Issuu

D o n s

Edition I / Spring 2022

T r a d i t i o n

Cathedral Girls School · University of San Diego High School · Cathedral Catholic High School

& Red & Gold Magazine Editor Sophie Lillis, Director of Marketing Creative Director Sophie Lillis Graphic Designer Sophie Lillis Contributing Writers Kristen Balelo, J.D. '91 Sean Doyle '80, Director of Alumni Tierra Falo '15 Angelina Hicks '20 Sophie Lillis Alumni Stories Coordinator Sean Doyle '80 Editorial Advisors Kevin Calkins, Ph.D. Anne Majer '95, Advancement Associate James Myers Mark Van Brussel Distribution Coordinator Sean Doyle '80 Change of Address Please send address changes to alumni@cathedralcatholic.org Have Dons Notes or a Business to Share in the Next Issue? Please find the form to submit on the Alumni page on our website.

Welcome to the first edition of Red and Gold: A Dons Tradition. This magazine will focus on Dons alumni. We will spotlight a few Dons in each edition, share what your classmates are up to in the Dons Notes, highlight businesses of Dons alumni, and keep you updated on both alumni and school events. We are very excited to begin this new journey with the incredible alumni base of Cathedral Girls School, University of San Diego High School, and Cathedral Catholic High School. We hope you enjoy the magazine. Roll Dons!

Hello Dons Alumni! To say the least, the past 20+ months have been unlike any other. While we could not have imagined the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic would bring, we are prouder than ever to be a part of the Dons community. The way our community comes together and rallies in the face of adversity and hardship is unparalleled and truly special. As the world is slowly reopening and we transition into the new normal, we are feeling invigorated to propel the Dons Alumni Association to the next level. Throughout these unprecedented times, our commitment to the Dons Alumni Association has remained unchanged. It is our mission to foster pride in the history and legacy of our alma mater and to provide opportunities for our alumni to gather together and strengthen relationships with one another. We also hope to inspire the Dons Alumni Association to support the next generation of Dons. No one knows better than our own alumni the benefit of a Catholic education in a supportive environment and the value of the Dons alumni network. Gifts of any amount are more important than ever, and we encourage you to donate what you can. We are so excited to engage with our Dons community in person again and look forward to bringing our alumni events back better than ever! Stay tuned – you will not want to miss them! We continue to invite our fellow alumni to stay in touch and take advantage of the numerous ways to become involved in the Dons Alumni Association. Whether it be a monetary donation, attending or volunteering at an event, participating in our career day, or joining our board, there are so many opportunities to reconnect and contribute to our Dons alumni community. Please be sure to update your contact information under the Alumni section on the Cathedral Catholic website to stay informed about upcoming alumni events, including class reunions. Please also follow us on our social media platforms to keep in the loop for all alumni events, campus updates, and news about Dons alumni: Instagram @DonsAlumni Twitter @DonsAlumni Facebook @DonsAlumni As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support.

Once a Don, Always a Don! Brooke (Finley) Mullvain ‘08 and Marissa (Douglass) Sumler ‘06 Dons Alumni Co-Presidents

Dear Alumni, This year, my first as president of Cathedral Catholic High School, I'm looking forward to more interactions with our alumni community. During my past seven years living in San Diego and working at Cathedral Catholic, I have met countless Dons who share affectionately about their high school experience. A quote from a 2019 graduate says it best: “Some people say college is the best four years of your life. Those people didn’t go to Cathedral. Never again will you be surrounded by a community of people who so honestly care.” I didn’t graduate as a Don, but I love being a Don, and I wholeheartedly agree with this graduate’s quote. Dons truly care for one another. Working with our Director of Alumni, Sean Doyle ‘80, I look forward to welcoming you back to campus, whether for an alumni reunion, an athletic event, or some other Dons gathering. Whether you're a recent graduate or one of our long time ambassadors, don’t forget: Once a Don, Always a Don! Take good care, Kevin J. Calkins, Ph.D. President

Hello Alumni, Coming home to Cathedral Catholic High School has been the best blessing! When I said goodbye back in 2015, it was with the hope and desire to one day return. Since my return to Cathedral Catholic this past July, I have had the opportunity to hear from and meet with my former students. My most random meeting with a former student took place at the gas station, and it was great to connect and see where life had taken him. I am grateful to have so many memories of my very first students at Uni in the summer school English 1, 2, and 3 Review class to the last of the students I worked with when I was Dean of Students. I was fond of saying, "Once my students, always my students" before I heard the Dons motto, "Once a Don, Always a Don." Both mottos are true for our dedicated, ambitious, compassionate alumni. You have teachers here who will always care about you as their student, and you have a larger Dons community that will always welcome you with open arms. This is Cathedral Catholic's uniqueness. While you may be an alumni when the school was under a different name, this is still your home today. We look forward to welcoming you home! Many blessings, Marlena Conroy Principal

I N T HIS ISS U E S P R I N G 2022

14 DONS NOTES

ZAK Myers Memorial Park A place where Zak’s name will live on in a ZAK kind of way

ak Myers '11 knew what he wanted to be - a high school teacher at his alma mater helping students realize their potential in a faith-based environment. He found the love of his life in Megan - the woman he was meant to spend his life with. He was active in both his Church and the Cathedral Catholic community. He had realized his dreams. Then, at 28 years old, he 8

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

developed a rare cancer and tragically died this summer. Zak will live on at Cathedral Catholic, as construction of the ZAK Myers Memorial Park, formerly known as Alumni Park, has commenced. James and Josie Myers, who generously donated funding for the park, chose the name in honor of their son Zak, class of

2011 graduate and social science teacher. The social gathering space will serve as a place for all members of the community to stay connected with the school, even after graduation, as Zak did. During his time as a student, Zak fell in love with the Cathedral Catholic community and immersed himself in different aspects of

school life. Walking around campus, one might have found him helping Ms. Katie Wilson with the props for the drama production, leading a shadow student as an ambassador, or cheering loudly in the student section at the football game. In whatever he did, he made even dull situations entertaining for those around him with his sense of humor

and a smile that lit up the room.

parents. As a teacher, Zak was an active leader just as he had been as a After graduating from student. He could be Cathedral Catholic in found on campus 2011, Zak went to spotting for announcers Marquette University at football games or where he pursued his seated in the front row passion for education of every drama and economics. Even production with Katie 2,000 miles away in Wilson. Many of his Wisconsin, Zak kept in students vividly recall touch with the Cathedral classes Mr. Myers taught Catholic community that otherwise may not through Katie Wilson, have been very engaging. and he worked with her World War I, a conflict in theater company one a time very removed summer. After from high schoolers’ own graduating from experiences, came alive Marquette in 2016, he as Mr. Myers created worked at an “trenches” in his underprivileged school in classroom and students Manitowoc, Wisconsin reenacted trench warfare and then at All Hallows using paper balls. James Academy in La Jolla and Josie said that Zak’s before returning to his passion was “coming up alma mater. with ways to get the students to really pay Zak achieved his dream attention and learn and of teaching at Cathedral realize their inner Catholic in the fall of abilities.” Students came 2018. “Once Zak got to to love Mr. Myers and be a teacher there, he encouraged their friends was really realizing his to take his class. Joe dream, fulfilled with a Filippone, the Social sense he was making a Science Department difference in a place with Chair at the time, shared kids that cared about that Zak stood out for his their faith and cared love of teaching and for about learning,” said his the Dons community.

James, Megan, and Josie at the park unveiling

Filippone recalls, “Zak quickly became a favorite of students and teachers alike. You could tell that this was his house!”

school that meant so much to him. James and Josie wanted to “continue that legacy of bringing people together and helping them to Sadly, Zak was diagnosed have a good time as part with a rare and of the Cathedral Catholic aggressive form of community.” Alumni cancer in the fall of 2020. Park, just in sight of Yet Zak continued to where Zak liked to be in pour his heart into the press box watching teaching. “Even during football and helping his cancer treatment he announce the games, was writing new lesson was the perfect fit for plans and sharing goals the Myers’ vision. ZAK and dreams for the new Myers Memorial Park, to year,” remarked Katie be completed by the Wilson. During this 2022-2023 school year, difficult time, Zak stayed will include barbecues, positive and focused on TVs, comfortable lifting up those around seating, tables for him. “Despite the dining, restrooms, and hardships he went other amenities. Zak’s through, it never shook name will live on in the his faith," said his park in a ZAK kind of parents. "He was very way. committed to believing that God had a plan for “I think that somewhere him and that it was His up in heaven looking will be done, not ours.” down Zak is thinking, ‘I Zak realized one more am so pleased to see this dream, marrying Megan place come together in in July. the community. The people I loved will When Zak passed away continue to have the on July 20, 2021, his opportunity to get family was committed to together and have a finding a way to make good time,’” shared his his name live on at the parents.

Rendering of the park

Drawing of the park entrance by Tyler Price '25

Written by Sophie Lillis, Director of Marketing, with the help of James and Josie Myers Interested in donating to the Zak Myers Memorial Scholarship? Visit the Make a Gift page on our website. Edition I / Spring 2022

THE CAREYS

Father and daughters flourish as Dons

niversity of San Diego High School (USDHS) graduates Mike Carey ‘67 and his daughters Drisana ‘97 and Danica ’98 may look familiar to fellow alumni as each of them has achieved their own slice of celebrity since graduating. National Football League fans may recognize Mike as the confident and steady referee who called touchdowns and penalties every Sunday for 19 seasons. Drisana’s fame came as a certified yoga instructor and sports model for Athleta, an athleisure-wear clothing company for active women. During her seven years modeling for Athleta, she also led yoga classes 10

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

for 3,000 participants in the middle of Times Square. On the soccer field is where Danica made a name for herself, joining the SeaLions, San Diego’s semi-professional Women’s Football Club, in 1995 as a teen. She played for 20 seasons with the SeaLions, retiring in 2015 as captain and the player with the most longevity in the organization’s 33-year history. The SeaLions retired her jersey in 2015.

his mother as a founder of the San Diego chapter of the Jack and Jill Club, an organization of mothers nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through community service, legislative advocacy, and philanthropic giving. According to Danica, her grandfather took Mike along on house calls in their Sherman Heights neighborhood where he watched his father giving back and healing his community.

Giving back to the community is a tenet ingrained in the Carey family. Mike’s parents were very involved in their community, his father as a physician and

Mike’s mother passed away when he was in elementary school at Our Lady of Angels. Soon after, he and his siblings entered boarding school at

Nazareth House, a home for children run by the Sisters of Charity. During his two years there Mike became deeply involved in sports, partly because the nuns used sports as a means to tire out the highly energetic children. More importantly, he learned self-discipline through athletics. After his father remarried, Mike left Nazareth House and attended Holy Spirit Catholic School. When Mike was ready to enter high school, both Saint Augustine High School (Saints) and University of San Diego High School (Uni) recruited him. Saints was the dominant school when it came to

athletics, Mike’s older brother attended Saints, and Mike expected to follow suit. Dr. Carey, however, had a different idea. Wanting Mike to forge his own path in high school, he elected to send Mike to Uni. While this was not what Mike expected, the fates aligned as that same year, some of the most talented athletes in the county also opted for Uni over Saints. In 1966, Mike’s senior year, the Dons played Saints in football for the first time. The historical power house Saints was favored to win, but Mike proudly remembers beating Saints and even scoring the first touchdown of the game. In addition to football, Mike participated in track all four years and basketball for two. He gave up basketball in

order to run successfully for ASB vice president his junior year and president his senior year. He learned many life skills at Uni through participating in sports, especially football, and in the classroom. From his football coaches, most of whom were former Marines, he learned commitment, sacrifice and determination; he also learned that no matter how hard you work, there is always a little more to give. Three of his favorite coaches were JV football coach Chuck Williams and varsity coaches Robert “Bull” Trometter and Don Gibson. During his high school football career his team won all but three games. Uni's principal, Father Dickie, also made an

Mike in his senior year football photo for the yearbook

Mike’s senior portrait

impression on Mike. Father Dickie knew by name every single one of the 800 students on campus. He was responsible for Uni’s cultural foundation, which was a balance of compassion and rigor. He and the staff created a positive environment for socialization and self-direction. Mike's long list of Uni teachers and coaches who made a lasting impact on him includes Father Kulot who peaked his interest in science. This love for science led Mike to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology at Santa Clara University and post-graduate studies in microbiology at San Diego State University.

football games. Five years later he became a sideline judge for the NFL, and in 1995 he was promoted to NFL referee. In 2008, Mike was the first AfricanAmerican named head referee of the Super Bowl. That same year, he and colleague Ed Hochuli tied for the honor of “Best Referee” by a vote of the NFL head coaches. After 24 seasons, Mike retired from officiating and spent two years as a rules analyst for CBS Sports. Mike’s accolades and honors go well beyond football, however. He was a long-standing volunteer Board of Director for the Boys and Girls Club of San Diego and inducted into their National Hall of Fame. He earned an honorary Ph.D. from Santa Clara University where he also served on the Board of Regents, then on the Board of Trustees, and he is currently an Emeritus Trustee.

Mike played football all four years at Santa Clara. After suffering a career-ending injury in 1969, Mike began officiating pop warner football for young boys pursuing their love of the game. By 1985, he was officiating college Edition I / Spring 2022

Drisana and Danica’s path to Uni was different than their father’s, as Mike allowed them to choose which high school they would attend. An eighth grader at Blessed Sacrament, Drisana was attracted to Uni even though most of her classmates chose to attend other high schools. As with her father, academics and athletics played important roles in her high school experience. From the day she first stepped onto the Uni campus, Drisana felt at home, especially because she had met several teachers and coaches before starting her freshman year. She recalls her freshman year exposing her to a level of excellence and demanding an intensity

Drisana running a relay 12

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

of training that few athletes are afforded. She participated in volleyball, basketball, and track. Varsity volleyball coach Pat Powers’ guidance was particularly impactful, helping Drisana earn a volleyball scholarship to Syracuse University. She ran track at Syracuse her freshman year as well. Danica was drawn to Uni for the academic and athletic opportunities, as well as the community support afforded to alumni like her father. She joined the volleyball, soccer, and track teams. She played soccer for Coach Butch Lee, her senior year coinciding with his last year as varsity head coach in 1998. In addition to athletics, she excelled academically in advanced placement (AP) classes, earning her an academic and athletic scholarship to play soccer at the University of NebraskaLincoln, an NCAA Division I program that was ranked sixth in the nation at the time. Danica is close with

Danica running track

current head soccer coach Dawn Lee, Butch Lee’s daughter. Danica is frequently on the field at the annual student/ alumni soccer games. To say that Drisana and Danica excelled in sports is an understatement. Watching his daughters compete for Uni was incredibly fun and a great source of pride for Mike. He said that at one point the Carey family held six Uni/ Cathedral Catholic records, although he held none. Some of his daughters' records stood for nearly 20 years. Drisana was a phenomenal track star who was uncatchable in the 400 and 800 meter races. She has been inducted into the USDHS/CCHS Hall of Fame. Danica was part of Coach Lee’s soccer dynasty, winning two

CIF and two Western League Championships her junior and senior years playing varsity. Drisana says her sister Danica is the funniest person she knows, and she provided endless amounts of comedy during the track season. More importantly, though, she was a big source of energy, always keeping the team motivated. Both spoke fondly about Ron Hammamoto. Known more for football, he coached both women in track and field. Despite being less familiar with coaching track, he could see the team was obviously talented and encouraged them to keep doing what they were doing since what they were doing was winning. Track coaches Geiger, Yaley, Trotter, Derenthal, and Butcher were also huge influences in Drisana

and Danica’s lives, framing a foundation of athletic and academic excellence while also offering hefty doses of humor. Both Drisana and Danica participated in ASB, like their father, and both attribute many of their successes in life to Uni coaches and teachers as he does. Uni felt like family to Drisana. She felt inspired and connected to her fellow students, and both Uni staff and students encouraged her to take risks. She learned what it meant to be part of a team, feeling she and her teammates were stronger together. Danica is grateful for the Uni mentors who allowed her to test her independence and learn important lessons on her own while always being there when she needed support. Heart, dedication, humility, hard work, character and pushing oneself are

values both women learned in high school that they carry with them to this day. Today, Mike continues to work as co-owner and CEO of Seirus Innovation, a company he and his wife, Wendy,

graduating from college in 2005 and is the Director of Marketing Operations. Mike holds several patents on the ski apparel Seirus sells. True to form when it comes to the Carey family, Seirus donates a certain amount of the

Drisana and Danica at Danica’s graduation from Uni in 1998

started in the 1970s out of their garage. He sells innovative cold-weather sports accessories. The business has always been a family affair, with Drisana and Danica helping assemble goods when they were in grade school. Wendy is currently the CFO. Danica has worked there full-time since

business’ profits to organizations supporting youth and veterans in their pursuit of outdoor sports. Drisana has practiced acupuncture for the past ten years, teaches yoga, and is expanding into energetic body work. Many of her clients are USDHS/CCHS families.

The Careys stressed the importance of diversity in their experience as Uni students and its importance for future alumni. As an AfricanAmerican USDHS/CCHS family, the Careys bring a unique perspective on the role of diversity. Uni's diversity allowed Danica to be herself and gave her a safe space to experience high school. Her classmates of color were a great support system during her time at Uni and beyond. Mike regards all realms of diversity as important, including cultural and socioeconomic diversity. At Uni he and his daughters were able to engage with people from all walks of life, with whom they are still close today. Uni's diverse student body enhanced their high school experience and better prepared them for the world beyond high school.

A b ou t the Au thor Kristen Balelo, J.D., '91 earned a bachelor's degree in English and Spanish from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a law degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. For almost twenty years, Kristen has worked in nonprofit advocacy for underserved communities, primarily foster care youth. Currently, Kristen is writing a memoir and remotely pursuing a Master's in Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. She is happy to be back in San Diego close to family and friends. Edition I / Spring 2022

While the ongoing pandemic has been challenging for us, a sense of normalcy returned this past fall. The entire student population returned to campus. Students and employees were happy to be back together despite COVID-19 restrictions.

Taken by Devon Barrack

Taken by Heather Lyons ‘22

Taken by Matt Nguyen ‘16

The fall brought a return to in-person drama productions with All Together Now, the first show performed on the Cathedral Catholic High School stage after 611 days away. Our Christmas concert by our Visual and Performing Arts Department returned in December. A few weeks ago, our students presented an outstanding performance of Footloose. Drama's remaining performance this year, Anastasia, comes this spring on April 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2022. Visual and Performing Arts will also have a Spring Showcase Concert on May 19, 2022.

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

Taken by Ken Grosse

Taken by John Fraser

Taken by Steve Silva

This fall also brought notable athletic successes. The girls’ volleyball team won the Western League, the Open Division in San Diego, and competed in the Southern California Regional Semifinals. Boys’ water polo won the Open Division in San Diego and went on to the State Quarterfinals. Girls’ tennis went to the Division 1 CIF Semifinals. Football won the Western League, the Open Division in San Diego, and the Division 1AA State Championship. Field hockey moved up to the Open Division Playoffs for the first time and went to the Quarterfinals. Boys’ beach volleyball won the Open Division Championship. Girls’ golf finished 2nd in the City Conference Tournament and competed in the Division 1 CIF Tournament. Two players finished in the top 8 of Division 1. Girls’ cross country won the Western League, were Division 3 CIF Champions, and finished 3rd in the State Championship. Boys’ cross country won the Western League, were 2nd in CIF Division 3, and competed in the State Championship meet. Congratulations to all our athletes and coaches.

UPDATES The average GPA for all athletes in the fall season was 3.74. At the time of this publication, 30 athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play collegiate athletics. This number will grow before the end of the school year. The schools these student-athletes will attend include Black Hills State University, Brown University, California Polytechnic State University, California State University Maritime Academy, Clemson University, Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, Franklin and Marshall College, Loyola Marymount University, North Greenville University, Providence College, San Diego State University, San Francisco State University, Santa Clara University, Stanford University, United States Military Academy West Point, United States Naval Academy, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Irvine, University of California, San Diego, University of Connecticut, University of Houston, University of North Carolina, University of Portland, University of Washington, University of Wisconsin, Madison, and Villanova University. Congratulations to these young men and women.

Other upcoming events: Our Mock Trial team will compete February 26, March 1, March 3, and March 7 at the San Diego Downtown Courthouse. Our Academic League team is up and running. Their first match was postponed, but they fared well against Mira Mesa on February 3. The robotics team will compete in two matches this year, at Port Hueneme between March 3-6 and at the San Diego Regional, March 18-20.

Please follow us on social media to stay current with all events and activities.

Edition I / Spring 2022

Paul, Steve, Mrs. Balelo, Kristen, Andrew, and Rick

FOUR DECADES OF BALELO STUDENTS Smiles, tears and joyful memories from the well-known Dons family

he Balelo family grew up in Point Loma, surrounded by the large and vibrant Portuguese fishing community. Richard and Dalny Balelo believed in the importance of sending their five children, Rick ‘79, Paul ‘81, Kristen ‘91, Steven ‘92, and Andrew ‘99, to a Catholic school, and so the Balelo presence 16

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

at University of San Diego High School (Uni) began.

football, basketball, and baseball as a Don. One special moment he recalled was his senior When Rick, the oldest of basketball season and the five Balelo siblings, a buzzer-beater victory thinks about his years at over Saint Augustine the Uni, some memories High School at home. are clear as day, despite the passage of four “There was maybe decades. seven seconds left or five seconds left,” Rick's biggest memory? Rick said. “I had my His years playing very good friend on

the team. I ended up having to pass the ball to him. He was probably around 25 or 30 feet from the basket. I passed the ball to him, he turned around, shot it, it swished, buzzer beater, and ended up winning the game. I picked him up, held him up and we just hooted and hollered … It brings a

smile to my face. I can still picture it.” After graduating in 1979, Rick attended and played baseball for UC Berkeley. He then attended physical therapy school at Langston University in Oklahoma. For the past 30 years, Rick has been a physical therapist, a career choice that perfectly combines his passion for sports and medicine. Rick says his love for helping people through his job began with his Catholic education. Rick's attendance at Uni began his family's long-term relationship with the school. Uni would attract his four younger siblings, the youngest graduating 20 years after him. Rick’s connection to the school continued when his four children attended Cathedral

Catholic High School. For Rick, seeing his family members receive the Catholic education he knew and valued was incredibly special. “We were always involved over the years,” Rick said. “I brought my wife, who then was my girlfriend, to a football game. Although she went to a public school in San Diego, she commented on how there was a sense of family in the stands at the Uni game, and she subsequently has immersed herself in that environment as a mother of Cathedral Catholic football players. It’s a special thing to continue to be involved with Uni in our family.” Paul, the second Balelo, also played football four years at

Rick leads the Dons behind home plate

Paul stands out on the track team (back center)

Uni and ran track. He graduated in 1981 and attended UC Santa Barbara for a year before transferring to UC San Diego to study film. Paul then moved to Los Angeles and dove into the film business. He worked in production, building sets and working on movies, commercials and music videos for ten years. Paul next went to Loyola Marymount University Law School and spent fifteen years as a business and legal affairs lawyer for a production company. He now works for a media company that produces Hallmark movies. His work on movies with Prince, music videos with MC Hammer, and commercials with Arnold Schwarzenegger has

taken him all over the country. Paul credits his mother with piquing his interest in film. “My mom loved plays, she loved movies, and I did too. I would usually go with her to movies and plays because my older brother wasn’t really interested. I used to watch these behindthe-scenes things on TV years ago … I was always fascinated with the process and I always thought ‘I want to do that.’ I didn’t know what part of it, but I knew that I wanted to be one of the workers making a movie.” Kristen, the middle Balelo child, swam for three years at Uni and earned CIF honors two of those years. Kristen did not swim her senior year. Her Edition I / Spring 2022

Like her older brother, Kristen traces her passion for helping others to Uni. “Having a Catholic education really fostered a desire in me to help. I never really wanted to work for the money, I wanted to work to make a difference, and I think that had a lot to do with having a Catholic school education.”

Kristen’s freshman year swim photo

father died tragically right before the season started. The support she received after her father's death is one of her stronger memories from her Uni days. “My parents sacrificed a lot so they could make sure we got the best education possible to be successful in life,” Kristen said. “My dad died in a fishing boat accident my senior year. Although I didn’t attend school the day I learned of my father’s passing, I was told that the school held a Mass. That just meant a lot to me that they would stop classes and hold a Mass to pray for my dad and

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

the other men that were killed.” Upon graduating from Uni in 1991, Kristen went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for her undergraduate degree before attending Loyola Marymount University Law School. Kristen has devoted her legal practice to non-profits. Most notably, she worked as an attorney for the Children’s Law Center of California for five years and spent an additional nine years as the Director of Advocacy for Voices for Children, Inc., where she supervised and advocated for children in the foster care system.

Kristen recently switched career paths. Drawing inspiration from Mike Fares, an English teacher from Kristen’s Uni days, she is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing at Salve Regina University. “(Fares) just had this energy and made me excited about English and reading and writing,” Kristen said. “In high

school I wanted to go into writing, but I heard all the stories like, ‘You can’t make any money,’ so I got a little distracted. This is an exciting full-circle development.” The fourth Balelo sibling, Steven ‘92, became a Don football player like his brothers. He inherited his father’s sea legs and works as an engineer on ships, traveling to exotic places like Samoa, New Zealand, Colombia, and the Philippines. He spends most of his time on the water. “I didn’t have aspirations to be a fisherman or a boat guy but I just went out there and got used to it,” Steven said.

Steve dominates Mt. Carmel running back

Dei and serves as Director of Alumni Relations. Rick’s four children have continued the Dons tradition: Nicholas ‘11, Ryan ’12, Elise ‘14, and Grace ‘21.

Andrew (far right) wins CIF senior year

The youngest Balelo, Andrew ‘99, felt the pressure of living up to the Balelo family legacy at Uni. Like his older brothers, Andrew played football his four years at Uni. He went on to coach football at Cathedral Catholic High School and Mater Dei Catholic High School in Chula Vista. A few years ago, Andrew decided to start a scholarship

fund at Cathedral Catholic in his father’s name. The Richard G. Balelo Sr. Scholarship is awarded to one student-athlete each year. “It’s a really cool thing to see those kids get that opportunity,” Andrew says. “My father was a huge sports fan and a big football fan … I just thought it would be a great way to honor my father’s legacy.” Andrew currently teaches at Mater

With all his children out of Cathedral Catholic, Rick still remains actively involved with the community.

“I would probably be at every football game if we weren’t in this pandemic,” Rick says. “I like to stay in touch. I actually watch the football games after the fact, I still follow them. Two years ago was our 40th reunion, and I attended that. I like to stay connected. I go to the alumni events. The pandemic has kept me at bay for a little while here, but still, I try to stay engaged.”

Rick and his family

A b ou t t he Au thor Angelina Hicks '20 is a junior at Chapman University in Orange, California. Angelina loved writing for El Cid, Cathedral Catholic’s online student newspaper, during her time in high school. Now Angelina is Managing Editor for Chapman’s student newspaper and writes for Voice of OC, a nonprofit newspaper in Orange County. At Chapman, Angelina is studying journalism and communication. After graduation, Angelina wants to continue writing about issues that affect her community.

Edition I / Spring 2022

Tammy Niu

April 17, 1967 - January 25, 2021

Mario Fierro

January 23, 1984 - February 1, 2021

Remembering Those We Lost in the 2020-2021 School Year In the 2021-2022 school year the students, faculty, and staff endured much tragedy. Tammy Niu, the Administrative Assistant for our Facilities Department, passed away in January of 2021. Mario Fierro ‘02 died in February of 2021. Many Dons have great memories of him as a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. Connor White, who would have graduated this spring, passed away at the end of his junior year in May of 2021. Lastly, we lost our social science teacher, Zak Myers ‘11, in July of 2021. The absence of Tammy, Mario, Connor, and Zak is felt across our Dons community. Celebrating their lives is of the utmost importance to us. This edition of the magazine celebrates Zak’s and Tammy’s lives. Upcoming editions will celebrate Mario and Connor. Please keep the Dons community in your prayers as the anniversaries of these deaths come upon us this semester.

Connor White March 22, 2004 - May 5, 2021

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

On January 25, 2022, the one-year anniversary of Tammy’s passing, we dedicated the large tree between Assisi Hall and Cabrini Hall as the “Tree of Life.” This tree will serve as a remembrance of those we have loved and lost too soon.

Zak Myers

November 3, 1992 – July 20, 2021

Faufau Tammy Niu By Tierra Falo '15, Tammy's niece & Cathedral Catholic Admissions Associate

Faufau Tammy Niu was born in Pago Pago, American Samoa on April 17, 1967. As the eldest of two sisters and one brother, Tammy’s natural leadership and abundance of grace is what eventually became her claim to fame. A San Diego native, Tammy’s roots began very young as one of the original members of the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church of San Diego. From the age of 13, Tammy started off as the pianist for the church meditation songs, which led her to join the youth choir, and ultimately to serve as the primary pianist/conductor for the youth group and most of the church’s events. If Tammy was not on the piano, conducting a hymn, playing the tenor or alto saxophones, she would be singing along with the altos (although she surely preferred the piano as this gave her a better view of the occasional guest deacons). Former CCHS Assistant Director of Athletics, Margaret Mauro, recommended Tammy for a position in the Facilities Department at CCHS in 2015, which led to her seven years of service to the school. Through Tammy’s exceptional leadership, meticulous organization, and communication skills, her initial position evolved into a new role of Office Manager, in which she worked to keep the Facilities Department running smoothly. Tammy always went above and beyond and created a family atmosphere within facilities. The faith-based aspect of the CCHS community is one of the many blessings Tammy supported. Throughout her seven years working for the school, she left everlasting impacts on every person she came across. Some memorable moments include working with her brothers, Faa’suka Falo and Tuli Atanoa, decorating her office for Chargers vs. Raiders games and holidays. Tammy’s experience as the president of her son and nephews’ football programs throughout the decade made it easy for her to communicate and develop genuine relationships with various CCHS coaches, including Margaret Mauro, Joe Kilroy, Joe Hallare, Sean Doyle, Will Cunningham, and Glenn Irvine, to name a few. Tammy enjoyed the music that filled the Claver Center during all school liturgies. Services that featured solos by Patricia Niu ‘19, Tammy’s youngest daughter, were especially a blessing to her. Most importantly, Tammy’s heartfelt duty was to provide support and guidance to the Polynesian students. Samoa’s motto, “Fa’avae i le Atua Samoa “ ~ God be the Foundation of Samoa,” guided Tammy. She treated every child with love and kindness, making sure they were always clothed and fed. In return, they often referred to her as Aunty Fau. In August of 2020, Tammy was diagnosed with stage 3 gastric cancer. On January 25, 2021, Faufau Tammy Niu passed away. The impact Fau made on CCHS and on its Polynesian community will never be forgotten. In honor of her memory, a Tammy Niu Scholarship has been created. It will be awarded to one female and one male student of Polynesian descent. Each student will receive a full four-year scholarship to attend Cathedral Catholic High School. Tammy’s spirit lives through her loving husband, Sai Niu, and her four precious children, Niko Niu, Sarai Niu ‘15, Sampson Niu, and Patricia Niu ‘19, and her granddaughter, Faufau Masina Niu. She was an incredible part of our community, loved by all and much missed. Edition I / Spring 2022

DONS NOTES 1960s 1961 James Mavis writes, “I’m so old, I doubt anyone will remember me, but here goes. I’m Jim Mavis, and I lived in San Diego years ago. I’ve moved around, mainly on the West Coast, with a one-year excursion to Yuma, AZ (which is a great place to be from). Just want to say “Hi” to anyone who might remember me. You can write me at jdm3836@ hotmail.com. Warmest wishes to all, Jim.” 1964 Maureen (Dye) Cummings (Cathedral Girls School) shares that her son, Sean Cummings ‘88 (pictured below, left), gave his daughter’s hand in marriage on January 29, 2021. Lauren Cummings and Taylor Kemp (pictured below, right) were married in a beautiful outdoor wedding at Ashelynn Manor in Magnolia, TX.

Lauren is a nurse at Houston Methodist Hospital, and Taylor is with the Human Resource Department of Texas A&M in Galveston, TX. Dennin Sinclitico passed away on September 25, 2021 at his home in Carlsbad, CA with his devoted wife of 40 years, Doreen, and his loving family and dear friends by his side. As a student at UNI, he excelled in football, track, and as an actor in many productions.

1970s 1970 Roger Duke recently moved to Sonora, CA. This past fall of 2021, he attended the homecoming game and the reunion dinner for the classes of 1970 and 1971.

James Mehren died December 29, 2021 in Las Vegas, NV. James was brother to Bernie ‘67, John ‘68 and Leo ‘73. 22

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

1972 Alice (Rodriguez) Gonzalez writes, “I’ve lived in beautiful San Diego all my life. I just retired from being a Catholic school teacher. I totally enjoy rediscovering San Diego, traveling, and volunteering in my community. I look forward to the Uni reunion for my class of 1972!! 50 years!! Wow!”

1975 Anne-Marie (Finn) Jewel celebrated 28 years of marriage to Allan Jewel in July 2021. They have two sons, Thomas ‘14 and Jonathan. Anne-Marie and Suzanne Khambata ‘75 are best friends since 1973. 1976 Thomas K. Arnold was selected as an Innovation Judge in January 2021 for the annual Consumer Electronics Show, and he was charged with choosing the best new technology products of 2021.

1980s 1980 Billy Kemper moved to Texas after graduating from Uni, but he is now back in San Diego. He’s been working at Naval Base San Diego for the past 15 years. Billy got married January 2021 and has one daughter and two sons. 1982 Ronald L. “Ronnie” Bouterie II passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2019 in Texas, where he managed golf courses near Fort Worth. He is survived by his many Dons siblings - “The Seven:” David ‘73, Kenny ‘74, Rhonda ‘76, Brenda ‘77, Brian ‘80 & Mark ‘81. Ronnie is predeceased by his parents, Ronald L. Bouterie, M.D. F.A.C.S. and Mary Alice Bouterie, who sent Bouteries to UNI for 13 consecutive years. Ronnie stayed in touch with his many loving friends from St. Therese Academy days, through USDHS to the day he died. He will be missed abundantly, but he died a peaceful death as assured by St. Joseph.

1986 Virginia (Westerheide) Fallon writes, “There are a quite a few differences from my years at Uni, but so much is familiar. It is great to be back cheering on the Dons with my freshman daughter. The sense of pride and accomplishment has not diminished. Proud To Be a Don!” John Sperrazzo and Billy Fallon ‘84 reunited 25 years after graduating Uni. They have now been playing together for over 10 years in San Diego’s premier classic rock dance band, 3 Car Garage, with 50 performances in 2021. All 5 band members attended Catholic schools! Their performance schedule can be found at 3CarGarageBand.com.

futuristic concept vehicles, as well as hot rods and custom cars and trucks. I’m a widowed father of two adult kids. My personal portfolio website is Greazel.com. Feel free to send me an email; I’d love to hear from you.” 1989 Dawn Lee is in her 24th year as the Dons Varsity Girls Soccer coach. She has recorded 451 wins thus far. This season, her team has captured the Butch Lee Memorial Tournament (named after her dad) for the 4th time in its 14-year existence, they won the Excalibur tournament for the 2nd time (first time since 2005), and they won Western League (2022), which was Dawn’s 17th and the program’s 28th time winning.

1990s 1987 Chris Greazel writes, “I’m an industrial designer and professional artist living in Fullerton in Orange County. I design

1992 Amy Seidlinger writes, “I live in San Diego, where I’m raising my 6-year-old son and working in Finance at a medical

device manufacturer in Sorrento Valley. I still enjoy playing volleyball on the weekends, and I still hang out with many of my USDHS classmates whenever I can! Roll Dons!!” 1992 Carrie (Tragesser) Martin writes, “I earned my master’s in physical therapy in 2003 from the University of Louisville and have worked as a Physical Therapist in a variety of settings since then. Approximately 2 years ago, I transitioned into the leadership role of Assistant Manager in Home Health Rehab Therapy Services at Kaiser Permanente San Diego. On a personal level, I lived in Tucson, AZ and Lousville, KY and was away from San Diego for about 20 years until I returned about 8 years ago. I am married to Erik Martin ‘91 and have 2 daughters, Grace, a junior at the University of Arizona, and Claire, a freshman at the University of Utah, and a dog named Blue. I still run regularly and have fond memories of my time running (and assistant coaching) track/ cross country at Uni with Dan Geiger et al. I see some of my lifetime friends from Uni on a regular basis and will always be grateful for the experiences and education I received.”

Chris Rowe writes, “I won a 2020 Primetime Emmy Award for producing the finale of the television series Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. Also, after living in Los Angeles, CA for 25 years, my wife, Jenny, and our three kids (Ben, Sean and Georgia) recently moved to Austin, TX.”

1993 John Grindle was voted “Most Spirited” for the USDHS Class of ’93, and anyone that knew him likely remembers that he was always creating fun. John spent decades working many different jobs with his computer science degree from UCLA, but he missed connecting people, so in 2014 he launched international events company, Grin Events. Yearly he hosts 100+ virtual and inperson team connecting events for groups of up to 500 people. Teams all over the world can get to know each other while having fun playing customized, interactive, professionally hosted, virtual or in-person games. Some of their top events include Field Edition I / Spring 2022

DONS ALUMNI REUNIONS

Day for adults, sandcastle building competitions, and a personalized Game Show hosted by John! John’s happy clients include: Amazon, American Red Cross, HBO Max, Intuit, Netflix, Qualcomm, San Francisco 49ers, United Health, and UCSD.Learn more at www.grin.events.

Cathedral Catholic High School has been hosting Dons Alumni Reunions for the past 8 years. Reunions are a great way to bring everyone together to catch up on where we are now, to tell old stories, many that are more embellished each time they are retold, and to enjoy everyone’s company. Reunions have been a great success. One of the most difficult things in the process has been to pick a suitable date for everyone. We have decided to schedule reunions on specific weekends throughout the year so you can plan in advance and be able to attend. The second most difficult thing in the process is communicating with everyone. Please pass on to all classmates to register as alumni on the Cathedral Catholic webpage at //www.cathedralcatholic.org/alumni/registration so we can be sure we have invited everyone. Our campus has beautiful places to host these events, and when ZAK Myers Memorial Park is completed, it will be a perfect place to reunite. If you are interested in helping plan the reunion evening or weekend for your class, please contact alumni@cchsdons.com. We are looking for a minimum of 8 representatives for each class. Thankfully, this is not a big time commitment, but it is nice to have help finding everyone and having your input on the events. Reunions of 5, 15, 25 etc will be cocktail party events. Reunions of 10, 20, 30 etc will be dinner party events. The reunions will be as follows: 5 year reunion = 4th weekend in June (class of 2017 - June 25,2022) 10 year reunion = 4th weekend in June (class of 2012 - June 25,2022) 15 year reunion = 1st weekend in June (class of 2007 - June 4, 2022) 20 year reunion = 1st weekend in June (class of 2002 - June 4, 2022) 25 year reunion = 2nd weekend in July (class of 1997 - July 9, 2022) 30 year reunion = 3rd weekend in July (class of 1992 - July 16, 2022) 35 year reunion = 2nd weekend in August (class of 1987 - August 13, 2022) 40 year reunion = last weekend in July (class of 1982 - July 30, 2022) 45 year reunion = 1st weekend in September (class of 1977 - September 3, 2022) 50 year reunion = Homecoming weekend in early October (class of 1972) 55 year reunion = 2nd weekend in September (class of 1967 - September 10, 2022) 60 year reunion = Homecoming weekend in early October (class of 1962) 24

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

Katie Curran Kelley resides in Lake Oswego, OR with her husband, Tom Kelley, and their daughters, Ashlyn (12) and Abbey (10), and their beloved English Cream Retriever, Luna Waffles. As a Senior Vice President at LHH, Katie runs the executive coaching practice for the global talent management firm’s West Coast region. In an effort to advocate for underrepresented leadership on boards, Katie has chaired the 5050 Women on Boards Campaign for the state of Oregon since 2019.

1995 Anne Pickard Majer shares that her daughter, Mabel, was born to her and her husband, Chad, on July 28, 2021 at 7 pounds and 20 inches long.

Jamie (Webster) Tilley writes, “We are excited to announce the birth of our first grandchild! Jamison Edward was born September 17, 2021, weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces, and we couldn’t be more in love with him.”

1998 Tiffany (Bixby) Yandell writes, “I am so proud to be an alumna and to see all the great things happening on campus! My three kids are currently at St. Michael’s and cannot wait to join the Dons family - Once a Don, always a Don!”

2000s 2002 Michael Carini has a few upcoming art exhibitions at Adelman Fine Art (Little Italy), Sparks Gallery (Gaslamp), and La Playa Gallery (La Jolla). Join Carini Arts on social media for up-to-date show information and live painting performances. You can also visit CariniArts. com or email Info@ CariniArts.com for more information.

2004 Elisabeth (Hoelck) Pugliese, or Billy, as many call her, earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration, PK12 from Texas A&M University in August 2021. She received the College of Education and Human Development’s most prestigious award of Distinguished Honor Graduate for her academic achievements, leadership, promise of future impact, and passion for transforming lives. Her research is focused on

Culturally Responsive Leadership and Mentoring. She would love to come back and work at CCHS one day.

2005 Giovanna KajjyKellems writes, “I am married to my amazing husband. We have a beautiful little boy and a baby girl due February 2022. I have been a realtor broker and property manager for 14 years at SD Realty & Rental Advisors 619597-8033. My husband has a plumbing and contractor business Kellems Plumbing 619417-2275. Uni you know! Once a Don, Always a Don!”

Also pictured is their daughter, Annalisa (3). Coach Sumler and his San Diego family have also been celebrating a winning season for SDSU Aztec football!

2007 Alyssa Jo (Rosales) Gonzalez writes, “My life 14 years after CCHS is spent with my husband, Jesus, an active-duty combat airman in the USAF, our two daughters Sophia (9) and Briella (2), and one big cane corso pup named Phoenix. In addition to my busy home life, I have a fulltime professional career in dentistry.” Amanda (Balaoing) Metz and her husband, Jonathan, welcomed their daughter, Jordan Makena, on February 3, 2021.

2006 Demetrius and Marissa (Douglass) Sumler are now a family of four, as they welcomed their son, Demetrius Jr in November 2020. Edition I / Spring 2022

Amanda (D’Acquisto) Nelson and her husband, Eric, welcomed Adalynn Grace Nelson on October 15, 2021, making them a family of four! Amanda & Eric’s son, Ethan, is now 6 years old.

loves following Dons athletics from afar.

Alex and Brooke (Finley) Mullvain are happy to announce the birth of their son and future Don, Beau McCoy Mullvain, on January 26, 2021.

2008 Kevin Bobrow recently celebrated his 5th anniversary as Vice President, Portfolio Manager at Merrill Lynch in Del Mar.

Daniel Miernicki married his long-time girlfriend, Madeline, in Sun Valley, ID. Daniel has been playing professional golf since 2013 after graduating from the University of Oregon. He has played in a US Open and competes on the Korn Ferry Tour. Daniel now lives in Portland, OR and 26

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

Christine Poletto took advantage of the event industry’s pandemic-related pause to launch a planning business of her very own in February 2021. Her company, Threshold Event Co., has since thrived and specializes in producing events with seamless ease and with smooth transitions / overall experience for guests. She manages a staff of contracted assistants which includes another CCHS alumni Anneke Roy ‘15 who assists with events at various venues throughout San Diego and beyond. Threshold’s

clientele varies from corporate to weddings to non-profit galas.

Jared Puente married Paige (now Puente nee Cardenas) of Portland, OR. Chase and Kayla (Balke) ‘10 Tucker got married in 2017 and are currently living in Poway with their two children, Kennedy Ann (3), and Bennett Kerry, born in August 2021. Kayla is currently working as Naviance Application Specialist at PowerSchool, and Chase is currently working as a product specialist for Cartessa Aesthetics. Chase is also coaching baseball for Gwynn Baseball after retiring from a playing career himself.

2009 Elena (Hower) Nease earned a Doctorate of Nursing

Practice in December 2020 from the University of South Alabama. She works in the Neonatal ICU at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, FL. Elena lives there with her husband, Lt. Jake Nease (Navy helicopter pilot) and their children, Abel (3) and Melody (1). Brendan Van Deventer writes, “I am married to a beautiful woman named Caitlin, and we had a baby boy on October 31, 2021! I am living in Hoboken, NJ and still work in real estate private equity.”

2010s 2010 Nickolas Chramosta married Maria on July 17, 2021.

Spencer and Alison Hom ‘09 Engleson were married on October 9, 2021 at St.

Ann’s Catholic Church in Lenox, MA. Their bridal party included John Morgan ‘10 as best man, John McKinney ‘09, Jake Whisler ‘09, Connor Hysham ‘10, and Spencer Schrad ‘10 as groomsmen, and Morgan Conger ‘09 and Eileen (Purner) Chism ‘09 as bridesmaids. The flower girls were Eileen (Purner) Chism’s daughters, Julianna (5) and Emma (3), future DONS Class of 2034 and 2036. Spencer and Alison did not know each other in high school. They also both attended St. Patrick School in Carlsbad one year apart and both attended USC following their CCHS graduations one year apart. They met while both were working in Boston! They currently reside in San Diego.

2012 Mitch Boylan and Alexis Hahn were married on September 18, 2021.

Jacob Terzoli writes, “I am getting married in the fall of 2022 to my college sweetheart, Taylor Hinds!”

Sarah McDonald writes, “I am currently working as the Director of Construction and Repair for Hornblower Cruises and Events. I have spent the past several years living in the South managing construction of the new fleet of ferries for New York City in Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida. I recently completed my MBA at LSU (geaux tigers) and moved to Connecticut to assist in the start-up of a shipyard in the TriState Area.”

2013 Anthony Ajlouny got married on July 10, 2021 to Tara Ortner! Their wedding was in Venice, FL, and the reception was in Sarasota, FL. Anthony and Tara live in Milwaukee, WI. Anthony is working as an electrical engineer, and Tara is in law school at Marquette and will be a patent attorney when finished.

Lauren Miller married San Diego local, Kyle Wilson, on October 16, 2021 in La Jolla. The two are enjoying married life in Encinitas!

2014 Kyle Davis writes, “Upon graduating from the University of Montana in 2018, where I was a student-athlete, I moved to the Bay Area to pursue pre-medical experiences and a work career. I am now residing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines attending Trinity School of Medicine as a first-year medical student.”

A n n u a l A l u m n i A s s o c i at i o n G a m e s The Dons Alumni Association will begin hosting annual alumni games for many sports at Cathedral Catholic High School. A few teams have already begun this tradition and more will be joining in. The games will be alumni vs. alumni with BBQs to follow. This year, we will begin with alumni softball and baseball games on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11am. We will play a timed game for two hours followed by a combined BBQ. If you are interested in playing, please RSVP on the alumni page on our website. It will be a great day of fun and reconnecting! Edition I / Spring 2022

Ayla Grazier is a youth minister at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, where she recently spearheaded a campaign to build a 2,500-square-foot youth center on the parish grounds in honor of Saint Carlo Acutis. The project broke ground fall of 2021. Ayla is pictured here with Father Andre Ramos and Bishop McElroy.

2015 Liam Ballantyne and Claire Chandler remain close friends and are both currently serving in the U.S. military. Prior to attending CCHS, they both attended School of the Madeleine, where Claire was the Salutatorian. During high school, they carpooled together to get to CCHS. Claire was a pole vaulter while at CCHS, and Liam was the sailing team captain. Upon graduating from CCHS, Claire attended the US Naval Academy, where she continued her sport of pole vaulting, and Liam attended the US Coast Guard Academy, where 28

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

he was the captain of the nationally ranked USCGA dinghy sailing team. After graduating from college in 2019, they were both given a flight school billet to train in Pensacola, FL in Training Squadron VT-2. Liam is now going through Advanced Flight Training in helicopters at Navy Base Pensacola, and he has been promoted to LTJG. Claire is stationed in San Diego at North Island NAS as an LTJG, piloting the SH60 helicopters, known as Seahawks.

2017 Austin Guenthner graduated from USC in May 2021 with a major in economics and a minor in business finance. He is now working for WestPac Wealth Partners as a Financial Representative.

2019 Antoinette Stanley is currently working as a daycare teacher while also getting her associate’s, soon to be bachelor’s, degree in Child Development. Emily seidlinger married her husband, Matthew Charfauros, on October 16, 2021. In attendance were teacher and family friend, John Montali, and Kathy Garcia, who was actually Emily’s ASL teacher at Cathedral. Emily began teaching ASL at Cathedral in the spring of 2021.

2020s 2020 Scotty Prunty and Dominic Muncey ‘21 won both the 2019 CIF Division I and 2020 CIF Open Division championships together at Cathedral, and they are now reunited as teammates on the University of San Diego

Toreros basketball team. Scotty and his father, John Prunty (the Head JV Basketball Coach at Cathedral), are the first and only fatherson duo in the history of USD basketball. Dominic is the 17th member of his family to attend USD. Scotty and Dominic are pictured here after a Torero win in the Jenny Craig Pavilion.

Past Employees 2000 - 2018 Joe Kilroy, a retired CCHS teacher/coach, is currently serving in the Sheriff’s Patrol, Rotary Volunteer helping to build houses in Mexico, picking up highway trash, etc. He has 12 grandchildren. His 3 daughters are teachers, one son is an Under Armour manager, and another son is a Merchant Marine.

Class Challenge As I learn more and more about philanthropy, I hear that you just have to ask. As Director of Alumni, I have several roles. One is alumni engagement. Though Covid has set us back a bit, I hope you find some way to stay connected with the school. Whether you attend a class reunion, the homecoming football game or the Saints football game, or if you just meet up with some classmates, please let me know how you are doing. You can also stay connected with us via social media. My other key role as Director of Alumni is philanthropy. The success of Cathedral Catholic High School and the Dons community relies on the generosity of our alumni. Alumni giving has increased over the years in both the number of gifts and the dollar amount of gifts. Thank you. Phil Lebherz ‘71 has generously pledged a $1,000,000 gift to support student scholarships. Phil will gift four installments of $250,000 a year over four years as long as Cathedral Catholic matches the gift. Yes, the potential gift is $2,000,000 to help students attend Cathedral Catholic. We need your help to match the first $250,000. Carlos Quentin ‘00 has provided the first gift of $50,000. Thank you, Carlos. We have over 18,000 Dons alumni. I am asking all alumni to participate at whatever level your budget allows. Here’s a fun challenge. You all know that I’m also the head football coach, so I have to make this a competition, too. We are asking that every graduate pledge a monthly or yearly gift that reflects your year of graduation. For example, I graduated from Uni in 1980, so I would give $19.80 per month or per year, whichever my budget allows. You can set up a recurring gift on our website. We host reunions every five years. The class that has the highest percentage of givers for each school year (June 1 - May 31) will have their next reunion expenses covered by the Alumni Association. This first contest will last until the end of this school year, and we will announce the winning class during the Alumni Golf Tournament and via the next alumni magazine publication. Please visit our website to learn more about giving opportunities. If you would like to be part of the Lebherz Family Scholarship match, please choose the Lebherz Family Scholarship. There are many other scholarships to give to. I am sure one of them will have a special place for you. If you would like to help us at a higher level, that would also be great. If you are interested in coming to campus and talking about a gift, please email me directly at sdoyle@cathedralcatholic.org. Thank you for your generosity and for your future giving. Best, Sean Doyle Director of Alumni

Edition I / Spring 2022

Dustin Cano ‘04

Finding the right wine can be confusing or even intimidating, especially with so many choices available. After many years as enthusiasts, we saw a real need in the market for more than just another wine retailer. In 2002, Meritage Wine Market opened its doors in Encinitas and has since created a place where we could

Nick and Kyle

Nick and Kyle became friends causing mostly harmless disruption in Mr. Colden’s freshman Spanish class. Nick was heavily involved in sports, playing varsity football, basketball, and volleyball all four years. He went on to become captain of the men’s volleyball team at Harvard University and earned an economics degree there in 2014. Kyle played four years of varsity tennis and participated in theater (and very much appreciated 30

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

share our love and knowledge of wine, while turning people onto the right bottle for their taste, budget or occasion. At Meritage Wine Market, we offer the best personal wine experience with the core belief that making great wine is a complex process but choosing one shouldn’t be. We manage our customer’s needs with wine selections specifically chosen for their individual purpose and fulfilling the highest quality wine within budget. Our intimacy in customer service ensures the right wine every time. We recently opened two new locations, and we have

10 full-time employees and 5 additional part-time employees. Come visit us in Encinitas, Santa Barbara, and Wine Bar at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres.

Coach Ron and Ms. Wilson letting him juggle both each spring). He then attended Wake Forest University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business and Spanish in 2014.

before the pandemic, when they found a perfect space at Fashion Valley Mall to open the 10th Red Door Escape Room. They now have about 20 employees. The store, which is the largest escape room facility in San Diego, offers six episodes, an event suite for birthdays and team building events, as well as a themed elevator.

Red Door is a top-tier escape room company whose mission is to bring people together through creative entertainment. In a world driven by screens, social media, and “remote” everything, we strive to bring real, human connection back to groups of friends, family, and colleagues. Each escape room episode is designed, built and installed by the Red Door team, so you won’t see them anywhere else. Nick and Kyle, as San Diego natives and residents, had been dreaming of bringing the Texasbased business to San Diego since 2016. They struggled to find the right location until just

Dustin and co-owner David Wiegel

Use CCHS insider community code “ROLLDONS” at checkout for $30 off any booking of 4+ people.

Nick Madden ‘10 and Kyle Maloy ‘10

Marty Mendiola ‘87

Second Chance Beer Company was started with a vision to brew the best beer, with real ingredients. We work at creating a comfortable and inclusive environment and being a positive and contributing member of our community. Our award-winning team is proud to offer a diverse menu of craft beers, seltzers and beer cocktails, democratizing taste buds for all. Our tasting rooms are spaces where everyone is welcome to form connections, share stories, and champion good deeds. A community where beer brings people together. More than just a brewery – we embrace diversity, value innovation, and give back without compromise.

Michael, Paul, and Matthew

Solin is a social wellness & commerce platform. Users build deeper relationships with wellness creators by purchasing exclusive content and engaging with the creators’ exclusive

Marty Mendiola ‘87 and his wife, Virginia Morrison, co-founded Second Chance Beer Company in 2015. Marty brings over two decades of brewing experience, and as of 2021, he has earned 18 Great American Beer Festival awards (including four out of the last five years’ Gold Medals for Tabula Rasa Porter) and six World Cup awards. He graduated from the University of California, Davis Master Brewers Program. Virginia Morrison is the CEO & Chief Legal Officer at Second Chance Beer Company. Previously a successful privatepracticing attorney and fertility supplements executive, Virginia brings extensive employment law and C-suite experience to the brewery. In her role, Virginia spearheads key company initiatives and business units, including sales, the “Giving Second Chances” philanthropic program, human resources, and community and political outreach. A firm believer in inclusivity, Virginia founded the San Diego Brewers Guild’s communities through integrated social tools. Creators use Solin to monetize everything wellness related (subscriptions, one-time programs/challenges/short content series, livestreams, PDF wellness/nutrition programs, merch, etc.). Within 5 minutes, a creator can create a beautiful landing page for any product, content package, livestream, or subscription and deliver the content on Solin with an integrated social community.

(SDBG) Inclusion Committee and is the 2021 SDBG President. Virginia also serves on the Board of Directors for the national Brewers Association, where she Co-Chairs its DEI Committee. Virginia graduated summa cum laude with a degree in business pre-law from Bowling Green State University and earned her JD with Honors from the University of Michigan Law School. Our brewery and tasting room is in Carmel Mountain Ranch with our second tasting room in the heart of North Park on 30th St.

Marty, Virginia, and their dog, Citra

mission is to make the world a healthier place by connecting people through wellness. We founded the business out of our Santa Monica apartment and recently re-headquartered in Venice, CA.

Paul Franke ‘11, Mathew Rosenburg ‘11, and Michael Rosenburg ‘13

We founded the business to empower creators to earn and build communities that help people live better lives. Our Edition I / Spring 2022

5555 Del Mar Heights Road San Diego, C A 92130 (858) 523 - 4 0 0 0

Non Profit Org US Postage PAID San Diego, CA Permit No. 1347

@cchsdons @cchsdons @cchsdons w w w.CathedralCatholic.org

Alumni Career Day

Baseball and

Softball

Alumni Games March 12, 2022

April 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2022 April 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2022

April 27, 2022

Alumni Golf Tournament CAT H

Spring VAPA Showcase Concert May 19, 2022

Red & Gold: A Dons Tradition

RAL CAT ED

IC OL H

June 6, 2022

October 17, 2022