
2 minute read
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
