DELBARTON Magazine Spring/Summer 2022

Delbarton Delbarton S P R I N G/S U M M E R 2022

The Magazine of Delbarton School and St. Mary's Abbey

Global Delbarton Returns

Delbarton Delbar ton

contents

Delbarton.org

Spring 2022

1 From the Headmaster 2 Homecoming 2021 21 The World is Not Morris County

By Jessica Fiddes

26 Global Delbarton Returns

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By Dan Pieraccini

34 My Lessons in Arabic

By Will Calder ’22

38 Around Delbarton 40 Humans of Delbarton

By Meghan Podimsky

62 Sport Shorts

By Jared Lowy

74 Abbey Notes

By Br. Finnbar McEvoy, OSB

82 Alumni News 107 Why We Give: Rajat Paul Dhall and

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Rumy Sidhu P’24,’26

109 Delbarton Yesterday

By Kent Manno

Cover Photographer: Zainat Abdoh, Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities All photographs in this issue of Delbarton were taken by Jessica Fiddes, Jared Lowy, Meghan Podimsky, J. Craig Paris unless otherwise indicated.

Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB, Headmaster J. Craig Paris ’82, Assistant Headmaster for Advancement & Alumni Jessica Vermylen Fiddes, Director of Marketing & Communications, Editor Design: Sahlman Art Studio, Charlotte, NC Printing: JS McCarthy Printers, Augusta, ME DELBARTON is the magazine of Delbarton School and St. Mary's Abbey. All views expressed in DELBARTON are solely those of the editors, authors and contributors to this magazine and do not necessarily represent those of the Order of St. Benedict of New Jersey, Inc., St. Mary’s Abbey and/or Delbarton School

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From the Headmaster Dear Friends of Delbarton, On April 17, the St. Mary’s Abbey Benedictine community celebrated Easter, the day we mark the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation. Easter is the culmination of the shortest liturgical season of the year, the Triduum (literally, “three days,”), the period between the end of Lent on Holy Thursday afternoon and the start of the fifty-day Easter season at the Great Vigil on Holy Saturday evening.

What made this year’s Easter celebration special, and that of the Triduum as well, was the presence of so many members of the Delbarton family at these great liturgies. From Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday, the monks saw many familiar faces, and many who we had not seen since the Covid pandemic began in March 2020. The key Easter themes of new life and hope were especially poignant among congregants and monks alike in 2022.

Even before Lent began in early March, other signs of new life and hope were present all over campus. Once again, we welcomed accepted students from the Classes of 2028 and 2026, and their parents as well. These new students came from an applicant pool just below last year’s record of 420 applicants for both 7th and 9th grades (414 total applicants). Our Admissions Committee continually marvels at the breadth and depth of talent among our applicants, and in selecting these new classes, we welcome an incredibly diverse group of young men to Mendham Road.

In addition, now that St. Benedict Hall is one year old (we opened on April 13, 2021), we have turned our attention to our next major construction project: the North Field House Complex at Regan Stadium. The combination Field House building, parking lot, tennis courts and concrete home bleachers has been in the planning since the early 1990s, and, at long last, it’s rising day by day! The new bleachers will become available to our fans

sometime this spring, and the remainder of the project is scheduled for completion and occupancy by the end of January 2023. Like St. Benedict Hall, this project will dramatically improve the quality of the student experience at Delbarton, and provide signature Delbarton hospitality to our families and guests.

The ordinary rhythms of the school year thus continue alongside the new and sometimes visually startling. The essentials of the Delbarton Experience remain unchanged: the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical transformation young men experience in their years here, the community spirit and brotherhood that lasts for a lifetime, the awareness that Delbarton is a spiritual home well beyond graduation. Where we grow and develop is in our ability to grasp the meaning of these essentials of our Benedictine Catholic culture, and to enhance the physical setting where these transformations take place. Such growth ensures we never become static, stale, or dismissive of the changing world around us.

Far from it! Here at Delbarton, we apply our values to our wider community, and send our young men into society ready to transform it for the good, as they were transformed from boys into men of faith, intellect, and servant leadership.

Yours in Christ and St. Benedict,

Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. Headmaster

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Homecoming 2021 On October 9, 2021, Delbarton celebrated Homecoming Day in its 82nd year…

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Senior portraits by Peter Wallburg Studios

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ALUMNI SOCCER Varsity Soccer Head Coach David Donovan P'19,'19,'22,'24 thanked alumni players for their support of Green Wave Soccer.

Alumni members of the Delbarton Soccer program were honored at halftime, during the Delbarton vs. Don Bosco Homecoming game, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Delbarton Soccer.

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Bagpipers led students on to the football field at Regan Stadium.

From left, Brian Monaghan ’73, Jeff Higgins ’81, Dave Villano ’83, Bill Gannon ’84, John Magnier ’82, Ted Dolan ’83, Paul Morfogen ’83 and Kurt Krauss ’81.

On Homecoming morning, Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB, offered Mass for returning alumni in St. Benedict Hall’s Spada Commons.

With Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, OSB are Cole Tavani ’16, Sean Hager ’16 and former Student Body President Dan Cimaglia ’16, back at Delbarton to celebrate their fifth reunion.

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In honor of the 75th season of Delbarton Football, alumni members of the Delbarton football program also were honored at halftime during Homecoming 2021.

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Many parents of alumni joined us for Homecoming 2021, including Kevin and Cindy Feeley P’09, ’12, ’16.

Hard-working DMG Delbarton Shop volunteers like Alexis Zebrowski ’14,’16,’21,’24 and Stewardship Assistant Jamie Bell P’15,’17,’19,’24 brought in record-breaking sales at Homecoming.

Delbarton Archivist Kent Manno, above, assembled an exhibit in the St. Benedict Hall Media Room to honor Football's 75th anniversary and the 50th year of Delbarton Soccer.

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Fr. Michael’s Executive Assistant and new Delbarton parent Theresa Maguire and husband John Maguire P’25.

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The Schundler brothers, Greg ’02 and Scott ’99, show off their Varsity Football jackets in honor of the program’s 75th anniversary year.

Homecoming

GolfOuting On October 7, golfers teed off for the Homecoming Golf Outing at New Jersey National Golf Club in Basking Ridge, NJ…

Greg Brozowki ’95, John Tonzola ’95, Ian Musselman ’95 and Assistant Headmaster for Advancement & Alumni Craig Paris '82, P'13, '15, '19.

Steve Cozine ’86, Terry Rouse ’86, Mark Balzarotti ’86 and Pete McGratty ’86.

John Traynor ’79, John Manning ’79, Joe Puleo ’79 and Larry Wilt ’79.

Derek Speedy ’14, Marty Eagan ’89, P’22, Alumni Association President Chris Bury ’91, P’19,’20,’23 and Fathers & Friends President Curt Ritter ’89, P’22.

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Hall of Honor O

n October 8, the Alumni Association hosted the 2021 Hall of Honor Reception in the Fine Arts Center and inducted three new members, Fr. Andrew Smith, OSB, Michael Rosenhaus ’80 and Terrence Rouse ’86, into the Delbarton Hall of Honor...

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Left to right: Members of the Class of 1986 celebrated 2021 inductee Terrence Rouse ’86. From left are Matt Gilfillan, Sam Rosenhaus, Pete McGratty, Terry Rouse, Steve Cozine, Paul Maguire, John Polakowski and Damon Goodwin.

Terrence Rouse ’86 Terrence Rouse is Executive Vice President, Group Strategic Planning Director at FCB Health. He manages a team of strategists to drive growth of the agency’s oncology brands. He helped drive the strategy for multiple life-extending, billion-dollar brands, including Eloxatin®, Sprycel®, Zytiga®, Darzalex® and Opdivo®.

He secured his first job in the industry through a Delbarton connection.

While caddying at Baltusrol, he networked his way into former trustee Thomas G Ferguson’s P ’87,’88’s namesake agency. In 2003 Terrence left the supplier side to join Sanofi, where he was US marketing manager for new oncology products. In 2007 he moved to Boulder, CO to lead the market research, competitive intelligence and forecasting group at Pharmion Corporation until it was acquired by Celgene.

He learned to sing Delbarton’s praises as a tour guide for Father Donal. He was a tackle on the football team, where he proudly shared a locker with fellow Hall of Honoree and classmate JP Flynn. The duo was able to boost morale by closely guarding a special pair of sneakers, which became a “team spirit trophy” awarded annually into the 1990s. He held various student government positions and was a leader in the Council of Seniors/Deanery System pilot program.

Former Association President Tim Fitzsimmons ’95, pictured here with his family, served as Master of Ceremonies and summarized each Hall of Honor inductees’ contributions to Delbarton.

2021 Delbarton Hall of Honor inductees included Terrence Rouse ’86, Fr. Andrew Smith, OSB and Michael Rosenhaus ’80.

A regular for The Courier, Terrence penned an elaborate April’s Fool Day article about co-education at Delbarton that garnered a call from the Star-Ledger. He shared a Delbarton Medal for his work on the paper, and another one for reviving the Creative Arts Festival.

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Admissions Volunteer Organization (BRAVO), and is currently a class representative and homecoming organizer.

He joined the Delbarton Alumni Association board in 1994 as assistant annual giving chair. By actively recruiting class representatives, organizing telethons and embracing new technology (e-mail!), he helped drive alumni annual giving participation from the mid-teens to nearly 40% over the next 20 years. As president from 2012-14 he restructured the board, allowing for greater participation, diversity of engagement, and clarity of succession.

He led a series of town hall and small dinner engagements to address era-specific challenges. His tenure on the board is the longest in Association history.

From the top: Inductee Michael Rosenhaus ’80 and his family including his brother Sam Rosenhaus ’86, daughter Morganne Rosenhaus, Michael Rosenhaus ’80, Lori Romero and son-inlaw Christopher Gresham.

2021 Hall of Honor inductee Terrence Rouse ’86 with his family. From left are Fiona, Terry, Aoife, Oona and Cormac Rouse.

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At Bowdoin College, Terrence majored in history and government, with a minor in economics. He won the 1989 Coach’s Award for the men’s rugby team and somehow lettered in golf.

He was a class president, served on the recording committee, the student affairs funding committee, and the executive board. He was an ‘active’ member at theta delta chi where he held various leadership positions and managed the fraternity’s kitchen. As an alumnus, he was a regional coordinator of the Bowdoin Regional

He is the father of Aoife (19), Oona (18) and Cormac (16). In his hometown of Berkeley Heights, NJ, where he is an extraordinary minister at the Church of the Little Flower, his identity is strictly defined by being married to Fiona McDonnell.

Michael Rosenhaus ’80 Mike Rosenhaus first arrived at Delbarton as an anxious freshman in the fall of 1976. During the next four years, he participated in a variety of sports including football, basketball, track and skiing but he also developed a love for cycling. Whether riding, racing or rebuilding bicycles, Mike pursued this new passion with a singular focus. Although he enjoyed many of his Delbarton classes, French, American history and physics to name

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2021 a few, after graduation he deferred enrollment to college in order to race full time.

Mike won the Junior National Pursuit Championship just months after graduating from Delbarton and went on to represent the USA at the Junior World Championships in Mexico City later that year. Based on those results, Mike was invited to train and compete with the US National Team leading up to the 1984 Olympics. Highlights from those years included two National Championship Bronze medals, over a dozen State Championship titles and numerous open race victories. Mike also spent half a season racing for the Bianchi sponsored amateur team in Italy before turning his attention to full time undergraduate studies.

Mike immediately immersed himself in Classical Studies at Drew University, taking every mythology, Latin and Ancient Greek course available. He was first introduced to the teaching profession as a student assistant at the New Jersey Archaeological Museum on campus, providing lectures and hands-on excavation demonstrations for visiting elementary school groups. During his time at Drew, Mike was nominated for a Rhodes Scholarship and received the Bruke Prize in Language and Literature upon graduation. Graduate school in Los Angeles was the next stop and, in the fall of 1986, Mike accepted a University Fellowship and teaching assistantship at the University of Southern California. Two years later, he earned his Master’s in Classics and embarked on his teaching career.

Mike returned to Delbarton as a Latin teacher and cycling coach in 1989. He became the Classics Department chairperson the following year, a position he held until 2012. In 2001, Mike gladly accepted the offer to serve as an apprentice under Abbot Giles Hayes in the College Counseling Department. In 2003, he assumed the role of Director of College Counseling, a position he holds to this day. In addition to counseling Delbarton seniors and juniors, Mike serves on the administrative team, edits the new Guidance e-Newsletter, coordinates the online financial literacy program and mentors many of his younger colleagues. He has two daughters, Colette who recently moved to Denver, Colorado and Morganne who lives in Washington, DC with her husband, Christopher and their son, Emerson.

Fr. Andrew Smith, OSB Fr. Andrew Smith, OSB, Benedictine monk, teacher of French, and friend to so many Delbarton alumni and parents, was born in Orange, NJ in 1938. He attended St. Benedict’s in Newark, NJ from 1953 to 1954, then completed his high school education at Cathedral Latin school in Cleveland, Ohio. Fr. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a minor in Classics from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, MN. and a master’s degree from Seton Hall University. He served his novitiate at Saint Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, Kansas and professed vows as a monk of Saint Mary’s Abbey in 1958. He was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Brendan’s Church, Clifton, on May 23, 1964.

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From the top: A group photo of Hall of Honor members who joined us for the October 8, 2021 ceremony in the FAC Theater.

2021 inductee Fr. Andrew Smith, OSB was touched to see alumni friends like John Gelson ’73, there to honor Fr. Andrew’s many decades of contributions to Delbarton and its young men.

Fr. Andrew’s tenure on the Delbarton faculty dates from 1960 and, except for a four-year assignment at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Elizabeth and teaching at St. Benedict’s from 1964 to 1965, he taught continually until his retirement after 53 years of teaching in 2013. During those years, he also held many positions at Delbarton including dormitory prefect, Associate Dean of Discipline, Director of Admission, as well as Bookstore Manager, Moderator of the Bicycle Club and of the Fathers and Friends of Delbarton.

As Ski Club Moderator for many years, he introduced spring ski trips to both Europe and the western United States.

A program inaugurated by Smith and one that remained dear to his heart was an informal exchange program between Delbarton students and their counterparts in France.

In 2004, he was honored by the Delbarton Lay Board of Trustees with their annual Trustee’s Award which recognizes a faculty member who is an inspiration to fellow teachers and whose service is seen as flowing from and nurturing the Benedictine concepts of community, the very heart of the school’s philosophy and program.

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Fr. Andrew’s work as a weekend parochial vicar since his ordination is extensive and includes parishes in the Archdiocese of Newark, the Dioceses of Trenton, Paterson and Metuchen. In addition, as a passionate Francophile, for many years Fr. Andrew replaced the parish priests on the Ile Saint Louis in the heart of Paris while they enjoyed their annual August vacations.

A skilled skier and biker, Fr. Andrew continued to stay physically active well into his late 70s. When medical issues circumvented his physically active life, he became an avid walker around campus with the reassuring support of a trusty, hand-carved cane.

His ready smile, enthusiasm and love of life are contagious, and many Delbarton alumni and their families have benefited from his warm welcome both to Delbarton and to St. Mary’s Abbey.

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The World is Not Morris County

By Jessica Fiddes

Dean of Admissions Dr. David Donovan in Africa after attending an International Boys School Coalition conference in Cape Town.

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wenty-five years ago, in spring 1997, the cover story of this magazine was about a cultural exchange program between Delbarton and students from the Pueblo at Zia in New Mexico. The title was The World is Not Morris County.

Delbarton has a long history of encouraging and enabling travel, beginning with the monks themselves. Over the years, members of the monastic community have taken sabbaticals as rewards for years of committed service, and some have taken personal pilgrimages. In 1998, after 42 consecutive years of teaching and a two-decade tenure as abbot of

A Delbarton Today cover story in 1997 about an exchange program with students from New Mexico pictured then-headmaster Fr. Giles Hayes, OSB ’56 and Delbarton hosts welcoming the visitors.

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The World is Not Morris County

Then–Headmaster Br. Paul Diveny connected with his former student Stefan Howells ’86, director of Sports Coaches Outreach in Cape Town.

In 1998, after decades of service to the Abbey and Delbarton, Abbot Brian Clarke took a sabbatical in Ireland and Jerusalem.

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St. Mary’s Abbey, Abbot Brian Clarke described sabbaticals as “wonderful opportunities to refresh and renew” as he embarked on his sabbatical in Ireland and Jerusalem. In summer 2002, Fr. Benet Caffrey walked the 500-mile Road to Santiago de Compostela on an historic pilgrimage that originated in Spain during the Middle Ages.

For decades, Delbarton alumnus Abbot Giles Hayes ’56 hosted a clothing and gift drive on campus, then accompanied the majority of the junior class to Appalachia for the delivery. Hurricane Sandy in October, 2012 shifted our focus to more local needs and our gift drive now partners with Catholic Charities in Paterson to help families closer to home. Today, Delbarton students and teachers still travel to Appalachia each spring on a

community service mission to assist at Bethlehem Farm.

Over the years, we’ve added cultural and language exchange programs to Australia, Ireland, Germany, France, Peru and Spain. Soccer Coach David Donovan takes his team to Italy and South America to train – this August they’ll be in Argentina and Uruguay.

Delbarton has built houses in Guatemala, delivered technology and books to Benedictine schools in Kenya, and assisted on Operation Smile medical missions around the world.

Packing the Green Wave flag has become a tradition, and current families and alumni share their flag photos with us from sites around the world. We also encourage students and alumni to submit Global Delbarton articles and photos to Delbarton magazine, hoping to inspire others to

In Kenya in 2015, teachers Zach Tabor and Brian Theroux and students made bricks from clay and helped with a building project.

broaden their horizons. Delbarton is committed to introducing our students to the world outside our 187-acre campus, and we challenge every student to have a global experience before he graduates; Financial aid is made available when cost is an issue.

Delbarton sees travel as a significant teaching tool. We learn more about ourselves and others by leaving our comfort zones behind: Pack light, get dirty, be exhausted, try new foods, survive without wifi, struggle with a language, turn a stranger into a friend.

We’ve learned that not everyone has a roof or shoes, or can afford clothes and toys for their children. We’ve tried to help. We’ve also experienced the pure adventure of travel, sampling new cuisines, zip lining in Finland, dune-buggy-ing in Peru, pitching a tent in Jordan, floating lazily in a hot

Conor White, right, on an Operation Smile medical mission in Amman, Jordan.

air balloon above French farmland.

These Global Delbarton trips are rare privileges that we never take for granted. They open our eyes, minds and hearts. They change us.

Director of Global Programs Dan Pieraccini, a veteran adventurer, models this desire to experience life in all its richness through travel. In late February 2020, in a bold move that reflects its risk-taking ethos, Delbarton sent students to Finland and France on

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The World is Not Morris County

At a reception in Old Main, Br. Paul welcomed German exchange students (the girls studied at Oak Knoll School) in 2015.

As part of a From Houses to Homes mission, in 2014 Delbarton students helped build a home for this Guatemalan family.

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spring break trips. Days after they returned safely, US COVID pandemic restrictions shut down travel to Europe. Yet even during the travel hiatus, Pieraccini continued to encourage us to seek new experiences closer to home in unique destinations like Boise, Idaho.

As world travel slowly comes back to life, in the article that follows, Pieraccini reminds us of a foundational hallmark that has always defined Delbarton: The world is not Morris County. Get out there.

Experience the rest of it.

Constructing a cinderblock home from scratch was just one of the lessons students learned in Guatemala in 2019.

In 2017, new Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd continued a program initiated by Br. Paul by greeting exchange students from Rosebank College in Australia.

Fr. Benet Caffrey, OSB in Spain in 2002.

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Australia Finland France Ghana Italy Jo

Global Delbarton R E T U R N S

By Dan Pieraccini In 2017, Director of Global Programs Dan Pieraccini welcomed eleven French exchange students with Delbarton gift bags. The students visited us from Lycée du Sacré Cœur in Yssingeaux, France.Spike Smigelski

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ovelist John Gardner once observed that all plots boil down to two scenarios: someone walks into town, or someone leaves town; logistically speaking, there’s either a movement of the unfamiliar approaching us, or us leaving the familiar. But the common thread remains travel. The journey, essentially, characterizes all our stories.

In Western lore, a voyage, a passage, or some kind of trip incites the greatest stories. Think for example of

ordan Kenya Malta Morocco peru spain

literal voyages, like that of Odysseus, and the spiritual quests metaphorized by the physical journeys of Dante and Aeneas. Adam and Eve truly begin their story from exile, and Moses the same. Abraham, Jonah, and even Joseph and Mary, Jesus and the disciples, all share the common experience of a trek, flight, a wandering or a peregrination.

In Eastern Philosophy, the same motifs emerge. The story of Siddhartha epitomizes the concept of a pilgrimage, the Ramayana and Journey to the West allow for the heroism of their protagonists through the challenges of the road, and the Mahabharata follows yet another family in exile. The very word, Tao, means ‘the path or the way.’ (continued on page 29)

In 2009, Smigelski was recruited to play hockey and lacrosse for Colby College in Waterville, Maine.

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Global Delbarton R E T U R N S

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(continued from page 27) Globetrotting, leaving home, venturing from the familiar lies at the very heart of every story. Whether an angel or a divine force must announce the quest, or the driving force emerges from an

equally inescapable inner compunction, leaving home more often than not marks the end of Act I, and truly begins the tale. (continued on page 31)

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Global Delbarton R E T U R N S

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(continued from page 29) Well, that’s where we find ourselves, not only at Delbarton, but rather universally. We’re all stretching our dormant limbs, stiff from slumber and a sedentary couple of years, and the roads before us appear as thrilling as they do unfamiliar. The landscape has changed, the requirements altered, but this should not discourage us from roaming. In fact, we have all the more reason to fly, hike, trek, and go. The words of Paulo Coehlo ring ever true: When you travel, you experience, in a very practical way, the act of rebirth. You confront completely new situations, the day passes more

slowly, and on most journeys you don’t even understand the language the people speak. So you are like a child just out of the womb. You begin to attach much more importance to the things around you because your survival depends on them. You begin to be more accessible to others because they may be able to help you in difficult situations. And you accept any small favor from the gods with great delight, as if it were an episode you would remember for the rest of your life. At the same time, since all things are new, you see only the beauty in them, and you feel happy to be alive. (continued on page 33)

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Global Delbarton R E T U R N S

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(continued from page 31) And that’s why we’re excited to launch back into our adventures, both domestically and abroad. Our maiden voyage from hiatus, Mr. Tabor’s spring break trip to Jordan, returned with unique experiences, lifelong memories, and emboldened global citizens. The tour acts as an auspicious harbinger of more successful returns to our international programming. With Europe, Appalachia, and Sub-Saharan Africa in our trajectory, great tales of learning, compassion, and growth await us.

Global Delbarton isn’t back: it’s always been there. We’re just finally answering the call.

These two years of establishing new routines and togetherness, developing skills and getting to know our community, the stay-at-home silver linings of the pandemic, have created a meaningful, yet nevertheless familiar, routine for many of us. But now, how much more vivid and meaningful will the change in

atmosphere, the new sights, sounds and smells of the unfamiliar become when we’ve grown accustomed to the immediate world around us?

Though we cannot know for sure, the experiences before us may be the most unique and eye-opening to date.

Like a dessert after a long fast, will the sweetness of our upcoming journey overload us with a level of satisfaction beyond expectation? We’ve arguably been training for this for a very long time.

In sum, it’s helpful to reflect on the notions of Terry Pratchett, which so perfectly express the raison d’etre of the journey as a necessary concept: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”

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My Lessons in Arabic

Will Calder ’22

Will Calder ’22 will continue his education at the University of Notre Dame in fall 2022.

On April 22, Delbarton celebrated Ramadan together with a Fast and Feast event sponsored by DAP and the Arabic Club. The event attracted many students who fasted for one day in solidarity with their Muslim friends. Will Calder ’22, who was just finishing his fourth year studying Arabic at Delbarton, spoke at the feast that concluded the day-long event.

Here are his remarks...

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A h l a n Wa S a h l a n !

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Will Calder and I am a senior here at Delbarton. I find it a little ironic that I’m here speaking in front of all of you today, as a campus minister at Delbarton speaking on the traditions and customs of the Islamic faith might seem a little weird, but I hope that some of my wisdom and experience will resonate with you nonetheless.

I am now in the final stretch of my fourth year of Arabic under the wing of Mr. Tabor and this is now the third year in a row that I have fasted in solidarity with the Muslim community at our school. It seems like each year has gotten a little harder for my fast.

During my sophomore year when the whole world was shut down, I remember spending my day of Ramadan lying on a yoga mat under a blanket binge-watching the recently released Outerbanks for hours on end.

Last year, I was back to school, walking across campus, and doing some sort of physical activity, making the previous year’s fast look like a breeze. And this year, well, all I can say

is trying to fast while engaging in a serious practice of Ultimate Frisbee truly is one of the hardest things a Delbarton senior can do.

Over spring break in March, the Global Delbarton excursion to Jordan included living for 24 hours in a Bedouin tent erected by the group in the Wadi Rum desert.

In all seriousness, the reason we are all here today is in solidarity with each other. The name of this event is Interfaith Fast and Feast. Interfaith literally means when people or groups from different religious/spiritual worldviews and traditions come together and celebrate each other’s heritage. We are here as one Delbarton community in order to empathize with those who are celebrating one of the most important holidays of their tradition, just like they celebrate Christmas and Easter with us at Mass. Interfaith is hard.

Fasting for one day was more than enough work for me, and yet, there are people in my community who do this every single day for thirty days. I had the pleasure of growing up with Amir Eltaki and I watched him struggle to get through baseball games in the burning hot sun with water towels around his neck to try and cool him down. To this day, I still don’t know how you do it, but you, and the rest of

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At dawn on April 22, Arabic teacher Zack Tabor led students, parents and faculty in an online Ramadan fasting presentation.

those who celebrate this holiday, have certainly earned my respect, and I am so eternally grateful that you are sharing this celebration with all of us.

I was fortunate enough to go on the Jordan Trip during spring break and saw some remarkable things. The beautiful landscape of the desert Wadi Rum, the ancient city of Petra and its history, and of course the baptismal place of Jesus and the Jordan River are all things I will cherish. However, while the sites were beautiful and breathtaking, the part of the trip that I will never forget is words. Yes, a series of words have resonated with me more than a collection of some of the world’s greatest natural beauties. For 24 hours, our group of 16 experienced a Bedouin lifestyle in the middle of Wadi Rum. We lived in tents, cooked food under the sand through a very intricate system that I still don’t really understand, and, the most horrifying of the bunch, had absolutely zero cell service. We learned quickly that hospitality is one of the most important virtues a Bedouin can have so, after spending an entire day living among the Bedouins, the Bedouins showed us their appreciation with hospitality in the form of a 70-year-old

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rug that had been part of their family for years and was their prized possession. While the gesture in itself was unbelievable, it was the look on the man’s face that truly made the exchange so worthwhile. The entire day Ali, our Bedouin tour guide, was so friendly and welcoming, always smiling, so the official handoff of the rug to Mr. Tabor nearly brought him to tears…true hospitality. We tried to match his hospitality with the hospitality of our own, giving him our Delbarton flag, and, even though the items don’t necessarily match in price value, the sentimental value prompted endless gratitude from Ali. The thing I find so unique about the Delbarton flag is the symbols and motifs that speak to who we are as a community. Significantly, the lion on the flag, physically looking backward, but his torso leading him forward represents the balance between looking back at tradition while preparing for the future. There must be an equilibrium between these two actions in order to find balance. This specific part of the flag prompted a response from Ali, the Bedouin, that really resonated with everyone in the camp. He said that he and the rest of the Middle East have seen social media and heard all of the things about anger Americans hold against the region and vice versa. He’s heard about the so-called “hatred” America has against the Middle East. For him, however, the very idea that we, as a Delbarton community, were physically there to talk to him and experience Jordanian culture shows that that belief of hatred isn’t real and that

there truly is a better future, because, in his words, we are all brothers.

Brothers…a Bedouin with broken English was telling us, Delbarton Brothers, about the importance of a community, about the importance of a Brotherhood.

I truly believe that is why we are all here tonight. As a community, as a brotherhood, we are learning and enriching ourselves with the traditions and the celebrations of something that is unfamiliar to us. We are trying something completely new. Whether it’s trying Arabic food for the first time or fasting, just being present with each other and going through the same experiences just brings us one more step closer to each other. Our community is just getting that much stronger. I encourage you all to celebrate with each other today, and all of the future days of Ramadan for years to come. Tonight should not be a one-night celebration. This should serve as a stepping stone for all of us to learn and appreciate all of the things around us. Let’s grab onto Delbarton’s diverse community and never let go. Let’s look back on our traditions and move forward together, just like the lion on the flag.

Thank you for listening and, in the words of Ali the Bedouin, talking is the first step to understanding and appreciating, making peace one word at a time! Shukran!

That evening, the group broke its fast together with a celebratory feast in the Senior Garden.

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faculty update In April, Dr. Rachel Carlson concluded a series of lectures for Loyola University in New Orleans. Two sessions addressed food and feasting in the ancient world, and the third was a formal community lecture co-sponsored by their Departments of Language and Culture and Environmental Science.

Dr. Jonathan Cote and Dan Szelingowski were named CoInternal Coordinators of Delbarton’s upcoming Middle States re-accreditation. In preparation, Cote did a site visit and Szelingowski served on his 4th visiting team from May 2-4 at Caravel Academy in Delaware. In addition, both men participated in a professional development workshop on April 12 on Organizing a Self-Study.

The Delbarton Planning Team, composed of many Delbarton stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, alumni, parents, and students, met in May to begin the process.

On March 16, Assistant Director of Athletics Daniel DesPlaines passed the Athletic Equipment Manager’s Association Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) exam at the Athletic Director’s Convention in Atlantic City, NJ. This is his second athletic administrative certification (continued on page 39)

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Accepted Students Reception On January 31, Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd and Dean of Admissions Dr. David Donovan greeted Class of 2026 and Class of 2028 students and their families at the 2022 Delbarton Accepted Family Reception. Senior Council members and the Green Wave mascot welcomed boys at the door. Accepted students enjoyed dining from three food trucks, with a make-your-own-sundae chaser in the FAC lobby, while parents mingled in St. Benedict Hall. All in all, the event served to break the ice on a frosty January afternoon.

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Delbarton Wins Advertising and Marketing Awards In March, Delbarton was an Educational Advertising EduAWARD Gold Winner for the School’s new viewbook, part of a rebranding project the School embarked on in 2021. The competition attracted over 2,000 entries from one-thousand colleges, universities and secondary schools from all fifty states and several foreign countries. In January, Delbarton won a 2021 Silver InspirED School

Marketers Brilliance Award, an international competition recognizing excellence in school and college marketing and communications.

Delbarton Marketing & Communications, led by Jessica Fiddes P’03,’05,’08, submitted the three-minute video created during the Covid pandemic to demonstrate the School’s Succisa Virescit spirit. Judges described the video as “a persuasive and engaging video showcasing the school’s character and reaffirming the school’s value now and in the future.”

Irish American Cultural Institute Honors Fr. Michael Tidd On February 27, Delbarton Headmaster, Fr. Michael Tidd O.S.B., pictured here with NJ State Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, was honored by the Irish American Cultural Institute at its St. Patrick’s Day commemoration, Washington’s Irish Ball, at the Madison Hotel.

The annual fundraising event honors distinguished local individuals for their contributions to arts and culture, education, community, heritage, or business. Fr. Michael received the 2022 Eoin McKiernan Award for Educator of the Year, presented in recognition for contributions to the world of Irish Studies. The Washington’s Irish Ball commemorates George Washington’s declaration in 1780 of St. Patrick’s Day as a holiday while his troops, many with Irish roots, were encamped at Jockey Hollow in Morristown during the American Revolution.

(continued from page 38) following his Certified Athletic Equipment Manager certification exam in 2019.

This year, Headmaster Fr Michael Tidd appointed Dean of Admissions Dr. David Donovan the School Leadership CoChair of the Strategic Planning Process at Delbarton. Working closely with Facilitator Kathleen Casey from Partners in Mission, and Steering Committee Co-Chairs and Regents Amon Johnson and Michael Szymanski, Dr. Donovan oversees the 1-year development of the School’s next Strategic Planning document — a comprehensive institutional initiative to guide the School in eight domain areas over the next decade including Mission, Academics, Advancement, Enrollment, (continued on page 42)

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Humans of Delbarton:

Carlos Pelayo

By Meghan Podimsky

This year, we introduced Humans of Delbarton, a series of profiles designed to illustrate what makes Delbarton, well, Delbarton. The concept was inspired by the popular series Humans of New York, launched in 2010 as a photography project when photographer Brandon Stanton paired his photos with stories and quotes from his subjects.

Meet Delbarton Actor and Varsity Lacrosse Goalie Carlos Pelayo ’22...

As his senior year unfolded, Carlos Pelayo tried to make the most of his time left on Delbarton’s campus. After getting into acting and theater when he was in the third grade, Pelayo took part in his fourth Abbey production this fall, The Farnsworth Invention. “Playing Philo Farnsworth was by far the largest and most demanding character that I had ever committed myself to,” Pelayo recalled as he prepared for his next role, the lead in the winter production of Something Rotten!. “I did a lot, and I mean a lot, to prepare myself for the portrayal of Farnsworth including several hours of rehearsal daily from the start of school to the last weekend in October. First, I had to memorize my lines, then put the lines together with acting on stage and interacting with other characters and then, finally, I really had to become Philo Farnsworth. It was really difficult but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Aside from Delbarton Arts, Pelayo can be found defending the net for Green Wave Varsity Lacrosse. “I started playing lacrosse in third grade.

When my town team needed a goalie, I decided to try out that position and never went back to being

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a field player.” Over the years, Pelayo has learned a lot from his time as a lacrosse goalie. “I enjoy developing the leadership, focus, and confidence skills required by the goalie position” he says. Pelayo and his teammates couldn’t wait for the season to start as they fought for a chance in the Tournament of Champions. He says, “My most vivid Delbarton lacrosse memory is beating Seton Hall Prep during last year’s state quarter-final game as the overtime win still gives me the chills.”

Thinking back to his time applying to Delbarton, Pelayo found the Delbarton community to be unique while having a lot to offer. “I knew that Delbarton was a very prestigious school, and I wanted to challenge myself.” Being at Delbarton allowed him not only to train hard for lacrosse, but also gave him the opportunity to balance his interests in athletics and theater.

Pelayo learned the value in juggling sports and acting alongside his rigorous studies while finding time to volunteer. “These two activities really define my life. Outside of school, I like to volunteer at an area soup kitchen whenever I get the chance.”

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One of his favorite classes was Theater with Mr. Matthew Corica and Alumni Teaching Fellow Mr. Roggi Chuquimarca ’17 where he honed on his acting skills and acquired more experience. “Mr. Corica has been a large part of my success at Delbarton. He is my Theater class teacher, drama/musical director and lacrosse coach. This year, I have also been helped by Mr. Chuquimarca who is a student teacher and a Delbarton graduate. He has really helped out when Mr. Corica can’t be there and has become a great role model for the person I want to become.”

Last fall, while he was settling into his senior year, Pelayo reflected on all he has learned at Delbarton and all there was to accomplish prior to graduation. “As it has been recently announced, this is the final year for the Tournament of Champions, and a Delbarton win would be a great

end to my senior year cementing our legacy amongst the previously successful Delbarton teams.” With two younger brothers currently at Delbarton, Pelayo hopes to see students continue building the Delbarton brotherhood for years to come.

As he prepares for graduation and a new journey ahead at Boston College, he leaves Delbarton with this piece of advice: “Make sure to get involved in after-school activities every season. These activities make Delbarton what it is and, without them, my experience would have been very hollow and different.”

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(continued from page 39) Facilities, Finance, Governance, and Student Life/DEI. The community work of designing this blueprint for the future runs through the Spring and Fall of 2022 with final ratification scheduled for December 3, 2022.

Director of Guidance Dr. Matt D’Urso has accepted an offer to join Praesidium as a Guardian Reviewer which involves conducting site visits with Praesidium at various youth serving organizations.

Guardian Reviewers participate in at least two accreditation visits per year. Dr. D’Urso attended an in-person training in February in Arlington, TX and will attend various online training sessions throughout the year. St. Mary’s Abbey and Delbarton are both Praesidiumaccredited institutions.

This year, language teacher Alma Lopez-Holder attended the NAIS Online People of Color Conference. On May 6, she attended a workshop on Strategies for Reaching “I don’t Care” and Underperforming Students.

This fall, math teacher Nora McSorley begins a Montclair State University Masters Program in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. (continued on page 43)

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Delbarton Has Four National Merit Finalists Among the 16,000 National Merit Semifinalists announced last September, four Delbarton seniors from the Class of 2022 met the requirements to advance to Finalist status in the scholarship competition. Congratulations to Anand Majmudar ’22, Matthew Sebastian ’22, Warren Wu ’22 and Austen Yun ’22 for their academic achievements!

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Morris Township PD Conducts Training Exercises on Campus In early March during spring break, the Morris Township police department used the Delbarton campus for a variety of training exercises. Director of Campus Security Scott Carrell (a former NYPD police officer) helped to organize the two-day event designed to sharpen emergency response skills with the additional benefit of familiarizing our local police officers with Delbarton buildings.

(continued from page 42) In April, Director of Global Programs Dan Pieraccini participated on a panel during the annual conference of the Global Educators Benchmark Group. The Conference, hosted in San Diego, CA, focused on Sustainability and Environmental Education in Global Programs.

Art teacher Caitlin Servilio is earning her Masters in Fine Art from Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore (MICA). This summer, she embarks on her

third of four semesters in the summer Masters program.

The Delbarton Technology Department, led by Technology Director John Costa, has added a third person, George Harvey, to its network and support staff. In addition, faculty member Chuck Johnson is joining the team as an Academic Technology Integration Specialist, a role previously filled by Rob Flynn who now serves as the Guidance Department Learning Specialist. This summer, the Technology department will

build a new Tech service counter in the bus loop lobby. Assistant Director for Technology Christian Zollers says, “Together, these changes will mean a drastic improvement to our department!”

Tidings Faculty member Christine Connelly and her husband Sean welcomed their son Cameron Robert Connelly on January 18, 2022.

(continued on page 45)

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Ikenna Amadi ’22 is 2022 Cerasia Award Recipient On February 9, the Delbarton community congratulated Ikenna Amadi ’22, recipient of the 2022 Delbarton School Cerasia Award. The Award is presented annually to a student who exhibits persistence and resilience during his years at Delbarton. Ikenna received the award at a special presentation during a Morning Meeting in the FAC Theater where he sat with his mother Patricia Anaemejeh.

The Cerasia Award is dedicated to the memory of the late Michael C. Cerasia, a member of the class of 1994 who died tragically with his older brother in a boating accident during the summer following his freshman year. Michael’s parents, Robert and Carole Cerasia P’94 of North Caldwell, attended the presentation.

Ikenna Amadi is a current senior who lives in Newark, New Jersey. He is a first generation American, has two siblings, and his family is from Nigeria. For the majority of his life, he has attended public charter schools in the Newark area, always understanding that education is the key to success.

He states that his mother, a teacher, is the sole reason for this drive to success. After his acceptance into Delbarton, Ikenna recalls that he “discovered a love for social justice and DEI work, which both deepened my interest in science and innovation.” He has evolved into an outstanding student leader, and serves as a wonderful mentor for his younger brothers in and beyond Diversity Among Peers (DAP).

Ikenna has also discovered an affinity for writing and displayed

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his writing talent in both English and Spanish through his work in several English courses and his current AP Spanish course. DEIB moderator Tony Negrin says of Ikenna, “I have found Ikenna to not only be the ideal student at Delbarton, but I believe that he is the definition of our mission statement. He is a young man who since the 7th grade, has been considered a leader amongst his peers, as well as a young man whom faculty and staff have relied upon. His dedication to the Delbarton community is unprecedented, and because of him, the Diversity Among Peers program and Social Justice committee is set up for success for the foreseeable future. The impact he has made on all within the Delbarton community is incredible.”

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Teacher

(continued from page 43)

Lodge Exalted Ruler

Advancement Department Major Gifts Officer John O’Brien and his wife Kelly welcomed their daughter Claire Delaney O’Brien into the world on April 9, 2022. Claire joins older brother Kieran, age 2 1/2.

Dan Pieraccini is Elks On March 27, 2022 teacher and Director of Global Programs Dan Pieraccini was sworn in as Exalted Ruler of the South Orange Elks Lodge #1154. Attracted to the organization’s community service initiatives, he rose through the ranks to the top job. Fondly known as ‘Prof’ to his Italian language students at Delbarton, in addition to teaching, Pieraccini plays bass in the pop/rock band Forget the Whale and is a devoted world traveler who shares his passion for travel with students and adults alike. He has experienced 83 countries and looks forward to hitting his goal of 100-or-bust once Covid restrictions ease. The Lodge has over 270 members, and Pieraccini hopes to get to know many more of them as he sustains and builds the Lodge’s dynamic community outreach programs. He says, “I’m excited because it will sharpen my abilities to motivate people, allow me to attend a variety of events, practically fill my social calendar, and greatly increase the amount of good I can do for the community at large.”

Teacher and coach Matt Leotti '06 and his wife Kelly welcomed their second son Luca Leotti on May 7, 2022. Luca joins older brother Matty.

Faculty member Alma LopezHolder and her husband Kyle Holder welcomed their daughter Noelly Magdalene Holder on May 19, 2022.

Assistant Director for Technology Christian Zollers and Jennifer Jones were married on March 10 in the French Quarter Wedding Chapel in New Orleans. n

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Delbarton Hosts Celebrations This year, the always-busy Delbarton calendar was filled with opportunities to share the cultural heritages of our families. Students, parents and friends joined together to design and host well-attended events that introduced cultural art, music, fashion, dance and food to the school community. All were welcome! In 20212022, our cultural celebratory events included...

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October 6: Hispanic Heritage Month Event

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November 3: Diwali Celebration

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February 1: Lunar New Year Event

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February 10: Black History Month Celebration

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April 22: Ramadan Fast and Feast

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arts NEWS

Another Banner Year for AP Artists

Presenting our thirteen Delbarton 2022 AP Art artists!

(Missing: Luke McChesney '22)

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In 2022, the Delbarton Art Department augmented the traditional AP Art Exhibit & Reception with an online presentation of digital Sustained Investigation Portfolios created by thirteen members of the 2022 AP Studio Art Class. We are proud to highlight each artist with his senior portrait, a quotation from his artist’s statement, and a sample of his art. Access each artist’s complete digital portfolio on Delbarton.org.

DELBARTON

arts NEWS

Something Rotten was Something Special From February 11-13, Delbarton Abbey Players served up a feast for the eyes and ears onstage in the FAC Theater. Directed

by Matt Corica with Music Direction by David Blazier, Something Rotten was a wildly entertaining mix of Renaissance allusions and modern references about a fictional rivalry between Elizabethan playwrights. Three packed audiences were fortunate to experience the talent and energy of the terrific cast, which attracted Delbarton actors and visiting thespians from area schools including Academy of St. Elizabeth, Morris Knolls High School, St. Vincent the Martyr School and Villa Walsh Academy.

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arts NEWS

Christmas Concert On December 16, a full house in the Fine Arts Center theater enjoyed the annual Delbarton Christmas Event. The livestreamed event included all instrumental and vocal ensembles directed by Mr. David Blazier (Middle School Chorus, Schola Cantorum, Benedictones), Mr. Nathan Eklund (Jazz Ensemble), Mr. Andrew Lyman (Middle School Band, High School Band, Woodwind Ensemble, String Quartet, String Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble), Mr. Chris Hatcher (Middle School Chorus). The finale included the Abbey Orchestra and Schola Cantorum performing The Little Drummer Boy.

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Sean Dooley ’25 Receives MAYO Center Musician of the Month Award At Delbarton, students passionate about music look for opportunities to push boundaries and grow their musical abilities.

This year, thanks to a newly expanded music curriculum, student musicians have been offered even more options to pursue their goals. They also share their music beyond Delbarton campus. To kick off the new year, in January student musician Sean Dooley ’25 received The MAYO Center Musician of the Month Award in acknowledgement of his excellent percussion skills. As a Delbarton Ensemble principal percussionist, Dooley was nominated by faculty member Mr. Andrew Lyman for his talent and hard work.

learning outside the classroom

American Politics Club Hosts Congressional Candidate

John Isemann On April 13, the Delbarton Politics Club hosted Congressional District 7 candidate John Isemann during in the FAC. Students in grades 7 through 12 were invited to attend and, after Isemann explained his background and what motivated him to run, boys peppered him with excellent questions. Delbarton does not endorse political candidates, but the School actively encourages intelligent and informed discourse on the subject of politics. This relatively new Club offers neutral territory and an opportunity to learn more about the workings and policies of our federal, state and local government.

Caylin Moore: From Compton to Oxford

On April 5. Caylin Moore addressed Delbarton students, followed by a parent presentation in the FAC theater at 7:30pm that evening. Moore is the author of A Dream Too Big: The Story of An Improbable Journey from Compton to Oxford which describes his against-all-odds journey from gang-ridden Los Angeles community to Rhodes Scholar. After earning his degree in economics at Texas Christian University, he was named a 2017 Rhodes Scholar. In 2019, he graduated from University of Oxford in England where he earned his Masters of Science in Latin American Studies. He is currently a doctoral student at Stanford University, aspiring to become a sociology professor.

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Mykee Fowlin Returns to Delbarton “I try to understand my life and to help other people understand theirs,” Dr. Michael Fowlin, aka Dr. Mykee, began as he spoke with our community on November 9. “You don’t know me till you know

me” is Fowlin’s mantra, as he used characters and voices that are, he confessed, all small pieces of himself. With a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Rutgers University, he kept audience members engaged as he switched from character to character. This was Fowlin’s second visit to Delbarton and, once again, he shared an important message in a powerful and entertaining way that drove home his main point: respect each other, and stop judging people.

Chuck Smith ’63 Inspires Delbarton Students On March 25, Chuck Smith '63 addressed Delbarton students at a Morning Meeting about his experiences as Delbarton's first African American student, sharing stories of his three years at Delbarton and what life was like on campus nearly sixty years ago. After graduating from Delbarton, he went on to University of Connecticut where he co-captained the freshman football team. He was also co-chair and organizer of the African American Students Association and President of the Theta Xi fraternity.

Smith began his career at Johnson & Johnson where he rose to become a Product Director of First Aid Products and organized/co-chaired the Black Employees of Johnson & Johnson group. At

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Marcal Paper Mills, he served a Vice President of Marketing, then joined Gunn Associates as a Partner in business development. Now retired, Smith continues to give back through his life-long habit of volunteerism. After his address, he presented a very impressive piece of hardware -his 1963 Delbarton School Athlete of the Year trophy embellished with his 1963 graduation tassel -- to the Delbarton archives, a gift that was accepted by Athletic Director Dan Whalen and Football Head Coach Brian Bowers, pictured here with Chuck Smith ’63.

Mission & Ministry Report

Sophomore Retreat in Camden This year, each Delbarton sophomore traveled to the Romero Center in Camden, NJ for a three-day retreat led by Director of Mission and Ministry Mr. Matthew White. Students learned about Catholic social teaching, then put those lessons to work by assisting at local nonprofits MANNA, SHARE, Urban Promise and the Center for Environmental Transformation. Later, the young men participated in a Hunger Exercise, spending $3 a day for food ($12 for a group of four students – the amount an average Camden family of four has for food each day).

The experience teaches our sophomores that not everyone has access to a full refrigerator, or earns enough money to cover basic family needs.

Solidarity Sleepout Raises Funds for Covenant House On March 19, 80 participants, including students and fathers, slept outdoors on campus to raise funds for Covenant House, a nonprofit that helps homeless young people find housing, education and jobs. The group raised over $72,000, which put Delbarton over the $500,000 mark for total donations to Covenant House over its seven annual Sleep Outs, including last year’s virtual Sleepout.

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Our community led through service this year, and every Delbarton family got involved.

At our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on November 18, deaneries collected, organized, boxed and delivered enough food to stock the shelves at Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains.

Leading Through Service

Food and Toy Drives Support our Local Community

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Our annual Christmas Toy Drive is a 32-year Delbarton tradition. In 2021, Delbarton partnered with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson. On December 9 during an extended M Block, Deanery members boxed and labeled unwrapped gifts. Toys were packed, boxes were marked and checked off by DMG volunteers, then loaded and trucked to Paterson, NJ where, on December 12, parent, student and faculty volunteers shared the toys with three hundred Paterson families.

Mission & Ministry Report

Delbarton Wins Award for 40th Annual Blood Drive On March 31, Delbarton hosted its 40th Annual Blood Drive during which the Delbarton community contributed 183 units of blood collected, including 86 ALYX units. ALYX machines collect two units of red blood cells during a single donation, so an ALYX donor actually doubles the impact of his or her gift. At the Drive, New York Blood Services presented Delbarton Nurse Deirdre McAuliffe, representing the School, with an award honoring our four decades of blood drives which resulted in 12,000 lives saved. McAuliffe says, “Delbarton can be proud of this 40-year history of serving our community.”

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STEM

Intelligence Report

Delbarton STEM Intelligence Report William Du ’24 Leads A.I. Discussion In November, during an early morning talk in Spada Commons sponsored by the Delbarton Research and Science and Super STEM Clubs, Delbarton sophomore Will Du ’22 launched the Clubs’ annual speaker series with a talk on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Coffee and doughnuts were provided by the clubs, the former being essential to fully awaken some of the boys. Will’s talk was complex and informative, and attendees left with a good understanding of AI basics. Jack Finning ’22 said, “As President for both the Research in Science and Super STEM Clubs, I can say that everyone appreciated Will’s talk immensely, and he gave the clubs a great start to our speaker series for the year!”

Christian Carbeau ’22 Discusses Cryptocurrencies

On December 7 in Spada Commons, Delbarton senior Christian Carbeau ’22 presented on a burgeoning economic sector: cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Carbeau is an active investor in both and offered listeners tips and tricks on what to look for when investing. “His interest in these topics came to light in the Engineering, Technology, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence class, in which Christian is a student of mine. Blockchain technology, which is transforming many sectors of the world economy, including with regard to the world wide web and currencies, is a subject addressed in that

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class,” said Robert Bilter, moderator for both Clubs. From there, Carbeau explained the technical aspects of blockchain technology and illustrated that cryptocurrencies are simply digital ledgers that are updated and stored on a large number of computers around the world (there are currently approximately 1,000,000 computers holding the Bitcoin ledger). Carbeau also discussed how blockchain technology will open the door to a whole new internet (Web 3.0), and discussed the metaverse, a place where new virtual worlds which can be explored and virtually bought and sold without middlemen.

Bitler later commented, “Christian gave great insight into why the blockchain is reliable, and elaborated on the clever coding and cryptography technologies behind the security of the blockchain.”

STEM

Intelligence Report

Super STEM Club Hosts First-Ever Science Bowl On December 16, the Delbarton Super STEM Club hosted the school’s first Science Bowl in the Spada Commons styled after the National Science Bowl held each April in Washington DC. School teams compete in their local regional competitions to qualify for the national tournament. The Delbarton Super STEM Club was launched to build student

interest in the National Science Bowl, International Olympiads, Delbotics (our Robotics team) and AI. The winning team included Jack Finning ’22, Chris Lee ’22, Jonny Lang ’23, Vance Vanvolkenburgh ’23, and Ed Malhan ’24.

Teacher Tom Brady Speaks at Bloomberg Virtual Symposium On December 2, Delbarton’s AP Macroeconomics teacher Mr. Tom Brady represented Delbarton at the Bloomberg Virtual High School Symposium where he discussed how Delbarton’s Bloomberg lab has impacted Delbarton. Many students use the twelve Bloomberg terminals in the Ryan Crane ’95 Business Center to track real time data. Brady integrated the Bloomberg terminals into the Delbarton’s current technology platform and expanded his AP Macroeconomics course curriculum over the years, creating a great example for other high schools to emulate. His fellow Symposium presenter was Joy Lowenwirth, Head of University Engagement for the Americas at Bloomberg for Education.

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Delbarton Launches Strategic Plan Project From January to October 2022, Delbarton embarked on writing a Strategic Plan document to guide us through much of the remainder of this decade, ensuring that our longstanding history of Benedictine Catholic education is sustained and enriched. On January 10, Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB hosted a meeting in Spada Commons that included the Strategic Planning Steering Committee Chairs, Domain Chairs and Staff

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Liaisons. The session was led by Kathleen Casey, pictured below with Fr. Michael, our facilitator from the Catholic school consulting firm Partners in Mission. Co-Chairing the Strategic Plan process are Delbarton Regents Amon Johnson, IV P’20,’22,’25, on left below, and Michael Szymanski P’18,’20 on right. Every adult member of our community was surveyed in January and, during a campus retreat October 29, goals and objectives will be discussed, refined and defined to set the future direction for Delbarton.

North Field House Rises at Delbarton

For over eighty years, Green Wave teams have suited up, worked out and dined together at remote campus facilities. For many Delbarton athletes, the trudge between field and the locker room was just part of the daily grind. All of this changes when the North Field House, currently under construction by the Regan Stadium/Cocoziello Lacrosse Field and Passerelli Track, opens in winter 2023.

The new two–story building features 32,000 sq ft of space in a two- story building with a fully excavated basement level which includes locker rooms to accommodate athletes from seven sports: Football, Lacrosse, Tennis, Wrestling, CrossCountry, Winter Track and Spring Track.

Locker rooms for coaches, referees and visiting teams are part of the plan, and an athletic training room and equipment/uniform

storage plus a laundry room (what a concept!) complete the basement level.

The field level 1st floor includes restrooms, concession stands, a retail shop for Green Wavebranded merchandise, a weight training facility, coaches’ offices and a wrestling practice facility with two NCAA–sized mats.

Overlooking the field and track, the second-floor level features an event space for pre-andpost-game team meals, team banquets and alumni events.

Two viewing balconies are sure

to be popular with fans, and an event space for 85 seated guests (or 100 standing) complete the plan.

This exciting construction project also includes a new 75-vehicle parking lot, 5 tennis courts, a new press box and bleachers for Regan Stadium, the re-surfacing Passarelli Track and the re-turfing of Cocoziello Lacrosse Field. Check out a live feed of the North Field House construction site on Delbarton.org!

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Parent Organizations

L

ast winter, COVID concerns returned and impacted some events yet Delbarton parents still enjoyed many in-person social and celebratory moments with the steady guidance of Parent Liaison Erin Manahan P’19. From Christmas parties and cultural celebrations, seasonal athletic banquets and monthly parent events, we found ways to be together and even raise funds to support financial aid at Delbarton. The Delbarton Shop, online and in-person at the Shop’s new home in Old Main, enjoyed record-breaking sales. All in all, 20222023 was another wonderful year for building fellowship and friendships among Delbarton families.

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December Fathers & Friends and DMG Christmas Party Forensics Christmas Party DMG Parent to Parent

January Social for Parents of Seniors Shop ‘Til You Drop and Gala Wrap up Celebration Social for Parents of Juniors

February Accepted Students and New Parents Reception PCDI Black History and Culture Celebration Mothers of Seniors Dinner Fathers and Friends Poker Night

DAP Alumni Networking PCDI Community Dialogue Lunar New Year Celebration

March AP Art Reception DMG Lenten Morning of Reflection Fathers & Friends March Madness Sweet 16 Event

April DMG Spring Luncheon Fathers and Friends Father/Son Cornhole Tournament Junior Prom

May DPGA Golf Outing Fathers and Friends Golf Outing

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June Senior Prom in the Senior Garden

Green Wave Parent Booster Events Cross Country Banquet Football Banquet Soccer Banquet JV Soccer End of Season Hockey Parents Kick Off Tennis Kick Off Basketball Banquet Ski Team Banquet Swim Team Banquet Hockey Banquet Winter Track Banquet Squash Banquet Wrestling Banquet

Baseball Banquet Lacrosse Parents Kick Off Rugby Parents Social Lacrosse Parents Social

Ongoing Parent Events Throughout the Year DMG Walking with Purpose Bible Study DMG Body & Soul Spiritual Support DMG Monthly Meetings Fathers and Friends Monthly Meetings DMG Book Club PCDI Book Club Come and See Parents Nights

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By Jared Lowy

Football

The Varsity Football program, led by Head Coach Brian Bowers, had a season of ups and downs while taking on many of the state’s top football programs.

While the team finished 5-6, players competed hard on every single play, pitted against perennial powerhouses like Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco and DePaul Catholic.

The Green Wave opened the season 2-0 with big wins over Pope John 49-14 and St. Anthony’s (Huntington, NY) 21-0.

In a big Super Football Conference matchup, the Green Wave took on the state’s top program in Bergen Catholic. After falling behind early, Delbarton surged back to cut the lead to 1. The Crusaders ultimately were too much to handle late in the game, and Delbarton dropped to 2-1 with a 28-19 loss. The Green Wave rebounded nicely against Paramus Catholic, before losing a close 14-7 game under the lights to DePaul Catholic. This would start a threegame losing streak, including losses to Don Bosco Prep on Homecoming Day and a home loss to Seton Hall Prep.

Delbarton would not give up, nor give in, defeating Clifton 34-27 helping clinch a home state playoff game. For the first time since 2017, Delbarton won a state playoff game, defeating Camden Catholic 42-14 and setting up a

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matchup with #2 seed St. Augustine. The football season concluded the next week as Delbarton was upended by St. Augustine 28-13.

The Green Wave was led by quarterback Robert Russo ’23 who threw for 1810 yards and 16 touchdowns. Senior running back Aidan Papantonis ’22 was one of the state’s most productive backs this year, rushing for 935 yards and 9 rushing touchdowns. In the air, Delbarton had a 1-2 punch of Dylan Hakes ’22 and David Link ’22. Hakes finished with five touchdowns and 415 yards receiving, while Link had three touchdowns and 462 yards receiving. The Green Wave defense was once again one of the strongest in New Jersey, led by captain Chuck Nnaeto ’22 and Patrick Caughey ’22. Nnaeto had 28 total tackles, including two quarterback sacks. Stanfordcommit Caughey finished with 53 total tackles and four sacks.

Junior Matt Gemma ’23 had five QB sacks as well, while defensive backs Austin Quandt ’24 and Jack Eisenhardt ’23 each had interceptions, playing extremely well on the defensive side of the field all season long.

There was a great deal of young talent within the 2021 season football program and we look forward to seeing these boys return to the gridiron in fall 2022.

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FA L L I N G U P The Green Wave Cross Country Team, coached

by Chuck Johnson, had an outstanding season, finishing 5-1 in the NJAC and a Meet of Champions qualifying runner.

The team was led this season by the competitive success of junior Collin Boler ’23. Collin, along with his twin brother Brian Boler ’23,

helped lead the team all season long, while the JV and freshman also had strong showings.

At the Roxbury Invitational, the Boler brothers took second and third in the ‘Fastest 4’ race, followed by Collin winning his first race of the season on September 14 against West Morris. The team defeated West Morris, Randolph, Morris Hills, Mendham and Morristown. Collin Boler truly hit his stride towards the end of the season, winning an NJAC Championship, Morris County Championship and a NJCTC Championship. At the NJSIAA Group Championships, Collin took home third overall, advancing to the Meet of Champions on November 20, where he placed 87th overall, running the race despite suffering from an ill-timed stomach bug on the morning of the meet. The team finished in third place at the NJCTC Championships, and the JV squad earned first place honors at the New Balance Shore Coaches Invitational.

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Soccer

The 2021 season was a triumphant return to the soccer pitch for the Green Wave Varsity Soccer team led by veteran Head Coach Dr. David Donovan. The boys had a full schedule for the first time since 2019 and played well all season long. The team finished with a 17-3-1 record, winning the NJAC American conference, earning a spot in the NJSIAA Non-Public A North Final and a final ranking of #13 in the state.

The Green Wave opened the season 4-0 before losing to St. Benedicts, one of the nation’s top teams, in the Delbarton Soccer Invitational. With a 5-2 record, the Green Wave entered the Morris County Tournament, looking to punch its ticket to the

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finals for the 8th straight season.

Delbarton defeated Hanover Park, Morris Hills and Roxbury, before losing a close match to Randolph 1-1, dropping the final in penalty kicks. Growing back yet again, the Green Wave went on a determined five-game winning streak including Non-Public A North tournament games against St. Joseph Montvale, Montville and Don Bosco Prep. The season would end after a very hard played game against Seton Hall Prep, losing in the Sectional Final 1-0 to the eventual Non-Public champions.

Leading the Green Wave offensively this season was Ryan Donovan ’22, team co-captain and the Morris County Player of the Year. In his senior year, he

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scored 2 goals in the MCT Quarterfinals, 1 goal and 1 assist in the MCT Semifinals, 1 goal in the MCT Finals, and the game-winner to clinch the NJAC conference title. Co-captain Aidan Grant ’22 led the team with 12 goals this season and 7 assists, while Andrew Tremante ’22 chipped in with 3 goals and 5 assists. Before missing the remainder of his season due to injury, Nate Zimmermann ’23 played a big role on offense, chipping in with 5 goals and 3 assists. Juniors Kevin Cull ’23 and Luca Tusche ’23 played solid defense all season long and Parker Smith ’23 was a force in goal for the Green Wave, making 34 saves while posting numerous shutouts throughout the season

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Hockey

Green Wave Hockey, coached by Bruce Shatel, had a resurgent season, finishing 19-6-2 and a trip to the Non-Public final at the Prudential Center.

The team quickly reached the top of the NJ.com rankings thanks to a 5-11 start, including wins over Bergen Catholic, Gloucester Catholic and Seton Hall Prep. The Green Wave dropped just four regular season games, losing close contests to CBA, The Hill School and Don Bosco, and a road loss to powerhouse Brunswick School.

Delbarton earned the #2 seed in the Gordon Cup Playoffs, dropping a heartbreaking 2-1 semifinal to Don Bosco in a shootout. However, in typical Succisa Virescit fashion, the boys bounced back and came back

with two straight wins to open the NJSIAA Tournament. Delbarton faced Don Bosco Prep in the NJSIAA Non-Public semifinal at Codey Arena, defeating the Ironmen 2-1 in an hard-fought win. After trailing early 1-0, Delbarton scored two quick goals, thanks to a game-tying goal by Jack Fidacaro ’23 on a rebound, followed 36-seconds later by the game-winning goal from Jack Olsen ’23. The story of the game would be the goaltending of First-Team, All-State goalie Jason Cai ’23. Cai made 28 saves, including a few game-saving stops in the third period to help Delbarton advance to the Rock for the state final.

The Green Wave season ended at the Prudential Center, dropping the state final 3-0 to #1-seed CBA.

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Delbarton was led by Cai in net who posted a .952 SV% and allowed only 21 goals on 478 shots. Junior Nick Faccone ’23 led the team in goals with 11, while Max Pendy ’24, Trip Pendy ’23 (with a team high 25 points) and Duncan Stewart ’23 each had 9 goals apiece. Captain James Royse ’22 was solid on both sides of the puck this year, scoring 7 goals and assisting on 7 as well, while sophomore Julian Brown ’24 and freshman Dante Rodriguez ’25 were anchors on defense. The team returns a powerful group of players next season, including Dan D’Alessandro ’24, Fidacaro, Tim Galvin ’23, Jack Genovese ’24, Olsen, and Jack Gerne ’25, along with the Pendy brothers, Cai and others. The future looks bright for Coach Shatel and the Green Wave Hockey program.

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Basketball

Green Wave Basketball, coached by Dan Whalen, had a strong season on the hardwood, finishing 14-10, with an NJAC Division title and winning the School’s first Morris County Tournament since 2006.

The boys played hard all season long, starting the season 4-2 including a homeopening win against West Morris. The team rattled off 4 wins at the end of January before starting the Morris County Tournament schedule.

The Green Wave opened the Tournament with a 62-47 win over Montville, followed by a close 43-39 win over Mendham in the quarterfinal. The boys would drop close games to Randolph and Mendham leading up to a huge matchup with West Morris in the County semifinal. For the fourth time this season, Delbarton would face West Morris, coming away this time with a 49-41 upset that sent Delbarton back to the Morris County Final. On February 26, in a packed gym at County College of Morris in Randolph, the Green Wave battled for four quarters, pulling away at the end, defeating Pequannock 62-57 for its first County title since 2006.

The team this season was led by its two captains, Skyler Venezia ’22 and Derek Lagios ’22. Venezia led the team in scoring with 341 points this year, including 66 from three and took home First Team, All County honors. He also led the way in rebounds with 96, while Lagios led the team in assists and steals. Julian Radossich ’23, Mike Vaccaro ’23, Michael Van Raaphorst ’24 and Nick Modugno ’23 were big contributors all season. With a great core group of newcomers and returning players, Delbarton looks to repeat as division champions again in 2023.

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Bowling

Green Wave Bowling, coached by Kacy Kane, competed in one of the best seasons in recent history. The team finished 7-9, but their record did not reflect on how well the Delbarton bowlers competed this season, at times losing matches by a pin or two.

During the State Sectionals at Lodi Lanes, the boys bowled their best three games of the season, throwing an 833, 860 and 927, earning second place in their group, and a berth in the bowling Tournament of Champions. Delbarton earned the TOC berth with a narrow win over Morris County School of Technology by just five pins thanks to Anthony Reale ’23’s final throw of the day. This is the first time the bowling team has ever reached the Tournament of Champions. Competing in the TOC against the state’s top programs, Delbarton emerged an impressive 8th overall.

Reale and Robbie Maffucchi ’22 were consistent bowlers this season for the Green Wave. Freshman David Reale ’25 made a significant impact this season and the team returns juniors Gerard Buono ’23, Owen Emge ’23, Connor Toronto ’23 and Luke Towle ’24 next season.

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Skiing Green Weave Skiing, coached by Kevin Malkin, finished its 2022 regular season with a 30-3 record overall, with first place finishes in four of the 6 slalom races. The team also won its conference this season, earning its first conference championship since 2017.

Delbarton skiers finished the season with first place finishes in all three giant slalom races, with Louis Friedrich ’24 finishing in first place in races 1 and two. Evan Dolan ’22 had a great season for Delbarton, finishing third at the Giant Slalom 3 event.

The boys struggled a bit at the Giant Slalom State event, taking 7th overall. Friedrich took second, Ryan Johnson ’24 earned 12th. The team rebounded nicely, placing 4th out of 11 teams at the Slalom States event on February 16, with Friedrich, Dolan and Johnson all placing in the top 10. The ski season was capped off the Race of Champions, with Dolan, Johnson and Louis Friedrich all representing Delbarton in the final race of the season.

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Wrestling

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W I N T E R W AV E Green Wave Wrestling, coached by Bryan Stoll, entered the season with high expectations and one of the deepest rosters in team history, including two returning state champions.

based on criteria. After going through criteria A through I with no decision, Bergen Catholic was finally declared the winner based on criteria J: BC had the greatest number of points for near-falls.

Delbarton wrestlers certainly lived up to the preseason hype, finishing the season 7-2, winning the Morris County Tournament, Districts and Regions, finishing the season ranked #2 in the state by NJ.com with three individual state champions. The Green Wave opened the season at the Best of the East, returning to the University of Delaware for the first time since December, 2019.

Delbarton put on quite the show, finishing second overall, with Tyler Vazquez ’23 taking home first place at 132lbs, defeating #4 nationally ranked Anthony Santaniello.

The boys rebounded eight days later, winning District 9 followed by a dominating performance at Regionals where Delbarton produced six region champions, sending eleven wrestlers to the NJ State Tournament in Atlantic City.

The team won the East Coast Catholic Classic with 11 champions, and took first place in the Jack Welch Dual Tournament in Moorestown in late January. The only regular season loss was a close 34-27 defeat to powerhouse Blair, a contest that came down to the final match. Delbarton earned the #1 seed in the Non-Public NJ Team Tournament where it faced a familiar opponent in Bergen Catholic for the NPA North championship. In a rematch from 2019, both teams put on a show in front of a packed crowd in Abbot Clarke Gym. The match ended with a 23-23 tie, with a decision

The season came to a historic conclusion in Atlantic City as three wrestlers won individual state titles. Tyler Vazquez ’23 capped off an undefeated season with his first state title at 132lbs, defeating Anthony Santaniello for the second time this season.

Andrew Troczynski ’22 won his second state title in a row, winning as the #1 seed at 150lbs, finishing his Delbarton career as a threetime state medalist. Junior Simon Ruiz ’23 won his first state title at 157 lbs, capping off an impressive season by defeating Dakota Morris 5-1.

The team remains strong going into next season, with Chase Quenault ’25, Daniel Jones ’24, John Hager ’23, Cross Wasilewski ’23, Alessio Perentin ’25, Simon Ruiz ’23, Louis Cerchio ’24, Vincent Lee ’24 and others all returning for another run at a team state title.

Congratulations to the team on an exciting and historic season on the mat.

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INDOOR

Track

Green Wave Indoor Track and Field, coached

by Andrew Sherwood, competed in a full schedule for the first time since the 2019-20 season. Led by senior Jeff Cianfrocca ’22 and juniors Collin Boler ’23 and Brian Boler ’23, the team performed well all winter long, with Collin Boler breaking both school and personal records.

In December, Cianfrocca won the high jump event at both the Gardiner Relays and Christa Racine Invitational. The Freshman and Sophomore team won both the relays and County championships and on January 8, The Varsity team won the 2022 Morris County Relays followed by winning the Morris County title on January 18.

Collin Boler ’23 was the big story of the season. At the NYC Armory on January 12, Boler ran a 4:14.86 mile to win the mile race at the Millrose Games trials, automatically qualifying for the 114th Millrose Games, the first Delbarton runner to qualify for the race since Pat Schellberg’10 in 2010. At the Millrose Games, Boler set a new personal best and School record time for the indoor mile, finishing 4th with a time of 4:12.39, beating Schellberg’s Millrose Games-winning time from 2010. Boler went on to win the 800m at SJTCA and a Non-Public A Championship along with Cianfrocca.

At the Meet of Champions, Cianfrocca took 7th in the high jump while Boler took 2nd in the 1600m event. Wrapping up the season, Cianfrocca won the high jump at Nike Nationals, while Boler finished 15th overall with a personal best 4.09.86 time in the New Balance Nationals Mile. Both Cianfrocca and Boler earned All-State honors at the season’s end.

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Swimming Delbarton Swim team, coached by Pat Savidge, returned to a full schedule at the pool, finishing 8-3 with a historic regular season victory against St. Peter’s Prep.

The Team opened the season 8-0, with wins over Morristown Beard, Hanover Park, Mendham, Morristown, Parsippany Hills, Madison and West Morris. On January 11, the boys picked up their biggest win in quite some time, defeating #6-ranked St. Peter’s Prep 89-81 in Jersey City. Rob Alexy ’23

took first in the 200 and 100-yard freestyle, while Mike Fialcowitz ’24 won the 500-yard freestyle event.

Trailing 72-68 with two events to go, Delbarton swept 1-3 place in the 100yard breaststroke, led by Joe Narduzzi ’23 (1st place), helping Delbarton to a small, but much needed lead going into the final race. Needing a first-place finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay to clinch the victory, the team of Alex Ecko ’23, Vedran Gjivoje ’23, Fialcowitz, and Alexy pulled out 1st by one

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second to secure the historic victory for Delbarton!

Alexy proceeded to win the 200m freestyle at the NJSIAA Prep School Championships on February 1 and, on March 5, Alexy won the 100-yard freestyle at the Meet of Champions with a time of 45.63, the same event his brother Jack Alexy ’21 won in 2020. Alexy earned First-Team, AllState honors for the 100-yard freestyle to cap off a tremendous season in the pool.

Varsity Squash, coached by Craig Paris ’82, was back on the courts competing in a full schedule this year. The team finished with a 7-13 record, facing some of the top programs in the state. Delbarton players performed extremely well at Nationals, placing 5th in Division 5 at the High School Nationals in Philadelphia. Competing against teams from all over the country, the competition was full of exciting matches. #1 senior Anand Majmudar ’22 led the team with fellow senior #4 Christian Carbeau ’22.

Sophomores Charlie Hepp ’24 and Colin Pryma ’24 had outstanding play at the number two and three positions. Junior #6 Amir Eltaki ’23 played solidly all season and freshmen #5 Will Kramer ’25 and #7 Aiden D’Souza ’25 rounded out the top seven.

Senior team support was provided by Nick Perry ’22, T.J. Hanlon ’22, Lex Banker ’22, Matt Failla ’22, Rayyan Ahmed ’22 and Jack Pryma ’22.

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Nine Green Wave Athletes Sign NCAA National Letter of Intent

Nine Green Wave athletes signed NCAA National Letters of Intent this year to join collegiate Division I athletic programs next fall. Our Class of 2022 DI athletes are: Aidan Grant - Bucknell University – Soccer Ryan Donovan - Holy Cross – Soccer Dylan Hakes - High Point - Lacross Jack Sharma - Boston University – Lacrosse Conor Dreyer - Boston College - Baseball Jeff Cianfrocca - Bucknell University – Track David Link - Villanova University - Lacrosse Patrick Caughey - Stanford University - Football Chuck Nnaeto - Elon University - Football

Collin Boler ’23 Runs At 114th Millrose Games On January 12, junior Collin Boler ’23 became only the second Delbarton athlete in School history to qualify for the Millrose Games. At the NYC Armory, Boler won the Millrose Games Trials by almost 4 seconds with an incredible 4:14.86 mile time. “Collin had an unbelievable race and I’m just so proud of him,” said coach Collin Frost. “Every race this season for him has been better than his last. He continues to impress me every time he steps out on the track. I’m so happy for him and can’t wait to see what else he can do this season.”

On Saturday, January 29, Boler took to the track at the NYC Armory for the New Balance Invitational High School Boys Mile race. Facing some of the country’s top runners, Boler set a new personal best and school record for indoor mile time. Boler finished 4th overall with an outstanding time of 4:12.39, setting a new Delbarton School record for the indoor mile, and breaking Pat Schellberg’s 2010 Millrose Games-winning time of 4:12.43.

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The official signings on November 10 (Baseball, Lacrosse, Soccer and Track) and December 15 (Football) took place in Spada Commons and were witnessed by the athletes’ proud families and coaches.

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A Salute to our Twenty-Four 2022 Recruited Athletes Congratulations to the twenty-four Class of 2022 recruited athletes who will play their sports at the collegiate level. The range of schools and sports in this year's class of recruited Delbarton athletes includes seven sports and twenty-two colleges and universities. We know these Green Wave athletes will make Delbarton proud wherever they compete.

Here is the list of athletes, colleges and sports: Back Row: (left to right): Jack Sharma (Boston University Lacrosse), Luke Marion (Rochester Football), Ryan Johnson (Williams Lacrosse), Skyler Venezia (Dickinson Basketball), Patrick Caughey (Stanford Football), Andrew Tremante (Amherst Soccer), Shreas Settles (Case Western Soccer), Chuck Nnaeto (Elon Football) and Michael Noonan (Moravian Lacrosse).

Front Row: Aidan Grant (Bucknell Soccer), Jake Checchio (Middlebury Football), Andrew Troczynski (Penn

Wrestling), David Link (Villanova Lacrosse), Aidan Papantonis (Rochester Football), Jeff Cianfrocca (Bucknell Track and Field), Olivier Karbownik (Seton Hall Soccer), Joseph Leone (Stevens Lacrosse), Ryan Donovan (Holy Cross Soccer) and Na Sean Hill (Post University Football).

Not pictured but playing sports next year: Colin Calvetti (Columbia Wrestling), Nicholas Olivieri (Brown Wrestling), Connor Dreyer (Boston College Baseball), Dylan Hakes (High Point Lacrosse), Cole Morgan (Post Grad Hun School Football).

Delbarton Wrestling Sets Record with Three State Champions The Green Wave Wrestling program, coached by Bryan Stoll, set a new School record this March when three Delbarton wrestlers won individual state championships in Atlantic City. Senior Andrew Troczynski ’22 and juniors Tyler Vazquez ’23 and Simon Ruiz ’23 all came into AC with high expectations, with Andy a returning champion, Tyler undefeated and Simon a one-loss number one seed. All three emerged victorious with individual state titles.

We congratulate to all three wrestlers on their outstanding achievements in Atlantic City.

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By Br. Finnbar McEvoy, OSB

Abbey Election Update On February 28 and March 1, the monks of St. Mary’s Abbey gathered to discern and elect the 12th Abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey, on the retirement of Abbot Richard Cronin after the conclusion of his 8-year term of office.

Under the leadership of Abbot John Klassen, President of the American Cassinese Congregation of Benedictine monasteries, of which St. Mary’s Abbey is a member, the monks prayerfully discerned the community’s needs, evaluated candidates, and voted. The monks then unanimously decided that they needed more time to discern the Abbey’s needs and identify who would best help them meet these needs as their next abbot.

Consequently, the monks unanimously asked Abbot President John Klassen to appoint an Administrator for the Abbey, who would function as the monastery superior for a term of 3 years. Abbot John consulted with his Congregation Council and the monks of St. Mary's Abbey to identify an Administrator while Prior Edward Seton Fitton served as temporary Abbey Superior. (See update on page 79. )

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Welcome to the Church Sophomore Christian Zebrowski ’24 approached the mission and ministry office about the possibility of becoming Catholic. He was never baptized as an infant. For much of the school year, he met weekly with Mr. Matthew White, Director of Mission & Ministry, for instruction about the Catholic faith.

On Holy Saturday, Christian, with his sponsor and older brother, Quinn Zebrowski ’21, pictured on right with Christian and Fr. Edward, and the Zebrowski family attended the Easter Vigil liturgy. After the

homily, Christian, with his sponsor and the congregation, was asked to affirm the baptismal promises, based upon the Apostles’ Creed. Christian, aided by Quinn, came forward, leaned over the font, and Abbey Superior Fr. Edward Seton, OSB poured the blessed water over Christian’s head.

Immediately, Fr. Edward invoked the seven-fold gifts of the Holy Spirit and confirmed Christian with Sacred Chrism. As a sign of his full initiation into the Catholic Church, Christian was the first to receive Holy Communion during the service.

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Br. William McMillian, OSB Makes Solemn Vows

On March 30, 2022, Brother William McMillan, O.S.B., pictured here with his family, made his solemn profession of monastic vows in the presence of Abbey Superior Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, OSB, the St Mary’s Abbey monastic community, Delbarton School students, faculty, and staff, as well as his family and friends.

The eldest son of Bill and Susan McMillan, Brother William was born on October 1, 1988. He was raised in Union, NJ with his siblings, Sarah (now a wife, mother, and elementary school teacher) and Brian (a Computer Science major at Seton Hall University). He graduated from Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange, NJ in 2006. He

matriculated to Syracuse University and graduated in 2010 with degrees in English and Magazine Journalism. Following graduation, Brother William worked for five years in marketing at Investors Bank in Short Hills, NJ. He is an avid reader and enjoys exercising, sports, movies, music, and an occasional adult beverage! He has developed a love for the martial arts, especially Brazilian jiu jitsu, thanks to our Fr. Demetrius Thomas, O.S.B., with whom he continues to train. He has not, however, developed a love for constantly getting beaten by Fr. Demetrius in said martial art.

Having lived in the monastery for more nearly six years, Brother William is known among us for his pragmatic approach to life, sense of humor, and care of the aged and infirm monks of our community. He is in his third year working for Delbarton School, where he teaches freshmen and sophomore English, serves as Varsity Basketball Chaplain, and coaches Middle School Baseball.

He also served as Varsity Baseball Chaplain in 2021.

Join us in gratitude to Almighty God for this new member to our monastery as we continue to pray for and support him along the path that God has set before him in this school of the Lord’s service.

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March for Life Delbarton students and teachers, along with a team from St. Joseph’s Parish in Mendham, joined Br. Finnbar McEvoy and Br. William McMillan at The March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Friday, January 21. After a tough start to the day with their bus breaking down before they could even get on it, as well as the frigid temperatures, the group made it to D.C. just in time for the March. There was an especially optimistic atmosphere at this year’s march, likely spurred on by recent legal developments in the pro-life cause. Thank you to all who attended.

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Delbarton and Glenstal Abbey Exchange Returns On March 30, after witnessing Br. Will’s solemn profession of monastic vows, exchange students from Glenstal Abbey School headed to the airport with Glenstal chaperone Fr. Dennis Hooper for their return flight to Ireland after an actionpacked two week stay with

Delbarton host families. Both schools were gratified that this long-standing exchange program has been reinstated after a COVID hiatus. Pictured here are our guests from Glenstal with their Delbarton hosts and Glenstal Exchange moderator Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, OSB.

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Br. Tarcisius Hoang Hoa, OSB December 7, 1930-March 22, 2022

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Br. Tarcisius’ Funeral Mass on March 26, 2022 was attended by hundreds of family members and friends, with a visiting choir singing gloriously in Vietnamese. The homily was translated into Vietnames and Vietnamese food was served at the repast. All this was a first for St. Mary’s Abbey, and a reminder of the wonderful universality of the Church.

Br. Tarcisius was the middle child of seven siblings. He was born December 7, 1930 at Thanh Bo, Vietnam, on the eve of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom he would be especially devoted throughout his life.

From his earliest years he would sail the family’s produce on the river 15 miles to the markets to support the family financially. This taxing work built up physically young Hoa. He became a very strong young man from this routine. Yet he remained a gentle presence in the family. He cherished his familial bonds throughout his life and spent his vacations helping his extended family with house chores and various projects that drew on his many skills.

age of 15. When he completed his schooling, he professed his first monastic vows on June 7, 1951. The Abbey of Thien An drew heavily on Br. Tarcisius’ farming, gardening, and carpentry skills, but he was forced to leave his Abbey and his homeland caught in the midst of the war at the fall of Saigon in 1975. He made his way from Guam to the military base at Indiantown Gap, Pa. When our own beloved Abbot Brian Clarke learned that there was a Vietnamese refugee monk in the nearby Keystone State, he happily welcomed Br. Tarcisius to St. Mary’s Abbey, as did all the monks of this monastery where he was able to resume his monastic life in peace.

He entered the Benedictine Abbey of Thien An (the name meaning heavenly peace) at the

Br. Tarcisius worked tirelessly in our garden and orchard, as well as maintaining our abbey

church for over 40 years. All were inspired by his indefatigable work ethic. In his spare time, he would make some of the most colorful decorations this monastery has ever seen. While he was not engaged in the school apostolate, nearly every Delbarton student knew Br. Tarcisius as the one who left apples for the athletic teams to enjoy in the fall. Anyone who entered this monastery in the past four decades, worked sideby-side with Br. Tarcisius in the garden and orchard, and in making cider.

In the Acts of the Apostles we read that young men see visions….old men dream dreams. The apostle Paul teaches that in Christ there is no East or West (Galatians), for we are all one in Christ! In the middle of the last century a young man from the East in North Vietnam dreamed a dream, and that very same dream was shared by a young man in the West in the middle of the 5th century in Rome.

Both of their worlds were breaking apart by circumstances beyond their control. In each case an answer was to be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and by living in a (Continued on page 78)

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(Br. Tarcisius Hoang Hoa, OSB, (Continued from page 77)

monastery with a little rule for beginners as the daily guide and roadmap for the journey.

Blessed are those persecuted for the faith, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount.

Br. Tarcisius lived his early monastic life in the suffering Church of Vietnam. The Abbey of Thien An continues to bear the scars of persecution to this day. Br. Tarcisius reminded us that whatever suffering or sorrows we may bear, the end is the desire to encounter the Holy One. For Br. Tarcisius, Ora et Labora (our daily life of prayer & work) was the focus of his pilgrimage.

This was not just a forced migration in war but rather the pursuit of a young man’s desire to live out his vowed life as a loyal son of St. Benedict: A pilgrimage that would take him thousands of miles to find its peaceful end here on this holy mountain in Morristown.

Those of us who lived with him since 1975 affirm that this humble and meek monk never missed the Divine Office or Mass in this abbey church, until sickness ravaged his tired body.

But he prayed ceaselessly from his infirmary bed. Br. Tarcisius

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is survived by his brother, Peter, and his sister, Lien, in Vietnam, his nieces and nephews, who visited him regularly. His niece, Anne Hoang Lavelle, remained at his side till the end. She visited weekly, spending the day singing, praying, and teaching him to use the iPad to follow the Mass and devotions to Our Lady of La Vang.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom this monastery is dedicated, the Mother of Sorrows, the Gate of Heaven and the Perpetual Help of Christians, accompany our dear Br. Tarcisius to the throne of mercy where we pray he will see God face to face, and sing with the choirs of angels at that banquet prepared for each one of us from the foundation of the world!

Br. Tarcisius’ body was received at the abbey church on Thursday afternoon, March 24.

The Office of the Dead was sung later that evening. The Funeral Mass and interment in the abbey cemetery were celebrated Saturday, March 26, live-streamed for the benefit of Br. Tarcisius’ family, friends and confreres in Vietnam.

Donations in Br. Tarcisius’ memory to support abbey capital improvements, health care of the monks or abbey endowment may be made using the link: https://www.saintmarysabbey.o rg/support-us. Prior Edward Seton and the monks of St. Mary’s Abbey request the customary suffrages for our confrere, Br. Tarcisius.

abbey notes

Let Us Remember

“If we believe that Jesus died and rose, God will bring forth with Him from the 1 Thessalonians 4:14 dead those who also have fallen asleep believing in Him.”

Carlyle Purcell Brady, mother of Edward P. Brady ’70

and Tom Pace ’81; brother of Cathleen Lazor P’24,’25; brother-in-law of Peter Lazor ’87, P’24,’25

Frederick Coombs III, father-in-law of former Assistant Headmaster John Kowalik; grandfather of Jack Kowalik ’13 and Mark Kowalik ’16

Veronica Pesapane, mother of Adam Pesapane '91 and Mark Pesapane ’96

Virginia Larkin, mother of John (Jack) Q. Larkin ’74+ and Keith Larkin ’81 Peter C. Longo, father of John A. Longo ’79 and Peter A. Longo ’82; uncle of Joseph M. Longo ’80

John Patrick Romankiewicz ’02, brother of Michael Romankiewicz ’99 Ronald Spirig, father of John Spirig ’95 and Dave Spirig ’97 Genevieve Tierney ’73, mother of Tom Tierney ’73

Robert E. Mulcahy III, father of Kevin R. Mulcahy ’84, Matthew R. Mulcahy ’82 and Robert J. Mulcahy ’80; grandfather of Matthew R. Mulcahy ’10, Robert H. Mulcahy ’17 and Andrew J. Mulcahy ’20; uncle of John R. Mulcahy ’83

Joy Tierney, sister of Tom Tierney ’73 Thomas J. Tierney, Fathers & Friends 1973 Golf Open Chairman, father of Tom Tierney ’73 Charles Westfield III, father of C. Austin Westfield ’17

L. Anthony ‘Tony’ Pace ’75, brother of Dan Pace ’79

St. Mary’s Abbey Administrator Appointed On May 23, Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B., President of the American Cassinese Congregation of Benedictine monasteries, appointed Fr. Jonathan Licari, O.S.B., a monk of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota, as Administrator of St. Mary’s Abbey for a three-year term, effective August 1, 2022.

Fr. Jonathan’s wide range and depth of experience suit him especially well for role of Administrator of St. Mary’s Abbey. He holds two master’s degrees (theology and canon [Church] law, and a doctorate in canon law. Fr. Jonathan has enjoyed a 37-year ministry in administration at St. John’s Abbey, St. John’s School of Theology and St. John’s Preparatory School. Fr. Jonathan also served as a pastor in several parishes staffed by St. John’s Abbey and provided diocesan service in the

dioceses of Duluth, and St. Cloud. Fr. Jonathan’s service at St. John’s also included teaching and governance at St. John’s University, the Abbey’s largest educational apostolate. Most recently, Fr. Jonathan served as administrator of Mary, Mother of the Church Abbey, Richmond, VA. As Administrator of St. Mary’s Abbey, Fr. Jonathan holds all of the usual responsibilities and authority of the Abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey, without the title of “Abbot.” His chief responsibility is to aid the monks of St. Mary’s Abbey as they plan for their future and discern what kind of person they wish to serve as their permanent abbot. Together with the monastic community, Fr. Jonathan will determine when the next abbatial election will take place.

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abbey notes

Vincent House Renovation As Phase II of a comprehensive program to modernize all existing monastic living spaces, the Vincent House renovations revitalized and improved interior environmental conditions, introduced more sustainable components and improved accessibility and ease of mobility throughout. The project, now complete, includes... n

New entrance with atrium

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New paint and carpeting

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Improved lighting

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Installation of new HVAC system

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Replacement of windows with energyefficient thermal pane windows

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Improved technology

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Modern fire suppression system

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Second floor suites (7) for monks

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Third floor suites (5) for guests

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One first floor guest suites

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Bathrooms in all suites

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n

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Gutting the interior to create a bright, sunlit atrium.

Handicap accessibility, including ADA compliant public bathrooms

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Vincent House during the major renovation.

New passageway connecting Vincent House with Monastery Elevator with access from lower level to all three floors Public meeting spaces on ground floor with increased space and ease of mobility New laundry facilities for residents and guests

The monastic community thanks its loyal supporters for making these exciting Vincent House improvements possible!

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A typical monastic suite for residents and guests.

abbey notes

The new atrium adds welcome light to what was once a dark and cramped entry way.

The renovated Utility Room and new laundry facility.

The passage that now connects Vincent House with the Monastery.

A 19th c. painting of St. Scholastica restored, and the work now hangs in the St. Scholastica Room, the large Vincent House meeting room.

Left to right: The renovated Board Room.

A Vincent House office.

The Scholastica Room, ideal for large group meetings.

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alumni news

Greenwich Reception On October 9, the Delbarton Alumni Association hosted a reception in Greenwich, CT at The Ginger Man.

Hollywood Reception in Florida On October 29, Jim Gallombardo ’81, Davis Hoenemeyer ’80 and the Delbarton Alumni Association hosted a South Florida reception at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Alumni were treated to dinner and some stayed on for the next day’s Big Smoke Meets Whiskeyfest. From left are Roy Garrle, James ‘Boomer’ Gilfillan ’88, Matt Luciano ’91, Jim Gallambardo ’91, Tom Hoban ’91, Ken Gomulka ’81, AJ Papetti ’82, P’13,’14,’17 and Alumni Association President Chris Bury ’91.

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alumni news

Hockey Alumni Reunion On December 28, alumni family and friends met at the Beacon Hill Club in Summit, NJ for a rousing Green Wave Alumni Hockey match pitting athletes from across the decades. The event attracted a large group of competitors and spectators who were welcomed by Alumni Association President Chris Bury ’91, P’19,’20,’23.

Alumni Squash Reunion On December 29, Green Wave Squash alumni players gathered at the Chatham Club in Chatham, NJ for some challenging matches on the courts. Later, they enjoyed food, drinks and friendship at 54 Main Bar & Grill in Madison, NJ. A good time was had by all at the annual Green Wave Squash Reunion hosted by Varsity Head Coach Craig Paris ’82, P ’13,’15,’19.

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Boston Reception Alumni Association hosted its annual Boston reception on November 3 which took place for the second time at Wayfair HQ at the invitation of Wayfair co-founder Steve Conine ’91. Conine welcomed Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB and a great group of alumni from across the decades.

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alumni news

Villanova Reception On September 30, Philadelphia-area alumni enjoyed a well-attended reception at Kelly’s Tavern in Villanova.

Young Alumni Enjoy Thanksgiving Event On November 26, members of the Class of 2005 to 2018 (21+ and older) attended a Thanksgiving Eve Happy Hour at the invitation of Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB and the Delbarton Alumni Association. The event took place in Spada Commons, which gave the alumni an opportunity to check out our newest campus asset, St. Benedict Hall.

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Christmas in Hoboken A great group of young Delbarton alums and friends arrived bearing gifts at Mills Tavern in Hoboken on December 8th, for the 8th Annual Delbarton Alumni Hoboken Christmas Toy Drive. The gifts were added to the unwrapped toys collected today at the Delbarton Christmas Toy Drive, and distributed to families in need in Paterson on December 12 through the Catholic Charities organization. We are thankful for the support of our terrific young alumni, and grateful to John Ferramosca ’05 for helping us pull the Hoboken event together for the 8th straight year.

Alumni Jersey Shore Chapter Celebrates Christmas On December 2, the Delbarton Alumni Association Jersey Shore Chapter celebrated its 10th Annual Christmas event. The reception was hosted by Assistant Headmaster for Advancement Craig Paris ’82 at the Spring Lake Golf Club where alumni and friends enjoyed socializing together to launch the holiday season. The group also helped to celebrate the birthday of Nancy Paris P’82, GP ’13,’15,’19 who was turning 36...again! Guests also donated gifts to the 2021 Delbarton Toy Drive.

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alumni news

Winter Reps Dinner On February 1, over sixty class reps met at the Madison Hotel for the annual Winter Class Reps Dinner, a working meeting and an opportunity to reconnect with Delbarton friends while hearing news about the School.

Assistant Headmaster for Advancement & Alumni Craig Paris ’82, on left, and Alumni Association President Chris Bury ’91, middle, presented the Joseph R. McDonough ’68 Award to Edward James DaCosta ’10 and Patrick Finn ’13 for their leadership and initiative as Alumni Association members. Here, Da Costa accepts the award on their behalf.

Half a dozen like-minded alumni arrived sporting their classic Delbarton socks. From left are Sean Maguire ’12, Ed Thompson ’98, Joe Colangelo ’03, Craig Paris ’82, Matt Gilfillan ’86 and Jerry Jabbour ’92.

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Below: Christopher Nolan ’15, Andrew Hall ’15 and Alumni Association Vice President John Ferramosca ’05.

Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB offered alumni a state of the school report at the NYAC reception.

Brian Cargo ’03, Assistant Headmaster for Faculty Affairs Josh Hartle and Delbarton Regent Dave Weinstein ’06.

Alumni Association — self-described — ‘Pandemic President’ Chris Bury ’91, P’19,’20’23 welcomed Delbarton alumni to the NYC Reception on February 24.

Bury did a wonderful job of keep alumni engaged and connected for two years during the COVID global pandemic.

New York Reception Delbarton Returns to New York Athletic Club After a two-year Covid break, on February 24 over one hundred and fifty Delbarton alumni met at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) for a reception hosted by Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB and NYAC member Andy Grabis ’95...

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alumni news

Florida Receptions

Naples On March 6, Delbarton parents Tripp and Sheila Smith hosted a reception at their home in Naples...

Judi and Tom Dougherty P’11 and Fr. Michael.

Greg Ebben ’90, Diane and Bill Ebben P’88,’90, GP ’19,’21,’23, Fr. Edward and Breeanna Ebben.

Prior Edward Seton Fittin, OSB ’82 and Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB with Tripp and Sheila Smith P’11,’16,’19 who hosted our cocktail reception in Naples.

Fr. Michael offers a brief state of Delbarton report to alumni and friends in Naples.

Delbarton alumni in Naples, FL.

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alumni news

Palm Beach On March 9, Headmaster Fr Michael Tidd, OSB hosted the annual Delbarton reception at The Breakers in Palm Beach...

Willy Price P’04 and Harvey Jones ’70.

Joe D’Alia ’50, Andrew Hall ’15 and Director of Senior Guidance Mike Rosenhaus ’80.

Carole Delaire P’89,’93 and Sonny Delaire ’62, P’89,’93 with Bob Mountford ’63 and Mary Ann Mountford GP ’21,’23.

Delbarton alumni in Palm Beach.

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Bob and Deborah Cargo P’03, ’07, Judy and Chris Lee P’01, ’03, ’05 and Madelyn and Richard Law P’95.

Vero Beach On March 8, Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB hosted a reception at the Costa D’Este Beach Report and Hotel in Vero Beach...

Fr. Edward and his mother Sandy Fittin P’82 with Fr. Michael.

Steve Yevak ’77 and Ken Stevenson ’76.

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alumni news

Alumni Paddle Events On February 6, half a dozen Delbarton alumni, pictured at top, met on the paddle courts at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, NJ for some heated competition on a frigid February afternoon. Congratulation to the finalists Rob Thoma ’13, Jose Rionda ’84, Teddy Schneider ’09 and Matt Tolkowski ’09, who are pictured above with Assistant Headmaster for Advancement and Alumni Craig Paris ’82, on left, and Alumni Association President Chris Bury ’91 on right.

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alumni news

On March 22, the Delbarton Alumni Association closed out the platform tennis season by hosting an event at Spring Brook County Club that attracted a great group of competitive players.

Bay Area Alumni Meet for San Jose Sharks Game On March 15, Delbarton alumni from the burgeoning Bay Area Alumni Association Chapter took in a San Jose Sharks hockey game together at an event organized by Garrett Herbert ’88. Present were David Barter ’90, Greg Mrva ’88, Peter Boyd ’68, Jason Holtman ’88, Chris “Kitt” Ridley ’98, the Sharks’ mascot ‘Sharkie’, Todd Rose ’92, Linc Jepson ’92, Alex Walsh ’11, Garrett Herbert ’88, Will Daney ’13 and Peter Carolan ’04.

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Washington DC On April 7, Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd and the Alumni Association hosted the annual Delbarton Alumni Reception in Washington, DC. The event took place at the Sequoia Restaurant where fifty-plus guests heard a report on the 2021-2022 school year from Fr. Michael. Dave Yampolsky ’00 of the DC Alumni Chapter also spoke about upcoming initiatives for Chapter community service projects.

Tommy Pigott ’11, Peter Chambers ’11, Elias Korpela ’17, Ian Feeley ’16, and Tim Maguire ’18

Ian Musselman ’95 and wife Meghan Musselman, with Joni and Dave Yampolsky ’00.

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Chad Heal ’12, Director of Senior Guidance Mike Rosenhaus ’80 and Mike McGarrity ’86.

wedding The

Album

Pat Schellberg ’10 and Ally Van Deuren were married on August 28, 2021 in Redondo Beach, CA with Pat’s twin brother Matt and Delbarton friends in attendance. Pictured here are, in front, Ally Van Deuren and Pat Schellberg ’10, Kevin Woo ’10 and Dan Maldonado ’10; Back: Adam Suczewski ’11, Morgan Pearson’11, Dan Kearney ’10, Zayed Abdalla ’10, Matt Schellberg ’10 and Mitch Lawrence ’10.

Aidan Nowak ’12 and Jordynn Spaulding were married on November 18, 2021 in a ceremony at St. Mary’s Abbey with Delbarton School Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB as officiant. A second ceremony led by Fr. Michael and reception followed on November 20 at Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown, CT. From left are Dave Reed ’82,P’12, Tiarnan Nowak ’23, David Reed ’12, Declan Nowak ’14, Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB, Aidan Nowak ’12, Jordan Lederman ’12, Ethan Gerstman ’12 and Cian Nowak ’18.

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wedding The

Album

Chris Schafer ’14 and Kaitlyn Dry were married on August 17, 2019 with the ceremony and reception at WinMock at Kinderton in Bermuda Run North Carolina. Pictured here are Guiseppe Bevacqua ’14, Danny Reed ’14, Corben Davis ’14, Katie Dry Schafer, Chris Schafer ’14, Michael Parowski ’14, and Tom Lenz ’14.

Matt Bruno ’07 and his bride Michele Leffler celebrated their marriage on April 9, 2022 during an intimate Nuptial Mass at St. Mary’s Abbey.

They are pictured here enjoying a post-wedding luncheon at Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen in Morristown with officiant Very Rev. Edward Seton Fittin, OSB ’82, and Sal Cortese ’07. The newlyweds live in Hoboken and have plans for a trip to South Africa and Mozambique to celebrate their wedding.

Share Your Wedding News with Us! To submit wedding news for the next issue of Delbarton magazine, we invite you to email details of your wedding details – names, date and location — with one high resolution wedding photo to Jessica Fiddes at jfiddes@delbarton.org.

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wedding The

Album

Charles Orzetti ’10 and Diana Baker were married on April 24, 2021 at the Holy Redeemer Church in Chatham, MA with a reception was at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich, MA. Several of the groom’s Delbarton friends were in attendance including Tom Pesce ’10, Andrew DeRenzi ’10 and Connor Feeley ’12. The couple is pictured with their marriage ceremony officiant Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB.

Matthew Carlucci ’10 married Caroline Ann Beauchamp Meade on June 12, 2021 in Glastonbury and Wethersfield, CT with Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, OSB ’82 officiating.

From left are Dan McLaughlin ’10, Claudia Katten, Zach Meade (brother of bride), Laura Rogers, Matt Carlucci ’10, Caroline Meade Carlucci, William Carlucci ’13 (best man), Hannah Brown, Ned Meade (brother of bride) and Bhavna Kansal.

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Class Notes: 1971

1990

1997

Robert Healey reports that ‘we bought and moved to our final house here on Okinawa in Japan.’

On February 4, 2022 Ryan McGinty was inducted in to the Villanova University Varsity Club 2021 Hall of Fame.

1983

The New York Theater Festival accepted Stay, a new play by Bruce Sisler ’90, P’25, for the 2022 Spring/Summerfest. The play will be performed at the Latea Theater in New York City on June 16, 18 and 19.

Larry Cutalo was elected Treasurer of the Morris County Bar Association in January 2022, where he has served as Trustee since 2017. He is Partner at O’Toole Scrivo, LLC, in Cedar Grove, New Jersey where he concentrates in land use and real estate development law. He lives in Randolph, New Jersey with his wife Adelaide and their two children.

Dan Healy writes that after both daughters graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart in NYC, they went on to follow him to UPenn. Charlotte graduated from Penn in ’21 and Margot is in the Class of ’24.

1988 Earlier this year, Michael Curi was honored to be asked to serve as Chairman, Board of Trustees for The Foundation for University Hospital in Newark. He continues to practice as Director of the Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery at Rutgers NJMS and says “At the medical school I regularly have Delbarton alumni in medical school here, spending time in their clinical rotations with me. I also have been mentoring alumni who are interested in careers in medicine and offer opportunities to participate in and learn about clinical research and assist with their applications.”

1995 A Green Wave ice hockey alum, JD Friedman was named the team sport psychologist and clinical consultant to the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League. In addition to working directly with the NHL players and coaches, he is involved with player development for the team’s minor league and junior players, and in the scouting and evaluation of prospects leading up to the NHL amateur draft in July. He works for the team in addition to his job as a cofounding partner of Baker Street Behavioral Health, a group psychology practice based in northern New Jersey.

Ben Grasso recently took a position as Assistant Head of Faculty and Academics at Thornton Academy in Saco, ME.

1998 Edward Vasquez was acknowledged in The New York Times Magazine as a 2022 ‘Super Doctors – Rising Stars’ selection. Edward is a practicing anesthesiologist in Westchester County, NJ and currently lives in Manhattan with his wife Kayleigh McCabe.

2005 John Ferramosca and Angela Licciardello were married on May 8, 2021 in Morristown, NJ. They recently purchased a home in downtown Hoboken with ‘a standing invite for all Delbarton alumni’! John will begin serving a two-year stint as Delbarton Alumni Association President this July.

(Continued on page 102)

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Chicago On April 21, Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd hosted a dinner for fifteen at Smith & Wollensky in Chicago. Chicago-area alumni joined Fr. Michael and Assistant Headmaster for Advancement & Alumni Craig Paris ’82 for a great gathering overlooking the river on a beautiful evening in the Windy City.

Tucker McDermott ’93 and John Glynn ’90.

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alumni news

Alumni Shooting Classic

On May 5, Delbarton returned to Hudson Farm in Andover for the Seventh Annual Abbot Giles P. Hayes ‘56 Shooting Classic. All proceeds supported the Rev. Giles P. Hayes ‘56 Scholarship Fund

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alumni news

This year’s High Team was the foursome of, from left, A.J. Papetti Jr. ‘13, A.J. Papetti ‘82 P ‘13, ‘14, ‘17, Herman Kurz and George Parsells P’17. John McGuire ‘91 (not pictured) took home the High Shot award for the highest score.

Peter Cocoziello ’02 and Vincent DiDomenico P’23.

Assistant Headmaster for Advancement & Alumni Craig Paris ’82 and Alumni Association President Chris Bury ’91 conducted a live auction that raised an additional $17,000 for the Rev. Giles P. Hayes ‘56 Scholarship Fund.

Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB, Hayden Baker, Ed Thompson ’98, John Dziadzio P’24 and Peter Ramsey ’90.

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(Continued from page 98)

Hugh Fiddes and his wife Sarah welcomed their son Harrison John Fiddes into the world on April 8, 2022.

Harrison joined big sister Annabelle, age 5, and the Fiddes family continues to enjoy life in Austin, TX. Christian McCormack and his wife Katie announced the birth of Eloise “Ellie” McCormack on January 19, 2022.

2007 Matt Bruno and his bride Michele Leffler celebrated their marriage on April 9, 2022 during an intimate Nuptial Mass at St. Mary’s Abbey.

(See Wedding Album)

2008 Luke Hemenetz and wife Jessica welcomed their first child, Zachary Roger Hemenetz, on February 17, 2022.

2010 Matthew Carlucci married Caroline Ann Beauchamp Meade on June 12, 2021 in Glastonbury and Wethersfield, CT with Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, OSB ’82 officiating. William Carlucci ’13 and Dan McLaughlin ’10 were in the wedding party. (See Wedding Album) Charles Orzetti and Diana Baker were married on April 24, 2021 at the Holy Redeemer Church in Chatham, MA with a reception was at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich, MA. (See Wedding Album)

Joe Petrucci and his wife Alex welcomed their son Vincent James Petrucci to the world on July 12, 2021.

Pat Schellberg and Ally Van Deuren were married on August 28, 2021 in Redondo Beach, CA with Pat’s twin brother Matt and Delbarton friends in attendance.

(See Wedding Album)

2012 Aidan Nowak and Jordynn Spaulding were married on November 18, 2021 in a ceremony at St. Mary’s Abbey with Delbarton School Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB as officiant. (See Wedding Album)

Annual Report Corrections The Annual Report lists are prepared with great care. However, despite our best efforts, sometimes errors do occur. Please see below for omissions and corrections to the recent Report of Donors 2020-2021. St. Mary’s Abbey and Delbarton School remain forever grateful for the generous support of our faithful donors.

Donor Category Report Headmaster’s Advisors Mr. and Mrs. Chris M. Bury ’91 Green and White Society Mr. and Mrs. R. Bart Henderson ’79

Financial Aid & Endowment Funds Some new gifts for FY2021 were inadvertently excluded from the list of Financial Aid and Endowment Funds. Please note that other reported numbers, including Distribution FY2021 and Year End Balance FY2021, were reported correctly.

Gilfillan Scholarship Fund-New Gifts FY2021 $35,170 Rusty Hewit ’98 Scholarship FundNew Gifts FY2021 $84,527 Michael M. Lacz ’94 Memorial FundNew Gifts FY2021 $2,700

Honor and Memorial Gifts In Memory of David T. Farnham ’71 Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Farnham, III ’66

75th Anniversary Endowment FundNew Gifts FY2021 $126,808

Joseph F. Maher Memorial FundNew Gifts FY2021 $23,000

Craig M. Berlamino ’95 Scholarship Fund-New Gifts FY2021 $4,216

Frank D. Visceglia ’60 Memorial Fund-New Gifts FY2021 $2,500

In Memory of Arthur and Barbara Papetti Mr. Arthur J. Papetti, Jr. ’13 Mr. Dylan B. Papetti ’17 Mr. Vincent K. Papetti ’14

Class of 1990 Endowed Scholarship Fund-New Gifts FY2021 $28,835

In Memory of Mary Pat Paris Mr. Arthur J. Papetti ’82

Greg Devine Fund for Science and Technology Excellence-New Gifts FY2021 $100,459

Class of 1991 Endowed Scholarship Fund-New Gifts FY2021 $17,660

YEAR

A

LIKE NO OTHER

ST. MARY’S ABBEY AND DELBARTON SCHOOL R E P O R T O F D O N O R S 2 0 2 0 -2 0 2 1

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Making Waves

Gavin DelGrande ’21 Runs Boston Marathon

Boston College freshman Gavin DelGrande ’21 ran the Boston Marathon on April 18 to raise funds for the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “The Flutie Foundation provides direct financial support, which makes an immediate impact on these families,” he explains. “I have a family friend who has a son with autism. I’ve witnessed the struggle she endures to receive the help she needs in raising her child.” Earlier this year, DelGrande was featured in the new Humans of Delbarton series.

At the Boston Marathon finish line, he connected with fellow Delbarton alumnus Connor Dolan ’17, on left, for a quick photo with the Green Wave flag.

Gary Lewis ’21 Honored by Lawrenceville School Gary Lewis ’21 did a post-grad year at Lawrenceville School this year and was among 20 student-athletes honored at the 60th annual George Wah Scholar-Leader-Athlete Awards Dinner on March 13. The award, sponsored by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fam, honors football players from a local youth league, as well as high schools and colleges, who have made an impact on the area in and out of football.

Lawrenceville Head Football Coach Napoleon Sykes described Lewis in a Trentonian article by Joe O’Gorman: “[Gary] is a natural leader. He approaches everything with a hardhat mentality. Gary’s ability to take over a game showed up immediately, but more importantly, his ability to show his teammates how to practice, how to compete, and how to be a great teammate started from the first day of preseason camp.”

Chuck Ruebling ’79 Inducted to National Lacrosse Coaches Hall of Fame Delbarton School Assistant Headmaster for Student Affairs and former varsity lacrosse coach Chuck Ruebling ’79, pictured here with his family, was inducted into the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association Hall of Fame on March 12, 2022 at the Plandome Country Club. “The Delbarton lacrosse community congratulates Chuck for this distinguished honor,” said Delbarton Lacrosse Head Coach Matt Kovachik. “As a teacher, coach and mentor, Chuck had a profound impact on the lives of his players for more than three decades.”

Ruebling joined nine other members in the Class of 2021 from New York, Colorado, Virginia, New Jersey and Maryland as part of the NILCA Hall of Fame. He played on Delbarton’s first varsity lacrosse team in 1976 and became head coach in 1987. He finished with a stellar coaching record of 523-114, leading Delbarton to six NJ TOC championships, 16 County Championships and 15 conference championships, and currently coaches Green Wave Freshman Lacrosse.

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Making Waves

Anthony Volpe named 2021 Yankees Kevin Lawn Award Winner On March 30, 2022, Delbarton alumnus Anthony Volpe ’19 was named the New York Yankees’ 2021 Kevin Lawn Award winner for minor-league position player of the year. The Award is dedicated to Kevin O’Brien Lawn, son of longtime Yankees Vice President and COO Jack Lawn, who passed away in 1999. Past winners of this award include Don Mattingly, Derek Jeter, Aaron Judge and Brett Gardner. Volpe, the consensus number 1 prospect in the organization, led all Yankees minor league players last season in on base percentage, slugging, OPS, doubles and walks. He also led the entire minor leagues in runs scored, was second in the system in RBI, third in home runs and fourth in average and steals. Volpe opened the 2022 season in Double A, playing close to home for the Somerset Patriots where the Delbarton fan zone is invited to come out in support of this talented Green Wave Baseball alumnus.

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Jack Leiter ’19 Makes Professional Baseball Debut Jack Leiter ’19 made his professional debut for the Double-A Frisco Roughriders on April 9. In front of a full house of Roughriders fans and his parents Al and Lori P’18, Leiter made an instant impact, striking out seven over three innings.

Jack only allowed one hit, and one earned run, while walking three batters, taking a no-decision.

In his second appearance, Leiter faced the San Antonio Missions in his first road start of his career on April 16. Leiter was electric once again, going four innings, allowing only one run on one hit, walking three while striking out four batters.

Over his first five professional starts, Leiter allowed only four earned runs over 18.2 innings pitched with 24 strikeouts.

Making Waves

Olympian Morgan Pearson Receives Delbarton Medal On December 7, Olympic silver medalist Morgan Pearson ’11 returned to Delbarton to address students about his journey from Delbarton to the Tokyo Olympics, his weekly workout routine (15 miles of swimming, 250 miles of biking and 60 miles of running), and what his diet looks like on a normal week of training. Morgan advised his younger brothers to “set scary goals, put yourself in difficult situations and surround yourself with people who you think are better than you. More than anything, believe in yourself.

When stuff gets difficult, don’t lose the belief, look at the situation as a chance to get better, to come back stronger! If you have the belief in yourself and the mindset to get better, there are no limits on what you can achieve!” After Pearson’s speech, Delbarton Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd presented him with the Delbarton Medal, the School’s highest honor. Later, Pearson met with the Swim and Track team athletes, and attended a Winter Track practice.

Hockey Player Kenny Agostino ’10 Represents USA at 2022 Olympics As a child, Kenny Agostino ’10 had three big hockey dreams: to win a Frozen Four, win a Stanley Cup and play in the Olympics. Competing for Yale, Agostino helped lead the team to a national championship and, while he’s still searching for that Stanley Cup victory, this winter he was able to cross another dream off the list. In late December, Agostino was drafted into the Team USA Hockey roster. Playing in Russia for the HC Torpedoes, Agostino and teammate Andy Miele helped lead Team USA to a perfect 3-0 record in the preliminary round, including a big 4-2 win over Canada. Up 3-2 in the third period, Agostino put Team USA up for good, ripping a one-timer from the slot for a 4-2 lead. While USA later lost in a shootout 3-2 to Slovakia in the quarterfinal, Agostino enjoyed a classic Olympics experience, including taking part in the opening and closing ceremonies and witnessing many of the winter events as a spectator.

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Making Waves

Three Time AllAmerican Wrestler Pat Glory ’18 Reaches NCAA Wrestling Final

Princeton University junior and Delbarton alumnus Pat Glory ’18 wrapped up an outstanding season on the mat for the Tigers, earning a spot in the 125pound NCAA Wrestling championship on March 19 in Detroit. By reaching the 2022 final, Glory is now a three-time All-American, finishing sixth in 2019, and was the No. 2 seed at his weight when the tournament was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID. Glory dominated the mat during the three-day event, winning his opening round match 16-2 MD, followed by a 10-2 MD and a 7-3 decision in the quarterfinal, setting up a rematch against familiar opponent Vito Arujau in the semifinal, having faced him previously at a dual meet and in the EIWA final. Glory won the

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rubber match by a commanding 13-5 result, giving Princeton its first NCAA national finalist since 2002.

prouder of how he carried himself in both victory and defeat. He is the true definition of Succisa Virescit.”

While Glory ended up losing a close final match to #1 ranked Nick Suriano from Michigan, he finishes the season with only 2 losses and aims to return to the final next season. “My game plan going into the finals was to just wrestle,” Glory said after his match. “We really felt good about keeping a high pace and making sure to take good shots only so that we could eliminate his counterattack. Didn’t go the way we had planned but I know I was as prepared as possible to go out there and win.” Says former coach Bryan Stoll, “I couldn’t be happier with how Pat wrestled in the tournament. But more importantly, I couldn’t be

Glory said, “I would not be here without Delbarton. Succisa Virescit: This idea has helped me in so many times of adversity and turmoil throughout my time at Princeton both academically and athletically. The preparation I received at Delbarton to be a student first and foremost and an athlete secondarily has helped me prioritize my allocation of time tremendously.

I also would not be here without the help of Coach Stoll, Coach Guy Russo, and the rest of the coaching staff at Delbarton who helped mold me into the wrestler I am today.”

Why We Give: Rajat Paul Dhall and Rumy Sidhu

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ajat Paul Dhall and Rumy Sidhu have two Delbarton sons, sophomore Neel ’24 and 8th grader Veer ’26. Rajat is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Mindlance Inc., an IT management company, and Rumy is an IT Program Manager at Chanel.

For their sons’ education, the family searched for an ideal small class size, an exceptional faculty and a place where their sons could develop into fine young men of faith. They felt an instant connection when they toured campus, and say that they were attracted to “Brotherhood, a safe space for boys to blossom, and the endless opportunities available for academics, extracurriculars and service. Delbarton truly felt like HOME!” Today, both boys feel the sense of belonging and inclusivity, and their interests are varied. Neel played Ice Hockey and Soccer in Middle School, and ran Track this spring. He has been an integral part of Mock Trial and Diversity Among Peers (DAP). Veer plays Tennis, Basketball and Football

and is a member of the Speech & Debate Club. Rumy says that, for both the boys and their parents, “The forever relationships formed within our Delbarton community are simply priceless.” She adds that her growing sons live for and on SAGE, Delbarton’s very accommodating foodservice provider!

The family’s first Homecoming in 2018 also left a lasting impression. “To see this big family of current students, alums, teachers and families come together on the lush grounds was something straight out of a book,” Rumy recalls. “It felt great to be a part of the Green Wave.”

Jenna Gomez, who with Tony Negrin co-moderates DAP, was

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the first teacher Paul and Rumy interacted with, and she left a lasting impression. “She is simply amazing in all that she undertakes”, says Rumy, and the family appreciates how DAP has been “such an enlightening, encouraging and supportive program for so many of our boys.”

Both parents work full time at demanding jobs, so they naturally gravitated to evening events where they could meet and socialize with fellow parents. After attending a Delbarton Fund Current Parent Committee meeting one night, they signed on as Delbarton Fund volunteers and Rumy says, “It was just the right avenue to engage and understand the benefits of the campaign.” Rumy currently is serving in her third year as co-chair of the committee.

Giving Back to the community is important to their family. “After understanding the impact of the Delbarton Fund and witnessing the changes it has brought about in the fabric of our school community, supporting the Delbarton Fund was a no brainer,” says Rumy. The Fund directly facilitates faculty and staff development, provides opportunities for students to prosper by enhancing the facilities, arts and athletic programs and, of course,

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provides financial aid to deserving students. “The nature of this philanthropic initiative is close to our heart. Every year, when we hear an alumnus who has directly benefited from financial aid speak at the Delbarton Gala and witness his success story, it is truly heartwarming!”

As proud supporters of the Delbarton Fund and the Capital Campaign, Paul and Rumy hope that Delbarton continues to build the Brotherhood so that even after their two sons graduate, the school serves as an anchor for them in their lives. Delbarton is a place of faith and family that

gives their sons an opportunity to stay connected and grounded.

They hope that one day, their sons also choose to give back to the school where they grew up.

“We would encourage everyone to support the Delbarton Fund in whatever shape or form as every penny directly impacts all our kids,” says Rumy. “With Fr. Michael’s leadership and vision, the school has realized so many dreams and aspirations for the benefit of our boys. We feel truly blessed to participate in this common goal.”

yesterday Delbarton

By Kent Manno, Delbarton Archivist

One team, One mission: Delbarton Football 1998 In 1998, Google was founded, Apple unveiled the iMac, the Maastricht Treaty came into force, and the Yangtze River broke its banks, displacing more than ten thousand people. After many years of troubles in Northern Ireland both sides agreed to the Good Friday agreement. The Soviet Union Banking system suffered a meltdown when the ruble lost 70% of its value against US dollar in 6 months with several of the largest Russians banks collapsing.

While these events made headlines, the Delbarton football players began their quest for the pinnacle of their sport, the NJSIAA Football Championship.

Navigating this quest was in the hands of Head Coach John Kowalik and his experienced staff. Joe McCurdy ’00 says that Coach Kowalik “set the standards high” telling the team to “do the right thing when no one is looking.” Jeff Parros ’98 remembers that Coach Kowalik ran an organized program and was at times “scary, tough, caring, and passionate.” While Andrew Crocco ’99 found Coach Kowalik ‘mean’ early on, he would later see the method to his system.

In the immortal words of Vince Lombardi, “Football is a great deal like life in that it teaches that work, sacrifice, perseverance, competitive drive, selflessness, and respect for authority is the price that each and every one of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.” Clearly, the 1998 football team manifested these ideals.

Would this team be able to match the heights achieved by the Green Wave championship team of 1993?

After losing the first game of the season to Orange, in 1998 the Green Wave rolled through the rest of the season with crucial wins over West Milford, Wayne Valley, and Passaic Valley winning the conference title. Jeff Parros ’01 remembered the Orange game vividly as upon exiting the parking lot the players were told to “put their helmets on and duck.” A few of the more ardent Orange fans had decided to throw rocks at the Delbarton buses.

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yesterday

In the playoffs, the team dispatched St. John Vianney to reach the final test of the season against Immaculata.

cadre of Co-Captains: Andrew Crocco, Scott Shundler ’99, Oscar James ’99, and Tim Johnson ’00.

The 1998 championship game between two Catholic school football giants was set to be an entertaining affair and piqued the interest of many football fans. The game would be played on the site of the first collegiate football game between the College of New Jersey (later known as Princeton University) and Rutgers University (birthplace of college football) in 1869. Jeff Parros referred to the 1998 state championship game as a “big moment” and “slugfest.”

Yet, who can forget the lightning speed of Jermaine Pugh ’00 as the ball was tossed to him and he hit the corner for a big gain.

(NJ.com calls Pugh one of NJ’s top 40 high school running backs of all-time) Even though the running game was starting to be deemphasized, Pugh was the perfect weapon for pushing back against that kind of tidal shift. The remnants of the William O. Regan running era were still alive and well in the hills of Morris.

The team was led by quarterback Jeff Parros and a

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Parros would not only throw a touchdown pass to Wes Swackhammer ’01 in the game

but also handled punting and kicking responsibilities. Pugh would go on to rush for 155 yards on 27 carries against Immaculata, scoring 2 touchdowns. Farah Reed ’99, Tim Johnson ’00, Schundler, Crocco, Matt Achilarre ’99, and James applied continuous pressure on the Spartan offense. By the second half, the Spartan offense lost momentum and was forced to punt several times. Reed and Johnson recorded 3 sacks each.

Oscar James recorded a game high 10 tackles. Senior stalwart Scott Shundler iced the game with a crucial interception.

The previously unbeaten and ninth ranked Immaculata would suffer its first loss in the last game of the year thanks to a determined Green Wave squad,

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and the 21-3 win would yield the second NJSIAA Football Championship for Delbarton and a season record of 9-1.

There remains a special bond among members of the football team that allowed them to respond to the navigational cues of Coach Kowalik. Crocco says the teammates supported each

other and really enjoyed playing football with each other.

Often, successful teams are those that demonstrate the greatest commitment to the players and, in turn, create the greatest sense of belonging and echo the words of former Athletic Director Brian Fleury : “Everything you do matters.”

Like old photographs, the memories of the 1998 football season fade over time — but twenty-four years later, the stewards of the 1998 championship football game left their mark on Delbarton and on New Jersey football.

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