DISTRICT 2 - LEHIGH DEANERY
District Leadership
John O’ Connell
District Commissioner
Rev. Abraham Ha
Priest Advisor
Tim Guaker
District Finance Officer
Mike Tewold
Associate Commissioner of Volleyball
Jim Nemeth
Associate Commissioner of Middle School Basketball
Jim Knerr
Associate Commissioner of High School Basketball
Victoria Mankos
Associate Commissioner of Biddy Basketball
Dr. Gene Decker
Associate Commissioner of Cross Country
Scott Fogel
Associate Commissioner of Chess
Ashley O’Connell
Associate Commissioner of Service Projects & Social Media
CYO Mission
CYO allows youth to discover and grow in their relationship with God, provides opportunities for youth to grow in faith and understanding of their Church, and helps them become responsible participants in their faith community through involvement in athletic and academic programs that promote the holistic development of young people.
District Board of Directors
Steve Walsh Good Shepherd
Bill Durso
St. Ann Ryan MacKewen
St. Elizabeth Tom Mcdonald
Mark Issermoyer
St.John
St. Joseph
St. Thomas Colleen
St.Michael
letter From the commissioner
February 15, 2025
Dear CYO Basketball Fans:
On behalf of the 7 member parishes of District 2 CYO, it is my pleasure to welcome you to St Thomas More and Allentown Central Catholic’s HIstoric Rockne Hall for the 2025 District 2 Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Basketball Tournament.
Over the next two excitement filled days, our Boys’ and Girls’ teams will compete for their respective championship and an automatic bid to the DIocesan Championship Tournament on February 22 at Notre Dame Green Pond High School.
But CYO’s mission and impact extends beyond the court, this year I am pleased to announce that our 2025 Community Impact Partner: the Cay Galgon Life House. Cay Galgon, a parishioner of St. Thomas More founded the organization based in Bethlehem to assist homeless and marginalized mothers to become self-reliant through a myriad of resources. This year we are collecting items to support the continued legacy of Mrs. Galgon and honor her commitment to living the Corporal Works of Mercy, you may find more information on the Cay Galgon Life House and how you can help on page 5 of this program Thank you for your support of our Community Impact Initiative
I would like to thank St Thomas More for hosting our semi-final round and the efforts of Ms Lori Deutsch, CYO Director of St Thomas More, Ms Katie Jakubowski, and Mrs Amanda Salovay, Principal of St Thomas More School, for their tireless dedication to making this tournament a success As well as Ms Colleen Nosovitch, Athletic Director of Allentown Central Catholic High School, and Mr. Randy Rice, Principal of Central Catholic for their continued support of allowing us to continue to host the Championship games at historic Rockne Hall.
I also would like to take a moment to thank the countless volunteers and coaches who unselfishly dedicate hundreds of hours to making sure the CYO experience for all our Student-Athletes is a positive one. I especially would like to thank Mr. Jim Nemeth, Associate Commissioner of Middle School Basketball, Mr. Jim Knerr Associate Commissioner of High School Basketball, and Mrs. Victoria Mankos, Associate Commissioner for Biddy Basketball, for their unwavering dedication to making CYO Basketball possible.
Thank you for your attendance in support of our student-athletes and coaches as they compete to achieve their ultimate goal They excel not only in CYO athletics but also in the classroom Over the course of the season they have represented their schools and parishes with their hard work, their dedication, and their sportsmanship
You are a vital part of the student-athlete tournament experience, and District 2 values your contribution as fans We encourage you to enthusiastically support your favorite team and player, but also display good sportsmanship to all tournament participants and officials
Enjoy CYO Basketball at it’s finest, have a great time enjoying these moments with the students, and safe travels home.
All the best, John O’Connell
John O’Connell Jr, Commissioner
Cyo Sportsmanship starts with you
Remember you are at the contest to support and cheer for your team and support the skills and competition of all our student athletes; not to ridicule or intimidate the other team, it’s fans or game officials
Remember that CYO activities are a learning experience for our students and mistakes are sometimes made. Praise and show support in their attempts to grow as students, as athletes, and Disciples of Christ.
Being at the game to observe is a privilege, not a license to verbally assault others or be generally obnoxious.
Learn the rules of the contest so you may appreciate and understand why certain situations take place
Show respect to opposing players, coaches, spectators, and support groups.
Respect the integrity and judgement of Contest Officials. Understand that they are doing their best to help promote the student-athlete, and admire their willingness to do so in public view.
Recognize and show appreciation for outstanding plays of both team.
Use only cheers that uplift and support the teams involved.
Recognize and compliment your parish CYO administrators for their efforts in emphasizing the educational and faith formation benefits of participating in athletics
Be a positive role model through your actions and by censuring those around you whose behavior is unbecoming of the values of CYO.
Acceptable behavior vs unacceptable behavior
Applause during player introductions
Accept all decisions made by officials
Applauding to praise outstanding plays by the opposing team showing concern for an injury player
Applauding at the end of the contest for the performances of both teams
Encoure those around you to only display positive sportsmanship.
Disrespectful or derogatory cheers, chants, songs or gestures
Criticizing contest officials in any way
Yelling, waving arms or objects during free-throws
Blaming a loss on contest official, coaches, and participants
Laughing or name-calling directed at any players, coaches, or game official. Use of profanity or displays of anger
Failure to abide by these guidelines will result in immediate removal from the game facility and further disciplinary action by The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
varsity Boys Bracket
St Thomas More
Semi-finals StM Gym 2:30 Feb 15
St. Ann
St. John Vianny
Semi-finals StM Gym 345 Feb 15 championship Rockne Hall 3PM Feb 16 Champions
St Joseph the worker
varsity Girls Bracket
Semi-finals
StM Gym 1:30PM Feb 15
StM Gym 12:00PM Feb 15 championship Rockne Hall 2:45 Feb 16 Champions
Semi-finals
St. Thomas More
ST. MICHAEL
sT. ANN
St. Joseph the worker
COACHING STAFF
Head
Kevin
Assistant
Chelsea
Rev.
Amanda Salovay
COACHING STAFF
Head Coach
Mike Elias
Assistant Coach
Jude Yakamavage
Assistant Coach
Kaitlin Beani
Assistant Coach
Chris Strobl
CYO Director
Tom Mcdonald
Pastor
Msgr. Victor Finelli
Principal
Dr. Sarah Johnson
Head Coach
Lindsey Heil
Assistant Coach
Corinne Minogue
CYO Director
Colleen Fitzpatrick
Pastor
Msgr. Nevin Klinger
Principal
Marianne Gano
cYO Basketball AWARDS
Coaching Impact Award
The CYO Coaching Impact Award was created to recognize the monumental impact a coach has on the development and mentorship of young Student-Athletes; setting them up for success beyond wins and losses on the court. To be eligible for this award coaches must have coached a minimum of 3 years and be nominated by their CYO Director and pastor. Winners are selected by the District Award committee
St. Thomas More
Commissioners award for Service
Started in 2025, the Commissioners Award is given to an individual in recognition of their dedicated service and support of the advancement of the mission of CYO at the District Level. Nominees for this award must have been involved with CYO at the parish or District level for a minimum of 5 years and be nominated by a member of the CYO Board, Pastor, or School Principal. Nominees are reviewed by the district award committee and final selection presented to the District Board of Advisors for approval.
For 3 decades Mr. Nemeth has served the youth of CYO in multiple roles from coach, referee for volleyball & basketball, referee coordinator for Middle School Basketball , grade level commissioner, and currently Associate Commissioner for MIddle School Basketball where he oversees the scheduling of all grade school level basketball and the assigning of game officials for our district. Jim has dedicated countless hours to supporting and advancing the mission of CYO within our DIstrict. Thank you Jim!
George Roman
Jim Nemeth Associate Commissioner of Middle School Basketball
Joe Rocco St. John Vianney
CYO SPORTSManship award
Started in 2025 to recognize the paramount importance of good sportsmanship ship, the Sportsmanship award is awarded to one boys’ and one girls’ team. To qualify an athletic team must consistently demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season, including positive interactions with opposing teams, coaches, officials, and spectators, while adhering to CYO rules and demonstrating respect for the game and its participants. Nominations can be made through your parish CYO Director. Final nominations are reviewed by the District Awards Committee .
Boys sportsmanship award
Girls sportsman award
st. john vianney bulldogs
COACHING STAFF
Head Coach
Jon Seaman
Assistant Coach
Nick Billera
Assistant Coach
Nate Fick
CYO Director
Bill Durso
Pastor
Msgr. Edward Coyle
Principal
Beth Shields
COACHING STAFF
Head
Bill
Assistant
Allyson
CYO
Tom Mcdonald
Msgr. Victor Finelli
Principal
Dr. Sarah Johnson
UP NEXT: DIOCESAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
FEBRUARY 22ND
GIRLS SEMIS VS DISTRICT 3 - 12PM
BOYS SEMIS VS DISTRICT 3- 1:15PM
LOCATION: JEFF DAILEY COURT
NOTRE DAME GREEN POND HS
Why should your child play CYO Sports?
Faith Integration: CYO Athletics integrates Catholic teachings and values into the sports experience. This provides a unique opportunity for children to grow in their faith while developing athletic skills.
Physical Health: Sports help children stay active, which promotes physical health. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and help maintain a healthy weight.
Mental Health: Physical activity is also good for mental health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting mood and overall well-being.
Discipline and Responsibility: Sports require practice, dedication, and commitment. They teach children the value of hard work, time management, and following rules.
Confidence and Self-Esteem: Achieving goals and improving skills in sports can boost a child's self-confidence. Overcoming challenges and experiencing success in sports can translate to other areas of life.
Fun and Enjoyment: Playing sports can be a lot of fun! It gives children a chance to relax, enjoy themselves, and take a break from daily routines.
Long-Term Impact: The lessons learned and values instilled through CYO Athletics can have a lasting impact, shaping children into responsible, compassionate, and faith-filled adults.
