St. X Winter 2017

G R E A T E R

C I N C I N N A T I ’ S

J E S U I T

H I G H

S C H O O L WI N TER 2017

SEASON

of

CHAMPIONS

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From the President One of the most promising trends in Education and Business today is something called Design Thinking. It began in the field of architecture, but is now being used in many different areas to find creative solutions to difficult problems. Out of many possible solutions, a few prototypes are built and tested to see which achieves a better result. That means that failure is a necessary part of the process, in order to arrive at a better final result. It’s like what I tell my Spanish students, “it’s okay to fail, it’s not okay to not try!”

The 2012 Strategic Plan challenged us to look at every aspect of our school and ask ourselves how we could be “the best at getting better.” In implementing the plan, we have employed the very best design thinking and experimented with new initiatives to help us serve our students better. We purchased new furniture for a few classrooms and common areas that promised to help our students learn and collaborate more effectively than the traditional tablet desk and cafeteria table. Experience has shown us that some of these solutions have worked better than others.

Three years ago we began our 1:1 program, asking the incoming freshmen to each bring an iPad. These devices have given our students 24/7 access to the information they need to learn in the classroom and beyond. The entire class can be working on a problem and receive instant feedback, rather than the traditional method of going around the room as one student answers at a time. The touchscreen capability allowed for handwritten as well as typed input, since studies show that handwriting activates learning sectors in the brain that typing doesn’t. At the same time, new laptops and tablets have emerged that bring all of these benefits plus the broader capability of fully-functioning software. So next year’s freshmen will bring these newer laptops as we continue to use the iPads with the upperclassmen.

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Timothy A. Howe SJ

Our IT department is collaborating with the Library and the Science and Art Departments to design a Maker Space.

The 3D printers we currently have will join laser cutters and virtual reality devices to allow our students to build their own prototypes for testing.

...failure is a necessary part of the process, in order to arrive at a better final result.

The Campus Ministry Department has been trying out new biking retreats, camping retreats and contemplative retreats with the Trappist monks at Gethsemani Abbey. Mr. Dan Zepf ’92 experimented with an AP World History course for freshmen and all 74 of his students achieved a 3 or better on the AP exam, thus earning college credit in their first year at St X! For the first time last year, we produced a very effective congratulations video for our accepted freshmen; and found a way to top it this year focusing on a few stories of successful alumni.

Watch in the spring as our Advancement Department tries an online auction with the local startup, Everything But The House.

These are exciting times at St Xavier High School as we all choose to be Open to Growth while maintaining the very best of our excellent traditions.

Inside this Issue ADMINISTRATION Rev. Timothy A. Howe SJ, President Rev. William L. Verbryke SJ ’71 Rector Mr. Terrence H. Tyrrell, Principal

11 Alumni Profile

12 Alumni Profile

14 Making History

Oroz ’07

Torbeck ’87

The story of 3 state championship teams.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mrs. Ann M. Berger - Chair Mr. John C. Bloomstrom Mr. Robert W. Dieckman, Jr., ’82 Mr. Michael J. Ehrensberger ’61 Rev. Patrick A. Fairbanks SJ Ms. Cynthia A. Fazio Rev. Michael J. Graham SJ Mr. Gary J. Gruber, ’73 Mr. Richard J. Hidy, ’81 Rev. Timothy A. Howe SJ Mr. Walter E. Knox, Jr. Rev. William J. Murphy, SJ Mr. Michael P. O’Rourke, ’86 Mrs. Victoria A. Reynolds Mr. John B. Schmitz, ’78 Mr. Michael Schuster Dr. Brett R. Smith, ’87 Mr. Michael G. Stenger, ’79 Mr. Richard E. Thornburgh, ’70 Rev. William L. Verbryke SJ, ’71

CONTRIBUTORS Henry T. Ahrens ’87 Cheryl L. Asper Sylvia M. Betz Jane E. Bretl Cathy M. Cionni Heidi B. Eveleigh Edmund L. Franchi Samuel H. Klare ’17 Amy M. Klunk Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Heidi A. O’Connor Marko Oroz ’07 William C. Reilly ’09 Anthony E. Schad ’81 Lucas A. Schroeder Andrew E. Sweeny ’68 Steven J. Torbeck ’87 Melissa C. Tranter

02 WE ARE ST. XAVIER 09 X-TRAVAGANZA 10 VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 13 LEADERSHIP CONTINUES TO GROW 16 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 17 FACULTY FOCUS 18 X-CERPTS/X-PEDITIONS 28 EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE 29 CALENDAR

EDITOR Becky Schulte

DESIGNER Jon Enia ’97, makercreative.com

PRINTING Joseph Berning Printing Company St. Xavier Magazine is published three times a year by the alumni, advancement and communications offices.

St. Xavier High School 600 W. North Bend Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45224-1499 Phone (513) 761-7815 ext. 121 http://www.stxavier.org e-mail bschulte@stxavier.org

ALUMNI HOT LINE 1-800-572-5340 ext. 375 Direct all Letters to the Editor, address changes, or other correspondence to the above address.

Postmaster: Send address corrections to: St. Xavier Magazine, 600 W. North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224-1499.

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We are St. Xavier

Students in the music program displayed holiday cheer during this season’s Christmas concerts.

News and notes around the St. Xavier campus

St. Xavier Concerts Bring Holiday Cheer St. Xavier Christmas Concerts packed the Walter C. Deye SJ Performance Center this year!

The X-Men, Ensemble X, Men in Black and the Jazz Band treated audiences to all the Christmas classics. “Silent Night,” “Joy to the

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World,” “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” were performed with musical excellence. The audience was also invited to sing along to “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” ushering in the holidays in the best way possible – together.

St. Francis Xavier Feast Day

Ignatius. His homily focused on using St. Francis Xavier’s life as a prime example of someone who lived his vocation and was able to make a significant contribution to the world as one individual.

The Mass included music from the Strings Ensemble and a Communion Meditation song from Ensemble X Choir singing “Sure on this Shining Night.” The Mass ended with the singing of our Alma Mater.

St. Xavier celebrated the Feast of St. Francis Xavier with an all school Mass that included a special guest, Fr. Brian Paulson SJ, Provincial of the Chicago-Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus.

His homily focused on using St. Francis Xavier’s life as a prime example of someone who lived his vocation and was able to make a significant contribution to the world as one individual.

Fr. Paulson presided over the Mass and endeared himself to the students by giving them a tongue in cheek history lesson on St. Ignatius and St. Francis Xavier. Fr. Paulson told the students that St. Ignatius technically rode St. Francis Xavier’s coattails in terms of who was canonized first and used the story as an analogy to the State Championship football game between St. Xavier and St. Winter 2017

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Theatre Xavier Lord of the Flies Theatre Xavier wowed audiences this fall with its latest production, The Lord of the Flies. Audiences were treated to outstanding performances by the actors, beautiful singing by St. X choir members, impressive sets and flawless execution by the crew.

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PAC Theater Night Jordan Finley ’08 PAC hosted Theater Night with Guest Speaker Jordan Finley ‘08, which included a delicious buffet style dinner, speaker Jordan Finley ‘08 and then tickets to see Theater Xavier’s production of Lord of the Flies.

Finley, a St. X and Miami University grad, currently works for Northwestern Mutual and had wise words of advice for our multicultural students in attendance.

He told the students of his first job interview out of college and how he entered the room lacking confidence. The interviewer, noticing his discomfort, pointed out St. X and Miami on resume and told Finley he should be confident because St. X students come with a pedigree.

Finley thought Pedigree was a only dog food before this, but he said he quickly learned that out in the real world St. X graduates are assumed to be three things: smart, leaders and hard workers. He told the audience to “be confident - you are a bomber!”

He also challenged the students to get involved and seek out positions of leadership to enable them to step out of your comfort zone and be ready to take on the challenges later on in their lives.

Finley also encouraged the students to give back as alumni, especially by bringing the lessons they’ve learned back to younger kids.

Welcome to the Long Blue Line Lou Schipper ’46

It had all the hallmarks of a typical graduation party with balloons, cake, presents, diploma proudly displayed for family and friends to see and the graduate dressed in cap and gown. But this graduation party took place 71 years after Lou Schipper, 90, should have graduated.

In 1943, Lou Schipper convinced his reluctant mother to grant him permission to leave St. Xavier High School to serve his country during World War II at the young age of 17. Lou went on to become part of the Navy Seabees, the United States Naval Construction Forces, where he served until his discharge in October 1946 – just a few months after his St. X classmates celebrated their graduation.

one of his life’s unfilled goals was graduating from St. Xavier High School.

In recognition of his unselfish service to his country and his Men for Others mindset, St. Xavier awarded Lou his Class of 1946 diploma with a graduation ceremony that took place in January at Pristine Senior Living -Three Rivers, where Lou now resides.

Lou Schipper is now a true Class of 1946 graduate and a selfless Man for Others. Congratulations to Lou and his family!

Lou returned to Aurora, IN where he married, worked as an electrician, raised a family and became an active member of the local community. Fast-forward to 2016, when one of Lou’s former St. X classmates, George Wood ‘46, and Lou’s wife, Dottie Schipper, told St. Xavier that Lou had confided that Winter 2017

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2016 Fall Signing Day Caleb Anderson – Lacrosse – Furman University Blake Brockman – Swimming – Miami University Patrick Butkovich – Swimming – Florida State University Zachary Groene – Lacrosse – Lynn University Nicholas Hutchins – Rowing – University of Pennsylvania Grant House – Swimming – Arizona State University Trevor Kuncl – Baseball – George Washington Charles Leibson – Swimming – Princeton Luke Sobolewski – Swimming – NC State Gordon Wheeler – Swimming – Miami University

Grandparents Breakfast St. Xavier welcomed a record number of Class of 2020 Grandparents to the school to celebrate the 4th Annual Grandparents’ Communion Breakfast! Freshmen students were encouraged to invite their Grandparents to St. X and almost 500 students and Grandparents attended.

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The morning consisted of Mass celebrated by St. Xavier President Fr. Tim Howe SJ and was followed by a complimentary continental breakfast in the cafeteria. Freshmen then spent time with their Grandparents introducing them to new friends, touring the school some even making stops at the Spirit Shop and sharing with them their experiences at St. Xavier.

Fall Phonathon

More than 160 students participated in the fall phonathon. The students were dedicated, staying late to bring in as many donations as possible to raise support for the St. X Annual Fund! The phonathon raised $128,005 in pledges. This is $12,205 more than last fall. Thank you to all who pledged to the fund to support our students!

2016-17 Student Development Chairmen

Caleb Anderson, Austin Briggs, Matt Curoe, Quinn Earley, Josh Glaser, Joe Goslee, Carl Grimm, Matt Halas, Gage Hammann, Henry Haney, Sam Klare, Chase Merkel, Nick Moeller, Jay Nagle,Tyler Powell, Pete Rumpke, Matthew Sheeran, Jack Sherlock, Brandon Spiess, Alex Todd, Chase Tragesser, Connor Tragesser

Annual Canned Food Drive Feeds Thousands St. X students and the entire community worked hard and helped us surpass the 2016 Canned Food Drive goal of 165,000 pounds of food! Students, parents, and other members of our school community contributed to help 575 families who found themselves in need as well as filling the food pantries of 27 different social service agencies. Deliveries were also made to two Appalachian communities. This is a wonderful testament to our school spirit, and to our school motto of Men for and With Others.

As Greg Boyle, S.J. says “We need to go to the margins and stand at the margins with people in need.�

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X-celerate Your Giving Participate in St. Xavier’s new X-celerated Giving program and leverage today’s charitable dollars for significantly larger future gifts through the use of life insurance.

Leverage Today’s Dollars for Significant Impact

How Gifts of Life Insurance Work

Members of the St. Xavier Family are now able to participate in the new X-celerated Giving program that leverages today’s charitable dollars for significantly larger future gifts through use of life insurance. Those who are ages 40-55 are particularly good candidates for this program due to the combination of health and earning capacity factors.

If you are age 55 or younger, life insurance can be an optimal method for leveraging today’s dollars for a much more substantial future gift. This strategy is a simple and straightforward way to make a significant legacy impact on the students of St. X without the need to make changes to your other estate planning. Gifts of life insurance help St. X better plan for the future while giving you the opportunity to determine the ultimate purpose of your gift. Through a new accelerated underwriting program offered on a group basis to St. X alumni by Nationwide, you can make a life insurance gift of $100,000 or more by donating a fraction of that amount today.

Your generosity to St. Xavier ensures many more years of students standing arm in

How to Make a Life Insurance Gift •

Complete a life insurance application and name St. Xavier High School as the irrevocable owner and beneficiary.

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Participate in a phone interview to provide the needed information about your personal and medical history. The interview typically takes about 30 minutes.*

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Elect to make a 5-pay annual tax-deductible donation to St. X equal to the amount of the annual premiums.

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Upon your death—or that of both you and your spouse—the insurance policy benefits result in a gift to St. Xavier High School that serves as your enduring legacy to the St. X community.

arm, singing our Alma Mater with pride.

Benefits to You •

You receive an income-tax deduction for the contributions you make to St. Xavier each year to pay the policy premiums.

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You are able to create a significant impact on St. Xavier that might otherwise not be possible.

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You enjoy recognition for you generosity during your lifetime.

Contact Ed Franchi at 513-618-3229 or Andy Sweeny at 513-618-3262 for more information! *Based on the review of your medical history, you may need to complete an abbreviated paramedical exam to complete the life insurance application process. This exam may include height, weight, blood pressure, urine and blood samples, as well as an EKG.

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X-TRAVAGANZA 2017 X-Travaganza is an annual St. Xavier High School tradition, bringing together parents, alumni and friends of St. Xavier to enjoy fun events while supporting the students. X-Travaganza proceeds directly benefit all students by funding educational programs and co-curriculars that contribute to the students’ development as Men for Others.

Opening Party 2017: A REEL PARTY kicks off

and Mike Grause promise a glamorous and memorable event that

X-Travaganza weekend on Friday, March 10 with a casual evening

includes the Grand Raffle drawing for cash prizes of $20,000,

of food, drinks, music, raffles, baskets and exclusive Silent

$10,000 and $5,000—truly an exciting start to an evening of nonstop

Auction items. Held on the night before X-Travaganza each year,

AXtion! Cue the applause!

Opening Party is an informal opportunity to meet new friends, reconnect with fellow St. Xavier supporters and enjoy a premier

Both nights surround guests with X-ceptional decorations inspired

atmosphere that includes a performance from St. Xavier’s

by this year’s star-studded Hollywood theme. Our appreciation

acclaimed music groups. Opening Party Chairs Christine and

goes out to the hundreds of volunteers, donors and sponsors that

Dave Dauenhauer along with Co-Chairs Julie and Gary Shipley

make these unforgettable events possible. This collective

will produce a blockbuster evening!

generosity and enthusiasm creates a unique opportunity for fun and fellowship, with proceeds benefiting the young men of St.

X-Travaganza 2017: HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS – Lights, Camera, AXtion! rolls out the red carpet on

Xavier. Your support of X-Travaganza—whether attending an event, purchasing Grand Raffle tickets, donating gifts for the auctions,

Saturday, March 11, starting with Mass in the Chapel, followed by

volunteering and countless other roles—fulfills the long-standing

hors d’oeurves and a complimentary bar, Silent Auction bidding

tradition of student support by the St. X community.

on hundreds of exciting and unique items, and an elegant sit-down dinner. As the X-Travaganza Live Auction begins its run, the excitement builds as items—from coveted tickets to sporting and entertainment events, vacation packages, jewelry and one-of-

Make your reservations, purchase Grand Raffle Tickets online, please visit www.stxavier.org/xtravaganza.

a-kind experiences—move quickly to the lucky highest bidder!

X-Travaganza 2017 Chairs Lynne and Tom Donnelly and Shannon

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Vice President’s Message Tony Schad ’81

Without question you have heard about the incredible playoff run and state championship of our varsity football team. Our team endured a brutal schedule that was rated the toughest in the United States by USA Today. On top of that there were a multitude of injuries that challenged our team and the depth of its character. Then, of course, there were the five come from behind victories… three in overtime!

So many terrific storylines.

“We have young men involved in so many ways yet they continue to give back.”

There is a storyline of which you might not be aware. Each year more than 200 of our students give back to the school they love by giving of their time and talent to call alumni during our Fall Phonathon to raise money for the Annual Fund.

It’s not easy. They show up and work several hours a night over six evenings in the fall and three in the spring. They come after having been at school.

They come after having gone to a job after school.

They come after having done homework. They come after practice. They come and call and talk with alumni and ask our alumni to support our mission here at St. Xavier. It is a mission that these young men are understanding. We have young men involved in so many ways yet they continue to give back. They understand that one of the things that makes St. X strong is the support given back to our school by our alumni, parents and friends. By helping raise money for the Annual Fund they help support our academic and co-curricular programs.

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These dollars help support our faculty, staff and help fund our tuition assistance program.

So the storyline you may not have heard with regard to this year’s football team is that -for many of them- after having gone to school, then football practice is that they show up and make calls for phonathon before going home to do homework and then to bed. They give back even when it is not easy. So this year you might have heard names on radio or TV about the on the field feats of football players such as Quinn Earley, Carl Grimm, Nick Moeller, Pete Rumpke, Josh Glaser, Matt Curoe and Sam Klare. These guys are all Student Development Chairmen and they help lead our phonathon efforts. There are more young men that participate in everything from football to Mock Trial to the band that double their efforts and give back to the school even though it is not the easy thing to do.

This Fall these young men helped raise more than $128,000, so that they can support the efforts happening here on North Bend Road now and in the future. They get it. They understand on so

many levels the prayer they are so familiar with here at St. X. You know the words…teach us to be generous…teach us to serve you as you deserve… to give and not count the cost… to fight and not to heed the wounds… to toil and not to seek rest…to labor and not to ask for any reward.

The storyline is this... yes they won a state football championship… but if you think what they are being taught here at St. X is only about football you are wrong. These guys are champions on and off the field. They are growing into champions, leaders and Men for Others. Thank you gentlemen, because you epitomize what our efforts at St. Xavier are all about. And thank you to so many of you who continue to financially support these incredible young men through your support of the Annual Fund and X-Travaganza.

Alumni Profile

Marko Oroz ’07 Marko Oroz ’07

Most alumni first learn the motto Men for Others after they step into St. Xavier High School. But there are some grads that were born with Men for Others ingrained in their very DNA. After speaking with Marko Oroz ’07, you realize he was born a Man for Others and St. X merely gave him additional tools he needed to begin making a real difference in the world.

When Oroz was 12 years old, his family came to Cincinnati (June 2001) from war torn Bosnia.

His family’s path to Cincinnati involved a grueling refugee lottery process, Oroz taking English classes to be his family’s first translator and the parish of All Saints, specifically Christopher and Laura Parson’s sponsorship of his family.

After a transfer from the Academy of World Languages to All Saints as a 7th grader, Oroz set his sights on St. Xavier. His transition to St. X was not smooth. “My entrance exam score was not great,” he explained. “But the good people at St. X saw something in me and gave me a chance.” He made the most of that chance by going on the Peru Mission Trip, traveling to Barcelona as a Spanish Exchange Student and becoming part of the soccer team, which was his favorite sport in Bosnia. Oroz

focused on AP classes and political science classes as he hoped to become a foreign diplomat.

Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service was next for Oroz. There Oroz was introduced to the Silicon Valley approach/entrepreneurship and realized he wanted to help others apply existing technology to create solutions versus entering the political world of foreign diplomacy. So his next step was a job at Deloitte and Touche Consulting in Business Operations/Management. Oroz met two friends at Deloitte who shared his passion for international development and were also looking for service opportunities. They began to brainstorm ways to take their passion for international development and use available Deloitte resources.

After a year of presentations to executives, Oroz and his friends founded D2 International. D2 International allowed Deloitte employees to select an international non-governmental organization (NGO) trying to make a difference and work with them on a pro bono basis. D2 members would work on their own time –nights and weekends – solving real life global issues.

The first year D2 accepted 150 applications for 25 spots and worked on an NGO project to teach Guatemalan women basic business skills, modeled after Oroz’s St. Xavier Peru mission trip experience.

D2’s success enabled Oroz to return to Bosnia.

Oroz and D2 had the opportunity to help a program that would take promising Bosnian kids with social impact-oriented mindsets and teach them how to become entrepreneurs. The program was implemented, but had no one to oversee it, so Oroz took a sabbatical and spent six months overseeing the program. The result: 3,000 kids applied and in June 2016 the first round of 10 kids presented their ideas to investors.

After Bosnia, Oroz left Deloitte to begin work for an organization he became familiar with during

his D2 work: Refugee Open Ware (ROW). ROW’s mission is to use Silicon Valley concepts to redefine humanitarian aid and international development.

ROW applies their business model to the Middle East specifically in direct conflict zones like Syria, neighboring countries like Turkey, Jordan and big resettlement areas like Germany and Netherlands.

ROW is currently using 3D printers to provide temporary prosthetics for refugee children waiting for permanent prosthetics and providing entrepreneurial space for refugees to learn business skills, essential for workforce development.

Oroz is now based in Istanbul, Turkey and his

“You have to understand, St. X put me on the map and enabled me to establish my trajectory. first task for ROW is to build a Greece innovation center for refugees and to work on helping a group called The White Helmets. The White Helmets are first responders to airstrikes or bombings in Syria. Syrian buildings are cement- based, not wood based, so digging to find survivors is a terrifying and painstaking process. ROW hopes to help The White Helmets use Western technology solutions /techniques coupled with the simple tools they currently use to rescue victims quickly and safely.

After all this, Marko Oroz still credits St. Xavier with his overall success. He said, “You have to understand, St. X put me on the map and enabled me to establish my trajectory.” Spoken like a true Man for Others.

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Alumni Profile

Steve Torbeck ’87 Steve, his wife Lynne and their children Jack, Riley and Alex.

Having a history of regular giving and a member of the Loyola Club, Alumnus Steve Torbeck ’87 was someone we wanted to check in with to see if he could share why contributing to St. Xavier High School is important to him.

Tell us a little bit about yourself – your family, where you grew up, college attended and what you are doing now?

My wife, Lynne, and I have lived in the Philadelphia area for 21 years and we have two sons (ages 17 and 15) and one daughter (age 13). I grew up in College Hill and am the youngest of my parents’ nine children. I attended Georgetown University on an Army ROTC scholarship and after graduating from Georgetown I was hired by Goldman Sachs where I have worked for my entire career.

Describe your years at St. X and how it formed you as an individual.

Entering freshman year I was both excited and scared to attend St. X. Excited because I knew that it was great school and scared because I wasn’t sure if I could handle the challenging academics.

The demanding academic environment helped me learn that hard work pays dividends. Realizing that I was able to succeed IF I put in the time and effort was a great lesson for me. In addition to learning the benefits of hard work, the “Men

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for Others” concept is something that impacts every student. I heard the words Men for Others, but it didn’t really resonate with me until I was at Georgetown. But once you are exposed to the concept you are consciously, or sub-consciously, impacted by it for the rest of your life as I was.

Who were you favorite teachers and give an example of why they were your favorite?

I am reluctant to choose only a few because so many teachers had a meaningful impact on me.

That said, Patricia Culley and Paul Hendrick are the teachers I have thought about the most over the years. I just learned that Patricia Culley passed away recently. English was far from my favorite subject, but both of them made an effort to get to know me and encouraged me to think.

You’ve been a consistent donor to St. X and have been a Loyola Club member for 4+ years. Why is this important to you?

Being fortunate enough to attend St. X had a positive impact on so many areas of my life.

The St. X experience really “moved the needle” for me in significant ways so I knew that if St. X could do that for me, it could do it for others.

I was able to meet the student I was donating for, attend his graduation and meet his parents which was a really special experience. I’m looking forward to meeting my new freshman student at the Loyola Club lunch this spring.

What would you say about your involvement with the Loyola Club to encourage others to also give back?

As we have all heard many times, when you help someone you often benefit as much or more from the experience than the person you are helping.

This statement is certainly true of my experience as a Loyola Club member. If you are in a position to help a young man who otherwise might not be able to attend St. X, the impact that your support will have on him will certainly “move the needle” in his life, and probably in your life even more. I cannot say it enough - you receive so much more back that you are even giving.

Leadership in Many Forms Update on Goal Two: Expanding Leadership Opportunities The St. Xavier Strategic Plan- For the Greater Good was introduced to the community in 2012.

The plan is a roadmap for the school to follow as well as move forward and continue excelling as one of the finest schools in the country. Great strides have been made towards all six goals including Goal Two, which challenged the school to prepare a comprehensive student leadership plan that embraces and serves the diverse student body and is integrated with the current pillars of The Graduate at Graduation.

Leadership has been a staple of St. Xavier High School. Opportunities at St. Xavier catapult a young man into a lifetime of leadership.

Typical roles as captain, director, leader, chair and president of clubs and co-curriculars have been around for a long time. Certain activities, sports or student council are obvious, but others like Bomber Pilot (senior home room leader), Liturgical Music or student broadcaster open doors for a leadership role. Often a student will encapsulate a true leader by serving in a variety of capacities.

With the strategic plan, the school has constructed a plan to offer a multitude of leadership opportunities for more students. Lucas Schroeder,

Assistant Principal for Student Services, facilitates, spearheads and oversees the program on campus.

“To foster the St. Xavier mission of forming leaders and Men for Others, we recognize that a student will continue to grow as a leader long after he leaves the halls of St. Xavier. In that vein, we endeavor to provide as many developmentally appropriate opportunities for our students to “try on” leadership,” said Schroder. “These opportunities often align with the student’s individual passions; in addition they provide avenues for them to form meaningful relationships with the adults who coach them to be better leaders for and with their peers.”

EXAMPLES OF LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT ST. XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL

• Student Council • CFD Leader • NHS Leadership • Phonathon • X-Act • Open House Guides • Crew/Navigator/Bomber Pilot

Students like Chase Tragesser, who leads the Marching Bombers as the Field Commander, serves as a member of the Senior Developement Leadership Team and is a Bomber Pilot, appreciate the variety and depth of the leadership program at St. Xavier.

• Men in Black

“Even with the size of St. X, there are so many opportunities to lead and make a name for yourself,” said Chase. “I was able to get out of my comfort zone and take charge of activities by emulating the leaders that came before me. I know I will feel confident to be a leader in the future.”

• Kairos Leader

• TX Crew Head/Director • X-Men Leadership Council • Blueprint Editor • X-Ray Editor • Kairos Support • Club Leader • Mission Trip • Intramural Team Captain • HAC Core Team • Community Service Leadership

During last year’s Senior Exit Survey, students were asked for the first time to consider the phrase “I have seen qualities of leadership emerge in me during my time at St. Xavier.” As a response, 97% of respondents answered either “Strongly Agree” (62%) or “Agree” (35%).

• Marching, Pep Band • ESPX Broadcasting • SSID Director • Peer Tutoring • Leadership Team • Liturgical Music

In the spirit of Ignatian reflection, we will continue this dialogue of how we foster leadership, how well we’re doing, and how we can do it better and continue to produce young men that are leaders in the community, serving others in the spirit of St. Ignatius.

• Campus Ministry • Athletic Team Captain • Athletic Manager

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Season of Champions It has never been done at St. Xavier… three state championship teams in one season. This fall the Golf, Water Polo and Football teams made history by becoming the best of their craft in the state. The school now has 53 total OHSAA State Titles and 12 championships in non-OHSAA sanctioned sports.

“It was a dream come true to hoist the state championship trophy with my team. It made me realize that the conditioning, the early morning practices and the hard work were all worth it.”

Jeffrey Hopkins, Football Captain

“The adversity we faced as a team and the determination we showed to become champions says a lot about each and every one of the guys on the team. We fight hard and never quit.”

Sean Clifford, Football Captain

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FOOTBALL The 2016 St. Xavier Bombers capped off their wild postseason run by beating St. Ignatius in double overtime by a score of 27-20 to capture the OHSAA Division I State Championship. It was the third overtime win of the postseason for the Bombers as they beat Colerain and Sycamore in overtime as well. The win gave the school its 3rd OHSAA Division I Football State Title and the school’s 53rd overall OHSAA State Title, which ties St. Edwards for the all time lead in Ohio.

St. Xavier lost to St. Ignatius in Week 9 by a score of 31-14 to drop to 4-5 on the season but did not lose another game as they won 6 straight games to finish the season. Needing a win in Week 10 to earn a berth in the playoffs, they beat Louisville St. Xavier 28-3 and then went on the road to Fairfield in the 1st round of the playoffs and won 35-14. They beat #1 Colerain in the 2nd round and then beat Sycamore in the Regional Finals. In the State Semifinals, they beat Pickerington Central with a game winning field goal in the final minutes of the game, 29-27.

The State Final game was one to remember as the Bombers were down 10-0 at halftime but battled back to eventually take a 17-10 lead. The Wildcats would score on a 4th down play with under a minute left to force the game into overtime. After each team traded field goals in the 1st overtime, St. Xavier scored a touchdown and stopped St. Ignatius in the 2nd overtime to win. This win was the Bombers 3rd state championship of the program.

St. Xavier High School Magazine Winter 2017

WATER POLO

“The water polo team was naturally driven to be the best team in the state on all levels, and as captains of a team that already had the will to win, all we had to do was keep the goal in mind.”

The St. Xavier Water Polo program was reinstated 6 years ago as a club sport and has grown exponentially. Last year, the Bombers won the State Championship giving the school its first Water Polo Title since 1979.

This year, the St. Xavier Water Polo team was led by a group of seniors who helped grow the sport, which now has more than 50 student athletes. It was a very successful regular season for the program as they posted an overall 70-44-4 record.

Charles Leibson, Water Polo Captain

The State Championship was held at Mason High School and the Bombers were seeded #7 in the tournament and faced the #10 seed Mason Comets in the first game on Friday afternoon. St. Xavier rolled to a 20-6 win over the host school to advance to the Quarterfinals and then faced off against the #2 seeded Upper Arlington Golden Bears taking the game by a final score of 11-6 to advance.

St. Xavier faced Thomas Worthington in the semi final game and played 24 student athletes in the 16-6 win to advance to the finals. The Bombers played the tournament in honor of Charles Keating, IV, a Navy Seal who was killed in action in Iraq, and a win in the State Championship game was the goal. St. Xavier faced St. Charles and Bomber Nation was out in full force to support the Water Polo Bombers. It was a tight game but St. Xavier pulled out the win by a score of 13-11 to claim their 2nd Straight State Championship.

GOLF “I will always remember the fun memories and laughs with my teammates that we shared off the course. Realizing that I had a positive effect on the way my peers immersed themselves in the spirit of the St. X golf team is priceless and something I will hold with me forever.”

Kevin McAuliffe, Golf Captain

“A state championship is a culmination of the effort and sacrifice made by the players, coaches, administration, and alumni involved. The communal drive of the program provides those involved, including myself, an indescribable gratification and satisfaction for all that has been accomplished as a member of back to back state championship winning seasons.”

Zachary Pavlin, Golf Captain

The 2016 Varsity Golf team started the season with very high expectations after the 2015 team won the State Championship.

They lived up to those expectations during the season as they won 15 tournaments and secured the GCL Championship for the second straight season. They won the Sectional title and came in second at the District tournament to qualify for the State Tournament.

Normally, the OHSAA State Championship is decided by two 18-hole rounds on the Scarlet Course at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. However, with driving rain on Friday and the course too wet to play, the tournament was cut to one 18 hole round on Saturday. With so many great teams at the tournament, the Bombers knew they needed to have a stellar day to get the job done. Junior Cameron Frazier led the team by recording a one under round of 71. His round included five birdies and one eagle where he holed out from 125 yards on the Par 5 fourth hole. Frazier’s 71 was good enough to be co-medalist of the tournament, the first ever St. Xavier player to tie for 1st individually. His classmate, Michael Prebles, turned in a round of 76, which included 2 birdies. Seniors Zachary Pavlin and John Robertson both turned in rounds of 78. Junior Garrett Madden turned in the 5th score for the Bombers of 88 in a round where he had 2 birdies. The top four scores are counted and with a 71, 76, 78, 78 St. Xavier scored a team total of 303. It was the first time in the program’s 41 appearances at the State Tournament that all four scores broke 80.

St. Charles turned in a 307 and Dublin Jerome turned in a 308 making the Bombers’ the 2016 OHSAA Division I State Champions making them the first repeat champions since Dublin Jerome did it in 2012 and 2013. It is St. Xavier’s fifth State Title.

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Student Spotlight Samuel H. Klare ’17 epitomizes the St. Xavier Graduate at Graduation. He is a varsity athlete, playing both football and baseball as well as leading the student body as a Senior Development Leadership Chairman and serving as a senior leader as a Bomber Pilot. He is a true Man for Others and has been a peer tutor as well as a volunteer with Saturday Morning Service, People Working Cooperatively, Habitat for Humanity, Kidd Adult Center and Broken Bus Ministry. He excels in the classroom as well taking AP Biology, AP Physics I, BC Calculus, AP Government, and Linear Algebra as well as Accelerated Chemistry and Accelerated Spanish and is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Foreign Language Society. He has many relatives in the Long Blue Line including his dad John Jr. ’82, brother John ’15 and all of his uncles and cousins: Andy ’87, Dan ’85, Bob ’83, Jake ’13, Ben ’14, Danny ’16 and Drew ’18.

Why did you choose to attend St. X? I decided to attend St. X because of my upbringing and long family history with the school. My entire childhood was spent cheering for St. X and learning to love the school that my dad and all of my uncles attended. When it came time to make the decision to come to St. X, it was with relative ease and comfort that I decided to come here.

It was the only school I shadowed and I knew it would be the right place for me. While my family played a huge role in my decision,

I also loved the atmosphere of the school—students pushing each other in all areas with love and creating well-rounded, holistic individuals. I wanted to be challenged academically as well as athletically, and St. X offered the perfect school to accomplish these goals.

Tell us about your involvement at St. X. Being involved in a wide variety of activities has shaped me into the person I am today. My involvement in different areas of the school has taught me that not one aspect of your life can dominate, you must be a complete individual with many experiences. Athletic ability does not make a person great. Intellect does not make a person great. Dedication to community service does not make a person great. Committing yourself to helping your peers does not make a person great.

You need to be as flexible and able as possible in all areas of life to be successful, and being involved in an array of activities has helped me to see this.

Additionally, my involvement has taught me the valuable lesson that all things are connected. It has shown me that no matter what someone does at St. X, they are still a part of the Long Blue Line, and no matter how different people may seem at the surface, we all share common threads. Finally, I have learned in all of my activities that nothing is ever just handed to you. Everything you get must be worked for and earned.

What words of wisdom do you have for future Bombers?

The biggest advice I can give to any individual who will attend St. X is to get involved early and

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don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Coming to such a massive school can seem daunting for many, but future Bombers need to remember that they are not alone. Everyone is in the same boat, and everyone is there to help each other out.

While trying new activities and getting involved can be scary, it is the best and easiest way to make lasting friendships.

The other advice I would give to future Bombers is to not fall behind. The work load and time required to be successful at St. X is very manageable if you use your time wisely and be proactive.

What is the St. X Advantage?

I believe the St. X Advantage is the way in which the faculty, and school as a whole, form boys as freshmen into men by graduation. At St. X, there are many resources for help and aide, but the faculty puts the responsibility on the student.

In grade school teachers walk side by side the students making sure they do not fall off track.

At St. X, the students have great responsibility, whether it is in how they spend their free bells, seeking the help of teachers when they are struggling, or making the right choices when using off campus privilege as a senior.

Because the responsibility is handed over from the teachers to the students as your time at X lengthens, the boys who sat in the gym at orientation are men as they walk across the stage at graduation, ready to move on to college.

Faculty Focus Henry T. Ahrens ’87, Hank when he was a student, has been a faculty member at St. Xavier since 1997. He came to St. Xavier to fill in for a teacher that had suddenly passed away and has stayed for the last 19 years. Mr. Ahrens has taught English I and English III, as well as Contemporary Short Story, Non-Fiction, Shakespeare, and AP English Literature. This is his third year as chair of the English department. During his tenure, he has been involved with the Kairos program, serving on the board and most recently serving as a faculty director. He is one of the instructors for the freshman Study Skills classes in the summer, and the SAT Prep classes, and he helps moderate the Young Conservatives Club. Mr. Ahrens also coached Bomber soccer for fifteen years, thirteen of those as head coach (2000-2012). His father, Thomas Ahrens, graduated in ’55, and brother, Ben Ahrens is a ’93 graduate.

“There is not one endeavor at St. X where mediocrity is acceptable. Whether it’s academics, sports, spirituality, community service, etc., St. X students, faculty, administration, and staff expect the best.”

What has been the constant in the St. X educational experience?

As a student and as a teacher, I see the emphasis on critical thinking as a constant, always in the context of Catholicism. It is what I valued most as a student—that I am a unique person, formed in God’s image, capable of thinking for myself.

That’s behind all of my teaching in every English class.

What is the most rewarding about being part of the St. Xavier community?

It is very rewarding to be a part of an institution that strives for the magis in everything it does.

There is not one endeavor at St. X where mediocrity is acceptable. Whether it’s academics, sports, spirituality, community service, etc., St. X students, faculty, administration, and staff expect the best. That doesn’t guarantee perfect results, but it does mean that we always push ourselves to be the best we can be, which I find very inspiring.

Your son is a current student.

What have you noticed as a parent and faculty member about his experience?

Cura personalis still drives this school. My son is not just becoming a good student; he is becoming a good person, and that is due to the people that surround him in this challenging but loving environment. I am confident the same will be true for my sons Patrick ’22, and Daniel ’26.

How would you describe the St. Xavier Advantage?

St. X has a white collar reputation, but it really is a blue collar place. Everyone here works very hard every day to become better in all aspects of life.

Any other thoughts or comments?

I feel blessed that St. X has been such a formative part of my life and now my sons’ lives as well.

Winter 2017

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Alumni X-Cerpts 40’s ’40 Bill Frieling turned 94 this past May 25.

Class of ’61 Each year the Cincinnati Bar

50’s

Association hosts a Senior Counselors’ Luncheon, which honors members that are 75 or older or have been in practice for 50 years. This year they had quite a few Senior Counselors that had all graduated from St. Xavier in 1961.

’57 Judge John P. O’Connor After 43 years as a trial judge in Cincinnati, Judge John P. O’Connor has retired. He was elected and reelected at least once as a judge of the Hamilton County Municipal Court, the Hamilton County Juvenile Court, and the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas. After leaving elected office he served as a mediator and as an assigned-visiting judge in Southwestern Ohio.

60’s ’60 Hal Klink will retire from US Bank after 52 years of employment. He taught for 30 years at UC and received an award for Top 100 Cincinnatians in 2016. He will continue to serve on 7 boards and has volunteered for United Way for 30+years. He enjoys spending time with his two daughters and four grandsons.

Class of ‘61 - Cincinnati Bar Association

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St. Xavier High School Magazine Winter 2017

’64 John D. Rees recently had his book My Life: John D. Rees’s Four Decade Career in Corrections published.

’66 Edward S. Thompson is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and has been awarded the Helen Lamb Outstanding Educator Award by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. ’69 Dick Ferguson retired in December 2014 after 41.5 years at the University of Dayton.

He went back to school in 2016 to become a licensed massage therapist.

Edward S. Thompson ’66

’69 Randy Overbeck served as President-Elect for the 20,000 member ORTA (Ohio Retired Teachers Association) and became ORTA President in October.

John D. Rees ‘64

News from the Long Blue Line

70’s

80’s

’73 Gary Gruber has been named president

’85 Paul F. Sand was promoted this summer to Assistant Professor at Motlow State Community College, where he teaches Mechatronics, an engineering technology course of study that combines electronics, mechanics and computer science (mainly programmable logic controller) into one program. He retired from the Air Force in 2011.

and chief operating officer of Great American Insurance. Gruber has been executive vice president for the Great American Property and Casualty Insurance Group since 2010. He also serves as a member of Great American’s board of directors and recently served on the board of National Interstate Corp. prior to its merger with Great American Insurance. Gruber has spent about 40 years with the company and he will be the 17th president in Great American’s 145 years of operation. Gruber is a University of Cincinnati graduate. He is also a member of the board of trustees for St. Xavier High School and the Athenaeum of Ohio.

’86 Brian Sullivan started his own marketing and communications consultancy, Lost Art Communications.

’87 Matt Moran and his wife, Mary Cosgrove Moran, recently moved to Buffalo, NY with their two girls, Angelina, 5 and Caitlin, 4.

Moran is a Senior Director of Investment Only Sales covering the Northeast market for Principal.

Gary Gruber ’73

Senator Eric Kearney ’81 visited with students to discuss race and politics.

Matt Moran ’87

Winter 2017

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90’s

00’s

10’s

’97 David Wiltse has won the Department

’00 Joe Hartkemeyer was named Director of Junior Tennis at Western Tennis & Fitness Club.

’10 Tom O’Gorman is a professional race car

of Defense Distinguished Civilian Award, highest honor a civilian can receive at the Department of Defense. The award was presented on November 3, 2016 at the Pentagon. Wiltse is Chief of Staff for International Security Affairs in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

’01 Nathan Powers opened a dental practice in Mariemont Square. ’02 Hank Davis was added to the Cincinnati office of Cushman & Wakefield as an investment sales broker focusing on the sale of retail properties in Cincinnati.

’03 Neil Sehgal is now a USPTA-certified professional tennis coach. ’06 Liam Cronin represented PETA on ESPN for a discussion regarding live animal mascots. ’08 Walt Gibler was named one of the 2016 30 under 30 for Coldwell Banker. ’08 Greg Scruggs was signed as a TE for the New England Patriots this Fall. ’08 D. Bryant Ross earned his Juris Doctor (JD) from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and has been admitted to the Illinois Bar.

’09 Joey Nurre marched in The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the Breakfast Clown Brigade. His costume required him to dress as a piece of toast!

David Wiltse ’97

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St. Xavier High School Magazine Winter 2017

Andrew Branch ’11

driver who swept the weekend at Road America in rounds 7 and 8 of the championships with two first place finishes in June.

’11 Andrew Branch is a software engineer in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Group at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. He recently participated in an Arctic expedition aboard the German research icebreaker, RV Polarstern. The purpose of Andrew’s work was to observe the deployment and operation of an autonomous under-ice vehicle searching for life sustaining hydrothermal vents on the deep ocean floor. Using the knowledge gained during this expedition, Andrew will start development work on an AI system to autonomously command and control a submarine robot that will search for extraterrestrial life in the subsurface oceans of an icy moon in our outer solar system.

’12 Tywan Wade offered the student commencement speech at The George Washington University this past May. ’12 Charles English was named player of the week for Capital University Football this past October. ’12 Sean Ahern led the Harvard football team as captain this year.

News from the Long Blue Line

WEDDINGS Salcido Michael Salcido ’03 married Carolyn De Voto on January 2, 2016 in San Franciso, CA.

Mouch Donald Mouch ’03, and his wife, Mary Kate, were married back in April in Chicago with a number of alumni in attendance. In the picture left to right are: Nick Owen ’07, Dan Phillips ’03, Trevor Kramer ’03, Matthew McQueary ’03, Donald Mouch ’03, Evan Schanz ’11, Douglas Mouch ’10, Jack Schanz ’13, Max Bierman ’10.

Donald Mouch ’03

Ellerhorst Andrew Ellerhorst ’05 was married this past September in Cleveland, OH. Three generations of Ellerhorsts and Mike McGraw ’73 are pictured.

Ruther Nick Ruther ’04 married Bonnie Latrielle in Washington, DC on September 2, 2016.

Andrew Ellerhorst ’05

Kruse Dan Kruse ’88 took time from his wedding reception to get a picture with a number of Bomber grads! Pictured from the class of 1988: Steve Schuermann, Matt Fischer, Don Huesman, Mike Donnelly, Rick Berger, Rusty Sicking, Eric Roessler, Tom Glennon, and Trey Lafkas; From the class of 1985: Jim Banks; From the class of 1992: Tim Kruse; From the class of 1962: Hank Willig and Jerry Schuermann Dan Kruse ’88

Nick Ruther ’04

Winter 2017

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BIRTHS

IN MEMORIAM

Schmidtz

1932

Louis G. MEINERS

1952

Hal G. ECKARD

Ryan Schmidtz ’05 and his wife, Gina, welcomed their first child, Caroline Florence, on October 22, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

1936

Elmer J. GRUBER

1952

Kenneth R. KNIPPER

1940

Joseph B. KROGER

1952

Raymond G. ZOLLER

1941

John E. CRONIN

1953

Joseph J. DONOVAN

1943

William CREED

1953

Glenn R. LAWRENCE

1943

Robert FELTHAUS

1953

Paul A. MOLONY

Neiheisel

1944

Glenn H. PAULY

1953

Charles B. PIEPER JR.

Craig Neiheisel ’01 and his wife, Amy, recently had a baby boy, Max Edward Neiheisel.

1945

Donald C. FISCHER

1954

Daniel D. LIST

1945

John W. NURRE

1954

John S. MULVIHIL JR.

1945

Edward J. WHELAN

1955

Carl F. BRAUN

1946

Theodore J. McGORON

1955

Robert G. QUEENAN

1946

John F. POPKEN JR.

1956

Alan F. FROEHLE

1946

James THAMAN

1956

Warren G. ROSENDAHL

1946

Frank VOLPENHEIN

1957

Lou GASTRIGHT JR.

1947

J. James DILWORTH

1959

Frederick D. WINTERHALTER

1947

Joseph L. ECKERT III

1960

Kenneth J. CZILLINGER

1947

Denis SCHMIEDEKE

1967

Paul J. RUTTERER

Castellini

1948

Donald H. JANSEN

1968

Mark T.OKANO

Ted Castellini ’00 and his wife, Lauren, welcomed twins, Nora and Baret, in July.

1949

Harry FAGEDES

1971

William J. DIRR JR.

1950

Richard A. CASTELLINI SR.

1971

Stephen M. STRAUS

1950

Fred E. LUEBBE JR.

1977

John R. BILLINGSLEY

1950

Robert D. OBERSCHMIDT

1977

Michael J. HARRINGTON

1950

Richard A. RATERMAN

1978

Jon N. KEMPER

1951

Daniel D. LAVELY

1980

R. Roush VANCE

1952

Robert C. CETRULO

Kamen Ted Kamen ’03, and his wife, Beth, welcomed daughter Abigail Elizabeth Kamen on September 10, 2016.

Kuhn Brian Kuhn ’96 and his wife, Christine, welcomed their 4th child, Paige Elizabeth Kuhn, on January 3, 2016.

Grand Reunion Weekend Bombers from the classes of 1971, 76, 81, 86, 91, 96, 2001 and 2006 gathered to celebrate the Grand Reunion in late October. Alumni enjoyed a Montgomery Inn lunch, followed by a tailgate, and then watched the Bombers versus the St. Ignatius Wildcats.

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X-Peditions On the globe, the long blue line is the equator. In St. X parlance, the Long Blue Line of alumni and student body appears all over the globe. Bomber blue turns up all over the map and we want the evidence. Send us your pictures wearing St. Xavier High School gear or hoisting a copy of St. Xavier magazine at an exotic locale or local landmark. Maybe a picture of Bombers at the Pyramids of Egypt or posing at the Pit. Either way, let us know where you’ve been displaying your X pride. Send your high-resolution digital images to bschulte@stxavier.org or mail prints to Becky Schulte c/o St. Xavier magazine, 600 W. North Bend Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45224.

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1. Nick Gerdes ’16 got a surprising drink bottle at the snack bar while visiting the Pompeii, Italy ruins in July 2015. 2. Mike Thompson ‘84 went to meet Bruce Springsteen at Joseph Beth Bookstore this past November. He turned The Boss into a fan of St. X and said he is “ready.” 3. Mark Siegmundt ’80 and Lindsay Siegmundt celebrate Clemson’s 37-34 win at Florida State! 4. Rick Porotsky ’89 visited the glacial lagoon, Jokulsarlon, in southeast Iceland with his current St X son, Brent ’17 and the three younger ones will follow in their footsteps: Aaron ’21, Billy ’24, and Cole ’29! 5. Bob Muehlenkamp ’61, Bill Eastlake ’61 and Bob Mackey ’61 gathered for their annual two weeks of fly fishing the wilds of Idaho.

6. Tim Storer ’89 at Plaza de la Revolución in Havana, Cuba, during a church mission trip in July 2016.

While there he was able to work with disabled children, work in the pineapple fields and witness the growing Christian home church movement throughout the country. 7. Jay Schuermann ’68 traveled to Monaco and snapped this photo following visits to Nice, Antibes, Cannes , San Tropez and Cassis in the south of France as well.

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1. Jack White ’13 (left) with his father Brendan White ’83 at the summit of Mt. Rainier after a 3 day climb. 2.

Alums Alex Murtha ’16 and his brother, Spence Murtha ’18 traveled to Canada and took this photo on a mountaintop at Banff National Park in Canada. 3. George Morrison IV ’10, John Lewnard ’12 and Tom Lewnard ’80 preparing to race in the Ohio Valley Cyclocross season finale in Indianapolis. 4. Pictured (L to R) are John Brannan ’83, Jay Brannan ’14, Jim Riegert ’88 and Jake Riegert ’17 at Wembley Stadium in London, UK to watch the RedskinsBengals game on October 30, 2016. 5. Michael Kessler ’09 trekked to Mt. Everest Base Camp at 17,500 ft elevation as well as a peak above that at 18,500 ft. He plans to be summiting Kilimanjaro next year. 6. Mitchell Lanzit ’13 (Miami University), Drew Bolubasz ’11 (University Of Dayton), John Lewnard ’12 (University of Cincinnati) and Mark Gruenbacher ’12 (University of Cincinnati) and David Berno ’12 (Notre Dame) participated in the USA Triathlon National Championship at Clemson University on April 23, 2016. 7. Nick Seifert ’16 celebrates X’s state win at Notre Dame.

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X-Peditions

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1. Mike Dehring ’88 ran the Indianapolis marathon and placed 47th overall with a time of 2:45. (L to R: Caitlin, Aidan ’27, Mike ’88, Colin ’25). 2. Noah, grandson of Paul Zook ’57 and posing with the Bomb Squad, served as good luck charm for the football playoffs this year. 3. Paul Sand ’85 and his family vacationed in Yellowstone from July 18-25. 4. Trent Wenker ’16, Kyle Wenker ’08, Evan Wenker ’06 and John Wenker ’76 traveled this past summer to Montana and Wyoming and grabbed a picture at the Grand Tetons. 5. John Niehaus ’69 showed his Bomber spirit Hiking Kings Canyon in the Outback Australia. 6. This past August in Delaware, OH four St. X alumni competed in the Ironman and all finished the race in under 7 hours. (L to R) Doug Mouch ’10, Andrew Tiemeier ’07, Max Bierman ’10 and Donald Mouch ’03.

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X-Peditions

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1. This past October, at the 35th annual Fairview Farm Trapshoot in Vevay, Indiana, Pete Henkel ’75 took 1st place in the Masters Division. But rather than add to his trophy collection in the background, ‎he donated his to the winner of the Novice Division – not because it was his nephew, Alex Henkel, but because he is a “Man for Others”! Left to Right: John Fries ’75, Mike Russell ’75, Pete Henkel, event host Terry Deters ’75. 2. Luis Gonzalez ’74 hosted the St. X Nogales, AZ summer mission trip students/chaperones as they traveled back to Cincinnati. The students worked with a Jesuit mission to provide aide to migrants along the border. Students left to right: Conor Lovell ’17, Hank Gerhardt ’17, Ben Jones ’17, Jack Williams ’17, Andrew Jones ’17, Christian Conde ’17, Harris Beckmeyer ’17, JP Brenner ’17, Kai Buendia ’17, Connor Yauss ’17. Back row: J K Klaiber, Rachel Kohler and Luis Gonzalez ’74 3. Matt Jacob and Kevin Wolf, both class of 2006, spent 5 days last May on a trek through the Andes Mountains that ended with a hike to the Incan city of Machu Picchu and to the top of neighboring Machu Picchu mountain. 4. Jim Devanney ’65 traveled to Egypt in March and visited the Karnak Temple in Luxor. The other X supporter in the photo is Ramses II. 5. Several St. X grads and students were the Beckett Ridge Swim Team 2016 Tri-County Swim League Champions! Pictured: Coach Nathan Jonas ’16, coach Ben Bueter ’13, coach Ethan Ecker ’16, and Lucas Ecker ’20 6. Connor Kelly ’33 – son of David Kelly ’02, nephew of Jay Kelly ’98, Patrick Kelly ’00, Sean Kelly ’02 and Chris Aluise ’00 – suited up in October to sub in for the football Bombers if needed. 7. Matt Hott ’04 sent in this photo of future St. X Bomber Michael Hott ’31 at the St. X vs Colerain September football game.

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St. Xavier High School Magazine Winter 2017

1. Congressman Brad Wenstrup ’76 attended a dinner in Cleveland with Rep. Steve Chabot, Speaker Paul Ryan, the Cleveland Browns owner at the Browns stadium. On the way home, Wenstrup and Chabot, a LaSalle grad, listened to the St. X vs. La Salle football game. Wenstrup took a selfie while they were listening to the game.

2. Chris Stoll ’00 and Tim Stoll ’98 met Luke Kuechly ’09 at a fundraiser and brought their St. X Alumni Magazine in case they got a chance to show their Bomber pride.

3. 2009 alums Patrick Reagan, Trever Hoelker and Joe Nurre met up with classmate Luke Kuechly after the Sunday, November 6, Carolina Panthers vs. LA football game.

Pictured are Patrick Reagan, Trever Hoelker, Luke Kuechly and Joe Nurre. 4. Jerry Byrd ’67, his wife Pam and 2 other couples spent 11 days trekking the Alps through France, Italy and Switzerland on what is referred to as the Tour De Mont Blanc. Attached is a picture of Jerry and Pam taken in Champex, Switzerland. 5. RJ Fredenburgh ’18 had the honor of meeting US Representative Brad Wenstrup ’76 this summer on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC while lobbying for mental health issues with his step-father.

X-Peditions What is up? You can let us know in a variety of ways–send a photo for our X-Peditions feature or tell fellow Bombers about your wedding, a recent move, your latest promotion, a family addition, your retirement or other news via the Alumni X-cerpts pages. Just fill out and send in the form below. We’re looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Mail the form to: St. Xavier High School (Magazine), 600 W. North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224 Fax: 513-761-2586 or E-mail: bschulte@stxavier.org

Name St. Xavier Class Year Home address

City State

Zip

Home Phone Cell Phone E-mail Address Business Firm Your Position Business Address

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Work Phone Spouse’s Name Maiden College(s) Attended/Degree(s) Earned Year(s) Graduated News About You

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Everything But The House Do you have extra furniture filling your rooms?

So many decorative items collected over the years that every horizontal surface and wall feels full?

Do you have items in closets that you have been meaning to donate but just had not found a convenient time or a meaningful cause? Whether you are de-cluttering, downsizing, resizing or just want to simplify your life with less “stuff,”

Your donations to the St. X/EBTH online auction – big or small, one item or many – can help make a life-changing St. Xavier education possible for young men now and in the years to come!

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your donations to the upcoming St. Xavier/ EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE Online Auction can turn those unneeded items into funds to benefit the students of St. Xavier High School!

We are partnering with EVERYTHING BUT THE HOUSE (EBTH) to make this happen.

EBTH is a successful online auction company that can turn donations from the St. X community into funds for tuition assistance. We are seeking donations of furniture, art, designer handbags and accessories, china, crystal, pottery, lamps, rugs, silver, jewelry, coins, rare books, quilts, tools, musical instruments, antiques – even cars – anything that can be sold can generate proceeds to benefit St. Xavier students.

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St. Xavier High School is proud to offer an outstanding education to deserving students throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. With the unparalleled support from the St. X community, 40% of our students receive tuition assistance, totaling more than $3.9 million for the 20162017 school year. In addition, proceeds from the EBTH auction will also help offset the tuition gap for all students, a $1,000 difference between tuition charged and the cost of educating each St. Xavier student. Your donations to the St. X/ EBTH online auction – big or small, one item or many – can help make a life-changing St. Xavier education possible for young men now and in the years to come!

If you have any questions, please contact Missy Tranter, Director of Annual Giving

St. X will have donation drop off/collection days from March 27 – April 1. Once the items are collected EBTH will take these items and display them on their website for an online auction the week of May 1 – May 7. St. X will receive a donation from any item sold during the online auction.

at mtranter@stxavier.org or 513.618.3241.

For more information about EBTH, please visit their website at www.ebth.com.

Calendar March 3 First Friday Mass and Lunch 8-10 Third Quarter Exams 10 X-Travaganza Opening Party

Alumni Gatherings and School Events Spring 2017 April

4-6 Spring Phonathon 7 First Friday Mass and Lunch 14-21 Easter Break

11 X-Travaganza Dinner Auction

16 Happy Easter

14 Class of 1952 Luncheon

29 Spring Dance

May 2 6 p.m. President’s Dinner 5 First Friday Mass and Lunch 7 Michael Benson Concert 8-9 Incoming Freshman Parent Nights 10 Spring Strings Concert

24 Young Alumni Happy Hour 11 Spring Choral Concert 27 EBTH Donation Drop Off (Ends April 1)

13 Prom

31 Opening Night for TX production of “My Fair Lady”

15 Community Service Recognition Ceremony 16 Academic Awards Night 17 Spring Band Concert 18 Baccalaureate Mass

The students of the St. X Fair Trade were happy to collaborate with St. X Moms for the Mothers’ Club Christmas Celebration in December. They made several Fair Trade items available for purchase. The event was a big success.

19 Music Fest 22-24 Fourth Quarter Exams 24 Graduation: Class of 2017 and Reception for the 1967 50th Reunion 25 Class of 1967- 50 Year Reunion Happy Hour 26 Class of 1967- 50 Year Reunion Golf Outing 27 Class of 1967- 50 Year Reunion Banquet 29 Memorial Day

Winter 2017

St. Xavier High School Magazine

29

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Cincinnati, Ohio Permit No. 5253

600 W. North Bend Road Cincinnati, OH 45224-1499 www.StXavier.org CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Saturday, March 11, 2017 Doors Open at 5:30 p.m.

Make Your Reservations Today at stxavier.org/reservations

Live Auction: Two tickets and Backstage Tour to Hamilton in New York City plus airfare Three nights on Lake Cumberland on a luxury Houseboat Trip for two to LA with airfare

Grand Raffle Ticket: All proceeds directly benefits tuition assistance.

Prizes: First - $20,000 Second - $10,000 Third- $5,000 2017 Grand Raffle Sponsored By 2017 Grand Raffle Ticket

State Football Championship items – signed football, helmet and more!

Silent auction items – Reds tickets, tickets to Notre Dame football games, vacation homes and more!

Name: Address: City/State: Zip Code:

Phone:

E-mail: CC: (Visa, MC, Amex, Discover)

CVV:

Expiration Date:

Ticket Sold By

Drawing Saturday, March 11, 2017 at X-Travaganza (Winner need not be present to win.)

2017 Raffle Ticket Front

Directly Benefiting Tuition Assistance

Silent Auction:

St. Xavier High School X-Travaganza

Visit to the Squawk Box in NYC with Joe Kernen