Our Faithful Loyalty
SFS LAUNCHES 75TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN
Ambitious goals set for 2030 pg. 10
50 YEARS OF FR. O
Olszewski ’62 celebrates jubilee pg. 7
We are a Catholic college preparatory school community for young men. We promote the academic, spiritual, social, and physical development of our students in order to produce leaders in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, who challenges us to “be who we are and be that well.”
At the first all-school Mass this year, I told our Knights that “the brotherhood that we experience today comes from seeds planted a long time ago, nurtured and watered over the years. When we help others, we inherently bless ourselves.”
In this issue of Knight Life, we’re sharing with you the ways we’re working to plant new seeds at St. Francis de Sales School. Our current strategic plan sets out five goals:
● Ensure our standing as a destination school
● Secure our future
● Foster the growth and improvement of the individual
● Cultivate the community
● Tell our story
In October, we launched Our Faithful Loyalty – The 75th Anniversary Campaign. This effort, designed to coincide with our 75th anniversary in 2030, addresses key strategic funding needs that will empower students today through annual giving, build for tomorrow through capital giving, and ensure excellence forever through planned giving.
This campaign is highly ambitious, but we believe our times and the urgency of our mission require nothing less. The first phase of this campaign is ongoing, and over the next two years will require everyone’s support to make it a success.
I left the Knights at Mass with a question: “How can you plant seeds today that are going to do amazing things?” My prayer is that the seeds you will help us plant in the Our Faithful Loyalty campaign will bring many blessings upon St. Francis, our families, and our entire society.
Rev. Geoffrey N. Rose, OSFS President
DIRECTORY
St. Francis de Sales School sfsknights.org 419-531-1618
ADMISSIONS & KNIGHT FOR A DAY
Schedule an appointment to tour St. Francis de Sales or become a Knight for a Day. Contact Jennifer Briner, Director of Enrollment Management, at 419-214-5425 or jbriner@sfsknights.org For more information, visit sfsknights.org/admissions
ADDRESS CHANGE
To report an address change, contact Laurie Powell at 419-214-5475 or lpowell@sfsknights.org
CLASS NOTES
Alumni and parents are encouraged to send good news and life developments to the school for Knight Life’s Class Notes section. Email alumni@sfsknights.org.
OBITUARIES
St. Francis de Sales informs alumni of classmate deaths by emailing the obituary or death notice to classmates. To report the death of a classmate, or to update our records upon the death of a spouse, past parent, or son, please call 419-214-5443 or email alumni@sfsknights.org
PHILANTHROPY
Advancing the St. Francis de Sales mission requires dedicated alumni and benefactor support. To explore options for philanthropic giving, contact Joe Sweeney ’83 at 419-214-5438 or jsweeney@sfsknights.org
PLANNED GIVING
St. Francis de Sales relies on the generosity of individuals who remember the school through bequests and planned gifts. For more information, contact Renee Winkler at 419-214-5429 or rwinkler@sfsknights.org
Ohio taxpayers may be eligible for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit up to $1,500 for donations to the St. Francis de Sales High School Foundation. For more information, contact Dan Zawisza ’92 at 419-214-5441 or dzawisza@sfsknights.org
SPIRIT STORE
The Chappuis Society operates the Spirit Store during school lunch hours and by appointment. For details, contact the main office at 419-531-1618
TOURS
Alumni and benefactor tours of St. Francis de Sales School are available by appointment. Contact Will Garbe ’10 at 419-214-5443 or wgarbe@sfsknights.org to schedule a time.
REV. GEOFFREY N.
ROSE, OSFS
President
JOHN HALL ’02
Principal
JULIE JAMES
Chief Financial Officer
ANDREW KLINGER ’06 Director of Facilities & Chief Information Officer
JANICE SCHLACHTER Chief Strategy Officer
JOE SWEENEY ’83 Director of Philanthropy
DAN ZAWISZA ’92 Director of Advancement Operations
DEBORAH RATHBUN Dean of Academics
CALEB FORTNER Dean of Men
STEPHANIE LENKEY
Dean of Curriculum
JAMIE KACHMARIK
Athletic Director
KNIGHT
Chief Strategy Officer
JANICE SCHLACHTER
Editor WILL GARBE ’10 wgarbe@sfsknights.org
Contributors
TYLER CLARK ’11
MAUREEN DELANEY CARROLL
LAURIE POWELL
REV. GEOFFREY N. ROSE, OSFS
JOE SWEENEY ’83
Layout CARD ADVERTISING
Photos CARD ADVERTISING
IMPULSE SPORT
GAVIN HOLMES ’25
Printing METZGERS
COVER DESCRIPTION:
Varsity quarterback Corey Swartz ’25 runs the ball toward the endzone against St. John’s Jesuit.
Photo: Gavin Holmes ’25
THOMAS J. MANAHAN JR. ’77
Chairman
JEFFRY M. SCHAAF ’94 Vice Chairman
DONALD R. CARROLL, JD ’68
JEFFREY C. COLE ’84
KARL S. FERNANDES, MD ’83
JACALYN M. FLOM
JOHN T. HALL ’02
AARON F. HOOD ’90
MAUREEN M. KENNEY, RN
MICHAEL S. KORALEWSKI
JOHN P. KRAUS ’79
MICHAEL S. MCGOWAN, JD ’75
VERY REV. JOSEPH A. NEWMAN, OSFS ’03
VERY REV. MICHAEL E. NEWMAN, OSFS ’99
REV. GEOFFREY N. ROSE, OSFS
MICHAEL S. STUBBLEFIELD, DDS ’94
MIMI UGLJESA, CPA
MICHAEL J. WHITE ’83
SYDNEY WILLIAMS, PH.D.
VERY REV. ALAN D. ZOBLER, OSFS ’97
VERY REV. JOSEPH A. NEWMAN, OSFS ’03
Chairman
JOHN P. KRAUS ’79
Vice Chairman
PHILIP J. ANDRYC ’73
PAUL T. FRYE ’12
LORI A. JOHNSTON
TIMOTHY MARTINDALE
SARAH A. MCHUGH
REV. GEOFFREY N. ROSE, OSFS
PAUL A. SANCHEZ ’98
JAY D. SNELL ’13
CORY J. THOMPSON ’96
Knight Life is published twice yearly for the alumni, friends, and families of St. Francis de Sales School, 2323 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, OH 43607-1399. sfsknights.org/alumni facebook.com/sfsalumni @SFS_Alumni Copyright © 2025 St. Francis de Sales School. Printed in March 2025.
SFS employs more than 50 alumni who serve in nearly every department of the school, including as administrators, teachers, support staff, and coaches.
Luke Bockbrader ’16 joined St. Francis as the Associate Director of Enrollment and additionally serves as an assistant football coach. Luke is the son of SFS college counselor Nettie Bockbrader, and brother of alumnus Lance Bockbrader ’17.
Jefferson Edwards III ’18 joined the Knight Football staff as an offensive line coach.
Marie Gaertner is a new school counselor joining St. Francis from Sylvania Schools. Marie is married to Chris Gaertner ’98 and is the sister-in-law of Jamie Gaertner ’93
Mark Gaertner ’88
Justice ’19 is the Director of Young Knight Formation, helping acquaint 7th and 8th graders with St. Francis and our traditions. Zion also serves as the 7th grade basketball coach. He is a recent graduate of Wilberforce University.
Lowe ’21 added 8th grade basketball coach to his roles at St. Francis. In the spring, he serves on the freshman baseball staff. He is also a substitute teacher.
Erik Michaels ’06 joined the wrestling program as a junior high assistant coach.
Scott Secrest ’95 earned the Don Kober Faculty Award in recognition of outstanding classroom performance, dedication to the SFS mission, and service to St. Francis. The award is endowed by former faculty member and coach Don Kober.
A new ministry of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales is encouraging Knights to have in-depth, intimate conversations about their faith life.
Live Jesus Ministries is promoting small group discipleship at St. Francis de Sales School and at parishes across the Diocese of Toledo.
The ministry is an effort to evangelize teenagers, who often do not attend weekly Mass – or even affiliate with a religion at all.
“It is ministries like Live Jesus that inspire hope and demonstrate the power of action in communion, making a tangible difference in the lives of youth,” said Most Rev. Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of Toledo.
The Oblates, along with John Trabbic, founded Live Jesus Ministries in fall 2023 to equip Catholic schools and parishes with the training, networking, and resources they need to create a spiritual mentorship ministry for teens.
Rev. Tim McIntire, OSFS, joined the staff at St. Francis de Sales School in August 2024 to help organize small groups on the SFS campus. Each group meets regularly with a trained faculty member who facilitates conversation with the students on topics of faith.
Among the board of directors for the ministry, several have ties to St. Francis, including:
• Very Rev. Joseph Newman, OSFS ’03
• Rev. Ken McKenna, OSFS ’74
• Pat McNamara ’84
• Jenn Okuley (wife of SFS religion teacher Andy Okuley ’15)
• Janice Schlachter (SFS chief strategy officer, wife of Tim Schlachter ’83, and parent of Ben ’19 and David ’27)
Fr. O marks 50 years of priesthood, service to SFS
Rev. Ronald Olszewski, OSFS ’62 – known well as Fr. O –celebrated 50 years at SFS this school year.
No single person can match the outsized impact of Fr. O on St. Francis de Sales School, which grew up alongside him. He arrived in 1958 as a freshman, three years after the school opened, and graduated in 1962.
Since returning as a freshly ordained priest in 1974, Fr. O has made St. Francis his home. He continues to serve today as a senior religion seminar instructor, and as a volunteer for the St. Francis de Sales High School Foundation.
Here’s a look back at 50 years of Fr. O!
1974 Ordained to the priesthood and appointed director of teacher development at SFS.
1975 Announced as SFS principal in February on a WSFK broadcast.
1976 Freshmen no longer required to wear “dinks” as the manufacturer ceases production.
1977 Began serving as president and principal.
1980 Silver Knight campaign brings construction of new science wing, renovation of old laboratories.
1983 Basketball state championship.
1984 Football state championship.
1985 Silver Knight II campaign results in natatorium reconstruction, gym expansion, and new weight room.
1987 SFS becomes first school in Toledo state chartered as a college preparatory high school.
1990 Started serving full-time as president. Christian service becomes a graduation requirement.
1991 St. Francis de Sales High School Foundation established as endowment surpasses $1 million.
1999 Introduction of senior religion seminar, still taught by Fr. O today.
2000 LaValley Field opens on old CYO fields.
2001-02 Knights win state championship titles in football, tennis, and water polo –the most state championships in one school year in SFS history.
2005 Dedication of the 50th Anniversary renovation as part of the Pillars of Tradition campaign, including a new chapel and art and athletics facilities. AquaKnights win 40th of 42 consecutive swimming district titles.
2011 First hockey state title in school history.
2014 Retirement from presidency as Rev. Geoffrey N. Rose, OSFS begins service.
2022 Retirement as the Foundation chairman as the endowment surpasses $20 million.
2024-25 50 years of priesthood and service to SFS!
‘The
Sue Conrad once saved the life of a man who had collapsed at Calvary Cemetery. Then, during the Blizzard of 1978, she hopped in the back of a Jeep and started making rounds for the Red Cross throughout the city. For decades, in thousands of interactions at St. Francis, she always offered a word of advice or a helping hand.
“She was just the right person we all needed at the right time,” said John LoCascio ’78. Or as Randy Rosler ’83 said, Sue was “the mother for all of us.”
At age 90, Sue passed away Aug. 16 in a Perrysburg hospice.
Sue’s indelible mark on our school culture and her example of Christian service through the giving of time, talent, and treasure, were experienced first-hand by thousands of students over forty years in the classroom, and will continue in perpetuity through the scholarship established by Sue and her first husband, the late Dr. Edward Conrad.
Sue’s legendary lectures in human sex and sexuality – fondly and universally known as “Sex With Sue” – helped set the basis for sexual
education across the entire Diocese of Toledo.
In an earlier age, Sue’s subject matter – if it had been taught at all – was the domain of parents and priests. But her arrival at SFS in 1975 intersected two seismic events: the sexual revolution, which removed many of secular society’s previously understood boundaries, and the post-Vatican II Church, in which the hierarchy increasingly trusted the laity with teaching.
In that same year, Pope St. Paul VI wrote, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” Sue naturally filled these two roles –
witness and teacher; first, because of her training as an educator and registered nurse, and second, because of her own lived experience in growing from an energetic teenager to a devoted wife and mother.
“Her special touch in relating to adolescence and discovery was so enlightening, even before she joined up with SFS,” said Mike Wohl ’75, who grew up near the Conrads in Westmoreland. There, Sue raised seven children: Mike ’74, Jim ’74, Douglas ’77, Cathleen (SUA ’78), Carol (NDA ’80), David ’82, and Jennifer (NDA ’83).
Sue characterized her radical transparency in the classroom as being “subtle as a sledgehammer.”
There really wasn’t any subject off limits. She manhandled the toughest topics with blunt frankness, sharp wit, and the conviction that men could become more themselves –better husbands, dads, and regular guys – by knowing the plain facts about sex.
She competed for no one’s attention while teaching.
“I specifically remember one of her Sex With Sue classes in my junior year,” said Joe Burkart ’02 on the
SFS Alumni Knights Facebook page. “I was spacing out and she came up, grabbed my desk, shook it so hard I almost fell out, and yelled, ‘Because ya don’t want your future wife to be married to a dead fish now, do ya!?”
If subtlety was Sue’s sledgehammer, compassion was her fine-pointed chisel. In action after action and in private conversations, she etched herself as a Mount Rushmore figure in St. Francis history. In our patron’s spirit, she helped guide souls –students, cheerleaders, faculty, and others – toward becoming who they were meant to be.
During his junior year, Joe Dennehy ’91 shared with Sue how he felt he lacked the drive to be successful in life. In a conversation he has relived “every time in my life I had doubts” since then, she pointed out to him that he didn’t lack ability, but simply needed to find his direction.
“She had a great temperament to handle a bunch of boys and knew how to get us all to be more frank and honest with ourselves,” Dennehy said in a comment on the SFS Alumni Knights page.
Sue’s contributions weren’t limited to the classroom. She was for many years an advisor to the Knight cheerleaders, and notably set the standards for the school’s Christian service requirements. In 2009, Sue accompanied Jonathan Niese ’10 and Samuel Evola ’10 to Washington, DC, to accept the Jefferson Youth Award.
For as much time and talent she gave St. Francis, Sue and Ed, who died in 2008, gave equally as much of their treasure. In 2023, Sue was one of only 20 living benefactors who were members of the school’s Olszewski Society, recognizing those who had lifetime giving between $500,000 and $1 million to St. Francis.
“To me, saints are not those that perform a giant, single task,” Dennehy said. “Rather, they perform seemingly insignificant tasks that add up to so much only God can understand their greatness.”
“Without a doubt,” he said, “she helped to put the saint in SFS.”
St. Francis de Sales School launches Our Faithful Loyalty campaign to empower students and build for the future
St. Francis de Sales School has launched Our Faithful Loyalty – The 75th Anniversary Campaign, the largest philanthropic effort in school history ahead of the milestone in 2030.
The ambitious campaign focuses on empowering students today, building for tomorrow, and ensuring academic excellence for generations to come.
Rooted in the school’s long-standing Salesian tradition and faith-based, single-sex, college-prep education, the campaign reflects the goals outlined in the school’s current strategic plan ratified in 2022. The plan prioritizes making St. Francis the school of destination for area boys, securing its future, fostering personal growth, cultivating the community, and telling the school’s story.
The Oblates, the board of trustees, and the broader St. Francis community agree the time is now to make a major move forward to address the needs of the 21st century learner.
“A place like St. Francis de Sales School needs to exist,” said Rev. Geoffrey Rose, OSFS, the school president. “For us to do this, we need everyone to be part of it.”
Annual giving accounts for a significant portion of St. Francis de Sales’ annual operating budget, and the campaign seeks to sustain that support of the school’s operations to empower current students, ensuring that every Knight receives a rigorous and personalized education.
These funds will make education more affordable for talented students who have ability but lack resources,
and will help the school attract and retain top faculty. Additionally, this effort will focus on enhancing the health and well-being of the young men in the school’s care.
Empowering students today will allow SFS to keep the foot on the pedal for current operations, while focusing on capital and foundation expansion and growth.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the Knight community,” said Tom Manahan ’77, chairman of
Original 1955 Building
Proposed Expansion
2005 Addition
Natatorium
Oblate Faculty House
the board of trustees. “The school continues to be blessed by a very strong presence of the Oblates. We have strong enrollment, our financial condition is very stable. But most importantly, the impact that we are having on the boys who enter our halls continues to be both impressive and inspiring.”
The board’s long-term vision is to ensure that the school remains the top choice for boys in the region by keeping its facilities and academic offerings on the cutting edge.
“In order for St. Francis to maintain our position of strength, our position as the leading Catholic school for boys in Northwest Ohio, we need to continue to grow, evolve and improve,” Manahan said.
The introduction of two new grades – 7th and 8th –in 2015 put strains on classroom and locker room space. Both grades operate at maximum capacity with enrollment waiting lists, growing from 25 initial students nine years ago to 117 students today.
To solve these space constraints, St. Francis intends to create new, flexible academic spaces – including a new, high-tech interactive classroom – in the main building by moving certain existing main-building athletics spaces into a new athletics complex.
The new facility, to be built between the main building and Gesu Church, would coincide with a renovation
and expansion of LaValley Stadium, and could include new locker rooms, a new fitness center, athletics offices and practice spaces. All facility plans are conceptual and are contingent upon secured funding. Additionally, a new, year-round rehearsal space for performing arts would be created by freeing up a space currently shared between the athletics and arts departments.
“With a new athletics complex, it would open up rooms, which would shrink the class sizes and make it easier for students to learn,” said Samuel Arquette ’25
These improvements are aimed at enhancing both the academic and extracurricular experiences of the school’s students, including the 75% of the student body involved in sports and a growing number involved in musicals.
The final component of the campaign seeks to ensure the school’s financial future through the St. Francis de Sales High School Foundation. The funding will help sustain scholarships, academic programs, and the long-term maintenance of facilities. The goal is to secure the financial stability of the school, ensuring that it continues to thrive for generations to come.
Early supporters of the effort include Lori and
Robb Voyles ’75. Their generous gift to the SFS Foundation will endow courses in law, business, and economics, and provide support for research, technology, and materials in those disciplines.
“Although we moved away from Toledo over 40 years ago, we remain grateful for the significant impact that Robb’s education at St. Francis had on our lives,” the Voyles said. “Our longstanding and continued support for the institution acknowledges our gratitude and helps ensure that St. Francis continues to provide the same positive impact on young men in the future, as well as their families and communities.”
The leadership of St. Francis de Sales sees this endowment as critical not only for sustaining academic excellence but also for maintaining the strong Catholic identity that has shaped the school’s culture for decades.
“Here’s our chance to take, for the next 75 years, a real opportunity to make a statement that what we do at St. Francis is a mission that serves our church, our community, and our world in endless ways,” said the Very Rev. Alan Zobler, OSFS ’97, math teacher and board of trustees member. “What we do now will have an impact for a lifetime.”
The Our Faithful Loyalty campaign reflects a shared vision of ensuring that St. Francis de Sales remains the leading educational institution for boys in Northwest Ohio.
The strategic plan adopted in 2022 has provided a roadmap for this future, focusing on maintaining the school’s status as a destination for students, ensuring financial security, fostering individual growth, cultivating community partnerships, and telling the story of the school’s transformative impact on students and our world.
“The board is fully committed to this plan and has committed not only their time, but their personal financial support as well,” Manahan said. “We are very confident in the plan that has been developed. We are already starting to see impact in the initial phases of implementation.”
Over the next five years as the campaign unfolds, St. Francis alumni, families, and friends of the school will have the opportunity to contribute to a legacy that will endure for generations, helping ensure that St. Francis de Sales continues to provide a unique, faith-centered education that transforms lives.
“For us to do this, we need everyone to be part of it,” Rose said. “Now is the time for action for St. Francis de Sales.”
From the very beginning, St. Francis de Sales School has depended on community investment to remain the school of destination for the Toledo area’s young men.
“Every business person knows you don’t stand still,” said Rev. Ronald Olszewski, OSFS ’62, the former SFS president and principal. “You either fall back, or you go forward. So, it’s time for us to go forward.”
Toledo’s Catholics are asked to support a new boys’ school. Suggested donation is an hour’s pay per week for 130 weeks. Groundbreaking is Oct. 3, 1954.
1962
$150,000 building fund is created for locker space, music rooms, and a wrestling room.
Students sell 15,000 boxes of candy to supplement the fund.
1967
Plans are announced for a new Oblate faculty house, office spaces, and an eight-lane swimming pool—the largest of its kind in Toledo at the time.
1973
Construction begins on a new chapel for the Oblates, and leftover funds are used for a senior lounge.
The Silver Knight Campaign is launched, seeking $1 million to expand and renovate the science wing for the school’s 25th anniversary in 1980.
1990
St. Francis acquires the surrounding playing fields from the Diocese of Toledo.
1985
The Silver Knight II Campaign, also at $1 million, is launched to rebuild the natatorium and extend the gymnasium.
1991
St. Francis de Sales High School Foundation is established, as the endowment surpasses $1 million.
1998
Fundraising begins for the Knight Track 2000 project, creating LaValley Field, intended as a track and soccer stadium.
Our Campaign Leadership
HONORARY CHAIRS
James ’68 & Nancy Bingle
Dennis ’65 & Sheila Johnson
Robb ’75 & Lori Voyles
CAMPAIGN CHAIRS
Rev. Geoffrey N. Rose, OSFS
Very Rev. Joseph A. Newman, OSFS ’03
Rev. Ronald W. Olszewski, OSFS ’62
St. Francis invests in technology with help from Dana Corporation, the University of Toledo, Microsoft Corporation, and alumni benefactors.
Work begins on Pillars of Tradition – The 50th Anniversary Campaign, a $13 million capital project slated for completion by 2005.
The Andryc Family
Larry Boyer ’66
Don Carroll ’68
Ryan ’93 & Bronwen Carroll
Steven & Cindy Collins
Jeff Cole ’84
Richard ’62 & Nancy Davis
Tony ’94 & Kelly Desch
Karl ’83 & Shaila Fernandes
Craig ’90 & Kimberly Gabel
Tom ’72 & Paulette Geiger
Don Harbaugh ’67
Tab & Anne Marie Hinkle
Aaron ’90 & Katherine Hood
Patrick ’66 & Ann Hylant
Mark & Lori Johnston
Patrick ’79 & Maureen Kenney
Ryan Marshall ’86 & Mary Herms
Tim & Maureen Martindale
Pat McCormick
Michael McGowan ’75
Pat ’84 & Patti
Savage-McNamara
Jim ’72 & Barb Stengle
Pat Trompeter
Alex Washington III ’92 & Devanee Washington
Michael ’83 & Anne White
Dan ’78 & Lisa Wilczynski
St. Francis celebrates its 50th anniversary with new facilities, including a chapel, cafeteria expansion, office space, fitness center, and arts and media areas. Many spaces were repurposed 10 years later to house the 7th and 8th grades.
The Student Achievement Center opens, transforming the old library into a collaborative space for studying and tutoring.
Work begins on the Center for Advanced Scientific Exploration, a renovation of the science wing that combines classroom and laboratory space. A cornerstone is the Human Performance Lab, an advanced learning space for physiology and exercise science classes.
2024
St. Francis launches Our Faithful Loyalty –The 75th Anniversary Campaign for the school’s anniversary in 2030.
The St. Francis de Sales Knights completed one of the most successful fall sports campaigns in school history, delivering playoff runs across multiple programs.
Football, cross country, soccer, golf, and water polo each secured playoff appearances and winning seasons. For the first time in school history, cross country, soccer, and golf each notched district championships in the same year.
St. Francis is the school of destination for boys who want to compete at the highest levels in athletics in an environment that prioritizes strong academic achievement, deep spiritual growth, and a great social life.
“St. Francis de Sales School lived out its mission in an extraordinary way this past fall,” said Rev. Geoffrey N. Rose, OSFS, president. “To see our young men excel on the field, in the classroom, and in their faith lives, all at once, is truly inspiring.”
In football, the Knights posted an 8-4 record (7-3 regular season), including a run into the second round of the OHSAA football playoffs (DII - Region 6). In season, the Knights scored an average 32.1 points per game and defeated cross-town rivals St. John’s Jesuit.
The season signaled a remarkable turnaround under the leadership of first-year head coach Josh Lindke, who took the helm following a 1-9 season the prior fall. He was named The Blade Coach of the Year.
“I’m so incredibly proud to lead this program and to be your head coach,” Lindke said. “St. Francis Football has so much tradition and I am glad that we were able to bring that back this year. We are going to continue to build this thing for years to come.”
Notably, the NFL recognized senior defensive back Raheem Brown ’25 for forcing a turnover during a playoff game against Avon Lake, awarding Brown the Way To Play Award and a $3,000 equipment grant to the school.
Quarterback Corey Swartz ’25 said the turnaround has set the stage for future success.
“This really wasn’t for us, it was for the future of the St. Francis program,” Swartz told The Blade.
The Knights finished in fourth at the OHSAA DI state meet, the first top-four finish since 2005 and sixth in school history.
The Knights were district champions for the fifth consecutive year, and secured a regional runner-up trophy.
For the second year of the two years the Knights competed in the Catholic High School League, the Knights won the CHSL Bishop Championship, with all seven runners finishing in the top 15.
The success elsewhere at SFS propelled the XC Knights to deliver their best performance possible, said head coach Aaron Al-Sorghali ’04
“Last year we were the only program in the fall to bring a (league) title home, and we’re kind of watching everyone else do their job this year, and we didn’t want to drop the ball today,” Al-Sorghali told the Detroit Catholic after the CHSL victory.
On the pitch, the Knights won their fourth-straight district soccer title, this year defeating archrival St. John’s Jesuit in overtime to bring home the trophy.
The Knights finished the season 14-3-2, and advanced to the regional semi-final. In league play, the Knights were the CHSL Central Division champions, defeating Lutheran North, and produced eight CHSL honor team players.
“I give credit to the Knights,” the opposing coach told the Macomb Daily after playing SFS in the league championship. “They played a clean game. It was hard fought. Games like these can get chippy and go the wrong way, so I have no complaints.”
Third-year head coach Michael Kern ’07 was named Northwest Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association private school coach of the year.
The Knights won their first golf district championship since 2011, defeating the state-title defending Anthony Wayne Generals by a stroke to punch their ticket.
The Knights competed at NCR Country Club in Kettering in the state championship, finishing 11th in the state.
“It was a fantastic experience for us,” Dan Sutton, head golf coach, told The Blade. “They’ve had a great season and it was a heck of an accomplishment. It gives our young guys inspiration to get back down here next year as well.”
“St. Francis is a place where boys can reach new heights and push themselves within a community that celebrates every success and challenge as an opportunity to grow,” said Rose.
Nick Miller ’25 was named district player of the year.
“We have three juniors, and they were all so willing to do whatever it takes to go to state,” Miller told The Blade. “It was a very lively team and a very special team.”
The AquaKnights finished their season 20-9, including an undefeated five win streak at the Pioneer High School Early Bird Tournament.
The team returned to the state final four this year, following last year’s state championship.
record.
1958
Tom Gouttierre and his wife Marylu celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July with a celebration party at Heather Downs Country Club in Toledo.
1959
The Class of 1959 meets regularly for lunch. For details on upcoming lunches, contact John Granata at jgranata2@gmail.com.
1961
Richard Walinski earned the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Toledo College of Law, recognizing his decades of achievement in the legal field and his contributions to the university.
1962
The Class of 1962 regularly meets for lunch. For details, contact Terry Brown at tbrown5942@aol.com.
1964
Classmates gathered for a Christmas breakfast get-together over the holidays.
Photo: From left: Ken Billmaier, Bill Lanzinger, Phil Buerk, Tom LaPointe, Jim Neumann, Tim Casey (standing), Ed Gozdowski, John Lees, John Engel, Ned Coyle, Bill Bingle.
Ken Billmaier ran into a big Knight (pictured) while in Charlevoix, Michigan. “He didn’t talk much,” Ken said. “I wonder what class he was in.”
1965
Efforts are underway to organize a Class of 1965 60th Reunion. For more details, contact Bernie Barrow at bgbarrow@gmail.com.
Bill McDonald released a memoir, Attachment, a sobering yet moving account of his first 35 years of life. The book is available in paperback or Kindle editions on Amazon.
1966
Carl Radon made a hole-in-one at The Legacy Golf Club in Ottawa Lake, Michigan!
1969
The Class of 1969 meets regularly for lunch. Contact Steve Vieson for more details at stetracv@aol.com.
Judge David Lewandowski retired from the bench after 50 years of public service in Lucas County, most recently serving the domestic relations division of the county common pleas court.
Damian Wilkerson was inducted into the City League Hall of Fame as a member of the 2024 class of inductees. Wilkerson was 1968 All-City League quarterback and punter following victories in the Blue Division Championship against St. John’s Jesuit, and the Shoe Bowl against Central Catholic High School. Photo: Wilkerson on the field during the 1968 Shoe Bowl.
1970
Bob Meyer, president and chief executive of Phoenix Children’s Hospital, was named one of the top 100 most influential leaders in healthcare by Modern Healthcare Magazine.”I am honored to be selected to this impressive list,” Bob said. “For more than 20 years, my primary focus has been to grow Phoenix Children’s into the Southwest’s premier pediatric health system, and we will continue to expand access to the top-ranked pediatric healthcare our children need and deserve.”
5
Members of the Class of 1973 gathered around the holidays at Le Petit Gourmet in Maumee.
The Class of 1975 reunion will be held Aug. 22-23 in Toledo. Details forthcoming. For more information, email alumni@sfsknights.org.
Tim Gerken received the OHSAA Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Award from the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Gerken teaches at St. Francis and is the school’s former head baseball coach. OHSAA administrator Emily Mason presented Gerken with the award, given to one coach in every sport each year.
Paul Kwapich retired from WTOL 11 after a 42-year career in journalism. He began at the station in 1982 as a production engineer, and worked as floor director, director, news photographer, chief photographer, and finally as news operations manager.
As many remembered the late President Carter, Marty Miller ’76 shared this picture of him and the former president taken in the 1980s.
Marty was working for ABC News in their Washington, DC bureau on the set of This Week with David Brinkley. Marty said he developed his love of photography and media at St. Francis.
“If I wrote a book, I’d give St. Francis a lot of credit. That school was worth every penny.”
– Marty Miller
‘I cannot thank you enough’ Junior shares message of gratitude at Gala
When Jaden Tolliver ’26 suffered a house fire in 2020, he thought a St. Francis de Sales School education would be out of the question.
“At the height of the COVID shutdown and being isolated from the world, my family suffered a house fire,” Tolliver said at the recent Presidential Gala. “The house fire was a devastating event for our family and was a challenging time managing the financial responsibilities that come with rebuilding and replacing what we lost.”
“When I was given an opportunity to attend this school, I knew it was a blessing, a true answer to prayers,” Tolliver said. “The Seeman Scholarship made this possible for me, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
The Seeman Scholars receive financial aid through a fund endowed by Tom Seeman ’77. Through this, deserving Knights are able to afford the St. Francis de Sales School education they desire.
“Growing up, I always heard about the remarkable brotherhood and life-changing experiences that SFS provides,” said Tolliver, the son of Bradley Tolliver ’04.
“I am standing here because someone believed in me, someone like you, who decided to invest in a student’s future,” the young Tolliver said.
“I cannot thank you enough for that.”
“Thank you for giving us the chance to grow, to learn, and to become the best versions of ourselves,” he said. “May God bless each of you for your kindness and support.”
This story first appeared in the November 2024 edition of Knight Lines, a monthly email newsletter for alumni and friends. To subscribe, email alumni@sfsknights.org
1977
Tom Seeman held a book signing at Boston Logan International Airport to celebrate the sale of his book, Animals I Want To See, at select Hudson News stores at airports across the U.S.
Judge Gene Zmuda began another term on the Ohio Sixth District Appeals Court following his election. He was sworn in by Judge Christine Mayle, the mother of St. Francis junior Matthew Mayle ’26 Photo: From left, Judge Christine Mayle, Judge Gene Zmuda ’77, Terri Zmuda, Caitlin (McComish) Zmuda, Matthew Zmuda ’13, Eric Zmuda ’13
1979
The Class of 1979 held a 45th reunion at Nick & Jimmy’s, with about 20 classmates attending.
1981
William Whitman published a fiction book, A Dog Named Shoe, available on Amazon.
1983
Anthony Monaco was highlighted by the Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business for his nonprofit Autism Beyond Borders. The organization supports children, teachers, and families of individuals with disabilities, primarily in Tanzania.
1984
Eric Berning serves as the president of the board of directors for the American Syringomyelia, Chiari Alliance Project. The condition, syringomyelia, damages the spinal cord, and the group is working toward a cure. He lives in Cypress, Texas with his wife Jennifer.
Nelson Shaffer is the new director of development for Scouting America Erie Shores Council. The Toledo Blade highlighted Shaffer’s new role with the Scouts in a feature article. He retired from banking after a 32-year career.
1985
Reunion Weekend will be held Sept. 19-20, 2025. More details forthcoming. To help organize, email alumni@sfsknights.org or contact Mike Goulding at judgegoulding@gmail.com.
JW Fenwick was appointed to teach at the University of Miami Herbert Business School. He will continue teaching at the University of Miami School of Law as well.
Keith Blanchard is the owner of the Blanchard Family Funeral Home and Birch Hill Cemetery in Fairbanks, Alaska. He has owned the funeral home since 2017.
Aaron Hood is the interim executive director of the Ohio State Teachers Retirement System, a $90+ billion pension system.
1991
Bryant Walrod served as head physician for the Ohio State Football team this season, during which the Buckeyes won the National Championship.
David Kennedy, a University of Toledo associate professor of medicine and co-director of the Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, is spearheading groundbreaking research into the human health impacts of airborne algal toxins. His work, supported by a $6.5 million NIH grant, aims to better understand how these toxins travel and their potential effects on organs and overall health, particularly for those frequently exposed to Lake Erie’s shoreline.
Reunion Weekend will be held Sept. 19-20, 2025. More details forthcoming. To help organize, email alumni@sfsknights.org.
Mohamad Moussa, an emergency medicine doctor with UToledo Health, led a session in CPR and AED training for SFS health teacher Drew Stark ’15’s health classes. Moussa told the students, “the opportunities you have at St. Francis … give a huge advantage to you.”
Reunion Weekend will be held Sept. 19-20, 2025. More details forthcoming. To help organize, email alumni@sfsknights.org or contact Bobby Edgell at redgell@sfsknights.org.
Joe Hickey presented to SFS environmental science classes on his career in the field. Joe shared his journey from St. Francis, to the University of Toledo, and his work now in New Hampshire. Students learned about complex water issues in Lake Erie and the many job opportunities in the field of environmental science. Joe was invited back to SFS by his nephew Matteo Sifuentes ’25
2003
Jimmy Kyle was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army in June. He currently lives with his wife Kimberly in Honolulu where they have been stationed at Tripler Army Medical Center for six years. His main practice is pediatric critical care medicine and he is chief of inpatient pediatrics. In 2023, he deployed to Romania for five months for Operation European Assure, Deter, and Reinforce.
2004
Benjamin Bueche is a small business owner in the Manitou Beach-Devils Lake, Michigan area. He owns Benny D’s Salon, which caters to clients who desire high-quality salon services without driving to nearby cities. He also owns Ben & Janie’s Ice Cream & Coneys with his mother, Jane.
Chris Cabanski contributed to research showing that specific tumor DNA fragments in the blood can help predict outcomes and treatment response in pancreatic cancer. The work by Chris and his colleagues at the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy could pave the way for new pancreatic cancer treatment and monitoring.
Joe Kenney married Chelsea Robbins in 2023. Very Rev. Alan Zobler ’97 presided during a Catholic wedding in Toledo at Gesu Church, and later co-officiated an interfaith service with the bride’s rabbi at the Chicago Cultural Center. Knights in the wedding included the groom’s brothers, K.C. Kenney ’01 and Owen Kenney ’08, and classmates Jake Lee, Chris Helm, and Ryan Towns. The groom is the son of Kevin Kenney ’73 and Sue (Spieker) Kenney. The couple live in Deerfield, Illinois, and are expecting a baby girl in 2025.
When the Toledo Mud Hens take the field Opening Day, their every move will be announced by St. Francis de Sales graduate Matt Melzak ’94.
This is the first change of the guard in the broadcasting booth since 1975.
The storied Minor League Baseball franchise announced Melzak’s appointment as the head television and radio play-by-play announcer for the 2025 season, following the death of his broadcasting partner
Jim Weber last year.
Already, Melzak is the lead broadcaster for the Toledo Walleye hockey team, and previously served as broadcaster for the former Toledo Storm hockey team. Since 2003, he’s called a combined 2,220 regular season and playoff games for the three teams.
“It’s really exciting for me,” Melzak told Knight Lines. “It’s great to be working with my hometown teams.”
Looking back, he noted how St. Francis shaped him as a person.
“The person I am today is a direct line back to St. Francis,” Melzak said. “It’s that overall way you’re treated and expected to act, and that formulates who you are.”
This story first appeared in the January 2025 edition of Knight Lines, a monthly email newsletter for alumni and friends. To subscribe, email alumni@sfsknights.org
Reunion Weekend will be held Sept. 19-20, 2025. More details forthcoming. To help organize, email alumni@sfsknights.org.
Ryan Clark and his wife Aleis Pugia welcomed a baby girl in February.
Cal Roberts and his wife Liz Krueger Roberts celebrated the birth of their third child, Margaret June, in April. She joins brothers JJ, age 6, and Matt, age 3. The boys celebrated January’s snowstorm by building a snowman – capped off with a Knights winter hat!
Mark Blowers performed in the Voices of Liberty Cast during EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Owen Kenney married Maura Graham in November. The groom’s brothers, K.C. Kenney ’01 and Joe Kenney ’04, served as co-best men. The groom is the son of Kevin Kenney ’73 and Sue (Spieker) Kenney. The couple live in New Haven, Connecticut.
Jacob Hinojosa performed in the Toledo Repertoire Theatre’s Children of Eden with fellow alumnus Will DuPuis ’18. The pair were both leads in the Rep’s production.
Ben Kowalski spoke to the SFS National Honor Society inductees in October 2024, highlighting the four pillars of NHS: scholarship, character, leadership, and service. Ben is the director of advanced engineering for new product development at Fortune Brands.
Dwayne Dotson Jr. tied the knot with his wife Trisha during a wedding ceremony in Chicago.
Greg Fockler and Regan Smith participated in the Distinguished Clown Corps during the Toledo Blade Holiday Parade.
John Fortunato and his wife Rosie welcomed a baby boy, Enzo, in 2024. John is a neurologist at the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan.
Joe Hoffman and his wife Amanda welcomed a new daughter, Mackenzie Marie, to their family in July.
Jacob Hunter graduated from the University of Cincinnati with his doctorate in nurse anesthesia practice and passed the board exam.
Tyler Clark married Zowe Hamizadeh in October 2024 at Corpus Christi University Parish with Very Rev. Alan Zobler, OSFS ’97 presiding. Knights in the wedding party included best man Ryan Clark ’05, Jon Findlay ’09, Matt Balzer ’10, Matt Weeks ’11, and Jake Corbett ’11. A bachelor party in South Haven, Michigan, with Danny Yodzis ’11, Danny Barazi ’11, and Will Garbe ’10, included a voyage aboard the Motley Crew, owned by Scott and Julia Robbins.
Benjamin Jordan and Lindsay (Walter) Jordan (SUA ’10) welcomed their daughter, Nora Grace, who was baptized at Corpus Christi University Parish by Very Rev. Alan Zobler, OSFS ’97 in August 2024.
Eric Taylor was promoted sergeant in the Parma Heights Police Department, where he has worked since 2016. He was sworn in by Mayor Marie Gallo.
Joe Antonini married Safiya Driskell in September 2024 at St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York, with Very Rev. Alan Zobler, OSFS ’97 presiding. A celebration in Prospect Park followed. Joe is the son of Tom ’81 and Jennifer Antonini. Knights in the wedding party included the groom’s brothers, Johnny ’14 and Stephen ’17, and Brady Gullette ’12, Andy Deckelman ’10, and Scott Wawrzyniak ’12. Joe works at an advertising agency focused on live arts and entertainment clients in New York.
Will Cameron married Angelica Bucci at St. Christopher Parish in Rocky River, with Very Rev. Alan Zobler, OSFS ’97 presiding.
2013
John Dillon married Makenzie Blain at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rochester, Michigan in August 2024. John is the son of Bill Dillon ’82 and Lori Dillon, a former St. Francis school nurse. Knights in the wedding party included the groom’s brothers, best man Frank Dillon ’15, Tom Dillon ’09, and Bill Dillon ’10
2014
Johnny Antonini’s first feature-length film, The Lifeguards, is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The film highlights a strict, rule-following high school senior joining a group of country club lifeguards and learns to have fun for the first time.
St. Francis de Sales School inducted the newest class into the Hall of Fame, recognizing athletic accomplishments and service contributions to the school. Six athletes, one coach, and one team were inducted into the Hall of Fame, recognizing their success in their sport, or having made a significant impact on Knight athletics. One individual received the Golden Knight Award, and another was recognized for Outstanding Service.
The athletics inductees are:
● Zach McClellan ’97 – Baseball – Fifth round (134th overall) MLB pick in 2000
● Kent Rafey ’94 – Football – All-Ohio linebacker (1993)
● Scott Loy ’10 – Lacrosse, Hockey, Football – All-Ohio wide receiver and defensive back in football, All-Ohio forward in hockey and lacrosse
● Tony Kurth ’99 – Swimming – State champion 200 yard individual medley (1997, 1998, 1999) and 100 yard butterfly (1999)
● Kevin Baker ’92 – Basketball – 2nd team All-Ohio (1991-92)
● James O’Connell ’04 – Tennis – posthumous recipient; first-team All-City (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004); City League player of the year (2003, 2004); doubles state title with cousin Mike O’Connell ’05 in 2003
● Mark Faber – Tennis Coach – 23-season coach; named Tennis Industry Magazine’s 2017 high school coach of the year; team state titles in 2001 and 2002
● 1959 Football Team – Recognized for an inaugural Irish Knight 28-0 shutout victory over Central Catholic High School at the University of Toledo Glass Bowl
Robert J. Eberly ’68 received the Golden Knight Award for his service to St. Francis de Sales School. This is the highest award given by the school to a graduate. Eberly is the former owner of Team Sports, Inc., which serviced the school’s equipment needs for several decades.
Gloria Moulopoulos was posthumously honored with the Outstanding Service Award for her service to St. Francis de Sales Musical Theatre. This is the highest award given by the school to a non-graduate. Moulopoulos served St. Francis from 1974 until 1997, including the last 11 years as director. She died in August 2023.
St. Francis de Sales School welcomes new inductees into the Hall of Fame on a biennial calendar. The first class was inducted in 1990. Selections are made by a committee of graduates and school administrators. The next class is scheduled for induction in 2026.
Congratulations to past parents Dan McKernan (Dan ’05 and Michael ’08) and David Wolf (Steve ‘07) on an incredible feat at Sylvania Country Club.
Both men aced the third hole at SCC during a game of birthday golf celebrating alumnus and past parent Tim Korhumel ’75 (Tim ’03).
“Pretty cool,” Tim told The Blade, “except that they took away all of my birthday karma!”
Knights told: ‘Surround yourself with winners’ St. Francis de Sales School welcomed three area leaders to campus to share messages with students during the 18th annual Presidents’ Day Luncheon.
Bruce Douglas ‘06, the president of The Douglas Company, Tim Croak, CEO and founder of Croak Capital, and Toledo City Councilman John Hobbs III ‘87 each spoke to students during the lunch.
The luncheon is part of the Salesian Leadership Initiative at St. Francis de Sales School, and was open to the National Honor Society, Student Council, and students in the Leadership in the Salesian Tradition classes.
2015
Reunion Weekend will be held Sept. 19-20, 2025. More details forthcoming. To help organize, email alumni@sfsknights.org.
Kurt Elfering played Cmdr. William Harbison, USN in the Toledo Opera’s production of South Pacific at the Valentine Theatre.
Alex Vigneau earned his master’s degree in systems engineering from the University of Denver in June 2024.
Shane Curtis-McCormack is a dental hygienist with Brookview Dental in Sylvania, after having graduated from Ohio State University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.
Anthony Iuele published two fiction booksdystopian thrillers that follow a group of people during a zombie apocalypse. He published the books, titled Close and Repercussions, on Amazon under his pen name, Barry Ajax.
Douglas Allison entered the Benedictine novitiate at Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, Indiana, in January 2025. His year of formation will include studying the Rule of St. Benedict and monastic history.
Colin Flanagan graduated from the University of Toledo with his master of public administration and law degree.
Justin Schnebelen married the former Kalie Paranzino in August 2024 at St. Joseph Parish in Cockeysville, Maryland. The two met at Boston College. Many in the St. Francis community attended the wedding, including the groom’s mother, Tammi Schnbelen, who works in the SFS admissions office, SFS teacher Don Conry, Tony Desch ’94, Andy Okuley ’15, and classmates Matthew Dills, Carter Smith, Gregory Leroux, Ryan Cendol, Ethan Hertzfeld, Ryan Skie, and Cameron Long
2019
Seth Curtis-McCormack graduated from the University of Michigan ROTC and is a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He works for Merrill Lynch in Jacksonville, Florida.
Carter Smith married Kylie Foetisch in July at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo followed by a reception at Sylvania Country Club. Very Rev. Alan Zobler, OSFS ’97 witnessed the wedding. Carter is the son of Ryan Smith ’90 and brother of Carson Smith ’22, who served as best man. Knights present included Drew Stark ’15, Ethan Hertzfeld ’18, Matt Dills ’18, Justin Schnebelen ’18, Thomas Szenderski ’18, and Nick Sifuentes ’17
Jacob Szymanski completed his first half Iron Man competition in Palm Springs, California.
Colby MacDonald married Natalie Nester in a ceremony witnessed by Rev. Geoffrey Rose, OSFS at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in November. Knights in the wedding party included Joe Miller and Joey Cannon. Photo, from left, front row: Nick Chryst, Joe Miller, Colby MacDonald, Dominic Weltin ’23, Justin Easton ’24, Fr. Rose; back row, Andrew Bell, Jonathan Whiting, Jacob Rupli, Joey Cannon.
2021
Anthony Re and Eric Aubry ’10 successfully completed the Leadville 100, a 100-mile race through the Colorado mountains. Both came in under the required 30-hour time limit to complete the race. Anthony finished in 29 hours and 36 minutes; Eric finished in 29 hours and 42 minutes.
Ben Burson is helping his college fraternity, Kappa Delta Rho, initiate a mental health program at their Ohio State University chapter. The pilot program educates members on topics including nutrition, mental health, fitness, and overall well-being.
2024
Andrew Rippke, of Washington & Jefferson College, and Charlie Howe, of Austin College, have played against each other in water polo matches between the two schools. The two both played on the 2023 state title team at St Francis.
St. Francis de Sales School remembers the graduates, students, Oblates, faculty, and staff who have recently died. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them!
1958
Dale R. Carter – August 29, 2024
1960
John T. Stombaugh – July 11, 2024
1961
James A. Rogowski – July 8, 2024
1962
William G. Connolly – July 5, 2024
William R. Westmeyer – October 21, 2024
1963
William E. Smith – June 14, 2024
Edward J. Verkin – January 15, 2025
1964
Walter J. Skotynsky – July 17, 2024
Dennis L. Babich – August 31, 2024
1966
John C. Dooley – June 29, 2024
Donald E. Smith – August 20, 2024
Michael J. Kennedy – October 27, 2024
Robert B. Daney – December 9, 2024
Thomas P. Zouhary – January 30, 2025
1968
Raymond C. Strassner – July 10, 2024
Thomas J. McNerney – October 3, 2024
1970
Lawrence A. Sniegowski – August 10, 2024
1972
Patrick E. Fuller – January 30, 2025
1977
William T. Szaroleta – August 21, 2024
1980
Scott A. Walters – November 3, 2024
1983
William M. Walasinski – August 8, 2024
1987
Michael S. Boratyn – December 5, 2024
1988
Daniel F. Smith – April 5, 2024
1997
Franz J. Gilis – November 29, 2024
Suzanne V. Conrad – August 16, 2024
Ronald E. Niedzwiecki – August 20, 2024
R. Scott Siewert – September 4, 2024
Rev. Michael O. Brown – October 27, 2024
The proceeding list includes all graduates, students, Oblates, and past faculty and staff who passed since June. 13, 2024, and whose deaths are known to St. Francis de Sales School as of Feb. 12, 2025. In certain cases, we include deaths outside this timeframe that did not make previous editions. We apologize for any errors or omissions.
St. Francis informs alumni of class deaths by emailing obituaries to classmates, and relies on the community to keep the school informed of passings. To report the passing of a graduate, past parent, or other community member, or to notify us of a deceased individual not memorialized above, please call 419-214-5443 or email alumni@sfsknights.org
The baseball team hosted the annual Turkey Bowl before Thanksgiving. Coach Bobby Edgell ’00 reports there were no injuries this year, only fun.
Past SFS basketball players gathered for an alumni basketball game before the varsity team faced off against Maumee Valley. Tim Gerken ’76 coached one group of alumni, while Otis Polk, an SFS assistant coach and father of Jermaine Polk ’26, coached the other team. A reception with pizza and beverages was held following the scrimmage.
Members of the 1995 St. Francis de Sales Basketball Team returned to Bancroft Street in February to celebrate 30 years since their incredible season! The team consisted of Kris Rios ’96, Ron Roberts ’96, Jay Barnett ’95, SFS Hall of Fame inductee Robierre Cullars ’97, Tim Wagner ’96, Cory Thompson ’96, Mark Taylor ’96, Richard Jackson ’96, OB Murray ’95, Ryan Gorman ’95, Aaron Wright IV ’95, and James Doane ’95. The Knights were led by Head Basketball Coach Kevin Rupp.
AquaKnights past and present met in September 2024 in the Natatorium for a water polo alumni scrimmage and tailgate. Score was close for most of the game, but the old guys tired out in the 4th quarter, handing the current Knights a 18-13 win.
Wrestling alumni came out to support the Knights during their tri-meet with Rogers and Northview. Following the meet, an alumni party at SFS lasted well into the night.
If you’ve been a student or parent at St. Francis in the past 30 years, you’ve probably met Maureen DeLaney. Even if you don’t remember her, she likely remembers you. She has a knack for knowing more about people than they realize.
For me, that’s been the case, well, forever.
In the 1950s, Maureen’s dad and my great-great-grandfather served together on the campaign committee to build St. Francis. In the 1960s, her brother, Cormac Delaney ’67, and my great uncle, Peter Schramm ’67, graduated together. In the 1970s, teenage Maureen worked for my great grandparents, Bob and Charlotte Schramm, at their greenhouse. There, my grade school-aged dad, Bill Garbe ’82, worked alongside her in the long, flower-lined corridors.
So when I showed up as a freshman in 2006, it was safe to say that Maureen, who then worked as the main office administrative assistant, knew a lot more about me than I knew about her. But since coming back to St. Francis, I’ve come to know so much more about Maureen.
Maureen is undyingly loyal to St. Francis and its people. She was a second-generation member of the Chappuis Society when her son Chris Kookoothe ’00 was at school. From advising the cheerleaders to going on service trips and retreats, even chaperoning a whitewater rafting outing, Maureen has freely given of herself for decades. She has elevated the standards of everyone around her, because she truly loves St. Francis and the mission of the Oblates.
When Maureen retires this semester as the advancement department’s administrative assistant, the torch will pass to another generation. She is a living connection to those who have gone before us. When she arrived at St. Francis in 1994, she learned her job from Ginny Mattingly, who had worked as the main office secretary since the earliest days of the school. In our Salesian Leadership Initiative curriculum, Knights learn about humble confidence, authentic relationships, and servant leadership. Maureen encompasses all of these, something I truly came to know during a conversation in my office. “We have to remember,” she convincingly told me, “we are humble servants of the school.”
If you’re reading this column, Maureen, it means I successfully avoided you seeing it before going to print. This is easier said than done, because you’ve been this magazine’s proofreader for years. You’re too good to want any of this attention for yourself. But you deserve it and more, Mo. You’ve done more for us – thousands of us Knights – than we could ever know.
Will Garbe ’10 Editor, Knight Life wgarbe@sfsknights.org
St. Francis de Sales School
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