Athletic News

The DLS Wrestling Team with its third consecutive District Championship Trophy.

Wrestling

DLS Wrestlers had an outstanding season, including their third consecutive District Individual Championship. In the CHSL, Wrestling won the Central Division Dual Meet Championship, and took second place at the CHSL Individual Championships. Senior Jacob Van Ittersum (285) took 8th place at the MHSAA Individual Wrestling Finals in March. This is the third All-State Wrestler for DLS in the program’s ten-year history.

Bowling

The varsity bowlers challenged other teams at every match and tournament. The team just missed the State Finals by six pins.

Hockey

The Varsity Hockey Team won the Traverse City Tournament. The team lost in overtime in the regional finals to Grosse Pointe South.

Senior Jacob Van Ittersum, at far right, on the podium, at the State Individual Wrestling Finals

Athletic News

The Swim Team took its third consecutive Macomb County Championship, setting new pool and school records. Coach Jim Singelyn (‘90) took 16 swimmers to the Division 2 State Finals. DLS finished 7th, its highest finish in memory at finals, up from 20th place in 2014.

Swimming

Swimmers broke numerous records throughout the season, as well as at finals. All-State Honors also went to the 200 Medley Relay - 5th - PJ Desmet, Jack Kucharczyk, Nick Scott, Tim Addy 200 IM - 6th - Jack Kucharczyk 100 Fly - 6th - PJ Desmet (broke the 1976 record of Kevin Williams) 100 Back - 2nd - PJ Desmet 100 Breast - 3rd - Jack Kucharczyk (broke the 1990 record of Jim Singelyn) 400 Free Relay - 6th - Mitch Livingston, David Ackley, PJ Desmet, Jack Kucharczyk

Football Follow Up

The DLS Varsity Football Team continued to earn accolades after winning the school’s first state football championship in November 2014. Ten seniors committed to play college football on February 4, 2015, Signing Day.

Mike Danna (D1 – Central Michigan University) Austin Ballard (D2 – Notre Dame College, Ohio) Joey Garbarino (D2 – Northwood) Khary Harris (D2 – Malone University, Ohio) Damon King (D2 – Notre Dame College, Ohio)

Ryan Smith (D2 – Wayne State University) Alex Spicuzzi (D2 – Northwood) Jake Townsley (D2 – Northwood) Jake VanIttersum (D2 – Northwood) Cooper Gammon (NAIA – Concordia, Ann Arbor)

Athletic News

Kelly Named CHSL AD of the Year

DLS Athletic Director Brian Kelly has been named the Tom Kelly “Athletic Director of the Year,” and will be honored at the Annual Catholic High School League (CHSL) Hall of Fame Day on June 8. The CHSL first presented the Athletic Director of the Year award in 1976. Kelly accepted the award, named for his father, a longtime fixture in the CHSL. Tom Kelly had recently passed away; Brian was about to enter his senior year at Harper Woods Notre Dame High School. Principal Patrick Adams, a close friend of Brian Kelly’s since their high school days at Harper Woods Notre Dame High School in the 1970’s, said, “Brian’s work ethic, passion, and love of De La Salle have served to elevate him to an elite status as an educational leader. He exemplifies all that is right and good at the Collegiate. His efforts are a main reason De La Salle is flourishing at this time, and we are fortunate he wears purple and gold.” As Athletic Director, Kelly is responsible for 13 sports, nearly all of which have freshmen, JV, and varsity level teams. He has initiated post-season coaching evaluations, pre-season coaches’ meetings, concussion training, AED training, coaches’ manuals, and a focus on safety and security of athletes and coaches. His duties extend beyond the gymnasium and weight room. As an Assistant Principal, along with the other administrators, he is responsible for teacher mentoring and evaluation, interviewing and hiring of teachers, and encouraging and supporting professional development of the teachers and staff. He also oversees the school’s random drug testing program and the student monitors who are primarily focused on the safety of the school’s campus. Kelly said, “Obviously, I am deeply appreciative of all the people I work with at De La Salle and the Catholic League. In particular, I have benefitted greatly from the outstanding work of Shannon Bischoff and Kellie Mehl, the two administrative assistants I have had the pleasure of working with. My wife Donna and our three sons are the ones who have made my passion possible. De La Salle and the Catholic League mean so much to me. I am honored and humbled to be a part of both.” Kelly began his teaching career at De La Salle in 1982, and coached freshman and JV baseball in his first years at DLS. He took over the head coaching job in 1985, and led the Pilots to three Division 1 state championships (1993, 2000, 2009). He became Athletic Director in 2004, and stepped away from the head coaching position in 2010. In 2011, the school dedicated the baseball field to him in recognition of his accomplishments. Kelly began his college career at Michigan State University, and transferred to the University of Detroit after his sophomore year. He pitched for both the Spartans and the Titans for two years each.

Catholic League Hall of Fame Monday, June 8, 2015 Fern Hill Golf and Country Club 17600 Clinton River Rd. Clinton Township, MI 48038 Cocktails 5:30 p.m. Inductions and Presentations 6:30 p.m. Banquet 7:30 p.m. Tickets $70.

Athletic News

Associate Basketball Coach Mehl Selected to CHSL Hall of Fame

DLS Varsity Basketball Associate Head Coach Tom Mehl has been selected for induction into the Catholic HIgh School League Hall of Fame. Tom Mehl began coaching basketball at DLS in 1994-95 as the JV head coach and varsity assistant coach under Greg Esler. He held both positions for six years before giving up the JV position to focus solely on the varsity team. In 2011, Coach Mehl was named the Associate Head Coach of the varsity basketball program. Mehl said, “Being nominated for the CHSL Hall of Fame is very flattering and unexpected. It’s not often assistant coaches or associate head coaches are recognized for their commitment and success of their programs. I love coaching basketball, but more importantly, I love the opportunity to coach at DLS and all the players who have come through our program.” Mehl began playing for Coach Esler in 1987-88 as a junior at Lake Shore High School in Esler’s first year as a varsity basketball coach. He started coaching with him in 1992 as a varsity assistant coach at Lake Shore. In 1993-94 their Lake Shore team won the Class B state championship with a record of 28-0. Esler said, “Tom Mehl has been an integral part of the success that De La Salle Basketball has had over the years. He has great

knowledge of the game and is truly dedicated to the basketball program and De La Salle.” Mehl is the Parks, Programs, and Athletics Manager for the St. Clair Shores Parks and Recreation Department.

Basketball Team District Champs

The Varsity Basketball Team won the District Championship over Warren Mott. The team lost in the regional semi-final to Detroit Western, the eventual Class A State Champion.