Around De La Salle

In only its second year of competition, the DLS DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) team has again had incredible success. Five students have qualified for the international competition in Nashville, TN, in late April. Four qualified for the 2015 international competition. The five were among a group of 31 who qualified after District competition in early January for the state competition in Detroit in mid-March. Students are tested on their knowledge of business, finance, hospitality and tourism, and marketing. In the Financial Literacy Promotion Project, seniors Kevin Jones, Parker Durand and Mario Fusciardi qualified for Internationals. In Apparel & Accessories Marketing, senior Gabriel Harris qualified. Junior Jason Kathawa qualified in Business Financial Services. Students spend the year preparing for competition. They first focus on a subject specific online test which they take twice - the first for Districts and the second for States - the results of which are added to their respective role play score at Districts and States. Students also hone their role playing skills under the tutelage of guest judges from the DLS community. Jerry Zaccardelli, ‘75, Vice President Group Benefits for Brown & Brown of Detroit, was one of those judges. He said, “The students were outstanding. They used the tools they were taught in the classroom, but used their own style to communicate it to the judges! The process teaches the students to be prepared and also the ability to think on their feet based on the information they are given! This is areal life situation where it is 90% preparation and 10% seat of your pants thinking!” DECA’s purpose is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in Marketing, Finance, Hospitality, and Management. The DLS DECA moderators are Mrs. Stephanie Howay and Mr. Dennis Koch.

In late January, the DLS National Honor Society and the DLS Student Council sponsored a bottled water drive for the people of Flint. Students donated more than 150 cases of water. DLS partnered with the Clinton Township Police and Fire Departments who delivered the water. At left; NHS Moderator Mrs. Traci Smith, and seniors Alex Yeiser, Kevin Jones, and David Jimenez.

Senior Kevin Jones has been selected as the recipient and Tennis. He has also been very involved with of the 2016 Balgenorth Scholarship. the Business program as a student in the CFCU The scholarship, formally named the Richard A. Banking Class, the Stock market Club, and Balgenorth Lasallian Award for Higher Education, is DECA. Kevin worked with Mr. Dennis Koch and in tribute to the memory of Mr. Balgenorth, ‘75, and Mrs. Aarran Meier to develop the curriculum for his belief that De La the Summer Business Salle Collegiate plays Camp. He has also a crucial role as a been involved with foundation for lifelong Campus Ministry and learning. The Award IM Sports. He carries aims to financially a 3.88 GPA. assist a graduating De Kevin said, “I am La Salle senior conhonored to have been tinue his education at selected as the recipia college or university. ent of the Balgenorth Kevin plans to atScholarship. With the tend the University scholarship I will be of Toledo and major able to cut the cost in Finance.At DLS, of out of state tuKevin has been inition as I advance my volved in Wrestling, academic career at the Football, Baseball, Mrs. Kim Balgenorth and Kevin Jones University of Toledo.”

Before any alumnus gets lost in acronyms, the DRC stands for Digital Resource Center, formerly known as the “Library.” Students use the DRC for individual and group study, taking advantage of 30 “Chromebooks” which are signed out using student ID’s. The current Freshmen and Sophomore classes are required to purchase their own Chromebook.

A corner of the DRC is now devoted to “Makerspace,” an area with legos, computer parts, and other DIY (do it yourself) projects to expand students’ creativity in building, designing, and executing small projects. Students can make things, test their ideas, find solutions, and discover new ways of doing simple tasks, working at Senior Michael Lipinski, junior Russell Hu, and senior Mac Pellerito. their own pace during free mods or before/after school. Principal Patrick Adams says that Makerspace is Through generous donations from current parents, stuone of the most significant tech trends in educadents are able to build structures with legos or create tion, engaging learners in creative, higher order an electronic snap circuit to make sounds. A lego wall problem solving through hands’ on design and is planned, as well as robotics items and contests every construction. few weeks to engage all aspects of the student body. “We plan to expand our Makerspace based on the To kickoff the Makerspace area, DRC Coordinator Mrs. interests and involvement of our students,” said Sheryl Anderson held a paper airplane flying contest. Mr. Adams. “It’s fascinating to watch and listen Using paper only, the students had to design, fold, and to kids when they’re given a chance to work, fly their creations. The farthest flight went 55 feet. create, and play independently. Essentially, they The next scheduled competition is building a catapult will guide the growth of the space. It’s humbling out of legos to see who can launch a mini-marshmallow when you think about it because what we are althe farthest. A future idea includes a straw bridge lowed to see is the innate creativity and curiosity -building construction that will test the bridge’s in young people that we often underestimate as strength over a suspended area. we go through our normal day.”

The DLS Mock Trial Team won the 2016 Macomb County Regional Tournament, held at the Macomb County Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens, and qualified for the State Finals. DLS was one of 14 schools competing at regionals; ten teams from across the state qualified for the Finals in Lansing on March 19. Now in its third year, the coaches are DLS alumni Ben Aloia (‘91) from Aloia & Associates, P.C., and Kyle Kole (‘06) from Lucido & Manzella, P.C., as well as DLS Counselor Jacob Jones. The team was a runner up in the 2015 Regional Competition. The “trial” involved an eccentric student defendant named Casey Campbell, charged with terrorism and attempted murder for allegedly planting a bomb at his high school in an attempt to blow up a group of bullies. The scenarios are developed by the state coordinating group, the Michigan Center for Civic Education. Ben said the team practiced at least two hours, two days a week, starting in January, and every day in the final two weeks leading up to the competition. They also met on Saturdays, as well as a “raffle holiday” to prepare. Additionally, the team spends time practicing in courtrooms. “Our practices are very intense,” said Ben. He adds, “I think the kids enjoy the challenge. They are learning about extemporaneous speaking, logic and reasoning, the art of eloquence, vocal projection, and about facial expressions and demeanor. These are skills that are important whether you become an attorney, a doctor, or sit in a board room. It’s amazing to see such growth.” Although Ben has two boys, aged nine and ten, who are active and involved, he has chosen to coach the team since its inception in 2014. He says, “It’s my contribution to the school. If I can dedicate my time to assist in these boys’ education, with such a challenging academic exercise, I know they will have a tremendous experience and get something they can’t get in the classroom. This helps prepare them for the rigors of a college education in a different fashion.”

Coaches Jake Jones and Kyle Kole; seniors Joe Hallman, David Jimenez, Mario Fusciardi, Mike Kostuch, Ryan Wisniewski, Mike Nicholas, Nicolas Taylor, Kyle Walters, and Justin Pauken; coach Ben Aloia.

Doug McKay, Varsity Golf Coach at De La Salle since 1994, will be inducted into the Michigan Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame in ceremonies on May 20, 2016. He will also receive a Regional Coaching Award. Under Doug’s leadership, the DLS Golf Team has enjoyed tremendous success, including Macomb County Championships, Catholic League Division and League Championships, and MHSAA District and Regional Championships. His teams have made appearance in 19 of his 21 years as coach, missing state finals in 2012 and 2013. Doug said, “I am very pleased to be inducted into the Michigan Golf Coaches Hall of Fame. I am humbled and honored to be receiving this award and very grateful to everyone who made this possible. I really believe this award goes to every coach, player and the families whom I have been associated with all these years. It has truly been a De La Salle community. I would also like to thank the De La Salle Administration and Athletic Department who have given me the distinct privilege of coaching these young men all these years. Without their continued support, this would not be possible. I am very proud to be part of the De La Salle Coaching Family.” He was inducted into the Catholic League Hall of Fame in 2012. DLS Athletic Director Brian Kelly said, “Doug has been an incredible asset to De La Salle, and especially to the hundreds of golfers he has mentored and coached over the years. His teams are always competitive with the top teams in the State and most importantly, Doug’s boys display great poise, sportsmanship, and respect for the game. The fact that our team has qualified for the State Finals so often with Doug at the helm is a testament to his coaching skills and his positive encouragement of each young man he has worked with.” Dennis Koch, ‘94, a DLS teacher, has coached with Doug the last two years, and is now the assistant varsity coach. Dennis says, “It is an honor to work with Coach McKay. He is a fantastic coach and an even better person. He is a great teacher of golf because of his knowledge and love for the game. He is great with our student athletes. He makes them want to become better golfers and better people.” Doug began coaching at De La Salle when his son, Kevin, DLS ‘96, was a member of the varsity golf team. The coach had resigned in August 1994, just before the Golf season began (until 2007, boys’ golf was a fall sport in the State of Michigan). Then-principal Br. Tom Lackey hired Doug, who thought he would stay until his son’s graduation. But Doug decided to stay, never dreaming he would coach all these years. He said, “I love coaching. When one of my senior golfers had his score count for the first time in his DLS Golf career at the Senior Day match in early May, the smile on his face was just great. That’s why I coach.”

2015 Golf District Champs: Kevin Campion ‘15, Joe Taras ‘16, Coach McKay, Martin VanderHagen ‘15, Jon Brillati ‘16, Anthony Comito ‘18, and Matt Jozefczyk ‘15.

De La Salle Collegiate is pleased to He first met with the DLS football playwelcome Mike Giannone as the head ers on Feb. 1, and has regularly been football coach. Giannone is the former at DLS for morning weight room since head coach at Dakota High School for then, as well as meeting with coaches 18 seasons. after his school day at Dakota. “In just Mike takes over the Pilots following the recent retirement of Paul Verska, who led the Pilots to three state finals, and the Division 2 State the short time I’ve been around them and the staff, I have learned a lot about their work ethic and commitment to excellence.” Championship in 2014. Giannone says the coaching staff is While at Dakota, Giannone’s teams won Division 1 Football Championships in 2006 and 2007, and qualified for the state playoffs every season since 2001. nearly intact. “I am very pleased with the blend of coaches we have compiled, and I believe our student-athletes will feel the same along with our parents and alumni.” Mike Giannone DLS President John M. Knight said, “Mike’s success as a football coach speaks for itself. What stands out most importantly to me is that Mike is a person who will have a positive impact on our students.” DLS Athletic Director Brian Kelly said, “Coach Giannone is one of the most successful high school coaches in Michigan. We are thrilled that he is bringing that formula for success to De La Salle to continue and enhance the great tradition of DLS Principal Pat Adams echoes Mr. Knight’s thoughts. football. Mike is a quality person who is great for “What I am excited about is not that we have the kids.” winningest coach in Macomb County history, but that we have a man who is a perfect fit for our mis sion and for our kids.” He intends to meet with the players and their parents sometime in May to introduce the coaching staff and set up a mentoring program for the current Giannone retired from Dakota in early April, and players and incoming freshmen. joined the DLS Teaching Staff April 11 as part of the Academic Support program (headed by Mike Szatkowski). “I believe in the mission of the school,” Giannone said. “I know the type of sacrifice and commitment that families have made to send their sons to De La Salle. That in itself is encouraging and inspiring from a coaching/teaching perspective.” The Warren Cousino graduate has a Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University, and a Master’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University. Mike is a resident of Clinton Township, and a parishioner at St. Paul of Tarsus Church. He and his wife Dottie have been married for 30 years and have three daughters and two grandchildren.

Kevin McKay is headed to Central Michigan University next fall, and will play Division 1 basketball for the Chips. But he leaves behind an incredible scoring record, after shattering Mark Prylow’s 1,340 career point record, set in 1990 (see page 22). A four-year starter, Kevin appeared in 89 games for DLS, amassing 1,516 points. Amazingly, once he surpassed Prylow’s record, he added those 175 or so points despite incredible double-and-triple teaming by opponents in the final games of the regular season, and in the CHSL and state playoffs.

Kevin doubled his freshman year 240 points by senior year, with 476, and doubled his points per game from 10.91 to 20.70. His final PPG average of 17.03 is one of the best records for any varsity player in recent years. Varsity Head Coach Greg Esler noted that Kevin can “drive, shoot, and defend. He is very athletic. He has a great attitude, and is a great team player.”

(Above) The varsity basketball team gathered after Kevin McKay scored 29 points against Orchard Lake St. Mary on Feb. 2, breaking Mark Prylow’s 1990 record of 1,340 career points. Kevin finished his career with 1,516 points. (Below) Br. Bob congratulates Kevin.

The 6’4” shooting guard was heavily recruited before settling on CMU before the start of the 2015-2016 season. He said, “I like the coaches. They stuck with me through the recruiting process, kept in contact with me, and really wanted me there.”

While not an official MHSAA sport, Powerlifting is the latest athletic offering at DLS. Students first competed at a regional meet sponsored by the Michigan High School Powerlifting Association during the 2014-15 school year. Students lift weights in three categories: squatting, benching, and deadlifting. This March, senior Brandon Taylor placed 6th in the state Powerlifting Finals in his weight class, earning himself a medal and a spot on the podium. Brandon was one of five Pilots who competed at the state finals. He was joined by regional qualifiers Steve Killop (10th place) and Jack Kloka (both juniors), and Richie Corona and Bryce Berriman (both sophomores. Junior Jason Kathawa and Freshman Nolan Schultz also qualified for the State finals, but were unable to attend.

Eleven DLS seniors signed commitment letters as part of National Signing Day on Feb. 1.

College football commits include • Jordan Asbury, Western Michigan University (D1) • Drew Beesley, Michigan State University (D1), preferred walk-on • Eric Rogers, Western Michigan University (D1) • Tru Wilson, University of Michigan (D1), preferred walk-on

Senior Brandon Taylor and Junior Jason Kathawa at a Powerlifting Regional meet.

Powerlifting is a club team during the winter sports season, aimed at athletes working out for fall and spring sports. The students lift after school, and follow a specific set of exercises. “This is simply a more organized and competitive situation,” said Brent Castine, a DLS Social Studies teacher

and JV Football coach who moderates the group. • Matt Becker, Malone University Ohio (D2) • Tom Evans, Northern Michigan University (D2) • Reggie Irby, Saginaw Valley, (D2) • Austin Potter, Northern Michigan University (D2) • Josh Wilk, Michigan Technological University (D2) College soccer commits include • Angelo Grillo, Northwood University (D2) • Jacob Mattia, University of Findlay (D2)

With only two “L’s” during the dual-meet Swimming and Diving season - a one-point loss to Brother Rice and a narrow loss to Dexter, both top-ranked in their respective divisions - Coach Jim Singelyn was confident his team would finish in the top three at the State Finals. He was right. The Pilots amassed 266 points at the Division 2 finals at Saginaw Valley State University in midMarch, finishing second to first-place Dexter with 284 points. Brother Rice won the Division 1 finals. Heady company for the Pilots, who finished the state meet with 13 All-State swims, and the first individual event champion in the school’s history. Senior PJ Desmet finished his high school career with two All-American Swims (200 medley relay and 400 free relay). PJ is a nine-time All-Stater (200 Medley Relay 2015 and 2016, 400 Free Relay 2015 and 2016, 100 Backstroke 2014, 2015, and 2016, 100 Butterfly 2015 and 2016). PJ has achieved All-State more times than anyone in the history of De La Salle. Senior Jack Kucharczyk finished his high school career with eight All-State medals (200 Medley Relay 2015 and 2016, 400 Free Relay 2015 and 2016, 100 Breaststroke and 200 IM 2015 and 2016). Athletic Director Brian Kelly said, “This was a very talented team, but more importantly, they were extremely motivated to win championships and be the best in the state. The coaches - Jim Singelyn, Catherine Leix, and Nicole Kowalczyk - did a phenomenal job of putting kids in a position to excel and break records and win championships.” Knowing the value of being familiar with a swimming venue, Jim took the team to Saginaw Valley one Sunday afternoon during the season. “The boys had a chance to see where they enter, where were the locker rooms. Okay, here’s the blocks. The relay

200 Medley Relay Champions with the Division 2 trophy Senior Mitch Livingston, sophomore Zach Milke, senior PJ DeSmet, and senior Jack Kucharczyk

teams practiced that afternoon. It was invaluable to our showing at states.” Jim also cited the move to the Warren Woods Tower pool as a contributor in the team’s success this season. “We couldn’t do ‘two-a-days’ when we were out at L’Anse Creuse. At Tower, we got in there several weekday mornings, and after school, there wasn’t that commute time out to LC. The kids still put in an incredibly long day because we couldn’t get into the Tower pool until their practice finished.” The team also went through weight training and yoga at the BRAC (Brother Robert Activity Center) on mornings they weren’t at the pool. Despite losing several seniors, Jim is already impressed with the underclassmen. “The boys understand that we’re aiming at states from the get-go. Each meet, we’re getting kids qualified for counties, for the MISCA meet, for CHSL. But our eyes are on the prize of states.” Jim’s laser focus on excellence is rooted in his love for the school. “I just want to give back to DLS because the school gave me so much.”

Coach Singelyn

• 200 Medley Relay State Champions The team of Seniors PJ Desmet (BK), Jack Kucharczyk (BR)

Mitch Livingston (FL), and Sophomore Zach Milke (FR) became the 1st Swimming State Champions in school history, breaking their own school record with an All-American time of 1:33.83. The previous time by the same four was 1:36.00, at the CHSL Championships on March 5. The State Medley Record is 1:32.46; this was the 7th fastest time in state finals. • 200 Individual Medley Five Pilots made it out of the preliminaries and into the Top 16, notable since points are also scored in the B final. The “A” final saw three Pilots scoring earning All-State: Senior Jack

Kucharczyk 2nd place, Junior Josh Hodges 4th, and Sophomore Zach Milke 8th. • 100 Butterfly Senior PJ Desmet became the Pilots’ first Individual State Swimming Champion in school history by winning the event. PJ broke his own school record with a time of 51.00. Josh Hodges joined PJ in the “A” final becoming All-State for the second time by finishing 6th. PJ first broke the fly record his sophomore year, and continued to break the record the last two years. • 500 Freestyle Sophomore Daniel Frederick shaved three seconds off his personal best time moving him to 4th place, an All-State performance. • 200 Freestyle Relay Seniors Nolan Kroha, Livingston, Isaiah Johnson and Hodges turned in another

All-State Performance and new Varsity Record with a time of 1:28.38. The previous record was set in 2015 by David Ackley (’15), Livingston, Johnson, and Tim Addy ‘15. • 100 Backstroke PJ Desmet and Zach Milke finished 2nd and 3rd, earning All-State honors. Desmet’s time of 51.68 broke his own school record. PJ first broke the DLS backstroke record sophomore year. • 100 Breaststroke Jack Kucharcyk broke his own school record from junior year with 57.52, finishing 3rd.

Jake Huttenlocher finished 7th. Both were All-State. • 400 Free Relay The team of Milke, Hodges, Kucharczyk, and Desmet finished 3rd with an All-American time of 3:08.65. This time crushed their previous school record set at the CHSL Championships on March 5.

• Although not All-State, Senior Nick Scott scored points in the B finals of the 200 IM and 100 Fly, and

Senior Nolan Kroha scored points in the B final of the 100 Free. • First DLS All-Americans since Coach Jim Singelyn swam All-American times in ‘88, ‘89, and ‘90. • Coach Singelyn was named Coach of the Year for Division 2. • For the seventh year in a row, the team will be named to both the NISCA and MISCA scholar teams. The boys will be named both Academic All-American and Academic All-State.

Legendary football Coach Bob Ladouceur, of De La Salle High School (Concord, California) facilitated a workshop on Feb. 1, primarily for nonfaculty coaches, on Lasallian values in coaching and athletics. His presentation for the 70 in attendance focused on how coaches can help athletes become authentic teammates and persons, a main focus of his coaching career. A movie about his life, When the Game Stands Tall, was released in 2014. Athletic Director Brian Kelly said, “Bob is a very softspoken and humble person, and his message truly resonated with the kind of things we try to do every day at De La Salle. Although Bob has a career record of 399-25, including an American high school record of 151 straight victories, he never focused on wins; rather, he was dedicated to developing young men of God with proper morals and values. He inspired us all to get better at what we do with our student-athletes.” The DLS Concord teams are often atop the USA Today Top 25 High School Football Rankings.

Winter Sports Summary Wrestling

Wrestling won the Challenge Cup vs. University of Detroit Jesuit for the fourth consecutive year. Coach Dennis Parks at right with the trophy.

Bowling

The varsity bowling team compiled a 7-3 record in CHSL competition.

Ice Hockey

The varsity ice hockey team had a varsity record of 13-10. The team won the pre-regional game, but lost the regional championship to Division 3 state runner-up Cranbrook.

Bob Ladouceur and Brian Kelly

He retired in 2013 as head coach, but continues to assist. Ladouceur was born in Detroit; his father, Tom, and Kelly’s father, the late Tom (1976), were classmates at Detroit Catholic Central High School. Ladouceur’s mother Mary was best friends with Kelly’s mother Gini. Tom and Gini Kelly are Ladouceur’s godparents. The families remained close friends even after

the Ladouceurs moved to California in 1964.

Br. Bob Carnaghi presents Archbishop Allen Vigneron with gifts from De La Salle.

The student body begins the liturgy with Archbishop Vigneron.

Archbishop Vigneron gives the homily.

Archbishop Vigneron talked with the Class of 2016 following Mass.

Seniors Ben Westphal and John Asman with Archbishop Allen Vigneron.