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 Summer 2026
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
Class of 2026
From the President
Tim Reilly ’76
The Ties That Bind As I reflect on the 2025–2026 school year, I find myself frequently smiling as I replay the conversations I’ve had with students, alumni, and faculty. It is common to hear talk of our rigorous curriculum, our demanding schedules, and the constant pursuit of excellence. Having served as your President for eight years, I have heard these sentiments many times. Recently, however, I was struck by a powerful realization. While reviewing the minutes of a 1955 facilities committee meeting, I read their concerns about whether our space at Seventh and Sycamore was truly serving the mission of the school. Fast-forward to this past year, and our current facilities committee was having nearly identical conversations. We could have used that 1955 agenda with very little editing. It struck me that while our physical environment is always evolving, the mission, and the way our students experience it, is timeless. This theme revealed itself to me in groups across the school. I first noticed it at our Athletic Hall of Fame, where inductees spoke with profound gratitude: “I did well,” they would say, “but I was part of a very special group of teammates and coaches. I’m not sure anyone else has ever had an experience quite like it.” That registered, but it wasn’t until our Fine Arts Hall of Fame that the message truly hit home. I was speaking with a group of current students who were helping with the program. They spoke with such sincerity about how “special” their group was and how they knew they would be friends forever. I laughed out loud because just the night before, I had dinner with my own friends from the mid-70s, and we were making the exact same comment about our own St. X experience.
I began to see this pattern everywhere: the Quiz Team, the Bowling team, the Campus Ministry leaders, the Emmaus retreat teams. And the icing on the cake was celebrating our retirees, like Tony Schad, who noted that he had been part of a team that perhaps had never been assembled before. This realization culminated at graduation this year. I had the unique joy of celebrating the Class of 2026 while simultaneously marking the 50th anniversary of my own graduation in 1976 alongside over 100 of my classmates. (And for the record, we remain the most special class ever!) When we sing, “Years in passing cannot sever, ties of old days from the new,” we are singing about something tangible. Those “ties” are the feeling of belonging, the freedom to be yourself, and the discovery of your God-given purpose. They are the bonds formed by young men who aren’t afraid of the grind, who embrace hard work, and who hold one another accountable. These are not just memories; they are the bedrock of our culture. As we move forward with plans to secure this mission for the next generation, it is exactly these bonds that will prepare us for our third century. In the coming months, we will share exciting details about our plans to rebuild our academic campus, ensuring that the stages of our future are ready to be filled by “Xavier Men Forever.” It is abundantly clear: “Years in passing cannot sever, ties of old days from the new.” With gratitude,
Tim Reilly ’76 President
ADMINISTRATION Mr. Timothy J. Reilly ’76, President Rev. William L. Verbryke SJ ’71, Rector Mr. Daniel J. Lynch, Principal Mr. Robert G. Bollman ’86, Vice President for Operations & CFO Mr. Ralph A. Nardini ’77, Vice President for Advancement
Inside this Issue
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
9 X-TRAVAGANZA:
11 YEAR IN REVIEW:
20 GRADUATION SPOTLIGHT:
Viva LasVegaX
Activities and athletics celebrate accomplishments.
Welcome to the Long Blue Line Class of 2026!
Mr. Gregory G. Achten ’82, Chair Mr. G. Jeffrey Berding ’85 Mr. Eric M. Breissinger ’85 Mrs. Stephanie Bruemmer Ms. Melanie M. Chavez Mr. R. Patrick Connaughton, Jr. ’06 Mr. Michael E. Dahm Mrs. Amy M. Garrett Mr. Lee P. Geiger ’93 Mr. Christopher S. Habel ’87 Dr. Colleen M. Hanycz Rev. Paul A. Lickteig SJ Dr. Patricia Y. McAlpine Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek SJ Mrs. Sarah Palermo Mr. Timothy J. Reilly ’76 Rev. Matthew C. Spotts SJ ’04 Mr. Timothy J. Steigerwald ’83 Mr. Karl S. Thomsen Rev. Damian Torres-Botello SJ Mr. Nicholas J. Vehr ’77 Mr. Matthew R. Veith ’93 Rev. William L. Verbryke SJ ’71, Vice Chair Mr. Madhu Vrishabhendra Mr. Stephen J. Wolf ’78
CONTRIBUTORS Joyce A. Bowman Mary Beth Bruns Kathryn S. Dierckes Heidi B. Eveleigh Edmund L. Franchi Julie Goshorn Cara L. Hester W. Matthew Keith ’93 Nicholas B. Kemper ’06 Andrew Krammer ’26 Ryan Krammer ’26 Michael E. Mullally Edward F. Nardini ’81 Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Aleth B. Rhoades Anthony E. Schad ’81 John A. Schrantz ’96 Stephen R. Specht ’86 Carlos T. Stewart
EDITOR Gavin Vargas ’19
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. 118 http://www.stxavier.org e-mail: gvargas@stxavier.org
ALUMNI HOT LINE 1-800-572-5340 ext. 116 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.
Cover Photo: The Class of 2026 celebrates at graduation. Above Photo: The graduating Class of 1976 welcomes the Class of 2026 to graduation.
02 WE R ST. X 08 VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 10 ENDOWMENT IMPACT 18 FINE ARTS HALL OF FAME 19 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
22 EXCERPTS FROM THE ARCHIVES 23 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 24 ALUMNI X-CERPTS & X-PEDITIONS 29 CALENDAR
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We R St. Xavier News and notes around the St. Xavier campus
National Signing Day Congratulations to our student athletes who committed to continue their academic and athletic careers by signing to play athletics in college on National Signing Day. Nick Brady – Miami University – Football Jake Britt – Miami University – Football DJ Frazier – Hampton University – Lacrosse Jackson Frey – Robert Morris University – Football Jax Hendon – Thomas More University – Football Drew Kovacs – Ave Maria University – Track Alex McClatchey – DePauw University – Football Rylan Puryear – Ashland University – Track Matthew Schafer – Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Baseball Beckett Stimson – Colby College – Track Joe Taggart – Ohio State University – Volleyball
Rugby Signing Day Congratulations to the seven student athletes who committed to continue their academic and athletic careers by signing to play Rugby in college. Cole Blakeman – University of Kentucky Crew Blakeman – University of Kentucky Camden Bowling – University of Kentucky Mikey Ealy II – University of Kentucky Enzo Nies – University of Louisville Minh Pham – Ohio State University Jake Schleiff – University of Army West Point
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Fine Arts Signing Day On May 18, St. X held its annual Fine Arts Signing Day, which recognizes seniors who have bravely chosen a path of creating beauty and meaning during their college careers. The ceremony honored those majoring or minoring in music, singing, theater or visual arts in college. Ten students signed their college letters of acceptance in front of their parents, teachers and fellow students who have supported them in achieving this artistic goal. This event is always a powerful and meaningful way to celebrate the important role the arts have at St. Xavier High School. Congratulations to the following students who will pursue their career in the arts. Back Row: Johan Trajano – Vanderbilt University Will Wittekind – University of Notre Dame John Villing – Xavier University Ivan Haber – Xavier University Leonardo Lazarde – Case Western Reserve University Front Row: Franklin Villing – University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Cameron Jones – Savannah College of Art and Design Nolan Linberg – University of Dayton Liam Fox – Kenyon College Alex Buyesse – University of Cincinnati
Commissioning Mass On April 29, St. Xavier commissioned our juniors and chaperones going on summer service and immersion trips, those faculty and staff not returning to St. X next year, those faculty and staff retiring this school year, and the Class of 2026. Students heard from seniors about their experiences on their own service and immersion trips, encouraging us to go out and be Men For Others.
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Vice President’s Message X-Travaganza
This March, St. Xavier celebrated the annual X-Travaganza with the theme: Viva Las VegaX! A very special thank you to chairs, Mark '91 and Sue Ryan. St. Xavier is grateful for all of the donors, attendees, and volunteers who made X-Travaganza possible.
Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Message from Vice President. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Vice President for Advancment
Michael Benson Festival On May 2, St. Xavier hosted the 26th annual Michael Benson Jazz Festival! Everyone in attendance saw many special performances featuring the St. X Chamber Blues, Men for All Others Alumni Jazz Band, The Phil Degreg Trio, the St. X Jazz Band, and starring violinist, Christian Howes. A very special thank you to Bob and Rosalyn Benson for continuing to honor their son’s memory by supporting the Jazz program at St. Xavier High School.
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Vice President’s Message Taste of Diversity
The Taste of Diversity took place on Sunday, March 22 with another successful event. The event gave students the opportunity to educate attendees on different cultures from around the world and show off their cooking skills by making some dishes found in their country of choice. Thank you to all who participated and attended this event! Message from Vice President.
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Student Art Exhibit
Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Vice President for Advancment
On May 2, students presented their art work they completed throughout the school year. This was held prior to the Michael Benson Festival and was a great way to celebrate student artists!
Music Fest Rain couldn’t stop one of St. X’s favorite traditions on May 22! Students and faculty joined together for live music, games, grilling, and plenty of memories to close out the school year.
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Vice President’s Message Quiz Team Wins State Championships! The Quiz Team followed up its NAQT State Championship Title by winning the Ohio Academic Competition State Title, becoming the fifth school in Ohio Quiz Bowl history to win a state title in both NAQT and OAC formats.
Ralph A. Nardini ’77
The team of Mitch Bollinger, John Paul Galles, Henry Joecken, Andrew Kramer, Ryan Kramer, and Ben Striet went 5-0 for the day, defeating runner-up Mason High School in the final round. Message from Vice President. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Festival Disney
Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Vice President for Advancment
Over Spring Break, Ensemble X, Concert Band, and Jazz Band traveled to Festival Disney in Orlando, where they earned top honors against outstanding competition from across the country. Ensemble X received a Superior Rating with an impressive average score of 95.7 and was named Best in Class, outperforming all other men's choirs in the competition. Concert Band earned the festival's highest Superior Rating and placed Bronze in its division. Jazz Band also received a Superior Rating and earned a Gold (1st Overall) ranking. Individual honors were awarded to Erik Pharo (Outstanding Jazz Soloist – Alto Saxophone), and Graham Risk (Outstanding Jazz Soloist – Piano) Congratulations to all of our talented musicians and directors on their outstanding performances and achievements!
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Vice President’s Message Clue
Theatre Xavier (TX) presented its spring production of Clue. The play follows six strangers attending a dinner party at the mysterious Boddy Manor. When a murder occurs, the guests realize the killer is among them and must work together to solve the mystery before the police arrive. Congratulations to the performers, cast, and crew who helped bring this production to life.
Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Message from Vice President. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Vice President for Advancment
Ignatian Summit Week Summit Week centered on the theme of Encounter, inviting students to reflect on their relationship with God, themselves, and others. During the biennial Ignatian Summit, students heard from speakers Mark Fischer, Amy Hull, Kris Jones ’06, and Deacon Winters, who explored Encounter through the lenses of environmental stewardship, empathy, technology, and spirituality. The week also featured an Encounter Fair, connecting students with service and social justice opportunities in the school and broader community. Summit Week concluded with a keynote address from Dr. Marcus Mescher, who challenged students to embrace authentic encounters as a way of living out their faith and serving others.
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Vice President’s Message Ralph A. Nardini ’77 There is a well-known line from T.S. Eliot: “What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” As I watched the Class of 1976 welcome the graduating Class of 2026 at the Cintas Center, I was struck by how fitting those words were, for both groups.
At key moments in our history, St. Xavier has embraced change to remain faithful to that mission. The move from downtown to Finneytown marked the end of one era and the beginning of another, driven by the need to better serve our students and expand their opportunities for growth.
For the young men of the Class of 2026, this moment marks a true ending. Graduation night closes their high school journey and represents the culmination of four years of spiritual and academic formation in the Jesuit tradition. Yet this ending also ushers them into something larger than themselves, as they take their place in the Long Blue Line.
Today, we stand at a similar moment.
At the same time, it is a beginning. These graduates now step into new chapters filled with opportunity, challenge, and growth. They will continue to develop into the men they are called to be, grounded in the foundation they received at St. Xavier - one that prepares them to lead and serve their communities, churches, and families. For the Class of 1976, this moment also carries the weight of both ending and beginning. Many have reached retirement, or soon will, closing chapters of careers that began when they first joined the Long Blue Line 50 years ago. Yet their work is far from finished. These men continue to lead, serve, and respond when they are needed, living out the values instilled in them decades ago. The connection between these two classes is not coincidental. Forming young men who grow into leaders like the Class of 1976 does not happen by chance. It is the result of a deliberate mission, one that St. Xavier has carried forward for nearly 200 years. Through academic excellence and spiritual formation, the school equips its students with both the tools and the responsibility to live lives of purpose and service.
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To continue forming the leaders our world needs, we must once again invest in the future of St. Xavier. Renewing and rebuilding our facilities will ensure that the next generations of students experience the same transformative education that has shaped the Long Blue Line for nearly two centuries. This effort will require the collective generosity and commitment of our entire community. In this way, we find ourselves living T.S. Eliot’s words once more: an ending that is also a beginning. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and to the Class of 1976, proud members of the Long Blue Line.
Ralph A. Nardini ’77 Vice President for Advancement
X-Travaganza 2026! The 53rd X-Travaganza was celebrated this past March with all the pageantry, decorations and entertainment that has come to be expected with this annual fundraiser for St. Xavier High School. Chairs Sue and Mark ’91 Ryan welcomed current parents, alumni and friends for an unforgettable evening of Viva Las VegaX, bringing the Cin City vibe to The Strip of North Bend Road. Attendees got into the spirit of the evening wearing their finest glitz and glamour attire - with a few Elvis sightings to get everyone into the Vegas spirit! Mass in the Holy Companions Chapel, led by Fr. Tom Manahan, kicked off the Saturday evening’s festivities. Guests were then welcomed into the Ellis Lobby where emcee, Mark Schulte ’95, guided everyone past the Bellagio-inspired fountain into the showstopping cocktail hour. The evening’s signature refreshment, The Cin City Spritz, was available at the Drink Raffle, which also served as an opportunity to win the choice of a beautiful piece of jewelry from Richter & Phillips Jewelers. Bite-size hors d’oeuvres were plentiful while guests mingled beside the life-size playing cards and took opportunities to purchase chances for the Bourbon Raffle, Reds Raffle and picking their winning number for a take home bottle from the Bourbon Wall. Just inside the Ellis Gym an additional bar and gathering space was available, where dealers and tables were waiting for patrons to test their luck on a variety of Vegas-inspired games. The Grab Bag Raffle returned this year with another new bottle for the St. X collection. St. Xavier 2026 Single Barrell Whiskey made its debut with a beautiful nod to the Long Blue Line with the signature Bomber plane on the side of the bottle. This is yet another collaboration with Cincinnati Distilling to create a signature bourbon for Bombers to share and enjoy. If you missed your chance at this event, make sure to watch for future ways to secure a bottle to add to your collection! Due to the amazing generosity of a Friend of St. Xavier, a new raffle was introduced this year to bring more fundraising and winning opportunities to our St. X community. The Go All In! Car Raffle sold 2,500 chances at winning a 2018 Maserati Ghibli! This beautiful Rosso Energia Red sports car was on full display at the entrance to X-Travaganza and went home with the proud winner days after the event.
SAVE THE DATE
FOR THE 54TH X-TRAVAGANZA ON SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2027! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Guests took their seats for the dinner auction portion of the evening and were again welcomed by Mark Schulte ’95, led in prayer to bless the food (and funds!) of the evening by Fr. Manahan and toasted in thanks by President Tim Reilly. The Grand Raffle ticket drawing was held for prizes of $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000, as well as the Golden Ticket prize for a Live Auction item before the auction began. DelightMore prepared and served an exquisite meal that thoughtfully mirrored the theme to all the guests. Once again Mr. Lance Walker, auctioneer extraordinaire, quickly kicked off the exciting Live Auction with his artful articulation on all the exciting auction items. The bidding started off strong and continued for over 25 tempting items, including incredible trips from a private escape to Sarasota, Florida to a sip and savor trip for two to Napa Valley; memorable experiences in a private suite for Reds vs. Dodgers and bringing home the newest furry family member from Chestnut Hill Labradoodles; a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cape Town, South Africa and a Spring Break Getaway for 12 in Alabama; a bottle of Double Eagle Very Rare and a private dinner for ten at Son of a Butcher. There were eye-catching items for everyone to place a bid and have a chance to be a lucky winner! This year X-Tend a Hand highlighted a few students who were recipients of Xcellence scholarships and tuition assistance. These students were just a snapshot of the future leaders of our community and world who benefit from the generosity of supporters in making a St. X education possible. Bidders were encouraged to raise their paddles and help current and future Bombers in their dream of becoming a member of the Long Blue Line, with the first $50,000 in pledges matched by the generosity of the X-Travaganza Chairs, Sue and Mark ’91 Ryan. An impactful evening indeed! Once the auction was complete and all raffle winners announced, patrons danced the night away to tunes spun by The ShamRocker in Berning Gym. For the third year in a row, patrons also attended the Tom Meyer Cigar Bar in the St. X Amphitheater, featuring cigars from Over The Rhine Premium Cigars, St. X’s own Blue Line Bourbon and a generous donation from a Friend of St. Xavier of bourbons from Hard Truth Distilling Co. Beautiful sounds from a jazz trio were provided on the patio by St. X alums! The evening was truly a success from beginning to end. A fundraiser AND friendraiser that was one for the record books! Through the generosity of the entire St. Xavier community, X-Travaganza raised more than $1.2 million to benefit all St. Xavier students. X-Travaganza is so blessed by numerous volunteers from the St. Xavier community that give countless hours to ensure the event’s success. Whether it is new parents looking for a way to get involved, current students helping at the event or the hardworking Committee chairs and volunteers who give their time and talent all year long, these individuals collaborate with donors, sponsors, auction bidders and event attendees to make the proceeds from X-Travaganza events, auctions and raffles benefit ALL the young men at St. Xavier. A huge thank you, as well, to the X-Travaganza Office Staff and the Advancement Department for their efforts all year long! Summer 2026
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Vice President’s Message In the Arena: The Enduring Legacy of Peter G. Ruppert ’82 Through Scholarship Endowment
Some lives can be measured in milestones, career achievements, titles, or accolades. like that of Pete Ruppert ’82, are measured by Message fromOthers, Vice President. their impact on people, in how they inspire others to think, lead, love, and show upGloriam each day. For those who knew Pete, his legacy is Ad Majorem Dei defined not simply by what he accomplished, but also by countless examples of how deeply he invested in others. Paul Schmerge ’82, fellow classmate and Bomber basketball teammate, reflected on Pete, “Pete was voted a captain of our basketball team senior year, along with Pat Rosenbauer. “Rupe” was our vocal leader. His positive attitude and encouraging words were always inspirational. Pete was very competitive, but never in it for himself, and always put the team first. It’s clear that this approach helped him become a highly successful leader in so many aspects of his life.” Following his sudden passing in August 2023, the Peter Ruppert Memorial Scholarship Fund has become a powerful testament to Pete’s impact on others. Inspired by Pete’s legacy, his brother Tim, Pete's wife Jessica, and a wide network of family and friends established an endowed scholarship at St. Xavier to extend his legacy. In just 18 months, the fund has received more than 200 gifts totaling nearly $350,000 from Pete’s friends all over the country. This outpouring of generosity reflects both the breadth of Pete’s relationships and the lasting impression he made upon so many. From the halls of St. Xavier to DePauw University to Harvard Business School to business associates and friends and beyond, each donor brings a story. Each gift represents a moment when Pete made a difference. As Pete’s wife Jessica said, "Pete always made time for others and I was always amazed by his capacity personally and professionally. He was able to juggle it all with a smile on his face. After Pete passed away, someone said to me 'Pete made everyone around him feel important.' I wrote that on a sticky note and have it as a constant reminder of him and his love of people and life!”
Pete lived with a deep commitment to being fully engaged in all he pursued. A believer in Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” philosophy, Pete chose to step forward, give fully of himself, and invest wholeheartedly in others. It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually striveRalph to do the deeds; who A. Nardini ’77 knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt This mindset reflects the Jesuit ideals of Magis, striving for more for Ralph A. Nardini ’77 the greater good and being a Man for Others. Pete approached each Vice President for Advancment role in his life with purpose, being “all in”, and seeking to make a meaningful impact. The Peter Ruppert Memorial Scholarship Fund transforms Pete’s values into opportunity, ensuring future students benefit from the same encouragement and belief he so naturally gave. Each gift is more than a contribution, it is a commitment to carrying his legacy forward. To further that mission, the Peter Ruppert Scholarship Free Throw Shootout was launched in 2025. In its first two years, 32 teams of old friends have reconnected across the country for a fun and spirited tournament of competition and remembrance. The Shootout has raised over $10,000 each year towards Pete’s fund. The event reunited friends in Pete’s memory and celebrated Pete’s love of basketball. Fittingly, the 2026 shootout served as the “shot at the buzzer,” recently helping push the fund past its ultimate goal of fully endowing an annual scholarship at St. Xavier. Through every gift and shared memory, “Pete’s Fund” has become more than a tribute, it is a living legacy. It ensures that Pete’s belief in others, his commitment to growth, and his willingness to step into the arena will continue to shape lives for generations. For the students who benefit, many may never have met Pete, but they will feel his impact. Through opportunities created in his name, they will be encouraged to think boldly, pursue excellence, and live with purpose, just as Pete inspired so many to do. Pete’s brother Tim said, "Pete was passionate about many things, but especially education and how it can transform lives of young people. He believed in all students and always gave credit to St. X as an important factor for his success in life. He led his company, Fusion Education Group, with a clear, inspiring vision; guided by a fundamental belief in the immense potential within every person. We believe this scholarship fund and how it can help create a foundation for so many young men reflects completely on how Pete lived his life.” L to R Paul Schmerge ’82, Pete Ruppert ’82, Brad Blust ’82, and Steve Schaefer ’82
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The Year in Review The Arts & Community Service THE ARTS Bands The St. Xavier Band Program had an exceptional year filled with performance, competition, travel, and community engagement, continuing its tradition of musical excellence and school spirit. The year began with strong momentum as students participated in summer opportunities that set the tone for a busy season ahead. Seven students attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Summer Jazz Intensive Camp, where they studied and performed alongside professional jazz musicians and educators. Meanwhile, Marching Band Summer Camp, held on campus and at Miami University, prepared students for a high-energy fall performance season. The marching band’s fall show featured the music of Stevie Wonder and energized audiences at all St. Xavier football games, pep rallies, the Buddy Walk, the ALS Walk, and Middle School Night. Additional performances included Alumni Night, a combined concert with St. Ignatius, Senior Night, and the Evening of GCL Marching Bands at Elder High School. The band continued its season through football playoff games which included a State Championship appearance. The school year also featured meaningful performances and recognitions across all ensembles. The Jazz Band opened the semester with a performance at the Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly, playing Duke Ellington’s “C-Jam Blues.” The basketball band provided strong support throughout GCL competition, including an exciting victory over undefeated Wyoming. In addition, two students earned Superior
ratings at the OMEA Solo and Ensemble Competition, the highest possible distinction. The Jazz Band and Concert Band both had full calendars of performances. Highlights include the Christmas Concerts with Choir and Strings on December 2–3 in the Walter C. Deye S.J. Performance Center, performances at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, the Cincinnati Catholic Honor Band Weekend at Elder High School, and participation in Disney World competitions during Spring Break. The Jazz Band also headlined the Michael Benson Jazz Festival on May 3, featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Christian Howes, along with performances by the Alumni Jazz Band and Phil DeGreg Trio. Both ensembles concluded the year with the End-of-Year Concert on May 7, and the Concert Band performed for the 2026 Commencement Ceremony. Spring brought additional highlights, including the marching band’s performance for Admitted Students Night and participation in the Cincinnati Catholic Honor Band. Twelve students were selected for this prestigious ensemble. The marching band also took part in a major city tradition by performing in the Reds Opening Day Parade on March 26 as part of a combined GCL band with La Salle and Moeller. Over Spring Break, the Concert Band and Jazz Band traveled to Orlando with choir and strings for the Festival of Disney Music Competition. Both ensembles earned Superior ratings. The Concert Band placed third overall, earning a bronze Mickey trophy, while the Jazz Band placed first overall, receiving a gold Mickey trophy.
The year concluded with the Fine Arts Hall of Fame celebration and Michael Benson Jazz Festival on May 1–2, followed by the End-of-Year Spring Concert on May 6. From community performances and athletic support to national competition success and collaborative events, the St. Xavier Bands have represented the school with pride, energy, and excellence throughout the year.
Choir The St. Xavier Choirs have had an outstanding year marked by growth, collaboration, performance, and national recognition, continuing a strong tradition of musical excellence and community at St. Xavier. The year began with tremendous momentum as choir membership grew by 20% compared to the previous year. Early in the fall, St. Xavier Choirs hosted a landmark collaboration with Saint Ursula Academy and Ursuline Academy on September 29. The evening featured icebreakers, community building, and joint rehearsals that led to a highly anticipated collaborative concert on October 15. The event drew a near-capacity audience and highlighted the power of shared musical experience between schools.
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Ensemble X had a strong fall season with performances including the National Anthem for Senior Night football on October 24, appearances at the President’s Dinner, and participation in seasonal Christmas celebrations. The holiday season featured multiple highlights, including performances for the Mothers’ Club, the annual Christmas concert with band and strings, and the Christmas Dinner that brought together students, families, and supporters in celebration of the season. The momentum continued into the spring with preparations for the Disney performance trip. A Disney Send-Off Concert on April 1 featured performances by Jazz Band, Concert Band, Chamber Blues, and Ensemble X, creating an energetic and memorable sendoff before competition. During Spring Break, Ensemble X represented St. Xavier at Festival Disney, earning a Superior rating and Best in Class in the Men’s Ensemble division. The group’s success was a proud moment for the program, made even more meaningful as Director Mr. Joey Pace ’16 was recognized as the first director who had previously participated in Festival Disney as a student. Additional highlights included Ensemble X performing the National Anthem at the Gary ’73 and Dina Gruber Family Ballpark Dedication Ceremony, celebrating the upgraded baseball facilities and the generosity that made them possible. The choir also continued its tradition of school-wide collaboration through performances at major events and concerts throughout the year. Mr. Pace served as MC for the Michael Benson Jazz Concert, which also featured a duet performance with Chancellor Waye '19 and the Alumni Jazz Band. The year concluded with the Spring Concert on May 13 in the St. Xavier theater, followed by the traditional senior sendoff at Graduation. From record membership growth to national recognition and meaningful collaborations, the St. Xavier Choirs have experienced a year defined by excellence, unity, and pride in their musical community.
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Men in Black String Ensemble The string and guitar program at St X is called the Men in Black. It is comprised of the Chamber Blues String Ensemble, a large guitar choir, an Electric String Ensemble, and many small ensembles and soloists. With 24 string players, 66 guitar players and one banjo player, George Pepples ’29, the Men in Black opened the school year with a concert featuring familiar tunes as well as music by Dello Joio, Morricone, and Rubinstein. One special performance came from Eleanora Denning, the Latin and Greek teacher and moderator of the St X Quiz Team, who sung Bill Monroe’s “Kentucky Waltz” with Matthew Benton ’26 on violin, Alex Buysse ’26 on guitar, and Benjamin Watras ’28 on bass. In October, Chamber Blues served as the featured performing group at the President’s Dinner and performed “These Alone Are Enough” with the Ensemble X Choir directed by Joey Pace ’16. In December, Chamber Blues and the rest of the Men in Black joined the band and choir programs for two nights of Christmas Concerts. Benjamin Watras ’28 soloed as a cellist with the guitar choir. The Men in Black continued to celebrate the Christmas season by providing music for the annual Mothers’ Club Christmas Boutique and performed in an all-school Christmas Assembly shortly before break. In January, several of the Men in Black earned high marks at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Solo & Ensemble event held at Anderson High School. Those students were Benjamin Watras ’28 on cello, Safet Hatic ’27 on viola, Ben Truong ’27 on violin, Pierre Tardivon ’29 on cello, and Ean Miller ’29 on cello. A week later, for the first time in the history of the program, several students from the guitar 3 class performed at the OMEA Professional Development Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Another new venture this year were pep rallies. String players provided music for the Faculty v Student Basketball game at the end of January and provided support for an April Pep Rally
which, among many other groups, celebrated the incredible St. X Quiz Team. The Men in Black closed out the school year with an ensemble of 12 string players, 71 guitarists, a keyboardist, electric guitarist, and drummer as well as guest singers from St. Ursual and St. Michael Church. The guest singers, Lenor Braukmanv Josie Serger and Brian Bisig sung with the string players in a performance of “Alma Redemptoris Mater” which is a baroque piece attributed to Martin Schmid, SJ. Mr. Bisig’s son, Michael Bisig ’28, played violin in the string ensemble in the piece attributed to Schmid as well as other pieces and sung McKenna’s “Brazil” to the accompaniment of the guitar 3 class. Safet Hatic ’27 performed as a soloist in a movement from a viola concert by Telemann. The Electric String Ensemble concluded the evening with Heart Shaped Box, Oye Como Va, and Hey Jude. Finian Simpson '27, Nolan Wesendorf ’29, Benjamin Watras '28, Anthony DeFranco ’29, Graham Risk ’27, and Thomas Kornylak ’27 – the Electric String Ensemble – repeated their performance of those three final pieces during the rainy 2025–26 Music Fest. Theatre Xavier Hadestown: Teen Edition Theatre Xavier presented the musical Hadestown: Teen Edition by Anaïs Mitchell to sold out crowds for its Fall production. This deeply stirring show is about hope, love, and how we manage the difficult choices presented to us in everyday life. Audiences were treated to this Tony-winning musical incorporating the sounds of jazz, folk, and blues.
Clue Theatre Xavier’s spring production of Clue was an absolute delight that captivated audiences from the moment the curtain rose. Attendees were treated to beautifully crafted sets and costumes that transported everyone into the mysterious atmosphere of Boddy Manor. The cast’s comedic timing and slapstick humor had the crowd rolling in the aisles with laughter. By the final bow, it was clear that the production had struck a chord with the St. Xavier student community and there is no doubt that many new theater fans were made during this productions unforgettable run.
Playlist This August, Theatre Xavier will present an original devised piece, Playlist, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s largest performing arts festival showcasing performing arts talents from around the world. This will be Theatre Xavier’s fourth time participating in the festival. Visual Arts Throughout the 2025-26 school year, St. Xavier student artists continued to showcase their creativity both on campus and throughout the region. During the summer, recent graduates Caleb Rothring ’25 and Liam Thamann-Raines ’25 partnered with the Environmental Action Committee to create a mural for the shipping container that houses the committee’s tools and supplies used to beautify the school grounds. The mural remains a work in progress and is expected to be completed later this year. Three student artists, Joe Mansour ’26, Urban Owens ’27,
and Henry Tebbe ’27, were selected to design the 2025 St. Xavier Christmas cards, with all three designs featured in the final production. Six students were also chosen to represent St. Xavier in Selections 2025, an art exhibition hosted by Mount Saint Joseph University from November 1 through December 3, 2025. St. Xavier artists were well represented in several regional exhibitions. AP Art and Design students participated in UP NEXT, an exhibition of local high school artwork hosted by Xavier University from February 2 through April 17, 2026. Featured artists included Joey O’Reilly ’26, Cameron Jones ’26, James McKeown ’26, Tyler Haap ’26, Graham Davis ’26, Will Holcamp ’27, James Glennon ’27, Johnny Marroquin-Gabriel ’27, Eli Moore ’27, Arif DeLeon Reynoso ’27, Alex Seery ’27, and Andrew Senter ’27. Additionally, a photograph by Kai Yee ’26 was selected for display in the UC Blue Ash Regional High School Photography Exhibition, where only 65 photographs were chosen from more than 1,600 submissions representing 429 students. Photography students also excelled at the 38th annual Exposure Montgomery photography competition, the region’s longest-running amateur photography exhibition and awards program. Twentyseven St. Xavier students participated, and Ian McConnell ’28 earned the People’s Choice Award in the Student Division for his photograph, Finding Balance. The year concluded with the 5th Annual Student Art Exhibition, held May 2–20, which showcased the work of 65 student artists across a variety of media. Artwork filled both floors of the theater lobby, creating an immersive gallery experience for visitors. An opening reception was held on May 2 in conjunction with the Michael Benson concert, celebrating another outstanding year for the visual arts at St. Xavier.
COMMUNITY SERVICE Experiencing our “Men for Others” motto firsthand, more than 1000 Bombers participated in year-long service activities. Students volunteered by working at nature preserves and doing housing rehab and by working with kids in afterschool programs and people with intellectual disabilities. As always, there is no service-hour requirement at St. Xavier High School. Annual Food Drive Keeping with the long tradition, St. X organized our 97th Annual Food Drive this year! Going door to door with their homerooms, freshman and sophomores collected 56,301 pounds of food that was donated to more than 50 local food banks. 13 homerooms joined this year’s St. X One Ton Club by bringing in over 2,000 pounds! Junior and senior homerooms also collected food and they delivered it directly to their assigned food bank partner. Once there, students met with food bank volunteers and staff to learn more about hunger in Cincinnati. Service & Immersion Trips During the summer of 2025, 147 rising seniors spent a week of their summer volunteering and exploring social justice issues. The trips created memorable experiences as students got to know their classmates by working together. Students helped with housing repair and agricultural work or worked at soup kitchens or kids’ summer camps. Leaving their phones behind that week gave room for students to be fully immersed and bond during this truly unique experience. Pallbearer Ministry Since 2021, the St. Xavier Pallbearer Ministry has sent students to serve at funerals and graveside services for our departed brothers and sisters who may not have any loved ones able to attend. This service is not only appreciated by the community, but it has also been a deeply meaningful experience for students.
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The Year in Review Athletics Fall 2025 Cross Country The St. Xavier Bombers added another impressive chapter to their storied crosscountry tradition during the 2025 season. The Bombers established themselves early by winning the St. Xavier Invitational before carrying that momentum into the postseason, where they captured the 2025 GCL Championship at Christ’s Church in Mason. The title tied Elder for the most GCL cross country championships in league history. Following a fifth-place finish at the OHSAA Regional Tournament in Troy, St. Xavier advanced to the Division I State Championships at Fortress Obetz, where the Bombers placed 13th overall. The season was highlighted by senior Dom Ellis, who delivered a historic performance by winning the OHSAA Division I Individual State Championship in a blazing 15:07.92. Ellis led a talented Bombers squad that also featured First Team All-GCL performers Ben Wangugi, Aidan Dehring, and Liam Holman, helping cement the program’s place among Ohio’s elite. Football The St. Xavier Bombers put together an outstanding 2025 season, finishing 11–3 overall and advancing to the OHSAA Division I State Championship Game. The Bombers opened the year with impressive victories over Lakota West, Centerville, Indianapolis Cathedral, and Louisville Trinity before closing the regular season with a dominant 41–7 win over St. Ignatius. After finishing third in the highly competitive GCL South, St. Xavier elevated its play in the postseason. The Bombers defeated Lakota
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East in the regional quarterfinals, edged Archbishop Moeller 17–13 in the regional semifinals, and rallied past Elder 42–34 to capture the Region 4 Championship at Paycor Stadium. A 21–6 victory over Middletown in the State Semifinals sent the Bombers to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, where they finished as Division I State Runners-Up following a hard-fought battle with Olentangy Orange. The Bombers’ success was fueled by a host of All-GCL performers. Ja'Kobe Clapper earned GCL Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, Aden Reeder was named Linebacker of the Year, and Brayden Reilly was selected Defensive Back of the Year. Jake Britt joined them on the All-GCL First Team, while Alex McClatchey, William Sweeney, and Daniel Vollmer also earned First Team honors. Quarterback Jackson Frey, offensive lineman Grant Hester, and wide receiver Cam Taylor were recognized as Second Team All-GCL selections, helping lead one of the most successful seasons in recent program history. Golf Head Coach Alex Nikias enjoyed a spectacular debut season after taking the reins of the Bomber golf program in January 2025. Inheriting a team with a rich championship tradition, Nikias immediately kept the Bombers at the forefront of Ohio high school golf. The team made an early statement in August by capturing the St. Ignatius Invitational title to crown themselves Jesuit Cup Champions, setting a dominant tone for the rest of the autumn campaign. Under Nikias' guidance, the Bombers completely rewrote the school's record books during Greater Catholic League (GCL) play. His
squad shattered the program's single-round team score record twice in a matter of weeks, first carding a blistering 277 at the GCL Quads 1 at Western Hills, and later resetting the mark with an incredible 280 at Pipestone during the opening round of the league tournament. This relentless consistency allowed St. Xavier to sweep the league events and officially capture the 2025 GCL Championship. The postseason showcased Nikias' ability to keep his players peaked for high-stakes moments. The Bombers swept through the postseason pathway, winning the OHSAA Sectional Tournament at Miami Whitewater before claiming the Southwest District Championship title back at Pipestone. Nikias capped off his brilliant inaugural year by leading St. Xavier to the OHSAA Division I State Tournament at Firestone Country Club in Akron, where the Bombers battled the state's elite to secure an impressive fourth-place overall finish with a two-day total of 599. The Bombers finished as Greater Catholic League Champions and fourth in the state. Freshman Zac McGrath placed third individually at the State Tournament. Soccer The St. Xavier Bombers soccer team navigated a challenging 2025 schedule to finish with an impressive 12–5–4 overall record and a second-place finish in the GCL South. The Bombers established themselves early with strong performances against local rivals Walnut Hills and Anderson while also testing themselves against elite competition at the Jesuit Cup. A season highlight came on Senior Night when St. Xavier delivered a dominant 4–1 victory over Lakota East.
The Bombers elevated their play in the postseason, capturing an OHSAA District Championship before advancing to the Regional Final. In one of the season’s most memorable matches, St. Xavier battled Beavercreek to a scoreless draw through two overtimes before prevailing 4–2 in a dramatic penalty-kick shootout to claim the Regional Championship. Their remarkable tournament run ultimately ended in the State Final Four against Dublin Jerome High School, finishing the season among Ohio’s top Division I programs.
GCL play. The Bombers finished the season 17–7, captured the district championship with a 53–43 victory over Fairfield, and advanced to the regional semifinals before falling to Oak Hills, 49–38. With several seniors graduating Coach Fleming will look for several underclassmen to step up for Bomber Basketball. First Team honors include Liam McGeady ’27 and Luke Sorce ’26. Second Team All-GCL honors went to seniors Jack Ryan and John Veith. The Bombers finished second in the GCL and captured a District Championship.
Alex Haddad, James McKernan, and Jack Sweeney earned First Team All-GCL honors, while Will Burkart, Zac Linenkugel, and Rowdy Scheer were named Second Team All-GCL. Will Burkart was also recognized as a Senior Academic All-Star, exemplifying the program’s commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Water Polo Head Coach Ben Dawson built upon his outstanding rookie season in 2024, leading the AquaBombers to a 22–15 record and a third-place finish at the Ohio Water Polo Championships. The team had strong showings at elite tournaments, including the Sycamore Splash Down (6-3), 4-2 in the Ohio Cup, 2-2 in the Princeton Invitational, and 4-1 in the Mason Invitational. In the postseason, St. Xavier defeated Mason (14–12) before falling to Upper Arlington in the state semifinal. The team bounced back to defeat Thomas Worthington 14–13 in the third-place game. The AquaBombers reached the State Final Four and finished third in Ohio. Winter 2025–26 Basketball St. Xavier Basketball opened the 2025–26 campaign with a red-hot 9–2 start, highlighted by wins over Brebeuf Jesuit Prep, Trotwood-Madison, and Meadowdale Tech 73-17. At the Tampa Jesuit Christmas Tournament, they notched wins over Jesuit New Orleans (LA) and Canisius (NY ) before falling to Rockhurst (MO). Under Coach Ryan Fleming, the Bombers went 4–2 in
Bowling The Bowling Bombers entered with a veteran core that included two seniors and two juniors who looked to make noise after a rebuilding year that saw only one returning starter from the prior year. The Bombers finished the season 7-8 with three wins over Moeller and taking one of three vs. La Salle. The team took first in the Cardinal Classic and 2nd in the East v. West Tournament. The team would go on a tear in the post season as they’d roll through sectionals and advance to state placing third at districts. The Bowling Bombers capped off the season in historic fashion, becoming state champions. They became the first Cincinnati boys team and the first boys GCL team to win a state title in either Division I or Division II. Leading the way was Joseph Geers ’26 who finished his Bomber career 13th all-time with 20,394 pins, and only the third Bomber to cross 10,000 pins in a single season. Junior Jack Kaiser's historic 715 second place series finish is the best an individual Bomber has finished in school history.
Ice Hockey The Ice Hockey Bombers entered the season facing a grueling schedule with a gritty squad determined to battle through a challenging winter. Facing elite competition across the region, the Bombers endured a tough regular season to finish with an overall record of 6-20-1. Despite the rigorous stretch, the team flashed elite offensive firepower. Early in the year, the Bombers found their rhythm with back-to-back victories over Gahanna Lincoln (4-2) and a high-scoring 7-4 win against Archbishop Alter. They carried that momentum into tournament play, capping off the Walsh Jesuit Thanksgiving Tournament by outlasting Hudson High School in a thrilling 7-5 shootout. The high point of the winter came on January 3, when the Bombers' offense exploded in an emphatic, dominant 10-1 victory over Trinity High School. The squad also showed immense resilience in late January, capturing a tight 4-3 away win against Bishop Watterson. The season provided valuable experience and positioned the Bombers to take a significant step forward next year. Swim & Dive The AquaBombers led by 16 seniors and 85 athletes overall, navigated the Midwest’s toughest schedule with over 2,000 swims and dives in ten weeks. They won their 42nd straight title at the Southwest Ohio Classic and extended their GCL championship streak to 66, as well as first place finishes in the Viking and Mason Invitationals. Chase Grisi ’26 and Tucker Charles ’27 led a roster rich with depth and talent. Academically, 17 seniors were named Academic All-Americans. At the State Championships, St. Xavier would finish runner up 37.5 points behind St. Charles. Head Coach Jim Brower was named GCL Coach of the year alongside Grisi for GCL Athlete of the Year. The Bombers saw 10 different athletes achieve First Team honors including seniors Alex Nixon, Aidan Smith, Nabil Sinno, Andrew Policastro and Brandon Hylton. Freshman Will Farrell was named first team in 200yard Freestyle and 400 freestyle relay. Cole Smith, Aidan Smith, Owen Gee, Nick Petrocelli, Sam DeMarco, and Nabil Sinno
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took second team GCL honors. Chase Grisi won the Division I state title in the 200-yard freestyle, Tucker Charles captured the state championship in the 100-yard backstroke, and the 400-yard freestyle relay team of Chase Grisi, Owen Gee, Alex Nixon, and Tucker Charles won a state championship. Wrestling In his second year at the helm, head coach Aaron Cashman, wrestling won the Silver Pool 7-1 at the Wheeling Park Duels and placed 3rd at the Edgewood and Mason Invitational The season’s high point was a 56–17 win over Oak Hills. The Bombers saw three wrestlers place in the state tournament with 126 pound Vinny Soloria ’27 and 190 pound Rocco Pusateri ’26 placing 15th in the 126-weight class, while Kane Shawger ’27 would capture back-to-back 138-state titles, becoming the first wrestler in school history to hold consecutive titles. The Bombers finished third in the GCL and 15th at the State Tournament. Kane Shawger ’27 won an individual state championship at 150 pounds.
Lacrosse
Spring 2026 Baseball The Bombers finished the 2026 campaign in historic fashion, bringing home their second state title (First one was in 2003). The team struggled to find its identity early in the season, starting 8-4 before winning the Jesuit Cup and finishing the regular season on a 13-1 run to post a 22-5 record. However, it was during the postseason that the Bombers truly established who they were. Led by backto-back GCL Player of the Year Jack Ryan, the Bombers cruised through the district and regional rounds. Ryan highlighted the run by throwing a no-hitter in the regional semifinal.
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The Bombers then punched their ticket to Akron with a dramatic comeback victory over Oak Hills in the regional final, where a tworun sixth inning proved to be the difference. In the state semifinal, the Bombers faced highly touted Olentangy Orange. Ryan shut down the Orange offense while sophomore Dominick Dials provided the offensive spark, finishing the game with two home runs and three RBIs. The Bombers advanced with a 5-0 victory, setting up a GCL rematch against Moeller for the state championship. The Bombers showed how badly they wanted the title, defeating the Crusaders 4-2 to claim the state championship. Leading the way was senior Jack Ryan and GCL Co-Coach of the Year Don DiGiacomo, who pushed his players to the limit throughout this historic season. The Bombers earned three First Team All-GCL selections in sophomore Griffin Doxsey, senior Jack Ryan, and junior Logan Von Hoelle. They also placed four players on the Second Team: senior Dillon Brus, sophomore Dominick Dials, senior Jackson Sherrard, and sophomore Sam Vovak. Coach DiGiacomo and his team appear locked and loaded heading into 2027, with a young and hungry core ready to defend their state title.
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The St. Xavier Lacrosse team capped off another dominant regular season ranked third nationally according to MaxPreps with an impressive 21-1 record. The Bombers were undefeated at RDI Stadium, going 12–0 with a 6–1 record on the road that included marquee wins over nationally ranked Carmel, St. Xavier (KY), Olentangy Liberty, and Worthington Kilbourne. This season’s success was fueled by a high-powered offense and a resilient defense. The team scored a total of 344 goals beating opponents by an average of 9.8 goals per game while only allowing 128 goals. They would roll to back-to-back
state championships with ease defeating the likes of Mason (21-7), Moeller (18-5), Upper Arlington (8-7), and fighting past St. Ignatius 13-7 to claim the title. It was a remarkable season for the Bombers, showcasing both talent and teamwork at the highest level as they look to three-peat next season . The Bombers captured the GCL Championship and secured back-to-back Division I State Championships.
Rugby The 2026 season was a true testament to the resilience and growth of the St. Xavier Rugby team. After navigating a grueling 0-3 start against elite regional powerhouses, the Bombers completely flipped the script, engineering a spectacular mid-season surge to win eight of their final ten matches and finish with a strong 8-5 overall record. The season’s turning point came during a dominant road trip to St. Louis, where the Bombers' defense put on an absolute clinic, securing back-to-back shutout masterpieces while outscoring Father Ryan and Marquette University by a combined 155-0. The crown jewel of the campaign arrived on April 25–26 at the Great Midwest Rugby Tournament on their home turf. The Bombers absolutely dismantled the competition before capping off the weekend in historic fashion shutting out arch-rival Crusaders 19-0 to bring home the 2026 Great Midwest Tournament Championship. Though the season concluded with a hard-fought battle in Cleveland against St. Ignatius, this Bomber squad etched their names into the program's storied history through explosive offensive execution, an impenetrable defensive wall, and pure championship grit. The Bombers also advanced to the State Final Four.
Volleyball
Track & Field The St. Xavier Bombers track and field team put together a phenomenal 2026 campaign, culminating in a dominant postseason run in Columbus. Distance phenom Dom Ellis '26 led the charge at the OHSAA State Championships, capturing the Division I State 3200m individual title with an incredible time of 9:10. The Bombers also showcased their depth on the state podium as the 4x800m relay squad composed of Liam Holman, Aidan Dehring, Jake Molas, and Ellis finished as the Division I State Runners-Up, clocking a blistering 7:42.84 to mark the fifth-fastest time in school history. On the local and regular-season stages, the program consistently asserted its status as a state powerhouse. St. Xavier finished as the GCL South League Runners-Up behind a flurry of elite performances, highlighted by Ellis earning GCL Runner of the Year honors for individual titles in both the 1600m and 3200m. From a historic indoor season where Ellis shattered the all-time school two-mile record at the New Balance Nationals in Boston, to a regular-season gold medal in the Distance Medley Relay at the Wayne Invitational, the Bombers solidified a legacy of elite distance and relay execution. The Bombers finished second in the GCL and eighth at the OHSAA Division I State Championships. Dom Ellis won indoor and outdoor state championships in the 3200 meters and also captured the outdoor state title in the 1600 meters.
St. Xavier Volleyball entered the 2026 campaign returning much of its core talent and carrying expectations for a deep postseason run. The Bombers opened the season being swept by St. Xavier (KY), before bouncing back with a sweep of La Salle to kick off GCL play. A successful road trip featured straight-set victories over Olentangy Liberty, Jackson High School, and Walnut Hills. At the Midwest Battle, all the pieces came together for the Bombers as they’d go 9-1 to end the regular season sweeping Zionsville, Floyd Central, Trinity, Elder, Lakota East, Moeller, and Perry Meridian and defeating Sycamore 3-1. The team would ride that dominance into the post season carrying the momentum into the regional finals after three-set sweeping Fairfield, Middletown, and Lakota East. However the Bombers season would come to a close as the Crusaders would get revenge from defeating the Bombers 3-1. The team would finish a magical season 18-7, 4-2 in GCL Play. Senior Joe Taggart would win back-to-back GCL Player of the Year and a GCL First Team selection alongside senior Luke Sorce. Senior Ben Adkins would be named second team all-GCL as the Bombers capped off a hard fought playoff run as the future looks bright in a competitive GCL for the Bombers. The Bombers finished second in the GCL and were Regional Runners-Up. Tennis St. Xavier Tennis entered the 2026 season with high expectations starting the year as the preseason #1 team in the state. The Bombers opened match play (down two starters) at the annual Match Madness Tournament in Bowling Green (KY) scoring statementmaking 5-0 sweeps over Owensboro and McCracken before falling to eventual KHSAA state team champions, Louisville-St. Xavier (KY) in the final. They bounced back immediately to kick off Greater Catholic
League (GCL) play with 5-0 sweeps of La Salle and Elder, though they would later stumble on the road in a grueling 2-3 loss to eventual OHSAA D-2 state team finalist, Indian Hill. The Bombers quickly found their rhythm stringing together a historic 17-match winning streak to close out the season. They dominated the regular season and tournament play, securing a third-place finish at the Greater Cincinnati Tennis Coaches Association Tournament and cruising to a 58th consecutive GCL South Championship after flawless 5-0 sweeps of Elder, La Salle, and Archbishop Moeller. The Tennis Bombers carried that dominance directly into the postseason. In the OHSAA individual tournament, the Bombers were heavily decorated: three doubles teams advanced out of Sectionals, two doubles teams advanced out of Districts, and the super team of Carson Dwyer and Nihal Narisetty put on a masterclass on their way to the OHSAA Division I State Doubles Championship. The duo won the Sectional, District and State tournaments without dropping a set. Senior Carson Dwyer finishes his high school career with 3 OHSAA state titles (2 doubles/1 singles). Junior Nihal Narisetty, twice a state finalist (doubles/ singles), wins his first. The Bombers then turned their attention to the Ohio Tennis Coaches Association (OTCA) State Team Tournament. After defeating Centerville 3-0 in the Sweet 16 and Mason 3-2 in the Elite Eight, the Bombers rolled through the Final Four with a 3-0 win over University School before capturing their fifth OTCA State Team Title with a 3-1 victory over Olentangy Orange. The tennis team finished its magical season with a 22-2 overall record, going undefeated at home (10-0), posting a perfect 6-0 mark in GCL play and hoisting two state titles for the Long Blue Line. The team secured its place in Bomber history and assured a bright future for St. X Tennis.
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Star Studded Evening Celebrates the Fine Arts Hall of Fame Class of 2026 One of the most meaningful St. Xavier traditions is the strength and success of its Fine Arts programs, which continue to shape students long after graduation. Many alumni go on to pursue accomplished careers in music, theater, writing, and the visual arts, supported and inspired by the teachers and mentors who helped develop their talents during their time at St. X. On May 1, St. Xavier celebrated this legacy with the 2026 Fine Arts Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The evening honored a distinguished group of inductees recognized for their outstanding contributions and achievements across the arts, including theater, music, literature, and visual arts.
This year’s class included: Julie Beckman - Theatre Jessica Hendy - Theatre Francois Lopez-Ferrer ’08 - Music Joe Moeller ’07 - Theatre Jay Moriarty ’64 - Literature Anne Yee – Theatre
Scan this code to view more photos, inductee introduction videos and a video recording of the event. If you would like to support the arts or nominate someone for the Fine Arts Hall of Fame, the nomination form can also be found on this page. The next Fine Arts Hall of Fame will take place in 2028!
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THANK YOU TO THE INDUCTEES & EVERYONE WHO MADE THE EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS!
Principal’s Message The theme for the 2025-2026 school year has been “Encuentro: Building a Culture of Encounter.” The Spanish word encuentro means more than simply meeting another person. It suggests a deeper kind of encounter, one marked by presence, openness, humility, and love. Throughout his ministry, Pope Francis returned often to this idea, reminding us that when we draw near to others and seek their good, our hearts are opened more fully to God’s gifts. In every authentic encounter, we have the opportunity to come to know something new about the other, ourselves, and God. At its heart, encounter is central to Jesuit education. St. Xavier’s mission is not simply to prepare young men for college academically, though that work remains essential. We are called to form leaders and men for and with others. That formation happens in classrooms, on retreat, on athletic fields, on stages, in service, and in the countless daily interactions that shape a school culture. One such example from this school year was the biennial Ignatian Summit, which gave us a week of focused opportunities to reflect on that call through a series of experiences centered on encounter through the lenses of ecology, emotional intelligence, faith, and artificial intelligence. Our Fine Arts students continued to share their gifts generously. The various band, strings, and choral concerts throughout the year, the first-semester musical production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, the spring production of Clue, the Fine Arts Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the Fine Arts Signing Day, the Michael Benson Jazz Concert and Student Art Exhibition all reflected the creativity and discipline of our students and their teachers. These moments are never merely performances. They are encounters with beauty, with collaboration, and with the courage required to share one’s gifts with others.
Our student-athletes and coaches also gave us much to celebrate. The ‘25-‘26 school year will go down in the history of St. Xavier as one of the best across the board for our sports programs. Over the course of the year, the school captured the following state championships: Team State Champions • Bowling • Tennis • Lacrosse • Baseball Individual State Champions • Wrestling: Kane Shawger ’27, 150 lb. • Swimming: Chase Grisi ’26, 200 yd freestyle; Tucker Charles ’27, 100 yd backstroke; and Owen Gee ‘28, Alex Nixon ‘26, Tucker Charles ‘27, Chase Grisi ’26 , 400 yd freestyle relay • Tennis: Carson Dwyer ‘26, Nihal Narisetty ’27, doubles champions • Cross-Country, Indoor Track, Track & Field: Dom Ellis ’26 won four state titles in cross-country, 3200 meter indoor, 3200 meter outdoor, and the 1600 meter outdoor events. Four additional teams (football, golf, soccer, and swimming) all finished at least in the final four of state. We also celebrated two state championships by our Quiz Bowl team, one in the Ohio Academic Competition and the other for the National Academic Quiz Tournaments state title. All these achievements brought welldeserved pride to the school, but even more importantly, they reflected the dedication, teamwork, resilience, and growth that remain at the heart of our athletic and academic co-curricular programs. At our final all-school liturgy, the Commissioning Mass, we blessed the students and adults preparing for summer service and immersion experiences. This summer, more than 185 rising seniors and
32 faculty and staff members will participate in 14 trips coordinated by our Community Service Office. These experiences are consistently named by seniors as among the most formative aspects of a St. Xavier education. In addition, approximately 70 students will travel outside the continental United States with adult chaperones for educational experiences in Hawaii, England, and Scotland. Our faculty and staff will also continue their own spiritual formation this summer. Fr. Rick Millbourn, SJ, will lead a group of 13 school employees, along with some of their spouses, on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. An additional 10 faculty and staff members will participate in a 5-day retreat on Lake Michigan led by Fr. Greg Boyle SJ. These pilgrimages, service trips, retreats, and educational journeys remind us that the work of formation does not end when the school year concludes. As I reflect on the year, I am filled with gratitude. Every school year brings challenges, but this has been a grace-filled and successful year for our community. “Encuentro: Building a Culture of Encounter” invited us to see one another more clearly and to recognize Christ in the people and experiences placed before us. That work will continue. As we move into summer and prepare to start anew, we carry with us the lessons of this year: to draw near, to listen well, to serve generously, and to meet one another with love. AMDG,
Dan Lynch Principal
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Graduation On May 28, the Class of 2026 was welcomed into the Long Blue Line of St. Xavier alumni. The 301 young men ceremoniously followed the members of the Class of 1976 into the Cintas Center for the graduation ceremony upholding the tradition of the 50-year anniversary class leading the procession. Principal Daniel J. Lynch welcomed graduates, alumni, parents, and family members as they gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026. He encouraged graduates to continue living the Jesuit motto, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, For the Greater Glory of God. President Timothy J. Reilly ’76 delivered the invocation. Representing the class, Patrick Cavanaugh ’26 offered a final message to his classmates: “May we all continue to be the answers to other people’s incredibly large questions.” The commencement address was delivered by Kyle Chandler, Founding Principal of Xavier Jesuit Academy. Reflecting on his visits to St. Xavier, Chandler shared, “When I walk into your building, I see pure joy every single day. It does not exist everywhere. You show your passions in the classroom, through clubs, and in service to others.” He encouraged graduates to follow the example of the mentors around them and continue living as Men for Others. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
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Graduation Awards Senior Scholar Award Benjamin Walker Gollar Rev. Joseph Brennan, S.J. Award Adan Garcia St. Francis Xavier Service Award Henry Nichol Joecken Dr. Charles Farrell Memorial Leadership Award Patrick Robert Cavanaugh Jesuit Schools Network Award Sabian George Swan
Academic Awards The J. Harold Kotte, M.D. 1930 Biology Award Lucas Yoshizu Mierke
Latin Andrew Joseph Kramer Ryan Douglas Kramer
The Donald N. Berning, M.D. 1938 Chemistry Award Anton Vovchenko
Mathematics Shaan Patrick Oerther
The Peter A. Horan 2000 English Award Erik Josef Pharo Chinese Christopher John Gemrich Community Service Ryder William Munz Computer Science Adam Leland Schwetschenau French Bode Lathrem Knebel German Logan Thomas Keller
Music Alex Christopher Buysse Physics Benjamin Walker Gollar Religious Education Lucas Lawrence Arter Social Studies David Ivan Ivanov Spanish David Matthew Beblo Theater Nolan Joseph Lindberg Visual Arts James Grant McKeown
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excerpts from the ARCHIVES
Nicholas Kemper ’06, Archivist
For two years in the mid-1940s, St. Xavier seniors went to college early. Instead of climbing the well-trodden staircases of the old school building at Seventh and Sycamore in the fall of 1944, members of the senior class found themselves walking the leafy campus of Xavier University. They were taught by university professors, ate in the college cafeteria, used the university library, and had access to the campus tennis courts, bowling alleys, and pool tables. This unusual arrangement was born out of wartime necessity. During World War II, Xavier University’s all-male enrollment plummeted as students entered military service. After an Army Air Corps training program departed in June of 1944, enrollment at XU fell to fewer than one hundred students. Meanwhile, St. Xavier was experiencing precisely the opposite problem, as enrollment had surged to 941 students, an increase of nearly 25% from just two years earlier. The school was bursting at the seams. With ample room available in Avondale and space at a premium downtown, Jesuit administrators devised a novel solution: transfer the entire senior class to the campus of Xavier University. Although the seniors physically attended school at XU, care was taken to ensure they firmly remained St. X students. A detailed agreement between the two institutions specified that while the university faculty would handle all teaching duties, the high school curriculum and syllabi would still be followed. Discipline remained under the jurisdiction of St. Xavier, graduation exercises would continue to be handled by the high school, and the seniors were expressly forbidden from participating in university activities (Dana Gardens opened in 1935). The remaining students at the downtown campus stayed upbeat despite the departure of their senior leaders. An editorial appearing in the October 1944 edition of the Xavier Prep challenged the underclassmen to maintain their spirit and enthusiasm:
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"Even though the seniors are several miles away, a cable of three years of habitual interest in the high school binds them so strongly to Seventh and Sycamore Streets that it will take more than the insistent chopping of war-time irregularities to sever it. Thus the underclassmen, some seven hundred strong, must act, promptly and efficiently. . . . This is a challenge to the student body of St. Xavier High. You have the facts. Do you want Xavier to remain the Xavier your fathers and grandfathers knew? Or do you wish it to degenerate to just an average high school? It is up to you!" By all accounts, the students embraced the challenge. A report by the Provincial Prefect of Studies in February 1945 notes that “the spirit of the school has held up very well in spite of the decapitation.” The experiment proved successful enough that it was repeated the following year. Looking back, many alumni remembered their time at XU fondly. Writing in 1971, Jim Rammacher ’46 recalled, “The Class of 1946 probably enjoyed more square yardage per student to roam around in than any high school class in the history of modern education. There we were, 175 of us, with the entire Xavier University campus at our disposal.” Another alumnus, Walter Hadley, Jr. ’46, affectionately described it as “our glorious senior year on the XU campus.” For those brief years during World War II, St. Xavier seniors occupied a unique place in the histories of two institutions: high school boys attending classes on a nearly deserted college campus while the world around them was at war.
Student Spotlight Andrew and Ryan Kramer ’26 Andrew and Ryan Kramer ’26 leave St. Xavier having fully embraced the opportunities the school has to offer. During their four years, they participated in LEGO Club, Quiz Team, Latin Club, Backgammon/Chess Club, Euchre Club, the Global Scholars Program, and The Blueprint student newspaper, where Andrew served as Student Life Editor and Ryan as News Editor. They also worked in the student custodial program, participated in St. X Trails service projects, and traveled to Italy through the Global Scholars and Latin programs. Most students leave St. Xavier with memories, friendships, and lessons that will last a lifetime. Andrew and Ryan Kramer ’26 will leave with all of those, and a lasting contribution to the school itself. The twin brothers spent countless hours designing and building a detailed LEGO replica of St. Xavier High School, transforming a longtime dream into one of the most unique student projects in recent memory. Their model showcases not only their creativity and attention to detail, but also their deep appreciation for the school that has shaped their high school experience.
What inspired you to build the LEGO replica of the school? This project really is so unique to St. X. The two of us had actually dreamed about building a LEGO St. X years before the project was presented to us, but we never had the resources or necessity to push us to do it. Eventually, out of the blue, our moderator, Mrs. Donovan came into a meeting one day saying, “President Reilly said it would be cool to build a model of the school. Is there anyone who would be interested in doing that?” Yes, we were interested. St. Xavier High School, or any worldly institution, will not grant every one of your wishes, but St. X will give every student the tools they need to build their dreams into life. In our case, it was the literal building of a representation of our home away from home in these last four years. Where did you go to grade school? Why did you choose to attend St. Xavier? We attended St. Ignatius of Loyola grade school, so our ties to Jesuit education run deep. We decided to attend St. Xavier because, despite the size of the school, it offers the most deliberate and meaningful connections. While we didn’t know what high school would have in store for us, we had confidence we would find great opportunities at St. X. It also didn’t hurt that President Reilly was the Principal at St. I’s through our 4th Grade year, so we knew we would be in good hands. For every other high school we considered attending, we could have never exited as involved, successful, and apt to go off to college as we have become at St. X. More importantly, St. X has allowed us to develop deeper connections through the Long Blue Line to become more loving to those around us. What advice would you give to a freshman? St. X is full of all different kinds of people. Every single freshman will be able to find a group that allows them to express themselves in their own way and flourish into the best versions of themselves. Whether it is a sports team, club, or students in class, there are always people who can push you to be better every single day. Never stop looking for these people; once you find them, your life will change forever. Another piece of advice is to embrace the struggle. St. X is challenging, and anyone who doesn’t struggle at St. X is going about this school wrong. You can never recognize the great times without enduring some tough ones.
Remember that as you struggle, everyone else is struggling too (even if they don’t look like it). Build friendships in these low points so you can work together to make anytime even better. What is your favorite memory or experience at St. Xavier? We remember during orientation that President Reilly was explaining Music Fest to a small group, and he said something along the lines of “I don’t know of any other high school that lets its students bring in sharp knives and then gives them matches.” In other words, Music Fest is such a special experience every year because of how truly unique it is. One of our best friends always creates an Excel spreadsheet to share with about thirty other students which divides up responsibilities for bringing items for Music Fest. This friend then grills pounds of hamburger meat, chicken kabobs, and goetta for us all to enjoy. Whether everyone grills out or not, Music Fest has always been a defining moment for ending each fantastic year. What is the St. Xavier Advantage? This is a difficult question because the St. Xavier Advantage is unique for everyone. Through our work on The Blueprint, we created the Staff Life section, where we interview faculty and staff. One of our favorite recurring questions is asking how they define the St. Xavier Advantage. For President Reilly, it is “almost 200 years of becoming the best at getting better.” For science teacher Mr. Felczan, it is treating students as “the future leaders” who will care for our world. For administrator Ms. Ziebol, it is that students are prepared “not only for college, but also for the world.” For librarian Mrs. Waterkotte, it is that “the opportunities are endless.” For custodian Mr. Woods, it is the “Band of Brothers” and family that St. X embodies. For us, the St. Xavier Advantage is all of these things. It is a school with a rich legacy where students are given responsibility, challenged to grow, and supported by adults who give their best every day. By graduation, students have learned to be loving, religious, open to growth, intellectually competent, and committed to doing justice—and, just as importantly, how to put those values into action in the real world.
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News from the Long Blue Line
Alumni X-Cerpts 80’s
WEDDINGS
The band, The National, consisting of
Matt Berninger ’89 ranked No. 85 on New York Times Magazine list of the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters in April. They rank right behind Billie Joe Armstrong and ahead of Lauryn Hill, Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, Olivia Rodrigo and others.
WELLENS St. Xavier Alumni Paul Rieselman ’71, Michael Wampler ’19, Anthony LaRocca ’19, Adam Wellens ’23, Leo Pini, Matthew Hoak ’19, Matthew Sutton ’19, Kyle Wellens ’16 joined Craig Wellens ’19 at his wedding.
HATTEN Brennan Hatten ’16 married Hannah Siefert on October 25th 2025. Alumni in attendance included Zach Heilman ’16, Owen Workman ’16, Brennan Hatten ’16, Nolan Hatten ’20, Nate Moore ’16, Kyle Jasper ’16, Anthony Morgan ’16.
20’s Jack Snyder ’24 was in studio and hosted the pregame, halftime, and postgame shows for the Indiana University radio station, WIUX for the Peach Bowl.
BIRTHS RADLEY Jay ’04 and Emily Radley welcomed their second son, Henry Ryan Radley, on November 12, 2025. "Hank" joins big brother James. Everyone is happy and healthy. WELLS Jospeh P Wells Sr. ’08 and Abigail Wells welcomed Jospeh P Wells Jr. into the world on January 14. JUNG Mathias Jung ’11 and Emma Jung welcomed Cooper Mason Jung on March 2. His grandfather is Robert Jung Sr. ’82.
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SULLIVAN Ryan Sullivan ’17 and Abby Howell celebrated their wedding ceremony on June 6, 2026 at County Line Orchard in Hobart, IN. Many Bombers celebrated with the couple, including (pictured L to R) Rusty Sicking ’88, John Marshall ’17, Andrew Wilkinson ’17, Hank Gerhardt ’17, Connor Sullivan ’18, Ryan Sullivan ’17, Mike Sullivan ’87, Will Sicking ’23, Tommy Nunner ’17, Charlie Sicking ’25.
IN MEMORIAM 1978 1960 1969 1945 1988 1952 1971 1972 1974 1987 1948 1978 1958 1963 1950 2001 1945 1946 1947 1968 1949 1972 1996 1967 1967
David Randall Arthur Donald Andrew Daniel James Dermot Louis Curt William David T. David Gary John Ryan James Albert William Mark David Edward Mark Michael William
AMBROSE ANDERSON BENDER BOLAND CARROLL COLETTA CONDIT CROTTY DENNIG DERBY DUWELL EIGEL ERTEL FOLKMAN GARTNER GOLDSCHMIDT GUTMAN HARNIST HENTZ HEYL HILS HUSCHART JEANMOUGIN KATHMANN KELLNER
1973 1984 1992 1957 1973 1956 1960 1979 1954 1957 1993 1962 1967 1963 1961 1955 1993 1968 1969 1962 2016 1953 1958 1957
Thomas Joseph Shawn Mark Philip John William Joseph Carl John Mark Daniel Daniel Joseph Paul John Peter Stephen John Terence Connor Robert James Thomas
LEE LYKINS MACHT MANLEY MULDOON O'BRIEN OLLIER PEHOUSHEK PFIRRMANN RAVE REICHARD ROLFES SCHELLHOUS SCHICKLING SCHULTE SHEBLESSY SIMCOE SMITH SWEENEY TRANTER WALCHLE WESTERKAMP WESTERMAN WILKING
X-Peditions
1. Rob Ehrhardt ’84, Mike Salemme ’84, Pete Arnold ’86, Chuck Bechtel ’84, Tom Nogueira ’84, Bob Neiberding ’84, and Matt Vilaboy ’84 attended a St. Xavier home game together. 2. Since graduating from West Point in May 2025, Ian Meier ’21 completed the Army's Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course; and Ian just graduated from the grueling Army Ranger School on March 27, 2026. Ranger
On the globe, the Long Blue Line is the equator. In St. X parlance,
School is the U.S. Army's premier 61-day combat leadership course. 3. In August 2025, Leo Rainey
the Long Blue Line of alumni and student body appears all over
’20, Sebastian Hofmann ’14 and Scott Hoffman ’84 went on a three-day, 40-mile backpacking trip to
the globe. Bomber blue turns up all over the map and we want the
the Chinese Wall in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness. 4. Chris Gaffney ’69 recently traveled to
evidence. Send us your pictures wearing St. Xavier High School
Ireland with his son, daughter, and grandchildren for two weeks of adventure and connection to their
gear or hoisting a copy of a St. Xavier magazine at an exotic locale or local landmark. Maybe a picture of Bombers at the Pyramids of
Irish heritage. Pictured in Dublin are Chris ’69, his son Dylan ’04, and Dylan’s son Dax ’39, visiting
Egypt or posing at the Pit. Either way, let us know where you’ve
the fourth-generation public house Gaffney and Son. 5. Aaron Bickford ’24 and Patrick Meade '72
been displaying your X pride. Send your high-resolution digital
met up during Aaron’s studies abroad in Luxembourg. 6. Matt Williams ‘94, Jeff McPeek ‘95, Patrick
images to Gavin Vargas at gvargas@stxavier.org, fill out the
Anderson ‘94, and Nick Long ’00 at The Masters. 7. Nick Day, Maintenance Mechanic and Facility
online form at www.stxavier.org/xpedition, mail the form to
Engineer, visiting Sedona, Arizona in April 2026.
St. Xavier High School (Magazine), 600 W. North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224, or scan the QR code on page 28.
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1. Class of 2017 alumni Jake Riegert, Brad O'Rouke, John Hendy, and Drew Jung get together. 2. Rob ’10 and Kate (McHale) McCullough welcomed Liam James into their family to go along with brother Robert Joseph McCullough (18 months) as future Bombers. 3. The Class of ‘75 lunch group met in December at Yard House. 4. Alumni from the Class of 1975, George Rogers and Mike Reilly, after donating blood at Hoxworth Blood Center. The Class of 1975
Subtitle
class gift helped establish a blood bank benefiting Hoxworth and the St. Xavier community, continuing a long tradition of service and encouraging students, alumni, and staff to give blood in support of St. Xavier’s account. 5. Bob Weickert ’82 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Super Bowl weekend when Luke Kuechly ’09 was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. 6. Will Yee ‘96, Ann Yee (2026 St. X Fine Arts Hall of Fame inductee), Kai Yee ’26, and Ben Yee ’93 attending opening night for the show Turandot at the Sydney Opera House which Ann directed and choreographed. 7. St. Xavier Faculty and Staff took a trip to the American Sign Museum back in March. 8. William Froass ’22 won the NCAA’s Elite 90 Award for the Division III Men’s Swimming and Diving Championship. 9. Dr. Rob Pettit '06, Ken Rushford, Athletic Trainer, and Hannah Schroeder, Athletic Trainer, celebrating a Reds' victory and National Athletic Training Month. Dr. Pettit and Hannah were added to St. Xavier's Sports Medicine team in 2025. 10. Bay Area Alumni were hosted by Jim Valentine ’80 at the offices of Perkins Coie in February.
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1. Liam Clifford '21 and Matthew Rueve '20 at Cincinnati Bengals tryouts. 2. Fred Craig ’08, (Former Lacrosse Coach at X), and Connor Buczek ’11, Head Lacrosse Coach at Cornell University, after the Duke vs Cornell Lacrosse game on April 11th at Long Island University. 3. Houston Alumni Chapter Dinner on April 18 at King Ranch. 4. Dennis Coyle ’90 has accepted a position as athletic director at Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. 5. Austin Alumni on April 20 at The Brewtorium. 6. Chris Riley ‘91, Steve Specht ‘86, Mark Eilerman ‘86 and Ed Franchi connected recently in Houston. 7. Steve Gamm ’75 welcomed Rocky Boiman ’98 as Guest Speaker to the Dayton Agonis Club on May 11th. Rocky shared stories through his time playing Football at St. X then Notre Dame, followed by a career in the NFL and obtaining a Super Bowl ring. 8. Five classmates from the ’77 class, Howie Rohan (PA), Steve Chandler (CO), Jim Sweeney (CO), Mark Gonzalez (LA), and Mel Kelley (OH), met in New Orleans for the 4 day Heritage and Jazz Festival. 9. Andy '99, Will ’27 and Joey ’31 Mueller on Liberty Island. 10. Grant Hester ’26 and Mr. Dick Ullrich ’56 caught up for a picture while Mr. Ullrich attended the Golden and Then Some Reunion. They both wore the #60 as Varsity football players.
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1. Dan Travis ’86 with his two nephews Jack Travis ’25, Thomas Travis ’22, and Sean Schneider ’22. 2. Brian Murphy ‘97, Henry Schrantz ‘28, John Schrantz ‘96 at the TOOL set at Sonic Temple Music Festival this past May. 3. John Partridge ’88, PhD, was inducted into the 2026 MAGIS Society of Master Teachers in recognition of his excellence in preclinical medical education, mentorship, and service. 4. A group of Alumni recently made a trip to Clemson, SC and had the opportunity to visit Coach Dabo Swinney’s office. Front (L to R): Jeff Stamp, Matt Infantino, Nick Reilly, Kevin Schwalbach. Back (L to R): Mick Koch, James Cox, JD Beiting, Jeff McPeek, Rick Roettker, Ryan Spalazzi, Sam Luken 5. Richard Hug ’71 in front of St. Francis Xavier Church in Easo, on Lifou Island, in New Caledonia. 6. Chance Brown '24 recently spent a day shadowing Hamilton County Auditor Jessica Miranda, continuing a mentorship that began when he first shadowed her at the Ohio Statehouse two years ago. 7. Class of ‘75 lunch group met at Jim and Jack’s in April.
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X-Peditions What's 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… HOW TO SUBMIT PHOTOS • Scan the QR code • Email your submission to Gavin Vargas at gvargas@stxavier.org • Fill out the online form at www.stxavier.org/xpeditions • Mail the form to St. Xavier High School (Magazine) 600 W. North Bend Road Cincinnati, OH 45224
Calendar
In Memoriam
August
September
5:
2:
Class of 1978 Lunch at Rusty Bucket Rookwood at 11:30 am
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Class of '91, '96, '11, & '21 Reunions
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Class of 1978 Lunch at Rusty Bucket Rookwood at 11:30 am Young Alumni Golf Outing at Glenview Golf Course
12: Class of 1956 Lunch at Hyde Park Country Club at 11:30 am 12: Class of 1957 Lunch at deSha's in Montgomery at 12:00 pm 17: Class of 1980 Breakfast at Kenwood First Watch at 7:30 am 24: Alumni Golf Outing at Four Bridges CC
18: Class of '01 & '06 Reunions 18: Trevor Hoelker Memorial Golf Outing 21: Class of 1980 Breakfast at Kenwood First Watch at 7:30 am
October 2:
Class of 1969 Golf Outing at Clovernook CC
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Class of 1978 Lunch at Rusty Bucket Rookwood at 11:30 am
14: Class of 1956 Lunch at Hyde Park Country Club at 11:30 am 16: Class of '81, '86, & '16 Reunions
John Getgey faithfully served the St. Xavier community in many roles, including member of the Religion Department, Freshman Football Coach, Ethics Club Moderator, and Advancement team member. Through his dedication to students both inside and outside the classroom, he touched countless lives and exemplified the mission of St. Xavier. Please continue to keep Mary Ann and John and their family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you! Thank you to our five retiring faculty and staff members for their service. The results of your career lives in the Long Blue Line and will long be remembered. You have made a difference. With gratitude and admiration, we celebrate your retirement, hoping you will visit often, knowing you are always welcome back to St. Xavier, your home.
The past few months the St. Xavier Community was saddened to learn about the passing of two members of the St. Xavier community. Mary Ann Meyer devoted more than three decades to St. Xavier as a member of the Fine Arts Department from 1979 to 2010. Through her passion for art and education, she inspired generations of Bombers to grow in creativity, confidence, and compassion. Her lasting impact on the school was recognized in 2022 with her induction into the St. Xavier Fine Arts Hall of Fame.
Marianne Borgmann College Advisor
Sandy HealeyWenhold Switchboard Operator
Peggy Schmucker School Counselor
Chris Zimmerman Math Faculty
Tony Schad '81 Senior Advancement Officer
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