Sports According to Xavier: Reflections on 150 Years, in the early part of the 20th century, “Xavier was handicapped in its athletic program by the lack of accessible practice fields…Perhaps the most important sport at Xavier in the early 1900’s was track, or ‘relay’ as it was sometimes called. In competition with other schools, Xavier often won distinguished honors. Like the military drill, these competitions were held at the local armories. Many of Xavier’s students excelled at running: ‘Why even back in 1909, we had intramural runners who could do a 4:54 mile or a 2:13 half…not bad marks in those days.’ A silver cup was awarded every year to the best track man in both the high school and college departments. The competitions were important to school spirit, and uniquely appropriate since St. Francis Xavier himself seems to have excelled in track at the University of Paris. We know this because later on he did penance for the pride he took in running.”
XAVIER TRACK THE TRADITION CONTINUES
Today, track remains an important component to Xavier’s athletic program. With coaches including Mr. Pat Dormer, Mr. Steve Noga, Mr. Phil Petrullo and Mr. John Verlezza, today’s times have improved, and many of Xavier’s harriers have gone on to compete at the collegiate level.
Anthony Gochal ‘08
Below, Mr. Verlezza highlights the team’s achievements as of the time this issue went to print.
The Xavier Cross Country team began its season in an impressive fashion. The Varsity, led by seniors James Hamilton and Nick Peterson, along with juniors Dan Murtagh, Matt Muratore and Ryan Woerner, has set the tone for the year by capturing first place at the McQuaid Invitational in Rochester. The Varsity continues to strive in a positive direction as they set their sights on qualifying for States as a team for the third time in school history. The Junior Varsity, led by juniors Mike Long and Eric McGivern, and sophomores Mike Batista and Joe Bode, has followed in the tradition of hard working Xavier runners as the season winds down. The Junior Varsity has been impressive as they improve their times with each passing meet. Led by Andrew Powers, Anthony Gochal, Klodian Pepaj and Aamen Nsouli, this year’s Freshmen team has come to be one of the most dominant frosh teams in years. The Frosh A team of Powers, Gorchal, Pepaj, Nsouli and Peter O’Neill captured third place at the Fordham Prep Ram Relays. As they approach their championship part of the season, the Freshmen look to become the first team in school history to capture a Freshmen Sectional Team Championship. – John Verlezza, Coach
In other sports news... The Varsity Fall Baseball team beat Iona Prep (8-2) and the Varsity Football team was victorious against Nazareth (19-6) and St. John the Baptist (30-13). The team continues to improve under the leadership of new head coach, Mr. Chris Stevens ’83. The JV and Varsity Bowling teams defeated Rice, with Senior Steven Maruffi leading the way for the Knights of the Lanes. The JV Soccer team tied Holy Cross and Regis in early October, and beat Fordham Prep (1-0) mid month. The Varsity team began the season with a victory against Regis (2-0) and tying Fordham Prep and Holy Cross. Their season continued with wins against Stepinac (31), Regis (1-0) and Iona (3-2). They then tied Fordham Prep and Stepinac, and went on to win against Xaverian (4-3), with senior Lucas Telmo scoring two goals, and seniors Salim Lewis and Steven Pozzuoli each scoring one. In the playoffs, the team beat St. Peter’s (3-1), with senior Brendan Smith scoring twice and Lucas Telmo scoring one for the Knights. Freshman Swimming has a 3-1 record, celebrating victories against Molloy, St. Peter’s and Xavierian.
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Alumnews - Fall 2004