Soccer Anyone? A New Option for XMS Athletes! Xavier Middle School students had a brand new school sport option this fall – soccer! Eighteen seventh and eighth grade girls and boys joined in the fun and, boy, did they have fun. Coach Trent Seaborn was assisted by XHS girls’ soccer coach, John Meyer, and Vada Baksys '23, XHS soccer player. The new team practiced twice a week and played three games in its inaugural season. They went undefeated and the defense never had a single goal scored against them! In addition to great play, the students had great experiences. They got to play their games on the high school soccer field under the lights, complete with announcers and music. They received the full high school game experience and almost every athlete said they planned to go out for soccer in high school. That was another big win for the coaching staff as that was one of the goals for the season. Another was having the students bond. The team brought together students from different friend groups and different grades; they bonded and formed new friendships—always a positive thing in life, but maybe especially in middle school.
Sometimes, a Happy Ending! by Anne Baruth
In 1996, Nick Romenesko ‘02 was in my sixth grade art class at the old 'St. Joe's Middle School' building on West Lawrence Street near St. Joseph Catholic Church. This was the name and location of Xavier Middle School in those days. The class assignment: create an oil pastel painting with a central person and meaningful background. Color theory was included. Nick made a portrait of himself as an adult playing soccer – he even added facial hair as he mapped out his imagined future life. For some reason, Nick left his masterpiece behind - and for all these years, I couldn't see fit to toss it. Besides, it was a great example to share with other students when we do this unit. It always elicited genuine ‘ooh’s’ and ‘aahs’! Sometimes I wondered what happened to my former, talented, soccer loving student! This year, 2021, on locker night, I received the answer when a sixth grader, Wally Romenesko ‘28, showed up in my room with his mother, Beth. Sure enough, Nick is Wally’s uncle! I quickly found Nick’s childhood painting and asked if they would please deliver it to him … and yes, they said they would! Beth said Nick is now a dentist in Brillion. He and his wife, Rachel, have three daughters: Fiona ‘32, second grade; Victoria ‘35, 4K – both at St. Francis Xavier Elementary McDonald Street campus. Third daughter, Elise, is two years old. Beth’s husband, Rick, took the treasured oil pastel to Nick within a couple of days – and here is a photo of that special reunion! Nick was happy to have the painting back – and is happy to share this special story with you as well. Indeed, sometimes, a happy ending!
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