the
Collegiate Spring 2018
In This Issue On The Cover Our Collegiate cover displays some of the many yearbooks we keep here at De La Salle, on a bookshelf in our Advancement Offices. While the yearbooks contain senior graduation photos, we hope to actually see our graduates at annual “Pilot Reunion Weekends,” beginning in 2019. Dennis Koch, ‘94, Director of Alumni Relations, is working to create a list of class “captains” beginning with the graduation years ending in “4” or “9.” These captains will work together with our Alumni Office to plan special weekends, where Pilots can reminisce, catch up on their current lives and talk about what’s currently happening at De La Salle!
Behind The Scenes.................................................... 3 Christian Brothers’ Dinner...................................... 4 Advancement News................................................. 10 Alumni News.......................................................... 12 Alumni Events ........................................................ 17
Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honoree Mike Jolly with Ken Rymiszewski ‘86 at the Kickoff Party. Story on page 4.
Admissions News.................................................... 18 Around De La Salle................................................. 20 Making a Difference............................................... 24 Athletic News.......................................................... 25 In Memoriam.......................................................... 34
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Identification Statement • The Collegiate • Spring 2018 Statement of Frequency: Three Times Per Year Published by De La Salle Collegiate Advancement Office 14600 Common Road, Warren, MI 48088 Phone: 586.778.3356 Web: www.delasallehs.com
Collegiate photos provided by Vicki Granger, Mr.Mack President ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������John M. Knight President Emeritus ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Br. Robert Carnaghi FSC, SJ ‘48 Principal ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Steve Stewart Director of Advancement ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Christopher Czarnik Director of DLS Alumni ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Dennis Koch, ‘94 Director of DLS Alumni Emeritus ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������John C. Monigold BFSC, ‘66 Dir. of St. Joe’s Alumni Activities �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Br. Patrick McNally FSC, SJ ‘55 Assoc. Director of Advancement �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Amy Seiferlein Exec. Assistant of Advancement ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Linda Fraschetti Director of Communications ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Vicki Granger Director of Admissions ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Bill Burkhardt, ‘03 Associate Director of Admissions, Summer Camps Coordinator......................................................................... Kevin Fitzhenry, ‘03 Exec. Assistant of Admissions �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Angie Aldini
Behind The Scenes #PilotBrotherhood The past few months here at De La Salle Collegiate have been exciting, and as I write this “introduction” to the Spring 2018 issue, the school is buzzing with our own March Madness. In February, a number of alumni joined their sons for the Annual Alumni Father-Son Mass. While not everyone who attended was able to stick around for the group picture (page 16) having Alumni present at our Liturgies is a visible link to our past for the current students who are our future. Alumni were back in the building for the Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament, and again for the Christian Brothers’ Dinner Kickoff Party for the family and friends of the 2018 Honoree, Mr. Mike Jolly (page 4). And Alumni have been following the winter sports teams, in person and online through our DLS Facebook and Twitter accounts. Alum Steve Rogers, ‘07, was among the first to comment on the February Facebook post noting the 300 game bowled by senior Tommy Sciortino (page 29). Steve was the last 300 DLS Bowler. He wrote, “awesome experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.” I messaged Steve, asking if he would stop in for a photo with Tommy, along with Bowling Coach Jay Lang. Afterwards, Steve wrote to me: To this day, I am very honored to be part of the legacy of greatness that has always been associated with De La Salle Collegiate High School. From undoubtedly the most prestigious academic programs to the immense athletic success in our multiple sports, it is clear that the Brotherhood of De La Salle has not only maintained itself since my time as a student, but has indeed excelled and strengthened with time. It was an incredible feeling to know that a fellow Pilot was able to accomplish this great feat under the same direction I was provided by Jay Lang ten years ago. I was awestruck that my alma mater was interested in digging up the past to represent our similar successes in a more formal manner. This is a testament to the Brotherhood that De La Salle can instill into all Pilots that virtually can last a lifetime. We all look forward to seeing you at the many events coming up over the next few months - the Dinner, another Young Alumni Night, the 2018 graduation, the June Golf Outing, the Senior Alumni Luncheon, and at the launch of our new Pilot Bar Association.
Go Pilots!
#PilotBrotherhood #PilotPride #BuildersOfBoysMakersOfMen
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The Thirty Seventh Annual Jolly Named 2018 Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honoree De La Salle Collegiate is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Mike Jolly as the 2018 Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honoree. Associated with De La Salle for nearly five decades, Mike has served as a coach, teacher, mentor, and Athletic Director. He has been honored for his coaching at many levels, including the CHSL, Macomb County, and various state coaches’ associations; as well as at the national level. Mike instituted Lacrosse at De La Salle, and led the Pilots to their first Lacrosse State Championship in 1994.
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DLS President John M. Knight said, “Mike Jolly personifies all that is good about Lasallian secondary education. Mike has a heart that is filled with love, kindness, and forgiveness. Mike has touched the hearts of thousands of young people over the course of his years at De La Salle Collegiate. Additionally, there is no better colleague to serve with at De La Salle Collegiate. It is our distinct honor to be able to recognize Mike for all that he has done and continues to do for our Lasallian mission.” Mike Wasik, ‘91, Chair of the Christian Brothers’ Dinner Committee echoed Mr. Knight’s sentiments. “I couldn’t be happier about Coach Jolly being selected
That Fall of 1959, Mike ran cross country, and “forayed into basketball.” He was on the team and not playing, but drew the attention of Hall of Fame track coach, Dave McEvers. He ended up running the 880, and later threw the javelin in college and the Army.
President John Knight, Mike Jolly, and Dinner Chairman Mike Wasik ‘91.
as the honoree this year. The honoree is always someone who exemplifies the Lasallian Mission and Mike has impacted thousands of young men who were students and athletes of his. I honestly couldn’t think of a more deserving candidate.”
Go East, Young Man!
Although Mike grew up in Dearborn, and attended the Dearborn Public Schools through his junior year, his family moved to Mt. Clemens just before his senior year. His father’s job transfer necessitated the move, and Mike was not initially enthusiastic about the change. However doing so turned out to be a positive life changer. “It was a great move to the east side and a ‘smaller pond’ and nobody knew me. It was a fresh start which worked out well.”
After high school, Mike had plans to join the Navy, but with a November birthday, was too young. “I was in limbo. Steve Nowak, the HOF head coach at Mt. Clemens (and father of current DLS asst. coach Tom Nowak) allowed me to be an assistant freshmen football coach, and the head frosh coach (my senior guidance counselor) somehow got me into Michigan State.” Mike thought he would major in Fisheries and Wildlife at MSU, and become a conservation officer. But a chance encounter with a high school track teammate found him meeting the Spartan track coach. “Next thing I knew, I had my workout gear and had earned my numerals.” Lacrosse was introduced on the MSU campus in 1963. “I noticed this kid from New York who had a lacrosse stick and was cradling the ball. It was magnetic. You want to see if you can do it. He recruited me to try lacrosse, and once I did I loved it. Lacrosse
Christian Brothers’ Dinner
Dinner Committee
Back Row, L. to R.; Tony Catullo ‘59, Dennis Koch ‘94, RJ Koss ‘88, Chris Czarnik, Andrew Cracchiolo ‘07, Chairman Mike Wasik ‘91, Mike Taglione ‘76, Chris Fett ‘90, Tony Sorgi ‘03, Front Row L. to R.; John C. Monigold ‘66, Mike O’Donnell, Mike Jolly, Matt Loria ‘95, Amy Seiferlein. Not Pictured; Michael Brillati ‘93, Onorio D’Agostini, Mike Ferlito ‘06, Steve Graus ‘74, Jerry Grillo, Tony Lamerato ‘02, Frank Maniaci ‘89, Joe Mansour, Sam Serra, Sal Simone ‘74.
better fits my personality; it is more of a team sport, whereas track is more individual.” He is still close to those teammates, and they plan to gather once again in April for their 55th anniversary.
The Thirty-Seventh Annual
Christian Brothers’ Dinner At Penna’s of Sterling
April 26, 2018
Tickets $225 in advance $100 in advance for Alumni Classes 2009-2014 $275 at the door Tickets available at www.thepilothangar.com or call John Monigold at 586.541.6212
Mike also tried football. “I got my butt kicked. That 1965 MSU team had great people, and won a share of the national championship. The contacts I made with Coach Daugherty and his staff were priceless and led to my becoming a grad assistant at MSU and frosh coach at UTEP under the legendary Bobby Dobbs.” He majored in social sciences. earning his bachelor’s degree in 1966. “I discovered psychology. It became my favorite subject to learn and later teach.” Each fall for the next few years, Mike was an assistant football coach in Chippewa Valley, and then back on the MSU Campus for the Winter, Spring, and Summer terms (MSU was then on the quarters system), working on a Master’s in Kinesiology with a Coaching minor. He delayed submitting his project, knowing that the U.S. Army was waiting for him. He also began doctoral work, and earned a second Master’s in Outdoor Education. Honoree, continued on pg 6
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The Thirty Seventh Annual Dinner Honoree, Continued Uncle Sam Wants You
During college, Mike was in ROTC and also received flight training. He went on active duty in 1970 with the U.S. Army, training at Fort Bliss, in El Paso, Texas, at the Air Defense School. He received orders for “chopper school” but asked to continue flying fixed wing. Then came the orders to go to South Korea. “I loved Korea. The Koreans wanted the U.S. military there. For six months, I was on duty 24/7 on the DMZ. It was definitely tense; that is the “real” Army. My last six months, I served in Seoul as Special Services Officer for the whole country as a captain in a colonel’s slot.”
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Mike came back to the United States in 1972, and did his student teaching at Fraser High School, followed by substitute teaching and coaching. Chippewa Valley hired him to teach and coach freshmen football, basketball, and baseball. Coincidentally, John Maronto was then coaching at league rival Lamphere High School, and had nieces who were freshmen cheerleaders at Chippewa. When John was hired at De La Salle in 1974, he invited Mike to join his staff. Mike interviewed with then principal Brother Jerome Stevens. Mike has high praise for that 1974 team. “Torzy. Wiegand. Decker. Girskis. Gorence, Mitzel, Shubnell, Baumgart. Our QB was Bryan Hayner whose older brother, Glen, played for UTEP when I coached there. The names could go on and on. They were all great kids who have stayed in contact with one another and our staff. I left DLS to take the head football position at Chippewa Valley with an indelible vision of what makes a great team. Our entire staff that year was John Maronto, Ray Barr, myself (varsity), Rich Dobryzinski and Bill Lentine (JV), and Dennis Shubnell and Mark Wojcik (Frosh). We loved stopping practice to see if the incoming planes would take out the school’s chimney or not!”
Then in 1982, Gary Buslepp, who doubled as Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach, approached Mike about joining the DLS Basketball Staff, as Freshmen Coach. But before Mike introduced lacrosse, he acquired a family.
Instant Family
When Mike began coaching at Chippewa, a Guidance Counselor asked him to keep an eye on two brothers who had transferred in after their father’s sudden death. And Mike had to call their mother, a two-time widow with six sons aged first grade to high school sophomore, to let her know her son was about to be cut from basketball (it didn’t happen!). That began a relationship that blossomed. In 1973, he married Mary Gay, and soon adopted all six boys. He and Gay also had another son, Douglas, born in 1974, who graduated from DLS in 1992. Mike and Mary Gay now have 16 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Lacrosse Comes to DLS
In 1984, Brother Rice coach, Rob Ambrose, approached Gary Buslepp and then Principal Brother Kevin Gilhooly, and proposed lacrosse as a De La Salle sport. Mike was still playing for the DetroitWindsor Club and was a logical program head. He began with freshmen and sophomores, but says in retrospect, he would have included juniors such as Andy MacGuire and his classmates. He said the sport gained credibility when players had to invest in heavy pre-season conditioning and tryouts which included cuts. “We started winning with a hard regimen.” The team won its first, and what has been its only, state championship in 1994. Following that State title, Mike was at a crossroads. De La Salle Athletic Director Steve Vercammen had moved on, and then Principal Brother Tom Lackey approached Mike about the job. Mike had
Christian Brothers’ Dinner reservations, but ultimately took a buyout from Chippewa Valley and became the DLS AD for the next ten years. He continued coaching lacrosse, stepping back to lead the JV team in 2000 (his most satisfying coaching experience). He also encouraged student athletes to become part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and annually takes groups to their summer gatherings in Gettysburg, PA. When Mike decided to step away from the Athletic Director position in 2004, he went back into the classroom part-time, teaching Psychology. He also began the Sportsmen’s Club, and remains involved to this day. In 2005, Mike introduced Pilots to Archery, now moderated by DLS Science Teacher Mrs. Jackie VanThomme, and in 2006, Clay Target Shooting, which Mike moderates each week. He also encouraged IM Fishing with Dennis Koch and now moderated by DLS Social Studies Teacher Andrew Grauzer, ‘04. Mike joins the group when he can. Mike also returned to football and served as an assistant to Paul Verska in 2014 when our varsity team won its first state championship.
Not on my bucket list
Over the years, Mike has received numerous coaching honors - on the national, regional, and state level. He has led and served on the boards of many coaching associations. Mike says, “The Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honor is NOT an award you put on a bucket list. It’s relatively easy to get awards nationally - all those selecters see is your resume on paper. But the closer to home you get, people considering you really know you. They see you on all of your days - both good and bad. It never crossed my mind that this would happen to me. Playing a part in the Lasallian mission is a reward in itself. I look in awe at the great men that have been past recipients: Brother George and all of the Brothers, Rich Dobrzynski, and Tony DeSantis, as well as my incredibly deserving colleagues and friends not yet selected. This is not something you vie for. It is a wonderful gift. I am very honored and very humbled.”
Past Dinner Honorees Jim Addy ‘63 John Addy, Jr. ‘34 W Russ Agosta ‘64 Len Brillati W Michael Brillati ‘93 Brothers of the Christian Schools Tony Brune, Sr. ‘38 W Br. Robert Carnaghi, FSC ‘48 SJ Jerry Carnago ‘49 W Julius Cicchini, ‘55 SJ W William Cromie ‘35 W Tony DeSantis ‘60 W Rich Dobrzynski ‘60 Bill Fox ‘50 Br. Kevin Gilhooly, FSC W Vincent Goeddeke ‘18 SJ W Jim Gunn ‘56 Br. Bernard Guzewicz, FSC W Rich Jungwirth, ‘52 Br. Tom Lackey, FSC ‘65 Robert J. LeFevre ‘48 W Thom Lipari Dan Loepp ‘75 Pete Maceroni ‘58 Tony Mattar ‘50 J.P. McCarthy ‘50 W Br. Pat McNally, FSC ‘55 SJ John C. Monigold ‘66 Anthony W. Muer, Jr ‘39 W Gino Paliaroli ‘55 SJ Br. Xavier Pankovits, FSC ‘60 John Potvin ‘54 Joe Quasarano ‘42 W Roger Rinke ‘47 W Roland Rinke ‘43 Al Schaller ‘55 Justin Schaller ‘53 W Roger Schaller ‘56 Dr. Raymond Skowronski ‘74 Br. George Synan, FSC W Walter Van Den Bossche ‘29 W Br. Lewis Weins, FSC W Mark Wisniewski ‘83 Jerry Zaccardelli ‘75 Paul Zimmer ‘66 W Indicates Deceased
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The Thirty Seventh Annual Dinner Honoree Award Named for John Monigold De La Salle Collegiate is pleased to announce that the Christian Brothers’ Dinner Committee has recommended naming the award given at the Annual Dinner the John C. Monigold Award. John, who was the Dinner Honoree in 2011, has been involved with the Christian Brothers’ Dinner since 1982. He is a 1966 graduate of DLS. DLS President John M. Knight said, “Since its inception, John Monigold has been a key factor in the success of the Christian Brothers’ Dinner. His support of our Lasallian mission and our annual dinner has helped to make a Lasallian education possible for countless young men.” Mike Wasik, ‘91. Chair of the Christian Brothers’ Dinner Committee, commented, “This is a recognition of John being the John C. Monigold and the prime mover in growing the Christian Brothers’ Dinner into one of 2018 Honoree Mike Jolly the premier charitable events in Michigan. When we consider an Honoree, we search annually for a person who has truly served De La Salle Collegiate and the Lasallian Mission of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. John Monigold has dedicated his life to this important endeavor, his kindness is legendary, and it’s suitable that this prestigious award now bears his name.” 8
John recently transitioned from full-time to part-time status and is now the Alumni Relations Director Emeritus, working primarily on special events, along with the Annual Raffle and Dinner.
Bid on an Auction Item!
Thank you
to our three Event Sponsors for the 2018 Christian Brothers Dinner:
• Salus Group
• Crest Ford
• Pilot Financial Raymond James
You do NOT have to be physically present at the Dinner to bid on sports items, golf outings, vacation packages, and more, in the Silent Auction. Please check the DLS website at www.delasallehs.com for details on how to register with QTEGO, our online auction site. On the QTEGO site, you will find details on each of the attractive packages available in the auction. You can make bids online, via your computer or smartphone, and receive notifications via text every time there is a new bid on your items, then you can bid again.
Bidding closes at 9:45 p.m. on April 26.
Christian Brothers’ Dinner Words about Mike Jolly from his Cohorts Over his nearly five decades of association with De La Salle Collegiate, Mike Jolly has taught, coached, or mentored hundreds of Pilots - as students and athletes, as alumni and colleagues. Some of the current DLS Faculty and Staff members offered their thoughts about Mike as the 2018 Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honoree: In 1984, I was Athletic Director, and was present when Mike proposed lacrosse as a sport to then Principal Brother Kevin Gilhooly. Mike’s sincerity and vision for the sport at De La Salle and what it could do for young men was so impressive and comprehensive. After the meeting, Brother Kevin took me aside and said, “He could have proposed underwater parachuting, and I would have approved it.” Mike’s Christian values, his integrity, and his sincerity are hallmarks of his time spent working with our students and student-athletes. - Gary Buslepp, current DLS Faculty member, former Athletic Director and Varsity Basketball Coach I was thrilled to learn that Coach Jolly was named this year’s Dinner Honoree. I am not sure there is a more deserving individual out there; Mike embodies what it means to be a Lasallian man, and has done so for over 40 years. I had the privilege of playing for Mike when I was a student and now work with him as a peer. Through all of those experiences, what has always impressed me is the respect and care he showed for each individual he came in contact with. He has truly “’touched the hearts” of everyone. - Bill Burkhardt, ‘03. Director of Admissions Coach Jolly is one of the most professional colleagues I have ever worked with during my career. He is a role model and mentor to young coaches as well as students. Whatever he is involved with, he gives 100% of his energy, focus, and dedication toward achieving the best possible outcome. Despite his accomplishments and acknowledgements, he is humble and grounded.
Mike is as honorable and trustworthy as they come; he is a shining example of what a faithfilled, purpose driven life should look like. - Scott Grimmer, DLS Physical Education and Health Teacher, Strength Coach for Baseball I have had the honor and privilege of coaching with Mike Jolly, and later working for him when he was Athletic Director. He is truly one of the great mentors in my life. Mike has impacted so many in such a positive way. He deserves all the love and respect he has earned from everyone due to his selfless contributions not only to De La Salle, but to everyone he has encountered. - Thaier Mukhtar, DLS Social Studies Teacher, Varsity Soccer Coach Mike Jolly has been so much more to me than a coach and mentor during my time as a student, and now my time as a staff member at DLS, as well as the time in between. He is truly a great man who epitomizes selflessness and Lasallian values. He was instrumental in not just my athletic career, but professional career as well. His support and encouragement in every avenue cannot be overstated. Coach Jolly has not only impacted me and my younger brother; to this day, my mother and father view him in the absolute highest regard, a chief reason they view the work and sacrifice they had to make to send two sons to De La Salle as worth it. My father says if I am a “Builder of Boys, Maker of Men” that the reason is Mike Jolly. My brother Dan ‘07, says that after a victory, Coach Jolly would build boys, but after a defeat is when he made men. -Mike Shortt, ‘04, current DLS Social Studies Teacher, JV Golf Coach, Varsity Football Assistant, Moderator of Model UN, Broadcast Club, and Stock Market Club
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Advancement News De La Salle Reunion Weekends Beginning in June 2019, De La Salle Collegiate will begin sponsoring “Alumni Reunion Weekends” for classes celebrating 5 and 10 year anniversaries. “For several years, this has been a back-burner project,” said Dennis Koch, ‘94, Director of Alumni. “We’re going to be identifying representatives in each class that has a benchmark year in 2019, such as 2014, 2009, 2004, etc. We’ll then work to update contact information. We’d like to start this year, but realistically, it takes months to track down where people are.”
Dennis envisions a weekend that would have alumni and their spouses gathering at De La Salle for a Mass and dinner, a tour of the school, and contacts with the school Administration. Classes would then have the opportunity to plan a separate event, such as a cocktail party at a private home or local restaurant, golf outing, family picnic. Dennis adds, “Whatever their class has done in the past is something we don’t want to interfere with. We need to be the centerpiece to help classes establish and continue to hold reunions.”
THE IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER FOR YOUR 2018 TAXES 10
Contact the Advancement Office at 586.778.3356.
Advancement News Brother Ken Spending Month in Kenya This coming July, I will travel to Nairobi, Kenya to serve at our school, St. Paul’s, in Marsabit. Having served in Papua New Guinea, I felt the desire to serve in a nation that is still developing and help in some way. I asked our Provincial, Brother Dennis Lee, FSC, where I could be of use, and he suggested this school. St. Paul’s opened in 2009, and like our own De La Salle Collegiate, is an all-boys’ high school. Most students are the only ones in their families who have gone to school. The school is a boarding school, but ironically, the boys who attend are from families who are nomadic shepherds in northern Kenya. The boys have classes for three months at a time, and then have a break for a few weeks, to help move the herds. During school, they work on the farm, which in turn feeds them during the school year. I have been in contact the St. Paul Principal, Brother Anthone, who informed me I will be the first American
to serve in his school. Brother requests school and art supplies, soccer balls - anything that can be of use to the boys. There are currently close to 200 boys, aged 14 -22, and anything we can do is appreciated. I am requesting colored pencils, crayons, any items that you may have around your house that perhaps someone else can use. You can drop off supplies here at De La Salle at the Campus Ministry Office. I appreciate all your prayers and thank you all for your kindness and generosity. -- Brother Ken Kalinowski, ‘84 NOTE: De La Salle Collegiate regularly raises funds to help St. Paul as part of the Lasallian “Twinning” School program. As shown in these photos, the school’s motto is very similar to our own.
Thanks For A Successful Raffle! The 44th Annual Student Raffle, conducted during February 2018, easily exceeded the $160,000 goal, thanks to supportive Parents, Alumni and Friends of De La Salle. The Raffle brought in $197,796. After expenses and payouts, the proceeds will go to the Student Tuition Assistance Fund. This school year alone, deserving families are receiving more than $2 million, in Tuition Assistance. The 2018 Raffle Winners are:
$5,000 Raffle winner Timothy Yousif and Brother Bob Carnaghi. Tim donated half of his raffle prize to the Capuchins’ Solanus Casey Fund.
• First Prize, $10,000 Ticket Number #08573 Dean Billbury • Second Prize, $5,000 Ticket Number #44604 Timothy Yousif • Third Prize Ticket Number #08641 Dawn Wilking
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2018 De La Salle Alumni Event
Wednesday, May 18 6-9 p.m.
at Kuhnhenn Brewing Company 5919 Chicago Rd, Warren, MI 48092
Join us as we unveil this year’s DLS/Kuhnhenn Collaborative Brew: $20 gets you a wristband for The Pilot Package which includes a custom glass filled with deliciousness, chicken wings and sliders.
Purchase tickets by May 14th at www.kbrewery.com All young alumni and alumni who are “young at heart” are invited to join their fellow Pilots for the Second Annual Alumni Night at Kuehnenn Brewing Company on 5919 Chicago Rd, Warren, Michigan 48092. There are two options to participate this year:
Classmates from 2003; Joe Konrad and Troy Caruso.
1) Go to kbrewery.com to buy tickets for the Pilot Package. The Pilot Package includes a “meal deal” which includes a commemorative glass, chicken wings, and sliders for $20. $5 of this retail price will be given back to DLS as a donation from Kuhnhenn’s. To purchase the Pilot Package, you must make your purchase online by May 14. 2) Walk in on May 16 and just buy your Pilot Pilsner.
Kevin Fitzhenry ‘03, Fred Bartolomei ‘07, and Josh Uniewski ‘05.
Dennis Koch commented, “The Kuhnhenn’s social event is awesome. Our alumni get to come together and catch up on their current lives, work, sports, life, etc. just like old times. They can catch up with former teachers while having a beer and eating wings. All of this is possible, because of everyone’s love of De La Salle. These alumni have pride in calling themselves Pilots and are happy to support De La Salle!”
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Alumni News Josh Cox ‘13, is spending much of April in Napierville, IL, training while he awaits the 2018 NFL Draft. Josh played football at Central Michigan University, graduating in four years with a Bachelor’s degree, and made use of his fifth year (due to being a redshirt freshman) to complete half the credits towards an MBA.
Alumni Golf League The Alumni Association is beginning a golf league at The Orchards Golf Course, at 62900 Campground Rd, Washington, 48094. We will start May 14 and run through mid August. We will play on Mondays and Tuesdays. Josh Cox ‘13
Shane Morris ‘13, has been selected for induction into the Catholic High School League Hall of Fame. Shane began his college athletic career at the University of Michigan, received his Bachelor’s degree, and played his fifth year at Central Michigan University. The annual Hall of Fame event is Monday, June 11, at the Fern Hill Country Club. For tickets, contact the CHSL offices at 313.237.5960. Matt Molinaro ‘14, won the 800m. Men’s Indoor Track NCAA Division 2 Championship recently. Matt is a senior at Ohio Northern University.
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Please contact Dennis Koch at 586.541.6221 or dkoch@delasallehs.com to join!
Alumni Bowling Our Alumni Bowling is moving to Garden Bowl in the heart of Detroit, 120 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201. We are excited to have Dave Zainea ‘80, to help us carry on our Alumni Bowling tradition. Time, dates, cost, all to be determined. If you would like to be league sponsor, please contact Dennis Koch at 586.541.6221
The winners of the 2018 Alumni Basketball Tournament Left to right: Brent Miller ‘02, Nate Navalta ‘01, Ryan Cryderman ‘00, Nick Navalta ‘01, Tony Wichmann ‘01, Danny Holka ‘01, Pat Cahill ‘00, Brian Watkins ‘00, Phil Labut ‘00, and Brandon Stachel ‘00. Kids in front: Tucker Wichmann; James, Natalie and Nathan Watkins. Joe Chodkiewicz ‘09, enjoyed the fun at the March Alumni Bowling.
Alumni News DLS Alumni Bar Association De La Salle Collegiate is pleased to announce the creation of a new group for alumni, the Pilot Bar Association. DLS Alumnus David Viviano, ‘90, suggested that De La Salle create such a group, noting that both Catholic Central and Brother Rice have such associations for their own alumni.
Alumni James Biernat ‘87, Peter Lucido ‘78, and David Viviano ‘90 attended the 2018 Governor’s State of the State Address in January in Lansing, MI. Jim is Chief Judge of the Macomb County Court, Peter is a State Representative, and David is a Michigan Supreme Court Justice.
David says, “I’m excited to be part of the new Pilot Bar Association. It will be a great way for our alums in the legal community to stay connected to each other and to De La Salle. And it will become an important resource for current students and recent grads who are thinking about a career in the law.” Working with David to lay the groundwork for the Pilot Bar Association are: Jim Biernat, ‘87 Ben Aloia, ‘91 Chris Fischer, ‘87 Any alumni in the legal profession are invited to attend an organizational gathering on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at 6 p.m., at Villa Penna, 43985 Hayes Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313.
Paul DiTrapani, SJ ‘55, joned his grandson Michael Caruana, ‘18, when the seniors gathered during February at St. Joseph’s Church in Detroit for their Annual Retreat.
Walt Gerstner and Frank Bova, both from the Class of 1960, at the Senior Alumni Christmas Luncheon in December 2017.
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Alumni News Ash Wednesday All School Liturgy Welcomed Alumni Fathers and Grandfathers
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Liam Hallman, ‘18, with his father Joe Hallman, ‘88, at the Annual Alumni Father and Son Mass .
Tom Maxey, ‘18, with his father, Bob Maxey, ‘85, at the Annual Alumni Father and Son Mass.
Alumni Events e Col
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• De La Salle Collegiate Class of 1941 meets on the third Thursday of the month, Noon, at Wave’s Restaurant, 24223 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores.
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Monthly Alumni Luncheon, & Class Reunions
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• De La Salle Collegiate Class of 1947 meets on the first Thursday of the month, Noon, at Charlie’s Restaurant, 22315 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores. • De La Salle Collegiate Class of 1958 meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m., at The American Polish Cultural Center, 2975 E. Maple Rd., Troy (Northwest corner of Maple & Dequindre Rd.). • De La Salle Collegiate Class of 1963 meets on the third Thursday of the month, 9:00 a.m. at The Country Inn, 35756 Van Dyke Ave. (Between 15 & 16 Mile Roads – directly across from the Chrysler Sterling Stamping Plant) Sterling Heights.
Reunions • De La Salle Collegiate Class of 1963 Reunion – Saturday, August 4, 2018 @ Maloof Pavilion located in Veteran’s Memorial Park in St. Clair Shores at Masonic and Jefferson. For additional information contact Mike Schefke at mschefke@hotmail.com • De La Salle Collegiate Class of 1973 Reunion – Saturday, August 4, 2018 @ Polish Century Club, Sterling Heights – for additional information contact John Bentley Cell 313-218-3759 Email johnkevinbentley@yahoo.com. • De La Salle Collegiate Class of 1978 Reunion – Saturday, September 15, 2018 @ Stoney Creek Park in the Winter Cove Pavilion – Details to follow. For additional information contact Mike Gross at Cell 248-259-8587 or mikecougar33@comcast.net or Joe Chodkiewicz Cell 586-344-7772.
See Page 10 for information regarding Reunion Weekends at De La Salle, starting in June 2019.
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Admissions News Collegiate Commitments Soar!
Summer Camps Cure “Brain Drain”
The response for the Class of 2022 has been outstanding! We are expecting another full class for Fall 2018, and think this may be one of our most enthusiastic groups of Pilots in years!
Don’t let your son or daughter be one of the millions of students affected by “Brain Drain” this summer. Get them involved in a DLS Summer Camp! We have 28 different camps for young men and women from grades 1-12.
These students are coming from communities all across Metro Detroit. from Ferndale to New Baltimore, from Rochester to Detroit. Currently, the class looks to be split with almost 50% of the class coming from nonCatholic school communities. We are excited to have such a bright and diverse group of young men joining our Lasallian Family! If you want your son to have one of the very few remaining spots, we urge you to act now! Contact the Admissions Office at 586.541.6220 or admissions@delasallehs.com.
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Repeated studies have proven that if a student is not mentally and physically engaged, they can lose up to 30% of the knowledge they gained during the school year. Our camps are designed to challenge students physically, mentally, and spiritually. Camp registrations are already trending up from last year when many camps sold out, and we set a DLS record for the number of kids involved in a summer camp. Act now and register your son or daughter for our of our great camps. A full listing of our academic, athletic, and artistic camps is on the next page. For for information and the online registration, please visit www.delasallehs.com/future-pilots/summer-camps or contact Kevin Fitzhenry at kfitzhenry@delasallehs.com or 586.541.6210.
Admissions News
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Workshops, Courses for Tests, MHSAA Officials Certification We are excited to announce two exciting opportunities for current and prospective students. • 7th Grade Spring High School Placement Test (HSPT) Workshop • MHSAA Officials Certification Course The 7th Grade HSPT Workshop is brand new this year and is being offered after we had such a great response from our 8th Grade HSPT Workshop in the Fall. This is perfect for those 7th grade students looking to get a leg up on the competition, and start preparing in the spring and summer for the HSPT. The MHSAA Officials certification course is for young men and women in high school. Participants will be trained and certified so that by the end of the course they will be able to work as a referee for the MHSAA in the certain sports. The exact details and dates for these courses will be posted by April 30 on the DLS website.
Around De La Salle
Students gathered at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral with other Catholic high school students to celebrate Catholic Schools Week with Archbishop Allen Vigneron.
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In January, De La Salle students traveled to Washington DC to participate in the annual March for Life.
Around De La Salle
Congratulations to the top three winners of the 2018 Martin Luther King Essay Contest: Ryan Beginin ‘19, Ben Iacona ‘18, and Nino Minniti ‘19. Photo: DLS President John M. Knight, students Ryan Beginin, Ben Iacona, and Nino Minnitti, and Counselor Dominic Reid, who moderates the Student Diversity Leaders group, sponsors of the annual contest.
During March, International Baccalaureate students sorted items for backpacks to deliver to the Veterans’ Hospital in Detroit. The backpacks included toiletries and personal items.
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Retired DLS Administrative Assistant Kathy Bova continues to assist the DLS Advancement Office during Raffle season. Kathy is shown here with her grandson, Noah Cole ‘20.
Chris Godfrey ‘76, with seniors from the 2017 State Championship Football Team. during the Annual Senior Retreat Day. Chris founded and heads the national organization Life Athletes.
Around De La Salle Senior Mike Ososkie Named 2018 Balgenorth Scholarship Winner Congratulations to Senior Mike Ososkie, the 2018 Balgenorth Scholarship Winner. The scholarship, formally named the Richard A. Balgenorth Lasallian Award for Higher Education, is in tribute to the memory of Mr. Richard Balgenorth, ‘75, and his belief that De La Salle Collegiate plays a crucial role as a foundation for lifelong learning. The Award aims to financially assist a graduating De La Salle senior continue his education at a college or university. Students compete for the $1,000 scholarship by writing an essay on what their DLS education has meant to them. 22
Senior Mike Ososkie, Mrs. Kim Balgenorth, and Brother Bob Carnaghi.
Mike carries a 3.75 grade point average, and has been on the Student Council all four years, including two years as an officer. This year he is the Student Council Vice President. Mike takes Honors and Advanced Placement courses, including the Banking class and he works several mods a week in the Christian Financial Credit Union Branch inside of DLS. He has been a member of the DLS Wig and Mask Society for three years, appearing in the chorus of the Spring 2018 production of “The Wiz.” A four-year football player (wide receiver), Mike spent the winter as the varsity basketball manager - his second year, and is running track for the third year to wrap up his senior year.
Mike attended St. Lawrence, and is neighbors with the Anderson Family. Mrs. Sheryl Anderson, who works at DLS in Information Technology and has also had two sons graduate from DLS, encouraged him to consider becoming a Pilot. Mike said the Balgenorth Scholarship is particularly meaningful to him. “Writing the essay gave me an opportunity to look back on my time at De La Salle and realize all that it has done for me. For Mrs. Balgenorth to select me as the scholarship winner this year really means a lot.” Mike plans to use the $1,000 for books and supplies in college. He plans to major in Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University. His advice to future Pilots is simple. “Don’t hold back. If you see something you like, go for it. The more you do, the more fun you’ll have for your four years.”
Around De La Salle Two Freshmen Qualify for DECA International Competition Tom and Vince now have the opportunity to participate in the International Conference held in Atlanta, GA, at the end of April.
Congratulations to freshmen Tom Marsh and Vincent Motowski, DECA State Champions in the category of Business Finance. The two competed as a team. Tom and Vince were among 24 De La Salle Collegiate students at Cobo Hall the weekend of March 9-11, where 4,500 students from across Michigan were competing in the State DECA Conference. The 24 had already earned their place at states by competing at the District level.
DECA State Champions Tim Marsh and Vince
DLS Business Teacher Mrs. Aarran Meier, DECA Advisor, along with Mr. Dennis Koch, worked with students to prepare for the conference. Mr. Koch explained that the first part of the competition is an online test, and the second part is “role playing” at the conference. “We helped the students plan out who would talk about what - who would handle the introduction, the conclusion, how to handle transitions.”
Fast Facts
Earning semi-finalist medals Motowski, both from the Class of 2021. were: • Senior Jared Larue - Business Finance Since its inception a few years ago, the DLS DECA • Senior Parker Looman - Food Marketing Team (Distributive Education Clubs of America) has • Sophomore Jared Amparo - Buying and had great success in both state and international Merchandising competition.
• The student-teacher ratio is 15 to 1 and the average class size is 23 students. • Students are admitted from nearly 60 zip codes and 75 feeder schools. • Graduates from the Classes of 2014-2017 were accepted at such prestigious colleges as Harvard, Duke, Cornell, Georgetown, Brown, and Princeton, as well as the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy. • The De La Salle Collegiate Graduation Requirement is a minimum of 26 credits, which includes 23 required credits. English, Math, Science, and Theology are mandatory courses for all four years. • In the 2018 De La Salle Jeopardy Tournament, 392 students competed on 92 teams.
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Making A Difference Freshman Makes a Difference with Charity Pheasant Hunt For De La Salle Collegiate freshman Mark Fratarcangeli what began as a school community service project in sixth grade is now an annual fundraiser benefiting pediatric cancer research. As a middle schooler at Jefferson Middle School, in St. Clair Shores, Mark decided to fundraise for cancer research. A young cousin had been diagnosed with a form of brain cancer. Since Mark enjoys hunting with his father and family friends, Mark decided to make his fundraiser a Charity Pheasant Hunt. The family enjoys hunting at the Rooster Ranch in Ubly, MI, which has become the site for what is now an annual event in early March. The first year, Mark raised $350, and nearly quadrupled that in 2017 to $1,250. This year, he made $1,650. His younger brother Gianni, now a seventh grader, also works with Mark to promote the event. And the young cousin diagnosed with brain cancer has made a full recovery.
Mark Fratarcangeli, ‘21
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Follow DLS Groups on Twitter Look for the DLS logo to identify OFFICIAL DLS Twitter accounts. DLS Alumni @ DLSPilotsAlumni Athletic Director @ DeLaSalleAD Baseball @ PILOTS_BASEBALL Golf @ DLSPilotsGolf Lacrosse @ DLSLacrosse1 Track and Field @ DLS_Track Pilot Sports Network @ dls_broadcast
Athletics News Legendary Coach Returns to DLS Soccer Program The second-winningest soccer coach in Michigan high school history is returning to the sideline where his coaching career began. Thaier Mukhtar is returning to De La Salle Collegiate to lead the boys’ soccer program. For the past six years, he has led the soccer program at Fraser High School. Thaier quickly improved a struggling program. Fraser transitioned from the Macomb Area Conference (MAC) Blue (3rd) division to the ultra-competitive Red Division. During the climb, the Ramblers captured three consecutive divisional titles and MHSAA district championships. In 2014, the Ramblers advanced to the MHSAA Soccer Final Four. In the six years that Thaier roamed the sidelines, the Ramblers advanced eight student-athletes to the collegiate soccer level. For 29 seasons as the head soccer coach at De La Salle before resigning in 2012, Mukhtar amassed an astounding 499-94-80 (.801) record that included five MHSAA state championships (1990, 1992, 1993, 2000, 2005) and one MHSAA state runner-up finish in 1994. Under the tutelage of Thaier, the Pilots reached the MHSAA Final Four ten times and were ranked in the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association (MHSSCA) final top-ten ranking 26 of his 29 years in charge. The program also captured 26 district titles, 18 Catholic High School League (CHSL) Championships and reached the MHSAA regional final round 15 times between 1983 and 2011. During his career with the Pilots, Thaier was named MHSSCA state coach of the year ten times and earned CHSL Coach of the year honors an astounding 18 times. Not only did the Pilots’ program produce team success, it amassed tremendous individual accolades under Thaier as well. His teams at De La Salle produced 113 MHSSCA All-State players, 58 NCAA Division 1 student-athletes, and 78 more who went on to play at other levels of collegiate soccer.
In addition, the program produced Brian Maisonneuve who is “arguably the most decorated player in state history,” according to Steve Kaminski of MLive.com. Maisonneuve led De La Salle to the 1990 Class ‘A’ state title and later captured the Hermann Trophy (nation’s top collegiate player) in 1994 while a student at Indiana University. Maisonneuve was a member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team and the 1998 U.S. Soccer World Cup Team before playing professionally. In July of 2017, Thaier stepped down as head coach of the Fraser girls’ soccer program after 14 years of service. He proved he was just as skilled at leading girls when he took over the program in 2003. The Ramblers went on to capture seven MAC divisional titles and three MHSAA District championships. Thaier earned MAC Coach of the Year status six times and the program helped produce 23 student-athletes that who on to play college soccer. After 35 years, Thaier has a career record of 774195-144 (.781) He is a member of the MHSSCA Hall of Fame (2013), Catholic High School League Hall of Fame (1998), Macomb County Hall of Fame (2005) and the De La Salle Collegiate Athletic Hall of Fame (2004). In 2008, Thaier was named National Coach of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). With the departure of head coach Reid Friedrichs in December, conversations between De La Salle Athletic Director Mike Watson and Coach Mukhtar focused on a possible return for the legendary coach. “I bleed purple and gold,” Thaier said. “I love being a teacher at De La Salle and I love the relationships I have with former and current students and their families. Our motto is ‘Builders of Boys; Makers of Men.’ I’ve never focused on winning more than I’ve focused on helping our young men be the best people they can possibly be,” he continued. “I always say that this is my vocation from God.”
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Athletic News Hockey Places 5 on All-State Academic Team The Varsity Hockey Team had an overall record of 10-11-5, with a respectable third place in the highly competitive Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League (MIHL) South.
Several players, all seniors, were named AllState Academic They include Jared La Rue, John Kowynia, Troy Belko, Josh Glinski, and Jordan Kovacs.
The defending Division 3 State Champs fell short of returning to the championship circle with a stunning 4-3 overtime loss to University Liggett in the opening round of the 2018 MHSAA Playoffs.
Jordan, considered one of the best defensemen in high school hockey, led DLS in scoring with 14 goals and 32 points in 26 games. Being overly active at both ends of the rink has earned him a “tender� contract with the Minnesota Wilderness for next Fall. Kovacs was also named a finalist for the Michigan High School Hockey Dream Team after receiving a First-Team All-State Award.
Sophomore Daniel Miscavish was named AllState 2nd Team as a goaltender. Junior Cam Chrisman was also named as a 2nd Team All-State defenseman.
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The Varsity Hockey Team raised a banner at its home rink, the Mt. Clemens Ice Arena, noting their 2017 Division 3 State Championship.
Athletic News Bostock Earns Individual All State Honors Four De La Salle Pilots qualified for the MHSAA Wrestling State Finals at Ford Field in early March, including seniors Reggie Bostock, Antonio King, Damani Wallace, and freshmen Brett Stanley. Reggie finished 8th in the 171 lb. class, upsetting the number five ranked wrestler in the rubber match, earning an All-State Medal in his first trip to the State Finals, and his 100th career win.
Senior Reggie Bostock celebrates after upsetting the number five ranked wrestler in the rubber match and earning his 100th career win. Reggie was ranked 9th going into the state tournament, and finished 8th.
Damani also earned his 100th career victory this season as well. Both Reggie and Damani, four year lettermen, will continue wrestling at Adrian College. The Wrestling Team won the 2018 Team District Championship, beating Fraser by 3 points in the semi-final, and overwhelming Roseville 49-21 in the Championship. In Individual Districts, Richiz King and Andrew Connell advanced to the Regional, but did not make it to the State tournament. The Wrestling Team finished with a 24-5 overall record and were CHSL runners up. The team won both the Grosse Pointe North and Lakeview Invitationals.
Senior Damani Wallace, at right, is victorious at a match.
Go Pilots!
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Athletic News Bowlers Capture Second Consecutive CHSL Title
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The DLS Varsity Bowling Team had an outstanding season, successfully defending its CHSL Championship and qualifying as a team for the MHSAA Division 1 tournament, finishing fifth in the state.
games. They came roaring back in the third game to lead the region by 108 pins, and return to the State Tournament for the first time since 2012.
At the CHSL Championship, the Pilots dropped the first game against Catholic Central, but rebounded to take games 2 and 3, and the trophy.
At states, the boys were in ninth place after 8 baker games, but again The Varsity Bowling Team celebrating its second consecutive rallied and vaulted to 5th CHSL Championship. place, and a spot in the Elite Eight. In match play against 4th seeded Saline, the state title run ended.
Senior Jacob Kujawa grabbed the 10th and final spot for the singles portion of the State tourney.
The Pilots also rebounded in the Regional Championships. After six games, they were in first by one pin, and fell to third after the next two
Jacob missed qualifying for the singles finals by 14 pins, finishing in 20th place. A season highlight was senior captain Tom Sciortino’s 300 game. See story on next page.
Faculty Member Leix in WSU Athletic Hall of Fame Congratulations to Ms. Catherine Leix, recently inducted into the Wayne State University Athletic Hall of Fame. Catherine is a member of the De La Salle Collegiate Math Department. Catherine served as the assistant coach of the De La Salle Swimming and Diving Team for five years (2012-2017) before joining the WSU Staff as an Assistant Coach this past year. A four-year Warrior swimmer, Catherine captained
WSU’s 2012 National Championship swimming and diving team. In the pool, she had numerous achievements, including winning five GLIAC titles, breaking WSU and GLIAC records, and was a 16-time All American. Her accolades also include Academic All-American recognition. She was the 20112012 WSU Female Student-Athlete of the Year. While coaching at DLS, she also served as head coach of the girls’ swim team at Macomb Dakota from 2012-14. Catherine completed a Master’s degree in 2016 from Marygrove College in 21st Century Teaching and Learning.
Athletic News Bowling Team’s 300 Club Adds a Member When Senior Tom Sciortino bowled a “300” game on February 12, in the final Catholic League dual meet against Brother Rice, he became the first De La Salle Collegiate Bowler since 2007 to achieve a perfect game. Coach Jay Lang commented, “After the first five or six frames, I had a feeling he could get it done. It was very exciting as this was the last home meet, and it was fun to watch.” Alumnus Steve Rogers, ‘07, was among the first to congratulate Tom on his achievement, which was posted on the Alumni Facebook page. Steve wrote: “I did the same thing in 2007 as a senior during match play. Awesome experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Congrats! Get your finger sized for that ring.” #PilotBrotherhood Recently, Steve stopped at De La Salle to personally congratulate Tom, and say hello to Coach Jay Lang, ‘92, who was the Assistant Coach in 2007 (Jay has been head coach since 2011). Steve’s identical twin, Mike also stopped in to offer his congratulations. Coincidentally, Tom Sciortino is also an identical twin, as well as a
Steve Rogers, ‘07, Tom Sciortino, ‘18, and Jay Lang, 92.
triplet! (His brothers are Patrick and Nick). Steve and Tom are not the first DLS Bowlers to achieve 300 games. Jay had five 300 games during high school, although none while representing DLS on the lanes. He used to bowl in two leagues during the week, and was in tournament play each weekend. He recently bowled consecutive 300 games, earning #78 and #79 on the same night! Jay is an operations manager for a local company, and lives in Sterling Heights with his wife and two sons. Steve attended the University of Detroit Mercy, graduating from
the Physician’s Assistant program in 2012. He is employed by Beaumont Grosse Pointe and St. John’s Hospital. He and his wife bowl in a couples’ league once a week. Tom has been accepted to Purdue and plans to major in pre-Physical Therapy. “It feels good to repeat history, and know I’ve accomplished a major feat over the last four years,” says Tom. “This is something a lot try to accomplish in their lifetime, and I’m truly grateful to have these coaches who coached me so well.”
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Athletic News Swimmers Shatter Records at State Meet The 2017-18 De La Salle Swimming and Diving Team shattered records this season, winning its sixth consecutive Macomb County meet, and earning numerous AllState medals at the MHSAA Division 2 meet. The Pilots finished fourth at the MHSAA Division 2 Finals, and senior captain Zach Milke earned Co-Swimmer of the Meet Honors. Milke repeated his 2017 championship in the 100 backstroke, and also won the 100 freestyle, setting a new varsity records in both events. The 100 free is the 14th fastest in MHSAA history and the 100 backstroke is the 10th fastest in MHSAA history. Milke anchored the 400 free relay team which propelled itself into first, and a spot in the record books.
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Swim Team Senior Captains Ben Rancilio, Zach Milke, Hunter Broski, and Dan Frederick with Coach Jim Singelyn. The four captains swam the winning 400 m. relay at the State Meet, and also won that event at the CHSL meet. Their time of 3:07.28 broke the DLS Varsity Record.
Senior Captain Dan Frederick broke his own varsity record, taking second in the 200 and 500 freestyle (breaking his own records), and earning All State honors and All American consideration. His time in the 500 freestyle is the 16th fastest in MHSAA history. In the 200 freestyle relay senior captain Hunter Broski, junior Mike McGinnity, senior captain Ben Rancilio, and Frederick finished 6th and set a new De La Salle record. The 200 Individual Medley gave the Pilots another All State swimmer with Ben Rancilio - who finished 8th. Freshmen Diver Joey Basha was the first freshman in school history to be named All State also finishing 8th. The four senior captains - Broski, Rancilio, Frederick, and Milke - had an exciting come from behind victory in the 400 freestyle relay, breaking the DLS varsity record, and also qualifying them for All-American consideration.
Zach Milke Overall, Zach has earned 12 All-State medals, in relays and individual events. He has been a state Champion five times, twice on relays and three times individually. He was All American on the Medley Relay that was State Champs in 2016. His two qualifying times in the 100 free and 100 back tie him with Coach Jim Singelyn, ‘90, for the most All-American titles in school history. If the 400 relay makes it through consideration, Zach will be an All American four times, and stand alone in school history.
Athletic News Senior Frederick Shows Determination Senior distance swimmer Danny Frederick has earned his place in the De La Salle Swimming record books.
grade, he took over his own insulin injections, and has a “port” on his stomach, and a tube connected to a small phone size monitor on his belt that pumps in insulin after meals. When he swims, he “disconnects” and reconnects when he’s back out of the pool. He tests himself six times a day.
The four-year DLS swimmer, broke PJ Desmet’s 2016 200 meter freestyle record, at the CHSL meet. In the 500 freestyle, he set a CHSL record, as well as a pool record. At the State meet, Danny was a member of the 1st place 400 meter freestyle relay team, took second in the 200 free and the 500 free, and was part of the 6th place 200 freestyle relay team. Coach Jim Singelyn notes that Danny’s swimming on the third leg of the 400 relay set up the opportunity for anchor Zach Milke to close the gap and win that event. Danny Frederick has broken records, broken his OWN records, earned a chestful of All-State medals, and is up for All-American consideration. And he’s headed to the Division 1 Swim Team at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and has plans to become a Physician’s Assistant. Dan praises the human biology program at UWGB.
Although Danny ran crosscountry in 8th grade, he decided to stick to swimming during his high school career. Danny Frederick ‘18
He carries a 3.9 GPA and is also a member of the National Honor Society. What the records won’t show is the determination Danny has displayed, at grueling practices, at tense meets. In second grade, Danny found out he was diabetic. An observant teacher noticed him displaying some of the classic symptoms of diabetes, and alerted his parents. Danny began a regimen of testing and insulin shots. In fifth
Coach Jim Singelyn says, “Danny is easily one of the top three hardest working kids I’ve ever coached. At first, it was a little bit of a challenge designing workouts around him checking his blood sugar. Once I figured out how to set up practice for him, things obviously worked out very well.” Danny says that someone who may be diabetic and avoided sports should rethink that. “Diabetes doesn’t stop you. You need to find a good routine for yourself.” And as for becoming a Physician’s Assistant? Dan wants to specialize in working with diabetics.
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Athletic News Giannone Inducted to Coaches’ Hall of Fame Congratulations to De La Salle Collegiate’s head football coach, Mike Giannone, recently inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA) Hall of Fame. Mike said, “In my 38 years of coaching I have had the honor and privilege of working with some great coaches and outstanding athletes who have helped make this honor possible.” He led the Pilots to the MHSAA Division 2 2017 State Championship, his third state championship. As the coach at Macomb Dakota, He won consecutive Division 1 Championships in 2006-07. Mike’s accolades this season were numerous: • CHSL Coach of the Year, Central Division • Macomb County Coach of the Year • MHSFCA Regional Coach of the Year, Division 2 Coach of the Year
• Detroit News and Detroit Free Press Dream Team Coach of the Year In early December, the Detroit Lions named Mike their HIgh School Coach of the Year, and donated $4,000 to the De La Salle Football program. Mike also got a trip to the 2018 Super Bowl in Minneapolis. Since coming to DLS after 18 seasons with Dakota, Mike has compiled a 16-7 record, including the 2017 12-2 record.
Powerlifters Send 15 To States
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Although Powerlifting is not yet an MHSAA sport, the De La Salle team is ready. This was an historic season for the young program, with nearly 100 students participating in after school lifting sessions, and 41 students lifting competitively. Through three regional qualifying events, DLS had 15 state qualifiers; of those 15, 9 medaled at the state event, meaning they placed in the top 10 in the state in their respective weight classes. Juniors Lorenzo Bruglio, Joe Zynda, and Matthew Paglia, and senior Richie Corona.
Congratulations to Mr. Brent Castine, Coach, and the entire team.
Athletic News Basketball Heads to Final Four
The student cheering section, “The Brozone,” cheered loudly as the Pilots led all the way in the quarterfinal victory.
Seniors Mike Jones, Aaron Johnson, and Alex Beam handled Broadcasting duties throughout the basketball season, with live play by play on www.dlsbroadcast.com
As The Collegiate goes to print, the Varsity Basketball Team was headed to East Lansing and the Breslin Center to play Clarkston in the MHSAA Division 1 Semi-Final. The Pilots reached the Final Four with a quarterfinal win over CHSL rivals University of Detroit Jesuit. The Pilots had lost to UDJ three times this season, but led throughout the quarterfinal, upending the Cubs 63-58 to earn their first trip back to the Final Four since 2007. A Regional Championship over Dakota was the first for DLS since 2010. In District play, the Pilots won their 43rd District Championship. A familiar face to alumni from the last several years is Mr. Larry Boyd, a regular substitute teacher at De La Salle, as well as a regular fan in the stands at DLS sporting events.
Seniors Brendan Madigan, Eric Wilson, Jacob Badalamenti, and Tommy Maxey lead the Brozone at the quarterfinals.
Alumni Alex Johnson, ‘17, Brendan Johnson, ‘15, Hunter Carra, ‘15, and Jon Miko, ‘15 cheer on the Pilots.
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De La Salle Collegiate
14600 Common Road, Warren, MI 48088 The Collegiate newsletter is published three times a year - Fall, Winter, and Spring. If you wish to start or stop receiving this newsletter, please contact the Advancement Department at 586.778.3356
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI PERMIT NO. 348
Upcoming Events Christian Brothers’ Dinner - April 26 - more information on Page 4 De La Salle/CHSL night at Comerica Park - April 30 Summer Camp Expo - May 6 - more information on page 18 Alumni Golf League Starts at the Orchards May 14 - more information on page 14 Alumni Networking Event at Kuhnhenn Brewery May 18 - more information on page 13 Class of 2018 Commencement, welcoming Classes of 1948, 1958 and 1968 - May 21 Freshmen Grandparents Day - May 23 Alumni Bar Association Meeting - May 31 - more information on page 15 Pilot Golf Outing - June 4 - information and registration form on page 12 Senior Alumni Luncheon at DLS - June 20