Celebrating 59 Years of Mustang Pride!
SATURDAY OCTOBER 16, 2021 ETHAN ALLEN HOTEL DANBURY, CT www.immaculatehs.org
A LETTER FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Dear Honorees and Guests, As we approach the 60 year anniversary of Immaculate High School, it is inspiring to reflect on an athletic program that has been rich in tradition and excellence for close to six decades! Studentathletes and teams have experienced extraordinary accomplishments as a result of dedicated coaches, committed teachers, passionate fans, actively engaged alumni and caring and enthusiastic friends and families. Throughout its history, Immaculate has provided students with the tools and encouragement they need to achieve personal, academic and athletic success that continues beyond their four years of high school and throughout their lives. I am honored to be the Athletic Director in a faith-based, academically excellent school community. Our athletic program offers over 21 varsity programs and allows students to apply their personal skills and talents. It is rewarding to witness how our athletic program embodies the values and spirit of our school mission. At Immaculate we seek to foster the development of the whole student by nurturing individual spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical and social growth. Our mission is carried out in the classrooms, on the fields, in the gym and out in the community. Students-athletes recognize the importance of academic achievement, integrity, good sportsmanship and personal responsibility to the school and community. The vision of the Athletic Department is to continue our commitment to provide the best programs, coaches and mentors for our student-athletes. Congratulations to all of you who are being honored tonight for your exceptional contributions to Immaculate High School athletics. You are most deserving of this prestigious honor to join others in our Athletic Hall of Fame and on behalf of everyone at Immaculate High School, thank you for continuing to bring pride to our school community. As a member of the Hall of Fame, I understand the commitment you made to your sport, your studies, and to Immaculate High School as well as the hard work it took to fulfill those commitments. Congratulations on achieving this prestigious award. It is an honor to celebrate and welcome you into the Immaculate Athletic Hall of Fame. Go Mustangs!
Nelson Mingachos - Director of Athletics, IHS
WELCOME The IHS Athletic Hall of Fame exemplifies the rich tradition of excellence in Immaculate athletics, by recognizing those who have brought honor and distinction to our school. The celebratory dinner and induction ceremony allows us to honor individual athletes, legendary coaches, special contributors, and outstanding teams who have made us proud through the years. Thank you to our Hall of Fame Committee and to our sponsors for helping to make this evening a success!
HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE Maureen (Brew) Arsenault ‘69 Mary Maloney Jeannie (Coleman) Demko ‘88 Nelson Mingachos ‘89 Kevin Dunleavy
Bob Plumb Robert E. Gerwien Carolyn (Sullivan) Schlichtig ‘87 Brian Hayes Denise (Henry) Suarez ‘87
BART BUSTERNA - MASTER OF CEREMONIES A longtime broadcaster on local radio, Busterna has been employed as a Sports Director/Program Director for WLAD since 1980, and has received more than 30 broadcast and journalism awards from organizations such as the AP and UPI. He was inducted into the WCSU Athletic Hall of Fame and is the University’s longtime play-by-play announcer for football as well as men’s and women’s basketball. A graduate of Archbishop Molloy High School and Fordham University in NYC, Busterna has been instrumental in establishing media partnerships to promote and insure the success of events for non-profit organizations, such as The Danbury Westerners, the Department of Children and Families’ Toy Drive for Foster Children, the Police/Fire Charity Games and the Danbury High School Hall of Fame.
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME PROGRAM 6:30 p.m.
Cocktail Hour
7:30 p.m.
Welcome & Prayer Mary Maloney - President, Immaculate High School
Introduction of Master of Ceremonies, Bart Busterna Wendy Neil - Principal, Immaculate High School Recognition of current attending IHS Hall of Fame members Nelson Mingachos - Director of Athletics, Immaculate High School Mustang Athletic Appreciation Award - Mike Szabocsan Nelson Mingachos 7:45 p.m.
Dinner
8:30 p.m.
Induction Ceremony
1995 State Championship Girls Soccer Team Award Acceptance: Team Captains, Carie (Pluff) Koehler ‘96 and Andrea (Behling) Thoennessen ‘96, Assistant Coach Anthony Xavier
Moira (Kenny) Howley ‘09 Cross Country, Indoor Track & Outdoor Track
Lindsay (Brown) Smith ‘06 Basketball & Soccer Lauren (MacKay) Neeley ‘05 Tennis & Basketball Zachary Long ‘04 Football, Basketball & Baseball Anthony Simone ‘01 Basketball & Baseball Alex Asencio ‘89 Track & Field Jonathan Fenaroli ‘87 Football Walter “Dusty” Thompson ‘71 Baseball & Basketball 10:00 p.m. Closing Remarks Mary Maloney
WELCOME TO THE IMMACULATE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME DINNER & INDUCTION CEREMONY
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2021 INDUCTEES
ATHLETES Alex Asencio '89 - Track & Field Jonathan Fenaroli '87 - Football Moira (Kenny) Howley '09 - Cross Country, Indoor Track & Outdoor Track Zachary Long '04 - Football, Basketball & Baseball Lauren (MacKay) Neeley '05 - Tennis & Basketball Anthony Simone '01 - Basketball & Baseball Lindsay (Brown) Smith '06 - Basketball & Soccer Walter "Dusty" Thompson '71 - Baseball & Basketball
TEAM 1995 State Championship Girls Soccer Team
SPECIAL PRESENTATION Michael Szabocsan will be recognized as the first-ever recipient of the Mustang Athletic Appreciation Award.
Michael Szabocsan
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ichael Szabocsan, affectionately known around IHS as “Big Mike” has served Immaculate athletics for almost 30 years as its #1 fan! A neighbor of the school, Mike has no family connection or relatives who have attended IHS, but has been a loyal friend and supporter of Mustang athletics and Immaculate High School. When Mike attended Western Connecticut State University in the late 1970’s, he recalls watching an Immaculate alumni basketball player at the games and being impressed with his athletic abilities. Then in the late 90’s, Mike, having been invited by IHS Hall of Famer, Mike Pascuzzi ‘70 to a game, began attending IHS games regularly. He has traveled on team buses to regular season and postseason games and is a multi-sport fan cheering on every team, home and away. A “multi-sport double header” is no challenge for Mike. He will leave a basketball game being held in the gym and head to the ice rink for a hockey game without hesitation. When he tells the players “I’ll be there” he means it. Mike shares, “I don’t go (to the games) because I have to. I go because I want to. It’s always nice to go somewhere, see people that you like and be greeted with a friendly face.” The athletes, coaches, parents, students and staff at IHS are always happy to see Mike’s friendly face. Congratulations to Michael Szabocsan on being the first recipient of the Mustang Athletic Appreciation Award!
Moira (Kenny) Howley‘09
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lass of 2009 alumni, Moira Kenny, was a champion of cross country running, indoor track, and outdoor track for Immaculate High School (2006-2009). She was awarded ‘MVP’ on multiple occasions and named to All State teams, All New England teams, and All American teams on a consistent basis throughout her 4 years of high school. Not only was Moira a decorated runner and contributor, but also a strong team leader. She was captain of all 3 track seasons during her junior and senior years and an enthusiastic ambassador for the sport within the school.
Following her time at IHS, Moira entered Boston College and joined the cross country running team. She participated in the NCAA Cross Country National Championship in both junior and senior years. A decorated runner, Moira is one of only 40+ females in the state of CT to ever win the “State Open” in cross country running. She graduated with a degree in Special Education from Boston College and is a teacher at the Perkins School for the Deaf in Watertown, MA.
Lindsay (Brown) Smith ‘06
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indsay Brown was a decorated, strong, competitive athlete during her tenure at the school. She attained membership on 3 varsity teams: basketball, soccer, and softball. In fact, Lindsay garnered a total 9 varsity letters throughout her 4 years as part of the IHS athletics family.
In basketball, Lindsay made the starting rotation all 4 years, while receiving considerable accolades. She was awarded membership 2-times to All-State; 4-times to the All-SWC conference team; and 4-times to the News Times All Area team. Lindsay was a 1,000 point scorer for IHS basketball (and the second leading scorer all-time with 1,176 points). The Danbury News Times named her as one of the “Top 25 Best Athletes of the Decade”. Similarly, Lindsay was a starting member of the varsity soccer team all 4 years at Immaculate. As a part of this group, Lindsay and her teammates delivered 3 State Soccer Championships for the school (2003 – 2006). Lindsay was a member of the All-SWC team as a junior and senior and was named the MVP of the state finals in her junior year. Lindsay continued building her athletic career after high school. First, at Manhattan College and then with Ithaca College. At both institutions, Lindsay played for their basketball teams. Her greatest post-high school success was found at Ithaca, where she started for 3 years and made the All-Conference Team during her junior and senior years. Lindsay ranks 7th All-Time in 3-point shooting at Ithaca, while amassing 821 points in those last 3 years of undergraduate work. Post college, Lindsay went on to graduate school and currently holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Lauren (MacKay) Neeley ‘05
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auren was a talented basketball and tennis player from a young age. She brought her skills and leadership qualities to Immaculate from 2001-2005. Lauren was an AAU basketball player and tournament level tennis player from Redding, CT. Lauren was the starting varsity point guard all four years for the girls basketball team, as well as the number 1 singles player for the girls tennis team all four years. Lauren captained the tennis team starting her sophomore year and the basketball team her junior year. As a natural leader, Lauren flourished as captain and offered more than just her athletic skills to both teams. Lauren was known for her aggressive, scrappy nature, and her knee pads. Lauren led the team in assists as point guard. Lauren was lucky enough to play with some other special talents at Immaculate. Particularly her senior year where Lindsay Brown, Emily Grimes, Maggie Farrell and Nikki Weiss joined her in the starting 5. Lauren received All SWC honors her junior and senior years. Immaculate hadn’t seen a tennis player of Lauren’s caliber since Patty Muran who played 15 years prior. Lauren put Immaculate back on the map for tennis. Lauren never lost more than 3 matches during the regular or post season, always at #1 singles position. Lauren was an All SWC tennis player all 4 years as well as an All State all 4 years. Lauren made it to quarterfinals of the Connecticut Open state tournament 4 years in a row. Lauren was also the President of Student Council her senior year. She went on to play Division 1 tennis at The University of Massachusetts Amherst for 4 years, captaining her senior year. She received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. Upon graduation she was selected to do a strength and conditioning internship at Stanford University where she worked directly with their athletes. She then became the head coach for the men’s and women’s tennis programs at Endicott College where she received her Master’s degree in Athletic Administration. Lauren has since worked in the tennis world in various forms including positions such as The Director of Tennis at the Snowmass Club, in Snowmass, CO. Notably Lauren also ran the Boston Marathon in 2014 after raising money for the non-profit company at which she worked in Boston. Lauren currently works for her family’s business in Bethel, CT, and lives in Danbury with her two sons, Shane; 3 1/2 and Nash; 1 1/2..
Zachary Long ‘04
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ach Long, IHS Class of 2004, played varsity for the football, baseball, and basketball teams while attending Immaculate, amassing an impressive era of accomplishments and victories.
As a four year member of the football team, Zach was awarded both offensive, defensive and team ‘MVP’ awards by his Immaculate coaches. His team was the Patriot Division Football Champions in 2000, 2002, and 2003 and made the Class ‘S’ State Playoffs during 2002/2003. Zach received All State awards for his performance as both running back and defensive back. He holds Immaculate football records for ‘Most Interceptions in a Season’ (2002) and ‘Most Interceptions in a Career’ (21, from 2001-2003). In addition to his strong athletic achievements, Zach also delivered with academics. He was a distinguished and consistent member of the honor roll and completed courses in honors and AP subjects. He attended Davidson College, where he continued to play collegiate football, and graduated in 2008. Post college, Zach fulfilled military duty with the US Army, from 2008 – 2012. In the Army, he attained the rank of Officer – 1st Lieutenant. Zach was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait and received numerous commendations and medals for his successful service to the country.
Anthony Simone ‘01
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nthony “Stinger” Simone was born and raised in Danbury, and graduated from Immaculate High School in 2001. Anthony was a multi-sport athlete during his tenure at IHS, participating in football, baseball, and basketball. Anthony was a team captain his senior year in both baseball and basketball, and was awarded the prestigious Mark McGetrick Scholarship Award his senior year.
As a four year member of the Immaculate baseball team and two year varsity player, Anthony set a single season record his senior year with 30 stolen bases. That same season the team would not only go on to win the school’s first ever state championship in baseball, but also the first ever amongst all the high schools in the city of Danbury. As a four year member of the varsity basketball team, Anthony was a three year varsity starter. He was awarded Honorable Mention All- Patriot Division his sophomore and junior season. As a senior, Anthony helped lead the Mustangs to the South-West Conference finals. He was awarded first team All-Area, first team All-SWC, and first team All-State Class M. He was selected to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Senior All-Star game, and was awarded as a recipient for the SWC Leadership Award. Upon graduation, Anthony ended his career ranked third in Immaculate High School history in three pointers made, top five in assists, and first in most varsity games played (96) by a single player. Anthony continued his basketball career by attending Nichols College where he is still ranked second for most assists in a game with 12. Anthony was awarded Nichols College freshman athlete of the year, and was selected to the All-Commonwealth Coast Conference freshman team. After several injuries impacted Anthony’s college career, he finished playing for Western Connecticut State University (WCSU). Anthony went on to graduate from Western Connecticut State University earning his Bachelor’s degree in History. He continued his education at Mercy College receiving his Master’s Degree in School Counseling. In 2012, Anthony joined the community at Henry Abbott Technical High School in Danbury as the Student Achievement Intervention Lab (SAIL) Instructor. After five years in that position, Anthony transitioned to the support staff team as a full time school counselor where he still works today. Anthony is entering his ninth season as the boys basketball head coach at Henry Abbott. His teams have won over 100 games, and he has been instrumental in Abbott’s qualification for the state tournament every season. In addition, he was selected to coach the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Senior All-Star game in 2017. So far, Anthony has developed 12 All-League players and three All-State players. Anthony is passionate about building the program and continuing the traditions of Abbott Tech basketball. Furthermore, he looks forward to many years of dedicated service to Abbott Tech. Anthony still resides in Danbury and is grateful for the support of his mother Kathy, father Gary, and two brothers, Edward and David. Anthony would not be where he is today without the support of the extended Simone, Buzaid, Lubus, Karam, and Karrat family members, and many friends.
Alex Asencio ‘89
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lex is a proud Mustang and graduate of the class of 1989. He participated in Immaculate’s boys varsity basketball and track & field programs all four years, being named captain by the track team in both ’88 and ’89. Academically, Alex served his fellow students as class president from 1987 - 1989, was a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the Student Council, for all four years.
Alex was a starter on the undefeated boy’s freshman basketball team in ’85, and a member of the ’86 varsity WCC boys basketball championship team. While on the varsity track team, Alex was the three-time defending WCC All Conference long jump champion and was named to the All-State Track and Field team his senior year. That same season Alex won the WCC 100 M title with a personal best time, concluding with the Class M 100M State Championship, his proudest athletic achievement. He was able to share the news with his entire class, that same evening, where they were all gathered for ‘Class Night’ at the Candlewood Inn, a moment he will never forget. Upon graduating from Immaculate, Alex studied Civil Engineering at Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York and continued to run track, as a walk-on for the Division 1 Jaspers. After two years, an injury stopped him from competing. Nonetheless, he played intramural basketball and volleyball, winning championships in both leagues for two years in a row. Over the last 20 years, Alex has been working in the entertainment space in both a sales and product development capacity for the commercial production industry and has recently started a new job. Alex is the proud father of two amazing children. His son A.J. is a 10 year old green belt in karate, runs track and competes in the National Ninja League running obstacle courses. His daughter, Morgan is 8 years old, she is a cheerleader, a Brownie, and was recently accepted into the Park Ridge Owls Gifted and Talented Program this year.
Jonathan Fenaroli ‘87
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on Fenaroli was one of four captains of the 1986 undefeated WCC league championship team and Class S state championship team. During his tenure on the IHS gridiron, Jon was one of the most feared players within the WCC as well as in the state. He played guard on offense and middle linebacker on defense and as a dominant player, Fenaroli led by example not necessarily in words. Jon is a three-time first team Connecticut High School Coaches Association all state award recipient. Fenaroli went on to play 2 years at inside linebacker at Villanova University and another year at Wagner College where at middle linebacker, he led the team in tackles.
Jon lives in Danbury, CT with his wife Sunny and their two children, Sophia and Albert. He has continued a successful career as an HVAC Construction, Senior Project Director in New York City. Some of his projects include the latest renovation on Madison Square Garden, WTC Freedom Tower, Hudson Yards and the construction of New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Walter “Dusty” Thompson ‘71
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alter “Dusty” Thompson played varsity baseball all four years for Immaculate as a pitcher and center fielder. Thompson was named to the All Conference baseball team his junior and senior years, the first two years that Immaculate became conference affiliated. He was also named to the All City team his junior and senior years. As a pitcher, Thompson held the record for the most wins and innings pitched for the Mustangs in 1971. He was a lettered basketball player his junior and senior years and played as a sophomore in the Class M State Semifinal game.
After graduating from Immaculate, Thompson attended Jacksonville University where he was a walk-on for the baseball team his freshman year and started in left field for the then ranked 6th team in the nation. Unfortunately, shoulder difficulties ended his playing days in pre-season for Jacksonville. Thompson went on to Palmer College of Chiropractic and graduated in 1977 and is practicing in Spokane, WA. Dusty married IHS alumna Molly Murphy whom he had known since he was 17 years old and together they raised two sons and a daughter. Dusty always set the standard for good sportsmanship and what it is to be a team player.
On behalf of our more than 7,000 Immaculate alumni, we wish to congratulate all of the inductees being honored this year. Congratulations also to Mike Szabocsan as the first recipient of the Mustang Athletic Appreciation Award! Thank you all for making us proud to say…WE ARE MUSTANGS! -The IHS Alumni Association
1995 SWC and State Championship Girls Soccer Team
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mmaculate’s 1995 girls soccer team was victorious in both the South-West Conference and Class S State Championships. This team, known for their skill, drive and grit had a determination and passion to win and were the top defensive team in the conference only giving up 8 goals all season. Ending their regular season with a 12-0-2 record, this undefeated group of soccer players moved on to the South-West Conference playoffs as the No. 1 seed. Winning the SWC semi-final game earned Immaculate their first ever visit to the finals where they made history by defeating Weston in a 1-0 shutout game, clinching Immaculate’s first conference title. The team then competed in the Class S State Tournament. A great win on penalty kicks in the quarter finals gave Immaculate a 1-0 victory over Tourtellotte and advanced the team to the semi-finals. The team made Immaculate history again by defeating Lewis Mills during the semi- final game and earning its first trip to the state finals. The team claimed Immaculate’s first ever state championship title with an amazing 2-1 overtime victory won on penalty kicks against Old Lyme in the final game, finishing with a 19-0-2 undefeated record. The coaching staff comprised Head Coach Roger Custodio and Assistant Coach Anthony Xavier.
Student-athletes on this memorable team included: Amy Bachyrycz Rachele (Henriquez) Brown Christina (Michael) Cole Krista Collins Meghan (Carbone) Esteva Heather (Burdick) Evanuska Melissa Kensek Carie (Pluff) Koehler Megan LiVolsi Elesa (Pluff) Malo
Nancy (Xavier) McEachnie Jeanine (King) Mitchell Christine (Daria) Perez Meghan (Dunfee) Schablik Susan Smith Jaimie (Bierwirth) Stewart Rachel Tarvin Andrea (Behling) Thoennessen Seeta Trivedi Kelly (Hackman) Walls
Anthony, The memories will live in our hearts forever. Congratulations on this great honor. We are so proud of you and your accomplishments. Love, Mom, Dad, Edward and David
IN MEMORIAM
COACH ROGER CUSTODIO Forever in our hearts, Immaculate High School remembers Girls Soccer Head Coach, Roger Custodio
MVP TABLE SPONSOR
THE 1986 CLASS S CHAMPIONS IHS FOOTBALL CONGRATULATES ALL 2021 IHS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES!
CONGRATULATIONS JEANINE (KING) MITCHELL AND THE 1995 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GIRLS SOCCER TEAM for your induction into the Immaculate High School Athletic Hall of Fame!
IHS Athletic Hall of Fame Members
Inducted 1999
Albert Davis ‘71 Thomas Neville ‘74 Robin Jeffress Walker ‘78
Inducted 2000
Ray Velez (Coach) Stephen Palmer ‘74 Lisa Bongo ‘79 Nelson Mingachos ‘89
Inducted 2001
Joseph Fazio (Coach) Mark Schweitzer ‘86 Zach Dargaty ‘88 Suzanne McAuliffe ‘89
Inducted 2008
Kate Drohan ‘91 Robert Gerwien Jr. ‘81 Stephen Kaplanis (Coach) Andrew Riepe ‘95
Inducted 2009
John Barata ‘96 Jaimie Bierwirth ‘97 Kenneth Rausch ‘91 Kristi Setaro ‘91 Linda Sabel (Coach, Physical Education Teacher)
Inducted 2010
Bridget Deakin Henry ‘92 Sean Lomas ‘97 Patty Murren Gessner ‘92
Inducted 2010 (cont.) Bob Nelson (Coach) Mike Palmer ‘69
Inducted 2011
Caryl Drohan ‘91 Doug Riepe ‘00 Andrea Behling Thoennessen ‘96 Bob Plumb (Coach, former Athletic Director, Physical Education Teacher)
Inducted 2014
Cicely Jette ‘92 Joe Mohn ‘02 Joe Rios ‘81 Charlie Zarcone (Coach) Boy’s Basketball Team ’76
Inducted 2016
Maureen (Brew) Arsenault ‘69 Nicole Baker ‘06 Moira (Deakin) Finney ‘93 Amanda (Genova) Johnson ‘06 Paul Myott ‘86 1986 Football Team
Inducted 2018
Francisco “Chico” Barata (Coach) David Bonilla ‘00 Chris Haddad ‘00 Nikki (Weiss) Conte ‘07 1986 Ice Hockey Team
MUSTANG PRIDE!