Chaminade News Winter 2023

Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81 President

Bro. Joseph Bellizzi, S.M. ’78 Principal

Chris Hanley ’80 Executive Director of Advancement

Deborah Kendric P ’22 Director of Alumni and Parent Relations

Guy LaCognata ’15 Director of Communications and Marketing

Bro. Richard Hartz, S.M. ’59 Director Emeritus of Development and Alumni Relations

Mary Naglia

Creative Lead

Jenna Bianco Graphic Design Assistant

Element Media

Photography

Michael Bruno ’90

Joseph Caso

Contributors

Office of Advancement

(516) 742-5555 ext. 444

Office of Communications and Marketing

(516) 742-5555 ext. 492

A new addition to Chaminade's renowned athletic program in over 25 years! Rugby is here for the spring 2023 season. Michael Merolla ’23 poses for his headshot during media day.

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

teams have won the sportsmanship award at the end of their season. That speaks volumes about the program and the dedication and commitment of our excellent, devoted coaching staff.

I must thank our coaches. I have known many of them for more than 40 years. To have men like Jack Moran, Bob Pomponio, and Mike Pienkos still coaching our kids is astounding. At the event were many former coaches: Jim Quinn, Jim Hock, and Bill Carriero. Our coaches, both present and past, don’t just teach the technique of the game, the strategy of play, or the technical aspects of the sport. I am more grateful that they have taught our young Flyers how to be men of respect with resiliency, determination, fortitude, and patience. They have taught our students how to be men of faith, how to be loving friends, and how to lose with grace and class.

When I speak to former and current athletes, many of their fondest experiences of Chaminade center around the teammates and their coaches. They speak with such respect and admiration of their coaches. I was at the lacrosse alumni association event in Manhattan recently…the bonds of friendship the 75 men in the room had for each other and for “Jackie Mo” and “Pomps,” who also attended, were palpable. That evening at Stout I mostly just listened to their stories and their laughter. Heartwarming. Flyers forever.

Dear Chaminade Family,

On Saturday, February 11, we hosted our first-ever Athletic Awards Reunion. Over 400 alumni and fans gathered not only to reminisce about the “glory days” but also to induct Coach Bill Basel ’58 into the Ring of Honor and recognize several teams:

The 1961 and 1978 Football Teams 1989 Basketball Team

1996-1998 Track and Field/Cross-Country Teams

The evening was wonderful. I loved hearing the stories many Flyers told of epic wins, tough losses, long bus trips, and endless practices! (Between us, I think the stories have grown in their “epic-ness” over the years!)

Many shared that their thanks and affection for the school have increased since graduating. More importantly, they shared how their friendship with their classmates has endured and grown since graduation. As any teacher will tell you, to hear former students speak of the fond memories they had of school and recount some of the things a coach or teacher said is wonderful and humbling. Chaminade’s athletic programs have always been competitive. Teams don’t always win their championship games, but they always give their best. More important to me is the number of times our

I am happy to tell you our athletic program continues to grow and expand. This current Senior Class already has more than 30 college athletic commitments and counting. The Class of 2022 had over 60 athletic commitments. And…we are adding a new sport to our list on campus: rugby! Chaminade rugby begins this spring. Just from the buzz on campus, this will undoubtedly prove to be another competitive team!

I admire our students and what they accomplish…whether it be in their athletics or activities. On top of an already demanding academic program, they amaze me every day with their commitment and dedication to their passions…on the field or in the classroom. On a post-it note on my desk is written: Champions do extra. Whether it is an extra rep in the gym, an extra mile on a run, an extra hour studying, or an extra effort editing a video for Element Media, excellence always involves doing something “extra.” I couldn’t be prouder of the men and women on the staff here who always give their “extra” to make Chaminade the special place it is!

Go Flyers!

Bro. Thomas J. Cleary, S.M. ’81 President

MAKE ROOM FOR A NEW TEAM: RUGBY

Chaminade adds to its athletic program for the first time in over 25 years

Spring of 2023 marks the inaugural season of the Chaminade’s newly-formed Rugby Team. After much discussion, the decision was finally made to give this fast-growing sport a chance at the school. Moreover, the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) has also approved rugby as an official sport, providing even more legitimacy for a program that is gaining popularity in the United States. The Rugby World Cup is already the second largest global single-sport competition. This decision is also a key step toward wider support of the game within New York State. It serves as a culmination of a long period of work by Rugby New York and those involved in the high school game. Matt Persanis, Rugby NY president, commented, “The acceptance of rugby into the CHSAA is fantastic news. The CHSAA is a very competitive league with natural rivalries all over.”

The outpouring of support since the announcement from both students and alumni has been overwhelming. Over 100 students across four divisions have already shown interest, and countless alumni who play or played in college offered their services. Ed Panzella ’90 agreed to be the first head coach, and his longtime friend and Stony Brook University coach Jerry Mirro signed up to be the director of the program. Chaminade has joined a league with Xavier High School in Manhattan, Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, and St. Anthony’s High School in what will hopefully be the start of a growing trend.

Head Coach Ed Panzella first encountered the sport in college at Fairfield University. He immediately appreciated the culture of teamwork and camaraderie that rugby offers its players. He continued to play in men’s leagues for many years after college as well.

He hopes that Chaminade’s entry into the league will open the door for more schools throughout the region.

He made particular note of the international community that rugby has fostered. “I now have friends all over the world. I can call up a guy in Ireland, tell him I’m visiting the country, and immediately have a place to stay!”

Starting any sport at Chaminade is not without challenges. The school already sponsors seven other spring sports, so logistical issues, such as practice space, transportation, and personnel, had to be addressed by the athletic department. Even matches cannot be held on an American football field, as a rugby pitch is considerably larger. Some concern was also raised about perceived safety issues with the sport itself. The coaching staff’s first task, in fact, is to teach the students proper techniques to minimize the risk of injuries. One of the first fundamentals to be taught will be proper tackling. “Soccer actually has a higher concussion rate,” Athletic Director Mr. John Honerkamp ’93 said. “When played properly, rugby is no more dangerous than other sports.” The sport also provides an enormous amount of physical conditioning to its players.

Coach Panzella also noted the fact that almost no student at Chaminade has any significant experience with rugby, so teaching fundamentals will be an essential undertaking in the beginning. He hopes that the new program will allow more students to earn more playing time in live competition, which might not have been possible with other sports. He also notes that, unlike other sports, a player’s size does not significantly impact his ability to excel in rugby. “Some of the best players in the world are under five foot eleven,” he says. Jerry Mirro sees nothing but positive outcomes from the school’s newest sport. “In my experience, football players and wrestlers will be naturally drawn to the game, but I hope everyone who is even slightly interested gives it a shot. Down the road, we may even see the school’s rugby players in major collegiate programs.” He truly believes that the discipline and athleticism fostered by the sport will enhance the entire athletic program at Chaminade. Be sure to follow Chaminade on social media for the most-up-to-date news on everything rugby!

VENMO

PLANNED GIVING AT WORK: REGINALD M. BALLANTYNE II ’61

Future Flyers exhibiting high academic excellence and demonstrating financial need will benefit from a newly endowed scholarship, the largest planned gift of its kind in Chaminade history.

The estate gift commitment comes from Reginald (Reg) M. Ballantyne III ’61 and is an expression of the gratitude Reg feels for an institution that provided both an amazing academic and a deep spiritual experience during his formative high school years. In a recent conversation with Executive Director of Advancement Mr. Chris Hanley ’80, Reg stated, “In retrospect, I cannot imagine what my life path would have been had it not been for Chaminade and the Marianist order.”

Reg has always considered it profoundly important to open the doors to exceptional education for families and communities that seek to provide both spiritual and academic growth for their children. Reflecting on Chaminade’s importance to the tri-state community for many decades, Reg stated, “It’s my vision that my commitment to Chaminade will not only help students reach their full academic potential but also shine a light on the importance of making sure that Chaminade flourishes for another 100 years!”

“Chaminade is grateful and humbled by Reg’s commitment to our school,” said President Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81. “The significance

of this gift cannot be understated as it will allow our students to take advantage of our transformational learning opportunities and will continue providing an important path for Chaminade men to bring about positive change in our world.”

In the 1961 edition of the Crimson and Gold, Reg is described as “dependable, diligent, and a hard-working member of many activities. Reg earned many friends at Chaminade.” This estate gift will ultimately support numerous scholarships for deserving students, and Reg’s reputation for dependability and making numerous friends will most assuredly only grow over time.

Reg has one final message for supporters of Chaminade. “I sincerely encourage alumni, friends, and family to reflect on what your Chaminade experience meant to you and how it may have positively impacted your life. If you, like me, received those tangible benefits, know that we need to continue to keep the torch burning for future generations of Flyers. We need more Chaminade men and families in this world.”

For more information about planned giving and the 1930 Legacy Society, please contact Chris Hanley ’80 at (516) 742-5555 ext. 509 or email chanley@chaminade-hs.org.

Mr. Reginald Ballantyne ’61

Dallas, acquired Vanguard Health Systems for which Mr. Ballantyne had served as senior corporate officer for 12 years. Prior to joining Vanguard, Mr. Ballantyne held the position of president and CEO of PMH Health Resources, Inc., a multi-unit healthcare system based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mr. Reginald Ballantyne graduated from Chaminade in 1961. He then went on to the College of the Holy Cross, and subsequently Cornell University, where he earned an MBA.

Mr. Ballantyne served as senior strategic advisor for Tenet Healthcare Corporation from October 2013 to June 2016. Tenet, a national hospital and healthcare services company based in

Mr. Ballantyne’s background includes service as 1997 chairman of the American Hospital Association (AHA) and 1998 speaker of the AHA House of Delegates. A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Mr. Ballantyne is a recipient of the ACHE Gold Medal Award for management excellence. In addition, he has also been recognized with the Institute for Human Relations Award from the American Jewish Committee and the Hope Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Mr. Ballantyne currently serves as strategic advisor to VisionGate, Inc.

Reg was appointed by the governor and confirmed unanimously by the Senate to serve as a member of the Arizona State Board of Education of which he was elected president. He now lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

The Inaugural

ATHLETIC AWARDS REUNION

Chaminade looks to honor its athletic programs and contributors from its storied 93-year history

The ties between the alumni of Chaminade and its esteemed athletics program are well-known. Chaminade hosts numerous events and gatherings to bring together alumni from across the generations and around the country, all in the effort to maintain that connection established during their time spent at 340 Jackson Avenue. The bonds formed in high school are ones that are lifelong, and the Office of Alumni Relations helps Flyers continue to feel like members of the Chaminade Family. The newest alumni event is the Athletic Awards Reunion, which brings together alumni to share their memories and recollections of their time spent on the field, court, mat, ice, or pool, as well as to honor those who have helped make Chaminade athletics what they are today. The first such event was held on February 11, honoring the following athletes, coaches, and programs.

The Honorees

Before becoming Chaminade’s newest athletic director, Mr. John Honerkamp '93 served as the track and cross-country representative on the Alumni Board. It was there that he and other sports chairmen saw the potential for an opportunity to bring together alumni while also honoring some of Chaminade’s most revered coaches and teams. “My experiences at cross-country and track reunions were basically a timed mile followed by hot dogs and soda in the courtyard. The most successful reunion we had was when Bill Carriero retired, and we all had an extra special reason to get together. So, the Alumni Board created the Athletic Awards Reunion to help get more alumni back on campus,” Honerkamp remarked.

From that initial thought, the idea of an Athletic Awards Reunion began to slowly take shape. The Alumni Board created a committee, led by Vice President Bob O’Brien ’79, to coordinate the event and make the honoree selections. The goal was to bring together alumni through the shared experience of being student athletes while at Chaminade. The school also wanted to acknowledge the contributions of coaches and teams that left an indelible mark on Chaminade. Mike Martin ’10, Alumni Board and reunion committee member, explained the committee’s objectives, “Our rich tradition of athletic excellence always leads back to not just former teammates, but to the coaches who molded us into student-athletes that thrived on the field and in the classroom. This event is a great way to honor the teams and coaches who are immortalized in Chaminade athletics.”

In terms of honoring coaches, there was really no better place to start than Coach Bill Basel ’58, whose record of achievement and legacy of teaching and coaching has few peers. Surely Coach Basel

is just the first of many coaching icons to be honored. The honor and its significance have not been lost on him. “I was in the US Army stationed in Germany in 1961, so I have little remembrance of the 1961 Football Team. However, my first coaching experience at Chaminade [in 1967] was with Tom Kiley, who was a member of that team. Over the years, in addition to Tom, I have become close friends with Chuck Mansfield, Al Groh, and several other members of the 1961 team. I coached the 1978 team when they were sophomores, and we won the CHSFL JV Championship, going undefeated with a 9-0 record. Great group of athletes.”

The 1989 Basketball Team was led by Coach Jim Quinn, longtime physical education teacher and basketball coach at Chaminade. This was the first Varsity Basketball Team at Chaminade to secure the NSCHSAA Championship in addition to the 1988 Haggerty Tournament. For Phil DeLuca ’89, a member of that championship squad, his coach’s quiet leadership still sticks out. “I actually had the privilege of playing for Coach Quinn as both a JV player as well as during my senior year when he was bumped up to head coach the varsity team in 1988. Quinn was, and still is, a humble, gentle giant, but a fierce competitor. In the hallways, he was quiet, soft spoken, almost shy in a way, but once game time came around, he would put on his suit and tie, and his competitive juices would flow. He prided himself on preparation. His plan of attack included disciplined, structured offensive sets that our team would practice until perfection. On the defensive side, Coach Quinn incorporated various schemes of man coverage and zones, constantly mixing them during gameplay never to allow opponents to settle in. We were conditioned to run all day. During games, he was always respectful to the referees and was very animated, commonly running up and down the sidelines, occasionally razzing us, questioning how is it that he was able to be the first one back on 'D.' His experience and passion for the game were evident, and to lead us to victory in his first year at the varsity helm spoke volumes.”

For some alumni, the event was a chance to catch up with teammates that they haven’t seen in a while. That is true for Liam Morton ’98, member of the 1996-97 and 1997-98 championship cross-country and track teams. “I live in London these days, and there are not too many Chaminade folks here. I have remained friendly with lots of the guys on the team and have kept in touch with the other captains like Mike McKeever, Andy Rupert, and Adrian Mullins. Adrian and I were teammates at Princeton, too. I ran into some of the guys in the Patriot/Ivy League in college at meets and Penn Relays, but it's been a long time. One of the younger throwers, Alex Pessala, who broke my hammer/weight records, I saw a few times at Princeton, too,” remarked Morton. “It was great to get together with everyone.”

This year’s Athletic Awards Reunion also had a very special guest. Mike Vaccaro ’85 served as the master of ceremonies. Vaccaro, lead

sports writer for The New York Post, provided context to all of the players, coaches, and teams being honored.

The future of the Athletic Awards Reunion is bright and will no doubt bring together former Flyers, reminiscing debates of whose team was better, which coach left a bigger mark, which player was the best. Chris Fitzpatrick ’05, Alumni Board and reunion committee member stated, “I’m so happy to see Chaminade creating an event for alumni to come together and celebrate their shared experiences. I have so many foundational memories of my teammates, my coaches, and the challenges we overcame together, and I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that way.”

Kyle Gentile ’06, Alumni Board and reunion committee member further commented, “We want to bring that same sense of overall camaraderie that we had as student-athletes to the alumni base in creating an environment where we can celebrate all things Chaminade athletics through the Athletic Awards Reunion.” For Phil DeLuca, whose son John is carrying on the family tradition as a member of the Freshman Basketball Team this year, the reunion is a great way to reconnect. “When you graduate from Chaminade, there is a sense of great accomplishment and pride from enduring the experience. While everyone’s individual experience is unique, there is a commonality and culture at Chaminade that connects us all and draws us back like a moth to a flame,” remarked DeLuca.

Most importantly, the idea of Fortes in Unitate, once fostered on the athletic field, carries over today, long after the final buzzer sounds, the last out is made, and the final whistle blows.

READY FOR TAKEOFF

The culmination of years of practice, training, sacrifice, and commitment, the seniors of the Class of 2023 have begun to announce their intentions to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. In all, in the fall 2022 signing period, 31 Flyers pledged to play collegiate athletics, 18 of whom will be attending and playing at a Division I school. Commitments will continue through the school year.

In total, lacrosse has seen 17 athletes commit to play at the next level, but that was far from the only sport represented. Athletes participating in baseball (six), swimming (three), golf (two), football, wrestling, and basketball (one each) also had their signings. So far, colleges from all over the northeast will have Flyers competing in their programs, from Hofstra and Providence, to Army and Navy, and Towson and Richmond.

The dream of playing college sports was fostered into these athletes from a young age. For Luca Pallagrosi, lacrosse commit to Muhlenberg College, college signing was simply the next stage in a dream that began long ago. “Growing up in Manhasset, lacrosse was something that all kids tried. When I first touched a [lacrosse] stick in kindergarten, I instantly fell in love. At that moment, I knew it was something that I wanted to pursue in college. Playing at Chaminade only fueled my passion even more,” Pallagrosi said. For others, setting the goal of playing collegiate athletics was a recent one. “I had never really thought about college in general until my Freshman Year, but I always knew that I wanted to play baseball for as long as I possibly could,” remarked future Catholic University Cardinals baseball player Antonio Tufano. “My club team started to push the thought of collegiate baseball my Freshman Year, and that’s when I definitely decided that it was time to start grinding and setting goals for my future,” he said.

As is the case with all seniors, these athletes must gauge, among other factors, where they want to continue their education and athletic careers. For baseball commit Michael Sweeney, he saw a

seniors commit to continue their careers as student-athletes in college

local program that had what he was looking for. “I chose Hofstra because I knew that I would have the best opportunity to succeed and play at a high level,” Sweeney said. “With the new coaching staff that was hired, I knew that they would put me in the best position to succeed. Hofstra wasn’t necessarily on my radar, but I quickly learned how important it is to have an experienced coaching staff to help you get to the next level,” remarked Sweeney.

start grinding and setting goals for

future.”

Ben Caccavo, on the other hand, is using his lacrosse skills and Chaminade education to continue on a bit further from home at Division I Boston University. “I chose Boston University for its elite academic reputation, young and ambitious coaching staff, growing program, and urban atmosphere. After visiting several schools in the beginning of my recruiting process, I felt a strong connection to BU. It was one of the most prestigious schools on my list, and the coaches truly believed that their team was a place where I could thrive."

To be in this position, these young men make a lifelong commitment to their craft. And for some, perhaps college is not the last stop on this journey. “I do plan to continue my baseball career beyond college. I hope to get drafted one day and play in the MLB. I have always aspired to play in the big leagues, and that is my goal. If I cannot play professional baseball, I plan to go into broadcasting baseball for a professional team. I hope I can continue to stay around baseball in one way or another,” said Sweeney.

Who knows? Chaminade graduate Gene Larkin ’80 drove in the game-winning run for the Minnesota Twins in Game Seven of the 1991 World Series. John Lannan ’00 recently completed a 10-year

Chaminade

“It was time to

my

major league career, most notably with the Washington Nationals. With over 15 graduates currently playing Division I baseball and two playing minor league ball, anything is possible. Class of 2011 graduate Keith Raad was recently hired to be the radio commentator for the New York Mets alongside legendary broadcaster Howie Rose. For Sweeney and others, the dream that began as a child and was nurtured at Chaminade may become a lifelong calling.

For most of the student-athletes, the continuation of their athletic careers at the collegiate level would not have been possible without the preparation they received in their time at Chaminade.

“Chaminade’s nationwide reputation and storied history as a high school athletics powerhouse has certainly helped me during my recruitment process and in my preparation for Division I. Playing against the best competition in the country each year, as well as the hard practices and absolute commitment to the team, is an indicator of what is to come for me in the future,” Caccavo said. Fellow lacrosse teammate and future Richmond Spider Gavin Creo also will take the lessons and values of Chaminade to the next level with him.

“Chaminade has taught me how to be disciplined, and this has translated directly onto the field. It has allowed me to understand that if I wanted to be great at something, a disciplined and committed lifestyle was necessary,” said Creo.

Tufano expressed, “At CUA I can continue on my journey of faith, play baseball, and dive into my studies. The academic atmosphere at CUA is very exploratory and competitive. Most of the students I met when I was there for the first time were extremely ambitious and seemed to have very bright futures.”

Best of luck, Flyers! We look foward to see other student-athletes sign during the year. For the most up-to-date list of college athletic commitments at the end of the school year, visit our website.