Garry St. Jean and Chris Mullin came to the event together, and both shared similar reasons for deciding to attend. 

St. Jean said, “Since I came before COVID, about five years ago, I’ve always wanted to return. I like to support this school because of the people here, the fact that it’s a Catholic school, and because I admire the things Riordan stands for.”

Mullin said, “What brought me here was the people. The people I have connections with and the people I’m friends with, along with the fact that Riordan is a Catholic school. I went to 16 years of Catholic school. Garry [St. Jean] asked me to come and help the Riordan community, and we both want to help out.”

St. Jean added, “The people and the journey were the most valuable experiences throughout my career and I cherished the experience while it happened.” 

Regarding his experience with teamwork he said, “Teamwork is very important for success. It’s not about “I” or “me,” it’s about the team. Teamwork brings people together, giving respect and earning it.”

Mullin, whose number 17 was retired for the Warriors, said regarding his most valuable experience, “The most valuable thing throughout my career would have to be the connections I made. The friendships, working with a team, and fighting through adversity. The people really have been the most valuable thing throughout my career.”

Regarding teamwork he said, “It’s all about teamwork. It’s important to include others, empower others, see the positive and overcome the negative.”

Overall, the Downtown Luncheon was an example of the Riordan community and the connections built through Riordan in action, with this sentiment being shared by the special guests.