47th Annual Sports Awards

Thursday, June 5, 2025

st. francis high school alumni hall theater

To All Loyal Red Raiders,

Welcome to our 47th Sports Awards Ceremony for St. Francis High School. We are excited to take time as we conclude the 2024-2025 school year to look back and acknowledge our accomplishments throughout the year. Our Teams and its members represented St. Francis High School with class and dignity along with a consistent high level of competitiveness necessary to take on the challenges our teams face with their schedules. Thank you for being here and for all of your support during the course of the year. So much of what we do is accomplished by all of us working together to give our guys the opportunity to represent themselves, their families and St. Francis High School. To all of you here and to those not able to attend tonight Thank You for that you have done to support our athletic programs and our student athletes. It is amazing what we can accomplish when no one caring who gets the credit. I am so proud of the men of St. Francis who work day in and day out to make great things possible by working to be the best version of themselves.

Thank you to the Bycina, Jablonski, Pace and Wilson Families for all of your support you give to St. Francis High School with your scholarship awards. Their memorial awards represent the attributes that lead to success not just in the sports or competitions these young men take on now in their High School career at St. Francis High School but to win the biggest game of all life. May the St. Francis brothers of these men whom these awards are dedicated to here tonight appreciate the acknowledgement of their work while representing St. Francis High School. May all of us here take something from their stories to seek improvement in ourselves and carry on the attributes these men represented. May God give them and their families Peace as we remind them here tonight that they remain part of the fabric that is the St. Francis Family.

To the seniors, Thank you for all that you accomplished here in your time at St. Francis. So many of you took on the expectation to be a leader and a foundation for your teams to take on the challenges you faced during the season. Those memories and life lessons will serve you well as you leave St. Francis and strive to find your life’s work. I hope all of you take those steps in your life with the passion and the commitment you gave to our school and to our programs. I hope all of you take St. Francis with you as it remains the foundation of your successes in the Future. Be Humble & Kind.

Nights like tonight are made possible by your support. May our working together continue as we move forward dedicated to our process that sees our young men evolve both in academics and athletics. Thank you to all of our patrons and those who support tonight. None of this tonight is possible without your support. Our entire staff in Athletics is grateful for your help throughout our school along with supporting this evening. We are in exciting times with many changes forthcoming that will help our student athletes have the resources that enable them to develop and grow both physically and mentally. Our coaches remain our best resource as they continue to work to make our men and our teams formidable in our leagues and our area. Thank you for that you do to help our athletes. We remain determined to build off of our proud tradition and look to strive even higher believing in our values and the Franciscan education that is the foundation of our success. Thank you in believing in St. Francis and making this school special. Finally, Thank you Fr. Matt, Mr. Michael Messore and the entire St. Francis Administration who play a vital role in our ability to make these opportunities possible.

St. Francis Pray for Us.

Go Red Raiders!

God Bless

Steve Otremba, Athletic Director

oUr pro GrAM For tHE EVENING

wELCoME ANd INVo CAtIoN

Mr. Steve Otremba . . . . . . Director of Athletics

Fr Matthew Foley, OFM Conv.

. President of St. Francis High School

MAStEr oF CErEMoNIES

Mr. Steve Otremba

prESENtAtIoN oF SCHoLArSHIp AwArdS

Mr. Steve Otremba

Mr. Jerry Smith

Mr. Jesse White

prESENtAtIoN oF LEt tErS ANd SErVICE pINS

Mr. Brian Ferris ’00, HOF ’10

Mr. Jack Panek ’02, HOF ’18

Mr. Bob Hasenoerhl

Mr. Steve Otremba ’90, HOF ’00

Mr. Nate Suchyna ’00, HOF ’10

Mr. Alex Schaffstall ’12

prESENtAtIoN oF tEAM INdIVIdUAL AwArdS

Mr. Brian Ferris ’00, HOF ’10

Mr. Jack Panek ’02, HOF ’18

Mr. Bob Hasenoerhl

Mr. Steve Otremba ’90, HOF ’00

Mr. Nate Suchyna ’00, HOF ’10

Mr. Alex Schaffstall ’12

prESENtAtIoN oF CHAMpIoNSHIp tEAM AwArdS

ANd prESENtAtIoN oF ALL CAtHoLIC/ALL StAr AwArdS

Mr. Nate Suchyna Championship Team Coaches

tHoUGHtS For rEFLECtIoN

Mr. Steve Otremba

A rECEptIoN to FoLLow IN tHE GYMNASIUM

St. FrANCIS HIGH SCHo oL

Red RaideR athletics 2024-2025

administRation and coaching staff

Friar Matthew Foley, President, OFM Conv.

Mr. Michael Messore, Principal

Mr. Timothy Monahan, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Sue Schaffstall, Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Mr. Paul Bartell, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations

Mr. Steve Otremba, Director of Athletics

Mr. Alex Schaffstall, Assistant Director of Athletics

Mr. Nate Suchyna, Director of Admissions, Athletic Trainer

Mr. David Dyson, Athletic Trainer

Cross Country – Jon Kiefer, Kevin Hoak, Alex Schaffstall

Football – Jerry Smith, Steve Otremba, Craig Browning, Mike Chuchla, Scott Greenough, Greg Greenough, Nathan Jobe, Bob Kendall, Matt Davis, Kevin Murphy, Adam Redden, Aaron Glauser, Brandon Bradshaw, Eric Kalinowski

Golf - Chuck Stephenson, Mike Cullen, Cory Cullen, John Tebeau

Soccer – Jason Cretacci, Arek Janiga, Carl Clark, Steven-Lewis Dickey

Volleyball – Andy Lanigan, Bob Hasenoehrl

Basketball – Brian Ferris, Todd Zielinski, Jack Bickerstaff, Alex Davis, Dorion Ivey, Kyle Clifford, Nick Kryszak

Bowling – Jason Cretacci

Hockey – Nik Fattey, Lyle Rocker, Joe Ash, Marc Fattey, Chris Ciamaga, Jack Panek, Kevin Wicka, Mike Rogan, Steve Heatley, Joe Guenther, Steve Monaco, Chris Roswell, Neil McKenney

Hockey Moderator – Jason Cretacci

Indoor Track – Arek Janiga, Bob Hasenoehrl, Alex Schaffstall

Swimming – Sam Hendricks, Brandon Gaspar

Wrestling –Ron Lorenz, Steve Hart, Brad Devlin, Kellen Devlin, Kevin Lucinski, Jesse White

Baseball – Paul Bartell, John Catanzaro, Gary Kaczor, Ed Hoak, Craig Browning, Chris Hoak, Pat Gavigan

Lacrosse – Fred White, Dominic Butera, Aidan Meade, Charlie Webb

Tennis – David Wiencek, Brandon Gaspar

Track and Field – Steve Otremba, Nate Suchyna, Bob Hasenoehrl, Arek Janiga, Alex Schaffstall

Damone Allen V FB

Charlie Allesi V VB, V Swim

Andrew “Christian” Barron V Prep Hoc, V Lax

Oliver Bennett V Swim, V Ten

Henry Bickerstaff V Bkt

Brandon Blaszak V Prep Hoc, V VB

Ryan Borrello V XC, V Base

Andrew Boyczuk V Ten

Edward Bratek V Swim

Thomas Brozyna V Prep Hoc

Memphis Brueckman V Soc, V Lax

Logan Burns V VB

Cameron Bush V Base, V Ind Tr, V XC

Matthew Capozzi V Fed Hoc

Anthony Cervi V Base

Samuel Comstock V Swim

Dominic Davis V XC, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Peyton DePerno V Prep Hoc

Chad English V Soc, V T/F

Lucas Fabianski V Lax

Ethan Farley V FB

Logan Fitzgerald V Lax

Ryan Forringer V Base

CLASS oF 2025

Edward Gauthier V FB

Salvatore Giardina V Bkt

Aidan Goodberry V Soc

Elliot Graham V Soc

Elijah Greenough V FB, V Lax

Landon Guzowski V Base

Maxwell Haggerty V FB, V Ind Tr, V T/F

William Hanson V FB, V Base

Michael Harris V FB

Hunter Held V Soc, V Bowl

Jayse Jemiolo V Prep Hoc, V Ten

Tucker Jobe V FB, V Wres, V Lax

Peyton Johnson V FB, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Robert Karalus V Lax

Matthew Kotlowski V FB, V Bowl

Karol Krzyszton V VB, V Wres

Brayden Mahoney V Soc, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Andrew Markel V Golf, V Fed Hoc, V Ten

Austin McGowan V T/F

Payton Mitchell V VB

Liam Nicosia V Prep Hoc

David Nowadly V Ind Tr, V T/F

Daniel Ondria V Prep Hoc

Dalton Pelow V Ind Tr, V T/F

Nicholas Picone V Golf

Nathaniel Powers V XC, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Connor Quinn V Ten

Theodore Reid V XC, V Lax

Gavin Roberts V Bkt

Waylon Runfola V Lax

Grant Rybczynski V FB, V Base

Zachary Same V Fed Hoc

Kaleb Schall V Golf

Luke Schaller V Base

Benjamin Siler V Soc

Connor Smith V Soc

Christopher Snusz V Base

Michael Stadler V XC, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Maximus Sturniolo V XC, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Jacob Suffoletto V FB, V Base

Joshua Sullivan V FB, V Base

Jack Tebeau V Golf, V Bowl, V Swim

Louis Violanti V Soc, V Ten

Kaden Vitko V Swim

Camden Weiss V Fed Hoc

Landon Welka V FB, V Lax

Tanyon Aquila V Prep Hoc

Nathan Barnas V Soc, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Andrew Boyd V Prep Hoc, V Lax

Zachary Caldwell V Wres

Bradyn Chudoba V Fed Hoc, V Base

Hayden Cole V Prep Hoc

Gavyn Cotter V Fed Hoc

Patrick Coughlin V FB, V Lax

Timothy Coughlin V FB, V Bkt

Tyler Dusza V Prep Hoc

Cullen Edwards V Wres

Andrew Ellman V Bowl

Thomas Fino V FB

Joshua Fischer V Soc, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Connor Flood JV Soc

Christopher Gosciak V Soc, V Fed Hoc

Peter Gow V Soc

Garrick Green V Fed Hoc, V Ten

La’rafus Green V FB, V T/F

David Haj V FB

Larry Hardy V FB, V T/F

Kaden Heidt V Lax

Cameron Hill V Prep Hoc

CLASS oF 2026

Tavio Hoose V FB, V Wres, V Ten

Dominic Insera V Soc, V Bkt, V T/F

Dimitrius Jovic V Wres

Brayden Keppel V Golf, V Bowl

Nathan Klimtzak V XC, V Ind Tr

Logan Knodel V Bowl

Luke Lanning V VB, V Ten

Griffin LaPlante V Wres

Andrew Lindstrom V FB, V Bkt

Jamison LiVecchi V Golf

Troy Massey V Fed Hoc

Timothy McCann V FB, V Wres, V T/F

William Miller III V Prep Hoc

Owen Miller V Wres, V Lax

Gabriel Moran JV Bowl

Andrew Mroz V Fed Hoc

Connor Nannen V Prep Hoc, V Base

Evan Newby-McKinnie V Bkt, V T/F

Dylan Noecker V Base

Evan Noecker V FB, V Bkt, V Base

Mason Nurmi JV Soc, V Swim, V Ten

James O’Brien V Base

Luke Panzarella V Base

Nico Pinelli V FB

Thomas Pivarunas V XC, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Maguire Proulx V Prep Hoc

Brayden Rakoski V Fed Hoc, V Lax

Nathan Reichenberg V XC

Kyle Roth V XC, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Jack Salerno V VB, V Base

Brody Sam V Lax

Cash Sam V Lax

Evan Sampson V T/F

Josiah Schoch V Swim, V Ten

Donovan Schwanz JV Red Hoc, V Lax

Vincent Scott V FB, V Lax

Jacob Shull V Prep Hoc

Joshua Sikorski V Fed Hoc, V Lax

Angelo Simoncelli V T/F

Samuel Skalski V FB, V T/F

Tage Stroh V Lax

Frank Suda JV White Hoc

Liam Sullivan V Wres

Aidan Wallace V VB, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Colton Warner V VB, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Rory White V Wres

Branden Wiepert V Wres

William Wortkoetter V FB, V Wres

Oleg Zaitsev V Swim

Matthew Zielinski V FB, V Bkt

Oakley Adams JV Bkt

Logan Aiello V Fed Hoc

Cam Alessandra JV Red Hoc

Andre Amos JV FB, V T/F

Nicholas Antonelli JV Base

Brady Backus JV FB

Isaac Bennett V Ten

Kaj Benton JV Lax

Matthew Borrello JV FB, JV Base

Chase Bousquet V Golf, JV White Hoc, V Lax

Nathan Brese JV FB, JV Base

Michael Brozyna JV VB, V Ten

Myson Burse JV FB

Timothy Cich JV VB

Cameron Connolly-Seider V Ind Tr, V T/F

Matthew Cook JV Soc

Dominic Croce V Golf

Aidan Curran JV FB, V Base

Colton Davis JV White Hoc

Elliott Davis JV FB, JV Bkt, V T/F

Carter Druzbik JV FV, V Swim

Michael Duggan V Prep Hoc

Reed Eckhert V Soc, V Ind Tr, V Lax

CLASS oF 2027

Joshua Eigbe JV FB, JV Lax

Gavin Evtimovski V Prep Hoc

William Fattey V Soc, V Fed Hoc

Liam Fisher JV FB, JV Base

Jordan Folch JV FB

Mason Fox JV Bowl

Spencer Frangou V XC, V T/F

Nathan Fredenburg JV VB

Sean Gearhart JV Lax

Landon Govan JV FB

Evan Greenough JV FB, V Lax

Reilly Hinman V Golf

Luke Janak V Golf, JV Base

Nicholas Jauch V T/F

Brenin Jemiolo JV White Hoc

Brady Jones JV Red Hoc

Jayden Jones JV FB

Jackson Kalinowski JV FB, JV Base

Bradley Kuter JV Red Hoc

Leonardo LaBelle JV FB

Ryan Lavelle V Swim

Nathaniel Lindstrom JV FB

Jacob Long JV VB

Ethan Marasciulo JV White Hoc

Zakary Massaro V Wres

Ryan McDonnell V Soc, JV Red Hoc

Andrew McElroy V Golf

Owen Miller V Fed Hoc

Everett Mullins V Golf, JV White Hoc

Cameron Munley JV FB, V Lax

Anwar Musleh JV Red Hoc, V T/F

Maximus O’Brien McCarthy JV FB, V Wres

Kane O’Connor V Soc, V Prep Hoc

Evan Pierce JV White Hoc

Cologero Rodo JV FB, JV Bkt, V T/F

Aidan Rogers JV Red Hoc, JV Base

Brooks Runfola V FB, V Bkt, V Lax

Ronald Rytel Jr. JV FB, JV Bowl

Tyler Same V Golf, V Fed Hoc

Matthew Schaller JV Base

Shawn Scott JV Base

Isaac Snyder JV FB, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Shepard Snyder JV FB, JV Bkt, V T/F

Blake Stepniak V Base

Connor Sutter JV Soc, JV Red Hoc,

Nicholas Sweet JV White Hoc, JV Base

Lucas Szczesniak JV Bkt

Kenneth Thomas JV Soc

Lo’Ren Thompson V FB, JV Bkt, V T/F

Lukas Tokasz JV Soc, JV Red Hoc

Zachary Tyszka V VB, JV Bkt, JV Base

David Valdez JV Soc, V Swim, V Ten

Richard Ventry JV VB, V Ten

Noah Violanti V FB, V T/F

Matthew Warnes JV Bkt, JV Base

Gabriel Waterman V Fed Hoc

Ryan Werner V Fed Hoc

Cameron Wiepert V Wres

Broden Winterhalter JV VB, JV Base

Donavin Wittschack V XC, V Ten

Kaiden Wright V FB, JV Bkt, V T/F

Thomas Zawada V VB

Vincent Aeschbacher Fr FB

Luke Anderson JV Soc, V T/F

Bray Babich Fr FB, JV Bkt, V T/F

Rocco Batt V Wres

William Battleson JV FB, Fr Base

Edward Bauerlein Fr FB, Fr Bkt

Ronald Bolognese Fr FB, JV Bkt

Carter Bradshaw Fr FB, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Ashton Brodka Fr FB

Tremayne Brooks JV FB

Anthony P Brown JV Red Hoc

Izuba Balthazar Buhendwa JV Soc, V T/F

Steven Carpenter Jr. Fr FB

Tanner Catrabone V Wres

Jacob Cervi V Golf, Fr Bkt, Fr Base

Jacob Ciamaga V Golf, JV White Hoc

Elijah Clark JV Soc, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Joseph Colantino Fr FB, V Wres, JV Base

Matthew Coniglio JV Red Hoc, JV Lax

Izaiah Cooper JV FB

Thomas Cosen JV FB, Fr Base

Lucas Cybulski JV Red Hoc, Fr Base

Matheu Drewiega Fr Bkt

CLASS oF 2028

Parker Fannan Fr FB, JV Lax

Justin Fera Fr FB, Fr Bkt, Fr Base

Liam Folckemer JV Red Hoc, JV Lax

Evan Frascella Fr FB, V T/F

Kelly Freeman JV Soc, V T/F

Jeremy Gauthier Fr FB, V Ind Tr, V T/F

Samuel Glauser Fr FB, V T/F

Vincint Gombos Fr FB, JV Lax

Evan Graham JV VB, JV Lax

Jacob Hanks Fr Base

Dylan Hartnett V Swim

Justin Hauret JV White Hoc, Fr Base

Collin Heftka V XC, Fr Base

Cole Herc Fr FB, V Wres, Fr Base

Zah’ki Johnson Fr FB

Mason Kendall Fr FB, Fr Bkt

Jonovan Kristan V Wres, Fr Base

Coltyn LeRoy Fr FB

Jordan Lindsay Fr FB, Fr Bkt

Kenneth Litzinger III JV FB, V T/F

Cameron London Fr FB

Trevor Mahoney V Ind Tr, JV Lax

Samuel Mata Fr FB, JV Lax

Thomas McCann Fr FB, V T/F

Dami’on McGrier JV FB, V T/F

Damon McGrier JV FB, Fr Bkt, V T/F

Samuel McLaughlin V Wres, Fr Base

Mason Mitchell Fr FB, V Wres, V T/F

Michael Morgan Fr FB, Fr Bkt, V T/F

Jamar Nevins Jr. JV FB, V T/F

Jakob Nurmi JV VB

Teagan Nyitrai Fr FB, V Ten

Donte Parker V Bkt

Maximillian Phillips V Wres

Aiden Pickard V Swim, V T/F

Camp Pokigo JV White Hoc

Jonathan Quinones Fr FB, V T/F

Isaac Rainville JV White Hoc

Thomas Reaska Fr FB, JV Bkt, V T/F

Jack Riehle JV Red Hoc, Fr Base

Charles Roberts Fr Bkt, V T/F

Dominic Rodo Fr FB, Fr Bkt

Luke Ruszaj Fr FB, V T/F

Corey Sauberan Jr. JV White Hoc, JV Lax

Michael Scerra JV Soc

Cayden Schaus JV VB

Dylan Schindler JV White Hoc, JV Lax

Evan Sedota V XC, JV Bowl

Brenden Skalski Fr FB, Fr Base

Joshua Skarbowski JV Red Hoc, JV Lax

Xavier Stack JV FB, V Wres, JV Lax

Mataio Stampone Fr FB, JV Bowl

Boril Stoyanov V Swim

Michael Szilagyi Fr Base

Stanley Thomas JV Soc

Melvin Tillman Jr JV FB

Noah Venditti JV White Hoc, Fr Base

Jayden Wagner JV Red Hoc

Gavin Walczak Fr FB

Israel Washington Fr FB

Evan Weyer JV Soc, Fr Bkt, V Ten

Jakob White V Golf, JV White Hoc, JV Lax

John Wilson JV Soc, Fr Bkt

Luke Wischman JV Soc, V T/F

Nathen Wloskowicz Fr FB

Michael Zbock Fr FB

SCHoLArSHIpS

roNALd A. pACE

MEMorIAL SCHoLArSHIp

The family of Ron Pace, a 1990 St. Francis graduate who passed away shortly after graduating, would like to present annually a football scholarship and plaque to a deserving graduate.

Ron had a great love and respect for St. Francis High School, and the sports he participated in – football, wrestling and lacrosse. Despite being dyslexic, Ron set and achieved outstanding goals for himself in the classroom and in sports.

This scholarship, therefore, is awarded to a senior who also displays a perseverance in maintaining academic standards in the classroom and also fulfills his desire to compete athletically.

GEorGE wILSoN

MEMorIAL SCHoLArSHIp

GDW

The George Wilson Memorial Scholarship is presented in memory of a long time benefactor of St. Francis High School.

This scholarship is awarded annually with pride by the Wilson and White families.

The scholarship will go to an underclassman that best exemplifies the spirit, hard work and community involvement that emanated throughout George Wilson’s life. This athlete must participate in Wrestling, Football or both and must be well-rounded, have a love of St. Francis High School and maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average.

SCHoLArSHIpS

Midshipman 1st Class

Jason d. Jablonski SALUtE Award

The Jablonski family is humbled to honor their son/brother, Jason ’JJ’ Jablonski, a 2013 graduate and 2018 inductee into the Fr. Rufinus Niedzwiecki Athletic Hall of Fame.

With wholehearted belief that he would not have received an Appointment to the Naval Academy without the education and growth as a young man while attending St Francis High School, JJ was humbly grateful for the opportunities he was blessed with while there including being Yearbook Editor, and a member of the Soccer, Hockey and Track & Field teams.

JJ had the innate ability to be both encouraging and commanding while upholding the hallmark humbleness of a St. Francis gentleman and a US Naval Academy Midshipman. This award will go to a current Sophomore or Junior who best demonstrates these qualities, attributes and skills that made him such an impact on everyone he met, mostly being a respected teammate/leader who made those around him better and a worthy foe feared by opposing teams. This athlete must participate in Soccer, Hockey or both and must be a demonstrated leader on and off the field.

S - Selfless

A - Acts of

L - Leadership to

U - Unite

T - Teammates to

E - Excel

Michael Bycina o ptimist Award

A member of St. Francis High School’s Class of 1982, Michael J. Bycina was a devoted husband, father, son, friend, coach and mentor remembered for his robust personality, strong work ethic, unwavering faith and enthusiastic outlook on life.

An outstanding hockey player, he skated for the Buffalo Regals and Junior Sabres before playing collegiately at the University of Waterloo. Mike went on to play professionally in the Atlantic Coast League, International Hockey League and American Hockey League. In 1985, he participated in the Buffalo Sabres Training Camp after receiving an invitation from legendary NHL Hall of Fame Coach Scotty Bowman. Mike’s passion for hockey was lifelong as he coached in several youth organizations after his career ended, inspiring young players throughout Western New York with his ever-present smile and constant encouragement.

While Mike is no longer with us, his legacy of positivity and optimism lives on through his wife Dina, children Michael John and Allana, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

St. FrANCIS SportS rEVIEw

BASEBALL

VArSIt Y BASEBALL

The Varsity Baseball season was marred by injury with Seniors Landon Guzowski and Will Hanson being either sidelined or not 100% for a majority of the season. Landon led the Red Raiders in On Base % and will continue his playing career at the next level for D’Youville University. Ryan Forringer and Luke Schaller will also be playing at the next level, attending Hilbert College in the Fall and fellow Senior CJ Snusz will take his talents to NCCC to continue his playing career. Senior Jake Suffoletto led the team in hits. Forringer and Junior Luke Panzarella led the team in runs. While Dylan Noecker led the team in batting average and Evan Noecker led in Stolen Bases. Sophomore Aidan Curran emerged as a key contributor for the team and the future looks bright for this young player’s career. Highlights from the season were a season sweep over Timon and wins against Dunkirk and Clarence. While there were some bright spots, overall the difficult weather and injuries were too much for the Red Raiders to overcome, leading to a first round playoff exit.

JV BASEBALL

The JV Baseball Season had its share of ups and downs with the Red Raiders dealing with many game cancellations and reschedules as they dealt with one of the worst springs weather-wise in recent memory. The team was able to bounce back in their series against both St. Joe’s and Canisius, after dropping the first game in each series they were able to take the win in game 2. Individual game summaries are below:

A pocket of favorable weather allowed JV Baseball to begin their season on Monday April 14th. The early season rust was shaken off as O’Hara kept it close in the early innings before the Red Raiders were able to build a 2 run lead heading into the 4th. The Raiders were led on the mound by Matt Warnes with 9 strikeouts and Nathan Brese in relief with 3 strikeouts in the 7th to close out the game. At the plate Zack Tyszka led with 2 hits. Nick Antonelli and Brese each scored an RBI each while Liam Fisher had an infield single and stolen base for the Red Raiders offense.

The JV Red Raiders fell behind Will East 18-4 after 3 innings and could not overcome that lead in a 26-12 loss. Liam Fisher knocked out 2 singles and a long HR to lead the Red Raiders at the plate. Nick Sweet also had 3 hits and Freshman Joe Colantino added 2 hits and scored 3 runs. Each team had 15 hits, but 6 walks and 8 hit batters led to the Raiders demise.

St. Francis took a 10-0 win over the visitors from Rochester. Matt Warnes threw a complete 7 inning shutout allowing only 1 hit. 9 Raiders had at least 1 hit. Matthew Borrello had the only extra base, a long double. On a cold, overcast and rainy day the JV Raiders traveled to Clarence and suffered an 11-1 loss, Despite giving up only 4 hits the Red Raiders walked 10 and committed 5 errors in the field. Kalinowski, Brese, and Antonelli had the Raiders’ 3 hits.

The JV Raiders dropped Monday’s game against Nichols by a score of 2-4. Shawn Scott and Joey Colantino had great games pitching, giving up only 2 earned runs. Leading the offense were Matt Schaller with a double, Liam Fisher with 2 hits and Matt Warnes with a hit.

St. Francis JV Baseball made a trip to Kenmore and came away empty in a 7-0 no hit defeat to host St. Joe’s. The Raiders fell into a 5-0 hole after an inning of play due to 4 walks, one hit batter, and one error. Nick Antonelli came on in relief and held SJCI to 2 runs over 4 innings. Brody Winterhalter shut down the victors in a 1,2,3 last inning. Outstanding defensive plays by Liam Fisher, Nate Brese, Shawn Scott, and Nick Sweet kept the game close in the last 5 innings.

JV Baseball traveled to Kenmore to take on the SJCI Marauders and came home with a 2-1 win. Freshman Joe Colantino tossed 4 innings, striking out 7 batters, and giving up 3 hits to pick up the win on the mound. Matt Warnes gained the save allowing no walks, hits or runs, over the final 3 innings while striking out 4 batters. At the plate the

Raiders were led by Shawn Scott hitting a long double and Matt Schaller’s aggressive base running, scoring from 1st base off a Nick Sweet bunt.

St. Mary’s jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 1 inning and cruised to a 10-0 win over the Raiders. 3 errors in that inning hurt the Raider’s cause early on. At the plate Joe Colantino’s lead off single and Nate Brese’s hit in the 3rd were the only 2 hits for SF. The Red Raiders had chances however, as they left 9 men on base. Aidan Rogers had a strong game in relief tossing 3 2/3 innings allowing only one hit while giving up 3 unearned runs.

The Raiders jumped out to a 9-2 lead and coasted to a 9-5 win over Timon on Wednesday 5/14. Shawn Scott earned the victory on the mound while Nick Antonelli led the winners at the plate, banging out 2 out of the Raiders 8 hits.

SF JV baseball fell to first place Canisius 4-3 in a well played game by both sides. Matthew Schaller came in to pitch in relief of Shawn Scott and kept the CHS bats at bay for 3 and 2/3 innings. Liam Fisher’s lead off single in the bottom of the 7th gave the Raiders new life. Luke Janak’s hard grounder to third allowed Fisher to score from first. The game ended with Nick Sweet stuck on 2nd base.

St. Francis traveled to Coppola Field and handed Canisius’ JV Baseball team only their 3rd loss of the season in a 6-1 victory. Stellar outfield defense by Joe Colantino, Liam Fisher, & Zak Tyzska held CHS at bay. Nate Brese’s fielding at 3rd base anchored the infield defense helping the Raiders to not have any errors. Brody Winterhalter’s relief pitching, 4 and 1/3 innings, allowing only 2 hits while not giving up any runs led to the win on the mound. Fisher knocked out 2 hits and scored 2 runs to lead the offense. The win was the 4th in 5 games over CHS in the last 2 seasons.

FrESHMAN BASEBALL

The team finished the season 7-6-1 which is impressive when you consider the strength of schedule they faced. As a team they had a very impressive BA of .319 which was backed up by very solid pitching and defense. They won games against highly talented competition in Clarence, Lancaster, and Williamsville North. The combination of having strength and talent on both the offensive and defensive part of the game bodes well as they develop into our future Varsity squad. It will be fun watching them grow in Fall ball and in future regular Spring seasons.

BASKEtBALL

VArSIt Y BASKEtBALL

The Red Raiders began the 24-25 campaign winning the Live Like Luca Holiday Tournament with a thrilling double OT win over Williamsville East 63-59. The Red Raiders had nine different players scoring with Henry Bickerstaff and Matthew Zielinski( game tying basket to force 2OT) leading the way with 12pts each. Salvatore Giardina added 10pts( made a basket to send the game into OT), Donte Parker chipped in with 9pts, Evan Noecker had 6 pts ( 4 in 2OT), Gavin Roberts scored 5pts, Andrew Lindstrom had 4pts while Dominic Insera scored 4pts (but had a crucial steal at the end of the game). Evan Newby- McKinnie scored 2pts to round out the scoring. Over the course of the season Junior Andrew Lindstrom led the offense with 350 points, and also led the team in rebounds. Junior Matt Zielinski and Freshman Donte Parker were the next two leaders in scoring while Matt led the team in blocks. Dom Insera was a menace to opposing offenses leading the team in steals while also leading the team in assists. Seniors Sal Giardina, Gavin Roberts and Henry Bickerstaff provided leadership and scoring depth for the team and Juniors Evan Newby-McKinnie and Evan Noecker emerged as key players that look to help the Red Raiders next year. While the season ended in a playoff loss to Park, the team looks forward to improving their result next year with the return of many underclassmen that already have stepped into large roles for the team.

JV BASKEtBALL

The JV Basketball season saw the team go 13-9 in an overall successful campaign that saw players develop throughout the course of the season. Freshman Thomas Reaska emerged as a leader on the team with his play on the court.

Shepard Snyder saw great improvement over the season. Overall the team was affected by illness and was able to maintain a positive disposition throughout the adversity. Leadership from Sophomores like Oakley Adams, Cole Rodo, Lo’Ren Thompson and Zach Tyszka helped the team fight through some of that adversity. Matt Warnes, Luke Szczezniak and Brooks Runfola provided size and strength down low. Kaiden Wright and Elliot Davis brought energy coming in off the bench for the Red Raiders and were defensive stalwarts. Freshmen Ronnie Bolognese and Bray Babich also made the JV squad and played valuable minutes gaining experience. Coach Kyle Clifford was very proud to see all of the individual and team progress over the course of the season and watching the boys always give 100% effort.

FrESHMAN BASKEtBALL

Key contributors for the Freshman Basketball squad this year were JB Wilson, Matt Drewiega, Damon McGrier, Eddie Bauerlein and Mikey Morgan. The team improved massively from the beginning to the end of the season as players like Evan Weyer, Jordan Lindsay and Mason Kendall saw their play improve over the course of the year. Charlie Roberts, Jake Cervi, Dominic Rodo and Justin Fera all had their moments and maintained a positive attitude even when the team struggled against some tough competition. The story of the season was development as the team began playing as a unit towards the end of the year which bodes well for the future of the program.

B owLING

VArSIt Y B owLING

The Red Raiders led the MMHSAA league in scoring average this season, had multiple 1100+ games and a few 3000+ team sets this season, all combining for a 36.5-8.5 record to finish in 2nd place this season. Outside of league play, the team finished 7th at the Festival of Lights Tournament, 6th at the Roy Sommer, 9th at the Quaker Invite, and 2nd at the Pat Kwiatkowski Memorial Tournament.

Senior Jack Tebeau finished his HS career as a 4X All-Catholic, a 2X All-Catholic Individual Champion, a 4X NYSCHSAA State Qualifier and Step-Ladder finalist, and a 2nd place finish in the State Championship match. Season highlights included a 740 at the Roy Sommer Tournament, a 1095 (5-game) set at All-Catholics, and a state high 1126 at the State Championship.

Juniors Brayden Keppel, Logan Knodel, and Andrew Ellman all joined Tebeau as All-Catholic selections this season and at the State Championship. Keppel improved 10 pins on his average and Ellman 15 pins. Brayden had a high 676 set and a high game of 268.

Logan’s highs of 237 & 647 and Andrew’s highs of 226 & 617 contributed to a well-rounded team that achieved both individual and team goals throughout the season.

Knodel finished 4th at the All-Catholic Championship, with his teammate Andrew right behind him in the stepladder final in 5th. The team was completed with seniors Matthew Kotlowski and Hunter Held. Matt’s improvements throughout the season were evident. He improved 15 pins on his average from beginning to end of season and made it difficult to take him out of the line-up. He complemented guys by picking up his game when others were struggling.

After a season that saw the Red Raiders struggle vs. their rival Canisius Crusaders, the guys were able to put heartbreaking loses and ties aside to win the All-Catholic Championship. The guys got out in 1st place in game one, struggled in game 2, but won the title with improvements in game 3 and a huge game 4 to start to put things out of reach. 3 Red Raiders (Tebeau, Knodel, and Ellman) all made the championship finals, with Tebeau winning it for the 2nd time. He stepped up in the 10th frame, needing 2 strikes and count, and rolled XXX to win the title 217211. A 2nd place tournament finish, an All-Catholic Championship, an Individual AC Champion, four All-Catholic members, and 4 guys qualifying for the State Championship all adds up to a successful season.

JV B owLING

The 2024-25 JV Bowling season focused on learning and improvement. But, within the context of learning and improvement came wins, enough to finish the season in 3rd place. Sophomore Ronald Rytel led the team with a 153.5 average for the season. Ronnie had a season high 527 set vs. O’Hara early in the season, which also included a season high game of 188. Sophomore Mataio Stampone ended with a 118.8 average. Mataio found his form during a 4-0 win vs. St. Joe’s where he rolled a high game of 160 as part of his high series of 407. Rounding out the B-squad were Evan Sedota, Gabe Moran, and Mason Fox. All three guys found improvements during the season, with both Moran & Fox improving on their averages between 15-20 pins from the start of the season to the end of the season. The guys represented St. Francis well on the lanes and in the bowling community with their positive attitudes and comradery with bowlers from other schools.

CroSS CoUNtrY

The 2024 Cross Country Team once again finished undefeated atop the League and All-Catholic standings, marking 5 straight years of MMAA dominance. Michael Stadler was the team’s top runner starting the season with his first invitational win at the Grand Island Invitational and capping off his MMHSAA Cross Country career with a 2nd place finish at the All-Catholic Championship. He was joined by teammate Ryan Borrello as a 1st-Team All-Catholic. Sophomore newcomer Spencer Frangou was a contributor all year despite dealing with illness and was the teams 3rd finisher at the All Catholic. He was joined by Senior newcomer Dom Davis and Nate Klimtzak, Max Sturniolo, and Tom Pivarunas as varsity scorers that helped secure the 5-peat at All Catholics. The Coaches would like to thank all of the seniors Ryan Borrello, Cameron Bush, Dominic Davis, Teddy Reid, Mike Stadler, and Max Sturniolo for their dedication and congratulate the 4-year members of the team Bush, Reid, and Stadler on going through their XC careers without ceding a loss to MMHSAA competition.

FootBALL

VArSIt Y Fo otBALL

The 2024-25 St. Francis Red Raider football team embarked on a tremendous journey. The season was one plagued with injuries, illness and basic bad luck. After the 4-way scrimmage against Lancaster, Iroquois, and West Seneca West the Red Raiders were feeling good about their prospects.

Week 1 had the Red Raiders traveling to John Carroll University to face the tough 2 & 0 Benedictine Bengals of Cleveland Ohio, the Red Raiders battled to a 23-17 victory. Landon Welka rose to another level of play as he threw for 2 TD’s and rushed for another. His 70 yards rushing led all Red Raiders. Damone Allen had a Hugh 73-yard reception for a TD along with Ed Gauthier III snagging a TD. Eli Greenough and Tavio Hoose led the defense with 10 tackles each. Captain Will Hanson had 9 tackles, a sack, a tackle foe loss and an interception in outstanding defensive play. The difference was 4 turnovers for the Bengals and 2 for the Red Raiders.

Week 2 on the road again, this time 8 hours away to Ironton Ohio just over the Kentucky border to face the Fighting Tigers. The eventual undefeated Ohio State Champions were too much for the Red Raiders. Giving up 2 fumbles on consecutive possessions which led to a 14-0 deficit before the game was 5 minutes old. On the 3rd offensive drive, Landon Welka was knocked out of the game and Tucker Jobe had to fill in. Falling 56-20 there were not many bright spots. An 80-yard TD run by Damone Allen, a 27-yard TD reception by Andrew Lindstrom and a 50-yard fumble return by Eli Greenough were the ones. Eli Greenough had another outstanding defensive day with 12 tackles and the fumble recovery for a TD.

Week 3 was something else altogether. The Red Raiders came down with a team illness where we averaged 12 players at practice Monday thru Wednesday. We had to forfeit the home gave versus the eventual Massachusetts Overall State Champion Catholic Memorial Knights. In Massachusetts a team must play 8 games to qualify for the playoffs, Catholic only had 7 if we cancelled the game, instead we forfeited and they were able to play and win the playoffs.

Week 4 long time opponent from Erie, Pa. the Ramblers of Cathedral Prep came to town. They left with a 35-21 defeat. The Red Raiders amassed over 400 yards of offense while Prep had 230 yards. Landon Welka threw for 269 yards and 3 TD’s and ran for another 66 yards and 2 TD’s. Damon Allen and Ed Gauthier III combined again with TD catches. Larry Hardy led all rushers with 68 yards on 14 carries. Mike Harris led the defense with 7 tackles and a tackle for loss. Matt Zielinski added 7 tackles. Tavio Hoose in addition to 6 tackles on defense went 3 for 3 filling in for Grant Rybczynski. This marked the first time the Red Raiders beat the Ramblers in 20 years.

Week 5 the Red Raiders traveled down the road to West Seneca to face the Crusaders of Canisius. After defeating the Crusaders in 6 straight games, Canisius finally defeated the Red & White 48-34. It was a battle of the Crusader ground game versus St. Francis’s pass game. Landon Welka threw for 407 yards, 4 Td’s, ran for another TD and rushed for 101 yards. A total of 508 yards by himself still was not enough. Canisius ran for 312 yards. Damone Allen had 147 yards on 6 receptions and another TD. Evan Noecker, Tucker Jobe and Ed Gauthier II rounded out the TD receptions. 3 turnovers lost that the Crusaders converted and poor tackling was the difference. Jacob Suffoletto led the team with 7 tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss. Kaidon Wright and Eli Greenough each contributed 6 tackles. When your defensive backfield are the leading tacklers, it usually means it was a long day defensively, it was.

Week 6 St. Francis returned home to face the Marauders of St. Joe’s. Landon Welka again threw 2 TD’s and ran for another. Amassing over 260 yards of offense alone. Larry Hardy stepped up and ran for his first 100-yard game with 110 yards and a TD. Damone Allen caught another TD pass along with Tucker Jobe. The Red Raiders gained 370 yards of offense to the Marauders 107 yards. Tavio Hoose led the team with 6 tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss. Eli Greenough playing his usual aggressive self was next with 5 tackles.

Week 7 a renewal of an old rivalry, the Timon Tigers strolled into Red Raider land and left with a 50-28 defeat. Welka went 12 of 15 for 212 yards and 3 Td’s. Landon ran for another 40 yards and a TD. Larry Hardy led all rushers with 79 yards and a TD. Tavio Hoose contributed 2 TD’s on the ground along with 5 tackles a sack and 3 tackles for loss. Damone Allen caught 7 passes for 142 yards and another TD. Tucket Jobe and Sam Skalski added TD receptions. Sam Skalski had 7 tackles and a fumble recovery. Kaidon Wright added 6 tackles to the cause. Grant Rybczynski continued his reliable ways going 6 for 6 on extra points.

Week 8 The Red Raiders traveled to Erie Pa. to battle the Trojans of McDowell. McDowell has won the District 10 Championship 4 of the last 5 years. The Red Raiders despite 4 turnovers pulled out a 35-33 victory. Amassing 496 yards of offense with Landon Welka accounting for 357 of those St. Francis dominated at times. Welka threw for 252 yards with 2 TD’s and ran for 105 yards and 2 more TD’s. Larry Hardy nearly broke the 100-yard mark with 93 yards and a TD. Damone Allen led the receivers with 8 catches for 67 yards and 2 TD’s. Several Red Raiders had outstanding performances on defense. Will Hanson and Kaidon Wright had 9 tackles each, Eli Greenough 8, Mike Harris and Tavio Hoose with 7 each. Kaidon blocked an extra point with Noah Violanti recovering a fumble. Grant Rybczynski was crucial with extra points going 5 for 5 proving to be the difference.

Week 9 had an international flare as the Warrior of Huron Heights from Mississauga Canada made the trip south. The Warriors loaded with 5th year players ground and pounded their way to a 61-47 victory. St. Francis was plagued with 4 turnovers again as Huron ran for 584 yards rushing with 0 yards passing. Landon Welka threw for 272 yards and 3 TD’s but was held to 23 yards rushing. Larry Hardy rushed for 2 cores along with Tavio Hoose adding 1. Damone Allen caught all 3 TD passes along with 3 more for 141 yards total. Eli Greenough did everything he could as he has 15 tackles on the day. Willy Wortkoetter added 9 with Kaiden Wright having 8. The double wing offense was unstoppable on that day.

Heading into the playoffs, St. Joe’s came to Athol Springs looking to redeem themselves from their last trip. Damone Allen caught 2 more TD’s along with Matt Zielinski adding one. Damone finished with 104 yards. Damone Allen

held the distinction of scoring in every single game this year. A feat no replicated too many times in the history of St. Francis. The game was a close as the score as the Mauraders won 23-0 on a 31-yard field goal in OT. Despite outgaining Joe’s 272 to 216 and forcing 2 turnovers, the Red Raiders came up just short on 4th and 16 to end their season and give St. Joe’s their 1st victory over the Red Raiders in 6 years.

Despite not being in the MMHSAA Championship game for the first time in 6 years the Red Raiders had a lot to be proud of. They overcame obstacle after obstacle. The team was truly a team as the closeness of the players enabled them to live the next man up mentally. Many different OL combinations, an unusual amount of injuries and illness were overcome. Defeating Cathedral Prep for the 1st time in 20 years and beating McDowell in the same season was a testament to their never say die attitude. The 2024-25 St. Francis Red Raider can hold their head high knowing they left it all on the field. We are all proud of you!

JV FootBALL

JV Football started the 2024 season against Huron Heights from Canada, winning 29-22. Tremayne Brooks emerged in the backfield for the JV Red Raiders and was a force to deal with, but unfortunately missed some time due to injury. The team then defeated Hamburg 18-6 before dropping a difficult road game to Cathedral Prep and stumbling against Canisius to go to 2-2. The Red Raiders then bounced back, winning out against St. Joe’s, hosting a 33-0 rout of Timon, and a tight 20-19 victory against Huron Heights to end the season at 4-2.  Teagan Nytrai, Cameron Munley, and Tommy Cosen were stalwarts on the line while Kenny Litzinger led the receiving core.

FrESHMAN FootBALL

A very resilient team that finished 3-1-1 in their games. They also contributed when possible in the JV games. The outstanding memories of the season are the 2 come from behind final drive wins lead by QB Bray Babich. These kinds of wins showed this group has a no quit winner mentality that will prove vital to being successful as they join the Varsity ranks. The wins came against very talented schools – Canisius, Lancaster, and Jamestown. These young men weren’t afraid to complete against the big schools in WNY and will be fun to watch in the years to come.

GoLF

It was a sound year for the SFHS Varsity Golf Team, finishing in 2nd place with a 7-5 record. With 6 new and improving players joining the squad, this was an impressive showing. 12 players earned their way into the “Starting 8” this season with 6 qualifying for the All- Catholic Individual Championship (Tebeau, Markel, Picone, Mullins, LiVecchi and Schall).

Highlighting the year was Senior standout Jack Tebeau, a four-time First Team All Catholic honoree. Tebeau began 2024 by winning the NYS Federation High School Championship with an even par 71 from the tips of the Bethpage Black Golf course. Tebeau is the only player from WNY and the 2nd player EVER from the Catholic Division to win the prestigious championship. The only other victor from the Catholics was PGA Tour pro golfer, Cam Young.

Other 2024 season highlights include a league low, below par stroke average of 33.4 (for 9 holes) and Medalist honors (low score) in 11 of 12 matches this season. He successfully defended his Cathedral Prep - Patrick Kloecker Memorial title where he bested a field of 120 golfers from 3 states with a 2 day, 5 under par total of 139 at Meadville Country Club in PA and in August became the youngest player to win Men’s Club Championships at both Wanakah Country Club and Crag Burn Golf Club.

Jack finished the 2024 season by winning the All-Catholic Individual Championship, shooting a +2 / 74 to win by 2. It was his 3rd All Catholic Individual Championship in his 4 years at St Francis High School.

In July, Tebeau committed to play Division I golf at Binghamton University.

We say goodbye and thank you to 3 other graduating seniors: Nick Picone, Kaleb Schall, and Andrew Markel. Their leadership and play helped secure a 2nd place finish for the team this season. The team was rich with Sophomores this season with returnees Everett Mullins, Reilly Hinman and Luke Janak and added new team members Chase Bousquet and Tyler Same.

Mullins had an outstanding year with a stroke average in the low 40’s good enough to qualify him for the NYS Catholic Championship in June. Mullins also shot an impressive 84 at the All-Catholic Individual Championship2nd low round for the SFHS team.

Hinman, Janak, Bousquet and Same showed much promise and provide optimism for the 2025 season.

The team added 3 developing Freshman in 2024 - Jacob “Chewy” Ciamaga, Jakob White and Jacob Cervi. All 3 look to work on their game in the off season and fight their way into the “starting 8” in 2025. Coaches will look to Juniors Jamison LiVecchi and Brayden Keppel to step into the shoes of graduating seniors and provide leadership and guidance next season.

Ho CKEY

prEp Ho CKEY

The Prep Hockey Season started in historic fashion as the team began with a European Trip to Germany giving the boys an international experience and allowing them to play high level hockey. The team competed in the MPHL and GLPHL in the Midwest, Northeast and several games in Canada. The team finished with a 5-9 record in the MPHL against top regional competition. Senior Captain Peyton DePerno stated that the team bounced back well from adversity while building a team that saw much turnover from the previous season. Daniel Ondria led the team in points while Jayse Jemiolo, Liam Nicosia, and Brandon Blaszak split time in net for the Red Raiders. The team hopes to build on the progress they made this season and look forward to the 25-26 campaign. Thank you to seniors Christian Barron, Brandon Blaszak, Thomas Brozyna, Peyton DePerno, Jayse Jemiolo, Liam Nicosia, and Daniel Ondria for your leadership and dedication to the team.

FEdErAtIoN Ho CKEY

The Varsity Fed Hockey Team had a successful playoff run that ended in heartbreak at the hands of league rival St. Joe’s. The team was able to hold their heads high after a season that saw improvement throughout the season and culminated in a close OT loss in the MMHSAA Championship game. While the result was not what the team had hoped for, the Red Raiders established themselves as a top team in the very competitive Monsignor Martin Division of WNY Federation Hockey and they look forward to next year hoping to bring a championship back home. The regular season saw the team finish 3rd in MMHSAA standings with an 8-10-0-1 record. The team improved throughout the course of the season and was playing their best hockey when the playoffs began. Sophomore Liam Fattey led the team in points, while fellow sophomore Ryan Werner led the team in goals. Senior Andrew Markel was invited to participate in the Federation All-Star game, while Gabe Waterman was a stalwart netminder, standing on his head to allow the Red Raiders to win the MMHSAA semifinal and having an equally impressive performance to keep the team in the championship game. Waterman was joined in net by Andrew Mroz and Gavyn Cotter. Thank you to seniors Andrew Markel, Matt Capozzi, Camden Weiss, and Zach Same.

JV rEd & JV wHItE Ho CKEY

The 2024–2025 Saint Francis JV season was a rollercoaster from the first drop of the puck in the fall to the final buzzer of the spring. JV Red and White teams showed remarkable determination, teamwork, and passion for the game. Every player contributed to a season marked by wins and losses, important lessons, and lasting memories.

This season was not defined by records but of the progress and development made by our players. Players who began the season learning basic systems ended it executing with confidence and composure. The team’s work ethic was evident in every practice and game, as they pushed each other to improve, supported one another through challenges, and celebrated every small victory together.

This season was led by sophomores like Ryan McDonnell from JV Red and Chase Bousquet from JV White. Our freshmen also made their presence known, freshmen Issac Rainville (white) and Lucas Cybulski (red) made big splashes in their first season of Saint Francis hockey. Lucas led JV red with 18 goals and 27 points, adding another 11 points playing with jv white. Issac finished with 12 goals and 18 points behind sophomore Chase Bousquet who finished with 12 goals and 22 assists. We are excited to see what our players do in their future here at Saint Francis!

INdoor trACK

The 2024-25 Indoor Track and Field season saw several school record breaking performances as the team competed in many high profile meets including The Ohio High School Preview at SPIRE Academy, The Marine Corps Holiday Classic at the Armory, and The Kevin Dare Invitational at Penn State. Low temperatures and persistent snow limited the amount of time available for training outside. Senior Mike Stadler led the way on the track, qualifying for New Balance Indoor Nationals at 800m and the NYSPHSAA Federation Championship at 600m. Mike also broke the school record in the 300m during his debut at the distance. He holds indoor records at 300m, 400m, 600m and 800m for the Red Raiders. Dom Davis scored over 3000 points in the pentathlon at Buff State ranking 3rd in NYS and was 4th in the High Jump at CHSAA. Davis and Stadler teamed up with Dalton Pelow and Max Sturniolo to reset the 4x400m record running 3:29.03 good for 5th at the CHSAA intersectional Championship and breaking the previous record by over 2 seconds. Seniors Nathan Powers and Brayden Mahoney also qualified for the CHSAA Championship with Powers resetting his Pole Vault record and Mahoney entering the top 5 all time at 600m. Freshman Jeremy Gauthier reset the Freshman Record at 55m hurdles and was 1st in the Section 6 Frosh/Soph Championship meet. Several other members of the team saw improvement throughout the season as many of the guys looked forward to the Outdoor season and hopefully some milder temperatures.

LACroSSE

VArSIt

Y LACroSSE

The 2025 Varsity Lacrosse season was a rollercoaster that saw the Red Raiders make a strong playoff run. The MMHSAA had more parity this season than in recent years and after some close losses at the beginning of the season to league rivals, the team rounded into form at the end of the year to make a run for the MMHSAA championship. Unfortunately the season would end in a 4-5 OT loss in the Championship game, however the team still enjoyed success on both a group and individual level. Landon Welka was named the League’s Player of the Year and eclipsed 200 career points, while Brody Sam reached the 500 save mark in goal for his career. Welka was all over the stat sheet throughout the year as were fellow seniors Tucker Jobe and Robbie Karalus. We’d like to thank the team’s seniors for their dedication and their ability to bounce back from adversity, dealing with injury and poor weather and continuing to fight to make a deep playoff run.

JV LACroSSE

The JV Lacrosse season was one of development as the short bench allowed for underclassmen to gain valuable playing experience while improving their skills. The season was an up and down affair as the team traded wins and losses their first six games. The highlight of the season was a 23-5 victory over Timon that saw all members of the

team contribute. Freshman Sam Mata led the Red Raider attack, while Corey Sauberan saw his skills improve over the course of the season and Sean Gearhart led the defense. Josh Eigbe minded the net for the JV squad. The future looks bright for the Red Raiders as they look to continue to build chemistry as a team.

So CCEr

VArSIt Y So CCEr

Playing a schedule in which of the 17 games, 13 were against teams ranked in their respective top-10 rankings, the Red Raiders struggled to a 1-15-1 record overall. St. Francis got the season off to a good start with a 2-1 win vs. I-Prep. Aidan Goodberry got the season started with a two goal performance, on his way to leading the team in goal contributions (5 goals, 2 assists). An exciting 4-4 tie vs. Henninger at the Skaneateles Laker Cup midseason saw Brayden Mahoney score 3 goals, Dom Insera add a goal, and Goodberry added a goal and an assist. Throughout the season the team saw growth from guys stepping up to take on new roles and have the humility to play positions that might have been new for them. Chris Gosciak and Liam Fattey stepped up to form a CB pairing moving forward in the future. Underclassmen Ryan McDonnell & Reed Eckhert found themselves earning more minutes in the midfield as the season went on. Seniors Hunter Held & Connor Smith made great strides, improving their play over the last two seasons. Senior captains Brayden Mahoney & Louis Violanti were versatile in their ability to play multiple positions throughout the season and were constantly motivating the team to stick together and stay positive in the face of many defeats. Kane O’Connor and Nate Barnas did their best to keep the Red Raiders in games in net, with both amassing over 60 saves during the course of the season. With the young talent coming through the ranks from JV, the Red Raiders look to rebound and improve on their standings position next season.

JV So CCEr

For the first two weeks of the season, the JV soccer team trained hard living by the Moniker -“You may out-skill me, but you will not outwork me”. That attitude paid off with the team beating a tough I-prep squad in the first game of the season. Although the season was a roller coaster of wins and losses, this team came together and played for each other. They never quit and were determined to win every game, no matter the opponent.

The most inspiring part of the whole season was when a couple JV players were asked to play varsity for a game and all declined. I was a little surprised because every player wants to hear Varsity wants you. And don’t get me wrong all those boys wanted Varsity too, but they wanted something even more than that. These boys wanted to stay with their teammates and beat teams that they knew they could beat - but only as one. That desire, that dedication, that determination is what helped this group with more games this year than they have in previous years. This bond that they are building may prove to be difficult to break in these seasons to come. Get your popcorn ready. Fun times are coming.

SwIMMING

St. Francis had a strong year anchored by young talent. Freshman Aiden Pickard broke the record in the 100 yard breaststroke 3 times, finishing the year with a 59.00. Sophomore Ryan Lavelle also had a strong year, finishing 4th at All-Catholics in the 50 Freestyle.

At All-Catholics, the 200 yard Medley and 200 yard Freestyle Relays both finished second, consisting of seniors Sam Comstock and Kaden Vitko, Pickard, and Lavelle. The 400 Freestyle Relay finished 3rd, and included Oliver Bennett, Josiah Schoch, David Valdez, and team captain, Eddie Bratek.

Aiden Pickard and Ryan Lavelle travelled down to Long Island to compete in the CHSAA State Championship Swim Meet. Lavelle placed 34th in the 100 butterfly and 38th in the 50 freestyle. Pickard was 7th in the 100 freestyle. He was also 7th in the 100 breaststroke.

tENNIS

The Saint Francis High School tennis team returned to the courts following the Easter break.

On April 22, the Red Raiders fell to Nichols School, but the team rallied with a match win later in the week over the Park School of Buffalo.

Delivering wins in the match against Park were Evan Weyer (at No. 2 Singles), Jayse Jemiolo and Connor Quinn (No. 1 Doubles), and Tavio Hoose and Luke Lanning (No. 2 Doubles).

At No. 3 Doubles, Louis Violanti and Josiah Schoch also prevailed, battling through a second set tiebreak to secure a win in straight sets.

The team returned to action the week of April 28 with a full schedule of match play: losing a close 2-3 match against St. Joe’s followed by another loss in a double header due to cancellations from weather. After dropping their next match to Canisius the team rallied with wins over Gow and Park.

The Saint Francis High School tennis team finished its 2025 season with a home loss on May 6, to Nichols School, followed by a home win the next day against the Gow School. Contributing wins for the Red Raiders in the match with Gow were Evan Weyer at No. 2 Singles, and the Doubles teams of Andrew Markel and Jayse Jemiolo at No. 1, and Connor Quinn and Michael Brozyna at No. 2.

Saint Francis concluded the regular season with a record of 4-6 in the Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association, with match wins posted twice each against the Park School of Buffalo and the Gow School.

On May 10, the team participated in the All-Catholic Singles and Doubles Championships, at Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park. Representing Saint Francis High School were Singles players Andrew Boyczuk and Evan Weyer, and the Doubles teams of Connor Quinn and Michael Brozyna, Tavio Hoose and Luke Lanning, and Josiah Schoch and David Valdez.

Both Andrew Boyczuk and the Doubles team of Connor Quinn and Michael Brozyna advanced to the second round of the tournament.

trACK & FIELd

St. Francis Track & Field won the 2025 All Catholic & Regular Season going 7-0 during the spring. Pivotal wins over Canisius (83-31), St. Joe’s (82-32) and Timon (87-27) enabled the Red Raiders to win the Regular Season for the 7th straight season in the MMHSAA. St. Francis scored 171 points to win the All Catholic Title winning by 88 points over the runner up.

Mike Stadler led the way winning 4 All Catholics & earning an All Time 11 All Catholics in his 4 year career. Stadler broke the school record in the 400m (49.4 May 12 v Canisius) and was one of the top 800m runners in NYS. Dominic Davis set the tone for the team first attitude qualifying in 4 events while scoring 28 points at the All Catholic winning the Long Jump. Dominic is one of the best Pentathletes in NYS with a state qualifying mark of 3106 this spring along with resetting his school record in the 400 IH with his 56.78 at the Dunkirk Invite. Sophomore Kaiden Wright complemented Davis by winning the triple jump placing 2nd & 3rd in the long and high jumps & anchoring the 4 x 100 to an All Catholic win. Junior Evan Newby-McKinnie was the jump groups best high jumper placing 2nd in event clearing 6’0 Mid Distance runners Brayden Mahoney & Dalton Pelow led a mid distance group who dominated in league action and at invitationals. The 4 x 400 relay of Pelow, Mahoney, Davis & Stadler ran 3:26.87 at Falconer to run the 2nd fastest 4 x 400 in school history. Sophomore Spencer Frangou led the distance events with strong effort in the mile and 2 mile while helping the 4 x 800 to All Catholic status. Nate Powers was scoring points at invitationals in the Pole Vault and 110 HH along with scoring in the 200m along with leading off the 4 x 100 relay at All Catholics. The throws saw David Nowadly, Colton Warner and Tim McCann steadily improve over the spring and score big

points in All Catholic including McCann earning All Catholic status. Numerous underclassmen contributed in big ways including Ken Litzinger, Mason Mitchell, Jeremy Gauthier, Nicholas Jauch, Damon McGrier, Aidan Wallace, Shepard Snyder & Isaac Snyder. Tom Pivarunas did an outstanding job in the mile and two mile while versatile Senior Max Sturniolo scored in the 400m and ran the the turn for the 4 x 100 relay. They will be counted on to build off of their strong finish in 2024. With strong efforts in the Frosh Soph All Catholic the Red Raiders have numerous athletes who finished the season competing at their best and will hopefully continue to develop into key contributors at the Varsity Level. The Track & Field program has won the MMHSAA 7 straight years and has won the MMHSAA All Catholic 6 out of 7 years. Along with the athletes commitment to developing and improving Coach Otremba wants to acknowledge the tremendous work by the entire staff (Coach Janiga, Hasenoehl, Schaffstall & Wcislo) who worked to get the team and its athletes to the point were a championship both in the regular season and All Catholic was possible. GREAT FINISH.

VoLLEYBALL

VArSIt Y VoLLEYBALL

With home grown talent, and a continuous strive to cement a legacy, the Red Raider volleyball team exceeded the expectations set for them this season. The season ended with an 8-12 record, 3-7 in the MMHSAA. However, the team had great wins this year against top local competition. Early in the season the Red Raiders secured a victory over top 10 class C school East Aurora, 3-1. They also had great performances against Orchard Park, Hamburg, Will South, and Cardinal O’Hara. The team was led by seniors Charlie Allesi (MMHSAA Player of the Year), Payton Mitchell, Logan Burns, Brandon Blaszak, and Karol Krzyszton. The seniors displayed strong leadership and ability on the court this season. Junior Standouts Aidan Wallace, Luke Lanning, Colton Warner and Jack Salerno also contributed to the team’s success, along with sophomores Tom Zawada and Zach Tyszka. Wallace along with Mitchell and Allesi were named 1st Team All Catholic and Allesi was the first MMHSAA Player of the Year in program history. Wallace dished out 485 assists this season as the team’s setter while Mitchell held down the middle of the court for the Red Raiders. Allesi had 324 kills and was a thorn in the side of opposing defenses all season long. While the team eventually fell to Canisius in the MMHSAA playoffs, the season was a success overall and the returning members of the team look forward to improving in the standings this coming Fall.

JV VoLLEYBALL

The 2024 St. Francis Red Raider JV Volleyball team was a talented group. Jacob Long came back this year stronger than ever to lead the team by example with his passionate passing and hitting while Evan Graham took charge with his setting. Tim Cich and Nathan Freedenburg filled the middle of the front row with their stellar blocks and middle hits. Michael Brozyna always was grinding it out and contributing with his strong play. First year Brody Winterhalter stepped in right away to help lead this team along with the back row/libero specialist of Caden Schaus.

The hard work ethic and determination to get better are what really defined this team. We had success with some of our toughest opponents that we faced this season. The future is bright for this program.

wrEStLING

The 2024-2025 season was the most successful in program history for the Red Raiders as they ultimately ended the season winning the NYSPHSAA Federation Championship and Junior Griffin LaPlante was the Federation Champion at 152lbs marking firsts in both individual and team success for the Red Raiders. The grapplers hit the ground running in the historic season and never looked back, as the hosts won their VinLouie’s Southtowns Duals

Tournament and Followed that up with team victories at the STWOA Tournament in Jamestown, and the Linda C. Knuutila Memorial Wrestling Tournament at NCCC. The team also split their squad over the course of the season sending select wrestlers to the elite Powerade Christmas Tournament with Griffin LaPlante, Tavio Hoose, and Will Wortkoetter all finishing on the podium. The team also dualed Wyoming Seminary, a national wrestling powerhouse, in order to face elite competition in their lead up to their run for a state title. As the postseason began the Red Raiders won their second consecutive CHSAA Duals with a perfect 8-0 record. The Red Raiders went on to win 10 of 13 individual titles in the 2025 MMHSAA All-Catholic Tournament. Some highlights include the Tournament MOW (Most Outstanding Wrestler): Zak Massaro 124 lbs, League Wrestler of the Year: Rory White 160 lbs and Aggregate Pin Award: Will Wortkoetter.

• 10 Red Raiders earn All-Catholic honors

• 101 Tanner Catrabone

• 116 Cullen Edwards

• 124 Zak Massaro

• 131 Kole Haseley

• 138 Max O’Brien McCarthy

• 152 Griffin LaPlante

• 160 Rory White

• 190 Tavio Hoose

• 215 Zach C aldwell

• 285 Will Wortkoetter

• The postseason continued with a school record, 6 individual CHSAA Champions at the 2025 CHSAA state tournament. A total of 11 Red Raiders earned a spot on the podium.

• CHSAA State Catholic Champions who qualified for the Federation Tournament:

101 Tanner Catrabone

116 Cullen Edwards

152 Griff LaPlante

160 Rory White

215 Zach Caldwell

285 Willy Wortkoetter

• Kudos to the Place Finishers for an amazing tournament and season:

124 Zak Massaro - 6th

131 Kole Haseley - 4th

138 Max McCarthy - 3rd

138 Joey Colantino - 6th

190 Tavio Hoose - 2nd

• To cap off the historic season St. Francis took First Place among all teams represented at the NYSPHSAA Federation Tournament. This is the first time in the tournament’s history that a CHSAA Catholic school won the team title! Congratulations to the entire team and the coaching staff. The St. Francis Red Raiders Wrestling team claimed the individual team title with 115-points outscoring Section IX power Minisink Valley’s 104-points.

• NYSPHSAA State Federation Place Winners:

101 lbs Tanner Catrabone ’28 2nd

116 lbs Cullen Edwards ’26 4th

152 lbs Griffin LaPlante ’26 CHAMPION

160 lbs Rory White ’26 4th

215 lbs Z ach Caldwell ’26 7th

285 lbs Will Wortkoetter ’26 3rd

The future looks bright for the Wrestling team as most of the team returns to attempt to defend their State Title. Congratulations on being the best in NYS!

Congratulations to the St. Francis High School

AtHLEtE oF tHE Y EA r

Michael

Stadler and

SportSMAN oF tHE Y EA r

William Hanson

THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT’S HIGHEST AWARDS FOR 2025 WERE PRESENTED AT THE COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES AT OUR LADY OF VICTORY BASILICA ON FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

dIStINGUISHEd AtHL EtE AwA rd

Landon Welka & Tucker Jobe and SCHoLA r AtHL EtE AwA rd Charlie Allesi

THE AWARDS WERE PRESENTED AT THE BACCALAUREATE MASS AT ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2025

We would also like to recognize the

SECtIoN VI ALL-wNY

SCHoL Ar AtHLEtE wINNErS

William Hanson - Football

Jack Tebeau - Golf

HONORABLE MENTION

Charlie Allesi - Volleyball, Swimming

Brandon Blaszak - Volleyball

Cameron Bush - Cross Country, Indoor Track

Dominic Davis - Cross Country, Indoor Track

Chad English - Soccer

Ethan Farley - Football

Elliot Graham - Soccer

Elijah Greenough - Football

Maxwell Haggerty - Football, Indoor Track

Tucker Jobe - Football, Wrestling

Karol Krzyszton - Volleyball, Wrestling

Nicholas Picone - Golf

Nathaniel Powers - Cross Country, Indoor Track

Theodore Reid - Cross Country

Kaleb Schall - Golf

Benjamin Siler - Soccer

Connor Smith - Soccer

Michael Stadler - Cross Country, Indoor Track

Maximus Sturniolo - Cross Country, Indoor Track

Louis Violanti - Soccer

Oliver Bennett - Swimming

Edward Bratek - Swimming

Matthew Capozzi - Ice Hockey

Hunter Held - Bowling

Andrew Markel - Ice Hockey

David Nowadly - Indoor Track

Dalton Pelow - Indoor Track

Gavin Roberts - Basketball

Jack Tebeau - Bowling

*Spring Scholar-Athletes were not announced at time of publication

ALL-CAtHoLIC ANd ALL-StAr

SELECtIoNS 2024-2025

VARSITY BASEBALL

Aidan Curran 1st Team All-Catholic

Jacob Suffoletto 1st Team All-Catholic

Luke Panzarella 1st Team All-Catholic

VARSITY BOWLING

Andrew Ellman 1st Team All-Catholic

Brayden Keppel

1st Team All-Catholic

Logan Knodel 1st Team All-Catholic

Jack Tebeau

All-Catholic Individual Champion

1st Team All-Catholic

MMHSAA High Average

MMHSAA High Series

VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY

Ryan Borello 1st Team All Catholic

Michael Stadler 1st Team All Catholic

VARSITY FOOTBALL

Damone Allen 1st Team All Catholic

Elijah Greenough 1st Team All Catholic

William Hanson 1st Team All Catholic

VARSITY FOOTBALL continued

Larry Hardy 1st Team All Catholic, All NYS, All WNY

Michael Harris 1st Team All Catholic

Tavio Hoose 1st Team All Catholic

Tucker Jobe 1st Team All Catholic

Jacob Suffoletto 1st Team All Catholic

Landon Welka MMHSAA Player of the Year Connolly Cup Finalist 1st Team All Catholic, All WNY

Willy Wortkoetter 1st Team All Catholic

Kaiden Wright 1st Team All Catholic

VARSITY GOLF

Jack Tebeau 2024 Federation Champion MMHSAA Individual Champion 1st Team All Catholic

VARSITY LACROSSE

Tucker Jobe 1st Team All Catholic

Robert Karalus 1st Team All Catholic

Landon Welka

MMHSAA Player of the Year 1st Team All Catholic

ALL-CAtHoLIC ANd ALL-StAr

SELECtIoNS 2024-2025

VARSITY SOCCER

Aidan Goodberry

1st Team All Catholic

Dominic Insera

1st Team All Catholic

VARSITY SWIMMING

Aiden Pickard

All Catholic 100m Breaststroke

VARSITY TRACK & FIELD

Dominic Davis

CHSAA Champion Pentathlon

All Catholic Long Jump

Spencer Frangou

All Catholic 4x800m Relay

Brayden Mahoney

All Catholic 4x800m Relay

4x400m Relay

Timothy McCann

All Catholic

Dalton Pelow

All Catholic 4x400m Relay

Nathan Powers

All Catholic 4x100m Relay

Shepard Snyder

All Catholic 4x400m Relay

Michael Stadler

All Catholic 400m, 800m, 4x400m Relay

4x800m Relay

Maximus Sturniolo

All Catholic 4x100m Relay

Aidan Wallace

All Catholic 4x800m Relay

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Charlie Alessi

MMHSAA Player of the Year

1st Team All Catholic

Payton Mitchell 1st Team All Catholic

Aidan Wallace 1st Team All Catholic

VARSITY WRESTLING

Zachary Caldwell

All Catholic, CHSAA Champion

NYS Federation 7th Place 215 lbs

Tanner Catrabone

All Catholic, CHSAA Champion

NYS Federation Runner-up 101 lbs

Cullen Edwards

All Catholic, CHSAA Champion

NYS Federation 5th Place 110 lbs

Kole Haseley

All Catholic Champion 131 lbs

Tavio Hoose

All Catholic Champion 190 lbs

Griffin LaPlante

All Catholic, CHSAA

NYS Federation Champion 152 lbs

Zak Massaro

All Catholic Champion 124 lbs

Max O’Brien-McCarthy

All Catholic Champion 138 lbs

Rory White

All Catholic, CHSAA Champion

NYS Federation 4th place 160 lbs

Willy Wortkoetter

All Catholic, CHSAA Champion

NYS Federation 3rd place 285 lbs

St. FrANCIS HIGH SCHo oL CHAMpIoNSHIp tEAMS 2024–2025

Congratulations on Being the Best CroSS CoUNtrY

MMHSAA Regular Season Champions & All Catholic Champions

Head Coach: Jon Keifer

Asst. Coaches: Kevin Hoak, Alex Schaffstall

St. FrANCIS HIGH SCHo oL

CHAMpIoNSHIp tEAMS 2024–2025

Congratulations on Being the Best VArSIt Y wrEStLING

NYSPHSAA Federation State Champions

MMHSAA Regular Season, CHSAA Duals Champions

Head Coach: Ron Lorenz

Asst. Coaches: Steve Hart, Jesse White, Brad Devlin, Kellen Devlin, Kevin Lucinski

St. FrANCIS HIGH SCHo oL CHAMpIoNSHIp tEAMS 2024–2025

Congratulations on Being the Best

BowLING

MMHSAA

Head Coach: Jason Cretacci

St. FrANCIS HIGH SCHo oL

CHAMpIoNSHIp tEAMS 2024–2025

Congratulations on Being the Best

VArSIt Y trACK

& FIELd

MMHSAA Regular Season & All Catholic Champions

Head Coach: Steve Otremba

Asst. Coaches: Bob Hasenoehrl, Arek Janiga, Alex Schaffstall, Nate Suchyna

St. FrANCIS AtHLEtIC HALL oF FAME

Dedicated to the Memory of the VeRy ReV. Rufinus niedzwiecki, ofm conV.

The Very Rev. Rufinus Niedziecki Memorial Sports Hall of Fame at St. Francis High School is named after one of Western New York’s legendary sports figures. In over twenty years at his alma mater, St. Francis High School, Father Rufinus built a reputation as one of the area’s finest and most knowledgeable coaches. His basketball teams always enjoyed winning seasons and won numerous Manhattan Cup titles; and his baseball teams were an annual fixture in the Georgetown Cup championships. Besides compiling one of the best records of any coach in the area, his astute administrative abilities led to the building of one of the finest athletic programs in the region a St. Francis.

An outstanding basketball and baseball player, Father Rufinus was a member of the first class to graduate from St. Francis in 1931. Known as a stern disciplinarian, Father “Rufe” is best remembered by his players as a gentle and kind person who was deeply concerned about every young man he coached. In 2002, Fr. Rufinus was inducted in the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame.

ST. FRANCIS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

1977

Rev. Rufinus Niedzwiecki, OFM Conv., ’31

1978

Adolph Trznadel ’45

Steve Aalasny ’57

Edward Maj ’58

Gerald Morawski ’63

Mark Finucane ’74

1979

Joseph Mikulewicz ’51

Stephen Mandy ’55

Leroy Majtyka ’58

Peter Compisi ’65

Gerald Martin ’74

1980

Walter Myslewski ’47

Joseph Plawecki ’48

James Burka ’53

Michael Hoak ’70

Greg Andzel ’74

1981

Fr. Ignatius, OFM Conv. ’31

Joseph Melerski ’52

Sephen Hetey ’55

Gary Kaczor ’76

1982

Fr. Joseph, OFM Conv. ’31

Tony Harasimowicz ’54

Edward J. Hoak ’68

Harold Summar, Jr. ’75

Coach Ed DeJoy

1983

Arthur Cholewinski ’53

John J. Kubitsy ’53

Stan A. Buczkowski ’54

James J. Michalek ’59

William G. Wilson ’75

1984

Henry J. Jankowski ’42

Leonard Paczesnik ’50

Anthony Paliwoda ’62

Mark Dietrick ’73

Coach Walter Andzel

1985

Ronald M. Bielicki ’50

Frank E. Mormul ’51

John J. Kaczor ’51

Donald W. Shinners ’73

John L. Mastrantoni ’76

1986

Fr. Adrian, OFM Conv. ’35

Robert E. Roth ’72

Bruce A. Sage ’77

Michael C. Leavell ’80

1987

Joseph Jastrzemski ’46

Anthony Compisi ’60

Robert Martin ’61

Fr. Jude, OFM Conv. ’66

Jim Boland ’68

Matthew “Jerry” Glavy ’81

1988

Joseph Dudas ’49

Kenneth Rollek ’62

Clair A. Montroy III ’68

Daniel J. Neaverth ’78

Joseph Laipple ’81

Coach Ray Karney

1989

Leo Nowak ’45

Victor Salasny ’58

Jerome Kornowicz ’63

William Jaworski Jr. ’83

Gerald Courier ’83

Michael Laipple ’83

1990

Chris Patton ’74

Jeff Bryk ’80

Jeff Zern ’82

Kevin Jerge ’82

Scott Slade ’82

E.J. Pfister ’84

1991

Joseph H. Stein ’59

Larry Simcox ’61

George Kontrabecki ’62

John Buczkowski ’63

Gerald McEnearney ’64

1992

Leonard S. Pittner ’47

Felix A. Wasiak ’48

Jerry Gorczyca ’73

Matthew Jaworski ’85

Mark Joseph Diebold ’85

Coach John Courtney

1993

Richard Dompkowski ’56

Jeffrey J. Blair ’77

James Bochenski ’77

James J. Donovan ’78

Daniel B. Mayer ’78

Cleophus J. Weeks ’78

1994

Fr. Maurice Piszczatowski, OFM Conv. ’46

Henry Wargula ’56

John P. Cisek ’61

Richard A. Cisek ’61

Henry T. Pietraszek ’64

Eric R. Karney ’87

1995

Michael R. Dylik ’74

Doug Giacomoni ’79

Ross Mancuso ’84

William Laipple ’86

Daniel P. Bohen ’88

1996

Eugene Dudas ’52

Richard Powers ’54

Edward W. Halady ’79

Robert T. Domon, Jr. ’84

John X. Dantonio, D.D.S. ’87

John C. Feltz ’88

Thomas P. Pasternak

1997

Joseph John Helak ’48

Scott Andrew Allan ’89

Sean Patrick Muldowney ’89

David Michael Hack ’90

James Kubiak ’90

1998

William R. Walsh ’78

Michael E. Hartnett ’84

Kevin M. Degnan ’86

Marc G. Calveric ’90

Christopher M. Dantonio ’90

1999

1946 Inaugural Football Team

Robert Pacholski

2000

1950 Golf Team

Carlos Justinaino ’69

Paul Bartell ’88

Steve Otremba ’90

2001

Christopher Polian ’89

Anthony C. Fest ’91

Scott J. Taylor ’92

Larry Tyger ’93

John Scibetta

Jerry Smith

2002

Donald Sheff ’72

Dennis H. Hoak ’73

George Kline ’82

Joseph Volpe ’85

Michael A. Messore ’91

William Joshua Davies ’93

2003

Ron Curry ’66

Jim Popielinski ’70

Christofer C. Fattey ’96

2004

Michael Patrick Fitzgerald ’66

John Conmy ’88

Brian Polian ’93

Brian Daboll ’93

2005

Robert Panek ’57

Matt Pawlikowski ’88

Mark Drabik ’94

Jesse White ’95

2006

ST. FRANCIS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Jim Chojnacki ’91

Chris Pasternak ’91

Dan Okoniewski ’95

Coach John Bowers

Fr. Joseph Benicewicz, OFM Conv.

2007

Brian Attea ’85

Bob D’Orazio ’87

Jason Cichocki ’92

Peter Cavaretta

Dr. Leo Michalek

2008

David Caldwell ’92

Matt Davis ’92

Nicholas Fattey ’97

Craig Austin ’98

Fr. Charles Jagodzinski, OFM Conv.

2009

Frank Tabaczynski ’94

Tom Bestpitch ’96

William Mariani ’98

Coach Joe Molloy

2010

Gil Alba ’61

Korry Miller ’93

Cort Knodel ’93

Brian Ferris ’00

Nathaniel Suchyna ’00

2011

James Cullen ’81

Gary Cullen ’83

Peter Sartori ’84

Patrick Cullen ’85

Gaeton Camillo ’99

Kevin Van Remmen

2012

Ed Hoak, Jr. ’93

Dave Ferris ’02

Kiel Illg ’02

Mike Radon ’02

Kyle Smith ’02

2013

Andrew Degnan ’91

Patrick Lalley ’93

Patrick Hylant ’97

Nicholas Zieziula ’01

Thank You

2014

Terence Waldorf ’87

Mark Dantonio ’93

Brian Mata ’99

Vincent DeMarco ’04

2015

John A. Compisi ’66

Jason Blatner ’98

Todd Kane ’99

Scott Greene ’01

2016

Dallas Pelz ’99

Jim Negrych ’03

Christopher Smith ’05

2017

Daniel J. Kick ’02

Adam Haas ’03

Rick Lynch ’03

Brian Haas ’07

2018

Kevin Hoak ’99

Andy Lanigan ’02

Doug Worthington ’05

+Jason “JJ” Jablonski ’13

2019

Anthony Day ’09

Zak Kedron ’05

Kevin Roth ’07

Vinny Scarcella ’07

2022

Gregory A. Pivarunas ’06

Dan J. Puckhaber ’99

Nicholas Suchyna ’03

Tom Telesco ’91

2023

Ilio DiPaolo ’06

Lucas Tasker ’09

Brent Titus ’06

Jon Van Remmen ’08

2024

1974 Inaugural Hockey Team

Jacob A. Dylik ’08

Adam Redden ’10

Red Raider Super Patrons

Dr. Brian Mata ’99

Queen City Foods

VinLouie’s Pies on Five

Fattey Beer Company

Hoak’s Lakeshore Restaurant

Steve Otremba ’90

Nate Suchyna ’00

Red Raider Patrons

Andy and Jen McCann

Alex P. Schaffstall ’12

CLASS oF 2024

HALL oF FAME INdUCtEES

1974 VArSIt Y Ho CKEY tEAM

With the founding of the Buffalo Sabres in 1970, all of Western New York was in the throes of hockey fever. Lou Billittier Jr. ’77 and Joe Dotterweich ’76 caught the bug and brought their passion for the game with them to St. Francis High School. Both became avid Sabres fans and these self-described “pond hockey scramblers” approached administration about establishing a school team for the 1973-74 season as they and many other St. Francis students had expressed an interest in hockey. The duo must have been persuasive, as administration reluctantly agreed-on the condition the team find an unpaid coach and funding for equipment and ice time. The young men’s fathers, Lou Billittier Sr. and Gus Dotterweich, quickly threw their support behind their sons and the program and made St. Francis High School hockey a reality. At the behest of Fr. Xavier, Timothy McNamara ’74 approached his father, Mr. Bill McNamara, a seasoned hockey coach in the Buffalo Regals organization, to ask that he lend a hand with the budding St. Francis program. Mr. McNamara agreed, lending valuable instruction and careful supervision over the next months. As the fall season approached, three more coaches would step forward and volunteer to meet the campus’ growing hockey needs, namely – Mr. Gus Dotterweich, Mr. Thomas Cooper, and Mr. Robert Blake. Fifty years later, the contributions of Bill McNamara, Lou Billittier Sr. and Gus Dotterweich are evident. Their efforts not only led to St. Francis High School formally recognizing hockey as an interscholastic sport for the 1973-1974 school year, but also laid the foundation for the school’s highly regarded hockey program.

Excerpts taken from The Tau 2018 contributed by Marc Fattey ’99. Special thanks to Lou Billittier ’77, Joe Dotterweich ’76, Henry Grzes ’74 and Judy Griggs for their contributions to that article.

CLASS oF 2024

HALL oF FAME INdUCtEES

AdAM rEddEN ’10

Adam Redden, a 2010 graduate, excelled in both Football and Track & Field during his time at St. Francis. He was a First-Team All-Catholic in Football each of his 4 seasons playing. He was a 3-year Captain while being named team MVP during his senior year. He helped the Football Team to win two Championships during his tenure. Adam was an All-Catholic Champion for the Track & Field Team his Senior year. As a senior, he won the High Jump and Long Jump and took second in the Triple Jump and Discus Throw. He also set the school record in the High Jump at 6'4" and was a Scholar-Athlete Finalist in 2010. After his graduation at St. Francis Adam received a full athletic scholarship to play Division 1 FBS Football for the University at Buffalo Bulls where he graduated with a B.S. in Neuro & Behavior Psychology with a minor in Pharmacology & Toxicology. In his senior season with the Bulls he had 78 tackles with 14.5 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. He then spent time with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints (2014) and the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders (2014-2015). While studying Pre-Med at Pforzheim University in Germany, Adam led the GFL’s Pforzheim Wilddogs to a national championship and was named the League MVP for 2017. Adam currently works in surgical sales at Prodigy Surgical. When asked about coaches that impacted him at St. Francis Adam listed Jerry Smith and Steve Otremba, for being mentors who reflected profound character shaped by perseverance, when faced with true adversity. And he remembers from his time walking the halls of St. Francis arriving on campus daily, knowing there existed a family composed of administration, faculty, coaches, teachers, and brothers who believed in and supported him. When asked about the impact of interscholastic sports Adam referred to them as “a staple necessary for life”. Adam is an assistant coach with the Varsity Football Team. Adam is also the President/Co-Founder of Next Generation: A non-profit organization in the City of Buffalo that supports youth academically & families in need.

CLASS oF 2024

HALL oF FAME INdUCtEES

JACoB A. dYLIK ’08

Jacob A. Dylik a 2008 graduate from St. Francis High School was awarded Man of the Year for his graduating class. His father Michael R. Dylik was named man of the Year in 1974. With Jacob winning the Man of the Year in 2008, they became the first father and son to be awarded this distinction from St. Francis High School. Jacob now joins the Athletic Hall of Fame as his Father did in 1996. Jacob still holds the 400m school record at St. Francis and was the first runner to break the 50 second mark in the race for the Red Raiders running 49.84 as a Senior at the NYS Championship in 2008. He won All-Catholic Titles on the Track in ’06, ’07, and ’08 and was a Second-Team All-Catholic selection in Soccer in the Fall of ’07. Jacob was a captain for the Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field teams as a Junior and Senior, and captained the soccer team as a Senior. As a senior Jacob also set the 300m school record during the indoor season. He was a 3x CHSAA Championship qualifier and 1x NYS Championship Qualifier. Jacob attended La Salle University, graduating in 2012, Magna Cum Laude, with a Communications Degree. He competed in Division 1 Track & Field and Cross Country at La Salle from ’08 -’10 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. More recently he was competing in the Florida Grid League - Semi-Pro CrossFit Team Series (2018-2021). Since January 2016 he has been the Co-Owner & Operator of Bloodline CrossFit in Lehigh Acres, FL with his brother Zach Dylik (SFHS Class of 2010). Jacob married Ranna Okab of Ocala, FL in September of 2023. When asked what coaches had a positive impact during his time at St. Francis he listed Coach Otremba for seeing his potential and challenging him every day to grow more competitive, Coach Wcislo for teaching him to have perspective and approach the mental component of competing, and Coach Nate Suchyna for showing him that coaches can go beyond their obligatory mandate and give extra time and care. When asked about the importance of athletics Jacob responded “Athletics challenges young men to face adversity, strive for goals, experience success and failure, and persevere. Athletics serves as an early foreshadowing of how hard work pays off - that nothing is given, it’s earned - and that the bigger your goals, the harder you work.”

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