VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The “Madness” is upon us! No, I am not talking about the tournament, although I really do love this time of year with regard to basketball. The “Madness” of which I speak is X-Travaganza at St. Xavier High School. A year’s worth of hard work and dedication is about to come to fruition on March 7th for hundreds of volunteers and employees.

Why does X-travaganza happen? I can recall hearing her say these very words, “It’s all for the boys.” Those were the words of Margo Locaputo, who directed X-Travaganza for many years. I miss her, especially at this time of year. But rest assured Margo’s spirit not only lives on, it is thriving through the work of people like X-Trav director Cathy Cionni, Heidi O’Connor, Joyce Bowman, Terry Haney as well as hundreds more who volunteer their time and talents to making sure that this event is a success.

X-Travaganza supports tuition assistance for 716 young men through the Grand Raffle and X-Tend-A-Hand on auction night as well as helping to support each and every young man who is enrolled at St. Xavier.

This year’s event, which is themed, Off to the TropiX –Hawaii Bound is being co-chaired by Colleen and Adam Ireton ’88 and Lisanne and Mike Thompson ’84. It will be a fantastic evening full of fun and celebration for the St. Xavier community. So many relationships are renewed and built at this event. Opening Party will get things started for this whirlwind weekend on Friday night, March 6th. Everyone is invited to Opening Party as well as all of our incoming freshmen parents. The auction night items are incredible as always and the silent auction on both Friday and Saturday will not disappoint.

Tony Schad ’81

But this happens for a reason… it truly is for the students here at St. Xavier. X-Travaganza supports tuition assistance for 716 young men through the Grand Raffle and X-Tend-A-Hand on auction night as well as helping to support each and every young man who is enrolled at St. Xavier. Yes, while being an incredible “friend-raiser” this is a vitally important fundraiser too! St. Xavier High School is an incredible educational, spiritual and formational institution for the young men who walk the hallways.

And like almost anything worthwhile, it does not come cheap. Here are the facts:

• This year the cost to educate a student in the St. Xavier way is $20,060. • Tuition charged is $15,650 • Our student’s need-based assistance is $4,600,000 to help with tuition to make sure anyone academically qualified can attend.

My ask is simple. Purchase some Grand Raffle tickets. Come and enjoy Opening Party on March 6th or Auction Night on March 7th. Or maybe you can come to both nights. You will have a great time and your support on those evenings will benefit each and every student at St. Xavier High School.

If you have any questions go to https://www.stxavier.org/support-st-x/x-travaganza or contact the X-Travaganza office at 513-618-3232. I sincerely hope to see you during Off to the TropiX – Hawaii Bound!

New Triathlon Program Wins National Championship

In just four short years, the St. Xavier TriBombers went from a vision of a new student club to national champs. The club’s journey has been filled with success and growth thanks to support across the country.

In April 2019, St. Xavier’s triathlon team won the USA Triathlon High School National Championship in Tempe, Arizona. The “TriBombers” finished first in the Independent Club (individual high school) category. The team also finished third in the Male Club category, impressive in that St. X competed against regional teams in this category. The club holds the title of Ohio State Champs in their respective category for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 seasons as well.

It is a surprise that the team has achieved such a high honor since it really is still in its infancy. Coach Jim Murphy ’92 explained an exploratory meeting was first held in late 2016 when just eight interested students attended. From there, Murphy organized a committee, where he and the St. X administration worked together to make the program feasible.

The TriBombers are a triathlon club that does not compete locally with other schools but supports St. Xavier athletes who participate in publicly held triathlon events. After just a few years, the TriBombers have a great model for high school triathlon clubs which gives nearly 20-30 students the opportunity to participate in this competitive sport.

“There are many to thank for the quick rise to success the team has had,” said Murphy. There are many parents, students, alumni and many at St. X that have supported this club since the beginning.”

This emerging sport has support from the Long Blue Line all across the country and is always looking for support from fellow Bombers. For more information on the TriBombers triathlon club please visit www.stxavier.org/triathlon.

National Champs! Seated (L-R): Coach Colin Riley, Ted Lockett, Caleb Schmidt, Liam Dwyer, Coach Jim Murphy (’92) Standing (L-R): Christian Wall, Coach Ed Baier (’91), Christopher Langenderfer, Alex Baier, Nate Baier, Sam Hinnenkamp, Sam Beutel, Rachel Langenderfer.