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 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.