In Celebration of Pat Callahan and his 41-Year Career at Saint Thomas Academy
“Mr. Callahan”
For over 40 years, the name “Mr. Callahan” has been uttered countless times in the classrooms and hallways of Saint Thomas Academy. His teaching has impacted generations of students, extending far beyond English lessons. Mr. Callahan did exactly what Mr. Mike Rongitsch once so eloquently said, “we don’t teach subjects, we teach boys,” and we teach boys to be “Men of Character.” Cal has done just that for four decades, and as a school, we couldn’t be more grateful, and proud of his contributions to Saint Thomas Academy and our community, but also very humbled by his dedication to us. Amongst all our faculty, there are over 625 combined years of teaching at the Academy. It is not lost on me that when Cal retires, we will lose 7% of our history at the Academy. However, he has mentored teachers who finally have a chance to catch up to his illustrious tenure to continue his legacy and willingness to go the extra mile as all our faculty do. Moreover, Cal has committed to return and volunteer to assist students who need additional help and tutoring so while we say “good-bye” to him in the classroom, “Mr. Callahan” will continue to be said for many of our students in the future.
Cal, on behalf of the Academy, thank you for your dedication to service to our community and for answering the call to live your life’s vocation with us.
To that end, Mr. Callahan and all our faculty have done a tremendous job of enhancing the culture at the Academy. Three brief stats to share with you.
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.
In a recent survey of our freshmen and sophomores:
• 96% said they feel comfortable at the Academy
• 98% said they feel supported at the Academy
• 100% said they feel welcomed and accepted by our faculty and staff
Morale is high amongst the staff and our parents agree as well. In fact, in a recent Net Promoter survey (a score of 50 is considered excellent) STA received a 62.
While each generation of alumni holds their time in high regard, today’s students will echo that sentiment in their own time.
My heartfelt thanks to everyone reading this, and to the entire Academy faculty and staff. Together, we’ve cultivated a culture of excellence, ensuring our legacy remains unrivaled.
ON THE COVER:
Pat Callahan at the end of a 41-year run as STA teacher.
Sincerely,
Mr. Brian Ragatz ’98 President
Brian Ragatz ’98
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
Designer: Jason Stones
Printing: Dolan Printing
Photo Credits: Tyler Maddaus
Michael Murray Photography Saint Thomas Academy Alumni, Friends, and Family Kyle Rohde ’ 10
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LEADERSHIP
Chief Officer
The Most Reverend Bernard Hebda
Chairman
Mr. Thomas Lee ’85
Past Chairman
Mr. Daniel Kubes ’87
Vice President
Mr. Marty Schreier ’88
Secretary
Mr. Brian Ragatz ’98
Founding Partner
Mr. Michael Ciresi ’64
In Celebration of Pat Callahan and his 41-Year Career at
Saint Thomas Academy
BY DAVID JACOBSON
If slow and steady wins the race, then Pat Callahan is one of the biggest winners in Saint Thomas Academy’s history. After all, it took 41 years for him to decide to retire, and his past, current, and soon-to-be-former colleagues hail his steadiness over those decades.
coaching soccer, baseball, football, and basketball and providing the public address voice at many events.
The bones of Callahan’s career grew out of his years as a middle-school student at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and then Archbishop Brady High School and the University of St. Thomas. He started teaching at St. Joseph’s from 1980-1984, joined Saint Thomas Academy that year, and earned his M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas in 1987. Other roles at the Academy have included
Beyond those bones, Callahan’s mentality toward teaching generations of Cadets ties to the wide variety of literature he covers in classes: Greek mythology, Shakespeare, Tara Westover’s Educated, Colson Whitehead’s The Nickel Boys, The Autobiography of Malcolm X and stand-by’s such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Hobbit.
Finally, the heart and soul of what Callahan has brought to the Academy includes his family, his wife, Mary, and their children, Matt ’12 , Katie, who graduated from Visitation in 2009, and Maria, who graduated from Visitation in 2018.
Insights on “Cal” as a teacher, colleague, and friend abound, along with memories of his career. Here are some in his own words, followed by those with whom he has worked most closely.
Pat Callahan: I already knew Saint Thomas Academy was a special place, because my younger brothers John ’79 and Dan ’85 went here. When I got the offer to come here, I didn’t give it a second thought. From that time on, it was a love affair. I loved coming to work. The years flew by.
From the moment I walked through the door in 1984, a person who helped me along was Frank Blankley, the English department chair, who went out of his way to make me feel at home. I owe a lot to him. He gave me the confidence I needed in those first shaky months. We had 25 years together, bouncing ideas off each other. I watched him teach, and I took notes. He was a master.
One of the highlights for me was when the middle school building was dedicated our own building with great classrooms that Archbishop Harry Flynn came and blessed. Our previous space was too small to accommodate everyone, and the middle school students were mixed in with high school students. The new building gave the middle school its own identity.
Callahan also coached various sports, including football.
FEATURE | In Celebration of Pat Callahan and his 41-Year Career at Saint Thomas Academy, continued
Some of the changes include every student having a laptop now. I’ve become more technological, too. One thing that concerns me is AI and ChatGPT. That’s an enormous temptation for students to use those for their papers.
The love of reading isn’t there the way it used to be. People don’t have the concentration. We’re so used to instant gratification, and it’s not just the students. On a positive note, as students move up through high school, they understand the importance of reading and learning as they get closer to college.
Even the literature and subject matter is changing. I still teach Huckleberry Finn, but now we have James by Percival Everett (the 2024 National Book Award winner that re-tells the Huck Finn story through the eyes of Jim, an escaped slave).
Through it all, what I am most proud of is the fact that I persevered. Most times here have been great, and even when it was tough, I got help from people. There was someone there to pick me up when I was a little down. They might not even have known they were helping.
I want to stay connected here. I probably will substitute teach and maybe help out in the writing lab or volunteer. It’s been a joy to be here. I’ve loved every minute of it.
Solfrid Ladstein, who overlapped as a faculty member with Callahan from 1985 to 2011: I remember when he first came to Saint Thomas Academy, he was so happy to be here. He thought it was the ideal school. That’s what’s kept him here for more than 40 years. He is loyal, kind, and a good team player.
PROUD...
He’s always positive and has an attitude of meeting challenges in the most positive way. A cheerful approach is always what I think of when I think of Pat.
He cares a great deal about his students. He’s also a man of faith, and I think that’s an important aspect of his life. Family is very important to him, and he thinks of colleagues and Cadets as his family.
...father
...father
...grandfather
Dave Ziebarth, who spent 37 years on faculty with Callahan: He’s a dedicated friend to people, very bright, and extremely hard working. Pat is one of those guys you have to have at a school. He’s the glue.
He volunteers for a ton of stuff like field trips and overnights. He’s the first one to step up to do the extra stuff. Whatever you needed him to do, he was willing to do it for the school, for the kids and for his colleagues. He’s very selfless, not a selfish bone in his body. The school is lucky to have him. He’s going to be very hard to replace.
He has an awesome sense of humor, and he’s great at imitations. He puts a funny spin on things if they go wrong. It’s important for a teacher to be able to laugh at himself. You can’t take things too seriously with middle-schoolers.
What’s really kind of cool about Pat is that he’s able to pull out the best in kids. Technology makes it difficult to get kids reading and writing, but he’s able to. Over and over, you can talk to students who had him and they’ll say he had their best interests in mind and always found the positive within a kid and would stand up for him.
Pat is such an important part of the fabric of the school, and he’s not in the spotlight. He doesn’t seek it. He’s never needed it. He’s happy behind the scenes doing really important stuff. But he deserves to have a spotlight on him. He does the job to the best of his ability, and he’s been a steady influence.
Jamie Jurkovich, whose faculty time with Callahan overlapped for 30 years: He’s a Steady Eddie in terms of reliability and showing up for students. To be there for 41 years makes him a stalwart and a legend.
He has a real passion for English. He spoke at our Eagle Awards Dinner about his love of literature, why he teaches English, and why he reads. It’s his ability to have empathy, to learn and care about other people’s perspectives, and he has the ability to teach that to our boys.
Cal, he likes to be called “Cal,” was really supportive of me when I developed the house leadership program for middle school. He does all the little things, quietly, that you need done to run a school. Sometimes that’s putting his hand on the shoulder of a kid at formation who’s getting restless or squirrelly. We called that “de-squirrel-ification.”
Pat has been impressive with our summer reading lists. Some families can get nervous about what the boys are asked to read. Cal did a great job writing his rationale for why kids should read certain books to be able to gain perspectives. He could explain articulately why it’s important. The
2024 Kaydet yearbook was dedicated to Callahan in recognition for his years of service.
Michelle Mechtel, a nine-year colleague of Callahan’s now serving as Middle School Director: How blessed we are to have had him for 41 years! It’s hard to imagine the middle school without him.
One of Pat’s most unique and endearing qualities is that he’s a kind, thoughtful person. He’s one of the first people to greet kids in the morning and ask about their extra-curriculars, and the boys notice that.
The same is true of his interactions with faculty. He cares, and you know he cares. He’s just very genuine, and that comes through in every interaction.
He’s a thoughtful educator, too. He puts a lot of time and effort into helping the boys engage with books. He holds them to high expectations, and he works tirelessly with the boys before and after school to help them improve their writing no judgements and no questions asked.
He has a sweet tooth. We say, “Oh my gosh, Pat’s coming. We have to hide that candy.” He likes Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
When we dedicated the yearbook to Pat last year, there was not a dry eye around the court. He was so humbled to receive that accolade. He was so full of gratitude, he was beaming, with his family all there. It was special to see him so moved.
Rebecca Benz, who has worked with Callahan for 26 years: When I arrived, he was extremely welcoming. He showed me the ropes and how to fit in. He’s one of the warmest individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.
If you want to share a new idea, he’s interested. He’s interested in what you did over winter break. It’s a constant thing with him. It’s just who he is.
He’s always willing to try new ways to help students. He’s very interested in engaging in class, drawing kids in, and he’s extremely patient.
He takes students under his wing and talks to them about how to improve. He’s very good at connecting with students, finding out what they need, and helping them understand what their strengths are.
Students are encouraged to speak up and share their understandings. You couldn’t find a student who would say that Pat Callahan didn’t make their life better.
He’s very excited about his subject. That really comes across when students realize how important a certain book is. He’s just such a positive guy.
He knows the kids’ sports. He knows their families. He might have taught a boy’s brother or uncle or dad, and he remembers all of them.
He’s been a friend and mentor who’s helped me when I’ve been going through hard times. I wish I could keep him around for another five years.
Joe Seidel, now in his 35th year working with Callahan: He is eternally devoted to his wife, kids, and grandkids. He and Mary are a great team, and they advocate fiercely for each other.
It’s a big honor to have the yearbook dedicated to you. When Mary and the kids surprised him on stage, his jaw hit the floor.
He’s a devout Catholic. He loves his faith.
As a teacher, he is a super loyal day-to-day guy. Some teachers try to hit home runs, and they once in awhile do something great. Pat is our Rod Carew. He takes advantage of every at-bat and is able to hit to all fields.
He loves the books he teaches. And Pat Callahan is a fantastic impersonator. So, when he gets into To Kill a Mockingbird, he loves doing his Gregory Peck imitation. (He also used to do a Barney imitation.)
He commands his boys. He never lets them get away with anything. He’s not afraid of hard work.
He loves music, especially Steely Dan and Motown. Sometimes I’ll see him correcting tests with his earbuds in.
Cal has a great relationship with the boys. A lot of alums I run into ask, “Is Callahan still there?” It gives alums comfort to know that he is.
He’s with me in the hallways at 7:40 every morning to say hi to students by name. He loves this place. Talk about blooming where you’re planted. He’s done that in spades.
There’s not just one memory. There are hundreds of little ones…of laughter and kindness and deep care for the boys. Once a week or so he pops into my office, and says, “Joey.” He likes to call me Joey. “Joey, you got a minute? Have you noticed there’s something different about so-and-so?” Then we discuss strategies of how to help that boy.
If Pat had not gone into teaching, he would have gone into broadcasting. He loves being the announcer at the football, basketball, and baseball games, and he’s good at it. That’s how we’ll keep him around the next few years.
The Saint Thomas Academy English faculty in 2014.
Dr. Doug McMahon ’97: From Saint Thomas Academy to Accomplished Allergist
BY DAVID JACOBSON
You probably know someone who has a food allergy. The condition is more common than you may think, afflicting more than 30 million Americans. But thanks to Dr. Doug McMahon ’97 it is becoming less common.
That means less fear of an anaphylaxis fatality from exposure to something as seemingly innocuous as a peanut. Less worry for parents about the way their kids may get into things, either accidentally or because they don’t know any better, and suffer an allergy attack. Less sadness when their friends’ birthday treats are off-limits.
For McMahon, this has been a near lifelong pursuit. He entered Saint Thomas Academy as a 7th-grader, already convinced he would become a doctor, because he suffered from asthma and food allergies and wanted to find solutions. “My asthma was so bad, I had to stop playing football,” he recalled, though he did put in some time with the Cadets and also played tennis and wrote for the student newspaper.
Patients’ immune systems gradually realize that the food is okay.
“I enjoyed the military aspect of the school, which helped keep me focused on my priorities and following tasks in order,” McMahon said. “Bob Slater did a good job of helping me realize when to have a good time and when to focus. Because I wanted to be a doctor, there was a lot of math involved, and Mr. Ekstrand was helpful in keeping me interested.”
Post-Academy, McMahon earned a biology degree at Boston College and then went to Georgetown University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Physiology and Biophysics as well as his Medical Degree. He completed his residency in Pediatrics at the University of South Florida and finished his formal education at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in Pediatric and Adult Allergy and Asthma, donning his white coat in 2007.
Comments from McMahon’s patients show how life-changing the program can be.
About ten years ago, McMahon grew more interested in food allergies and what were then experimental treatments. Essentially, patients receive microscopic doses of allergens “maybe 1/50,000th of the amount of that food that they would ever eat,” McMahon said. “Then, their immune system gradually realizes that type of food is OK.”
The process involves, for example, packets of powdered peanut flour put into suspension in serial dilutions. “We started with kids about five, six, seven years of age and noticed that the five-year-olds had fewer issues than the seven-year-olds,” McMahon said. “So we started going younger and realized that if we can start as young as seven months, we can turn off the allergy completely.”
McMahon estimates that his Allergy and Asthma Center of Minnesota has treated roughly 1,000 patients, often for people with multiple simultaneous allergies. He calls the work “highly rewarding,” especially in terms of the many touching thank you messages he has received over years. (See image at left.) “People already are driving six hours or more to see us,” he said. “We’re looking to expand to more states beyond that driving distance, and we can offer remote treatment with dosing done at home.”
All that is nothing to sneeze at.
How Hustle Took Kyle Rohde ’10 from Saint Thomas Academy to the NBA
BY DAVID JACOBSON
How to hustle may have been the most important lesson Kyle Rohde ’10 learned at Saint Thomas Academy on his way to the NBA. His basketball career at the Academy ended after his sophomore year, but his subsequent roles as the team’s student manager and school newspaper writer propelled him to a plum professional position as Head Equipment Manager for the New York Knicks.
When it comes to the hustle it takes to achieve any position in the NBA, Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett had nothing on the Cadet alum. Rohde’s interest in sports journalism led him to Boston University, and while there, the grit he gained at the Academy landed him next to KG in the Boston Celtics locker room.
“Growing up in Minnesota obviously made me a huge Kevin Garnett and Timberwolves fan,” Rohde said. “Being able to work in the locker room in Boston with KG as a player was a surreal experience.”
How did it happen? Rohde’s father came into contact with team travel managers while working for Northwest Airlines’ charter department. The rest of Rohde’s journey was literally a matter of blood, sweat and tears. The dirty work included folding towels, filling fridges, and doing laundry.
He wouldn’t have traded it for the world. His first game serving the Celtics’ equipment needs featured LeBron James’ debut with the Miami Heat at Boston’s TD Garden. “It was the first time I’d been anywhere in an NBA arena besides the nosebleeds at Target Center,” Rohde recalled. “Being on the court as an 18-year-old and hearing the crowd roar gave me chills. I got unbelievable behind-the-scenes glimpses, but I also kept my head down and made sure to focus.
“I continued with the Celtics all through college, taking the T down to the Garden. Ray Allen was notorious for getting there early, and I’d play knockout with him. It was easy to fall in love with the job.”
After seven seasons in Boston, in 2017, Rohde contacted his former Celtics colleague, Annemarie Loflin, who by then had followed former Celtics Coach Doc Rivers to his position with the Los Angeles Clippers. “Outside of my family, Annemarie Loflin has had the most influence on my life as a mentor,” Rohde said. “I adopted a motto from her, ‘Be unseen but invaluable.’ She’s the type of person who wants no recognition.”
Rohde joined the Clippers as a part-time basketball facility manager. Again, his hustle took hold. “I essentially lived at the facility to make sure there was no reason for them not to hire me as a full-time assistant equipment manager. Then, Annemarie asked me to be travel manager and work on logistics for players’ families: flights, buses, hotels, meals, practices.”
While with the Clippers, Rohde connected with another former Timberwolves player, Sam Cassell. “Bonding over Minnesota with him was always fun. Now, whenever we cross paths and catch up, I always remind him that I grew up with a poster of him on my bedroom wall so that makes him officially old.”
As fun as the Cassell connection was, Rohde relished a six-year overlap as Clippers colleagues with Academy classmate Dan FitzPatrick ’10. “We have been friends since seventh grade. At the Clippers, we sat by each other on team flights and spent almost every day together. Imagine going to work every day with one of your best friends and traveling to all the NBA cities together! How lucky were we?”
— Continued on page 12
Along with the joy of working alongside FitzPatrick, few experiences could surpass time with the late Jerry West, a former Clippers executive so legendary as a player that he is also known as “The Logo,” because the NBA emblem contains a silhouette of him in action. “I will forever be thankful for that relationship,” Rohde said. “He loved the equipment room. He would come down and say, ‘Let me get some of those socks with my face on them,’ and proceed to spend hours telling stories and BSing with us. We had work to do, but how can you tell ‘The Logo’ to stop sharing his stories?
“He was so kind. Jerry knew we all liked to golf, and one year during Christmas, he pulled his car up to the equipment garage and dropped off 40 boxes of Titleist ProvV1 golf balls. Another time, I was visiting my wife’s family at The Greenbrier golf resort in West Virginia, where Jerry had a restaurant. I mentioned to him that we were going to have a meal there one night, and he came over to talk to the family for about 30 minutes and then covered our entire bill. When he heard that I was taking the job with the Knicks he came down to the equipment room and left me with some advice, ‘Never change who you are just to fit in.’ It meant a lot to me that he took the time to come down and pass along advice and well wishes when he didn’t have to. I’ll miss him! RIP!”
In summer of 2023, the Knicks contacted the Clippers about the possibility of Rohde moving cross-country to join the team. It was a busy time, as Rohde has just married. Two days after his honeymoon, he landed in New York.
“Working for the Knicks is the pinnacle of basketball for me,” Rohde said. “Madison Square Garden is called ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena.’ It helps that the team is playing well, that I came in as the team was ascending.”
Among his tasks and oversights:
• Lead a staff of two other equipment people and 14 game-night attendants
• Upkeep the team practice facility
• Order all team gear including uniforms, sweatsuits, practice wear, and travel wear
• Pack all team gear for road trips
• Order players’ shoes
• Set up the locker room at home and on the road
• Take charge of all equipment and personal luggage while traveling
• Book practice gyms on the road
Clearly, that takes some hustle, and involves the aforementioned blood, sweat and tears. “I sit on the bench for games in case of player needs or to help with bloody or ripped uniforms,” Rohde said. “I assist visiting teams at MSG with equipment load-in, locker room setup, and any laundry needs. It’s a lot of laundry... 24/7 laundry services for our players and staff.
“All the work and logistics that go into our operation can be painstaking, but when that ball goes up in front of a sold-out arena celebrities and Knicks alumni scattered around the court it makes it all worth it. My position is very service oriented. I wear a lot of different hats and have a lot of ‘other duties as assigned.’ But, if Saint Thomas Academy taught me one thing that I carry with me on a daily basis, it’s to be a good person first, and to be disciplined and dedicated in my work and not be afraid of failure.”
Saint Thomas Academy Shoutouts from Kyle Rohde
BY DAVID JACOBSON
As star-studded as Kyle Rohde’s surroundings are in NBA arenas, he remembers well where he came from. “I felt like my family laid the foundation for who I am and the Academy helped me grow up,” he said. “I don’t know if there are words for what the Academy meant to me. Being around my classmates and the staff made it hard not to succeed. It was so inspiring for me. I’m incredibly close with guys, and my job allows me to go all over the country and catch up with them.”
Faculty who especially impacted Rohde included Christine Brunkhorst and Julius Tangwe, he said. “Mrs. Brunkhorst taught English and ran the school newspaper, which she encouraged me to write for. I was hesitant at first, but the confidence she gave me as a writer led to me giving it a shot. I soon found my enjoyment in writing and was able to focus on my passion for sports by writing for the sports section of the newspaper. Her style of teaching connected with me, brought out my strengths, and challenged me to look at writing as something more than an assignment. Not to mention we always had fun talks about our shared passion for basketball! I think it’s safe to say that I was accepted into the journalism program at Boston University because of the skills I learned from Mrs. Brunkhorst.
“I think Julius sensed that I was having a difficult time with his class and asked me to come in for tutoring. He took me under his wing to guide me and build a relationship that helped me get off the ground with these new challenges. By the end of the year, our tutoring sessions were more about life rather than class topics. I credit him with helping me break my personal barrier, settling in and getting comfortable at the new school, and giving me the confidence that I belonged there.”
“When I started at Saint Thomas Academy as a seventh grader, I think my ‘welcome to STA’ moment was my first week of Mr. Tangwe’s theology class. It was my first experience with religion as a daily class in school, and I really struggled. On the first day of class, Mr. Tangwe assigned us each a Bible verse to read and summarize. At the time, I didn’t know how to look up a Bible verse, and I remember how frustrated, embarrassed, and scared of what this new school was going to be for me.
With an eye toward the “March Madness” NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament, Rohde said his “one shining moment” was every moment spent with classmates, “in the halls between classes, trench ball tournaments, tailgating for baseball games or swim meets, formation, going to state tournaments in our Class A’s, volunteering, and dances. Our class of 2010 was special. No matter what our interests were, we all got along. What’s special about the Academy community is we tend to gravitate to each other no matter where our travels take us. I recently was on a vacation in Florida and started talking to another person in the fitness center turned out to be Peter Mork, class of ’85. Years apart, never met, but connected by the bond of Saint Thomas Academy.”
Golden Anniversary Celebration for 1975 State Championship Football Team
BY DAVID JACOBSON
Listening to members of Saint Thomas Academy’s 1975 Football State Championship team brings to mind the Bruce Springsteen song “Glory Days.” But when those teammates gather at DeGidio’s Restaurant on November 14 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that state title, the music may include hits from that earlier era, such as Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Shining Star” or the Bee Gees’ “Jive Talkin.”
And yes, DeGidio’s will be full of shining stars from the Academy, and they will be jive talkin, which will sound like this when Kevin Berg ’76 recalls the Cadets’ version of “The Catch” his leaping grab that tied the title game against St. Peter near the end of the first half: “It was a play where I run a drag or post from tight end. Mike Flood drew it on his hand in the huddle. We called him Flooder, and he threw a floater, and I was taller than the St. Peter defensive backs and jumped and grabbed it. Their DBs ran into each other and knocked each other off me, and I ran. Steve Abbott ’76, the team manager, was running along the sidelines, and he said I stayed in bounds for the touchdown.”
Or the talk may sound like this when Flood ’77 recalls the same play: “It was not one of the best throws I’ve ever made. It was just Kevin being a great athlete, making a great play, going over the top of those guys an individual ballplayer who made a great play and then tight-roped down the sideline.”
Or it might sound like this when legendary Head Coach Gerry Brown ’58 tells the story: “We were known as a team that didn’t pass. But Mike Flood and Kevin Berg made up that play. Flood drew a picture in the huddle, and they ran it. Our players made their own play up on the field. They weren’t robots.”
When the shining stars aren’t doing their jive talkin, the celebration open to players on the 1974–1977 teams and their significant others and parents
• Looping video from the championship game on monitors throughout the room and pages from the team scrapbook enlarged to poster size and set around the space
• Awards for the players and coaches
• A special honor to be placed in the lobby of Flynn Hall for the late Tim McGough ’76 whom Event Chair Bill Miley ’77 locker room leader”
“The
In that environment, the men mentioned here and many more will make new memories and re-live others. For example, before the semi-final game against Hibbing, the team stayed at a hotel in Duluth and found itself with some time on its hands, recalled Dan Flynn ’78 “The coaches sent us down to the harbor to see the ships. We checked out the Edmund Fitzgerald just days before it sank.”
Flynn would remember that detail as a Minnesota history buff, who wrote the book Famous Minnesotans: Past and Present, including a section on Brown. Another detail Flynn recalled, was that the chain gang
Catch”
Golden Anniversary Celebration for 1975 State Championship Football Team, continued
Among Flynn’s other recollections: “Gerry building our culture as a family, Kevin Berg’s presence when he walks into a room a born leader, who went to Northwestern University on a full ride Steve Abbott, our student manager being an amazing, inspirational teammate. I can still see a photo of him standing next to Gerry screaming at us. We were unified as a team. We had one heartbeat. Everyone cared. Everyone was respected. Everyone mattered. ‘Pride and class’ was our motto.”
Berg’s memories center on his teammates. “We were lucky that we got a group of guys who were genuinely unselfish,” he said. “We had a lot of leaders, and a lot of us were already close friends. We didn’t have flashy talent, but we played every play. Gerry was a great coach. He knew what buttons to push and when to let us take ownership, which we did.”
Berg started at Northwestern for three years, served as co-captain his senior year and earned Academic
All-America status. An attorney by trade, his thoughts never strayed too far from the Academy, where he coached for 20 years and where memories and lessons learned on the football field informed his string of successes.
“After the state championship, being on the field with my guys was what it was all about. Being in the huddle. That’s when we were impregnable. I just want to express my appreciation for Gerry. I don’t think we understood the level of coaching we were getting at the time. He changed my life in terms of what I was asking of myself. He challenged me to become a different kind of competitor.”
Flooder who threw the floater shared similar memories of Brown and his staff. “The four coaches coaching us Gerry, Paul Maloney, Earl Wetzel ’65 and Mike Rongitsch did a great job. They listened to the guys on the field. If guys came back to the huddle and said they could beat their guy all day long, we’d exploit it and then bring that information back to the sideline.”
Considering the family feel of Academy football then and now, Flood continued, “I hope it’s a good turnout. I’m not sure where are all of my classmates are. I’m not a social media guy. Those of us in the Twin Cities get together too often that’s for a funeral. But one day I remember running into a kid at a gas station who was wearing a letter jacket, and we got talking about Bob Slater ’77, and the kid says, ‘You know Ox?!’ We kept talking and he figured out I was the quarterback from the ’75 team. That kid wasn’t even born when I played.”
Brown’s memories of the team focus almost entirely on intangibles. “Leadership is not done by words,” he said. “It’s done by gesture. Our seniors led by example. You can tell during practice if a team is ready. This team was ready on Monday after a Saturday game. I’ve had to drive teams and be a beast, but I didn’t have to drive this team.
“I’m really excited about this reunion. I’ve been writing ever since they told me they wanted me to say a few words. It seems like so much fun, friendship, and memories during happy hour while people are having drinks and lying to each other.”
Reflecting on the family feel Brown brought to the team, Miley recalled, “A lot of our fathers used to do a film night with Gerry between games. Gerry would explain where we broke down or where a play was made, and my dad would come home and talk to me about blocking schemes. My father had played for his own father, so we appreciated Gerry taking the time to do that.”
When Miley returned to the Academy to coach skiing, he said, “Gerry helped me so much. He was a friend and a mentor and a guy who I could lean on. As players, he made us do things until they were perfect. He demanded that. We would practice in the dark of night if it still wasn’t right.”
Now Miley brings that same tenacity to making sure the night of November 14 is just right. “Invitations will go out on June 1,” he said. “I’m still looking for more ideas and looking for more people to contact to help make this the party of the century, the best night of our lives since we won that championship!”
(Note: To make sure as many teammates as possible from 1974–1977 are aware of the event or to share more ideas of how to celebrate, please contact Bill Miley at wrmiley69@hotmail.com or 612-222-6955.)
This spread from the yearbook celebrated the team’s magical season.
Why Folks Flip for My Burger, Led by Academy Alum John Abdo
BY DAVID JACOBSON
Some of what John Abdo ’01 needed to know on his way to success as CEO of My Burger, he learned at home. Most of the rest he learned at Saint Thomas Academy.
At home, parents Larry and Caryl raised John and his siblings Corey ’03, Paul ’97, and Mandy to follow in the family’s entrepreneurial footsteps. His alma mater, John Abdo said, “taught me how to be a part of something bigger than myself.”
That’s why when the Abdos found space available at 855 Vikings Parkway in Eagan, “it was a no-brainer” to open the 10th My Burger location just a mile from the Academy’s campus. Early on, John Abdo saw signs that My Burger was meant to be there.
The day of the restaurant’s soft opening for friends and family in October 2024, Abdo was visiting the nearby Caribou Coffee and saw a familiar face: his brother Paul’s former Saint Thomas Academy locker buddy. “I said, ‘Ragatz! What are you doing here?’ and Brian Ragatz ’98, President of Saint Thomas Academy, said, ‘Abdo, what are you doing here?’ I told him about the new location, and the first day we were officially open, he came in and bought about 10 burgers for his staff.”
Photo credit Street Factory
Photo credit
The Restaurant Project
It is poetic justice that Abdo now literally feeds the community that metaphorically fed him. “I was a bookworm,” he said of his Cadet days, “a total nerd. I took every AP class I could. I wanted to go to Notre Dame University, and I was going to do whatever I had to do to get there.”
Abdo said he was particularly influenced by Frank Blankely, Bill Culbertson, Solfrid Ladstein, and Bob Slater ’77. “They focused not just on the subject matter they were teaching, but also how that subject tied to faith, family, community, city, state, country, and the whole human race.”
Abdo also gained from travel on missions to Canada’s Northwest Territories, Guatemala (where he started learning the Spanish he now uses to communicate with My Burger staff), and the Washington, D.C. Project Close Up trip. “The Academy also put me in situations of having to think critically, which is where growth occurs,” he said. “The Four Pillars played a key part in my learning what it meant to be a responsible citizen.”
So equipped, Abdo achieved his goal of studying at Notre Dame, where he earned an English degree and minored in public policy. “But nobody was hiring English majors,” he observed wryly. “Then I thought about being a lawyer, but I decided I didn’t want to do that. My dad had opened the first My Burger, and I enjoyed that and decided I wanted to be part of its growth.”
Mission accomplished. The chain now averages roughly $10 million per year in sales while adhering to values rooted in family and community. The family feel includes learning from Corey’s experience running the Abdo’s Nicollet Island Inn and the chance to garnish certain My Burger items with the Abdo-owned Big Fat Bacon that has been a Minnesota State Fair staple.
Community values are reflected in My Burger using local products whenever possible and its food truck visiting events such as last year’s Basilica Block Party and Blaine’s 3M Open PGA Tour stop. Occasionally, the Abdos donate the truck’s foodservice as an auction item for charity fundraisers.
Those events include service by “all stars” from throughout the chain’s staff, said Abdo, calling them the “secret sauce” that distinguishes My Burger from competitors. “We view ourselves as being in the hospitality business,” he said. “Serving delicious food is just table stakes. We want people to come back time and time again, so we hire staff based on their personality. They need a warm smile, kind eyes, and the ability to work well with others. We can teach them about burgers and fries. That’s not rocket science.”
If it were, Abdo might have learned about it from Mark Westlake in the Academy’s Innovation Center. Instead, he simply relied on lessons learned as a Cadet by “taking critical analysis of the human condition and applying it to the burger business.”
Photo credit Jeremy Lee
Photo credit Madison Mead
Photo credit The Restaurant Project
STAFF UPDATES
NEW BABIES!
English Faculty member David Krieger ’04 was named as the Director of Admissions in January.
School Counselor Logan Moe and his wife Brook welcomed their first child, Cecelia Rose in January.
WEDDINGS
COACHING
Science Teacher Tess Ingebrigtsen and her husband John ’16, welcomed their first child, Elise Susan in February.
Congratulations to School Counselor Justin Larson who was married to Nina.
Rick Stevson was named Head Coach for the Cadets Track & Field program. Coach Stevson has been a past co-head coach for the program, so we are excited to again have his passion for student success, both academically and athletically. Coach Stevson will undoubtedly elevate the program.
Angela Johnson joined the Business Office in the Controller position in the Fall.
Athletics & Activities Assistant Director Matt Pryor and his wife Haley, welcomed their first child Violet in October.
Admissions Director David Krieger and his wife Sunnie welcomed their second child, Luna Wan in October. Luna joins big brother Theo (5).
Congratulations to School Counselor Logan Moe who was married to Brooke.
Casey Erickson
YEAR STARTED AT
SAINT THOMAS
ACADEMY | I began my work here at the Academy in the summer of 2016.
SUBJECTS/CO-CURRICULARS/CLUBS
|
Director of the College Counseling Department, teach the elective College Bound and formerly coached the Junior Gold Hockey Program.
FIRST TEACHING JOB | The Kaleidoscope Summer Program has since been updated to Hope Academy. I taught 3rd and 5th grade.
HOBBIES | Huge sports fan, enjoy golf and seeing a good movie when I have time. I would say my primary hobby right now is making sure I have my two sons’ schedules properly updated and delivering them to their location on time.
A FAVORITE TEACHING MOMENT
|
I think for most educators, it’s that lightbulb moment when a student realizes their potential or hears amazing news about a college or university’s admissions decision or scholarship.
BRUSH WITH FAME | Not many will recognize the name Patrick Renna, but anyone who has seen The Sandlot will instantly know “Ham,” the lovable catcher from the movie. Patrick was in the Twin Cities for the premiere of a film he was starring in, and we struck up a conversation. He invited me over to his table, and we spent a few hours swapping sports stories with his co-stars and the film crew.
FAVORITE EXPERIENCE | Watching my two boys grow and take on new interests, develop opinions, and find passion in activities.
WHY I TEACH AT SAINT THOMAS
ACADEMY | Saint Thomas Academy is in a truly unique place. I have visited thousands of schools across the country, yet I have never experienced anything quite like it a room full of boys laughing hysterically, others feverishly studying for their next test, all while classical music plays in the background and rifles are being expertly tossed in the air.
FAVORITE MUSIC | I like all types of music. From classical, country, to hard rock and rap. I have an appreciation for it all.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT | Probably San Deigo, CA
FAMILY | Wife Jess, sons Caden and Vander, and dog Frank.
“
SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY IS IN A TRULY UNIQUE PLACE ”
Anna Kaminsky
YEAR STARTED AT SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY | 2022
SUBJECTS/CO-CURRICULARS/
CLUBS | All things fine and applied arts with some social studies courses sprinkled in; Director of Leadership Pathways; Art Club Moderator
A FAVORITE TEACHING MOMENT
|
I LOVE WATCHING STUDENTS COME ALIVE IN THE CREATIVE PROCESS
FIRST TEACHING JOB | During my year of study with Middlebury College in Amman, Jordan, I taught ceramics to visually impaired primary school students at the Royal Academy for the Visually Disabled.
HOBBIES | All things interior design, which I pursue both as a side hustle and a hobby. I also serve on the Board of Trustees at the Museum of Russian Art, sing in a women’s choir, (shout out to Julia Fahey) and make my own artwork as much as I can.
I switched careers into teaching art from working in nonprofits. I’ve had so many memorable moments as a teacher. I love watching students come alive in the creative process, seeing their work develop, and coaching them on their unique creative journeys. I haven’t been teaching that long, but it means so much when former students check in. Over the years, I’ve received some incredibly creative and thoughtful thank-you notes that students have made, which is always a reminder of why I love what I do. I’ve never looked back to life before teaching, as I do this for the relationships with students; they are and have always been my number one priority.
BRUSH WITH FAME
| I lived in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area for about eight years, bouncing between life in non-profits and a career as an artist. During that time, I ran with a pretty connected crowd in media and politics. I had some public moments working for an international human rights group, where I interacted with media and politicians in high-stakes situations. It was an intense and eye-opening experience that definitely shaped how I see the world. I was also awarded a foundational grant as an Emerging Artist to “watch” in D.C. and worked on large-scale projects for exhibition. I had the surreal experience of hosting museum curators from New York and D.C. in my studio. That was probably the most memorable brush with fame that I care about.
FAVORITE EXPERIENCE | My favorite experience ever or recurring… hanging out with my family and two closest girlfriends, going thrifting with mom and sister, cabin weekends, Guthrie dates, and time spent with the people I love, especially these days.
WHY I TEACH AT SAINT THOMAS
ACADEMY | I have grown surprisingly fond of working with all boys and believe the arts provide a valuable opportunity for hands-on learning and character development. The art room serves as a great proxy for this growth, especially for boys. Faith is a significant part of my life, and I’m grateful to be in a Catholic institution that values virtues, particularly the cardinal virtues. I love having the autonomy to incorporate these values into my curriculum. Building a workbench with my fellow art teacher, Tom Weber, has opened up many possibilities for hands-on projects. I enjoy weaving all my passions into each class, creating an enriching environment for my students.
FAVORITE MUSIC | I listen to the girliest pop and folk OR classic rock. There is no in-between.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT | I love to travel and see the world. These days though, a tent and a campfire after a day of hiking with family or friends sounds pretty great.
SENIOR OFFICER PROMOTIONS
The Cadet Promotions ceremony was held in November and Chase Young was named the 2024-2025 Cadet Colonel and Brigade Commander, and Benjamin O’Shaughnessy was promoted to Cadet Command Sergeant Major, the senior-most non-commissioned officer (NCO) in the brigade. Nine additional seniors were also promoted to fill the leadership ranks for the remainder of the school year. Young and O’Shaughnessy have worked collaboratively with one another and with the Academy’s administrators and military leaders to spearhead military leadership events and activities, such as bridge formal inspection in the spring.
“Cadet Colonel Young is a young man who commands the respect of his peers through the example that he sets. He will be a strong Brigade Commander. As is the case with all the Cadets who were promoted, Chase is a leader who truly cares for the Cadets under this charge,” said former U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Nick Honan, Commandant of Cadets at Saint Thomas Academy. “The selection process for promoting Cadets into these senior leadership positions is a rigorous one because of the immense responsibility that accompanies these roles. The day-to-day operations of the Academy and the overall experience of our Cadets are largely shaped by how these boys lead one another.”
BRIGADE COMMANDER C/COL. CHASE YOUNG
Young has committed himself to academics, athletics and co-curriculars, and community service during his four years at Saint Thomas Academy. He has won many awards for academic achievement and leadership, including the Board of Trustees Leadership Award, the Faculty Award, the Superior Performance Award, the Harvard Book Award and the Junior Achievement Hero Award. He has participated in Model United Nations, serving as captain/head delegate his senior year. He is the Student Council President, a peer mentor and a campus minister.
He has earned a National Army ROTC four-year, full-ride scholarship and plans to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering and later attend medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon. He has applied to the University of Notre Dame, University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Michigan and Vanderbilt University. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Young will be commissioned as a second lieutenant into the U.S. Army and hopes to serve as a doctor.
Young has earned 7 athletic letters across three sports in four years. He was chosen captain of both the football and basketball teams his senior year, and also competes in track.
He has volunteered for the J Rob Wrestling Tournament, the MYAS Youth Basketball Tournament, youth football camps, Junior Achievement, Gillette Children’s Hospital, Open Door Pantry, Feed My Starving Children and the United Heroes League.
C/COMMAND SGT. MAJ. BENJAMIN O’SHAUGHNESSY
Promoted from cadet first sergeant to cadet command sergeant major, O’Shaughnessy serves as the brigade’s standard bearer for uniform, grooming, formations, drill, reviews and conduct. He also serves as the principal adviser to the brigade commander in decisions regarding the corps of cadets.
O’Shaughnessy has held several leadership roles in his co-curricular pursuits, including drum major, yearbook editor, Model UN head delegate, mock trial attorney captain and math team captain. He has earned the Eagle Award three times, the Faculty Award twice, the Yale Book Award, MEC All Conference Honor Band selection twice, the President’s Award and the WOAA JROTC Award.
O’Shaughnessy plans to study psychology in college and then go on to get his law degree. He has applied to the University of Minnesota, Trinity College Dublin, Harvard University, University of North Carolina and University of Virginia.
Those promoted to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (pictured L-R): Caden Peltier, Cadet Colonel and Brigade Commander Chase Young, Charles Probst, Patrick “Patch” Cronin, David Ogungbe
Five Promoted to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel
Five additional seniors were also promoted from Cadet Captain to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and named to brigade posts: They are:
After graduation, Gates plans to earn his bachelor’s degree in finance/entrepreneurship, start his own company, and later run for office.
CHIEF OF STAFF C/LT. COL. CADEN PELTIER
Peltier aspires to be an accountant or financial advisor, after studying accounting and finance, and earning his MBA. Last summer, he participated in the University of Notre Dame Summer Scholars Accounting Program for an introduction to his would-be profession.
BATTALION COMMANDERS:
BLUE BATTALION: C/LT. COL. CHARLES PROBST
Probst hopes to attend University of Notre Dame, the University of Wisconsin or Boston College to pursue a degree in finance and then go on to earn a master’s degree.
GOLD BATTALION: C/LT. COL. PATRICK “PATCH” CRONIN
Cronin plans to play junior hockey after high school then attend Colgate University to study economics and play hockey.
WHITE BATTALION: C/LT. COL. DAVID OGUNGBE
Ogungbe plans to study mechanical engineering in college.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Brigade Commander and senior leaders are chosen by a selection committee composed of the Academy’s President, Commandant of Cadets, Vice President, school Chaplain, a senior enlisted member of the military leadership department, and a faculty representative, with student and faculty input. The extensive application and evaluation process begins in Cadets’ junior year. The committee evaluates every senior leader 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.
Additional Non-Commissioned-Officer Promotions
Approximately 25% of the leadership positions within the Corps of Cadets are NCO positions. Five seniorleader Cadets are selected to serve in the senior Cadet NCO positions within the Brigade: one Brigade Command sergeant major (O’Shaughnessy), three Battalion Command Sergeant Majors and one Operations Chief with the rank of Cadet Master Gunnery Sergeant (an equivalent rank to Cadet Command Sergeant Major but with staff versus command responsibilities). Those promoted to NCO positions include:
OPERATIONS CHIEF AND CADET MASTER GUNNERY SGT. JAC WRIGHT
Wright plans to get his bachelor’s degree in finance / sports business while also playing college baseball. After college, he aspires to enter the sports world, possibly in sports analytics and management.
BATTALION
CADET COMMAND
SERGEANT MAJORS:
GOLD BATTALION: JOHN “HANK” STEVEKEN
Steveken aspires to be a nurse anesthetist in a hospital or healthcare setting after earning his bachelor’s degree in nursing.
WHITE BATTALION: JACK NEUMAN
After graduating, Neuman plans to earn bachelor’s degrees in finance and engineering and then continue on to graduate school. He owns and operates CleanupJ.
BLUE BATTALION: ANDREW MOST
Most aspires to be an entrepreneur someday, after playing football and studying business management in college and working in the corporate world.
promoted to Non-Commissioned-Officer
Those
positions (pictured L-R): Jac Wright, John “Hank” Steveken, Benjamin O’Shaughnessy, Jack Neuman and Andrew Most
EAGLE SCOUTS
JUNIOR REID BARBEROT
This Eagle Scout project involved building and installing bluebird houses at the Minnesota Veterans Home (MNVH). Six houses were constructed in April, and four were installed in May, around the campus walkways and gardens. Two additional houses were left for veteran installation as an activity. The project, assisted by junior Cadets Owen Weber and Todd Rogalski, aimed to support the declining bluebird population and bring joy to the veterans, who expressed enthusiasm for the project. Bluebirds were chosen for their symbolic association with happiness and their pleasant song.
SENIOR JACKSON SKAGEN
For his Eagle Scout project, Jackson constructed a trail and dock at the Faithful Shepherd Catholic School for classroom environmental education, including water quality testing. Two of his favorite scouting memories were backpacking at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and mountaineering at the Chilkoot High Adventure Base in Haines, Alaska. Jackson joins his father Jason Skagen and grandfather Clark Skagen in the Eagle Scout rank.
JUNIOR TODD ROGALSKI
Todd Rogalski received his Boy Scout Eagle Award in 2025, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Mark ’23. Todd’s Eagle project was building a 9-Square Court for the Our Lady of Grace (OLG) Youth Ministry and middle school students. A 9-Square Court was chosen because it is a game everyone can play with no special skills required. There are no complex rules for 9-Square and that coupled with the desire to get youth outdoors, moving, and shaking the stress of the day made it a desirable project.
SENIOR JOSEPH CULLIGAN
In 1986, the Saint Thomas Academy Mothers’ Club created a Centennial Anniversary Garden featuring a marble wall and metal Cross. To refresh this space, Joseph undertook an Eagle Scout project to transform it into a welcoming school entrance. Inspired by his grandmothers’ and mother’s Mothers’ Club involvement, the project enhanced the area’s curb appeal. Work included removing rock, weeding, power washing, repainting the Cross, adding flowers, school crests, and solar lighting. The upgraded garden has been well-received, significantly improving the North entrance’s appeal.
SOPHOMORE BENJAMIN MOE
The City of Mendota Heights has had parts of the valley cleaned out for power lines and they have wanted to have bee-friendly gardens in the area. Benjamin’s Eagle Scout project, the planting of a large pollinator garden with Minnesota native species of plants, helped the City of Mendota Heights by making the area beautiful for people to enjoy as they walk or ride by and to start the process of increasing pollinators in this area.
VETERANS DAY RECAP
Saint Thomas Academy hosted the annual Veterans Day Assembly on November 11 where two alumni were honored with the Fleming Alumni Veterans Award. The Fleming Medal is named for Capt. Richard Fleming STMA ’35, the Academy’s highest-decorated graduate who posthumously received the Medal of Honor. The 2024 Fleming Medal honorees are:
Thomas Krebsbach ’41
Thomas Krebsbach was one of three boys from a low-income Saint Paul family who attended the Academy. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant, advancing to become an officer in the 325th Glider Division of the 82nd Airborne. During WWII, he was a paratrooper in the D-Day invasion and fought in the infamous Battle of the Bulge, for which he earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for re-securing communication lines while under enemy fire. By the end of the war, he had attained the rank of Captain. After transitioning into civilian life, Krebsbach went on to manage multiple Chevrolet dealerships, including Midway Chevrolet in St. Paul, which he eventually came to own. He passed away at the age of 80 in 2003.
Burl Zorn ’54
A Colonel in the US Army, Burl Zorn fought in Vietnam from 1961 to 1968 in the Delta Aviation Battalion as well as the Combat Group Aviation Platoon. He was a very decorated officer, earning awards including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. After his 27-year military career, he was Vice President of Helicopter Operations for Boeing Aircraft’s Middle East division. He retired from Boeing and settled in Shakopee, Minnesota, where he became very active in city politics. He later moved to Florida, where he served as the Executive Director of the local Habitat for Humanity. He was an active member of his Florida community for 20 years until his death in February 2024.
Family members received the awards on behalf of the recipients.
President Brian Ragatz ’98 speaks during the assembly.
The Fleming Medal
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
VISTA SPRING MUSICAL
Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation will present Tuck Everlasting. for the spring musical. In essence, Tuck Everlasting is a story about the preciousness of life and the consequences of living forever.
PERFORMANCES:
May 2–4, and 9–11
Visitation’s DeSales
Auditorium
2455 Visitation Drive Mendota Heights
Visit visitation.net for ticket information and performance times.
Choir at T’wolves
The Saint Thomas Academy Choir was invited to sing the National Anthem at the February 6 Minnesota Timberwolves game.
VISTA BAND & CHOIR RECOGNITION
Congratulations to the Boys’ Metro East All-Conference Concert Band Members. Eli Amenuvor ’26, William Carey ’26, Finbar Kelly ’27, Ben O’Shaughnessy ’25, Luke Siemon ’27, and Thomas Wicks ’26. Congratulations also to Boys’ Metro East All-Conference Jazz Ensemble Member William Sellner ’25.
Congratulations to to the Boys’ Metro East All-Conference Choir Members. James Barrett ’25, Kellan Cragg ’25, Kevin Cervantes ’25, Mason Gerry ’26, Sherman Holmstadt ’25, Samuel Martin ’25, Brady McDowell ’27, and Ezra Oelrich ’27
VALENTINES FOR VETS
Saint Thomas Academy Cadets were again invited to visit the Veterans’ Home for Valentines Day. The students spent time playing bingo and engaging with the veterans.
NASA HUNCH
Junior Eli Amenuvor was selected to present at the final showcase review in Houston, TX at the Johnson Space Center for his Biomedical software design project through the NASA HUNCH program. Eli was one of only two students selected in our entire region to attend. The showcase involved presenting for current and former NASA astronauts and other stakeholders who may provide feedback or select projects to be part of future NASA space endeavors. Eli is the first student from STA who will have ever been selected to this final showcase.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
In February, more than 80 Cadets again participated in Junior Achievement North’s “JA in a Day” program at Maxfield Elementary in Saint Paul’s Rondo neighborhood. The Cadets provided students in grades kindergarten through 5th, experiential learning focused on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. It was the fourth time Saint Thomas Academy has participated in the program.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HOCKEY
Back-to-Back Brilliance! The Middle School Hockey team celebrated a thrilling CAA Championship victory over Nativity in the Catholic Athletic Association Championship. This championship win further cements their impressive record, earning their third title in the past five years.
MODEL UN UPDATES
Unprecedented Success: Saint Thomas Academy’s Model UN Dominance: Achieving the Best Delegation prize at a top-tier Model UN conference is an extraordinary feat, and the Saint Thomas Academy team has done just that. Model UN involves students taking on the roles of UN delegates, engaging in debates and crafting resolutions on pressing global concerns. Awards, like Best Delegation, are determined by factors such as accurate representation, effective negotiation, and successful resolution drafting. This victory, the program’s most significant to date, underscores the team’s exceptional talent and hard work, placing them among the nation’s elite Model UN programs.
ASIAN CLUB
JROB YOUTH WRESTLING TOURNAMENT
On March 2, Saint Thomas Academy hosted the 7th annual JROB Youth Wrestling Tournament with a record number of wrestlers participating. Over 650+ wrestlers and their families took part in the event with proceeds benefiting the United Heroes League and the Donny Wichman Fund at Augsburg College. The tournament was launched in conjunction with Coach J. Robinson, wrestling patriarch and former University of Minnesota Head Wrestling Coach. Wrestling National Champion & Olympic Wrestler Gable Steveson was also on hand to sign autographs for families.
This past February the Saint Thomas Academy Asian Club invited the Visitation School Chinese Program to a monthly meeting. Students from both groups took part in fun activities while celebrating the Chinese language. In February, Cadets attended the Visitation Chinese Lantern Festival.
SPORTS UPDATE
CROSS COUNTRY
Led by captains Vincent Audette ’25, Drew Ryan ’25, Dan Reiman ’26, and first-year Head Coach Vince Wren ’16, the STA Cross Country team had a strong season, finishing 5th in the Metro East Conference and 6th in Section 3AA. The success extended beyond the high school team, as the middle school squad claimed the Catholic Athletic Association (CAA) Cross Country Championship. Individually, Cadet Vincent Audette earned All-Conference honors, while Cadets Parker Cosgriff ’26 and Marshall Wright ’25 received All-Conference Honorable Mentions for their outstanding performances.
ALL-CONFERENCE
• Vincent Audette ’25
HONORABLE MENTION
• Parker Cosgriff ’26
• Marshall Wright ’25
Marshall Wright ’25
Vincent Audette ’25
Parker Cosgriff ’26
FOOTBALL
Cadets Football had an outstanding season, led by Majors (the team’s equivalent of captains)
Chase Young ’25, Charlie Probst ’25, Avaugn Dorvil ’25, Michael Kelecic ’25, Finn Benz ’25, and Head Coach Travis Walch. The team finished with an impressive 7-4 record, securing the Section 3AAAAA championship. In the state tournament quarterfinals, they battled hard against Chanhassen but fell short, 21-38.
Several players earned individual honors for their exceptional performances. Cadet Todd Rogalski ’26 was named District Special Teams Player of the Year, while Cadet Chase Young ’25 excelled both on and off the field, earning Academic All-State recognition. Additionally, Cadet Avaugn Dorvil ’25 was selected to compete in the MN High School Football All-Star Game. A special congratulations to Head Coach Travis Walch, who was honored as Section Coach of the Year.
Chase Young was also one of Minnesota’s 8 scholar athlete awards this year. They are awarded to 8 select football players across all of Minnesota for their impact on the field, in the classroom, and in the community; it is a huge honor. The eight Scholar-Athlete award winners are set to be honored on April 13 during an awards event at the Minnesota Vikings’ TCO Performance Center.
ALL-DISTRICT
• Michael Kelecic ’25
• Chase Young ’25
• Avaugn Dorvil ’25
• Finn Benz ’25
• Todd Rogalski ’26
HONORABLE MENTION
• Dominic Baez ’26
• Hank Steveken ’25
• Brooks Borman ’26
• Charlie Probst ’25
• Birk Zeleny ’26
Dominic Baez ’26
Chase Young ’25
Finn Benz ’25
SOCCER
The 2024 Cadets Soccer team had a remarkable season, setting a program record with 113 players participating across six teams. Competing in the highly competitive Metro East Conference, they finished 5th with a 6-7-4 record. This year’s team was led by captains Tommy McCarr ’25, Aidan Leroe ’25, Henry Fahning ’25, Kian Farooq ’25, and Head Coach Brian Kallman. Their season came to a hard-fought end in the Section semifinals with a narrow 0-1 loss to the eventual state champions, Holy Angels.
Several players earned individual honors for their outstanding performances throughout the season. Cadets Dane Dow ’25 and Jackson Skagen ’25 were named to the Section All-Academic Team for their excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Tommy McCarr and Lars Osteraas ’26 were selected for the All-Section 3AA Team in recognition of their strong performances during the section tournament. Additionally, Tommy McCarr and Henry Fahning were honored with 2nd Team All-State selections.
Kian Farooq ’25
ALL-CONFERENCE
• Tommy McCarr ’25
• Aidan Leroe ’25
• Henry Fahning ’25
ALL-CONFERENCE
• Kian Farooq ’25
• Eric Silgen ’25
• Noah Dsouza ’25
Aidan Leroe ’25
Tommy McCarr ’25
Blessed Spring!
BY TONY MULLEN ’93 DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT
Spring is buzzing on campus! Seniors are making big plans, athletes are pushing their limits, and we’re all looking forward to Easter. The season of Lent provides an opportunity to prepare for Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. There’s a real sense of excitement and anticipation in the air.
Our 60th Community Auction is a significant milestone, and we want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the upcoming retirement of Jodie Whaley, our Director of the STA Auction, on June 30. For the past 17 years, her leadership has been the driving force behind this exceptional event. Jodie’s contributions to the Advancement team are invaluable, and we will deeply miss her.
I also extend best wishes to my former teacher and esteemed colleague, Mr. Pat Callahan. His freshman English class remains a fond memory, and his consistent smile and welcoming demeanor outside his classroom were a daily inspiration. Pat’s 41 years of dedicated service exemplify the exceptional faculty who inspire and challenge our students.
Finishing my first year back here, I’m just blown away by the community. So many people give their time and resources to make STA what it is. Thank you, from all of us, for your support.
Warmly,
Tony Mullen ’93 Director of Advancement
Tony Mullen ’93
1950s
Members of the CLASS OF 1959 got together at the Downtowner Woodfire Grill for some Christmas fellowship. Pictured from left to right: RON GAGNON, DENNY FINN, RAY SCHWARTZ, JIM MURRAY, JOHN MORGAN, MIKE O’CONNELL, JOHN STURNER, JIM MORIARITY, JERRY HAGEN, and TOM SPENCE.
1960s
The CLASS OF 1962 met at Southview Country Club on December 19 for a Christmas lunch. In attendance were JIM BURTON, FRANK KEISNER, DOUG HOFFMAN, JAY COONAN, BILL BEDNARZYK, TERRY DAVERN, GEORGE ROEDLER, JOE COMMERS, BRUCE RYDEL, and PAUL CRAMER.
This year marks the 60th reunion for the CLASS OF 1964 and they celebrated at the Pool & Yacht Club on September 21.
1950s
BRIAN LEO ’58 is participating in an Art Show at the Mankato Art Center from April 2-20, 2025. His wife Judith and his son Colin will also have several of their pieces in the show it’s truly a family affair!
1960s
JOHN GANNON ’62 has been busy! John is beginning interviews for the Global Justice Resource Center documentary, “Who Killed Prison Reform”, he was recently appointed Adjunct Professor of the Faculty of Social Science and Liberal Arts at UCSI University in Koala Lumpur, Malaysia where he will be returning in the fall to hold workshops and seminars on developing behavioral-change programs. He’s remodeling his home and enjoying travel in his old but speedy F-Type! He’s enjoyed being married to his wife Evelyn for the past 40 years and being a father to his son!
Members of the CLASS OF 1964 met for lunch at the Pool & Yacht Club on December 3, 2024.
“The Five Guys” (L to R in photo STAN MILLER ’65, ERNIE GRACE ’65, HERB LETHERT ’65, and a couple guys from Cretin Jim Griesgraber and Tom Enright) recently met up in San Diego. The guys brought a replacement print of one of Fr. Kolar’s paintings to Stan to replace his badly faded print. The cool thing is that the replacement print had been returned to the Academy by the family of an Alumnus who had passed away.
JIM BOHEN ’65, has 2 new books available: a collection of poems entitled The Management has seized control of this book, and I Was Dumb Enough to Touch Kirby Puckett’s Glove, a “partial memoir” of his “extremely interesting life.”
Author, MIKE FARICY ’69, will release Private Matters, the twentieth book in his Jack Dillon Dublin Tales series on Sunday, February 2. The book is now in preorder on Amazon (where you can also find his other books!). Jack Dillon is a US Marshal assigned to Special Branch in, An Garda Síochána, the Dublin Police force. The Dillon series is one of four that Mike writes. Mike lives in Dublin for a part of every year and he loves the city.
1970s
Congratulations to CHRIS COX ’70 whose biography, Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn, has earned lots of praise in the literary community. The book was immediately selected by The Wall Street Journal, Kirkus Reviews, The Christian Science Monitor, and others for their “Best Books of 2024” lists. The Washington Post calls it “a stunning chronicle”; the Washington Examiner has named it “Pulitzer-worthy.” It’s the product of 14 years of research, bringing to light hitherto neglected aspects of Wilson’s life and presidency and placing women’s right to vote alongside World War I as the great events of the Wilson era.
THOMAS BISANZ ’71 hiked half way across Spain in September, 2024 on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail.
Members of the CLASS OF 1973 had another successful snow goose hunt in Aberdeen, SD. Pictured from left to right are: PETER DONOVAN, JOHN MAGUIRE, JOHN MCQUILLAN, DAN LAMBERT, and TIM PLUNKETT
MICHAEL PLUNKETT ’76 is retired and loving life.
The Minnesota Star Tribune published a story about how Norb Berg (father of TONY ’79, KEVIN ’76, MITCH ’77, and PAUL ’81 BERG and grandfather to CHARLIE ’19, JOSEPH ’08, KYLE ’05, and OSCAR ’21 BERG), and his deer camp helped countless people over the years.
Congratulations to JEFF RATHMANNER ’79 all three of his kids are married and he has four wonderful grandkids he gets to enjoy time with!
1970s
Members of the 1971-1972 championship basketball team were at the Minnesota Gopher vs. Michigan State basketball game. Attending were: DAN FLYNN ’78, JOE HORAN ’72, JAKE SCHROEPFER ’72, ROGER ANDERSON ’72, TERRY FLYNN ’55, JOHN HICKEY ’72, and STEVE SCHNELL ’72
The CLASS OF 1972 met at the Pool & Yacht Club for a holiday lunch.
The CLASS OF 1973 celebrated their annual Christmas breakfast last week. Lots of camaraderie, and conversation took place with topics ranging from family, friends, health, an retirement plans, to the new pool. Pictured are: Back row: JOHN ROONEY, LARRY FRYKLUND, Bob Stupka (Cretin), MIKE MCGROARTY, TOM MARRINAN, TIM RIDLEY, and TOM COSGROVE, front row: TIM PLUNKETT, JIM JOYCE, TOM CLEMENTS, KEVIN DALY, JOHN MAGUIRE, and MIKE SIREK
The CLASS OF 1974 had a great time over reunion weekend celebrating their 50th this year! They had a great showing for their stag party at McGovern’s on Friday night and at the Alumni Open on Monday!
1980s
On October 13, 2024, STEVE PLUNKETT ’81 completed his 9th marathon running the Chicago Marathon with his son Ryan. Steve and Babs also celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary that day! From left to right are: Ryan Plunkett, Steve, Babs Plunkett, Annie Plunkett (Vis ’17 ), and CONNOR PLUNKETT ’14
Mancini’s Char House was the place to be for the CLASS OF 1983 annual holiday gathering! Those in attendance: STEPHEN HAUGH, MATT KARL, PAUL MILEY, BRENNEN HEIKES, DAVIN BRANDT, RICH BACHMEIER, RICK NOZEL, GREG OLSON, MICHAEL DOROSCHAK, DAVID JANSEN, JOE JANSEN, JOHN STEVEKEN ’84, JACK EMMER ’84, & John Mancini, Cretin 1983.
STA Alumni Hockey Games
On December 21, the annual STA Alumni Hockey Games were held at St. Thomas Ice Arena. Graduation years ranging from 1974 TO 2023 were represented and made up three hour-long games. This year’s team captains, Coaches Strobel, Murphy and Hammel and former coach Tom Vannelli were on hand to welcome alumni back to STA. Many of the skaters took in the Cadets’ big win over Cretin that night and enjoyed a full day of catching up with old teammates. Hockey alumni who would like to participate in the future should contact BRIAN NORDIN ’97 at brian@northmade.co. Special thanks to DAVE ODLAUG ’91, Jim Kilburg and Travis Walch for their help with arranging ice time and other accommodations.
DAVID HOTTINGER ’85 met with Father Gordon Doffing on Mesa, AZ. Father Doffing is still celebrating Mass at 91 years young and says, “hello”, to everyone at Saint Thomas Academy!
DAVID HOTTINGER ’85 and his son George ran a half marathon on Feb 16 in Texas. Well done boys!
JON MAHAN ’89, WILL DYRHAUG ’17, MICHAEL DYRHAUG ’19, JAKE RASCHER ’17, JIM BLISSENBACH ’91, TIM DYRHAUG ’87 and BILL RASCHER ’89 met for the annual South Dakota hunting outing in December.
Market Watch magazine celebrated the nation’s top spirits and wine retailers on September 26 at its annual Leaders Awards Dinner, which was held at The Pierre Hotel in New York City. TED ’89 and Beau FARRELL of Haskell’s in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which has been in operation for 90 years. The original business was purchased by their father, Jack Farrell, in 1970, who became a Market Watch Leader in 1989 and was named Retailer of the Year in 2019. Jack passed away this July, but Ted and Beau continue his legacy of excellence. Haskell’s posted $60 million in revenue last year.
1990s
The CLASS OF 1990 Trivia team won the STA Fathers’ Club trivia event this year! Pictured in the back row:
PETER MARTIN, JOHN GAINOR, CLAY BENISH, CHARLIE WEIER, and MATT DUDLEY (holding up a t-shirt for classmate and honorary team captain, MATT MOHS, who lives in Washington state) and front row: MARK GOTTWALT, MIKE SUNDQUIST, and Father JACK LONG
LOGAN FOTSCH ’27 competed in a track meet at the U of M on January 26. Cheering him on were his dad, MARK FOTSCH ’95 and his uncles, TONY ’91 and ERIC ’92 FOTSCH. Dad and the uncles (all track captains back in the 90’s) are behind Logan 100%! Eric has been a STA Track Coach since 1997 (28 years) and has the privilege of coaching his nephew.
Recently, 8th graders had a guest speaker during community time for their science class regarding business and clean energy. Their speaker was STA alum JACOB SCHLAEGER ’92 who discussed his time at STA, navigating the business world while emphasizing clean energy, and overall general life experiences. This tied in perfectly with their sustainable energy unit in science and sustainable energy projects.
Congratulations to RYAN MALONE ’94, President of Youngstown Glove Co. His company just broke ground on a state-ofthe-art factory in Springfield, MO that will be making voltage-rated rubber gloves for Electric Utilities and related industries. The factory will feature a high degree of automation utilizing robotic arms this type of manufacturing for this product category will be the first of its kind in the United States!
STA Math teacher, JEFF SMITH ’97, and his sons, OLIVER ’31 and Earl (future class of 2034), ran into KYLE RHODE ’10 at the Timberwolves vs. Knicks game on January 17! Kyle works for the Knicks.
Congratulations to DAN MILLER ’98 on reaching his 20th year as a police officer! Dan was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Farmington Police Department. Dan and his wife welcomed their sixth child, Vincent, in November 2023 and their oldest son is excited to attend STA for high school.
1980s
KEVIN LOVEGREEN ’87 is thrilled to announce the release of three new books in the Lucky Luke’s Adventures series. These ocean-themed stories The Best Vacation Ever, Deep-Sea Giants, and Shark On! are packed with non-stop excitement and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Explore these latest additions along with all 26 of Lovegreen’s captivating books at www.KevinLovegreen.com.
Congratulations to CHRIS BATTIS ’90 on his marriage to Ann Graves this past summer! Chris and Ann were married on the beach in Texas and currently reside in Forest Lake, MN.
On Thursday, December 19, ten members of the CLASS OF 1993 got together for a Christmas breakfast and some good old fashioned fellowship. Since members of the class are 50 or are turning 50 in the New Year, we agreed that it is a good idea to start getting together! In attendance were: JOE BRILL, STEVEN DWYER, DAN FARLEY, CHRIS LAMBERT, MATT MICHAUD, RICK MICHEL, TONY MULLEN, PAT O’KEEFE, COLIN ROONEY, and CHRIS SCHULTZ
Rosemount Chief of Police, MIKE DAHLSTROM ’01, visited the high school Crime and Justice class with his department’s Bearcat. The Bearcat is primarily used for county-wide critical incidents and SWAT call-outs and was a big hit with the Cadets.
PAUL TIGAN ’98 was sworn in for a four-year term as a City Councilor in Salem, Oregon. Paul and his family moved to Salem in 2015 while working for as a federal land manager. His Ward includes downtown Salem and Oregon’s Capitol, as well as some of the city’s oldest historic neighborhoods. He maintains his day job as a strategic consultant specializing in natural resources.
Congratulations, Paul! 2000s
JONATHAN DINGEL ’02 is joining Columbia University as a tenured Associate Professor of Economics. He and his wife Amy will move to New York City in 2025. Congratulations Jonathan and Amy!
LTC PHILIP SWINTEK ’02 and CPT JOE REAMER ’11 are both currently assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Fort Carson, CO (US Army). Philip is the Battalion Commander and Joe is the Battalion Plans Officer. Philip and Joe are both currently deployed to Eastern Europe.
Congratulations to JEREMY HARRIS ’03 on his big promotion; he was awarded a Commander position and will oversee a squadron of 300. It’s a huge undertaking but he is well prepared and will do a great job. Well done Commander!
Congratulations to STOWE KINTZINGER ’07 on his recent engagement to Alyssa Rosenow. Stowe and Alyssa got engaged October 21 in Chatham, Cape Cod.
Congratulations to NATHAN SCHWARTZBAUER ’08 on starting a new position as Founder & Managing Director at Star Course Holdings.
CLASS OF 2004 reunion
2010s
MIKE HERMANN ’11, his wife, Erin, and daughter Ella, welcomed their son/brother Merrick T. Hermann in September 2024. Congratulations on your newest family member!
TED ANDREWS ’12 recently started a new job with Sole Source Capital as Vice President of Talent Acquisition. He continues to reside in Chicago with his wife Anna. Congratulations, Ted!
Congratulations to WILLIAM SULLIVAN ’16 on completing his JO tour on the USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) and transferring to Trident Training Facility (TTF) to teach nuclear engineering as a Prospective Nuclear Engineering Officer (PNEO) instructor. Best of luck to you at TTF and beyond!
JOSEPH HARVEY ’16 was recently promoted to Captain in the US Army. Joseph is a Black Hawk helicopter pilot stationed at Ft. Drum NY with the 10th Mountain Division. He is currently serving a deployment to Iraq until spring 2025. Congrats, Captain Harvey!
Congratulations to WILL SULLIVAN ’16 on starting his Masters in Computer Science program!
Congratulations to JOHN ’16 and Tess (beloved science teacher and coach)
INGEBRIGTSEN on the arrival of their first child, Elise!
JACK ROWE ’18 finished a two year stint for his alma mater, Hillsdale College, working on their online courses and documentaries. Now he will begin law school this fall at the University of Chicago.
Congratulations to VINNY MOTZEL ’18 on becoming a Naval Helicopter Pilot!
MUZZY DONOHUE ’19 advances in Q-School. Congratulations, Muzzy!
2000s
Congratulations to JOE ’14 and Emily (Hilk) SCHULTZ on their October 19 wedding! A bunch of alumni were in attendance including Joe’s brother and Best Man, JACK SCHULTZ ’16, and groomsmen DOMINIC VIERLING ’14 (current president of the Alumni Association) and ANDERS RAARUP ’14
Congratulations to AARON SCHWIETZ ’15 on his January 4th wedding to Megan Gemuenden. The STA grads present (left to right in picture) TOM SCHWIETZ ’11, DAVID LAIRD ’15, JOHN WILKIN ’15, RYAN HOFFMANN ’15, Aaron (the groom), NICK WALSH ’15, JAKE PURSLEY ’15, CARTER SWEDAL ’15, RAY DALY ’15, and DAN SCHWIETZ ’02.
JACOB GEREND ’17 was married to Maria Wallace on September 28, 2024. He completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Marquette University and his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Viterbo University. Jacob is currently a Psychotherapist at Greenhaven Therapy. Congratulations to Jacob and Maria!
2020s
Congratulations to JOSEPH STODDART ’20 on his recent graduation from Saint John’s University (MN) with a BA in Global Business Leadership. He’s currently conducting a year of service in Newark, New Jersey with the Benedictine Volunteer Corps.
Joseph will be teaching an Intro to Business elective, coaching Cross Country and Golf, and acting as a House Parent in a residence hall on campus.
AIDAN MCGILL ’21 received the Tommie of the Year Award from the University of St. Thomas. Congratulations, Aidan!
Our Junior Gold Alumni tore up the ice on December 23.
SJU ALUMNI STORY
Congratulations to AIDAN MIR ’21 on joining American Honda Motor Company, Inc.’s Development Engineering Group as a Fall 2024 Co-op! Aidin stated, “One week into this new role and I already feel incredibly energized and inspired by the innovation and passion that Honda embodies. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way your encouragement and guidance have been invaluable!”
Saint John’s University recently featured a story on Johnnie’s in positions of leadership in a Catholic high school education. Both President BRIAN RAGATZ ’98 and Vice President JOHN BUETHE ’05 were featured in the story.
Congratulations to NICK BARTLETT ’22. In December, Nick was inducted into the exclusive Texas Cowboys organization at the University of Texas –Austin. For over 100 years, Texas Cowboys have provided the campus with leadership, character, spirit and service. Nick will serve as student until graduation, and as an alumnus for life.
CHARLIE SCHUBERT ’25 is serving as an election judge.
Please send your contributions to Class Notes by one of three ways: alumni@cadets.com
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.
