Spring 2009
Published for the Friends of St. Francis High School
Features
From The President
Our Fathers... Our Friars Pgs. 4-5
pring has finally arrived in Athol Springs! With the coming of spring, a dramatic change of color occurs from the less than white snow of winter to a vibrant green. As many already know, St. Francis had a deep love and respect for all creation. Creation is God’s gift to us all, from the simplest to the most complex drawing each of us closer to God, helping us to praise His wonder in all created things. At long last, the world may be catching on to what St. Francis already knew that what has been created by God needs to be valued and protected by all. In our small way St. Francis is joining the movement to go green. Through the initiative of two of our science faculty and a group of dedicated students we have begun a major recycling program. We now have our own recycling center for paper and plastic on campus, a small beginning, but a way to start making everyone here a little more conscious of our responsibility to protect our environment. We felt that it was our duty and responsibility to implement a recycling program here at St. Francis High School for many reasons, and in particular, to honor St Francis who is the patron of Ecology and the Environment.
Alumni News & Notes Pgs.8-9 Going Green Pgs. 12-13 Winter Sports Pg. 14
Spring 2009
Published for the Friends of St. Francis High School
Pictured on the Front Cover: Members of the Environmental Science Club who have spearheaded the recycling efforts on campus. The Club Logo was designed by Marcio Vieira.
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We are already seeing the benefits of this program, not only in the reduction of the trash we produce, but also in the educational value the program has provided to our young men. Our recycling program also provides us with the opportunity to place our Mission Statement in the mind of our young men and their responsibility to use their knowledge for the good of society. (Please read the feature article “Going Green” on pages 12 & 13.) Spring also marks the beginning of change to our student body. We welcome the class of 2013 as we say goodbye to the class of 2009. It is a busy and exciting time of the year, getting ready for the incoming freshmen and making final preparations for Commencement Exercises for the seniors, who will graduate on May 29th at Our Lady of Victory Basilica. . Our Fund-raising year is also drawing to a close. Justinian XXVIII was very successful and I want to thank all of you who were in any way a part of it. Also, I would like to remind all, if you haven’t sent you Annual Giving donation in yet, there is an envelope in this quarterly for your convenience. Donations must be received by June 30, 2009 to be counted for this fiscal year. Finally, as we continue to make plans for the future and to continue our going green efforts I would like to announce that next year this magazine will be published only three times a year and consequently, we are changing the name of the Quarterly to The Tau, the cross St. Francis used as his crest and signature. Our first issue this fall will detail the changes we’ll make. May the Lord bless and keep you. May He show His face to you and be merciful to you. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of St. Francis High School.
Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv. President
Tony’s Topics
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n the last quarterly I wrote about planning and tying it to the aspect of planned giving. I touched on giving to a special organization or cause. Did you know that making a bequest is as simple as inserting the following sentence into your will? “I, [name] of [city, st, zip], give, devise and bequeath to St. Francis High School, [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of the property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.” That’s all that is needed to leave a lasting legacy. There are many ways to help. Other gifts of appreciated property, such as securities and real estate, may be given to St. Francis High School and will benefit the school and can help avoid capital gains tax. A life insurance policy is no longer required for payment of estate taxes or other needs may be another resource to consider when planning a gift to St. Francis High School. Giving through a living trust is still another way to provide for the management and future distribution of your assets while reducing the cost of probate. Gifts from retirement plans can be a convenient way to make a gift to the school while reducing or eliminating both estate and income taxes. There are many ways to fulfill your long term financial goals and be able to help your favorite charities like St. Francis. As with any planning, you should check with a qualified financial professional for the latest tax planning opportunities. Please know that any and all help that you
Tony Kosowski '75
give to our school helps us continue to provide a Franciscan education to as many young men as possible.
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id you ever dream of being in between the home and away bleachers at our school, on the gridiron ready to be a star? Well here is your chance, the 3rd Annual Alumni Association Bocce Ball Tournament will be held on June 6 at noon. This year it will be played out on the football field. Okay, so you won’t need pads or a lacrosse stick or shin guards, and maybe it’s not the way you dreamed of being a star, but it will get you on the field and all you need is a team of four players. Don’t worry about being good; after all I play in it. You may be interested to know I had my bocce ball re-drilled just for this tournament! Check your mail for the entry form or visit our website.
July 9,
2009 is the date. Get your fist pump ready, work on your hook, correct your slice, and get that short game in order. The 25th St. Francis Alumni Association Golf Tournament takes place on this date. Once again it will be held at Terry Hills Country Club in Batavia. Get your foursome together early as this 25th Anniversary Year promises to be a sellout. Check your mail for the entry form or visit our website. The St. Francis High School website is updated regularly and has all the latest school and alumni news. It is a great resource for all the sports teams, fine arts programs, and reunion information. Check it out at
www.stfrancishigh.org. As always, if you are ever in the area please stop in for a visit and a tour.
Saint Francis Quarterly Vol. 16 - No. 3
Published quarterly each year by the Saint Francis High School Office for Institutional Advancement 4129 Lake Shore Road Athol Springs, NY 14010-0185 www.stfrancishigh.org 716-627-1200 We welcome your comments... schaffstalls@stfrancishigh.org
Sue Schaffstall Editor & Director of Communications
Matthew Gorczyca’09 Feature Writer
Jerry Gorczyca’73 Tony Kosowski’75 Sue Schaffstall Yearbook Staff Photographers Pam McDonnell Kathy Hahn Fr. Justin Ross Proofreading
Our Fathers...Our Friars
Feature By Matthew Gorczyca ’09 On November 25, 1926 Saint Francis High School was formally dedicated as a college-preparatory school for young men under the leadership of the Conventual Franciscan Friars. The Friars have been the leaders of the school, instilling the Franciscan values of compassion, humility and integrity through strong academics, competitive athletics and stimulating arts. Saint Francis could not have built such a great legacy of fine gentlemen over its more than 80 years of existence without the Franciscan Friars. After writing my first article for the Saint Francis Quarterly, I was given a little freedom with choosing a topic for the spring edition. It didn’t take me long when I decided what I would take on. After writing about dads and their sons, I figure it would be most fitting to focus an article on the Fathers we all look up to here at Saint Francis. Alumni as well as current students can attest that these men stand for unique crafts, but one single message that truly personifies the renowned vision of Father Justin Figas.
that allowed him to have fun. For the same reason he believes athletics are important in young people today, especially in boys. Fr. Charles went on to say that athletics allow boys to become men because in a sense they can grow through this forum. He says that athletics allow boys to prove themselves in a competitive way, as well as gain camaraderie with teammates throughout their years. Fr. Charles notes that with a strong athletic program, there is no doubt that the young men of Saint Francis High School will be blessed with a hardworking spirit and long-lasting friendships. Fr. Charles was recently inducted into The Very Rev. Rufinus Niedzwiecki, OFM Conv. Memorial Sports Hall of Fame. Fr. Charles says he loves high school sports and prefers them over professional sports. “High school sports aren’t corrupted by money. You have good, young athletes that compete simply for the glory. They are motivated to do their best and be the best.”
The first Friar I spoke with was Fr. Charles Jagodzinski. Many of the current students know him as the Campus Minister, but most importantly he has been an advocate for the athletic program. No matter what sport, Fr. Charles is at just about every game cheering on the Red Raiders. Fr. Charles is inducted into the Athletic Hall of fame
Fr. Charles & Alverna Students
When I asked Fr. Charles what the power of athletics has meant to him, he responded by saying that athletics has always been a part of his life. As a kid he was very active, and found any type of sport as a release
Next, I met with Fr. Mark David Skura. Everyone knows Fr. Mark David best as the director of our school’s theatrical productions. He’s the face that many associate with the Fine Arts Department when deciding to come to Saint Francis. He is remembered by those who graduated as a man with a creative spirit. When I asked Fr. Mark David if the Fine Arts had always been a part of his life he said, “Not until after high school. When I was here it was more of a jock school, but soon after I left, the Fine Arts were really introduced and it took off quite rapidly. I think it’s something the school really needed.” Now, Saint Francis High School has a Fine Arts Department that many high schools dream of and even some colleges envy.
Graduation 1971
themselves. He finds the most rewarding part of his job meeting those students who give all their effort to a performance. Whether it is on stage or in the classroom, he truly loves seeing students who challenge themselves and put in a vast amount of effort in the field of arts. He notes that the artists he has come across have impacted him as well. No matter if it is students or staff members, he learns something from everybody. Fr. Mark David says he has interacted with so many talented people and that each person is unique and brings something to the table. He can’t help but take a part of them with him.
While he remarks that not everyone can excel in the classroom, there is something here for everyone; a place where each student can shine because of what has been built by the Friars and carried out by alumni, faculty, family and friends.
Fr. Mike stated, “The reason we offer a wide range of activities is because it is very Franciscan. We want to allow students to explore all opportunities and help shape them into Renaissance Men.” These men are just representatives of the many friars and brothers that have been a part of the Saint Francis community. Recently we here at SFHS have been blessed with the arrival of Fr. Justin Ross who we were introduced to in the last issue of The Saint Francis Quarterly. These men stand for different aspects of Saint Francis life, whether it is academics, arts, athletics, or student life there is no doubt that these men have carried on and carried out the vision of Fr. Justin Figas. What I found most profound from these interviews was when I asked each of these men who was a strong influence in their lives they didn’t hesitate to say the Franciscan Friars that surrounded them during their high school years. We are young men that have been influenced by their Franciscan values and their unique talents as well. In fact Fr. Charles, Fr. Mark David, Fr. Mike and Fr. Justin as well as the many friars that have passed through our halls have opened our eyes to ourselves, those around us, and more importantly, our God. For this we thank you so very much. Fr. Justin teaching Class
Fr. Mark David at the 2008 Fine Arts Awards Banquet
Finally I met with Fr. Michael Sajda. Fr. Mike is best known as the President of Saint Francis High School, but previously he was our school’s principal. As the leader of our school Fr. Mike notes that his job isn’t the easiest, but one he does enjoy. He looks at his job as a service to his Province and SFHS. He says as an educator, he along with the friars here can give more to people that a typical parish priest can. This is why Fr. Mike believes Catholic Schools are so fundamental. Fr. Mike notes that education is the foundation for
Fr. Michael
Our Friars continue Fr. Justin’s Dream
Father Mark David notes that any type of art, whether it’s writing, drawing, acting, singing, or playing an instrument can be rewarding because it allows a person to expand their creative horizons and permits students to discover more about
anything. Education, he believes, helps students in other forums whether it is arts or athletics. He believes SFHS is unique in that it gives students the best in academics, arts and athletics, with the “Franciscan Flavor” which is to be humble in the eyes of God and others.
Sucess Begins at St. Francis
“I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and a devotion to the things you want to see happen.� Frank Lloyd Wright
Blood Mobile A record 103 units of blood was collected as part of the Annual Blood Mobile held on February 6, 2009
Habitat for Humanity On April 15 Mr. Reichenberg and Mr. Zygaj led a Franciscan Youth Ministry (FYM) team of 14 Students working for the day with Habitat for Humanity in Buffalo.
Catholic Charities Student Volunteers work through their lunch period counting money collected for The Franciscan Center & Catholic Charities. A total of $3300 was raised this year.
The St. Francis Players
Spring Musical - Beauty & The Beast
ŠDisney
present
1940’s
1980’s
Joseph Plawecki’48 and his wife Helen are please to announce that their son, Rev. Joseph Anthony Plawecki, a priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Richmond Michigan celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination in December 2008.
Class of 1986 graduate Charles E. Makey, III, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Insurance Operations for Merchants Insurance Group.
Alumni News & Notes
1960’s Bob Dassel’64 and Greg Willig’91 are both working for The Allegheny County Juvenile Courts as Probation Officers. Bob moved to Pittsburgh in Allegheny County after being discharged from the Air Force, and beginning his career with the court in 1972. Greg came to the Court in 2001, after working in various prisons in New York State as a Corrections Officer. He was posted to some of the most difficult assignments including Attica and Sing Sing. Greg first came to meet a fellow Saint Francis Alumnus when he was assigned to Bob’s field office, under his supervision. After almost 30 years of not seeing too many alumni cross his path, Bob was overjoyed to be working with another Buffalo native and former Saint Francis student. Greg’s new assignment took him to one of Pittsburgh’s most active crime and delinquency areas, and he handled the assignment with fairness and efficiency. From there, Greg was posted to a City High School where he worked intensively with at risk youth. In 2003, Greg was selected to become Allegheny County’s first full time Warrant Officer. He assumed the responsibility for tabulating all of the Probation Department active fugitive warrants, and shaping the County’s first Warrant Unit. Through his efforts, the county began to enjoy a clearance rate of 92% for the fugitives he has pursued. Greg has been recognized nationally for his pioneering work with the Warrant Unit. In addition to his duties of gathering intelligence and effecting arrests, Greg is also a full time firearms, pepper spray, and self defense instructor for the Juvenile Division of the Court. Both Greg and Bob continue to enjoy working for the court in their respective capacities, and as part of the Warrant Unit Apprehension Team. The training both have received at Saint Francis has always made both committed to serving the community with compassion and dedication.
Makey previously was Vice President and Regional Manager of the company’s Central States Regional Office in Dublin, Ohio. He began his career with Merchants in 1996 as Director of Sales and was promoted in 1998 to Assistant Vice President and Regional Manager of the company’s New England Regional Office in New Hampshire. Makey earned his MBA from Daniel Webster College, and received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Management from St. Bonaventure University. He also holds the following designations from the Insurance Institute of America: Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), Associate in Management (AIM), and INS (General Insurance). A native of Buffalo, New York, Charles and his family have relocated from Ohio to Orchard Park, New York. Jay Tokasz’88 and his wife Jen welcomed a son, Lukas Fitzgerald on February 14, 2009. Lukas is the fifth grandchild of very proud grandpa, Jim Tokasz’61. Sean Muldowney’89 and his wife Kelly (Gleason) are proud to announce the birth of their daughter Maura Gerrity on November 27, 2008. She joins the family with her big sister Mackenzie and big brother Joseph.
1990’s Ron Friend’98 and his wife Becky welcomed the birth of their daughter Kayla Theresa on June 20, 2008. Kayla joins the family with big brother Shane age 3. The family resides in Brant, New York.
Matthew Wolcott’98 married Jennifer Hanson on August 2, 2008 at St. Francis De Sales Church in Long Island, New York. The happy couple resides in Boston, MA.
Mike Ellement’06 recently spent a semester abroad in South Africa where he studied African Politics with special emphasis on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the South African Constitutional Court. He also took a three week service trip to the country of Botswana where he worked at a feeding program for disadvantaged youth. Mike is currently attending Siena College where he recently completed a term as Student Senate Vice President and continues to serve as Mock Trial Team Captain. Mike is preparing for the LSATs and hopes to attend law school upon graduation in 2010.
Tim Ellis ’94 and his wife Lisa joyously announce the birth of their first child, Timothy Duggan Ellis. Young Timothy is also the first grandchild for Mr. Tim Ellis, a longtime faculty member at SFHS 2000’s Tim Wallenhorst ’05 was recently the recipient of The Outstanding Undergraduate Scholarship Award at Rochester Institute of Technology. Criteria for the award includes a minimum GPA of 3.85 out of a possible 4.0 as well as creative work, service on student committees, civic activities, employment and independent research. Tim is pursuing a double major in finance and economics. He is also the president of the RIT honors program Student Council and plans to pursue an MBA in Finance. At the award ceremony, Sr. Bernadette Okulicz, FSSJ, former St. Francis Librarian was honored as part of the distinguished Teacher Recognition Program. Tim credits Sr. Bernadette with “straightening him out”. “She was my friend and mentor. Sometimes it required tough love, other times it was just a smile and casual conversation. She definitely had a strong impact on me and helped me lay the foundation for my college career.”
Michael Lawless,’06 a junior goalkeeper on the Boston College men’s soccer team, has been selected as a 2009 Dean’s Scholar. The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences selects the brightest scholars from the junior class to be chosen for this honor. Students are selected on the basis of their overall academic performance, recommendations from their departmental faculty, cocurricular initiatives, and their sense of purpose in how they approach their future. Hilbert College student Alex Wilshaw’07 has been named the 2009 BETA Student Award winner by InfoTech Niagara, the trade association for Western New York’s information technology industry. It’s the first time a Hilbert student has received this distinction. The Student Award recognizes a WNY or Southern Ontario college student who is distinguished in technology studies, demonstrates solid academics and possesses good character. Wilshaw has earned a 4.0 GPA as a student in Hilbert’s Honors Program. A junior economic crime investigation (ECI) major with a computer security concentration, he’s active in the department’s ECI Club and is technical advisor for the H-Files, the college’s student newspaper.
Alumni News & Notes
Left to right in the picture are: Stephen Knab ’98, Thomas Heusinger ’98, Adam Jacobson ’06 Timothy Healy ’98, Patrick Fino ’98, Matthew Wolcott ’98, Jennifer (Hanson) Wolcott, Robert Misso ’98, Elliott Jacobson ’02 and Brandon Penders.
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Upcoming Events May 27th- Baccalaureate Liturgy May 29th- Class of 1959 Recognition Day & Commencement Exercises June 5th- Athletic Awards & Hall of Fame Banquet June 6th-Alumni Bocce Ball Tournament
July 9th- Alumni Association Golf Tournament
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES……KEEP US INFORMED……… Please forward any Alumni News to Paul Bartell ‘88, Director of Alumni Relations, St. Francis High School, 4129 Lake Shore Road, Athol Springs, NY, 14010 or e-mail bartellp@stfrancishigh.org Name ____________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ City ________________________ State _______ Zip Code __________ Grad Yr ______ Phone - Home_________________________ Cell Phone_________________________ Work ________________________ E-mail_________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________
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25th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament Thursday July 9, 2009 @ Terry Hills in Batavia 11:30 AM Lunch - 12:45 PM Shotgun Start $125 per Golfer - more info at www.stfrancishigh.org DINNER TO FOLLOW ROUND OF GOLF RESERVATIONS WILL BE HONORED FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED To register for the Golf Tournament, forward a check to the SFHS Alumni Association and this form to: Paul Bartell, Alumni Golf, St.Francis High School, 4129 Lake Shore Road, Athol Springs, NY, 14010 Name ____________________________ Address __________________________ City ________ State ___ Zip Code _______ Grad Yr ______ Phone - Home______________ Work _________ E-mail____________________________________________________ Foursome Members (indicate year of graduation for any alumni golfers ) 1)____________________________2)_____________________________ 3)____________________________4)_____________________________
+ Margaret Brady Grandmother of Adrian Brady-Cesana ‘03 Brett Brady-Stepien’10 +James Carr Grandfather of Nick Smalter’12 +Dorothy Finnegan grandmother of Eric P. Finnegan’96 +Patrick Finnegan father of Eric P. Finnegan’96 +John Jarnot Grandfather of James Kress’12 +Eugene Jurkiewicz Grandfather of Brian Jurkiewicz’11
In Memoriam Please remember in your prayers the following members of the St. Francis High School Family who have recently passed away: +David Kornowicz Son of +Richard’ Kornowicz’62 Nephew of Frank’60, Jerry’63 & Allen’69. Cousin of Joseph Poturalski’78 Lawrence’82 and Christopher Maue’12
+Zynilda Lara, Mother of Reynaldo Fernandez ‘52 +Eleanor A. Michalek Mother of Dr. Arthur’71 & Gregory’79 Grandmother of Arthur’99, Gregory II’02 & Geoffrey’05
+Suzanne Kress Grandmother of James Kress’12
+Carmela Molnar Grandmother of Chris Benhatzel’10
+ Margaret R. Lanigan Grandmother of Andy Lanigan ‘02
+Alice Papaj Mother of Roger Papaj
+Daniel P. Radwan Father of Gregory Radwan’78 & Grandfather of Gregory Radwan’06 +Mary Alice Redmond Grandmother of Curran McNamara’11 +Michele Richards Mother of Ryan Dreyer’10 +Edward J. Skutnik Father of Robert Skutnik’94 +Paul Tomaka’51 Father of Norman Tomaka’75 & Brother of Karl Tomaka’52
12 They meet every morning during homeroom and make their collections. According to Junior Michael Burlow it only takes about 20 minutes a day and it’s much easier when everyone cooperates by placing their recyclables outside in the hall. All classrooms, offices, the student and faculty dining rooms have been equipped with recycle bins.
In the immortal words of Kermit the Frog, “It’s not easy being green.”
It’s a Dirty Job
Going Green
I have to admit to you at the get go that green has never been my color. I do what I have to at home, and here in the office, but nothing more. In my research for this article I learned some interesting facts, mainly that I’m not alone. In fact 60 percent of our rubbish thrown away today could be recycled. In a survey nine out of ten people said they would recycle more if it was easier to do.
Recycling is the process of turning one product’s useful parts into a new product; this is done to conserve on the consumption of resources, energy and space in landfills. Paper recycling has been going on at St. Francis High School for about the past 7 years, but that was the beginning and the end of the green.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
“We found a lot of recyclables in the garbage when we first started, especially in the SDR” (student dining room), said Mrs. Johnson. It’s getting a lot better now that the students are used to it. “The more recycling, the more it becomes a habit, it really has become a part of their lives”, said Johnson.
In September 2008 a new Club was born at St. Francis High School, The Environmental Science Club, under the direction of two science department faculty members, Mrs. Kristin Johnson and Mr. Brian Klute. From that club emerged a core group of students who have taken on the responsibility of collecting the recyclables for the school.
*Paper products make up 40% of all trash. That can all be recycled!
*Americans throw away 25 trillion Styrofoam cups that cannot be decomposed or recycled. *Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour!
13 Currently there are two recycling centers on campus, one for paper and the other for plastics. According to Johnson cardboard is the next step and eventually they’d like to compost. Johnson says they have had great cooperation from the kitchen staff. Instead of using the little plastic packets for ketchup and mustard they have gone to pump containers. They have also eliminated the use of Styrofoam containers.
Pat Harris are sophomores and Zach Michaud, Peter Tremblay, Alex Drainville and Christian Bruno are all freshman.
$aving Some Green
They are also committed to educating their fellow students and have produced a recycling video. Here are some interesting recycling and environmental conservation facts. Recycling 1 aluminum can saves enough energy to run your TV for 3 hours. 75% of each tree that is cut down for paper is not used in a paper product. If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year.
According to Vice President for Finance, Mr. Roger Papaj it’s evident that the students have stepped up the recycling on campus because there is less trash going into the dumpsters. “We haven’t had to have any extra dumpster pick-ups”, said Papaj. “Not only is it saving us money, but it’s the right thing to do.” He added that the school does receive a small stipend from Abitibi, the paper company. Papaj also said the School regularly schedules energy audits in an effort to save money and make the buildings more energy efficient. Wind shields were installed on the doors in Justin Hall closest to the quad to block the wind and keep the cold air out.
Looking for Volunteers
The recycling crew says they find what they are doing to help to be very rewarding and encourage others to join them. They are always looking for new members who are willing to work. Maybe Kermit was wrong and being green is easier than we think. What can you do? Let’s just take it one water bottle at a time.
The first real recycling program was introduced in New York City in the 1890s. The city’s first recycling plant was built in 1898. By 1924, 83% of American cities were separating some trash items to be reused.
Taking Matters into their own hands
Junior Will Cole said he was riding his bike and saw a lot of garbage on the side of the road. “I couldn’t stand it and needed to do something about it.” Being a part of the Recycling Crew is his way of making a difference and doing his part. The crew is young, mostly freshmen and sophomores. Burlow and Cole are the only Juniors. Isaac Forni and
Winter Sports Recap
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Swimming
The team placed third at the All-Catholics. Robert Juliano received a 3rd place ribbon in the 500 Freestyle, Tyler Roth a 5th in the 100 Breaststroke and Ryan Walter received a 5th in the 500 Freestyle.
Basketball The Red Raiders had the 5 seed in the Manhattan Cup playoffs by virtue of tie breakers and matched up with St. Mary’s of Lancaster. In dramatic fashion the Raiders pulled out the overtime victory, coming back to tie the game from a 5 point deficit with under 45 seconds to play in regulation. In overtime the Raiders took it to the wire, winning and it was off to Canisius College to take on the #1 seed Nichols in the semifinals. The Red Raiders where up to the challenge and held off an early charge by Nichols and kept it close throughout. The Raiders ended the 3rd quarter tied 37-37 and held the momentum early into the 4th leading by as many as 7 mid way through the final quarter. In the end Nichols’ big game experience paid off as they scored the final 12 points of the game to take a hard fought 63-54 victory.
Wrestling St. Francis High School hosted the State Catholic Wrestling Tournament. This was only the second time St. Francis has hosted the tournament, the last time was in 1985. St. Francis wrestlers took home 7 individual championships at the MMAA All Catholic Championships.
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JV Red Hockey JV Red Hockey Celebrated an Undefeated season. They are the only team in the history of the league to go 20-0-1 in a season. They won the Championship against Orchard Park 4-1.
Indoor Track & Field
Bowling The Bowling team finished a very successful season with a wire –to-wire victory in the All Catholic Tournament. Senior Ted Chojecki made the All- Catholic Team for his fourth consecutive year and Junior Corey Wells made all Catholics for the third time.
The St. Francis Indoor Track Team had an impressive season. The team, dominated by Freshmen and Sophomores, placed 6th out of 34 teams in the Western New York Relays. Seniors Christian Knauss and Seokho Bang led the young Red Raiders to this impressive finish. Junior Josh Galante was ranked all season long in both the High and Triple Jumps. However, it was the 9th and 10th graders that broke several underclassmen records and performed well on the varsity level. Sophomore Jake Weber broke 3 10th grade records in the 50 Meter, 600 Meter, and Long Jump. The Freshman foursome of Alex Schaffstall, Andy Hayes, Steve Kawalerski and John Bull broke both the 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 relay records. Hayes (50 Meters) and Schaffstall (1000 Meters) were both Frosh Champions, along with the 4 x 400. The future looks bright for St. Francis Track and Field.
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25th Annual St. Francis Alumni Golf Tournament Save the Date
Thursday, July 9th Terry Hills golf Club Cost $125 11:30am Lunch
12:45pm shotgun start Dinner & Prizes to follow * All proceeds benefit the Scholarship & tuition assistance Fund