St. Thomas Eagles' Nest Spring 2017

ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

WELCOME BACK! ...............................................................................................

Dominguez ’96 Returns as First Layman Principal in St. Thomas History S pring 2017

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EVENTS MAY 11. . .................... Spring Concert - 7:00pm MAY 19. . ........... Baccalaureate Mass - 6:30pm MAY 20. . ................ Commencement Exercises

6:30pm

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DEPARTMENTS

21 EAGLE FLIGHT

Pickering ’17, Lawrence ’17 and Miggins ’17 earn Finalist distinction in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

32 EAGLE FIGHT

Eagle Football sets prime time return to NRG Stadium plus five true home games.

AUG 14............................. 2017-18 Academic

Year Begins

SEPT 1....... Eagle Football Opens at Kinkaid

7:00pm

SEPT 4........................ Labor Day, No Classes SEPT 8........ Eagle Football vs. Strake Jesuit

at NRG Stadium - 7:30pm

sths.org/webcalendar Eagles’ Nest

50 EAGLE SPIRIT

Hot Art / Cool Jazz exhibition and performance showcases ensembles and scintillating Eagle talents ranging wide and deep.

Printed April 2017 The Eagles’ Nest is published three times annually by St. Thomas High School 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007-7332 | 713-864-6348

Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB - President Mary Criaco - Assistant Principal Rodney Takacs - Dean of Students Mark deTranaltes ’83 - Vice President for Advancement Eve Grubb - Vice President of Finance Keith Calkins - Director of Communications Darla Arter - Layout and Design Assistance Provided By: Alison Broussard, Sebastian Domenech, Catherine Chandler,

Tommy Schulte, Molly Hittinger, Joanie Shelley Some photos provided by STH Publications Staff Circulation 9,500 c2017

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56 EAGLE PRIDE

1900 Society salutes visionaries who are investing in the unlimited potential of St. Thomas.

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“I have a deeply rooted love for St. Thomas, the history, the tradition ...

I’ve been blessed to have had valued mentors who have helped form me both professionally and spiritually to reach this point.”

“We have a prestigious Hall of Honor identifying exemplars of the past, so why not highlight those in our present ranks.”

Another Rip-Roaring Revved Up Round-Up

Celebrating the Legacy of Giving

Coming Home

Leaders Today for Our Tomorrow

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New Leadership for Eagle Football “We should be playing for or winning a state championship in two of the next five years. If you don’t have that mentality, then why do it.”

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“This is like teaching physics and seeing everyone earn an A. This is a class in goodness … and everyone earned an A.”

“One of the greatest gifts is anonymous generosity, one of the truly genuine ways to teach goodness in our world, and especially at St.Thomas.”

“Finding the right person for this role was crucial ... I knew we had found the ideal candidate who could identify with our greater constituency base.”

Familar Face, Fresh Challenge

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COMINGHOME “I have a deeply rooted love for St. Thomas, the history, the tradition.

I believe in our values which ring true to who I am as a person and an educator. My career has prepared me for this moment. I’ve been blessed to have had valued mentors who have helped form me both professionally and spiritually to reach this point.”

– Aaron Dominguez ’96

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t. Thomas President Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB announced in January the breakthrough appointment of Aaron Dominguez ’96 as the 27th principal and first layman to serve that role in the school’s illustrious 117-year history, effective June 1, 2017.

Dominguez emerged as the clear choice from an exhaustive six-month search that revealed four finalists, and will play a significant role in advancing St. Thomas and the school’s historic student-centered college preparatory mission of teaching goodness, discipline and knowledge in the Basilian tradition.

“Aaron became a principal at age 31, then was the hand-picked choice for another school in a neighboring district based on his extraordinary performance ,” Fr. Storey said.

“He was a 2008 teacher of the year (in the Fort Bend Independent School District) and four-time teacher of the year finalist. He has been a principal at two different schools, has been an educator in three different school

districts, and is energized by the challenge of making St. Thomas one of the most renown all-boy Catholic schools in the country. His theme throughout the selection process was ‘let’s just be the best!’”

Dominguez possesses the characteristics which make him a perfect fit to lead the Eagle academic community into its next great chapter. He brings ample experience in Houston education since 2001 as an administrator, specialized instructor, and dean of students, including serving as the principal at Garcia Elementary in the Houston Independent School District before assuming the same position at Treasure Forest Elementary in the Spring Branch Independent School District where he was hired by Dr. Scott Muri and Duncan Klussmann Ed.D., one of the most respected educational administrators in Greater Houston before retiring from SBISD and accepting a role with the Kinder Foundation.

At HISD Dominguez piloted schools that received award-winning recognition from the Texas Education Agency. He “enjoyed great financial and program autonomy, learned how to be a leader of an organization, plot strategies, craft messaging and then equip the team to take us as far as our talent and ethic would allow. I’ve also been inside a more centralized structure, learned the power and importance of being a quality listener, attuned to the stakeholders throughout an organization. I gained a great understanding of data-driven decision making to solve the gap between perception and reality in order to reach ambitious goals.”

The selection of Dominguez completes a process featuring strategic consulting from Carney, Sandoe & Associates of Boston, MA, plus a seven-member search committee chaired by Steve Schwarzbach ’81 and involving much of the St. Thomas community. Many outstanding candidates were identified and considered as possible successors to Fr. Patrick Fulton, CSB who was reassigned to Basilian Detroit Central Catholic after six years in the lead academic role.

“There were a firm set of priorities that St. Thomas constituents wanted addressed in our search,” said Fr. Storey. “A proven leader who worked collegially, a team builder and someone who would embrace

the excitement of an expanding campus and student body. We have discovered that person who uniquely possesses these qualities.”

Schwarzbach said that the “search committee found Aaron to be immediately impressive with a strong Catholic identity and attachment to the Basilian charism.

He’s passionate about education and educators, committed to collaboration, and knows the unique culture of St. Thomas because he’s lived it. As we looked at the candidates through the lens of the opportunities and challenges that come with growth and expansion, we felt Aaron was the kind of dynamic leader that the entire St. Thomas community would embrace and rally behind.”

Dominguez earned his Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston after receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Texas at Austin where he is currently completing his Doctorate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration.

“I’m really impressed with Aaron’s pedagogical background,” said Mary Criaco, the St. Thomas Assistant Principal.

“The doctorate program at UT is one of the most prestigious and competitive in the nation. Plus, one of the strongest characteristics for being an effective leader is to care about the people and the institution that you’re leading and he absolutely brings that quality to the position.”

Dominguez is recognized as an extremely talented administrator of great integrity and faith with an eye for innovation. He joins a savvy stewardship team which includes the recent impactful additions of Criaco and Rod Takacs as the dean of students.

“Aaron doesn’t necessarily come to St. Thomas from the traditional background,” said Takacs. “He has the deep capacity to take advantage of the expertise already in place while bringing cutting-edge innovations that he’s developing.”

Dominguez graduated from St.Thomas in 1996. His being named chief academic officer breaks more than a century of Basilian leadership tradition that dates to the school’s inception in 1900 when forty-four young scholars gathered to form

the first classes at St. Thomas College. The faculty of that school, located in downtown Houston, were three Basilian Fathers led by the institution’s founder and first principal, Fr. Nicholas Roche, CSB. Dominguez promises a tireless dedication to Eagle students, faculty, staff and alumni, grateful for the trust that the St. Thomas Board and Basilian Fathers have placed in him at this critical time in St. Thomas’ history.

“I am absolutely humbled and honored to take over as principal knowing of the men who came before me,” Dominguez said. “I am completely confident in my abilities, not because I’m individually outstanding, but because I walk with the Lord and am here to be the hand and messenger of God. My journey is imperfect, as is everyone’s, but I am extremely excited to fully accept my responsibilities.”

“Aaron knows our spirit, the legacy that has made this school so special,” Fr. Storey said. “He doesn’t have to be taught about the significance of Round-Up, how our extracurricular activities complement academic excellence, or how a student’s socioeconomic background is irrelevant to the Eagle community.

“Aaron’s first career move was teaching math to children of migrant workers. He found a love for changing the lives of students. He left the Economics program at the University of Texas for a major in Education. There is not a Basilian priest who does not resonate with this story. All Basilian educators have a soft spot for the underdog student.”

Dominguez understands the necessary commitment of continuing the institution’s unwavering standard of academic excellence and campus ministry, maintaining the values that nurture the complete student. His own St. Thomas experience produced “my four-five best friends in life, relationships that were formed when I was a student here. I benefitted from an exceptional education, and after graduation I was afforded opportunities and networking that otherwise may not have been available had I attended another high school. But nothing is more valuable to me than those lifelong friendships.”

Fr. Storey indicated that Dominguez “will spend his first 90 days gaining an accurate

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understanding of our strengths, learning where we can improve and how that can be strategically achieved. Aaron will then meet with his team, and collectively they’ll determine a plan moving forward.

Both Mary Criaco and Rod Takacs have been principals in other settings. Aaron will be able to draw from their expert skill and valuable experience, as well as add his own fresh perspective.”

Dominguez returns to campus as the school approaches its next dynamic moment, the much anticipated Joplin Campus expansion which will position STH to provide an unsurpassed college preparatory experience in Houston, bringing academics, athletics and student life together, funded by 4500Forever, the most robust capital campaign in school history.

“Aaron’s doctoral studies and thesis centers on how schools distinguish themselves in a competitive market, more evidence that assures me that we are gaining a principal capable of leading the vanguard of education in our city, and who will remain at the top of his game for years to come,” Fr. Storey said.

Dominguez will aim to maintain the wave of momentum that has St. Thomas recognized as one of the most achieving all-boys schools in the nation, acclaimed among the top-five institutions in the state and top 50 in the country based on SAT and ACT scores, college admissions, matriculation rates, parent surveys, culture and diversity grades, and student-teacher ratio.

The Class of 2016 earned more than $10.5 million in merit-based college scholarships while demonstrating exceptional active volunteerism in their communities.

Members were accepted into more than 100 universities and colleges from across the United States, and included four Merit Finalists and 11 National Merit Commended Students, with more than two dozen student-athletes accepting opportunities to extend their careers at the college level.

Dominguez is a native Houstonian growing up in the St. Theresa Catholic parish in Sugar Land. He and his wife Loren have sons Ben and Sam, and are active members of St. Michael Catholic Church.

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FEATURE

ANOTHER R

ound-Up ... where conventional wisdom and rational reason need not apply ... where the beats just keep getting bigger, better and more robust ... for the 14th consecutive year.

Round-Up ... where the kids routinely crank out a King Kong encore bordering on the absurd ... where the student driven fundraiser remains unmatched anywhere in the nation.

Unlike the previous two years when the ever-energized Eagles discovered aggressive final Friday surges to ignite difference-making results, the 90th anniversary effort paired a thunderbolt start with relentless effort to the finish to not only crash the $500,000 threshold for only the second time in St. Thomas history, but also slamdance the stated goal by more than $60,000.

The sun-splashed and riveted crowd at Hotze Field inside Granger Stadium exploded with the mid-afternoon reveal of $572,808, later adjustedd to $581,288, an audacious total which crushed the previous record by more than $80,000, with all monies annually and always devoted to St. Thomas tuition assistance.

“This campaign hit it hard right from the very beginning,” president Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB said. “And you expect a crescendo but that never happened. The senior leadership was and determined and (faculty members and former Eagle students) Casey Johnson and Grover Green were phenomenal coordinators.

Back in June I wasn’t that confident they would break the record. But I’ve seen this class really develop in the last few months. To raise more than $580,000 in five weeks ... insane.”

Round-Up supporters who annually purchase raffle tickets are not merely making a casual gift. It’s pure impact. It’s an investment that St. Thomas takes seriously and applies wisely for student scholarship support that will secure the Basilian education opportunity for those who seek it.

And no where in creating an environment for excellence is the Basilian motto Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge more alive and in full force.

“Teaching goodness is in part teaching generosity,” Fr. Storey said. “What I’m most proud of is that these students have generous hearts. Round-Up is a practical way that we go hard on each one of our students, regardless of their background.

We can provide the ways and means but they have to put out the effort. And every single student sold as least a quota.

“This is like teaching physics and seeing everyone earn an A. This is a class in goodness ... and everyone earned an A.” Again leading the dream-big no-limits charge were David Hotze ’17, Tucker Britt ’17 and Asher Price ’17, the 1-2-3 sales finish for the second consecutive year.

Hotze closed out as a senior just as he broke in as freshman, the individual leader of the pack, his $25,340 advancing his cumulative total to a staggering $132,490, including a mind-numbing $62,970 in 2014.

RIP-ROARING

REVVED UP ROUND-UP

“This record means so much more than simply being top-seller,” Hotze said. “It means I had a chance to support my classmates in our team effort, help my Eagle brothers attend St. Thomas.

My freshman year I had an incredible generous donor who supported me as long as I worked hard. But it’s an even better feeling to go out with this senior class and not only beat the record but destroy the goal.”

Britt was next on the board with $21,000, followed by Price, whose $10,200 placed him among the top 10 for the fourth straight year. The titanic three-some produced sales of more than $100,000 the last two years.

David Hotze ’17 again leads Round-Up charge.

The Class of 2017 commanded seven of the top 10 results. Robert Gordon took fourth with $7,640, Powell Cutts sixth with $6,300, Mark Dolan seventh with $5,640 and Muzamil Abdullatif ninth with $4,650.

The record-smashing Round-Up gang

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Nicolas Prodoehl led the Class of 2020 with $6,500 for fifth over-all while the Class of 2019 was fronted by Ben Huggins with $4,100 and the Class of 2018 by Creigh Klenke with $3,280. All of whom along with their army of Eagle brothers continue the trend of seizing an entrepreneurial spirit that might cause envy among the Forbes list of hottest startups. In 2006 Will Loweth ’06 set the selling pace with $13,480, capping four straight top-10 finishes totaling more than $28,000.

caliber season or result, and that’s how our seniors look at Round-Up. We should hang a banner in Reckling Gymnasium. Every year they break the record, the year goes up on the wall.”

deTranaltes retains his own vivid RoundUp memories as a student from more than 30 years ago, observed his son Mark Thomas ’10 post three straight top-10 sales totals worth more than $17,000, and now appreciates the perspective from the The top-10 sellers for 2017 As recently as 2009 Advancement Office the Round-Up top-10 sellers produced $50,100, followed by inwhere the yearly assault on the standard is becoming routine. cremental jumps to $60,300, $82,000 and then $89,500 in 2012 “Mark ran a small business out of our dining room. It was fueled by Michael Johnson’s $21,140, raising his four consecuhis office,” deTranaltes said. “Call sheets, pick-up dates, tive top-10 results to nearly $38,000. ledgers, lists of referrals, weekly goals. He wasn’t among the Eagle students have annually embraced what was great, and leaders as a freshman, but he refocused, found a fresh apmade it greater. Not in pursuit of recognition or acclaim but proach, then top 10 the next three years. And I’ve seen that for the total measure of the St. Thomas Basilian mission. same kind of ethic and mentality grow and grow throughout our student body in the last five years.”

Vice president for Advancement Mark deTranaltes ’83 keeps watch on the weekly Round-Up board and sees “a serious To the tune of $581,288. methodical approach. Eagles embrace competition. Nothing Eagle Pride. inspires our students more than working for a championship

HEAR THIS - MORE THAN $581,000!

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The Basilian Fathers extend their deepest appreciation to all those in the St. Thomas communitiy and beyond for making our Round-Up celebration a fundraising event unmatched anywhere in the nation.

Eagles caring for Eagles.

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We were blessed to have phenomenal leadership with chairs Susan Hamm ... Rebecca Rose ...

Kathleen Brickley ... and the legion of volunteers who devoted countless hours to support our record-smashing effort.

Eagles caring for Eagles.

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This was truly a superlative effort capped with a Sunday filled with fun, food and fellowship ... all saluting a brotherhood unlike any other!

See you March 4, 2018!

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LEADERS

TODAY

FOR OUR TOMORROW

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onor is a primary value for any institution of higher education, especially at St. Thomas which prides itself on its commitment to the Basilian virtues of teaching of goodness, discipline and knowledge, with students embracing and reflecting the same.

Faculty member Dan Green was struck during the summer of 2016 with an inspiration that would greater illuminate that unique Eagle spirit of compassion and connectedness that comes from being a Man of St. Thomas.

have a prestigious Hall of Honor identifying exemplars of the past, so why not highlight those in our present ranks.”

Green broached the idea of a GDK Honor Roll with president Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB on the first day of the 2016-17 academic year and was granted the immediate green light to move forward.

Green’s proposal was quickly approved within the administrative hierarchy and the four charter members were acknowledged at the January 30 Mass celebrating the feast of the school’s patron St. Thomas Aquinas during the start of National Catholic Schools Week.

“The nominations were sincere testimonies to what was taking place within our community,” Green said. “It was difficult to narrow the selections down to only four.

I am grateful to our students who made a conscience effort to participate in the spirit of our process and a huge gratitude to (faculty member and 1993 graduate) Daniel Bryant for all that he did to facilitate the online surveys.”

Bryant will continue to play a principal role in the program that promotes students twice “I would often see so many students doing each semester, and opened the presentation great things on our campus and I wanted to with a quote from the GDK Honor Code ... promote the qualities they were represent- As a Man of St. Thomas I uphold our honor through goodness, discipline and knowling every single day,” Green said. “We

Deitz ’17, Zugheri ’17 and Hassell ’18 charter members of GDK Honor Roll

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edge and I lead my brothers to do the same.

“This isn’t just a statement but what we are called to live,” Bryant said. “We are surrounded by examples of what it is to be good, to be disciplined and to be knowledgeable. The GDK Honor Roll is a way to salute our brothers who are genuine examples of our code. During the second academic quarter, students, faculty and staff were encouraged to nominate class members living the code on and off campus. A committee of students representing each grade level was selected to determine the first students inducted.”

ZACH ZUGHERI ’17 Incredibly nice and incredible quiet ... has used his talents to better our student community, particularly through Eagle Broadcast News ... often investing his own time outside of class ... while never seeking public credit ... and ‘always doing an amazing job.’

JOSEPH HASSELL ’18 Wrote and coded software programs to assist students in the Learning Commons ... tweaking the program ... with persistence to make it the best possible ... always demonstrating charity, intelligence and a willingness to help.

RYAN DEITZ ’17 His strength in choir attests to his dedication and support of the group ... his talent and discipline guided him to represent (St. Thomas) in both the region and state competitions ... indeed, a Man of St. Thomas.

NATHAN LE ’17 Consistently volunteers during the academic year and summer months ... often at the Houston Food Bank ... quietly and without fanfare ... a humble soft-spoken leader who reaches out to the less fortunate in Houston.

Le was unable to attend Mass and accept his accolade. Zugheri, Deitz and Hassell all had working knowledge of the GDK Honor Roll, didn’t expect to emerge from the nominees, but took significant pride in their selections.

“The program establishes who are the honorable leaders, those who the underclassmen should strive to be,” Zugheri said.

“My grandfather always told me, and I’ve kept this in my head my entire life ... rules no. 13 and 14 ... when in command, take charge ... and always do what’s right. I base my life on knowing what is good, knowing what I should do, and leading others to do the same.”

Hassell said it was “rewarding to be recognized outside of academics for your accomplishments. I prefer working behind the scenes rather than out front but there’s a confidence that comes from others noticing and appreciating your contributions.”

Deitz was among the seniors who provided the initial presentations in the fall outlining the program but wasn’t confident he would be nominated, much less included among the finalists.

“I don’t know that I’ve done anything special. I’ve done what I’ve been taught to do, how I’ve been raised,” Deitz said. “But this (distinction) assures me that what I’m doing in my life, with my life, how I show myself to other people, can be a model. It humbles me to receive this but also pushes me to always be that person for others.”

sths.org

St. Thomas launched a major redesign of the school’s website developed by KH Studio, award-winning branding and graphic design professionals based in Houston.

The site includes enhanced features and functionality, dynamic navigation and content, offering a combination of current news, announcements, videos, directories, event listings, links and downloads ... tools designed to help students and parents, faculty and staff, navigate campus information.

“With the entire St. Thomas community, as well as visitors and prospective families, being so highly mobile, we are excited to enhance the Eagle experience with this important new look,” said Mark deTranaltes ’83, the Vice President for Advancement. “This positions St. Thomas among those college preparatory schools setting the bar in terms of accessibility and convenience.”

n Check out the new sths.org and remember to

subscribe to the Big Red News and St. Thomas Daily Monthly eNews, and the Eagles’ Nest publication, under the Support tab and then Communications.

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Van ’17 with his mother Sheena Nguyen

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ustin Van ’17 was arranging the class schedule for his first freshman semester at St. Thomas and was immediately intrigued by an unexpected option.

“Forensics,” Van remembers thinking.

“Wow, amazing, a class dedicated just to CSI stuff.”

To Van’s shocking dismay he quickly learned he had selected a course which offered nothing in common with the popular television series of investigators confronting oftengrisly Las Vegas crimes, or even the actual expertise on ballistics, fingerprints and bite mark analysis in solving the most challenging criminal cases.

CELEBRATING THE

LEGACY OF

GIVING

Van, a self-admitted “quiet kid (who) kept to himself,” had opted into an aggressive debate curriculum that placed him significantly outside “his comfort zone.”

“You can image the surprise and absolute dread on my face when (then forensics instructor) Mr. (John) Augillard starting going up and down the rows demanding each and every student give a full 10-minute

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speech. I barely made it past minute two.”

Van somehow summoned the necessary resolve to successfully complete the academic year. And then promptly registered in Forensics II. As a senior, Van is a leading member in St. Thomas Speech and Debate, an anchor for The Eagle Broadcast Network, and awardwinning on-line editor-and-chief of The Eagle student newspaper publication.

In February, Van was also center stage addressing a gathering of 270 attending the 10th Annual Scholarship Breakfast, honoring the tradition of philanthropy that remains vital to the school’s cherished Basilian legacy.

Van is among the more than 30% of Eagle students receiving some sort of need or merit-based tuition assistance. He related to a riveted crowd of donors and supporters in Cemo Auditorium that his somewhat misguided introduction to forensics allowed him to discover “the value in learning to speak my mind, to articulate my thoughts and my arguments. If this was the only thing I learned at St. Thomas in my four years, all this time and money would be worth it. The years that controlled me have been shoved to the side. This school has done a lot for me, where it happened for me, and for that reason it will be a constant in my life, just as it has been for all of you.”

Jolly ’17 with his mother Sue and family

Like Van, Nathan Jolly ’17 is a thriving presence in forensics and EBN, as well as an Eagle Scout. Jolly said he “knew from the first moment (he) set foot on campus (from Holy Spirit Episcopal School) that St. Thomas was the place (for him).”

And that unshakable confidence resonated even deeper when Jolly’s father passed away during the 2015-16 academic year, a time Jolly admitted when there was “every reason to give up.”

“The (academic) workload seemed impossible and I always felt I was falling behind,” Jolly said. “But the discipline that I learned (at St. Thomas) pushed me to keep working. With support from my teachers, particularly Mrs. (Chrissy) Gensheimer, (Fine Arts Dean) Mr. (Mike) Nebel, Mrs. (Loretta) Debaillon and Mrs. (Julie) DiennoDemarest, I was able to keep up (with extended deadlines). Eventually I finished the year with a GPA higher than it had ever been, even though it was the hardest year of my life. I now hope to attend Georgia Tech. The scholarship awarded me the last four years has enabled me to know what it means to be a man and to prepare for a stronger future.”

The Basilian motto of Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge is the hallmark of the St. Thomas experience.

President Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB acknowl-

edged that the consequences of discipline and knowledge are often readily recognizable but goodness represents more of a mystery.

“How do you teach goodness? Certainly through campus ministry or service programs. You also teach goodness through an event like our Scholarship Breakfast.” Fr. Storey said.

“It never ceases to amaze me, how many students will ask, ‘Why did someone give this money for me? They don’t know me or about my life.’ One of the greatest gifts is anonymous generosity, one of the truly genuine ways to teach goodness, in our world, and especially at St.Thomas. All our donors are a tangible example of how we teach goodness.”

– Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB President, St. Thomas High School

Fr. Storey, Vice President of Finance Eve Grubb and Vice President for Advancement Mark deTranaltes ’83 collaborate with a nine-member Foundation Board headed

by Thad Fuller ’76 that oversees a $16 million endowment with 77 named and endowed scholarships made possible by the benevolence of contributors since 1969, more than half established since 2000.

“St. Thomas is doing what St. Thomas has always done, teaching young men from all walks of life and backgrounds, preparing them to go out in the real world and make a difference,” Fuller said. “We have a great tradition of illustrious alumni, and so many others like me, who enjoyed their time here as students and are motivated to give back, keeping this spirit alive and enabling it to flourish.”

As part of the tuition assistance program, STH students representing more than 120 zip codes from the Greater Houston area are eligible for sponsored grants such as the Basilian Fathers Inner City Schools Scholarships, the Basilian General Counsel Scholarships, the Tom and Nancy Marcrini Foundation Scholarships and Specs Scholarships.

For six years Molly Hitinger has been the driving force in orchestrating the Scholarship Breakfast event as a member of St. Thomas Advancement.

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St. Thomas Foundation Board member Fuller ‘76 (right) with Hector Herrera ’79

“This year several scholarship supporters and St. Thomas staff members mentioned to me that it is their favorite St. Thomas event of the year and I agree,” Hitinger said. “It struck me that we are in a room full of our students who receive tuition assistance of every kind ... need-based, academic merit-based and named scholarships. We are celebrating these young men and the scholarship supporters who have invested in their education.”

Van attended St. Theresa Catholic School less than four miles west from St. Thomas on Memorial Drive, but was undecided about his high school destination until he received “a very generous financial package from St. Thomas that allowed me to pursue the education and same experience (the scholarship donors) all know and love.”

Van intimated to the gathering that “it’s not the places where you go, but it’s about the people you meet along the way.

This school has given you something special, something that extends far beyond the four years that you spent here. And I’m glad you were willing to extend a helping hand to anyone who wanted to experience the same things you did, to forge the same friendships. The people that I’ve met here are truly distinctive, and I know without a doubt, that if not for you, they and I would not have the privilege to call each other Eagles.”

Jolly had earlier concluded his testimonial quoting the school’s alma mater, adding that “the men of St. Thomas are beacons in a world of darkness. And through your contributions, we can continue our mission of teaching goodness, discipline and knowledge.”

Coming to St. Thomas has easily been one of the best decisions of my life. I came in here a new face and not knowing anyone, and now I wouldn’t change my brothers for the world. It has provided me so many opportunities with athletics and now I will be able to fulfill my dreams as a collegiate athlete because of what St. Thomas has done for me. I am eternally grateful.

~ Class of 2017

My St. Thomas experience has been truly amazing. I have made good friends and I know that they will be friends for life. I do not think I would fit anywhere but St. Thomas. St. Thomas has taught me to be a better man in this world and be a better person to others. These years have been great so far and I can’t wait to finish off my junior year here. ~ Class of 2018

While I entered St. Thomas with standards set at that of other schools, over the past two years St. Thomas has become not only a catalyst for my high level thinking, but also provided a second home, a second support network and most importantly a second family of which I am proud to be a part. ~ Class of 2019

The Scholarship Breakfast means a lot to me as a student because it gives me an opportunity to meet those who graciously donate and make the St. Thomas experience possible. It has been a great tradition for all three of my years at STH, and I am grateful to be a part of it. ~ Class of 2018

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eet some of our scholarship recipients who represent some of the most promising leaders in the Eagle student body and read how receiving tuition assistance funded by your philanthropy has impacted their lives.

St. Thomas has put me on the path of goodness, discipline, and knowledge which shall remain part of my ideology for the rest of my life. The brotherhood that St. Thomas advocates is the ideal relationship every person should strive for. I know that St. Thomas has done a terrific job of helping me grow into my own man. St. Thomas has taught me how to be a true disciple of Christ.

~ Class of 2017

With the new honor code augmenting the already strong motto of goodness, discipline, and knowledge, St. Thomas has further impressed upon me the importance of not merely being an academician or an athlete or an artist, but fundamentally a man of character. So many people have invested their time, resources and energy so that honor might be at the core of a man of St. Thomas from his freshman year to his senior year and beyond. To all those who have made this valuable opportunity for intellectual, spiritual and moral growth possible, I am truly indebted and eternally grateful. ~ Class of 2018 Being a recipient of a St Thomas scholarship has provided me the opportunity to be a part of a unique academic experience. The courses are challenging yet rewarding, individually motivating yet brotherly unifying, athletically stimulating and spiritually connecting. St. Thomas renders the total package. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. As I am an United State Air Force son who has relocated more than eight times, I feel at home with my brothers here at St Thomas. Teach me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge isn’t just a marketing logo ... it is demonstrated in every class, every day and with every member of our faculty and staff. I am proud to be a St Thomas Eagle, and know if not for the financial sponsorship, this could only have been an unattainable dream. Again, thank you for your generosity. God Bless.

The four years I have been blessed to encounter here at Saint Thomas has forever changed my viewpoint of life. Grounded in the foundation of goodness, discipline and knowledge, my perspective on life has been forever transformed scholastically, personally and spiritually. I will forever cherish my time here, my overall educational and spiritual experience and my brother Eagles. ~ Class of 2017

~ Class of 2020

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 17

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Eagle

FLIGHT Head of the Class.............................................. p21 Fine Arts at St. Thomas Truly Fine................ p22 Castillo ’19 Receives Breakthrough Acclaim..................................... p24 Strong St. Thomas Showing at UST Essay Contest...................................... p26

William Castillo ’19 working on his Gold Key award-winning entry in the National Scholastic Regional Art Competition, p24

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 19

Eagle’s Nest

FLIGHT

ST. THOMAS IS AGAIN PROUD to be recognized as one of the most achieving all-boys schools in Texas by a national review.

For the second consecutive year, a study from Pittsburgh-based Niche. com ranks STH among the top 10 Catholic institutions based on SAT and ACT scores, college admissions, matriculation rates, parent surveys, culture and diversity grades, and student-teacher ratio.

“This is a tremendous acknowledgement of the curriculum, the teaching staff and associated support, the professionalism and direction of the counselling department, the athletic and co-curricular program, always with the goal of educating the complete student and growing our Eagles talents, gifts and abilities,” said president Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB. Fifty percent of the measure was weighted between standardized college readiness exams, plus the number of students who attend top colleges where St.Thomas earned A ratings, along with an A Academics, A- for Clubs and Activities, B+ for Athletics and Faculty, and B for Diversity.

Fr. Storey said St. Thomas can “only produce high performance from students if we have a staff with high expectations of themselves and who are dedicated to motivating and challenging students to reach the next level.”

The distinction by Niche.com comes in the wake of St. Thomas announcing the breakthrough appointment of Aaron Dominguez ‘96 as the 27th principal in the school’s illustrious 117-year history, effective June 1, 2017.

Dominguez emerged as the clear choice from an exhaustive six-month search that revealed four finalists, and will play a significant role in advancing St. Thomas and the school’s historic student-centered college preparatory mission of teaching goodness, discipline and knowledge in the Basilian tradition.

Dominguez graduated from St.Thomas in 1996. His being named chief academic officer breaks more than a century of Basilian leadership tradition that dates to the school’s inception in 1900.

Dominguez returns to campus as the school approaches its next dynamic moment, the much anticipated Joplin Campus expansion which will position STH to provide an unsurpassed college preparatory experience in Houston, bringing academics, athletics and student life together, funded by 4500Forever, the most robust capital campaign in school history.

“This latest (Niche.com) ranking gives us another benchmark to see where we currently stand, and where we can continue to grow our identity, not in an effort to pursue others but to realize the total measure of our Basilian mission,” Fr. Storey said.

20 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

Eagles’ Nest

FLIGHT

S

cott Pickering ’17, Adam Lawrence ’17 and John Miggins ’17 have earned Finalist distinction in the National Merit Scholarship Program’s 62nd competition.

The three Eagle scholars emerged from a cluster of approximately 16,000 semifinalists representing less than one percent of high school seniors in the United States after taking the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) during the 2015-16 academic year.

“Scott, Adam and John are remarkable students in many ways,” assistant principal Mary Criaco said.

“They are nationally competitive academic achievers and have also developed many qualities representing the complete St. Thomas student. They are active community servants, varsity athletes and campus leaders while ranking among the nation’s scholastic champions.”

HEAD OF THE

class

The latest results in one of the most prestigious academic programs in the United States confirms St.Thomas as a leading college preparatory school in Texas and a top10 Catholic institution in the state.

Since 2010, 27 St. Thomas scholars have reached at least the semifinal phase of the National Merit Program with 11 National Finalists in the last four years.

Since students take the qualifying PSAT exam in October of their junior year of high school, much of their preparation stems from learning opportunities during their freshman and sophomore years of high school.

St. Thomas builds on those experiences to provide students with a robust application and preparation for the SAT, a critical component in becoming a Finalist.

“Each of our distinguished students are unique individuals with their own interests, a testament that there is no cookie cutter formula for academic success here at St. Thomas,” Criaco said. “We are extremely proud of these exceptional students and applaud our faculty for providing the culture of excellence. We are blessed to have an enrollment with all kinds of abilities and our community is richer for that diversity.”

Finalists prove to have outstanding academic records, are recommended by a high school official, write expanded essays and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the PSAT. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will select approximately 7,500 Merit Scholarship recipients who will share in awards worth $32 million based on skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Approximately 1.6 million juniors entered the 2016 National Merit Program by taking the 2015 PSAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), which serves as the initial screen of program entrants. From this list comes the nationwide pool of semifinalists and includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.

Since its founding in 1955, NMSC has recognized three million students and provided nearly 400,000 scholarships worth more than $1.5 billion.

The 2017 National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in four nationwide media releases beginning in April and concluding in July.

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 21

Eagles’ Nest

FLIGHT

“I know of other high school programs focusing on only a few students to drive a particular competition result. That’s not how it works at St. Thomas. Everyone participates and everyone is expected to hit a high level.

You rarely see this much quality work in high school, or even in introductory college courses. And there are no predetermined limits or concepts. This is not about predictable format.”

Fine Arts at St. Thomas

TRULY FINE T

he Fine Arts Department at St. Thomas has consistently embraced the opportunity to broaden the creative horizons and foster the confidence of Eagle students while giving them the opportunity to showcase their craft beyond the classroom.

Nine Eagles captured acclaim at the National Scholastic Regional Art Competition sponsored by Harris County Department of Education, the latest in a long series of St. Thomas distinction led by dean Mike Nebel.

William Castillo ’19 became the first-ever Eagle to be honored with Gold Key distinction in Drawing and Illustration, one of only 80 Gold Keys awarded among more than 1,500 entries from private and public schools.

Nick Phan ’17 was recognized with two Gold Keys in Ceramics and Glass while Ryan Philipps ’17, Nicholas Rodriguez ’17, Michael Sides ’17 and Daniel Silguero ’17 all each earned one.

Sides also collected two Silver Key distinctions along with Matthew Coughlin ’17, with Baxter Jones ’17 and Robert Wight ’17 adding one each, and Wight also receiving an Honorable Mention selection.

“Amazing” is the one word description from Nebel, taking particular pride that his Eagle artists will represent six of the 11 Gold Keys from the region advancing to the national level in New York.

“What’s really impressive to me is the the depth of our results,” Nebel said. “We had more students in the competition than ever before and received more recognition than ever before. That’s what I look for ... the numbers we submit and the percentage of students who are recognized.

22 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

Nebel creates a culture that pushes the artistic boundaries of his students, challenging them to pinpoint their inspirations, their process, where they create and how being an artist might influences their daily life.

In this sculptural-based learning environment, Nebel encourages students from diverse backgrounds to identify their emotions, ideas or inner visions, and establish a voice by combining influences from the world around them with personal symbolism.

“I put in a lot of work into both of those projects so it’s gratifying to see how the judging turned out, validates all the extra time I put into creating my pieces,” Phan said.

“I really had the opportunity to get in touch with my creative side, realized how much I like making things.

Ceramics is a great stress reliever for me. I genuinely enjoy coming to ceramics every day.”

Sides had heard the ceramic courses were “fun and I have always had an interest in building things. I want to pursue engineering (in college) and believe that inspires my pieces to be technical. Few activities are as enjoyable for me as creating, the satisfaction of thinking of a design and watching it come to life.”

Nebel’s goal is to reach his students and have them unearth the possibilities of artistic expression, and the group’s collective competitive nature routinely rises to produce award-winning results.

“Our guys simply do not want to lose, even to each other,” Nebel said. “They are always looking for an edge, coming up with a unique twist that enables their work to separate from the pack. Many of their designs, textures and glazing techniques I never would have thought of. We have top scholars in our courses, high achieving student-athletes, talents of all ranges. But more than anything else, I want the creative and clever, those who seize the freedom to express themselves. To see their discovery process is truly rewarding.”

A ceremony celebrating the Gold and Silver Key selections was held at the Alley Theater March 25, and an exhibition of winners was ongoing at the Silver Street Gallery throughout March.

Eagles’ Nest

FLIGHT

five eagle Artists Honored at National Exhibition

F

ine Arts dean Mike Nebel is accustomed but never complacent to his students earning national distinction for artwork juried among the premier competitions in the United States.

Nebels owns deep respect for the due diligence and creative process, encouraging and empowering motivated artists to engage in visual storytelling as the primary inspiration, with opportunities for increased exposure through exhibitions and special events a bonus dividend.

Early in the 2017 spring semester Nebel celebrated nine Eagles capturing acclaim at the National Scholastic Regional Art Competition sponsored by the Harris County Department of Education, his Eagle artists representing six of the 11 Gold Keys from the region advancing to the national level in New York, including William Castillo ’19, the first-ever Eagle to be honored with Gold Key distinction in Drawing and Illustration, one of only 80 Gold Keys awarded in that category among more than 1,500 entries from private and public schools.

Days later Nebel learned that ceramic presentations created by Ryan Philipps ’17 (Gold Key at Scholastic), Michael Sides ’17 (Gold and Silver Key) and Baxter Jones ’17 (Silver Key) were recognized for the 20th Annual National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition.

When Nebel scanned through that second list of national merit and also saw that Thomas Horan ’17 and Miguel Cano ’17 were included, “(Astros slugger) George Springer couldn’t have wiped the smile off my face with a baseball bat. It’s so gratifying when students who entered Scholastic and didn’t receive recognition get into a national show. To see their response when I told them ... that’s what makes this rewarding.

“For Miguel and Thomas to get what I believe is well deserved affirmation tells them to not have their artwork defined by one single voice or opinion. And that’s a strategy that will serve them well throughout life.”

The breakthrough distinction for Horan and Cano means their ceramic pieces will be show-cased in conjunction with the 51st Annual National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Conference in Portland, Oregon from March 22-24.

Cano’s El Diablo and Horan’s Wind, along with selections from Philipps, Sides and Jones, were chosen from more than 1,200 submitted entries for this year’s exhibition, and will be on display and seen by thousands of visitors from all over the world. The exhibition will also be promoted through a catalog, poster and website, in which all the chosen work will be featured.

Horan, continuing his family’s storied St. Thomas legacy which includes his grandfather Tom Jr. ’62, father Tom III ’85 and uncle Gregory ’89, was initially “surprised” by the result and then “quickly felt proud of the accomplishment. The original design was smaller but Mr. Nebel suggested a larger size and that was definitely the right choice. I tried to let the final version just come together through the process.”

Cano honestly believed that Nebel was “messing with me (with the announcement). I was shocked when the piece was selected for a national exhibition when hundreds and hundreds of pieces were under consideration. I went with a traditional teapot shape, and think the glazing is what catches the eye, a two-tone background with light red and darker shades across the piece.”

Cano was motivated to enter ceramics after his brother Narciso ’12 enjoyed the exploratoroy expression without previous experience in the visual arts.

“It was his favorite course at St. Thomas,” Cano said.

“I just wanted to be a part of all this. I fell in love with artwork after Ceramics I and II ... and just wanted to continue the experience.”

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 23

Eagle

SPIRIT

CASTILLO ’19 receives Breakthrough

acclaim

T

o the St. Thomas faculty and his tight Eagle inner circle, William Castillo ’19 never revealed a hint that underneath his unassuming persona laid a percolating artistic talent as deep as it was anonymous.

sketching on the first floor near the school’s rotunda when administrative assistant to the principal Lisa Mumbach just happened to pass by when an innocent glance proved enough to take notice of the strength and detail of his work.

Until a casual hallway encounter uncovered his volcanic gifts to the world.

Following a brief conversation with Castillo, Ms. Mumbach passed along her observations to admissions coordinator Claudia Walker, who in turn brought Castillo’s wunderkind abilities to the attention of Fine Arts dean Mike Nebel.

A self-taught visual performer with only one fundamental course to his credit, Castillo thrived on that feeling of urgency and excitement when the creative juices flowed and the urge to draw took command, not for prestige or profile, but simply for the sheer enjoyment.

“Creativity was really stressed at home while I was growing up,” Castillo remembers. “My mother would always encourage me at young age to just pick up paper and pencil ... and create.”

In short order Nebel sought out Castillo, and a quick study through his sketchbook revealed a series of striking impressionist profiles featuring striking detail and rich dark tones complimented by high contrasts, all making for an astonding impact.

From those humble beginnings, Castillo gradually yet dramatically stair-stepped his development through middle school.

That afternoon Nebel went to Texas Art Supply to purchase for Castillo a variety of art supplies and a large 18” x 24” drawing pad, and was immediately given an assignment to create an entry for the prestigious National Scholastic Regional Art Competition.

Earlier in the current academic year, Castillo was charcoal

Under the steady and insightful tutelage of Fine Arts

24 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

instructor Chau Nguyen, Castillo enhanced the expressive, gestural and technical aspects of his drawing.

The results were as jaw-dropping as they were daring.

Castillo became the first-ever Eagle to be honored with Gold Key distinction in Drawing and Illustration, receiving one of only 80 Gold Keys awarded among more than 1,500 entries from private and public schools.

“I was thrilled,” Castillo said. “I was actually scared when Ms. Mumbach saw some of my artwork. I never felt that comfortable showing. I guess I’ve always underestimated my abilities. Now my confidence is soaring.”

Castillo was among nine Eagles who captured acclaim in the contest sponsored by Harris County Department of Education, the latest in a long line of St. Thomas distinction led by Nebel.

“I couldn’t be more proud of William,” Nguyen said.

“For Scholastic I had him come up with some thumbnail sketches before he started. We discussed his ideas and he eventually combined sketches together for a really unique composition. He has remarkable skill. I’m excited to see what he does conceptually as he moves forward.”

“William applies highlights, shadows, angles and has a feel for all the dimensions,” Nebel said. “Over repetition he has built a library in his head of how the piece should look and can look differently, the effects of light. Now I want to challenge him to not work strictly with stoic features. Let’s see some emotion. Perhaps we’ll push him to expand into other materials, maybe some pastels, and experiment with color. He’s just tapping into his potential.”

“The flexibility of drawing is important.

There’s an immediacy, of thinking in drawing, which is vital for me. Whenever I pick out a subject, it’s about how I’m feeling that day, that particular mood.”

– William Castillo ’19

Castillo gravitated to charcoal because of the emphatic “contrast between light and dark.” While acknowledging the difficulty of the medium, and limit in scale, Castillo appreciates the versatility that charcoal drawing provides ... the ability to alter or change as quickly as he could think. One wipe of the cloth and an image disappears or is smudged, and Castillo is allowed to rethink it.

“The flexibility of drawing is important. There’s an immediacy, of thinking in drawing, which is vital for me,” Castillo said. “Whenever I pick out a subject, it’s about how I’m feeling that day, that particular mood. My first portrait was Demi Lovato for my sister. I’ve drawn inspiration from Hamilton ... (cast members) Renee Goldsberry, LinManuel Miranda, Jasmine Jones ... or my favorite television show Supernatural ... Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins.”

Castillo excels in a monochromatic medium where color is never an essential element. He pairs an extreme dedication to his craft with an innate understanding of the essence that any one particular work demands.

He embraces the credo ... The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

The range of contrast in charcoal is unrivaled with a strength and body that will never be present in pencil, a medium inherently more gray and weaker in tone. The fast drawing material has encouraged Castillo to draw in a bolder, more aggressive manner.

Castillo with faculty member Nguyen

Castillo and his fellow Eagle Gold Key award winners will received their recognition at the Regional Scholastic award ceremony held at the Alley Theater March 25 and later judged at the national level April in New York City.

Both the Gold and Silver Key regional winners were exhibited at the Silver Street Gallery throughout March.

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 25

Eagle

FLIGHT

First-place winner Voltz with Archbishop Daniel Cardinal DiNardo

First-place winner McCoy

McCoy ’17 and Voltz ’19 Lead Strong Showing at

UST ESSAY CONTEST

J

ordan McCoy ’17 and Maxwell Voltz ’19 each earned first-place distinction to lead a strong St. Thomas showing at the 13th annual University of St. Thomas / Archdiocesan Essay Contest.

Grayson Drinkard ’20 was recognized with a second-place result, while Christopher Ezuede ’20 and John William Gardner ’20 received thirdplace merit and Juan Castillo ’18 fourth place.

Students were honored at an awards ceremony and Mass celebrated by Galveston-Houston archbishop Cardinal Daniel DiNardo at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Students were asked to submit an original and creative work inspired by the theme “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service,” which relates closely to the St. Thomas Basilian motto of Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge.

McCoy believes a relationship with God is integral to finding and understanding one’s purpose in life.

Voltz drew inspiration from Saint José Luis Sánchez Del Río, a Mexican

26 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

From McCoy’s Into the void: Where do we find purpose?

“Our purpose in life is not simply to pursue happiness, rather, it is to seek God. The joys in life are many. In all the things in which we find joy, however, there is one common factor at its heart, and we call this common factor God. Joy and happiness.”

From Voltz’s Viva Cristo Rey! “I realized (when I was 10 years old) ... that my relationship with God was nowhere close to what I thought it could be. I thought I am only ten I cannot do much to serve God, but then when I heard this story I realized I can do so much to glorify God in my life. What is keeping me from being like this boy? To this day, I still reflect on how I can be more like him.”

Cristero who was put to death in 1928 by government officials because he refused to renounce his Catholic faith.

More than 7,000 students authored essays for the contest that is sponsored by the UST Office of Catholic Outreach and traditionally leads into National Catholic Schools Week, commemorating the benefits of Catholic education.

Schools selected finalists from the submitted essays from each grade level, and were read and ranked by UST faculty members, staff members and alumni, who determined the winners.

First and second-place essay winners in the 11th and 12th grades receive a $1,500 scholarship to UST, if they choose to enroll.

Shawn Walker with Christopher ’17

Eagle

FLIGHT

Deacon Leonard Lockett was featured by CW39 in a series for Black History Month.

Deacon Lockett is the Vicar for Catholics of African Descent for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Seven Eagle performers earned a Superior rating for their performances at the Texas Private Schools Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble contest at the John Cooper School in The Woodlands.

Jesse Gonzales ’17, Isaac Flanagan ’18, Adam Rinaldi ’18, Dante Segura ’19 and Daniel Tran ’19 earned solo medals while Payton Harris ’18 and Ryan Deitz ’17 were recognized with a medal for Small Ensemble.

Earlier in academic year Deitz, Segura and Tran excelled at the TPSMEA 2017 All-Region Choir clinic and concert, selected by audition in October 2016 to be members and conducted by Thomas Jaber, Director of Choral Activities at Rice University (pictured). The trio were later honored as tenors with the AllState Choir for the first time, directed by Betsy Weber, the Director of Choral Studies at the University of Houston and the director of the Houston Symphony Chorus.

Also, Marco Orellana ’17 was one of only two drummers in the All-State Jazz Band, recognized for the second consecutive year as an All-State musician after he was named to the All-State Concert Band in 2016.

Baritone player Adam Lawrence ’17 and Bass Clarinetist Erich Hennings ’17 were both selected as members of the AllState Band, under the direction of Jack DeLaney, the Director of Bands at Southern Methodist University. Lawrence is an All-State musician for the third consecutive year, including All-State Band as a sophomore and a junior.

The National Signing Day celebration in February included Max Brower ’17 committing to extend his career at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Brig Banks ’17 to Henderson State.

Eagle Athletics and St. Thomas are proud to see their talent, efforts and determination rewarded with an opportunity to continue at the collegiate level.

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 27

Eagles’ Nest

FEATURE

TOGETHER WE

STAND

28 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

S

t. Thomas Athletic Director Mike Netzel announced in February the appointment of Rich McGuire as the Eagles Head Football Coach and the promotion of former Texas A&M record-setting quarterback Jerrod Johnson to Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator.

McGuire returns to Eagle Football after one season as a defensive assistant at Katy Taylor where the Mustangs won nine games and advanced to the area round of the UIL 6A Division II playoffs.

McGuire emerged from a group of four finalists as the new leader of Eagle Football, a coach who has demonstrated proven success and who shares the traditional values of the Basilian Fathers of developing the complete student.

“I feel as though I’m coming home,” McGuire said.

“I grew so much personally during my time here. I’ve grown as a coach in a lot of places. But my personal development here in a community of faith, working with Mike, made a profound impact on me. That’s a significant reason why I wanted to come back. To make that same kind of difference in our young men. I missed the community, missed the faith. The timing is right.”

President Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB firmly believes that McGuire embodies the competitiveness, the passion and a unified vision “that is the perfect fit with the Eagle community.”

“I knew Rich was the right guy when he made the connection between teaching law in the classroom and coaching football on the field,” Fr. Storey said. “He realizes that great coaches are first effective teachers.

He’s convinced he can build one of the best football programs in Texas. While that may seem an audacious goal, especially given that this is the most highly competitive state in the country, it’s definitely the perspective that we’re striving for at St. Thomas.”

McGuire brings a clear message of how to match the program’s competitive desires with 2017 realities, beginning with “a culture of accountability where the bedrock is built on hard work and hugs. What kids need is a fair and consistently high standard set by someone who advocates for them and holds them to that standard.”

“We should be playing for or winning a state championship in two of the next five years,” McGuire said. “That’s the goal. If you don’t have that mentality, then why do it.”

McGuire was a vital element in the resurgence of Eagle Football from 2012-2015 as defensive coordinator for McGuire’s skill set is consistent with the Basilian motto head coach Tim Fitzpatrick. The Eagles posted four of Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge. He consecutive 10-win earned his Juris Doctor seasons, claiming four and Master of Education straight district titles, from the University of “What kids need is a fair and advancing to consecutive Illinois, has served on TAPPS state semifinals in the St. Thomas faculty, consistently high standard set by 2014-15 and extending the and in addition to his someone who advocates for them win streak at Hotze Field head coaching role will inside Granger Stadium to assume the duties of and holds them to that standard.”

26 straight games.

Student Athlete Mentor in the school’s Learning – Rich McGuire “Rich has a tremendous Enrichment Center to football IQ with an insaensure a comprehensive tiable appetite to always Eagle experience. learn more,” Netzel said.

“Whether through clinics “I believe Rich will or the coaching network provide a huge impact he’s cultivated throughout on our students both the state, there’s a constant on the athletic field motivation to seek more. and in the classroom,” And he has equal abilities assistant principal Mary as a relationship builder, Criaco said. “He’ll work within the team, within closely in the LEC with his staff or within our director Terri Shaffer support group.” and establish that the top

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 29

Eagle

FEATURE

CONTINUED

priority for our young men is to perform as students and then as athletes. Rich firmly believes and supports a studentathlete being a student first.”

infectious personality with the ability to galvanize any group he’s a part of, not exclusive to his new role with Eagle Football.

McGuire said “it’s about helping the students. Whether in the classroom, with a teacher, or the NCAA or whatever the goal may be. And it could be the goal that particular day ... ‘How do I get through this test’... or it might be ‘How do I get into Princeton.’ It’s all a great challenge.

It’s about empowering our students. It’s who we are here.”

“I’ve lived in 12 cities in six years pursuing the NFL dream, and this (move with St. Thomas) is almost cleansing, refreshing,” Johnson said. “I love the bond that I’ve made with the kids and feel so at peace that this is where I should be for the next stage of my life.”

Johnson has served as a part-time coach to Eagle Football for the previous two seasons and provided significant input with an offense that averaged more than 37 points per game and generated more than 5,000 yards of total offense in 12 games in 2015.

Netzel anticipates Johnson bringing “an inventive offensive style” as coordinator and play caller.“His specialty work with quarterbacks is known throughout the city, state and region, and there’s talent at that position returning for us next season.”

After leaving Texas A&M as the program’s all-time leader for passing yards and total yards, Johnson battled through a series of recurring injuries while spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens but never securing a final roster spot to appear in an NFL game.

Johnson was added to the St. Thomas faculty in January 2017 and exudes an

Netzel said that St. Thomas is “truly fortunate to have Jerrod as part of our family.

I was adamant to bring him aboard when there was an opening before the spring semester. His football accomplishments speak for themselves. He’s the son of a coach who has been immersed in the game his entire life. His leadership during this void before naming our head coach has been invaluable. He and Rich make for a dynamic combination.”

Johnson was a three-sports star at Humble where his father Larry Johnson proved to be a powerful influence as a coach, principal and longtime educator in the Humble Independent School District. The family’s deep football connections include brother Marquis who was named in the spring to the strength and conditioning staff of the San Francisco 49ers.

Jerrod was first encouraged by McGuire to seek an opportunity at St. Thomas two years ago and since that introduction Johnson has gained a distinct appreciation for the totality of the St. Thomas mission.

“I’m thrilled to be teaming with Jerrod and the continuity of our existing coaching staff. We have so many key players returning from last season who gained experience. And with the upcoming Joplin Campus expansion I see the program growing in numbers and gaining in profile unlike ever before.”

– Rich McGuire 30 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

“I truly respect the values here, the emphasis on academics and molding young men,” Johnson said. “And this is a really good high school football job and program ... facilities, administration, support ... the total package. Much of what is in place right now is a testament to coach Fitzpatrick. Rich has a great understanding of that recent history, the tradition, and how to build on what is already there. For a young coach to learn and gain experience in this environment, it’s exciting to think how far we can take it.”

McGuire previously was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Klein Forest for seven seasons and the head coach at Bartlesville High School (OK) from 1997-2004.

Netzel said McGuire brings “an open door policy that makes people comfortable” and promises to build a coaching staff capable of nurturing the kaleidoscope of backgrounds that historically have made up the St. Thomas student enrollment.

Eagle

FIGHT Blast From Track & Field’s Illustrious Past................................ p33 Rugby Star Maat ’17 Moving on Up................................. p34 The Right Foot................................ p36 Following in Notable NBA Echoes.................................... p41 Eagle Golf Grows Game by Giving.............................. p43

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 31

Eagle

FIGHT 2017 EAGLE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Sept. 1 ........at Kinkaid 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 8 ........Strake Jesuit at NRG Stadium 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 ......College Station 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 ......at Beaumont West Brook 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 29 ......TBD Oct. 6 ..........Pasadena 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 13 ........at San Antonio Central Catholic 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 20 ........Off Week Oct. 27 ........Beaumont Kelly Catholic 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 3 ..........Tomball Concordia Lutheran (Senior Night) 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 10 ........at St. Pius X 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 18 ........TAPPS Area Playoff Nov. 25 ........TAPPS Regional Playoff Dec. 2 ..........TAPPS State Semifinals Dec. 9 ..........TAPPS State Final

T

he 2017 schedule for Eagle Football features six true home games plus a prime time return to NRG Stadium in a mix of traditional series, familiar foes and first-time return engagements.

Class 5A Division II semifinalist College Station, traveling to Beaumont West Brook and concluding with Pasadena, all before closing the non-district slate in San Antonio against Central Catholic October 13.

Four of the seven non-district games are with 2016 playoff teams, three of whom totaled 34 wins.

Netzel believes that given the recurring nature of scheduling and the difficulty of finding suitable opponents for seven non-district games, seeking options outside the city may become more and more viable alternatives.

The Eagles aim for their sixth consecutive season-opening victory in a Labor Day weekend showdown at Kinkaid. St. Thomas owns three straight wins in the match-up by a combined score of 10951 after last season’s 27-20 verdict, ignited by three unanswered touchdowns in the final six minutes of the first half. The result extended the Eagles’ home field win streak to 27 consecutive games.

Next is the encore to a pulse-pounding 2015 victory over Strake Jesuit that drew over 10,000 to the home of the Houston Texans.

Quarterback Michael Keating ’16 capped a six touchdown night by completing an ad-lib scoring pass to receiver Drew Guidroz ’16 in the final maniacal moments in a wild 42-35 scoring fest for the Eagles’ fourth straight win in the series.

“With the TAPPS and UIL mandates to start the season a week later, this gives us an even greater opportunity to draw a bigger crowd because there’s no conflict with Labor Day weekend commitments,” athletic director Mike Netzel said. “There may have been some apprehension two years ago, that NRG would swallow our event. But the tailgating experience was tremendous, the crowd poured in and it proved to be a playoff-like atmosphere.

Until the deep postseason games were played there, we outdrew any of the other high school games played in the venue.”

The Eagles then host three games in four weeks at Hotze Field inside Granger Stadium, beginning September 15 with defending

“Self-preservation,” Netzel said matter of factly. “We can’t be at the mercy of the UIL schools and their reclassification every two years. I could see us planning regular road trips that have our fans and alumni excited about the travel for Friday night football and then extending into the weekend. I’m confident we can bring the numbers with the right destination and San Antonio or Austin are certainly two of the best.”

Following an off week the Eagles launch the TAPPS Division I District 3 race October 27 with Beaumont Kelly Catholic, followed by Senior Night with Tomball Concordia Lutheran, two series STH has thoroughly dominated in recent years.

Eagle Football has defeated Kelly in eight straight games by an average score of 52-6, while outscoring TCL 219-66 in seven straight wins.

The Eagles meet St. Pius X November 10 in a regular-season finale that has determined the last five district championships.

“We were obviously very young last season and have a lot of returning talent which really gained from that playing experience.

The advantage of that extra home this fall will be a tremendous boom for our guys, Netzel said.”

The four-week TAPPS state playoffs begin November 18 with the state championship final scheduled for December 9.

32 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

Eagle

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BLAST

From Track & Field’s Illustrious Past

I

n the early 1990s Eagle Track and Field coach Nathan Labus was a newbie to the roaring University of Houston program which for years had doubled as the defacto training grounds for Olympic gold rushes from Team USA. Under the piercing Texas sun which would routinely beat down on a reddish-brown oval surrounded by the Spartan quarters in the Jeppesen Fieldhouse, Tom Tellez had set up a base of operations for the likes of Carl Lewis and Leroy Burrell ... Mike Marsh and Joe DeLoach ... Floyd Heard and Mark Witherspoon ... the nation’s pacesetting speed freaks, world record-beaters and global performers.

Fast forward more than two decades later and Tellez is still splashed in the sinking twilight in the shadows of lanes and pits, a method remaining to his madness, only now his part-time headquarters is fixed inside Granger Stadium as a volunteer assistant for Labus who enters his 12th season heading the St. Thomas program.

“At first none of our guys had any understanding of who Coach T is and what he represents,” Labus said. “The best comparison I came up with was the coach of Usain Bolt. That’s who Tom was back in my day, and so much more. I had Michael Garcia do some background. He did a Google search and came back to me and said, ‘Wow. I can’t believe he’s out here working with us.’”

Labus has to occasionally perform a double-check himself.

His relationship with Tellez dates to 199397 when Labus was a significant pole vaulting performer at UH, still holding the second-best indoor mark and third-best outdoor standard in program history.

For months Labus had patiently prodded his former mentor now in retirement to

share his vast reservoir of expertise with a program fresh off the 2016 TAPPS state championship, the 100th state title in the rich and storied history of Eagle Athletics.

Eventually Tellez warmed to the idea and welcomed the opportunity.

“It’s all about teaching athletes and making the sport easier for them, partnering with them to reach their goals,” Tellez said. “We’re going to work to be the best they can be.

That’s my goal, that should be their goal, and we’ll see how far we can take it. The athletes with talent and that focus and determination, they can reach their top. But it takes work.”

Less than six months ago Tellez received the prestigious USA Track and Field Legend Coach Award, distinction emphatically deserved for a two-time U.S. National Team head coach, 22-year head coach at UH and confidant to Olympic gold medalists and countless NCAA champions.

At UH Tellez was the guru guiding uber Olympian Lewis, a nine-time gold medalist and the most decorated sprinter / jumper of all time who captured four NCAA titles under the direction of Tellez, and current Cougar head coach Burrell, the former 100 meter world record holder and Olympic champion with three NCAA titles.

Tellez also coached 200 meter Olympic gold medalist Joe DeLoach to an NCAA title in addition to leading Olympic silver medalist Kirk Baptiste to two NCAA Championships, and also guided bronze medalist Frank Rutherford to three.

1984-96, six of his seven U.S. sprinters won Olympic gold, and Tellez had turbocharged 13 total medalists.

To this day Tellez is steadfastly committed to his roots, a scientifically guided perfectionist, not only with sprinters, but also hurdlers, long jumpers, high jumpers, vaulters, javelin throwers and decathletes, all instructed to understand that performance is dependent in large measure on

how well an athlete can take advantage of the laws of motion.

“I coach these St. Thomas athletes just as if I were coaching Olympians. It’s no different. The techniques are the same,” Tellez said. “Often times it’s not what you tell your athletes, it’s what you don’t tell them. So much of track is natural movements. It’s all biomechanics, kinesiology. Obviously strength, power, natural speed all vary among athletes but the teaching stays the same.”

So whether world class-talents of generations past, or Max Banes ’18 refining his art today in the shot put ring, “nothing changes” behind the Tellez message ... exercise the mind, sharpen the focus, develop moxie, practice mental reflexes, rehearse and execute the plan.

“I’ve always placed a huge priority on the technical aspects of improvement,” Labus said. “I learned that from Coach T and (his son) Kyle (Tellez). I really believe there is no one better in our sport today from that standpoint than Tom Tellez. His critiques, his tweaks, will make a huge impact on our guys.”

After a brief pause, Labus flashed a genuine smile and offered the obvious.

“It’s priceless to have him out here with our team.”

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 33

Eagle

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O

RUGBY STAR

MAAT ’17 MOVING ON UP

ne of the signature players in the history of Eagle Rugby is next bound for Baylor.

Two-time All-American Griffin Maat ’17 is continuing his student-athlete career for a rising program in the Red River Conference after choosing from group of finalists that included Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma.

Among many influential factors, Maat made a strong connection with head coach Mason Herring, a Baylor assistant promoted in 2016 who owns more than a decade of experience with the Austin Blacks as a player, coach and club administrator. “‘I built that relationship with the (Baylor) coaches,” Maat said. “(Herring) was straight to the point in terms of how I fit the program, how he plans to use me and how I can grow both as a player and a person over the next four years. Given all the options I had for rugby and academics, there was always a clear image in my head that Baylor was the place to be.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for one of the hardest working players we’ve ever had in our program,” head coach Jim Wolfinger said. “I couldn’t be more proud of Griffin.”

34 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

“Having the chance to compete against the best is humbling, a motivation to reach a higher level, not just for the individual accomplishment but to make our (St. Thomas) team better. I’m always looking to see how I can benefit my teammates.”

Maat wasn’t introduced to rugby until after his freshman season with Eagle Football as he searched for opportunities to improve his athletic skill set.

“I saw that rugby was a sport where you tackled without pads,” Maat said. “I thought that sounds like fun. I can use that to get better at football. I knew nothing about the game but the coaches were really patient and encouraging.”

Maat soon devoted his full athletic focus to the sport and quickly rose through the ranks in Eagle Rugby. After not making the travel team for the first junior varsity match of 2014, he needed only three games to move up to the second tier varsity, earning additional playing time to become a starter, and by the regular season finale Maat was promoted to the varsity squad. He has seen his career soar over the next three years.

“The turning point for me was the 7s play in the summer (of 2015), four separate tournaments in the Houston area, players up to age 19, and by the end I was named MVP. That was a great feeling, that maybe I had some potential. Now let’s see how far I can take it.”

– Griffin Maat ’17 Wolfinger co-founded Eagle Rugby with assistant coach Brett Mills in 1999 and has tutored Andrew Locke ’03 (two-time All-American West Point, USA coaching staff 2016 Olympics), Conor Mills ’09 (two-time captain Texas A&M), Kingsley McGowen ’10 (All-American and national champion St. Mary’s College) and Keegan Mills ’13 (Lindenwood University) among the highest impact performers in a program that first broke through with a state championship in 2002 and then proceeded to win five more titles in six years from 2008-2013.

“Often times the difference between someone who does exceptionally well and someone who does well is the motor,” Wolfinger said. “Griffin has a huge motor, puts in the work and gets the results. He’s an outstanding addition to the Baylor program.”

Maat’s talent and profile developed significantly through a series of select USA Rugby camps. In 2016 he was named USA Rugby High School All American for the second consecutive year and invited to the prestigious Winter Camp in Casa Grande, Arizona, where he took part in one of the largest annual national team assemblies.

“There are so many talent players in this country,” Maat said.

Maat first became intrigued with Baylor while on campus participating in a seventh grade championship football event with Pin Oak Middle School. He’ll continue a strong family association with the university that includes his father and uncles.

But Maat maintains that his decision was determined only after a thorough due diligence process.

“I really evaluated every single factor that was in play,” Maat said. “From the student-faculty ratio and degree options, to meal plans, student activities and lifestyle. Baylor is just the right fit.”

Maat embraces his promising future now available at Baylor and his final Eagle Rugby season with great appreciation for the totality of his St. Thomas experience where nurturing the complete student is the hallmark of the Basilian educational tradition.

“I’ve made great friendships here,” Maat said. “The faculty have been so supportive. They care about each individual, want you to learn, want you to be engaged, be the best you can be. In many ways they are a second set of parents. One of the best decisions of my life was making the choice to come to St. Thomas.”

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 35

Eagle

FIGHT

THE

RIGHT

FOOT K

enny Martin ’01 serves as the touchstone of Eagle Soccer in the new millennium.

A former decorated performer in his sixth year as head coach and 16th with the program, Martin has now been involved with 16 playoff seasons that produced six district champions.

And when quizzed throughout the season to size the quality of his most recent crew, Martin responded with the authority of a quick twitch-blast from the thunderfoot of Neymar rocketing past an overmatched goalkeeper seemingly cemented to the turf.

“It’s my best team,” Martin said without hesitation. “The combination of talent, experience and chemistry, everyone buying in, united in the same mission.”

But by late February Martin was forced to lament that his supreme outfit “couldn’t quite get over the hump.”

After a fast and furious launch to the season the Eagles absorbed a deeply disappointing 2-1 defeat in the TAPPS Division I regional final that left them one win shy of the state tournament, a destination denied but a rewarding journey nonetheless.

The Eagles finished 16-4-3, losing only two of their first 15 games, winning 10 while outscoring the opposition nearly four to one and allowing less than a goal per game, thanks to a resilient core group who endured a series of frustrating hard knocks, and the unexpected addition of a dynamic box-to-box midfielder.

“We grew and developed not just as individual players but in understanding how each other played,” Matthew Leal ’17 said. “There was a comfort zone, a communication and anticipation that allowed us to get the most out of what we have.”

Forward Jesus Toscano ’17

Leal, forward Jesus Toscano ’17 and newcomer extraordinaire Rory Hogan ’17 emerged as the ferocious front three, all capable of a moment of brilliance.

Before Hogan was new to Eagle Soccer, he was new to St.

36 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

Midfielder Rory Hogan ’17

Thomas. He enrolled as a sophomore before the 2014-15 academic year, transferring from co-ed Notre Dame Catholic in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, after a family relocation to Houston.

“Rory had an edge. His aggression, his mentality was something we haven’t had in previous years,” Toscano said. “That was an element we needed. Look at the season. The results show what kind of impact he had.”

A soccer contact immediately connected Hogan with the Houston Dynamo Academy and arranged a tryout. He impressed to secure a spot in one of the most successful MLS developmental soccer programs since beginning play in 2007.

Toscano along with Leal, defenders Michael Jakab ’17 and David Guthrie ’17, and keeper Jacob Manley ’18, were among the principal members in a master plan plotted by Martin and assistant Cody Moles that called to force feed a raw group of not-yet-ready freshmen and sophomores into varsity competition knowing the investment would only accrue dividends in the far future.

For the last two years the relationship with the Dynamo Academy prevented Hogan from playing high school soccer.

But in the weeks leading into his senior year he decided to make an unconventional move and leave the academy.

“I was looking for a different experience and believed the best option right now would be to play for my school,” Hogan said. “Some of the decision was a change of scenery, but more than anything else, I saw a chance to give back to St. Thomas, try to win a state championship.

These are my best friends, my classmates, my teammates, a tightknit group. This is where I wanted to be.”

Hogan flashed as a clinical playmaker and finisher, explosive and technically advanced.

“He had been in so many high-level matches,” Martin said.

“He knew what it took to adjust, keeping pushing when the game wasn’t going all his way. And his teammates fed off that. When he was double or tripled-teamed, that created opportunities for his teammates, and he took advantage of opportunities created by others.”

Hogan made the transition to Eagle Soccer minus the motivation of flashing his polished skills and signature instincts.

“Scoring goals was nice but I’ve always tried to help make my teammates better,” Hogan said. “The priority was what we were able to accomplish together, winning games, playing as a unit.”

Hogan was highly inventive with and without the ball but it was his infectious intensity and presence that has proven to be a measurable x-factor turbocharging the team personality.

The overnight 2017 success was actually three seasons in the making.

“We told our guys to stick with us, don’t get discouraged, stay determined, your senior year will be worth the rough times,” Martin said.

While the high-octane Eagles routinely blitzed opponents, Manley kept them on a deprivation diet supported by a superior back line led by elite defender Zach Blice ’19.

After the rush of early results the Eagles avenged a district defeat to Awty International, secured the runner-up playoff position from the district and defeated Dallas Bishop Lynch 1-0 on a goal from Leal to open the playoffs at Hotze Field inside Granger Stadium.

Unfortunately the promise of a scintillating season vanished four days later and the quest to match the 1981 state championship campaign, the only title in program history, remains unfulfilled.

“We just lost a bit of our focus at the end,” Martin said.

“I’m still convinced we had a state tournament-type team that could have won it all. Ultimately we just couldn’t put together the finishing touches. But I’ll always appreciate the tremendous commitment from the group, constantly striving for that ultimate goal. They definitely moved the program forward. We’ll reload and take aim again next season.”

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 37

Eagle

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T

ANOTHER BIG SPLASH

ravis Zetka ’18 participated in two new St. Thomas records, captured two fourth-place finishes and played a key role in two top-three relay results to lead Eagle Swimming to fourth place at the TAPPS Division I swimming championships at Josh Davis Natatorium in San Antonio.

for the most thrilling Eagle performance of the meet, breaking the STH mark to earn second in the 200 medley relay (1:39.34), edging out Tomball Concordia Lutheran and only .27 behind the winning time. “Phenomenal race,” Perkins said. “That really set the tone for us throughout the day.”

The fifth top-four finish at TAPPS State in the last eight years maintains the program’s surging momentum under the direction of head coach Bob Perkins.

Zetka, Pelletier, Williams and Jonathan Du ’17 took third in the 200 freestyle relay (1:30.95).Pelletier also produced a fourth in the 100 breaststroke with a personal best 1:02.96 while Miggins contributed two fifth-place finishes, in the 100 butterfly (54.47) and 100 backstroke (57.85).

“All the pieces had to come together,” Perkins said. “Our relays had to perform, individuals had to move up from their spots. I’m especially proud of this group given all the talent and points that we had to replace from last season. The state championships are more and more competitive every year. Only three of our nine state swimmers are involved in club programs. But our guys know the swim board (with school records) and they had the right focus throughout the season.”

Zetka established a new STH standard in the 50 yard freestyle (22.34) and was clocked at 49.50 in the 100 freestyle.

“Travis is realizing just how much potential he has,” Perkins said. “There’s every reason to expect him to take down a few more records with still his senior season to go.”

Zetka teamed with Shane Williams ’19, Luke Pelletier ’17 and John Miggins ’17

38 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

“Our seniors always are instrumental in keeping our culture intact,” Perkins said.

“Du earned his way to his first state meet and was such a versatile swimmer. Pelletier, Miggins and Adam Lawrence were great leaders as captains all season.”

Zetka was also the Eagle catalyst at the Eastern Regional Championships at the University of Houston Campus Recreation & Wellness Center Natatorium, outracing the field in two sprint events and pacing two critical legs in two valuable relay finishes to lead Eagle Swimming to a second-place result.

Zetka won the 100 yard (50.32) and 50

yard (22.99) freestyle events with Du placing fourth and fifth.

The two later teamed with Williams and Pelletier to capture the 200 yard freestyle relay (1:32.34) for the Eagles’ most significant showing of the meet.

Zetka, Pelletier, Williams and Miggins cashed a second-place finish in the 200 yard medley relay (1:45.00). And Miggins, Du, Lawrence and Evan Lawson ’19 then took third in the 400 yard freestyle relay (3:45.28) for the bulk of the 112 team points.

After consecutive regional championships, Eagle Swimming racked the runner-up result to outdistance Tomball Concordia Lutheran, Awty International and The Village School.

“I’m really proud of the team effort with a lot of our performers swimming they way they should in an event of this caliber,” Perkins said. “We didn’t quite have the depth we’ve had the last couple of years but our relay teams remain really strong and are in great position for state.”

Pelletier also finished third (1:07.93) in the 100 yard breastroke while Barrett Gregory ’18 (1:09.00) took fifth place and Lawrence sixth (1:11.16).

Miggins added a fourth-place finish in the 100 butterfly.

Eagle

FIGHT

Forward Jared Cebrun ’18

Forward Everett Vaughn ’18

Point guard Jaylen Davis ’19

RETURN BOUNCE To Title Contention

A

n Eagle Basketball campaign which included a midseason surge of 13 wins in 15 games ended with a second consecutive trip to the TAPPS 6A state tournament.

Christian Academy Davis scored 10 of his 13 points in the pressurized final seven minutes of the game as the Eagles overcame a desperation three-pointer that forced overtime to win 46-40.

The Eagles posted a 19-10 regular season and opened the playoffs with 6’-9” Everett Vaughn ’18 scoring 16 points while dominating the defensive boards to lead a convincing 66-48 win over San Antonio Antonian in College Station.

Eagle Basketball trailed throughout in a game dictated by TCA’s deliberate tempo and 34-28 with 3:40 remaining in regulation. Forward Melvin Larkins ’18 ignited the comeback with tip-in before Davis and Max Vosloh ’18 buried four straight free throws to tie the game 34-34.

Vaughn and Jared Cebrun ’18 were key contributors in a 14-0 run in the final 4:30 of the second quarter when the Eagles took command of the game to move in front 38-27 at halftime. The two then teamed with point guard Jaylen Davis ’19 for eight consecutive points midway third period to push the Eagle advantage to 15 points and St. Thomas was never threatened the rest of the way.

Cebrun finished with 13 points, while Davis added 10 with a flawless floor game consistently pushing the attack for favorable opportunities at the rim.

The following day against Trinity

Davis then forced a turnover and converted the driving layup to give the Eagles only their second lead of the game and first since midway second quarter. Three more free throws from Davis pushed Eagle Basketball in front 39-36 before TCA threw in an ad lib three-pointer off an offensive rebound to beat the buzzer and extend the game into the extra session.

Vosloh (15 points) opened overtime with a three-point jumper from the right-corner and the Eagles never again trailed. Davis, Larkins and George Fisher ’18 drilled five free throws in the final 1:47 to complete the final margin.

In the state semifinals at Abilene Christian University in Abilene Eagle Basketball never trailed in the first half but could not overcome a frigid output coming out of halftime and were defeated 71-51 by Dallas Bishop Lynch.

Larkins converted inside on a high-low feed from Vaughn to give the Eagles their biggest lead of the game at 24-15 with 5:16 left in the second quarter.

Eagle Basketball remained in front 3028 at the break but was outscored 10-2 over a three minute stretch third period to trail 46-37, and St.Thomas had no recovery for a 9:30 stretch overlapping the third and fourth quarters where they managed only seven points leading to a lopsided final.

Drake Everist ’18 and Cebrun led the Eagles with 11 points each.

In March Davis was selected first-team TAPPS all-state while Cebrun was named to the second team. Both also received all-district recognition with Vaughn, Vosloh, Fisher and Everist all second-team all-district.

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 39

Eagle

FIGHT

LAYING THE PROPER

FOUNDATION

I

n his first season with Eagle Wrestling head coach Phillip Joseph laid the necessary foundation for future success while a number of contributors gained valuable experience in the defining competitions of the season.

Sage at 2017 TAPPS state tournament

Alex Jacobs ’19 swept the the 132 pound class, winning the final in sudden victory, and Eagle Wrestling captured eight additional top-four individual finishes to capture fourthplace at the TAPPS state tournament at Liberty Christian Academy in Argyle, Texas.

Ethan Hunter ’19 (106), Nate Bryant (113) ’19, Will Sage (126) ’17, Noah Fontenot (170) ’18 all contributed secondplace results to earn all-state recognition while Travis Enochs ’20 (120), Liam Sullivan (145) ’18, Ty Huggins (160) ’17 and Nate Newhouse (195) ’17 were fourth-place finishers.

Eagle Wrestling combined for a 15-12 record in the tournament.

Jacobs at 2017 TAPPS state tournament

Earlier Eagle Wrestling took fifth at Texas Prep State with Hunter, Bryant, Sage, Jacobs and Fontenot all claiming top-four results, and Bryant and Jacobs reaching the final.

The season concluded at the prestigious Prep Nationals at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Joseph brings to the program a deep savvy and rich experience rooted in a near-lifetime in the sport and an acclaimed career at Eastern Michigan where he left in the school’s top-10 list for wins. He was attracted to the Eagle coaching position by the St. Thomas reputation for molding the complete student and is confident after his initial season that he can stamp his own mark on what had developed into one of the recent powerhouse programs in the state.

40 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

Eagle

FIGHT

I

t’s said that the two most important times in someone’s life are the day they are born and the day they realize why.

The revelation for Matt Thomas came in the 1980s as a high school kid in Katy igniting a living-out-hisdreams broadcasting journey.

And now his son Cameron ’18 is perhaps discovering a similar path exploring the same professional purpose.

FOLLOWING IN NOTABLE

NBA

ECHOES

Cam served at the public address announcer for Eagle Basketball during the program’s second consecutive run to the TAPPS state tournament, his first foray into following in the echoes of his father, one of the most celebrated and recognizable voices reverberating throughout the Houston sports scene since the mid-1990s.

“The experience was so much more than even my expectations which were really high,” Cam says of his crafting an authentic not forced, less-is-more cadence from his

midcourt seat at Reckling Gymnasium. “I was nervous for that first game ... shaking.

But I got more and more comfortable as the season moved forward, just as the team grew and came together on the court. It was so much fun to be involved in the success.”

During the same hoop hysteria Matt was resuming the courtside microphone assignment for the Rockets at Toyota Center, a measured tone, soothing the air an octave below the din, while also serving as the team’s radio play-by-play voice for road games on SportsTalk 790 (KBMEAM). His chaotic schedule which also includes co-hosting 790’s morning drive “The Proper Gentlemen of Sports” allowed him to attend only two Eagle home games, enough to draw some quick conclusions on Cam from a relatively small sample size.

“He was enjoying all this as much as I enjoy it ... could see the smile on his face ... calling names and sensing the reaction from the crowd,” Matt says “When I call a James Harden basket ... or long ago with Hakeem Olajuwon ... there’s a rush that goes along with the roar after you say something. I saw Cam appreciating that same kind of feeling.

He liked it, so I liked it.”

Cam uncovered what he believes is a “knack” for playing the in-house

middleman, a conduit linking live ac- tion to those in attendance. Under statement as the rule, giving observers what they need to know and then get- ting out of the way.

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 41

Eagle

FIGHT

CONTINUED

He and his father discussed some fundamental mechanics, how to handle opponents, what to push, when to hold back, the proper verbal thrift, but Cam was left to develop an initial style strictly his own. Until further review Matt doesn’t necessarily hear much of himself in his son.

“Cam is more a reserved type and I’m not shy,” Matt says.

“This has gotten him out of his comfort zone, and the same being a student at St. Thomas. We live in Kingwood and could have sought other options for Cam but being on this campus has enabled him to grow new friendships, new experiences and now this chance with basketball that otherwise might not have been available. I see him opening up more and I’m not sure that would have been the case a year ago.”

15 Rockets games this season, and hearing my dad made me think that doing the PA for St. Thomas was something I would like to try. I approached my parents and then (athletic director Mike) Netzel and got the green light.”

In many ways the same go signal that Matt received when attending Mayde Creek in Katy with an insatiable appetite for the nightly consumption of Gene Peterson, Gene Elston and Milo Hamilton detailing Rockets and Astros exploits on the Houston airwaves. Thomas broke into the radio ranks as a teenager at KSEV-AM, produced Dan Patrick’s Morning Show at 700 AM while attending UH, and was positioned and primed when the Rockets first came calling for a careeraltering opportunity.

Cam wasn’t yet alive when his father was the midseason replacement in 1994 for the Rockets public address duties, at age 22 applying a signature “Hakeem ... the Dream ... Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhlajuwon” to the pregame mayhem and enjoying what would soon bounce into the roundball ride of his life.

“I took that chance when I was a kid to pursue a dream, and I’m proud that Cam is taking that same kind of chance and taking a liking to it,” Matt says.

“I can still see (Knicks guard) John Starks in the left corner of my eye ... and Dream rising and tipping the ball ... like it was yesterday,” Thomas recalls from the draining seconds of survival in Game Six of the NBA Finals played out before a bellowing Summit arena.

Notable father or not, a broadcaster must make his mark in one of several ways, a distinctive property, a singular trait. The traditional public address announcer is a minimalist maestro, performing in deep, clear tones with an accent belonging to neither coast, a kind of voice from Nowhere, wasted words are few and the rhythm is undeniable, creating rollicking introductions and creative uses of names, the ringleader

Three nights later the Rockets completed the comeback that cemented the first of consecutive NBA titles, the first and only in franchise history, and to this day the only world championships Houston may call its own.

for the in-game carnival.

Thomas left the Rockets in 1996 for Houston Cougars playby-play, and the career roadmap soon took him from his hometown to Salt Lake City in 2004, then to Minneapolis in 2007 and the return route to Houston in 2009.

“It’s very exciting but also unnerving,” Matt says. “This business is so difficult. You either have the ability to engage a large audience or you don’t. You won’t know until you get in front of a mike, make mistakes and get better. I have to appeal to thousands of listeners and major advertisers. They have to value the message I deliver. But there is just as much outstanding talent out there not working. I don’t know where the future media world is going, and Cam may be entering that great unknown, but it’s exciting to see him take on the challenge and right now I’m grateful for that.”

All along the way the unbreakable amalgam of sports and family united Cam and his father.

“We took in a lot of University of Utah football and basketball games, a lot of Twins games, and that’s when I started to get super serious about sports,” Cam says. ““I’ve been to about

42 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

Time will indicate whether St. Thomas will provide Cam with the embryonic stage for his own broadcast odyssey.

Eagle

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E

agle Golf gathered significant steam throughout the spring under the steady direction with first-time varsity head coach Paul Hamm.

A deep roster long on talent and potential, yet short on proven higher echelon experience developed confidence with three tournament wins and four junior varsity victories before the district, regional and state tournaments that typically define a season’s success.

– South Houston Golf –

EAGLE GOLF

GROWS THE GAME

BY GIVING

But outside the strict cauldron of competitive golf, the Eagles had already posted the most impressive measurable result.

“So unexpected ... can’t really find one adjective ... wonderful, wow, awesome, fantastic” is how coach Tim Laza described a collective Eagle effort to better equip his South Houston boys and girls teams, ignited by a chance meeting and casual conversation.

While the Eagles were posting three top-10 scores to capture second place at the Deer Park ISD Tournament at Battleground Golf Club Hamm “noticed only three South Houston scores on the extended leaderboard. I wondered to Tim if there wasn’t much student

interest in the program. He said there was but that he had only three complete sets of clubs available. Total. Obviously that limited and stifled participation. I let that sink in for about 15 seconds. I’ve been in the golf business for 40 years ... know people all over the state ... am a member at Gleannloch Pines and Augusta Pines ... has to be a way to help.”

The two coaches touched base a week later to confirm a partnership.

Hamm’s first move was “a post on Facebook.

And that’s really all it took.”

The grassroots response for assistance was immediate. Major momentum was struck through Hamm’s daughter Jody Lutz who lives in San Antonio and has connections to Jason Black, the founder and CEO of Junior.Golf in Austin that supports industry initiatives in growing the game.

The son of former University of Texas head basketball coach Leon Black was introduced to golf at age three, learned from legendary instructor Harvey Penick and owns a passion for promoting the golfing experience for younger players.

Black dialed into a relationship with global manufacturing titan Callaway Golf. Hamm was amazed when individual contributors who didn’t have direct access to previously owned clubs would purchase through retailers and donate.

In quick time Hamm had acquired a dozen

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 43

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FIGHT

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difference in the world and be as good a Christian as you can.”

set of high-quality proline iron sets to cluster with drivers, fairway woods, wedges and putters, plus balls, tees, shoes and ancillary items. Hamm’s instructions to his team were then precise.

Matthew Payne ’20 was introduced to golf in middle school.

He made a personal connection with the South Houston players during the Deer Park competition and “now hopes that they will be able to enjoy the game as much as I do.”

“I told our players to put together as many complete bags that you would play with in a tournament,” Hamm said. “If you wouldn’t play with a particular club, place it aside. As it turned out, I would send (son) Zac out with any one of the 12 sets that were assembled and not have it compromise his score.”

Eagle Golf met with Laza and his South Houston team for the presentation on a Saturday morning gathering at Memorial Park and then shared time together on the driving range and putting greens.

Laza is now in his fifth year at South Houston was “amazed that Hamm and St. Thomas would go to such lengths to reach out for us This is so important for our players to improve and for me

40 44 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2016 2017

to have a baseline for instruction. Golf reinforces honor and integrity, important lessons for high school students to learn that we stress every day. And I can’t think of a better example of honor and integrity than what St. Thomas has shown our team.”

For Zac Hamm ’18, this benevolence provided “more than just the opportunity for players to get better at golf, but a chance to try to make a

And that dividend might very well be measured far beyond the careers South Houston. While giving the players a means to close the competitive margin was an immediate and projectable goal, the broader boost could be laying a foundation to a lifelong connection to the game.

But Hamm’s greatest satisfaction “is the real world application. I told our team that it’s important to notice when there are those who are in need of what you may take for granted. You are blessed.

Life is not the same for everyone. When possible, reach out to others and simply try to bridge the gap.”

Eagle

SPIRIT

Eagle Mothers and Sons Unite in Faith.............................................. p.49 Hot Art Cool Jazz......................................... p50 Familiar Face, Fresh Challenge.................. p53

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Eagle

SPIRIT

W

hen plotting for the St. Thomas spring production, long-time director Dan Green opted for something creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky, and altogether ooky.

Overwhelming recommendations from his actors convinced Green that the time had arrived to debut The Addams Family. The ghastly, ghostly and full-tilt musical slant on that devilishly delightful clan with an affinity for all things gleefully macabre premiered in March at Cemo Auditorium.

The Addams Family

a raucous

SNAP SNAP

Snap, snap.

“This show isn’t something I had in mind to stage but when the students express enthusiasm for a project and we can do it ... we do it,” Green said.

“I was thrilled to see how thrilled the audience was with all our gifts and talents. Each performer, from the principal characters to the chorus members, all had something every single moment they were on stage, and they all did it amazingly well. We have an embarrassment of riches in this program and had a slew of proven polished performers in the positions they needed to be in.”

SUCCESS

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The Addams Family began innocently enough as a series of one-panel gag cartoons by Charles Addams in The New Yorker in the late 1930s, became a classic TV sitcom in the ’60s, a Saturday morning cartoon in the ’70s, and a pair of popular films in the ’90s ... all as a run-up to the 2010 smash-hit Broadway musical featuring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth.

Snap, snap.

The plot swirls around a shocking development in the eccentric Addams household where the ordinary rules of human nature are reversed and Goth is grand. Wednesday, the precocious princess of darkness, is charmed by a sweet and smart middle class all-American type from a respectable family. The inevitable culture clash collides, friction emerges and hilarity ensues, all engulfed by a witch’s brew of tango, cabaret and vaudeville-style numbers.

Fronting the ghoulish Addams gang were the pencil-mustachioed patriarch Gomez (Parker Robertson ’18) and his vampirically glamorous wife Morticia (Incarnate Word Academy’s Sarah O’Connor).

“Very strong leads ... perfect foils... true chemistry. Parker and Sarah each had a firm understanding of their own styles but also respected each other’s craft. Both delivered their performances with strength,” Green said. “You want some tension between that couple and they were superb engaging each other in a comical way.”

The robust Robertson delivered a pitch-perfect

performance in his fourth STH production, following his colorful and explosive Action in West Side Story and the not-so-foolish fool Feste in Twelfth Night, a jester who thoroughly embodied the spirit and folly of Shakespeare’s madcap festivities.

Robertson had longed for the opportunity to revisit Addams Family after his chorus role in the 2014 HITS production at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, describing Gomez as “debonair and flamboyant ... what a zest to that character. I didn’t realize how much range I would have with the role and then when you bring it to life, it’s incredible.”

IWA junior Susannah Wilson portrayed the wicked daughter Wednesday Addams and was flanked for the fun and frolic by Daniel Tran ’19 as her brother Pugsley, with Andrew Neaves ’17 (Uncle Fester), IWA senior Lauren Turner (Grandma) and Alec Gordon ’17 (Lurch) filling out the primary misfits and malcontents.

When casting musicals Green seeks to identify “triple threats” and recognized throughout rehearsals that Wilson would be one of many actors to “hit it out of the park.”

“You have to have the capacity to sing, the capacity to dance and the capacity to tell a story as a character,” Green said.

“Susannah has always had a great voice and always a great presence on stage but

this was the first vehicle where she could sing it, dance it and act it in a way to put a stamp on the show.”

Neat, sweet, petite.

Neaves concluded his high-caliber sixperformance St. Thomas career during a weekend when he learned he had been admitted into the prestigious School of Dramatic Arts at the University of Southern California (“1,300 students audition and apply, only 20 are accepted”).

To develop his distinctive Uncle Fester, Neaves consulted and drew inspiration from YouTube clips of the classic Addams Family cartoons “that were most helpful, especially for a musical where reality is suspended.”

Neaves conveyed a sui generis weirdo with equal doses of warmth, charm and enigma.

“I think playing wacky is actually harder that straight conventional characters,” Neaves said. “With Fester you have to go against your instincts of so-called normal behavior. Honestly, I was still searching for a real confidence up to and through dress rehearsals. But each time out, the role took on some subtle depth and by the weekend I was in the zone. I figured out the timing, which jokes worked, which not so much, and how to sell the physicality.

You have to play Fester big but still maintain a degree of discipline.”

Green commended an army of participants, from the top-flight cast including Ryan Deitz ’17 (Mal Beineke) and Isaac Flanagan ’18 (Lucas Beineke) to “sophomore Carl Collins who dressed like an Egyptian mummy, popped out of a sucofficus every five seconds and made everyone laugh. It was all fun stuff.”

The exuberant choreography, lavish costumes and delicious scenic scheme that have all become the St. Thomas Drama standard partnered with a vivacious lineup of characters to produce a show not carried by single stars but a full constellation of vigorous talents greeted by the audience with great applause and raucous laughter.

“The artistry of the set was phenomenal, not only the usual outstanding efforts from (faculty member) Phil Gensheimer, (staff member) Duane Fuchser and the crew but also from students. (IWA’s) Laura Hoge and (sophomore) William Castillo are just two examples, painting murals that were exquisite. With so many contributors, at some point you just stand back and let it happen.”

Snap, snap.

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 47

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THE ADDAMS FAMILY

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Eagle

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EAGLE FAITH Mothers & Sons Unite in

Pope Francis visited Rome’s Spanish Square to pay homage to the Immaculate Virgin, just as the Bishop of Rome has done annually for the previous 50 years.

T

he Basilian Fathers and St. Thomas academic community were blessed to celebrate the annual Mother / Son Mass, honoring the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, with assistant dean Fr. Jim Murphy, CSB the principal celebrant and homilist.

Fr. Murphy delivered a impactful message on the importance of Mary as a model for the Christian life.

“What we celebrate today in the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is God’s love being so great that it needs preparation ... In order for God to give us his Son he must prepare a woman, a woman unlike any other, but a woman like all others, a woman who is willing to accept the greatest challenge - motherhood. A woman who knows and is willing to accept sacrifice - a mother.

When we read our gospel today ... ‘Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.’ And Mary pondered this, because this is the first time in history someone has recognized Christ in another ... And then Mary visiting her cousin, Elizabeth (who) immediately recognizes Christ in Mary ... ‘Hail, and why does the mother of my Lord come to me.’

And now that every time we pray the Hail Mary, we pray for the grace and ability to see Christ in others, making this the perfect solemnity to prepare ourselves for Christmas and the coming of Christ in our lives (which) can only happen if we have our eyes open, and our hearts open, our souls open.

Mothers do that.”

– Fr. Jim Murphy

The Holy Father prayed Our Lady to “Let us not give in to discouragement, but that, trusting in your constant help, we may engage ourselves fully in renewal of self and of the entire world.”

On this day in 1854, Pope Pius IX made a special announcement to mark the annual celebration of Mary’s conception. He published an Apostolic Constitution entitled Ineffabilis Deus in which he proclaimed that Mary’s conception without sin was a required belief for the whole Church.

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HOT ART COOL JAZZ ....................................................................

Eagle salute to the annual performance and exhibition on the St. Thomas campus ...

Hot Art Cool Jazz showcases ensembles and scintillating Eagle talents ranging wide and deep led by fine arts dean Mike Nebel, faculty members Bonnie Coates and Chau Nguyen, band director Donald Thoede and choral director Josh Wilson.

Bravo!

Fine Arts Faculty Member Chau Nguyen “I enjoy the atmosphere … the lights, the music, the food, the art work … all coming together to feature the best of the St. Thomas talent.

I always encourage our supporters to come and enjoy an event unlike any other on the school calendar.”

Christopher Bagale ’17

Band Director Donald Theode

This night really shows how diverse the student community is … great music and beautiful artwork side by side. It’s amazing to see how the hard work and dedication pay off … students achieving these high levels of success.

Joseph Lauckner ’19 “This performance provides

Julian Cantu ’17 My junior year I participated in Jazz Band and this year I’m part of the Jazz Combo. I enjoyed how the parents were amazed at both our musical and artistic abilities. This is a fun time of the calendar when students and faculty in fine arts can show where all the hard work is going.

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something truly unique for the St. Thomas community, bringing together visual and performance art. When the campus is often busy with other events, athletics or booster club, fine arts has the opportunity to be visible to audiences other than their own.”

I contributed a poster that reflected the music of John Denver. The jazz sections and the choir really stood out.

Jonathan Prodel ’17 I enjoyed playing (the trombone) for the audience and hearing their feedback.

Performing makes the practice hours all the more worthwhile.

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EAGLE BASKETBALL was again proud to host Challenger Basketball on our campus ... teaming with Incarnate Word Academy and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart for a morning of hoops, fun and friendship ... remembering that giving is the greatest gift of all.

Eagle Salute to Joni Fichter for her passion in helping others.

See everyone again next year!

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Eagles’ Nest

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t. Thomas announced in January the appointment of Tommy Schulte ’00 as director of Planned Giving.

In this role, Schulte will oversee development and donor engagement activities of the 1900 Society, working in a coordinated approach that increases philanthropic support and enhances the connection to St. Thomas among alumni, parents and supporters from the extended Eagle community.

Schulte begins his second tenure at St. Thomas since receiving his diploma. He served as Director of Alumni Relations from 2008-2011 after earning his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas A&M University and his Masters of Public Administration from Sam Houston State University where he was a member of the prestigious Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society.

“Finding the right person for this role was crucial,” said Mark deTranaltes ’83, the St. Thomas Vice-President for Advancement.

“When I read Tommy’s application I knew we had found the ideal candidate who could identify with our greater constituency base. “ Tommy spent three years building relationships from inside our alumni network and is

a graduate with a passion for our mission. He understands that a decision to make a Planned Gift is about giving back to an institution that has stood for the principles embodied in our motto for more than 100 years. Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge are not just ideals for the previous or the present young men on campus, but they are principles for the future.

And through this Planned Giving program we can ensure that St. Thomas is there to teach and inspire for decades to come.”

For generations the generosity of devoted alumni and friends of St. Thomas has given rise to the great Basilian institution acclaimed throughout Houston. In today’s environment, making a plan to amplfy the impact of these gifts is more important than ever in helping fund the work of the Basilian Fathers.

“The 1900 Society has always had a stigma attached to it,” deTranaltes said. “Planned Giving has been associated with the passing of a loved one. I want this to change. Sure, many people list St. Thomas as a beneficiary or leave a gift through their life insurance, but the Planned Giving program is about education and then celebration once that decision has been made, not about the events that follow.

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“(President) Fr. (Kevin) Storey put it best, ‘If someone decides to leave you something in their will, they are family’ I couldn’t agree more, so why are we waiting to find out about our extended family only when that person has passed away. I want to meet you now. I want to say thank you for this life-changing decision, and I want to invite you to events planned to honor these gifts the way we recognize all our donors.”

“Planned Giving

enables all who

With a deep background in fundraising, alumni relations, communications and marketing, Schulte is energized to present a range of giving strategies to the Eagle Family where a simple gift that may cost nothing during Tommy Schulte ’00 a supporter’s lifetime can make a transformational difference far into the future of St. Thomas.

appreciate the history of our first

100-plus years to also be a part

of the next 100.”

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“Through Planned Giving our community can have an opportunity to make a lasting impact, to pay it forward, and keep the St. Thomas tradition of outstanding academic and athletic programs strong into the next century,” Schulte said.

“That’s a legacy we all can be proud of. I’m joining a great team already in place, both in Advancement and in the Administration.”

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As a St. Thomas alumni, Schulte holds a deep sense of gratitude for his own Eagle experience even though he is now nearly two decades removed, and the enduring influence it has provided him professionally, personally and spiritually throughout his adult life.

“So much of the St. Thomas brotherhood is the same whether you graduated in 2000 or 1960,” Schulte said. “There’s that bond.

From the outside looking in, you don’t understand it. From the inside looking out, you can’t explain it.”

Schulte is a second generation Eagle, following Tom, Senior ’72, and rejoins St. Thomas after gaining valuable experience as a regional representative for Community and Economic Development for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and then excelling as an Assistant Vice President at First National Bank in Port Lavaca, where he was also a proactive member in the community, participating on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Rotary Club and YMCA. “When I left St. Thomas (in August 2011) I told (then president) Fr. (Ronald) Schwenzer I would never close the door to returning,” Schulte said. “This place is like home, and for a variety of reasons now is time for me to come back home to Houston. I’ve always felt a calming peace about this campus and this community, even as a student.”

Schulte reconnects with his St. Thomas roots as the school readies for the bold Joplin Campus expansion.

“There’s a great anticipation and excitement within our community right now,” Schulte said. “My goal is to reach out to our supporters to identify the exact fit that enables them to provide for their families and also support St. Thomas.

Planned Giving enables all who appreciate the history of our first 100-plus years to also be a part of the next 100.”

Eagle

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Bax ’66 and Zievert ’59 Elevate 1900 Society..................................... p56 Alumni Casino Night................................... p59 In Memoriam................................................ p61

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 55

Eagle

PRIDE “I’ve always considered (an estate) gift of some kind simply because I believe attending St. Thomas to be highest honor and highest privilege I’ve been afforded.”

– Joe Bax ’66

“You find in our society today many who are quick to compromise character, whether it’s individual or institutional, and never is that kind of compromise the answer. Young men of character are needed in every occupation, in every walk of life, now more than ever.”

Bax’s conviction in Basilian education is such that he is joining donors of all income levels who have expressed their wishes for the future of St. Thomas through participation in the 1900 Society, created to honor those individuals who have pledged generous, lasting gifts from a will or living trust, known as a charitable bequest.

“I’ve always considered (an estate) gift of some kind simply because I believe attending St. Thomas to be highest honor and highest privilege I’ve been afforded,” Bax says. “I wish every young man could participate in what I had. Both my wife Michele and I hope that whatever contribution we can make will enable the Basilian Fathers to continue their mission.”

Bax grew up in St. Christopher’s parish, moved with his family to an egg farm near Lake Houston at the end of his seventh grade, and then was “rubbing shoulders with high school classmates from across the bayou in River Oaks and from all across Houston.”

J

oe Bax ’66 can easily relate today’s turbulent cultural times to his St. Thomas years when America was unravelling, ripped apart by fractured extremes, idealism and alienation, riots and rebellion, protests and backlash.

“I can remember to this day Father Alnoch’s announcement during Father Cooper’s Latin class that President Kennedy had been assassinated ... first that the president had been shot ... and then shortly thereafter he had died,” Bax confidently recalls.

America’s cities had become powder kegs then, and now a tumultuous uprising of pronounced divisiveness resonates with political and civil unrest often punctuated by a sharp spike in the contempt that partisans express for their opponents.

The 68-year-old Bax can clearly connect the fraying forces fueling polarizing periods separated by a half century, and has been consistently comforted throughout the divides and debates by a steady internal calm instilled during his St. Thomas experience.

“Ultimately, in a person’s life, character is the only quality that counts. If you’re teaching a young man goodness, discipline and knowledge, you’re going to produce character,” Bax says while referencing the Basilian motto that has served as the school’s bedrock for 117 years.

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He remembers his cast of Eagles “were immediately afforded the respect of a young man but were also expected to carry the responsibilities of a young man. The Basilians were amazing in that respect. To this day it staggers me that they took more than 700 students who were nothing more than testosterone and tennis shoes and molded us into a unified disciplined group.”

From St. Thomas Bax earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1970 and his Juris Doctor in 1972 at the University of Houston, emerging as a managing partner with Hoover Bax & Slovacek where he specialized in real estate law for 23 years until resigning his partnership in December 1994 to return to ranching.

Consistent with the Basilian vision to develop faith-filled life-long learners, Bax received his master’s degree in history from Texas A&M at age 50. His fascination with the Reconstruction period inspired his debut novel The General and Monaville, the story of small-town Brazos Valley life during a time of great change in the post-slavery era. The work garnered top honors at the North Texas Book Festival and a Will Rogers Medallion Award in 2010.

Joe Bax. Scholar. Attorney. Rancher. Author. Eagle for life committed to supporting St. Thomas beyond his lifetime.

“I don’t know if I would have enjoyed the same successes had I not attended St. Thomas,” Bax says. “This school made me who I am. I sleep very well at night because the Basilians taught me how to conduct myself during the day. Not just through academics but accountability. And to this day I couldn’t be more grateful.”

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“The Basilian Fathers made me who I am today. I want to give back so others can benefit in the same ways I did, have the same values instilled in them.”

ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL

B A S I L I A N F AT H E R S • 1 9 0 0

– Tommy Zievert ’59

or much of his adult life Tommy Zievert ’59 has been among the legion of loyal supporters who have remained connected to St. Thomas through annual giving or volunteer efforts.

Now living in The Woodlands, Zievert was born and raised in the Heights, and still holds strong emotional ties to the historic neighborhood north of the St. Thomas campus, and for his Eagle years when the simple yet powerful motto of Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge made a profound impact.

“I feel that spirit every time I come into Houston and drive by the corner of Memorial and Shepherd Drive,” Zievert says.

“It would be tragic if 4500 Memorial was flipped into an office building or something. The memories of my time at St. Thomas are precious. And no one can take them away.”

Because his St. Thomas student experience proved enriching and life-affirming, Zievert is joining a group of visionaries who are investing in the unlimited potential of St. Thomas by including the school in their estate plans, or by making other deferred gift arrangements.

As a 1900 Society member, Zievert has dedicated a planned gift to St. Thomas which will have a lasting payoff for Eagle students deep into the school’s second century.

“St. Thomas has changed so much physically on campus but those core values remain,” Zievert says. “And students are still forming relationships that last a lifetime, with their classmates, with the faculty, just like in my day. I want to invest in keeping that spirit alive.”

Tommy Schulte ’00 was recently named director of planned giving in St. Thomas Advancement and believes “the legacy of those in the 1900 Society cannot be overstated.”

“Graduates such as Tommy and so many others have unique St. Thomas stories that have shaped them throughout their lifetimes,” Schulte says. “As we begin to grow our program, it truly is an honor and a privilege for me to help these individuals tell their stories. The commitments made to St. Thomas by members of the 1900 Society will ensure that generations of future young men will have the opportunity to write their own St. Thomas story.”

Many devoted alumni of St. Thomas have given rise to an authentic Basilian education that promotes in equal measure

acclaimed academics and social responsibility in nurturing the complete student, emphasizing that individual formation requires more than achievement in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, but is buttressed and balanced by investing significant energy and talent for the betterment of their communities.

By making a gift to St. Thomas with a bequest from his estate, Zievert is forever embracing this proud Eagle tradition by extending his support which will help sustain and strengthen the institution’s bold future.

“St. Thomas has always been close to my heart, the education, the experiences,” Zievert says. “The Basilian Fathers made me who I am today. I want to give back so others can benefit in the same ways I did, have the same values instilled in them.”

For help designing a gift to best meet your charitable objectives, as well as your financial and tax goals, contact Tommy Schulte at tommy.schulte@sths.org and determine whether you would like to put your donation to work today or benefit the mission of the Basilian Fathers after your lifetime.

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 57

TODAY Pay cable bil

Buy grocerie

l

s

Remember S

t. Thomas

Plan now.

Give later.

Remembering St. Thomas in your will or estate plans costs nothing during your lifetime, but will transform the lives of STH men down the road.

Contact

Mr. Mark deTranaltes, ’83, P ’10 Vice President for Advancement remember@sths.org 713-341-5557

Learn More

sths.org/remember

58 - Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017

So many of our students could not have the St. Thomas experience without the faithful giving of others. If St. Thomas opened doors for you, consider how you can now open doors for others.

Join the 1900 Society by including St. Thomas in your will or estate plans and help provide affordable tuition, exemplary instruction and spiritual growth for generations of students to come.

If you remember all the goodness, discipline and knowledge that St. Thomas gave you, then please: Remember St. Thomas.

Eagle

PRIDE

awesome turnout

for the annual casino night Great to have so many high rolling card-sharking Eagles returning to campus!

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 59

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GREAT THANKS

TO GREG GATLIN ’98 AND GATLIN’S BBQ For a Royal Flush Feast!

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IN MEMORIAM

=

Michael C. Adamo ’52, February 1, 2017

Paul D. Duport ’54, November 28, 2016

Julia L. Bering, wife of Samuel E. ’32 and sister-in-law of Lawrence ’36, February 1, 2017 Charles A. (Chuck) Butler ’69, father of Charles III ’01, November 29, 2016

Please let the Alumni Office know if an alumnus has passed away.

Call 713-864-6348 x150, fax 713-864-6402, or email alumni@sths.org.

Robert H. Dwyer ’40, February 20, 2017 Thomas C. Gibbons ’65, October 19, 2016

Alan Carr, brother of Rodney ’78, Stuart ’79 and father of Cameron ’11, February 18, 2017 Christopher T. Casey ’80, brother of Timothy R. ’76 and Sean F. ’78, December 15, 2016 John E. Cahoon ’51, December 22, 2016 Richard C. Collura ’59, November 28, 2016 Jeanette A. Cash, wife of John J. Cash ’48, mother of John L. ’75, sister-in-law of Luke A. ’42, March 1, 2017 Dorothy W. Childers, mother of David ’75, Michael ’76, John ’77 and Stephen ’82, February 18, 2017 David A. (Tony) Connelly ’55, brother of Thomas ’49 and Fr. Laurence ’50, January 19, 2017

Robert L. Murphy Sr, father of Robert L. Jr ’69 and Vincent P. ’74, February 21, 2017 Clark G. Musgrove ’57, December 10, 2016

Rose Steil O’Brien, mother of Michael J. ’64 and William H. ’66, March 8, 2017 Joseph Guerrini ’59, MD, February 18, 2017

Fr. George H. Hosko, CSH, former St. Thomas (1985-91) and University of St. Thomas faculty member, December 25, 2016 Rosalinda C. Flores, mother of Joseph G. ’89 and John C. ’91, January 17, 2017 Edith Keating James, wife of Patrick H. ’33, mother of Dr. Robert B. ’60 and Fred B. ’62, December 26, 2016 Richard H. Kristinik ’57, brother of Don L. ’56, Williams C. ’62 and John S. ’63, March 1, 2017

Gilbert A. Machala ’44, January 24, 2017 Mary E. (Betty) Kane Daily, grandClaig P. Meeks mother of Francis R. Daily ’95 and ’79, February 25, John B. Daily ’96, February 28, 2017 2017 Lena M. Dichero, mother of Joseph A. ’68 and grandmother of Robert G. Hoffman II ’01, July 14, 2016

Mary M. Muegge, sister of David C. ’60, December 8, 2016

Elaine M. (Babin) Powell, mother of James L. ’69, February 20, 2017 William E. (Bill) Ryan, father of Michael W. ’03, March 9, 2017 Sister Dorothy Sachnik, CVI, sister of Norman H. ’49, Lamar ’43 and Edward R. ’57, February 18, 2017 William C. Scott ’48, brother of former St. Thomas principal Fr. Walter W. Scott, CSB ’42, November 29, 2016 Joan Roussel Simpson, wife of Thomas B. ’42, December 17, 2016 Sandra Hard Sweeney, wife of Neil P. ’56, November 28, 2016 Eleanora Tamborello, wife of Charles A. ’53, February 10, 2017 Cynthia Vetrano, wife of Emanuel J. ’61, December 22, 2016 Alma Olga Waligura, mother of Charles L. ’62 and grandmother of Eric C. ’95, January 15, 2017 Marjie L. Waltmon, mother of Michael W. ’71 and John L. ’66, February 9, 2017 David R. Woerner MD ’67, brother of Cliff ’60 and Robert ’71, March 28, 2017 Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 61

Eagle

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EAGLE ID CHALLENGE Can you help us identify the people in the photo?

Here is what we know: • This photo appears in the 1950’s yearbook listed as the Booster Club stag party.

• The photo is also credited to Frank Montalbano Photography.

If you know more, or who the gentlemen in the photo are, please reach out to Sebastian Domenech in the Alumni office. 713-864-6342, Ext. 150 or at alumni@sths.org

SAVE THE DATES September 8, 2017............ STH vs Strake Jesuit @ NRG Stadium October 27, 2017............... Good Ol’ Boys Luncheon - Cemo Auditorium October 27, 2017............... Alumni Rooftop Tailgate - STH vs Beaumont Kelly November 8, 2017............. St. Thomas Auction & Gala

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100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50%

SUMMER’S COMING! Let’s turn up the heat.

20%

You can make a difference in the Annual Fund, and more importantly you can make a difference in the life of a young man at St. Thomas.

10%

Donate online at:

40% 30%

Give.STHS.org Or drop off your check at the Business office.

Together We Can Make a Difference!

Thank you

Eagles’ Nest Spring 2017 - 63

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ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL

B A S I L I A N F AT H E R S • 1 9 0 0

4500 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77007-7332 Ph: 713.864.2606 Fax: 713.864.6402 www.sths.org

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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 8550 HOUSTON, TEXAS