Saber Magazine - Spring 2023

SABER

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

FEATURE

Hosting The Wall That Heals MAY 26–29

FROM THE HEADMASTER

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his past fall, I announced that this would be my last year as Headmaster of this great institution. It was a difficult decision for my family and me as we have given and received so much from Saint Thomas Academy over the years. Alas, God has a different plan for the next chapter in our lives.

Beginning in July, I will be taking on the role of CEO of the Cristo Rey Network. The mission of Cristo Rey to provide a Catholic college-prep education to families who traditionally could not afford one is as near and dear to my heart as the mission of Saint Thomas Academy in forming boys into men of character. I admit to looking forward to the opportunity to lead 41 schools serving over 12,000 students in 24 states. But I will truly miss the inspiring Veterans’ Day ceremonies, the beautiful outdoor formations, the conversations with the boys, and watching them learn from their mistakes and revel in their finest moments.

Kelby Woodard

MISSION Our mission — to develop boys into men of character — is our promise to our students, our families, our community and the world.

We accomplish this through the transformative power of an educational and life experience deeply rooted in Catholic faith and traditions, academic excellence, military leadership, and an all-male environment.

We have accomplished a lot together in the last three years. Saint Thomas Academy looked to our core values as a guide to lead us through a global pandemic. We leaned into our traditions and looked optimistically to our future when we renovated our academic spaces and created a new quad for the Cadets. We designed a best-in-class schedule that allowed us to emphasize our Catholic and military pillars while also allowing for exciting new electives that pique the curiosity of Cadets and faculty alike.

Most importantly, we did what Saint Thomas Academy has done for the last 138 years, we formed boys into men of character and introduced them to friends who will become their brothers for life.

Thank you for the opportunity to lead your beloved school. A special thank you to the faculty and staff who are the true keepers of this mission and the traditions of the Academy. I am forever grateful to the Cadets who I had the privilege of interacting with during my time here. I am a better man because of their willingness to share this experience with me.

General Douglas MacArthur could have been describing the promise of Saint Thomas Academy when he wrote this spiritual legacy for his own son: Build me a son whose wishes will not take the place of deeds: a son who will know Thee — and that to know himself is the foundation of knowledge. Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort: but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Then I, his father, will dare to whisper, “I have not lived in vain.”

The future of the Academy is bright, and I am confident the next leader will continue to make strides in delivering on the promise of Saint Thomas Academy to future generations.

Finally, a thank you to my family, who sacrificed so much to allow me to pursue my dream of being a part of Saint Thomas Academy, and to Tipton Woodard ’14 and Charlie Woodard ’21, who let me see the Cadet experience through their eyes.

ON THE COVER: Creative Director Tyler Maddaus showcases The Wall That Heals.

God Bless and Go Cadets!

Mr. Kelby Woodard Headmaster cadets.com

CONTENTS

SABER

Spring/Summer 2023 Saber is published by Saint Thomas Academy 949 Mendota Heights Road Mendota Heights, MN 55120 651-454-4570 cadets.com Your comments, story ideas, and suggestions are always welcome. Please contact Deborah Edwards, Director of Marketing & Communications at 651-683-1532 or via email at dedwards@cadets.com Features/Article Writers: David Jacobson

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Designer: Jason Stones Printing: Dolan Printing

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Photo Credits: Tyler Maddaus Michael Murray Photography Saint Thomas Academy Alumni, Friends, and Family 734_Visuals The Wall That Heals Library of Congress National Archives

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2 Hosting The Wall That Heals 8 Matthew Delmont’s Latest Book 12 Academy Alum Drinks

16 17 30 38 40 41 49

From Stanley Cup

14 The Academy Has Its

Top-Performing Model UN Team

Academy News Meet the Faculty Academy Sports Advancement News Alumni News Class Notes In Memoriams

LEADERSHIP Chief Officer The Most Reverend Bernard Hebda Chairman Mr. Daniel Kubes ’87 Past Chairman Mr. Kelly Rowe ’79 Vice President TBD Secretary Mr. Kelby Woodard Founding Partner Mr. Michael Ciresi ’64

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SABER Spring/Summer 2023 | 1

FEATURE

Hosting The Wall That Heals May 26-29

BY DAVID JACOBSON

THE WALL THAT HEALS

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL REPLICA & MOBILE EDUCATION CENTER

A PROGRAM OF THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND FOUNDERS OF THE WALL

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any visitors to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. describe it as one of the most moving experiences of their lives. Opened in 1982, the most noted feature of the Memorial is The Wall — a black granite wall designed by a 21-year-old Yale University student named Maya Lin that is inscribed with the name of each of the 58,281 American casualties of the Vietnam War.

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FEATURE

If you’ve never been to the Memorial, you can have a similar experience this spring when a three-quarter scale replica of The Wall and an accompanying mobile Education Center arrive on campus at Saint Thomas Academy as part of The Wall That Heals national tour.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), the non-profit organization that established the Washington, D.C. site, has chosen the Academy as the tour stop for the Memorial Day weekend.

As part of the VVMF’s application process to host The Wall That Heals, ret. Col. Neil Hetherington, Commandant of Cadets, requested the holiday weekend, “because Memorial Day is the most sacred date of the year for military people,” he said. “It’s a somber, reverent day. I thought there was no way we would get it on Memorial Day, but they told me they selected us because of who we are as an organization and what we bring to the event as a military academy.”

The replica version of The Wall is constructed of Avonite, a synthetic granite, and stretches 375 feet long and stands seven-and-a-half feet high at its tallest point.

Visitors experience The Wall rising above them as they walk toward the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C. LED lighting provides readability of The Wall both day and night, which is critical because The Wall That Heals will remain open to the public and free of charge 24 hours a day, from 6 a.m. on Friday, May 26 until 2 p.m. on Monday, May 29.

Pictured at the traveling Wall That Heals exhibition are visitors paying their respects.

— Continued on page 4 cadets.com

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FEATURE | Hosting The Wall That Heals, continued

Like the original Memorial, The Wall That Heals takes a chevron shape and visitors can take name rubbings of individual service members’ names inscribed on The Wall. Three of the names are those of Cadets: Second Lieutenant Peter J. Troy ’66, Major Patrick P. Murray ’60, and Colonel Richard A. Walsh III ’44. (Additional details, photos, and remembrances for each are available through the search function at www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces).

Peter J. Troy ’66

“What's interesting about these three men,” Hetherington summarized, “is that they represent three different services. Peter Troy was an Army Infantry Officer, Patrick Murray was a Marine Corps pilot, and Richard Walsh III was an Air Force pilot. Coincidentally, those are the three branches that are today represented by the STA Military Leadership Department staff. While the years between these three men vary and they most likely did not know each other, they were all killed in action between January 19, 1968, and September 7, 1969.”

Patrick P. Murray ’60

Colonel Richard A. Walsh III ’44 with his squadron 4 | SABER Spring/Summer 2023

Patrick P. Murray ’60 with his hockey team

Richard A. Walsh III ’44 cadets.com

FEATURE

Hetherington anticipates that the visit from The Wall That Heals will include unique activities for current and former Cadets. “I believe that there are certain graduating years of alumni, especially from the era during the Vietnam War, who will gather to pay respects and help with the healing,” he said. For current Cadets, “there will certainly be some prep work and an overview of the Vietnam War as well as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. and The Wall That Heals. They are certainly welcome to discuss their experience in future senior speeches.”

The idea to host The Wall That Heals struck Hetherington last year, when the tour stopped in Eagan and used the Academy grounds as a staging area. “A few dozen faculty and staff greeted the VVMF officials” he said. “We learned a lot, and I started researching the application process, which is very competitive. The VVMF staff told us that we should also visit their next stop in Winsted to meet more officials, and there we did a name rubbing of our alumni from The Wall. There is a lot of work that goes into this logistically, and fortunately we had Kelby Woodard’s support, because it requires a lot of people’s involvement.”

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The laborious application process and official visits pale in comparison to the work ahead. For example, Hetherington said, “We are still doing research to see which people from the Academy served and are still in the area and may have compelling stories to share. Also, we’ve created sub-committees, including looking for sponsors and promotional opportunities, and we will build out a website and Facebook event. It will take about 40 volunteers to set up The Wall and disassemble it, and we’ll need people for traffic control, to lead tours, to help visitors find names on The Wall, and to work in the Education Center.”

— Continued on page 6

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FEATURE | Hosting The Wall That Heals, continued

All told, Hetherington hopes for 8,000 to 10,000 visitors from Minnesota, border states, and beyond.

“I'm sure their range of emotions will vary,” he said.

“For me, every time I visit The Wall or The Wall That Heals, it chokes me up. I was recently listening to a podcast while on a run called Echoes of the Vietnam War and specifically Episode 15, when The Wall That Heals stopped in Longview, Washington in 2021. The podcast tore me up as I listened to several stories that, as the podcast description states, ‘shed light on why people visit The Wall, the emotions they bring to it, and what happens when a community connects with its Vietnam War history.’ ” As Hetherington prepares to retire from the Academy after this school year, his effort to secure the visit from The Wall That Heals and lead logistics is testament to all that the Academy represents, knitting together its past, present, and future.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

OF THE WALL THAT HEALS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

COMMUNITY SPONSOR

6 | SABER Spring/Summer 2023

cadets.com

FEATURE

Tours at The Wall That Heals Tours provide a unique opportunity at an educational experience at a level that is not even possible at The Memorial in Washington, D.C. Every tour is led by a Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fund staff member trained to engage visitors and students of all ages and backgrounds. Each group will be guided through the mobile Education Center and The Wall. Tours run approximately one hour, including a question-and-answer session, allowing time for groups to engage with The Wall.

TOURS INCLUDE: History of the Wall – artist vision, competition that choose the design, and the significance of the layout.

Mobile Education Center – items left at The Wall, Hometown Heroes, In Memory Honor Roll, Digital displays on the history, sample of items left at The Wall.

TOUR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: Dates – Friday, May 26 through Monday May 29, 2023 Cost – Guided tours are free Reservations – We require reservations for Guided tours. Make your reservation using this QR code:

For more information: cadets.com/wallthatheals We are looking for approximately 200 volunteers to help with

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!

assisting visitors and setting up and breaking down the exhibit.

If you’re interested in donating your time, please sign up today.

Thank you.

WALL THAT HEALS LOCATION

X STADIUM ENTRANCE

VOLUNTEER HERE! WALL THAT HEALS LOCATION

PARKING LOT

Enter the Vincent J. Flynn Hall parking lot from either Mendota Heights Rd. or Lake Dr. Once parked, enter the stadium on the west side of the lot and follow the signs to the location of The Wall That Heals.

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SABER Spring/Summer 2023 | 7

Top: African American troops of a field artillery battery emplace a 155mm howitzer in France. Bottom: Members of an African American mortar company of the 92nd Division fire on the Germans near Massa, Italy.

Matthew Delmont’s Latest Book Looks Back and Connects to the Present

BY DAVID JACOBSON

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ince his days as a Cadet, Matthew Delmont ’96 has held a long-standing interest in the military, resulting most recently in the October 2022 publication of his latest book, titled Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad.

The book has earned favorable reviews from The New York Times, London Review of Books, and Time, landed Delmont on National Public Radio’s Fresh Air and WBUR radio’s On Point, and has been excerpted in Smithsonian and Mother Jones. Such success stems from the passion and hard work that led Delmont to his position as the Sherman Fairchild Distinguished Professor of History at Dartmouth College.

Matthew Delmont ’96 8 | SABER Spring/Summer 2023

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On Easter morning, T/5 William E. Thomas and PFC Joseph Jackson planned to roll specially prepared eggs on Hitler’s lawn.

Delmont cites Bob Slater ’77, Delmont’s cousin and his AP U.S. History teacher, and then-Head of Military Education John Gritz as important influences in cultivating his fascination with the subject. “Even though my family had no military background, my education at Saint Thomas Academy was formative,” Delmont said. “The promotion of the Cadet colonel each year and the story of Captain Richard Fleming, STMA ’35 and the Fleming Saber is etched in my mind. Going through JROTC and the traditions and routines of formation and inspection made me think about military history and culture, and that was always bouncing around in my head.”

“The promotion of the Cadet colonel each year That drive coupled with Delmont’s focus on and the story of Captain Richard Fleming, STMA ’35 civil rights, yielding his two earlier books titled and the Fleming Saber is etched in my mind.”

Why Busing Failed: Race, Media, and the National Resistance to School Desegregation; and The Nicest PVTs George Cofield and Howard J. Davis guarded a Kids in Town: American Bandstand, Rock 'n' Roll, and the newly-constructed bridge site of the Rhine River.

Struggle for Civil Rights in 1950s Philadelphia. He started work on Half American in earnest about seven years ago after leading the creation of a digital history website, BlackQuotidian.org, which explores everyday lives of African Americans in the 20th century, drawing on an archive of digitized African-American newspapers, such as Chicago Defender and Pittsburgh Courier.

Delmont mined those newspapers for information on the African-American experience during World War II and tapped other treasure troves of information from sources as disparate as the National Archives and the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. “Putting together the puzzle pieces was my job,” Delmont said.

“Writing about history this way is more art than science.

I was looking for things that shed light on moments that most people think they know well.”

— Continued on page 10

This African American combat patrol advanced three miles north of Lucca, Italy (furthermost point occupied by American troops at that time) to contact an enemy machine gun nest. cadets.com

SABER Spring/Summer 2023 | 9

For example, Half American looks at the attack on Pearl Harbor through the eyes of the Black messmen, who filled one of the few roles the Navy allowed African Americans at that time. One of them, Doris Miller was the first African American to receive the Navy Cross.

Working in the galley of the battleship West Virginia, Miller spontaneously expanded his role to helping wounded sailors and manning an anti-aircraft machine gun — for which he had no training — to shoot down several Japanese planes.

Illustrated by David Stone Martin, National Museum of African American History and Culture

Another section of the book tied to a famous battle covers the 761st Tank Battalion “Black Panthers” at the Battle of the Bulge. Still another addresses the contributions of Black soldiers to D-Day and the subsequent drive into Europe. “The majority of the one million Blacks who served in World War II were not allowed on the front lines of combat,” Delmont said.

“Most were behind the lines, working on supplies of ammunition and fuel, loading and unloading ships.”

For example, the Red Ball Express was comprised of Black truck drivers – including a 19-year-old who was later martyred in the civil rights movement – who moved 400,000 tons of supplies through Europe after D-Day. “Most people do not think of Black troops on D-Day, but almost every piece of equipment passed through Black hands,” Delmont said.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet, pins the Navy Cross on Doris “Dorie” Miller, Steward’s Mate 1/c, USN, at a ceremony on board a U.S. Navy warship in Pearl Harbor, T.H., May 27, 1942.

Seeking to rescue a Marine who was drowning in the surf at Iwo Jima, this sextet of African American soldiers narrowly missed death themselves when their amphibian truck was swamped by heavy seas.

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CPL Carlton Chapman was a machine-gunner in an M-4 tank attached to a Motor Transport unit near Nancy, France.

Capt Wendell O. Pruitt, one of the leading pilots of the 15th Air Force, always made sure to leave his valuable ring with his crew chief, S/Sgt. Samuel W. Jacobs.

“It’s important to have these conversations to help us reckon more honestly with our country’s shared history.”

As an African American himself, Delmont enjoyed writing the book, but also found it “heartbreaking.”

After all, Black soldiers returned from World War II to face Jim Crow laws, red-lining, and other forms of discrimination that left them feeling “Half American,” and much of Delmont’s work on the book occurred after the murder of George Floyd, so “there was a feeling of helplessness as a historian to write about things that have still not been resolved even now in our country.”

So how does Delmont continue processing a history whose tragedies persist into the present? “It depends on the day,” he said. “Most days it’s just a resolve to do what I can to bring as honest an accounting of American history as I can. It’s important to have these conversations to help us reckon more honestly with our country’s shared history.”

One way this resolve may pay off — for Delmont, for current Cadets, and for the world they go on to impact – is the use of Half American in Doug Hoverson’s class, which could produce the next Matthew Delmont. cadets.com

During their time in the European Theater of Operations, drivers of the 666th Quartermaster Truck Company, 82nd Airborne Division, chalked up to 20,000 miles each without incident.

CPL Charles H. Johnson of the 783rd Military Police Battalion waved on a “Red Ball Express” motor convoy that rushed priority material to the forward areas near Aleçnon, France.

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Academy Alum Drinks From Stanley Cup

BY DAVID JACOBSON

D

o you know where you were on the afternoon of June 30, 2022? There is no particular reason you should, but John Funk ’99 will never forget his whereabouts on that day.

As a scout for the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, he recalls, “My wife and kids were in Denver the whole week when we won the Stanley Cup. Our family was on a fire truck in the parade. Lifting the Cup over my head was something you always dream of. Unbelievable experience.

I was just shaking. Guys on our staff were crying. My son got to also drink out of the Cup after Joe Sakic, one of the greatest players ever and now a team executive.”

The start of Funk’s hockey career was inauspicious enough that he might never expect to hoist the Cup. As a freshman leftwing/center, he said, “our team was not that good. Sophomore year, we were better but still not very good. Junior year, we lost to Mahtomedi for the chance to go to state, and then in ’99 we beat them to go to state.”

After the Academy, Funk played two years of junior hockey in Sioux Falls and then played for the University of Wisconsin as a recruited walk-on. Jeff Sauer, who was then the Badgers’ head coach and knew Funk’s grandfather from St. Paul, led the team for Funk’s 12 | SABER Spring/Summer 2023

freshman season, then retired and was succeeded by Mike Eaves.

Funk, who earned a sociology degree, won a most improved player award one season and fans voted him the team’s hardest worker in another season. “I was a role player,” he said, “and our team was usually middle of the pack in the old WCHA, and we made the NCAAs twice.”

He went straight into coaching, first for Robert M. La Follette High School (Madison, WI), and then at the Academy as an assistant from 2009-2014, while pursuing a career in medical sales. From there, he joined the Avs as a scout, currently overseeing U.S. amateur prospects with occasional sojourns north of the border when necessary.

Like most lifers in any sport, Funk takes the lows that go with the highs. He enjoyed travel to Europe in his earlier years with the Avs, but now on long trips throughout North America, he misses his wife, Betsy (Visitation ’99) and their son, William, age 8, and daughter, Genevieve, age 5. “Being a former player,” Funk said, “I still love the team element of what I do, plus, our team winning the Stanley Cup last season after a couple years of heartbreak.” cadets.com

Looking back from the pinnacle of his success, Funk sees the Academy as instrumental. He grew up around the grounds, with two previous generations of Funks working on campus. His grandmother, Peg Funk, was an administrative assistant. His father, Pat Funk, served as a hockey coach, and John’s uncle, Mike, worked as administrator and hockey coach. John’s brother, Matt ’95, also has a hockey career that includes his current position coaching at a rival school.

Among John Funk’s mentors at the Academy were his hockey coach, Bill McCarthy; Mike Sjoberg, his freshman football coach, who took him and a classmate on a memorable trip to the Boundary Waters; and Bill Culbertson, Spanish teacher, “who just cared so much about people.”

Overall, recalling his years at the Academy, Funk remembers most “how tight everyone was with each other. I saw it with my brother’s group of friends. When I started there, I knew just a handful of guys through hockey, but I took away a lot of bonds from the classroom and from sports. I also took away the idea that you’re always competing.

“I was tiny when I started high school, and I broke my femur playing hockey my freshman year. But I got bigger and stronger, and by my senior year, I was one of the better players on the team. In junior hockey, I had to work harder, and that ability was instilled in me at the Academy every day.”

John Funk’s son, William, with Hockey Hall of Fame member and former Avs player Joe Sakic and the Stanley Cup.

John Funk, with his wife Betsy and their children, William and Genevieve, with the Stanley Cup.

One of Funk’s favorite memories reveals the trademark Funk spunk. In downtown Minneapolis for the state tournament, he and his teammates enjoyed a dinner out and a night’s stay in a hotel and were looking forward to extending their stay. But the team found itself trailing Silver Bay — “a team we should not have been losing to,” he said — and on the verge of elimination.

“After the first period, Coach McCarthy came into the locker room and wrote on the board that our hotel checkout time was two that afternoon. It looked like we were going to spend only one night in that hotel, but we wanted some more of those downtown Minneapolis meals, so I got up and walked to the board and erased that checkout time, and we ended up coming back to win.”

Hard to believe, but that hunger for more Minneapolis meals, eventually led to drinking from the Cup.

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Resolved: The Academy Has Its Top-Performing Model UN Team

BY DAVID JACOBSON

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here can be no debate. Saint Thomas Academy is home to some top-notch Model UN competitors.

Brody Campbell ’23 presents at the event.

Model UN replicates a United Nations experience, convening delegations from participating schools at competitions that are called “conferences.”

February’s conference at Boston University saw Robert “Robbie” Wollan ’24 named Best Delegate – which Team Advisor David O’Connell likens to winning a Gold Medal – while Max Anderson ’24, Sean Happe ’24, and Chihuu Nguyen ’24 earned Outstanding Delegate honors.

Such success is unprecedented in the 11-year history of the Academy’s Model UN program, O’Connell said. After a three-year layoff from in-person conferences due to the Covid pandemic, Cadets competed in Florida in January “to snap back into it,” O’Connell said, “because you can’t build skills without being at conferences, and this was supposed to be a re-building year.”

But the Boston University conference results show that the re-building is ahead of schedule.

Chihuu Nguyen ’23 prepares to represent New Zealand.

Max Anderson ’24 and Sean Happe ’24 await their turn to present.

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The four honored Cadets from among the Academy’s 12-member delegation “earned major distinction in one of the most competitive North American conferences,” O’Connell said. “A field of 1,600 students and 110 schools included Phillips Exeter, Deerfield, Harvard Westlake, and many of the most distinguished institutions on the continent. We outperformed many of those same schools in the largest and most competitive committees, and some of those schools brought delegations that were three to four times larger than ours.”

O’Connell took particular pride in his Cadets’ achievements because conference experience, which most team members lack, is critical to success.

That’s because conferences include not only speeches and presentations competitors can prepare for but also unmoderated caucuses and “the need to think on your feet, find alliances out in the hallways, and form blocs to create resolutions to problems,” he said. “The fact that some guys who had only been to one conference could wheel and deal that way…it’s like San Jose State University making it to the college football national championship game.” cadets.com

The group meets with students from other schools to partner as delegates.

Among the keys to the Cadets’ success, according to O’Connell: • “Our guys never talked about the other teams, like ‘Oh, how are we going to compete with these top schools?’ You have to remove or conquer self-doubt. We do a lot to address that in our practices, and they really bought into talking only about what THEY were going to do. This is definitely the most focused group we’ve ever had. They were immersed in a flow state.”

• “The ‘brotherhood’ at our school…they were that 100 percent. At our Wednesday night practices, we would have 35 guys show up to help the 12 delegates prepare. We had great team leadership.”

• “Robbie was the first guy I heard speak on the first day of the conference, and he was completely zoned in on the audience, speaking clearly, projecting his voice. And all our guys were like that, standing tall, not looking down at their 3x5 cards, not just trying to get through their part, but really connecting confidently with the audience.”

If it seems that the Model UN team reflects much of the characterbuilding that makes the Academy the Academy, consider O’Connell’s final comment as confirmation: “Our number-one thing is conquering self-doubt. I want the kids to experience that. Also, this is a way to develop global literacy, and it’s a way to win by uniting people. Unlike in sports, this is not a winner-take-all competition. This is about getting through our differences, compromising, and finding common ground. When you hear the solutions they come up with it’s hard not to be optimistic and melt the icy cynicism that may have seeped into your spirit.”

ALSO IN BOSTON...

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Chase Young ’25 smiling in between presentations.

Liam Carey ’24 smiling while awaiting his turn.

At left, L-R: Tim Litecky ’23, Chihuu Nguyen ’23, Jackson Najarian ’24, and Avery Millican ’24 enjoy pizza during their downtime.

Below: No trip to Boston is complete without a visit to Fenway Stadium.

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Academy News STAFF UPDATES STAFF NOTES

Congratulations to JUSTIN HAGER (Dean of Students) and his wife, Leah, on the birth of their daughter Louise Hager.

Louise was born on February 8 and joins big brother Duke.

WELCOME TO NEW STAFF

Jessica Keehan, Mathematics

Stephanie Nonnemacher, Registrar

Matt Pryor, Athletics

Kristin Trautner, Human Resources

DAN HICKEL (Physics) and his wife Sarah welcomed their third daughter, Lucy on January 10. Lucy joins big sisters Maggie and Emma.

GUATEMALA TRIP

JACOB SAND (Athletics) and his wife Alli welcomed their daughter, Maddox on March 1. Maddox joins big brother Milo.

Since 1996 teachers and staff from the Academy have been traveling to La Parroquia in San Lucas, Guatemala, which was started by Fr. Greg Schaffer nearly 60 years ago for a service learning experience. This year, after a five-year hiatus, Mr. Rome and Mr. Ingalls traveled to San Lucas, Tolíman, Guatemala with a group of Cadets. The students worked side-by-side with people from San Lucas to construct houses and high efficiency stoves. They also got to learn about life in that part of the world and built unforgettable connections in a very short period of time.

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cadets.com

MEET THE FACULTY

Academy News

Darrell Lockhart YEAR STARTED AT SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY | 2020 SUBJECTS/CO-CURRICULARS/ CLUBS | Military Leadership Instructor and Quartermaster Director FIRST TEACHING JOB | In 2001 I became an Instructor Navigator at the USAF school house. For 5 years I taught USAF Lieutenants and Navy Ensigns how to be Navigators and Naval Flight Officers through a 10 month course.

HOBBIES | Building model airplanes, rearing Monarch butterflies over the summer and fall, gardening, and anything soccer related.

A FAVORITE TEACHING MOMENT | When navigating by the stars and then crossing the 180 degree line, it requires some particular skills. I had a student that just was not getting it until we had a 1-on-1 training session and talked through the process. Two days later, the student entered the Simulator and performed to an excellent degree.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE | Returning from a 7 month deployment and seeing my family waiting for me.

WHY I TEACH AT SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY | I’m here for the boys, I love to see their growth as leaders over four years and their character development.

FAVORITE MUSIC | Classic Rap/R&B and live jazz.

“

I’M HERE FOR THE BOYS, I LOVE TO

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT | Toss up between Destin, Florida and the mountains of Colorado.

SEE THEIR GROWTH

FAMILY | Wife, Denise of 25 years: sons Cayden (19) and Ian (17).

THEIR CHARACTER

AS LEADERS OVER FOUR YEARS AND DEVELOPMENT.

”

BRUSH WITH FAME | My second cousin is Mookie Betts, outfielder for the LA Dodgers.

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Academy News

MEET THE FACULTY Tess Ingebrigtsen YEAR STARTED AT SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY | 2021

“

MY PLAYERS WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND TO STAND UP FOR ME. THAT WARMED MY HEART AND MADE ME VERY PROUD

”

SUBJECTS/CO-CURRICULARS/ CLUBS | I currently teach 6th & 8th grade Earth Science, 9th grade biology, and 10-12th grade land management. Along with that I am the head coach of the middle school lacrosse team.

FIRST TEACHING JOB | My very first teaching job was in Maplewood, MN teaching sixth grade science in 2020. It was quite an interesting first year because everything was online because of the pandemic.

HOBBIES | One of my favorite things to do is to spend time outdoors. I love hiking with my friends, sitting outside and reading, and going on walks. I also really enjoy cooking...well more like eating, and love going to different places to eat and trying making new foods.

A FAVORITE TEACHING MOMENT | I don’t think I can pin down just one moment from teaching to be my favorite. Every day is something different and totally unexpected… especially when you are teaching middle school boys. A moment that has stood out to me however, was when my students created secret handshakes showcasing the different types of plate boundaries which they had to perform to enter my room. I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard.

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cadets.com

MEET THE FACULTY

Academy News

BRUSH WITH FAME | I sadly have never had a brush with fame, but if I had a chance to meet someone famous I would want to meet Bill Nye or Harry Styles.

FAVORITE EXPERIENCE | My favorite experience I have had at Saint Thomas Academy happened coaching lacrosse last year. As a female boys lacrosse coach I do encounter some reproach from other teams or coaches.

At one of our games, the other team was making fun of my team for having a female head coach and my players went above and beyond to stand up for me.

That warmed my heart and made me very proud.

WHY I TEACH AT SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY | There are many reasons I teach at Saint Thomas Academy.

One of them being, I have never been to a school with such a strong sense of community. People are proud to attend Saint Thomas Academy, this pride holds on long after graduation which I find incredible. Another is the amount of opportunities I have had as an educator here. I have gotten to design classes based on my passion for native landscapes and ecology. The opportunities aren’t just class wise, I have been blessed with the most amazing science department that has taken me in with open arms.

FAVORITE MUSIC | My music taste is definitely a mix and match. I tend to like anything that you can dance to. Some of my favorite artists are; Young the Giant, Greta Van Fleet, Elton John, Kendrick Lamar, and Lizzo.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT | My favorite vacation spot has got to be Colorado. There are endless outdoor activity options and great food there. The last time I went camping there I was able to see the most incredible stars. Anyone that goes to Colorado should also make sure to check out the Black Canyon; it has some of the most incredible geology.

FAMILY | I have an amazing family. I grew up with three sisters, Ashley, Kylie, and Maggie and my parents Mike and Megan. My family has grown quite a bit over the years with significant others and my three amazing nephews. I was lucky enough to marry into a wonderful family this summer with awesome in-laws and a beautiful niece on that side. I also have to mention my wonderful husband John Ingebrigtsen who actually attended Saint Thomas Academy and graduated in 2016 and our two cats Buster and Teetoh. cadets.com

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Academy News

SENIOR OFFICER PROMOTIONS

Cadet Colonel Sam Fulton ’23 (left) and Brigade Commander Jackson Cercioglu ’23 (right).

In the Cadet Senior Leadership Promotion ceremony held on November 23, Saint Thomas Academy named Samuel Fulton of Edina as the 2022-23 Cadet Colonel and Brigade Commander, the highest-ranking officer in the Corps of Cadets. Jackson Cercioglu of Inver Grove Heights was promoted to Cadet Command Sergeant Major, the senior-most non-commissioned officer (NCO) in the Brigade. Fulton and Cercioglu will work collaboratively with one another and with the Academy’s administrators and military leaders to implement a variety of events and activities at the Academy.

“Cadet Colonel Fulton has demonstrated the maturity, poise and interpersonal skills to succeed in his challenging new role,” said retired U.S. Army Colonel Neil Hetherington, Commandant of Cadets, of the 115th Cadet Colonel in the history of the Academy. “Together, Fulton and Cercioglu will continue to inspire and lead our cadets. The administration and military leadership teams have complete confidence in this class of senior leaders.”

Headmaster Woodard congratulates Sam Fulton and presents him with the Saber.

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Academy News

Those promoted included (pictured L-R) Colonel Neil Hetherington, Michael Miller, Luke Pucel, Sam Fulton, Emmett Wolf, Hung Nguyen, Bennett Kotok, and Headmaster Kelby Woodard.

Since his freshman year, Fulton has pursued and excelled in leadership opportunities, athletics, academics and performing arts at Saint Thomas Academy. He is the first Band Company Commander to be promoted to Cadet Colonel in more than 50 years. His past awards and recognition include: the Eagle Award, Citation and Medal for Distinguished Service, NCO of the Quarter, Superior Cadet Award, Directors Award and the Harvard Book Award. Fulton serves as a peer mentor captain and on the student council. He is a life scout, a varsity football and lacrosse player, and a member of the Model UN team, VISTA concert band and VISTA jazz band. Fulton Sam Fulton pictured with his parents plans to study business at Dartmouth College, University of Notre Douglas and Cynthia.

Dame, University of Minnesota or Boston College.

As the Academy’s first board-selected Brigade Command Sergeant Major, Cercioglu serves as the brigade’s standard bearer for uniform, grooming, formations, drill, reviews and conduct. He also serves as the principal advisor to the Cadet Colonel in decisions regarding the corps of cadets. Cercioglu most recently served as First Sergeant for the Delta Company. His awards and recognition have included the Headmaster's Award, Athlete of the Year Award, Chris Hannigan Leadership Award, Torch Award, Saber Award, All-District in football and All-Conference Honorable Mention in wrestling. He is a peer mentor and captain of the varsity football and wrestling teams.

Jackson Cercioglu pictured with his parents He is also a member of the Model UN team and the varsity track Kaan and Michelle. team. Cercioglu has applied to the University of Minnesota, South Dakota State University, University of North Dakota, University of Saint Thomas, the United States Military Academy and the Air Force Academy, with aspirations of playing college football and studying business or pre-law. cadets.com

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Academy News

Five additional seniors were promoted from Cadet Second Lieutenant to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. They are: BENNETT KOTOK OF EDEN PRAIRIE

MICHAEL MILLER OF MENDOTA

LUKE PUCEL OF INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

HUNG NGUYEN OF BLOOMINGTON

Bennett Kotok with his parents Larry and Susan.

Luke Pucel with his parents Joseph and Heidi.

Michael Miller with his parents Beth and Michael.

Hung Nguyen with his parents Vu and Teresa.

EMMETT WOLF OF BLOOMINGTON

Emmett Wolf with his parents Marc and Victoria.

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Academy News

Promoted cadets (pictured L-R, with Cercioglu center): Gavin Engelbert, Eric Zauha, Adam Husaby, and Luke Audette

Four Promoted to Command Sergeant Major Approximately 25% of the leadership positions within the Corps of Cadets are cadet NCO positions. Five senior-leader cadets were selected to serve in the senior cadet NCO positions within the brigade: one brigade Command Sergeant Major (CSM), three battalion CSMs and one operations chief with the rank of Cadet Master Gunnery Sergeant (an equivalent rank to CSM but with staff versus command responsibilities). The Cadet Master Gunnery Sergeant is a new position and reflective of a brigade staff, as well as the Academy’s own military leadership department.

GAVIN ENGELBERT OF EAGAN

Gavin Englebert with his parents Todd and Heather.

ADAM HUSABY OF INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

Adam Husaby was selected for promotion to Cadet Master Gunnery Sergeant and will continue to serve in his existing role as the Operations Chief for the brigade staff. Husaby with his parents Scott and Rose.

ERIC ZAUHA OF COTTAGE GROVE

Eric Zauha with his parents Michael Zauha and Helen Brosnahan.

LUKE AUDETTE OF SAINT PAUL (HIGHLAND)

Luke Audette with this parents Tom and Sandy.

SELECTION PROCESS The Cadet Colonel and senior leaders are chosen by a selection committee comprised of the Headmaster, Commandant of Cadets, Assistant Headmaster, Dean of Students, school chaplain, senior enlisted member of the military leadership department, a faculty representative and a student representative, with peer, student and faculty input. The extensive application and evaluation process begins in cadets’ junior year. The committee evaluates each of the senior leaders in the corps of cadets for promotion, considering academic performance, co-curricular involvement, awards and recognition, merits and demerits, military performance, community service and leadership abilities. cadets.com

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Academy News VETERANS DAY RECAP On Friday, November 11, Saint Thomas Academy honored four alumni veterans with the Fleming Alumni Veterans Award (Fleming Medal). The Fleming Medal is named for Capt. Richard Fleming STMA ’35, a recipient of the Medal of Honor and the Academy’s highest decorated graduate. The honorees were: • Lt. William McGowan ’37, U.S. Air Force, KIA, June 6, 1944. From Benson, Minnesota, McGowan graduated from the University of Missouri before joining the Army Air Corps in February 1943. He was a P-47 pilot in the 336th Fighter Group during WWII. His plane was shot down near St. Lo in Normandy, France, on D-Day, June 6, 1944, while on his third mission of the day. In 2018, an excavation of a crash sit near the village of Moon-sur-Elle, France, yielded human remains that were identified as McGowan’s. He was ceremoniously interred on July 9, 2022, at the Normandy American Cemetery, as one of the final burials there. McGowan was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously.

• Capt. John McErlane ’39, U.S. Air Force, KIA Jan. 21, 1945. McErlane was the commander of “E” Company and a member of the Crack Drill Platoon at Saint Thomas Military Academy.

He went on to serve as a B17 pilot with the 548th Bomb Squadron during WWII. On his 27th mission, he was killed when his plane was hit and crashed near Schutterwald, Germany. He is credited with saving his crew and the lives of others by avoiding crashing into a field where children were playing. There is a memorial in Schutterwald in his honor.

The Fleming Medal

• 1st Lt. J. Anthony Malerich ’40, U.S. Marine Corps. After two years of college, Malerich volunteered to be a pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. While in service, the engine of his Vought F4U Corsair died and his plane sank. Malerich survived and spent a day on a raft before he was rescued and continued his service with a new plane. After the war, Malerich returned to Minnesota, graduated from medical school, and spent almost 50 years as a physician in West St. Paul and Cottage Grove. He turned 100 on November 7.

• Maj. Harry Paulet ’43, U.S. Army. Born and raised in St. Paul, Paulet was class president, captain of the football team and a member of the Crack Drill Squad.

Upon graduation, he joined the Army, attended Officer Candidate School and 1st Lt. J. Anthony Malerich ’40 deployed to Europe, where he was injured. After recovery, he led a platoon during with Philly Solomon ’24. the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals.

After he was honorably discharged following the war in 1946, he served in the Army Reserves until 1985, when he retired as a major. He earned a law degree and was one of the founders of the Ramsey County Legal Aid Society. He passed away in 2000 at age 75.

Also during the assembly, guests were able to see the first trailer for the forthcoming student-produced documentary on Fleming Award recipient McGowan. Hunter Mawn ’23 of Edina traveled to Normandy, France, this past summer for McGowan’s burial ceremony. He is learning documentary-style filmmaking skills and worked with the Saint Thomas Academy Creative Team to gather interviews, site footage, and historical research for the documentary due in 2023.

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Academy News VISTA MUSICAL RECAP Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation presented the musical Newsies this past April. Cast members included: Jack Bovee ’23, Ben Treacy ’25, and Ben Cardwell ’24.

VISTA Band Recognition Congratulations to the Boys’ Metro East All-Conference Concert Band Members. Ugo Adarve ’24 (alto saxophone), Will Buechele ’24 (alto saxophone), Henry Cleary ’24 (clarinet), Cooper Clinton ’23 (baritone saxophone), Roman Perri ’23 (trombone), William Sellner ’25 (percussion), and Adrian Singh ’24 (alto saxophone).

Congratulations to the Boys’ Metro East All-Conference Honors Jazz Ensemble Members. George Hoppe ’24 (drums), and Avery Millican ’24 (trumpet).

SPAIN TRIP Over spring break, 40 students from the VISTA Band & Boys Choir, 20 family members and four staff members traveled to Spain for a nine-day performance tour. The group visited Barcelona, Tarragona, Valencia, Madrid, and Toledo. There were five performances with full attendance and multiple standing ovations. Highlights included a Mass and performance at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Monserrat Monastery and a combined concert with a local choir in Valencia, Pequenos Cañtores de Valencia. When not performing, the group enjoyed the cultural experience of exploring the cities and historic sites.

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Academy News LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AWARD

Senior Emmett Wolf attended the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS) Conference in February to receive the General Binford Peay III Legacy of Leadership Award. Emmett received a $1,000 scholarship award and was selected from the 40-member schools.

STATE CHAMPION

Congratulations to senior Eric Zauha, who is the 2023 Minnesota Sporter State Champion for Junior Olympic 3 Position Air Rifle.

RANGER TEAM The Ranger Team competed in the Arctic Raider Challenge in Calumet, Michigan in February and placed first. Pictured left to right: Noah Schultz ’23, Henry Cleary ’24, Drew Ryan ’25, Carson Cooper ’23, John Parkos ’26, Sam Hosch ’23, Eric Zauha ’23, Will Buechele ’24, and Master Sergeant Matt Silsley.

JROB Youth Wrestling Tournament This past March, the 5th annual JROB Youth Wrestling Tournament was held with over 500 youth wrestlers participating. The tournament was launched in conjunction with Coach J. Robinson, wrestling patriarch and former University of Minnesota Head Wrestling Coach in 2018. All proceeds from the event benefit the United Heroes League, an organization supporting children of military families. Thank you to the Saint Thomas Academy Cadets Wrestling team and community for supporting the event!

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Academy News

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT In February, more than 80 cadets participated in Junior Achievement North’s “JA in a Day” at Maxfield Elementary School in Saint Paul’s Rondo neighborhood. The cadets provided students in grades K-5 experiential learning focused on financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship. It was the Academy’s third time participating in the program and Maxfield’s first.

The teachers at Maxfield Elementary said of the day: “The day was wonderful for my students and my classroom. We know there’s a lot of prep involved which results in giving an opportunity to engage my students in a different way.”

HISTORY DAY

The annual History Day was held for Grades 8 and 11 in February. Although weather disrupted the actual event, the following students advanced to the State Competition.

GRADE 8: James Clark—Documentary, Title IX Connor Boyle, Zhan Barseghyan—Documentary, The Manhattan Project Josh Brooks—Exhibit, Charles Schulz Forrest Wright—Exhibit, Yellowstone Ryan Abrahamson—Exhibit, William Beaumont Braxton Spata, Joe Nelson—Polio Vaccine GRADE 11: Caleb Ling/Jackson Najarian—Dr. Najarian and Transplant Surgery Max MapelLentz/Gus Tennessen/Owen Schlehuber—Chicago’s Metro System Andrew Zak/Henry Lamont/Henry Nutting—3-point Shot in Basketball Sean Happe/Jack Gorden/Joseph Kovarik—Say it Loud! Black Recording Artists Alex Schumacher/William Dickinson/Louis Pelletier— All Aboard!: Great Northern Railroad Daven Figueroa/Lukas Markert—Calculators cadets.com

James Clark ’27

SABER Spring/Summer 2023 | 27

Academy News EAGLE SCOUTS Congratulations to Tim Frazier ’23 who received his Eagle Scout rank this past year. For his Eagle project he built two “Little Libraries” for his West St. Paul neighborhood. The neighborhood is a socio-economic mix with homes over $500,000 and Common Bond community apartments. Many kids pass through the neighborhood, so Tim constructed a library in the park where many kids spend their time. Br. Paschal, who is with the Franciscan Brothers of Peace and an Eagle Scout himself, helped with the project. Also assisting, were current and former Boy Scouts from Troop #288 based in the West St. Paul Community of Saints school.

BEFORE

Congratulations to Samuel Fulton ’23 who received his Eagle Scout rank this past year. For his Eagle Scout project, he created an outdoor classroom at Our Lady of Grace. He cleaned up a space behind the church in a wooded area on the property. He removed trash and sticks, levelled the ground, and finished it off with mulch and stumps to be used as chairs.

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AFTER

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Academy News

Gus Tennessen ’24 hits the slopes to give a ski lesson.

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE This past February, Thomas Ondrey ’23 organized the second annual Neighborhood House Snow Day at Buck Hill. Thomas regularly volunteers at the Neighborhood House on St. Paul’s West Side, which supports families in times of transition or need from more than 50 cultural and ethnic populations.

This year he and the Alpine Ski Team raised over $6,400 from the STA community to provide over 60 sets of new snow pants, winter socks, and waterproof snow gloves for all the kids and extras for Neighborhood House. Kids from Daytons Bluff Elementary, Bruce Vento Elementary, Cherokee Heights Elementary, St. Paul Music Academy, Crossroads, Humboldt Middle and High School, and Washington Tech attended and learned how to ski.

Tommy Ondrey ’24 suits up with his ski student.

The Alpine Ski team, along with students from Visitation, also helped to pack 75 gift bags with snacks and treats for all of the kids. The event will continue in 2024, as the team will keep the event going.

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Academy Sports

SPORTS UPDATE

CROSS COUNTRY

Owen Schlehuber ’24

Noah Schultz ’23

Luke Audette ’23

Captains Luke Audette ’23, Adam Husaby ’23, Philly Solomon ’24, and Emmett Wolf ’23 led the team to a Metro East Conference Championship.

They finished the season third out of thirteen teams at the 3AA Championship Meet. Vincent Audette ’25, Henry Landsem ’23, and Philly Solomon ’24 qualified and competed in the State Championship meet. The Varsity team also received the 3AA Gold Academic Achievement Award for team G.P.A. with a 4.09.

Philly Solomon ’24

ALL-CONFERENCE & PLACE • Luke Audette ’23 (14th) • Vincent Audette ’25 (8th) • Henry Landsem ’23 (4th) • Owen Schlehuber ’24 (10th) • Philly Solomon ’24 (2nd) • Emmett Wolf ’23 (injury petition) HONORABLE MENTION & PLACE • Noah Schultz ’23 (20th) 30 | SABER Spring/Summer 2023

Vincent Audette ’25

Henry Landsem ’23 cadets.com

Academy Sports ALPINE SKIING

Led by captains Freddie Plessner ’23, Gustavo Juarez-Sweeney ’23, and Gus Tennessen ’24, the Cadets Alpine Ski Team skied in 10 different races during the season. The team finished in 8th place out of 17 teams at the Section Tournament.

Mason Pfannestein ’25 finished first overall at the Minnesota State High School Skier Cross Championships and represented Minnesota at the Nationals event in April.

Freddie Plessner ’23

Gustavo Juarez-Sweeney ’23

Gus Tennessen ’24

Mason Pfannestein ’25

NORDIC SKIING

This season the Nordic team was fortunate enough to have snow from the beginning of the season until the end. They competed in four regular season meets and placed first in three of the four meets. Overall, the Cadets placed second at the Metro East Conference Championship (they missed first place by three points). Captains Ben McKinley ’23 and Emmett Wolf ’23 led the team this season and were also named to the Academic All-State Team.

Philly Solomon ’24

ALL-CONFERENCE • Max MapleLentz ’24 • Ben McKinley ’23

• Philly Solomon ’24 • Emmett Wolf ’23

Emmett Wolf ’23

Max MapleLentz ’24 cadets.com

Ben McKinley ’23 SABER Spring/Summer 2023 | 31

Academy Sports

BASKETBALL

Led by captains Luke Dobbs ’24, Andrew Fahning ’23, Michael Kirchner ’23, and Michael Thompson ’23, the Cadets Basketball team went 23-6 overall this season and went 15-1 in the Metro East Conference. Season highlights include winning the Metro East Conference and fishing in second place for the 3AAA Section. The Cadets 18-game win streak was the longest win streak since the 2007-08 season.

ALL-CONFERENCE • Jack Chamberlin ’23 • Luke Dobbs ’24 • Michael Kirchner ’23

HONORABLE MENTION • Michael Thompson ’23

Michael Kirchner ’23

Michael Thompson ’23

Jack Chamberlin ’23 32 | SABER Spring/Summer 2023

Luke Dobbs ’24 cadets.com

Academy Sports

WRESTLING The Cadets Wrestling Team finished 13-8 this season and sent six wrestlers to the Minnesota High School State Tournament — Jake Borman ’23, Jackson Cercioglu ’23, Gabe Cohn ’26, Thomas Holmquist ’24, Vincent Mueller ’23, and Josiah Solliday ’25. Jackson Cercioglu finished in fifth place overall while Vinny Mueller won the title in the heavyweight division! Vinny will continue to wrestling in college at Columbia University next year.

ALL-CONFERENCE • Jake Borman ’23 • Jackson Cercioglu ’23 • Thomas Holmquist ’24 • Vinny Mueller ’23 ALL-STATE

• Jackson Cercioglu ’23 • Vinny Mueller ’23 CAPTAINS • Jake Borman ’23 • Jackson Cercioglu ’23 • Vinny Mueller ’23

Vinny Mueller ’23

Wrestlers with shirts featuring the number of their milestone wins. cadets.com

Jackson Cercioglu ’23

Josiah Solliday ’25 SABER Spring/Summer 2023 | 33

Academy Sports

FOOTBALL

The Cadets football team finished 10-1 and never lost a game at home during the season. In addition, they were three-time Section Champions and three-time State participants. In his outgoing season, Coach Dan O’Brien was named District and Section Coach of the Year. Led by captain Jackson Cercioglu ’23 (and weekly game captains), the Cadets are sending at least five players to play at the collegiate level next season.

ALL-DISTRICT • Love Adebayo ’23 • Jake Borman ’23 • Jackson Cercioglu ’23 • Jeffrey Cragg ’23

• Savion Hart ’24 • Teddy Knapp ’24 • Johnny Miller ’23 • Max Sims ’24

ALL-DISTRICT HONORABLE MENTION • Max Anderson ’24 • Nathan Nepstad ’23 • Luke Dobbs ’24 • Jordan Wold ‘23 • Bennett Kotok ’23 DISTRICT AWARDS • Offensive Player of the Year: Love Adebayo ’23 • Defensive Player of the Year: Jackson Cercioglu ’23

#1 Love Adebayo

ALL-STATE • Jake Borman ’23 COLLEGE FOOTBALL COMMITMENTS • Love Adebayo – University of St. Thomas • Jake Borman – Bethel University • Jackson Cercioglu – University of Minnesota • Johnny Miller – St. John’s University – TBD • Mark Rogalski – Wake Forest University

#14 Daniel Dahl runs to the end zone...

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...and celebrates with #16 Max Sims cadets.com

Academy Sports

SWIMMING

The Cadets Swimming team finished second at the Minnesota High School State Tournament this season, along with clinching their 12th straight Metro East Conference Title. The team also nabbed their 19th straight True Team Section title. The Cadets have never lost this meet since it began in 2005!

The team also had nine swimmers selected to receive the Minnesota Swim Coaches Academic Award of Excellence, which is bestowed upon athletes maintaining a 3.75 G.P.A. and above. The team had an overall G.P.A. of 3.89.

Coach John Barnes, in his 25th season, was also named Co-Section Coach of the Year and nominated for the Minnesota Coach of the Year award.

ALL-STATE & ALL-CONFERENCE ATHLETES • Austin Aldridge ’23 • Luke Mechtel ’26 • Luke Audette ’23 • Hung Nguyen ’23 • Will Barth ’24 • Roman Perri ’23 • Dane Dow ’25 • Tommy Simmons ’23 • Joe Matschina ’23 ALL-CONFERENCE ATHLETES • Sam Fox ’23 • Kayden Greeley ’26 • Harvey Holmstadt ’23 • Sherman Holmstadt ’25

Dane Dow ’25 cadets.com

Coach John Barnes

Hung Nguyen ’23

Will Barth ’24 SABER Spring/Summer 2023 | 35

Academy Sports

Tate Hinkemeyer ’23

Austin Kalmes ’23

SOCCER

While on paper, the record of 7-8-2 for the Cadets Soccer Team seems like a losing record, in reality, the team went on a remarkable run at the end of the season. The Cadets won five games in a row before falling to Richfield in the State Section Championship game.

At the conclusion of the season the soccer program decided to change the name of the prestigious Tommy Cadet Award. The award is now named the Austin Kalmes Award. During his freshman year, Austin Kalmes ’23 was told he had cancer in his leg. He would need a full knee replacement and was told he would never play soccer again. Austin vowed that the cancer wouldn’t beat him and promised to be back. Through his hard work, physical therapy, and belief he was able to compete and has been a leader of the program his junior and senior year.

Austin will be attending St. Scholastica to further his education and pursue collegiate soccer. In addition, the team has retired Austin’s #11 jersey!

Solomon Straub ’25

Senior Austin Kalmes & Family

ALL-CONFERENCE • Nick Henseler ’23 • Tate Hinkemeyer ’23 • Solomon Straub ’25 ALL-CONFERENCE HONORABLE MENTION • Austin Kalmes ’23 • Tommy McCarr ’24 • Tommy Simmons ’23 36 | SABER Spring/Summer 2023

Nick Henseler ’23

Tommy Simmons ’23 cadets.com

Academy Sports

HOCKEY

Tommy Cronin ’23 Zach Howard ’23

Lucas Kickhofel ’23

The Cadets Hockey team went 19-8 overall this season and won the Metro East Conference. The Cadets finished as runner-up in the State Section tournament, missing going to the State Tournament by one game (lost to rival Cretin-Derham Hall). The team was led by captains Tommy Cronin ’23 and Zach Howard ’23.

Zach is currently skating with Springfield (NAHL) and Tommy is skating in Madison (USHL).

ALL-CONFERENCE • Tommy Cronin ’23 • Brody Dietz ’24 • Zach Howard ’23 • Lucas Kickhofel ’23 • Tyler Magozzi ’23 HONORABLE MENTION • Max Candon ’25 • Patch Cronin ’25 • Will Dosan ’25 METRO EAST CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR • Tommy Cronin ’23 cadets.com

Tyler Magozzi ’23 SABER Spring/Summer 2023 | 37

ADVANCEMENT NEWS

We Honored Our History and Built For Our Future

BY DAVID HOTTINGER ’85 DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

L

David Hottinger ’85

ast fall, Saint Thomas Academy recognized and celebrated the successful completion of the Honoring Our History, Building Our Future (HHBF) campaign.

In all, Saint Thomas Academy received gifts and commitments of over $26,000,000 during a five-year period. This was not your standard run-of-themill five year time frame. During that time, our school navigated the global pandemic while also being led by three different Headmasters. All of these challenges makes the outcome and celebration, so much more rewarding.

The community owes a huge and sincere amount of gratitude to Campaign Chairs Kim Hunnewell and Tom Lee ’85. Their time, energy, guidance, and support were ever-present throughout the campaign. They also helped us to keep the momentum going when the world changed in March of 2020. Saint Thomas Academy is better because of them, and the countless supporters of the campaign.

A few highlights: • Summer Splash 1 and Summer Splash 2 consisted of a total refresh of our existing buildings

Campaign Chairs Kim Hunnewell and Tom Lee ’85.

• Upgrades to Gerry Brown Stadium and the Champions Varsity Baseball Field • The addition of the Quad and the beautification of the entrance leading to Founder’s Hall • Adding an elevator to Founder’s Hall • Branding and floor upgrades in the cafeteria and stage • New lockers in the Middle School • $10,000,000 of gifts and pledges toward the Saint Thomas Academy Endowment Fund The campaign also set the table and began the fundraising effort for the much-needed Aquatic Center.

As of this writing, we are close to our goal of raising $10,000,000 for this exciting and desperately needed replacement. Once again, thank you to all who helped make this happen!

It will be an exciting Spring hosting the Wall That Heals. I invite you back to campus to view this piece of our nation’s history. If you cannot make this event, please stop by anytime you are in the area, you will be pleased with what we have done to campus, and how we continue to move forward.

Carry High The Blue and White!

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STA Give Day 2022

ADVANCEMENT NEWS

Give Day 2022 was another very successful day for Saint Thomas Academy. Our single day of giving raised nearly $850,000 from our generous donors and set the tone for what has been a fantastic year.

Hats off to the class of 2015 for being one of the top classes overall with nearly 30 young men giving back to their school. Awesome job guys!

TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED

TOTAL DONORS

$847,937

TOP CLASSES BY DOLLARS

961

TOP CLASSES BY NUMBER OF DONORS

1982 $104,100 1964 $74,450 1960 $28,441

1985 42 1984 39 1964 28 2015 28

YOUNG ALUMNI TOP CLASSES

BY NUMBER OF DONORS

2015 28 2016 20 2013 16

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

2023 STA Give Day | Tuesday, October 10 We are already planning another exciting day of giving for the fall. Let’s take it to the next level and raise a million dollars on STA Give Day 2023! If you would like to be part of the success of Give Day at Saint Thomas Academy by offering a challenge to your class or to the entire STA Community please contact Mike Maxwell ’84 at mmaxwell@cadets.com or 651-683-1577.

Let’s make it a Million Dollar Day! cadets.com

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ALUMNI NEWS

HE D T E V A S

AT E

FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

CLASS OF ’73 REUNION WEEKEND

September 15-16, 2023

We are looking forward to celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the Class of 1973!

59ANNUAL ALUMNI OPEN th

Monday, June 19, 2023

CadetWorks

CadetWorks is busy working to place graduates with employers! Contact John Barnes if you need to hire or if you need a job or internship! Thank you to our employers who have recently hired Academy graduates.

Some of the participating companies: Aris Clinic Capital Partners Minnesota Medical Mount Yale Northwestern Mutual Saint Thomas Academy Scanlan International The Training Haus United Health Voyage Wealth

Mendakota Country Club 2075 Mendakota Drive Mendota Heights, MN 55120 Our annual Alumni Open golf tournament is our longest standing, and arguably largest initiative.

Each June, the Alumni Open committee brings together over 140 alumni for this annual fundraiser and competition. Through generous sponsorship, raffles, and golf registration, the Alumni Open committee aims to raise funds for the Alumni Association, and towards the Alumni Sons Endowed Scholarship.

Contact John Barnes, Director of Alumni & Community Engagement at jbarnes@cadets.com.

The long term goal of CadetWorks will be to become a year-round program to help young Cadets in the ever changing job market.

LOOKING FOR AN INTERNSHIP? Contact John Barnes at jbarnes@cadets.com

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CADET 3A GOLF TOURNAMENT

Monday, August 7, 2023

Highland National Golf Course 1403 Montreal Avenue | St. Paul, MN 55116 All donations to the 3A are to benefit STA Athletics and Activities. For more information contact John Barnes at 651-683-1549 or jbarnes@cadets.com. cadets.com

Class Notes 1950s

DAVID HOTTINGER ’85 went to Maui, HI and visited with JIM DICKS ’54.

1960s

1970s

DR. BILL STEIN ’67, retired dentist and local humorist, has written a Keillor-esque book called Tales From Lard Lake, a collection of "adventures" from his popular Lard Lake column published in the area newspaper. It's a great read with more than a few belly laughs!

1970s

Here's a couple of pictures of our joint CLASSES OF 1973 & 2010 hunting together – 2022 Deer Hunting Trip in Danbury, Wisconsin.

Members from CLASS OF 1960 attend the Naples event.

From left to right: Linda and Tom Divineney, Carolyn McKasy, Nancy and RICHARD ALLEN and MIKE HOLT CRAIG J. ANDERSON ’61 is directing the Centennial Production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” for Greater Lakes Area Performing Arts in Pequot Lakes, MN in February 2023. Details at GLAPA.org.

CLASS OF 1973 (above): Pictured left to right: JOHN MCQUILLAN, KEVIN DALY, and LARRY FRYKLUND. The Nativity Men's Club Sport Shirt Stag was a big hit with the likes of TIM FIGGE ’70 (top) and PAT EILERS ’85 in attendance.

FRANK KIESNER ’62, RYAN GALL ’15, and former Commandant of Cadets, MICHAEL DEPUGLIO got together at an event at Saint Albert the Great Church. cadets.com

CLASS OF 1973 breakfast to kick off the holidays. LF: TOM CLEMENTS, KEVIN DALY, JOHN MAGUIRE, CHRIS LEE, TOM MARRINAN. RF: TIM PLUNKETT, JOHN ROONEY, TIM RIDLEY, LARRY FRYKLUND.

CLASS OF 2010 (below): Pictured left to right: PAT FRYKLUND, JACK ANDERSON, CASIANO ORTEGA, and CHRIS LARSEN.

DAVE WOLVERT ’75 is now a State of Minnesota Agency Policy Specialist.

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Class Notes

Congrats to ED ’79 and Michele DRISCOLL (parents of EJ ’17 and MICHAEL ’21)!

The Villaume-Driscoll Gallery has been nominated for best gallery in the Star Tribune’s "Minnesota Fun" category this year.

The trustees of the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT), Charlotte S. Johnson and Daniel C. Reardon, today announced they have appointed FRANCIS M. MILEY ’80 to serve as the third trustee.

DAVID HOTTINGER ’85 ran into BAKER ’21 and HAYES ’19 REDING at Holy Cross.

1980s

Two Academy grads, TIM SALEM ’80 and DAVID RAIH ’99, are on the coaching staff for the Pittsburgh Panthers Football Team. Go Pitt!

PETER MORK ’85 and his nephew, BILL MORK ’12 with Northmarq, spoke together on the panel for the Capital Markets Summit MN hosted by the Minnesota Real Estate Journal. Both had interesting things to say about the state of affairs in credit markets and its impact on CRE financing.

Picture perfect time at the Holy Cross Family Weekend for the Reding Family, BAKER ’21, HAYES ’19, JAMES ’17 and ANDY ’88 along with our Director of Admissions, Francie.

PAUL CRAMER ’87 had some free time earlier this year and made a decision to write a book, BURNT PEANUT BUTTER TOAST. The intent was to write a business book, but it didn't turn out that way. Instead, he wrote a book that follows the downfall of the main character, Jack Daly, and his subsequent comeback. He self published the book, under the mentorship of classmate Kevin Lovegreen. You will find the book easy to read and very timely.

You can purchase the book on Amazon.

1970s

On September 20, eight Diehard Golfing Classmates from the CLASS OF ’74 gathered at the Dellwood Country Club for some End of year Fun. Special Thanks to Craig Mueller for Hosting the event. Some of the guys combined Golf with Motocross — Happy to report there were no injuries!! In attendance were: TOM FARLEY, FRANK COUNTRYMAN, DENNIS MCGUIRE, JOE O’NEIL, JEFF WARNER, CHRIS SCHNEEMAN, CRAIG MUELLER, and MARK MAZZITELLO. 42 | SABER Spring/Summer 2023

A photo of all the STA guys from the Berg Deer Camp.

Front row: JOE STURDIVANT ’77 and NORB BERG (former chairman of the board of trustees) Second row: KEVIN BERG ’76, TONY BERG ’79, RICK BATTIS ’79, PAUL BERG ’81, and DREW AYOTTE ’09 Back row: BOB SLATER ’77, MITCH BERG ’77, Dillon Donavan, OSCAR BERG ’21, CHARLIE BERG ’19 cadets.com

Class Notes 1990s

RYAN MALONE ’94 just celebrated his 20th year at Youngstown Glove Company in Los Angeles, CA in November 2022. He loves spending summers fishing, golfing, and farming at his cabin in Deerwood, MN.

2000s About a year ago KEVIN GERAGHTY ’00 was diagnosed with ALS. He’s dedicated to fighting this disease and finding treatments to cure/manage the disease.

Check out his website for more information; prayers and donations are welcome! https://www.geraghtyfightsals. com/our-story

1980s

Congratulations to ROB BAULEKE ’03 on swimming the Alcatraz swim this past weekend! He was wondering if any other STA alums have done this? Rob was 2nd swimmer to finish with a time around 40ish min for 2 miles with a current and wetsuit.

Congratulate NATE TACKABERRY ’06 for starting a new position as Regional Philanthropy Officer at American Red Cross.

Recently, several members of the CLASS ’89 met up in Beaver Creek, Colorado to discuss concerns and see if they could still get down the mountain. From L to R: CHARLEY GARDNER, DANNY QUEENAN, STEVE KLUZ, KEVIN KELLY, JASON GRAY, STEVE NILSSON, JON RILEY, LEO LAUER, CHRISTIAN SIREK. The STA Alumni Association had a great visit with many STA Alumni in Chicago. We will be in New York from November 29–Dec 2.

Congratulate TOM WARNER ’06 for being promoted to Director of Product Management at The Toro Company.

JOHN ABDO ’01, and his father Larry Abdo’s My Burger restaurants made the 40/40 List for 2023: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals

by QSR Magazine.

Congratulations!

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Class Notes 1990s

A group from the CLASS OF ’90 won Epic Bragging Rights after winning the STA Fathers’ Club Trivia Night on February 4. Congratulations to: MATT DUDLEY, RICH DREHER, JOHN GAINOR, PETER MARTIN, MIKE SUNDQUIST and CHARLIE WEIER along with their former STA religion teacher, FATHER JACK LONG.

ZAC BROWN ’06 recently accepted a position with the US Army Special Operations Command, Fort Brag, NC. He will be working (remotely from Illinois) as a Human Resources Specialist – Action Officer.

Congratulations ZACH SCHROEDER ’11 for accepting a new position as Vice President Business Banker at Citizens Independent Bank.

Congratulations to MATT HOYLAND ’08 for starting a new position as Senior Account Executive at Island.

NICK JOHNSON ’11 is happy to share that he is starting a new position as Actuarial Analyst at Optum!

Congratulations to MICHAEL ABBOTT ’08 for starting a new position as Senior Software Engineer at Moov.

MICHAEL HERMANN ’11 recently accepted a new position at Wells Fargo as a Senior Securities Operations Representative.

2010s Congratulate WILLIAM PATT ’10 for starting a new position as Accounting Policy Manager – Credit at SVB.

Congratulations to MATHEW DELMONT ’96 for the publishing of his new book, Half American – The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad, published by Penguin Random House. Delmont is the Sherman Fairchild Distinguished Professor of History at Dartmouth College. A Guggenheim Fellow and expert on African American history and the history of civil rights, he is the author of four books: Black Quotidian, Why Busing Failed, Making Roots, and The Nicest Kids in Town. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and several academic journals, and on NPR. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Delmont earned his BA from Harvard University and his MA and PhD from Brown University. See story on page 8.

44 | SABER Spring/Summer 2023

Congratulations to JACK BERIGAN ’10 on his wedding to Ivy Malone Berigan.

Congratulate ZACHARY WYNNE ’10 for starting a new position as Senior Accountant at OHC LLC.

MATTHEW GOLDAMMER ’12 is humbled and grateful to share that he has passed the Minnesota Bar Exam with a score to pass in every jurisdiction in the country. He wants to thank his beautiful and amazing wife, Lauren, his parents, Joan and Duane and everyone who has supported him on his journey.

MATTHEW CALLAHAN ’12 is happy to share that he is starting a new position as Social Media/Content Specialist at Visitation School! #socialmedia #content

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Class Notes

Congratulations to TEDDY ANDREWS ’12. Teddy married Anna Gotsis in Northridge California in October 2022.

CURRAN YARANO ’12 served as best man. The couple honeymooned in Hawaii and will live in Chicago Illiniois.

Teddy just accepted a new position with Korn Ferry in Chicago.

In September 2022, MATTHEW KIRSCHBAUM ’12 moved to Chicago and accepted a Customer Sales Executive position with TransLoop Logistics, a tech-based freight brokerage company.

Congratulations Matthew!

Congratulate MAXWELL THORPE ’12 for starting a new position as Associate Scientific Solutions Engineer at Flywheel.io Congratulate WILLIAM SOSNIECKI ’12 for starting a new position as Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley.

Congratulations to ISAAC HAYES ’12 on his patents with Apple Inc.! A note from Isaac: “I’ve wanted to be an “inventor” since I was a kid but didn’t think it was attainable.

I’d like to inspire others that

their dreams are possible with an example. I haven’t been able to share these patents because they were only recently made public, but I earned two patents while designing packaging at Apple. This patented work is used in many Apple products including the iPhone and Apple Watch!”

Social Studies teacher Mr. Jurkovich, doing geography research in Arizona over Spring Break, ran into SAM NIELDS ’12, who currently works as a Ranger for the National Park Service at Wupatki National Monument.

Congratulate TOMMY CONLEY ’13 for starting a new position as Senior Growth Marketing Manager at Skydio.

JOHN HANTEN ’13 (center) and Marks Group Wealth Management ranked 42nd on the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 2022 Fast 50 List. The awards recognize the Twin Cities fastestgrowing private companies.

2000s

The CLASS OF ’02 had a great turnout for their 20-year reunion!

They had an on-campus tour, graciously given by NICK McCARTHY, STA teacher & coach (and class of 2002 alumnus)!

Classmates really enjoyed seeing what has changed, what has stayed the same and re-visiting the scene of many memories. In the hallway where former class senior pictures are hung up, JORDAN BEISSEL saw not only his dad and uncle’s senior photo, but even saw his grandpa’s photo on display from the class of 1938. cadets.com

Cadets from the 2001 and 2003 State Champion Alpine Ski Team reunited for their 22nd annual ski trip this February in Utah’s Cottonwood Canyons. Pictured here at Snowbird’s iconic Tram Club (left to right): CHRIS EAKINS ’03, LUKE HINZ ’03, RYAN NINTZEL ’03, JOE MASCIOPINTO ’09, WILL BUCKLEY ’01, CHAD COMMERS ’01, and MATT EAKINS ’01 SABER Spring/Summer 2023 | 45

Class Notes

DREW GAVIC ’13 is happy to announce that he will be starting a new position as Principal at ARCO/Murray!

THOMAS WOODWARD ’13 is happy to share that he has been promoted to Senior Underwriter at Colliers!

Congratulate MITCH NEWBURG ’13 for being promoted to Engineering Manager at Uromedica, Inc. Congratulations to ANDREW LENTSCH ’13 for starting a new position as Analyst Central Analytics at Newell Brands.

In June JORDAN CASTLE ’15 started a new position as a GPS Consultant at Deloitte.

RYAN GALL ’15 excited to formally announce that he will be a Graduate Student Summer Administrative/Finance Intern at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Congratulations to CHRIS BECKER ’15 for starting a new position as Director of Business Operations at Daymaker.

JACOB MISCHKE ’15 received a patent this past year for his invention, BedBev, a bottle holder attachment for those sleeping in cribs, lofted, and bunked beds. His product retails on Amazon and has achieved Amazon’s Choice and the #1 sales rank for multiple search categories.

Winnebago Industries CEO, Michael Happe (father of BRADY ’16, CALLAN ’19, and SEAN ’24 HAPPE) has been named Minneapolis-St Paul Business Journal’s 2023 Executive of the Year.

HUGH BURKE ’16 published a children’s book called “The Way We Play”. All of the proceeds of the book benefit Ready Set Go Books, a project of Open Hearts Big Dreams, a US 501(3)(c) which aims to increase the child literacy rate and love of reading in Ethiopia. “The Way We Play” follows a group of students on a normal afternoon during school playtime. The students participate in a number of different activities as they all learn to work together. Throughout the series of games they play, the classmates come to recognize their own strengths and appreciate the differences that make them all unique.

2010s

Celebrating the marriage of MIKE DEPAUW ’10 to Katie Murphy in Charlottesville, Virginia were the following STA alums (left to right) Standing: DAVID JOHNSON ’78, PHIL REIM ’83, COTTER KELLY ’10, MIKE DEPAUW ’10, LUKE HVIDHYLD ’10, DAVID ZIMMERMAN ’10, DAN FREUND ’10, TOM DEPAUW ’78. Kneeling: MATT JOHNSON ’09, KYLE ROHDE ’10. The celebration lasted 4 days as pre and post wedding gatherings were Thursday night to Sunday afternoon. A good time was had by all...the wedding and reception were held on a vineyard so do I need to say more?

46 | SABER Spring/Summer 2023

KEVIN GUST ’12 and MIKE SMILINACH ’14 work together in cyber security at a company called RiskLens, and were on a work trip in Bend, OR last week. They ran into AUGIE BRADDOCK ’11 at this random little sandwich shop and had to snag the below picture. Augie was in town for work as well, and none of them had been there before. It was fun catching up. Crazy small world.

cadets.com

Class Notes

AUSTIN HURLEY ’16 is happy to share that he will be starting a new position as Human Resources Coordinator II at Andersen Corporation!

Congratulate TYLER WRIGHT ’17 for starting a new position as Legal Extern at Sleep Number Corporation.

Congratulations to CHARLIE DECKAS ’17 for starting a new position as Marketing Specialist at CBRE Investment Management.

2010s

PATRICK CRAMER ’14 relocated to the Tempe, AZ area recently. He’s looking to connect and find a job while finishing his degree.

Congrats to MATT MICHALSKI ’15 on his wedding to to Hailey Wright (Visitation ’15) on October 15! They have been dating since junior year of high school in 2013, just about 9 years.

Congratulations to MAC BROWN ’16 for signing with the Orlando Guardians of the XFL. Congratulations to ERIC RUZICKA ’16 for being promoted to Paving Product Specialist at Ziegler Caterpillar.

PETER WICKS ’17 and TIM D’AGOSTINO ’16 have grown their company from a young start-up into one of the largest players in the Bitcoin space, with a public markets merger recently announced.

They travel North America building, managing,l and operating some of the largest bitcoin mines (data centers) globally. Their work intersects a multitude of fields and practices — construction, engineering, energy, design, technology, finance etc.

Great work, Peter & Tim!

cadets.com

Congratulations to GRANT HESELTON ’18 on graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a B.S. in Geology & Geophysics, for being commissioned in the MN National Guard and for getting married to his wife Avery in June 2022.

ALEX FARLEY ’18 is happy to share that he has been promoted to the role of Business Development Representative at Infor!

JOHN COPELAND ’19 is currently in his Junior year at the Military College of South Carolina – The Citadel. He serves as 1st Battalion’s Supply NCO and is responsible for all things related to supply in his battalion of 400+.

He is majoring in Military Intelligence and minoring in Education. He has just recently earned Gold Stars (3.7 G.P.A. or above and with no grade below a C) for his 5th consecutive semester. He has also just been named to the Commandant’s Distinguished Service List and President’s List.

The President’s List is one of the most distinguished cadet awards presented by The Citadel. It indicates excellence in academics and military duties. The list is a combination of the Dean’s List and the Commandant’s Distinguished Service List and is composed of cadets who contribute the most to their companies while maintaining excellent academic, military and fitness records.

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Class Notes

PFC JACK KILLIAN ’18 completed the Army’s One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Benning, GA. He returned to Fort Benning after the holidays for Airborne Training.

Once Airborne Training is complete, Jack will report to Fort Bragg, NC. THOMAS THURLOW ’19 is happy to announce that he has accepted a full-time position as a Fixed Income Associate Analyst with Travelers. He will be joining a two-year program in St. Paul with an incredible team this upcoming summer following his graduation from the University of Minnesota.

CARTER HENRY ’19 is happy to announce that he has accepted a full-time position as an Actuarial Analyst with Securian Financial. This position will officially begin in June 2023, after his graduation from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

School, Free Fall School, and Combatant Scuba Dive School. These courses will further Jaxen’s development in the Intelligence & Special Combat Forces within the US Marine Corps.

JACKSON HALLUM ’19 and his blazing speedwere recently featured in an article in The Michigan Daily.

2020s

PJ DORAN, CHARLIE BERG, LUKE SAMPAIR and DREW WALSER, STA class of 2019 meet up in Omaha.

JAXEN MERTENS ’20 is working toward more training/ schooling within the US Marine Corp this year.

He will be attending the Survival, Evasion, Resistance Escape School, Advance Intelligence School, Airborne

MCCLAIN BEAUDETTE ’20 is excited to announce that he has accepted an internship with Munich Re as an Underwriting Intern – SLDP.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please send your contributions to Class Notes by one of three ways:

alumni@cadets.com

BEN REPPENHAGEN ’20 is enjoying a 5-0 start for the TCU Hornedfrogs. The redshirt sophomore has seen some playing time on special teams and tight end.

Ben will be playing in the College Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl game on December 31 at 4 p.m.

ET. Ben and the #3 ranked TCU Horned Frogs will take on #2 ranked Michigan. Fun fact: AXEL RAARUP ’18 is the only other cadet to make an appearance in a CFP game.

48 | SABER Spring/Summer 2023

cadets.com/update (Alumni Online Community) 949 Mendota Heights Rd., Mendota Heights, MN 55120

ATTN: Alumni Office

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Class Notes

In Memoriam

Please remember in your prayers these classmates and friends of the Academy who recently passed away or of whose death we were recently notified. We have made every effort to present an accurate list.

Roy Riley ’51 November 2022

Mike Sifferle ’59 March 2023

Pat Leahy ’67 March 2023

Jim Dolan ’47 November 2022

Phil Dugan ’52 February 2023

David James ’60 December 2022

John Sheran ’68 December 2022

Charlie McCarthy ’47 January 2023

Jim Goff ’52 February 2023

James Konen ’60 March 2023

Joe Porto ’73 January 2023

John Cain ’48 March 2023

Father John Apel ’55 January 2023

Larry Reak ’60 January 2023

Timothy Walsh ’77 February 2023

Joe Fitzgerald ’48 December 2022

Max Jacobs ’55 December 2022

Jim Lethert ’62 November 2022

Richard Hance ’78 March 2023

Jerry Horan ’48 November 2022

George Sayer ’55 March 2023

Dick Anderson ’66 February 2023

Dennis Ryan ’87 January 2023

Bob McDonnell ’49 December 2022

Mike Stenglein ’55 January 2023

Pat McLean ’66 January 2023

Al Herrmann ’93 March 2023

Phil Kelley ’50 March 2023

Joe Budik ’56 January 2023

Don Sommers ’66 December 2022

Paul Keating ’94 December 2022

Frank Schiefelbein ’50 November 2022

Mike Lethert ’57 January 2023

AL U M

N II N

VI TE D !

Art Palmer ’46 November 2022

This past fall, the annual 3A Sporting Clays event took place at the Horse & Hunt Club in Prior Lake. The day was a little damp, but still a success! We are looking forward to the 2023 event this coming fall!

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SABER Spring/Summer 2023 | 49

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