Spectrum DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Volume 83, No. 1
SEPTEMBER 27, 2019
27225 Wixom Road, Novi, MI, 48374
Fr. Fulton Takes Reins as Principal George Nunu ‘21 Staff Writer
On May 30, 2019, Catholic Central appointed its twenty-first principal just before the conclusion of the 90th year of its existence. Fr. Fulton, after embarking on a lofty employment process, was chosen to be principal after Fr. Noelke was selected to join the Basilian Council. He was selected after submitting a resume and going through an interview process. His impressive credentials earned him the job. His past experiences of employment at every Basilian high school made him the man for the job. He taught at both St. Michael’s College School in Toronto and here at CC. Previously, he served administrative roles as the principal at St. Thomas High School in Houston and here as the assistant principal. Now that Fr. Fulton is the principal, he is looking forward to being accessible to all students. “One of the most exciting opportunities is to be able to make life better for all of us here,” he said. Compared to his previous teaching job, where his primary focus was on his own students, he is now accountable for the whole student body. When asked about what he will miss the most about teaching, Fr. Fulton stated that he will miss his interactions with students and getting to know them. Fr. Fulton, the new sheriff in town. These interactions drew him into the be acquainted with all CC operations, from Basilian vocation. The students will also recall the the Dads’ Club to the Alumni Association. fond memories made in his “AP Theology Class.” As always, with any change in administration, Similar to what most teachers would students will wonder what lies ahead for them. say, he will not miss the laborious task of “I’m a Canadian, so I take winter in grading paperwork in his new position. stride,” Fr. Fulton confidently proclaimed. Of course, there will be a learning curve. “The While the number of snow days this year most challenging thing about being a new princimay potentially decline due to his Canadipal is learning how things work,” Fr. Fulton said. an heritage, we can only wait and see what Previously, Fr. Fulton was familiar with this winter has in store for the CC students. the Theology Department. Now, he must
Photo by Gomez
Reflecting on what he looks forward to in the coming months of school, Fr. Fulton pondered the two times when the CC students raised the hair on the back of his neck: the first time he witnessed the hand cheer, and his first Boys’ Bowl assembly. The way the students rallied around school life and tradition truly moved him. The first addition to school life under Fr. Fulton’s leadership is the GDK days, which were created in response to student and fac-
ulty surveys, in order to preserve the precious brotherhood and love we have for CC. Above all else, Fr. Fulton hopes to preserve the brotherhood and uphold the standards of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge in his coming years as principal. He anticipates serving the CC community to the best of his ability, and, in his own words, “Until my last breath.”
GDK Days Reinforce School Culture Trey Haeger ‘20 Staff Writer
Since 1928, the Basilian motto “Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge” has been instilled in Catholic Central students by its faculty and staff. Now, 91 years later, CC has begun a new tradition, aimed at emphasizing this motto. This tradition is known as “GDK Days,” with GDK obviously standing for goodness, discipline, and knowledge. These words all have a more in-depth meaning: Goodness encompasses the traits of faith, compassion, and honor; Discipline is made up of humility, character, and determination; Knowledge includes scholarship, collaboration, and culture. These traits are what make up a true man of Catholic Central. On the first Wednesday of every month, the CC student body, along with all faculty and staff, meets in assigned groups for a confession period. What these groups do during this time is planned by the GDK committee, a senior-led group comprised of members of Student Activities and various faculty members. On GDK days, students gather to challenge each other to improve in the school’s basic tenets. Photo by Gomez Senior, Logan Gray, is the chair of this committee, which has been our committee to brainstorm ideas and hard to discuss in our modern world.” the last session, smaller breakout groups meeting since the first week of school. lesson plans that allow for students After only two GDK days, these formed lists of things that they could do ness, He said, “To make new activities, we to intercommunicate with one anoth- mixed-grade groups are already starting to practice their faith more intentionally. have begun organizing meetings with er on topics that may be sensitive or to bridge the gaps between classes. During Ideas ranged from attending be-
Fr. Buentello Returns Page 3
75th Boys’ Bowl Pages 4-5
fore-school mass each week as a group to helping fellow Shamrock brothers who are having a hard time with something. Another great aspect of the Catholic Central GDK days is the focus it puts on the betterment of the student body as a whole. Gray added, “The purpose of CC GDK is to unite the students in a common brotherhood. We hope to promote communication between grades and create a tight-knit family of students.” An interconnected student population from grade to grade will not only help strengthen the Catholic Central brotherhood, but also create an environment where students can hold each other accountable for their actions and their behavior. This, along with the establishment of higher expectations for the men of CC, will help to improve the school community. While we remain rooted in our traditions, changes like GDK days should only strengthen our culture and serve to remind us of the tenets gooddiscipline, and knowledge.
Fishing with Kay and Moss Page 8
September 27, 2019
2
Editorials
Market Volatility May Indicate Recession Alex Kazmierczak ‘20 Staff Writer
The economy under President Trump has been largely acclaimed for its strength and job growth over the past several years. Despite this otherwise positive outlook, recent stock market volatility and an exacerbated trade war with China have led many to fear the American economy may be fast approaching a recession. For the past ten years, the longest recorded period yet, the economy has seen an overall trend of expansion and growth. Many fear this period is hurtling towards an end, looking to recent stock market failures as potential bellwethers for future economic struggles. As recently as August 14, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted 800 points as a result of the federal bonds market seeing an inverted yield curve. Inverted yield curves occur when investors begin to prioritize the immediate future, rather than the long-term. This results in interest rates on shortterm bonds being higher than the interest paid by
long-term bonds, suggesting an overall lack of confidence in the future economy. Through observing these inverted yield curves, all nine major recessions since 1955 (except for one in the early 1960s) were predicted as beginning within two years after a curve was observed. Economists also fear that the current trade war with China could be harming the global economy at large and pushing the American economy into an eventual recession. As tariffs were raised on numerous Chinese products, China’s economy saw an overall slowdown as it failed to continue to see debt-fueled growth. This stalemate between the world’s two largest exporters threatens to slow not only each respective country’s economy, but also the global economy. Another source of concern on the global economic stage centers around the U.K.’s attempts to leave the European Union -- if the U.K. were to leave the E.U. without reaching a new trade agreement. Concern over this possible reality has already led the British economy to slow down and has resulted in Germany’s central bank confirming the country be-
lieves it too is approaching a recession. A recession before the 2020 election would have potentially disastrous consequences for President Trump’s re-election hopes, leading the President to already begin to consider recent policies that could either delay or ideally prevent a recession. The President has delayed the implementation of a new set of tariffs on Chinese manufactured technological goods, and recently suggested the cutting of corporate and payroll taxes to put more cash back into the economy. President Trump later backed off of this policy, asserting that the country’s economy was doing well enough without it. If the changing of economic policies isn’t enough to prevent a recession, the President has also begun to argue that the potential recession is a necessary and unavoidable consequence of his trade war with China. Despite all of the gloom surrounding the pending economic outlook, many reasons for optimism remain. Unemployment rates remain at a 50-year low, and consumer confidence in the economy has remained relatively high with only a few recent dips.
The ISM Manufacturing Index, a survey of purchasing managers and major manufacturers, has also continued to suggest that the manufacturing economy is still seeing a period of growth. The economy may play an even larger and more important role in American politics over the next two years, with President Trump working to delay any possible recessions until after 2020. Delaying a recession could prove to be quite a challenge, considering the overall fears and global instability already contributing to small slowdowns around the world.
Are We Too “Plugged In”? Bryce Murray ‘20 Staff Writer
“Does the internet dream of itself?” Film director Werner Herzog is not alone in prescribing upon the century’s defining entity a shared narcissism. To affirm is to suggest that even “unplugged” from the Internet, man is drawn back like moths. Today’s ceaseless use of technology can only be understood as an addiction — to streams of information, fountains of entertainment, idyllic worlds of amnesia. From our educational lens, the question then arises: should schools endorse something so easily abused? There is a certain veneration of technology in the West that lends credence to the trope of “sheep” before TV’s blue glow. Status is so often confounded with the newest iPhone or the latest TV that we are all too quick to dismiss the “side effects” of such devices. This is perhaps by design, as over the past twenty years the average American’s attention span has decreased from twelve seconds to eight. Goldfish are attentive for nine. A ceaseless desire for stimuli does not vanish behind the wheel, where those who text and drive are six times more likely to crash than drunk drivers.
Technology has effectively replaced alcohol as the choice drug of these United States. Such a widespread turn to the Internet is symptomatic of a larger culture of escapism. Like drug addicts, technology “users” seek a cognitive refuge from issues in reality. Americans are persistently reminded — where else, but online?— of
Streaming Alters TV Landscape Michael Merucci ‘20 Staff Writer
It’s no secret that television shows have changed immensely in the 2010s, both in their distribution and in the talent of the cast and production. Netflix’s move to streaming, which was followed by numerous other companies, revolutionized how television was accessed and approached. A mass migration to streaming services has depleted the numbers of commercial-filled mainstream networks. People of all ages have ditched regular television for the likes of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, et cetera. Many of the decade’s monumental shows have a home on streaming services, rather than on regular television. Countless beloved network shows are also available on streaming services, allowing people to have more flexibility with what they watch. Streamed shows like Stranger Things, Black Mirror, The Handmaid’s Tale, Mindhunter, and Game of Thrones have made a cultural impact much greater than the likes of typical Sunday night ABC or CBS programs. The immense impact of streamed shows on society and the medium of television itself has drawn remarkable talent from the film industry and other corners of the digital world. In the past, many saw television shows to be greatly inferior to movies in produc-
their vanishing reputation as a superpower, and the Internet’s ubiquity means that accomplishments, however “great,” are never “the greatest.” Incomplete vignettes of rich parties and bitter arguments only feed lurking want. Internet perusers are overwhelmed by this festival of insignificance. We self-medicate our collective identity
crisis with its very instigator, a platform that magnifies the voices of the world’s scammers, crooks, and “trolls.” Cyberbullying and hyper-exposure eliminate self-esteem when needed most, and children are only earlier and earlier familiarizing themselves with that blue glow. In the technological age, the tumultuous years from nine to nineteen are uniquely prone to technology’s allure. Yet, a “war on technology” would be even more detrimental than its predecessor. While there is always harm in excess, a moderate consumption of technology is undeniably beneficial. Where would healthcare, defense, communication, scientific exploration, artistic expression, and even education be without it? Fear must not obfuscate progress. At all costs the classroom must denormalize utter dependence on technology for stimulation in every waking hour— iBooks must never replace our libraries. Nonetheless, children cannot be denied the unique possibility to explore the world at their fingertips. It is no idyllic world, but it is ours. However helpless he seems, man’s reliance on machine is mutual: We dream of each other.
8 Recognized as National Merit Scholars
tion and acting. There was a great disparity between movie and television stars; the same often went for directors and writers. There was the occasional cinematic-level television show that would slip through the cracks, but that occurrence was nowhere near as common as in the current age. Movie stars and directors are more involved in television than ever before; talents like David Fincher, Mahershala Ali, Bryan Cranston, and Rami Malek move between film and television roles constantly. Producers, writers, directors, and actors now coexist between film and television more than ever before. The accessibility and quality provided by streaming services have revolutionized the medium of television, and the option of streaming is often less expensive compared to television packages provided by DIRECTV, Dish, and Xfinity. Streaming services follow the wave of technological advancement in the 2010s, providing a brand new option for the consumption of television, which has proven to be extremely popular and convenient for the consumers of the digital age.
Left to rigtht: Zach Warner (Commended); Daniel Cernak (Commended); Jacob Seabolt (Commended); Nick Smulsky (Commended); Mark Holowicki (Commended); Bryce Murray (Semifinalist); Jackson Peurach (Commended); and Kyle Rodrigues (Commended)
Spectrum Staff Editors-in-chief Adam Falinski Nick Sweeney
Moderator Mr. Ianni
Dominic Aiello Diego Cabello Max Chensse
Andrew Ciarelli Nick D’Abate Nick Dewhirst
Writers
Trey Haeger Gordon Jones Alex Kazmierczak
Drew Laroo James Lindenberg Bryce Murray
Photographer Samuel Gomez
Mike Merucci Cole Nogawa Brendan Nordstrom
George Nunu Logan Welter
September 27, 2019
3
Editorials
Fr. Buentello Returns to CC After 11 Years Adam Falinski ‘20 Editor-in-Chief
Fr. Buentello preparing for morning mass.
Photo by Gomez
After leaving for approximately 11 years, Father Mike Buentello has returned to Catholic Central. Before leaving, he spent the years 2000 to 2008 at CC. During his time here, he taught Spanish and Theology, and helped coach the freshman and JV football teams. When asked how his time was before leaving CC, he said, “There was never a day when I looked at my watch and asked, ‘When is this day going to end?’ The days went by so fast. It was so much fun to be here.” In 2008, Father Buentello left for the University of St. Thomas in Houston. There, he taught freshman Theology and was the Director of Campus Ministry. Anyone who has spent a substantial amount of time at CC knows that it has changed throughout the years. When asked if there were any differ-
ences from his previous time at CC to now, Father Buentello responded, “The school was great when I left and it’s even greater now. The spirit is strong as ever, there’s great comradery, the priests are involved in the lives of the students and their activities, and the faculty is TOP NOTCH.” Today, Father Buentello is the Director of Mission and Spirituality at CC. To explain what this role entails, he said, “If you were to think of a parish and all the people involved in running a parish, I would be kind of the pastor. Not only of the school, but also taking care of alumni and reaching out and making sure everyone is still growing in their faith and that the Catholic Central that the students of the 1940s and 50s experienced that was Christ-centered is still the Catholic Central of 2019 and beyond.” He continued, “We want to educate the whole person spiritually and intellectually.”
While Fr. Buentello may not be heavily involved in student life this year, he hopes that as soon as next year he can become more active. “Maybe not this returning year,” he said, “because it is all new, but hopefully next year I can become a little bit more involved if that means football, track, or golf.” “I love sports,” he added. “I’m a gym rat.” When in a new place, there can occasionally be an adjustment period, but Father Buentello felt none of this: “It took me thirty seconds to be readjusted to the life of CC. It’s wonderful to be back. It’s a great feeling to be back. I’m surrounded by old friends and new friends. I walk the hallways in the midst of the best student body in the state of Michigan.”
Christian Service Bears Fruit for a Couple CC Brothers Cole Nogawa ‘22 Staff Writer
Catholic Central’s Christian Service Project is known for many things. It is known for having a relatively involved submission and approval process and for being a graduation requirement. Unfortunately, at times, it can also be a fairly low priority to the average student. However, to many young men at CC, it has become an indispensable aspect of student life. The Christian Service Project exists primarily to “contribute to the good of the community by helping people in need.” The project is undoubtedly an aid to those who experience our service, but it is important to note that it strengthens our faith, as well. To find out what the proverbial fruits of the Christian Service Project are, one need look no further than
senior Jake Bisdorf and his brother Josh, a sophomore. The Bisdorf brothers are heavily involved in CC’s campus ministry, particularly when it comes to volunteering. The brothers volunteer at Our Lady of Victory’s PB & J ministries and the Miracle League of Michigan. Both brothers can easily identify the ways in which Christian Service has affected their lives. “[The service project] opened my eyes to a new world of people,” Jake said. “It makes my heart happy to know that what I’m doing is helping.” Josh also expressed a similar sentiment: “I get to have experiences with people who I normally wouldn’t interact with.” Additionally, the siblings emphasized the impact that service has had on their faith. “It shows me how ‘less’ I am,” Josh explained. “It has taught me that I have a responsibility to help those who need it.” “It opened my eyes to the ways that God is in my life,” Jake added. “He can do anything through any-
one.” Indeed, the Bisdorfs have experienced one of the main goals of Christian service: to “discover the joy in serving others.” Catholic Central’s Christian Service Project is truly another testament to how one gets as much out of CC as he puts into it. Although service is often viewed as a donation, several members of our community have found that it can also be seen as an investment. Through service, students have been able to further understand their place in the world, gain priceless experiences, and do real good in the community. Perhaps the completion of the requisite number of service hours should not be seen as an ending, but rather a stepping stone towards the enrichment of our faith.
The Pop Culture Grid: Boys’ Bowl Edition
Quinn Murray
Where are you taking your homecoming date to dinner?
What are freshmen doing on homecoming?
Ideal Shamstock team name?
Jackson Peurach
Sape Quashie
Fr. Fulton
Wendy’s (getting the 4 for 4)
The chapel for the Body of Christ
Watch Rom-Coms with their mom
Teaching the Juniors how to act
Dirty Mike & The Boyz
Anything involving the name “Nick Malcolm”
Gram Masters
The Basies
I used to have a pet pig but my uncle killed it.
I once died.
What’s one thing no one knows about you?
On Sunday mornings, I wake up and walk around barefoot through the woods reading poetry.
The teachers cheat off me.
Twinkies or Ho-Hos?
Twinkies
Whichever one Mr. Jackett likes, the man is omniscient.
McDonald’s -for a Big Mac
Wishing they were “freaking” at Hoco”
Twinkies, I don’t know what HoHos are.
Fleming’s
Playing Fortnite
Neither, this body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
September 27, 2019
4
Boys’ Bowl
THE 75TH
BOYS’ Boys’ Bowl: Once a Game, Now a Tradition Nick D’Abate ‘21 Staff Writer
Three quarters of a century ago, in 1944, Catholic Central football coach Alex Chesney was ready for one of the biggest challenges of his career. The Shamrocks had endured one of the most arduous and unfortunate seasons ever recorded. Only two out of seven games were counted as victories in the official records, two games were ties, and three were major losses. However, Coach Chesney was determined and unshaken. He and his team were ready to face Fr. Flanagan’s well-seasoned Boys Town, the best high school football team in the country, in the first ever Boys’ Bowl game. The Boys’ Bowl game was to be a fundraiser played between the best team in Michigan, CC, and the best team in the country, Boys Town. According to Alumni Relations Director Tim Burke ‘86, “The proceeds from this game went to charities in Detroit. It helped build 6565 West Outer Drive, and Boys Town also received money. This was before Twitter, iPads, cell phones. But it was a big community thing, the Governor came, people from all over the place came to this event.” In fact, over forty thousand fans at-
tended the first Boys’ Bowl game. When the men of Boys Town arrived in Detroit from Nebraska, people of Catholic Central and Boys Town sat down to what was the original Boys’ Bowl breakfast in the Book Cadillac Hotel. Then they parted ways as the men of Boys Town went on a tour of Detroit, starting with the Ford Rotunda, Ford Motor Company’s headquarters at the time. The city of Detroit was illuminated as thousands of football fans gathered around for a parade before they entered Briggs Stadium, later known as Tigers Stadium. Three minutes into the game, the Detroiters put the first points on the board. The Shamrocks’ kick was later blocked, leaving Boys Town to begin the second quarter on the seven-yard line. On the first play the score was 7-7 and the rest of the quarter was a stalemate with much commotion. With the beginning of the third quarter underway, both teams penetrated deep into both sides until Boys Town started to take control, leading to another seven points. However, with a few minutes left, Catholic Central’s quarterback threw a pass from the 29yard line, complete to the two-yard line. With 30 seconds left, the Shamrcks tied it up at 14. From that day forward a new tra-
1944 Shamrock carries the ball in the very first Boys’ Bowl
dition was born, the “Boys’ Bowl.” As time progressed, the Boys’ Bowl became more than a simple Saturday sporting event. Rivalries grew larger, and new customs like the mural, the floats, and Mass and Breakfast formed Boys’ Bowl into what we Shamrocks know of it today. Mr. Herman recalls, “Boys’ Bowl for me, I remember being like a 6-year-old kid running around under the bleachers, getting addicted to the sounds of the cheering of both sides. And it wasn’t uncommon for the faculty to engage in those cheers.” On a simple walk down the art hallway, one sees the images of the murals of the past and notices just how beloved Boys’ Bowl is and how powerful the rivalries are with the other schools. Mr. Herman often fondly re-
Photo from archives
calls his own Boys’ Bowl memories. He said, “On the last play, our quarterback threw a hard pass which got us into position to kick a 42-yard field goal to win the game by two points.” “I remember,” he continued, “looking up at Wisner Stadium, and literally, a sea of people just flowed down over the bars that separated us from the field and just rushed the field.” From then on Brother Rice was not featured in Boys’ Bowl until 2017. This year we are very fortunate to see the jolly pumpkin heads once more.
CC vs. Rice: Another Great Rivalry Brendan Nordstrom ‘21 Staff Writer
It is hard to imagine our society without light bulbs, the internet, and even America. These innovations would not be possible without the presence of rivalries. The definition of rivalry is “a competition for the same objective or for superiority in a certain field,” yet it is so much more than just the aforementioned competition. A rivalry is one set of beliefs and morals pinned up against another. The thing that fuels these is not just the desire to win but rather the willingness to work the hardest to push the bounds in the name of what one believes in. Ultimately, they bring out the best in all sides as it fuels advancement and pushes teams, companies, and even countries to fight, manipulate, and outplay the other. Without this competition, the world we all know today would be far less advanced and far less intelligent. A common misconception about rivalries is that they promote hostility when cooperation would be more beneficial. This can be disputed in many cases as competition forces people to push their limits and results in the strongest and most resilient group on top. Three prime examples of this are the American Revolution, Tesla versus Edison, and the Cold War. The colonists were untrained, unprepared men going up against one of the strongest and most successful armies in the world. When the British threatened their way of living, they took it upon themselves to be liberated from this dark presence
overshadowing them. If it weren’t for these colonists’ passion for freedom and enmity towards Britain and their policies, America would never have existed and grown to the prowess we know today. Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison are known as two of the greatest minds in history, and, unsurprisingly, they were bitter rivals with separate and very different beliefs. While it is still undetermined who “won,” the true winner was society as the feud resulted in many historic inventions, such as the
lightbulb, the phonograph, the moving picture, and other major advancements in the study of electricity. At the conclusion of the Second World War, the growing dissent between the US and the Soviet Union finally broke out into the Cold War. The Cold War is the epitome of rivalries as it led to enormous advancements rooted in the ideals of capitalism versus communism. Throughout its 34-year tenure, the Cold War brought the world the intense 1952 Olympics, the infamous space race, and the advancement
A historic rivalry lives on today.
Photo from archives
of atomic weapons. None of these monumental achievements would have developed if not for the two sides propelling each other to achieve dominance over the other in the name of their beliefs. The chief rivalry at Catholic Central is, of course, against the Warriors of Brother Rice. While this rivalry might not be a matter of life or death, it is a major part of what makes Catholic Central the school it is to this day. The rivalry gives all teams across the school a common adversary and a goal for which to strive. It is no coincidence that the weeks leading up to matchups against the Warriors constantly reach new heights of energy and passion amongst our students and alumni. Just mentioning Brother Rice can trigger memories of decimated pumpkins on the gym floor, scoldings for wearing a hint of range, and Rice Krispies raining down in the cafeteria. Whether it is out-sprinting their top runner, winning the match point in tennis, trading off lacrosse state championships, or reaching victory formation in the Boys’ Bowl, this rivalry is deeply ingrained in Catholic Central tradition and motivates all students to compete and cheer as hard as possible for not only their own pride, but also the highly esteemed reputation of the school.
September 27, 2019
5
Boys’ Bowl
ANNUAL
BOWL Shamrocks Navigate Difficult Schedule Andrew Ciarelli ‘22 Staff Writer
After a tough loss to West Bloomfield in the 2018 playoffs that ended their run for a state title, the CC varsity football team is working hard to get there in 2019. Under new senior leadership, they came out swinging on August 31, narrowly beating the Detroit Martin Luther King Crusaders in the season opener at Wayne State. The Shamrocks got a strong lead in the first quarter, but King began closing the gap quickly. In the fourth quarter, the Crusaders closed the gap to 24-20, and after a bad snap that resulted in a safety, 24-22. A clutch interception by senior Cole Price was enough to hold the Crusaders back, though, and CC earned the 24-22 win. With a win in the season opener, the Shamrocks still faced a tough road over the next few weeks. At the varsity home opener at the Elm, they took on Toledo Whitmer, a team they’d beaten 35-7 last season. The Panthers managed to run the ball through the CC defense for a touchdown in the second quarter, but not long afterwards, the Shamrocks scored a TD of their own.
After halftime, Whitmer was able to score again, draining time from the clock in the process. Unfortunately, a late fourth quarter fumble led to the 14-7 loss. A week later, on September 13, the Shamrocks traveled to Ohio, where they took on the Central Catholic Fighting Irish. Neither team was able to gain an early lead, but the 0-0 score ended in the second quarter when a short Toledo run gave them the lead. Ultimately, the back-and-forth game ended as a 28-6 loss for the Shamrocks, dropping their record to 1-2. Last Friday on September 20, the Shamrocks defeated the Cubs of U of D Jesuit 31-15, evening their record at 2-2. So far, this has been one of the toughest schedules the varsity football team has seen in a long time. When asked about it, senior captain Gabe Xuereb said, “[The schedule] will for sure be more beneficial. It’ll give us more experience playing better teams for the playoffs.” Hopefully, playing harder teams earlier on, the ‘Rocks can pull through this season. Quarterback Jack Beno looks downfield.
Photo by Mr. Confer
The Man Who’s Been on Both Sides not, and that school spirit and school pride comes out.” The rivalry of CC and Brother Rice has a deep history of great games, across mulMr. Sofran, an admissions director at Catholic tiple sports. Mr. Sofran recalls some of Central, is a graduate of Brother Rice, the rival whom his best memories as Boys’ Bowl games. “Three years ago, when it was my first year at CC, Catholic Central plays in this year’s Boys’ Bowl. Now working as a Shamrock, he is one of very we won the Boys’ Bowl, and it was a special game few people who have been on both sides of the rival- for me, seeing how the kids from CC played, how they came back into the game ry. He has played as a Warrior against and how they battled it out.” CC in a Boys’ Bowl game, and he has This year’s Boys’ Bowl brought some of the best young men has a 2-2 Catholic Central in the region to Catholic Central. “In the Rice-CC game, against a 4-0 Brother Rice. Having been with both Brother Rice On this year’s Boys’ and CC, he has great insights into you give it your all, no Bowl, Mr. Sofran says, “In the rivalry from both perspectives. matter what...” the Rice-CC game, you give With his insights, he underit your all, no matter what stands how deep this rivalry record you have, or whethruns and how big it actually is. er you are having a good or “The CC - Brother Rice rivalry is the rivalry of the state of Michigan,” he bad season. From seeing both sides of the coin, says. “They are our rivals in every sport. The ri- I know that both teams will be ready to play.” The teams will play in the 75th valry goes blue and white blood deep, and it’s Boys’ Bowl on Sunday, September 29. great to be a part of that. People know about Diego Cabello ‘22 Staff Writer
CC and Brother Rice and what that stands for.” He continued, “The great thing about the rivalry is that kids acknowledge it whether you play a sport or Photo by Mr. Confer
Mr. Sofran coaches the boys on how to run the Wham
The Starting Lineup Starting Offense RB FB QB WR WR WR TE
Cole Price 17 Brendin Yatooma 37 Jack Beno 18 Jon Brewer 10 Jacob Young 16 Cody Daraban 22 Conor Cohan 82
T G C G T
Jack McDonald 74 Nolan Matthew 65 Steven Kolcheff 54 Gavin Nafso 53 Zach Carey 77
Starting Defense DE Sean Field 24 DT Bruno Guberinich 75 DT Nolan Matthew 65 DE Jack Birks 36 OLB Easton St. Clair C Jacob Young 16 LB Brendin Yatooma 37 LB Gabe Xuereb 48
OLB Moe Jaffer 34 FS Cody Daraban 22 C Jon Brewer 10
September 27, 2019
6
New Teachers
CC Adds 7 to Faculty and Staff Logan Welter ‘21 Staff Writer
Sam Gomez ‘21 Staff Photographer
James Lindenberg’21 Staff Writer
Mrs. Montagna — Theology Mrs. Montagna came all the way from St. Edward’s in Cleveland to work here at CC. She says that she was drawn to the sense of community and tradition, specifically the long standing tradition of Drive week. Favorite TV show: Parks and Recreation Favorite band: Weezer Mr. Fras — Math Mr. Fras is an alumnus from the class of 1985. He says that he came back to CC because it is the best school in the state, perhaps even the country. Before coming back home to Catholic Central, Mr. Fras taught for 23 years at public schools but decided that he was done teaching unless it was at CC. He can’t wait to see the signs for Boys’ Bowl week and is looking forward to the Drive, as well. Favorite movie: Christmas Vacation Favorite music: Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, and Tim McGraw Ms. Mruzik — Advancement Ms. Mruzik is originally from Our Lady of Sorrows and is excited to work in a high school environment. She is especially looking forward to the football games and assemblies. She enjoys watching reality television and has lots of 80’s music on her Spotify playlist. Ms. Mruzik can’t wait to meet new people and live the Shamrock life. Go-to Music: Anything from the 80s
Mr. Geraghty — Theology Mr. Geraghty has been teaching for 44 years and decided to come to Catholic Central because he wanted to experience the legendary culture which Catholic Central provides. He is looking forward to learning all of our traditions and aspects to our school culture. Mr. Geraghty is excited to be a part of our brotherhood and to have a wonderful year. Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption Favorite Band: Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Ms. Laffrey — Spanish This year is Ms. Laffrey’s second year teaching and first year teaching at an all-boys high school. She is especially looking forward to Drive and all of our assemblies. Ms. Laffrey loves teaching Spanish and is excited to embark on a new journey at Catholic Central. Favoritve TV Show: The Office Favorite Singer: Juanes Dr. Siniscalchi — Theology Dr. Siniscalchi says he came to CC because of the Basilian tradition of excellence in Catholic education. He also loves the school spirit at the assemblies and hopes to see a lot more. Dr. S. is looking forward to continuing to celebrate mass with the CC brotherhood as well. Favorite Movies: Rocky, Top Gun, Glory, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy Go-to Music: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, U2, and the Rolling Stones. Mrs. Sparks — Business Office Before coming to Catholic Central, Mrs. Sparks worked in school admission at St. Mary’s in Wayne County. She is excited to work at an all-boys school and be apart of the welcoming culture Catholic Central provides. Mrs. Sparks was looking for the next step in her career so she decided to join our Catholic Central family. Favorite Music: All genres Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music
September 27, 2019
7
Sports
Shamrock Soccer Off to a Fast Start Max Chensse ‘22 Staff Writer
The CC Varsity Soccer Team looks forward to another great season in 2019. With eight wins and an undefeated record already, they hope to continue their success, as well as to strengthen the bond that has formed between them thus far. Accordng to one of the four captains, senior William McLaren, the team hadn’t started off as perfectly as they had planned. With many new faces on the team it took hard work and countless practices to acquire the team “chemistry” needed to defeat their opponents. They started not only with team dinners and practices, but also with a huge preseason tournament win at Balconi. As the preseason went on and in the regular season, the team progressed in their unity and strength, both on and off the field. During the season McLaren described a couple of hard games saying that “there were always targets on our backs and we had to work together to overcome the competition.” The Varsity team was at first outplayed, but soon found the intensity and dedication needed to pull off the victories. However, this group isn’t finished yet. With important games during Boys’ Bowl week against U of D Jesuit and Troy Athens, the defending state champions, the Shamrocks will look to show their true skill and potential.
Senior Nick Johnson moves the ball downfield.
Photo by Mr. Confer
The Captain is Back in Hockeytown Gordon Jones ‘22 Staff Writer
Steve Yzerman, legendary Red Wings player and one of the best who has ever played the game, has ended his eight-year tenure as General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning and has come back to his roots here in Detroit. Yzerman will take the reins of the Red Wings organization as general manager. When asked on how he felt coming back to his former team he said, “It’s an exciting opportunity. It’s a great challenge, and there’s a lot of work to be done. But it’s a fantastic opportunity for myself to come back to the Red Wings organization.” Yzerman’s presence has already begun to be felt as he’s made some minor adjustments to the roster by drafting defenseman Moritz Seider and by signing free agents like two-way center Valtteri Filppula and defenseman Patrick Nemeth. Similar to last year, the team has opted to not choose a single captain but to have four alternate captains, including Luke Glendening (in place retired veteran Niklas Kronwall), Dylan Larkin, Frans Nielsen, and Justin Abdelkader. The team is undoubtedly one of the youngest teams in the league, being led by powerful forwards Anthony Mantha and Tyler Bertuzzi, centered by Larkin. Andreas Antanasiou, Taro Hirose, and Larkin will all contribute in different ways among the starters on offense. Even with the loss of Kronwall the team will prove better on defense with top defensive
prospects Filip Hronek and Dennis Cholowski and longtime goaltender Jimmy Howard. Vegas bookmakers have the Red Wings’ projected with 200/1 odds to win the Atlantic division and 500/1 odds for the Stanley Cup. This season, just about the only thing they have to fall back on is that at least they aren’t the Senators. Even with a bolstering young core, their defense simply is not good enough to be very competitive with the far better teams in the Atlantic division like
The Varsity Cross Country team is off to a great start this year. The team came in second overall at their invitational on September 7, only being beaten by Brighton High School, the number one team in the state. They followed that up with a win on September 9 against Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, which they used to gauge where they are at as a team. “With races against one other school, it isn’t really a race against them, but a race against yourself.” said senior captain AJ Dugas. Most people would think of cross country as just extra running for no rea-
-Height: Between 5’1” 6’2” -Complexion: Invisible -Graudation year: 1929 -Answers to the name of Phobia
1986: Named captain of the Wings
2009: Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame 2010: Hired as GM of Tampa Bay Lightning 2019: Returns to Red Wings
Yzerman returns to Hockeytown after nine years in Tampa.
son. But there are a few that do it for the competition, others do it for glory, and some run cross country for fun. Cross country isn’t necessarily a team sport, but runners must keep each other accountable. “Being on the team, there isn’t much teamwork, you just need to be sure the other guys are running their best,” Dugas said. The cross country team is made up of a lot of great runners, but the top seven are seniors Dugas, Luke Perelli, Mitch Horn, Cooper Buckley, and Daniel Cernak, sophomore Brett Leidal, and freshman Matthew Atkinson. After a fast start the cross country team looks forward to another great season.
MISSING WRITER LEAVES NEWSPAPER STAFF IN STATE OF MOURNING
-Age: 109
1983: Yzerman drafted by the Red Wings
2006: Retires as a player
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN? Known Demographics:
A Timeline of Yzerman
1997, 1998, and, 2002: Wins Stanley Cups
Senior Leadership Guides Cross Country Team Dominic Aiello ‘23 Staff Writer
Tampa, Boston, Toronto, or even possibly Florida. All things considered, the Red Wings have already taken a big step in the right direction by hiring Yzerman, and they should be an entertaining team to watch this upcoming season.
-Last seen: sneaking tootsie rolls from Fr. Riegel’s office -Eyewitness account: “At first I just thought it was the angel Gabriel, but then I remembered how much Phobia loves tootsie rolls.” -Fr. Riegel.
NFL Grapples with Early Retirements Drew Laroo ‘22 Staff Writer
On Sunday, August 25, Andrew Luck stood in front of a sea of reporters in Indianapolis, all of whom were ready to fire a series of questions at him. The previous day, Luck had informed Colts owner Jim Irsay of his retirement from the NFL. The news that broke during the Colts preseason game against the Bears was completely unprecedented -- one of the league’s best quarterbacks and a possible future hall-of-famer calling it quits at only age 30. Throughout his career, Luck had been bombarded with injuries. This started with a sprained shoulder all the way back in Week 3 of 2015 against Tennessee. Later in that year, he lacerated his kidney against the Broncos in November, which kept him out for the rest of the season. In 2017, he underwent shoulder surgery, again sidelining him for the whole season. He managed to go injury-free in the 2018 season but strained his calf in the offseason in March. That would be the final injury he would sustain in his career as an NFL player. Luck had been vital to the Colts’ success and without him the Colts struggled. In the season before they drafted him, the Colts finished 2-14, and their fans adopted the motto “Suck For Luck.” After taking Luck out of Stanford at 1st overall in the 2012 draft, the team surged into the playoffs at 115, which was good enough to earn a berth in the wildcard where they fell 24-9 in Baltimore to the eventual
Super Bowl champs. The next two years they went 11-5 and made it to the Divisional round one year and the AFC championship in the other, where they lost in the infamous “Deflategate’’ game to New England. They missed the playoffs the next three years, finishing 4-12 in 2017, a year in whichLuck didn’t take a single snap. The next year, with Luck back, the Colts started 1-6 but won nine of their final ten games, including on the final night of the season against the Titans, to make it into the playoffs. They upset Houston in the wildcard but eventually were defeated by the Chiefs. Luck had resurrected the franchise and was a top player in the league. All of this shows how bad his injuries must have been in order for him to walk away in his prime. First-ballot hall-of-famer Rob Gronkowski also made the same difficult decision to retire. After years of dominance with Tom Brady in Foxborough, where he won three Super Bowls and made five Pro Bowl appearances, he decided it was time to end his career. Like Luck, Gronk had been plagued by injuries throughout his career and even missed Super Bowl LI against the Falcons. Although he has hinted at a return, it still seems like a long shot. At this point, the writing is on the wall for the NFL. Players are retiring early due to a buildup of injuries. Something must be done to help prevent early retirements and injuries as fans, coaching staffs, and players alike hope that something can be done to help the sport they love.
September 27, 2019
8
S tudent Life
Senior Anglers Compete on National Level Nicholas Dewhirst ‘21 Staff Writer
While you’re at home gaming with your friends, seniors Jenson Kay and Ryan Moss are likely on a lake in the middle of nowhere attempting to reel in some monster bass. They were only young kids, around five years old, when they started to go fishing for fun. “It was in Traverse City; that was the first place I started,” said Moss. “My dad used to take me down to the Moore Lake Dam in Milford, and we’d just go for bluegill or whatever bit,” explained Kay. Fishing became a regular hobby for them through middle school, and they became much more serious about it by eighth grade and especially into high school. “I think . . . what really got me obsessed with fishing was when a bass came up and ate my worm instead of a little bluegill, Kay reminisced. “I ended up catching it . . . it was awesome.” Once they both caught their first bass, they were hooked onto the sport. When Kay moved from Texas to Michigan, he and his family settled into a neighborhood near Pettibone Lake. He was really excited because he had close access to a lake full of bass. Any free time he and Moss could find was spent fishing, trying to catch even larger fish each time they went out. In eighth grade, Moss had his first fishing tournament on Lake St. Clair, and Kay’s was in northern Michigan on Hubbard Lake. Once they knew they wanted to take their fishing to a higher level, they enrolled in their first national bass fishing tournament. In this particular tournament, there are four competitions scattered across Michigan (and all other states). Teams qualify for the national competition by gaining points in the tournament series or by doing very well at their state’s competition held at the end of the year. Essentially, the top two teams per competition with the heaviest combined weight of the five fish they are allowed to catch move on to nationals. In their first year, Kay and Moss placed second out of 150 teams in one of the regional competitions, and they placed third in the state championship that same year.
Seniors Jenson Kay and Ryan Moss look for some fish out of the CC resevoir pond.
“For that particular state [championship], you need to be first or second to qualify for nationals, but we were third, so we almost double-qualified,” Kay said. “You just have to qualify, qualify, qualify until you get to the top, and it’s pretty hard to get to the top,” Moss added. It’s huge commitment to competitively fish. They said they’ve likely spent thousands in their career thus far. In the year they qualified for nationals, they won $1200 back. “I’m fortunate enough to be able to pay for this, but a lot of people aren’t . . . people who could have
taken our spots . . . I’m just thankful for that,” Kay explained. Several colleges also offer scholarships for fishing, and one of his main goals as a fisherman is to earn one. They’ve also had some hilarious and almost creepy experiences while fishing. One time, while Kay was fishing, a bass got caught on his fishing hook but pulled away and snapped his fishing line. Roughly two hours later, he caught the same bass with his lure still in its mouth. “One time I was pike fishing, he came up and snapped my line and just was gone. It was a really big pike, and I was also really bummed out be-
Photo by Gomez
cause he took a really nice, expensive lure, and a week later that same pike washed up on the shoreline with the lure in its mouth. I just thought, ‘What are the odds of that?’” Kay said. Moss said he’s reeled in a crayfish, barely hanging on by his claws, and even two fish at once. “We’ve caught some weird stuff, but nothing too insane . . . nothing like a gold nugget that a fish spit up.” The next time you want to go fishing somewhere, come talk to Jenson Kay and Ryan Moss. They can teach you a thing or two about what they enjoy most.
Fall 2019 in Pictures Clockwise from top left: seniors celebrate all school mass; seniors lead freshmen in hand cheer; Gage gets arrested; hot dogs are good.