Students gather in the new quad before Bishop Michael Burbidge’s blessing of the new building on Dedication Day. Volume 13, Issue 1 September 27, 2013
Cardinal Gibbons High School - 1401 Edwards Mill Rd Raleigh, N.C. 27607
Dedication Day blessing fulfills Vision
Photo by Maryanne Fisher/Landmark yearbook
Bishop Michael Burbidge offficially blesses and dedicates the final installment of the Building the Vision project before the whole student body in the new quad on Dedication Day. The ceremony occurred in the same place as the groundbreakig in February 2012, and both ceremonies were accompanied by an all-school Mass to celebrate the events.
By Stephanie Todd News Editor Alumni who graduated from Gibbons prior to 1999 recall the Western Boulevard campus with fondness, partially because of its unique charms. Tennis courts flooded when it rained, classrooms in outdoor trailers, Saturday morning maintenance sessions organized by groups of parents, custodial needs not always met were just some of the unique aspects of “old Gibbons”. “We called it the ‘Wild West.’ Even though we would come into class caked in mud when it rained, we loved it because of the teachers and the charm of the place. Now we have the facilities to match the charm,” said Mike Rogosich ‘90, Assistant Principal of Student Activities, during Dedication Day on August 29. Dedication Day celebrated all the aspects of the Gibbons legacy and also
signified the Building the Vision construction and expansion project’s grand finale. Like the flourish at the end of a signature, Dedication Day celebrated the completion of the many paths that led Cardinal Gibbons High School to this Edwards Mill campus and now to the expanded facility. Students would typically be preoccupied by their 3rd period classes, but on this special Dedication Day the whole school was called to the new learning commons and quad for the official blessing of the new building by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh. The students filtered into the newest additions of Gibbons, the interior learning commons with natural light provided by the “window-wall” facing the quad. “I thought that it was important for the Bishop to bless the buildings and show the school respect,” said junior
Nicole Knapp, who just transferred to Gibbons from Ravenscroft. “There have been so many great events in Gibbons history but this one marks such a new beginning. It is certainly my most joyful of days as Bishop,” said Bishop Burbidge during an interview on Dedication Day. The Bishop spent the day on campus experiencing all the activities during the carnival-like occasion. This blessing was followed by Bishop Burbidge’s eight opening all-Mass for Cardinal Gibbons High School with over 25 priests visiting from various parishes in the Diocese. Alumni of varying decades also visited, some for the first time since their own graduation. These long lost members of the Gibbons family were given the opportunity to go on tours offered by National Honor Society (NHS) members. As the band played in the new Photo by Mike Koppinger/Landmark yearbook lobby, many visitors searched the MisOver 20 Diocesan priests joined the sion Wall photos for familiar faces. “It was important to share the celebration of Mass on Dedication Day. new wing with [alumni] in order to prevent the gap between themselves and Gibbons from widening,” said junior Maggie Dever, second vice president of NHS. There are many reminders of the Western Boulevard campus thanks to the integration of the actual wooden flooring from the Fr. Price Gymnasium at Western Boulevard into the new Crusader Room, the baselines mounted in the lobby and the Crusader Room and the wooden roof supports of the gym being used to create the new pavilion by the athletics fields. “We integrated the new with [items from the] old location, it ties in the history of the place with the newness of going forward,” said visitor Tim Breslin. “Witnessing the move here has been simply tremendous. This [facility] is a dream we never dreamt,” said Monsignor Gerald L. Lewis of the changes Gibbons has undergone. Monsignor Lewis, who first came to Gibbons in 1962 as a religion teacher, last saw the school during the transition from the old campus on Western Photo by Maryanne Fisher/Landmark Yearbook Boulevard to the current one. Continued on page 2
Bishop Michael Burbidge officially blesses the new academic wing before Mass, assisted by sophomore altar server Marc Todd.
New pavilion marks beginning and end of an era
Pavilion offers students a way to connect, collaborate, and create By Anthony Palumbo News Editor
Most Gibbons students who stepped foot into the old Father Price Gymnasium on the old Gibbons campus has a memory there. Whether they were a student, a drama kid, or just a regular high school jock, the gym probably meant a lot for you. Now these memories are here in the new pavilion. “I remember my senior night, which was the last game played there, when we beat Durham Academy and after the game the school announced that my jersey would be retired,” said social studies teacher and alumna Jessica Lowe ‘99. Lowe graduated from Gibbons as the all-time leading scorer in Gibbons basketball history. Lowe’s senior night
was the last game ever played at the old Father Price Gymnasium. Her last season was marked by an array of memories, and capped off with the retiring of her jersey. With the new building project, Gibbons has taken a step in trying to preserve as much history as they could as a reminder to the future students. In doing so they were able to come up with the idea to preserve the beams of the old Father Price Gymnasium and reuse them as part of the construction of a pavilion on campus. “It was one of those things where if we were able to do it, we were going to,” said Joey Hoying ‘99, Gibbons Alumni Coordinator. The pavilion is located between the stadium field and the baseball field and behind the softball field. The location allows a spectator to sit in the pavilion
and maintain a level of visibility to all three of the athletic fields at the same time. Gibbons publicly announced the project on August 1 through the Alumni twitter account @alumni_cghsnc and then showcased it for the first time on Dedication Day on August 29. Due to the beginning of the construction of the new Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral on the site of the old Gibbons campus on Western Boulevard, they were going to have to tear the old gym down. The idea of the pavilion turned out to be an idea not only by the administration but also the alumni. “In different meetings, different alumni reached out to us, then we decided to go to the Western Boulevard campus to see what we could preserve and then we brought this idea [the pa-
vilion] back,” said Hoying. “The way they’ve recaptured the beams is incredible. How they’ve captured the history and translating it into the future is even better,” said Tim Breslin, Executive Director of Stewardship and Advancement for the Diocese or Raleigh, as he walked into the pavilion for the first time on Dedication Day. The old Father Price gym was constructed in 1959 and was used for athletic events and just about any allschool event the school held. Gibbons hoped to create the pavilion on this campus as a reminder of the old gym and as something that would benefit all parts of the school. “The outdoor pavilion is a wonderful gathering space for all aspects of our school community. All aspects of our school will benefit from this beautiful addition to campus,” said Hoying.
Check us out online at www.cghsnc.org/newspaper and follow us on Twitter @newspapercghsnc Cover Photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media
Page design by Managing Editor Sean Feick
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September 27, 2013
‘Fun, friendship, and community’ at Gibbons Family Football Night welcomes local grade school students, families
Photo by Caroline Young/The Crusader
Helen George, class of 1944, admires the Misson Wall and searches through the pictures to find familiar faces during the Dedication Day festivities. This was the first time George had visited Gibbons since the move from the Western Boulevard campus. George was one of many alumni specially invited for Dedication Day who returned.
Continued from page 1 “Other than leaving old Cardinal Gibbons, I would think this is the most important day in Gibbons history, a culmination of a plan finally realized,” said Darryl VonLehmden. Vonlehmden’s history with Gibbons is deep rooted. As a coach of the girl’s tennis team that beat the infamous Ravenscroft after being driven to the match in VonLehmden’s own car, a participator in those Saturday morning maintenance groups, a member of the school board when they purchased the 35 acres many of us have come to know and love as the school’s campus, as well as a father of three children and five grandchildren – all Gibbons alumni – he and his wife, Helen, were thrilled to see all of the additions on Dedication Day. “Cardinal Gibbons is going up,” said Helen VonLehmden. This was an event celebrated by all; students, teachers, alumni and even parents of Gibbons alumni from past years. Jim Taylor had his five children attend Gibbons, the last one graduating in 1993. “The atmosphere has changed in that it is now more energetic. It is bigger, [there’s] more of everything. It’s terrific,” said Taylor. Though the physical atmosphere has made a near 180 degree turn, it is a general consensus that the cozy small school feel remains rooted in the hearts of the students and faculty alike. “The core mission of the school has stayed the same, and even though it is larger, it still has a small school feel,” said Joey Hoying ‘99, Alumni Coordinator. “The size has changed but even with a larger student body, we are still taking care of each other,” said former
principal Sr. Mary Frances Taymans, principal from 1979-1984. Sr. Mary Frances is a Gibbons legend due to her role in creating the Gibbons atmosphere we know today. During Sr. Mary Frances days as principal, the student body was far smaller, and to take care of one’s fellow classmate was easier to do. “The video of Freshman Welcome Day says so much. I am glad that service is still a big part of Gibbons,” said Sr. Mary Frances in reference to a short video created by Josh Teder ’11 which featured clips of upperclassmen walking freshmen from their cars Former principal Br. Michel Bettigole, principal from 1994-2006, commented on the spirit of the current school. “Before, when there were about 700 kids per year it was more intimate. I was concerned about the atmosphere but there is still so much friendliness,” said Br. Michel. Gibbons has certainly gone through a few rough patches, and while Taylor found this event to be a culmination of a plan finally realized, Br. Michel saw it as more of a culmination of people. “At the old school, people worked to keep it open, then [with] this new school we worked to get this going, and now, now the school is at a whole new level,” said Br. Michel. This level so many have worked for is not about the beauty of new facilities but rather the culmination of all of the people, places, and roads that have led to this brand new home for the entire Gibbons family. Principal Jason Curtis stressed the difference between a house and a home in his speech at Mass on Dedication Day. “We are setting up the legacy other students will live in,” said Curtis.
Photo by Michael Comstock/Gibbons Media
Elementary and middle school students enjoyed playing various games, such as football and hula hoop, on the practice field during Family Football Night before the home football game on Friday, September 6.
By Caroline Young A&E Editor Over 1,400 excited students and families arrived at Gibbons from Catholic and local elementary/middle schools for Family Football Night on Friday, September 6. The annual event is hosted by Gibbons as an opportunity for grade school students and their families to come tailgate and attend a home football game, and a chance for them to get a taste of the ‘Gibbons community’. With alums, current students, parents, faculty and middle school students present at the event, Bishop Michael Burbidge, who has been attending Family Football Night for seven years, said that the event is unique because it combines a wide range of people involved in the Gibbons community. “It’s a little bit of the past, present, and future Gibbons,” said Bishop Burbidge. “It’s wonderful that Gibbons is recognizing that they want the younger students to be part of Gibbons now. Why wait until freshman year – be a part of the Gibbons community now.” Kerry Mann, Volunteer Coordinator, new to Gibbons this year, teamed up with the Gibbons Family Association to plan and organize the events of Family Football Night. Games and tailgating started at 5 p.m., followed by the football game against Ravenscroft at 7 p.m. which the Crusaders won 4921. Regina McCrorie, mother of junior Danny and sophomore Grace, was one of the parent volunteers from the Family Association who helped with Family Football Night.
“We just help pull it all together,” said McCrorie. “It’s lots of fun, friendship, and community. Gibbons kids are so good at interacting and teaching the kids. I know when my kids were in middle school they loved coming to this; it was their favorite night of the year.” Student-run games such as sack races, volleyball/football games, corn hole and a candy walk were hosted on the practice field. There were also green machine races going on in the athletics parking lot, where the main tailgate was hosted. “I really enjoyed being able to help shape these middle school students’ idea of what Gibbons is about,” said junior Anthony Palumbo, the student coordinator of the event. With help from other students, Palumbo set up the games and judged the tailgates in various categories. Three of the tailgates took home awards from the event. The Franciscan School won the award for Most Spirited, St. Mary Magdalene won the Most People award, and the Washle family earned the Best Food award. “It’s my first time (coming to Family Football Night) because I’ve heard how wonderful it is. I’m glad to be able to experience the Gibbons culture,” said Jeannine Decarlucci, mother of a seventh grader at TFS. Students and families from 20 grade schools were present at the game and combined with the usual crowd that comes to Gibbons football games, the stadium was packed. According to Mann, there were approximately 2,700 people that night. “It was great. It was the best ever,” said Mann.
Back to school night kicks off the year By Erik Borchers Online News Editor
Photo by Katherine Nanney/Gibbons Media
English teacher Jim Ryan speaks to parents at Back to School Night on Thursday, August 29. Page design by News Editor Anthony Palumbo
Every year Gibbons hosts a Back to School Parent Night. The major difference to this year’s event is the completion of the Building the Vision project Overall, parents are impressed by the new building. “It’s like a mini college campus,” said Steve Henion, parent of junior Jessica Henion and senior Scott Henion. Parents are seeing the new school additions as a great addition for students. “The opportunity for my son and his friends to learn more about what they want to do longer term is great,” said Kim Gajda, parent of junior Daniel Gajda, who was getting to experience the new Gibbons media room where newspaper, digital video, and yearbook work. The new learning commons was a major source of attention, especially
with the eye catching window pane section that separates the learning commons from the outdoor classroom. “Even though it’s [the new learning commons] all brand new it feels welcoming and homey. It’s comfortable,” said Henion. The outdoor classroom located in the new quad earned praise from parents as well. “The outdoor classroom is a cool idea. You guys [stuPhoto by Stephanie Todd/The Crusader dents] need a break during got their first chance to see the new pavilion the day to get outside and get Parents during Back to School night. The new pavilion recysome fresh air,” said Henion. cled the original beams from the Western Boulevard Sandy Beary hasn’t seen campus gym to create a multipurpose outdoor area Gibbons since 1999 when the in between the football, baseball, and softball fields. school first opened on Edwards Mill. “It’s absolutely gorgeous. I love how they’ve opened it up for you guys,” said Beary.
September 27, 2013
Progressive dinner offers parents first look at new wing By Andrew Schnittker Sports Editor
The progressive parent dinner on August 29 gave Gibbons parents a first look at the new academic wing. Dinner was served for parents in the new learning commons before student volunteers took them on a tour of the new part of the school from the Building the Vision project. After their tours, parents and families got a chance to eat together and relax in the new outdoor quad in the center of the school. Some parents seemed very impressed with the new building. “It almost feels brand new,” said Joe Gustainis, parent of senior Lauren Gustainis. “It’s incredible, we’re really impressed with it,” said Rob DiPangrazio, parent of junior Taylor DiPangrazio and sophomore Robert DiPangrazio. “I love the new building, it’s beautiful,” said Kim Gajda, parent of junior
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FYI begins year with ‘Night of Joy’ at Disney Students travel for faith, fun
Daniel Gajda and a member of the volunteer committee. According to Kerry Mann, Gibbons’ volunteer coordinator, the parent dinner is a very important event. “It allows parents to see where their students are all day. It’s also an opportunity to thank them for their support” said Mann. The dinner was also very successful, according to Mann. “The turnout was as expected, I think it was fantastic,” said Mann. According to many parents, such as DiPangrazio and Gajda, the new wing should offer more opportunities for both the students and the school. “Because the school has expanded, [I think] there will be more outside interest,” said DiPangrazio. “I think they’ll have the ability to add more electives, and potentially accommodate more students,” said Gajda.
Photo by Anthony Palumbo/The Crusader
FYI students gather on Main Street in downtown Disney in the midst of all the festivities during ‘Night of Joy’ 2013.
By Sean Feick Managing Editor
Photo by Katherine Nanney/Gibbons Media
After the progressive dinner, parents had the opportunity to hear from their children’s teachers during Back to School Night.
As their first official event of the year, the Franciscan Youth International club at Gibbons kicked off the school year with a two day trip to Disney World. During the event, called the “Night of Joy”, the popular amusement park was closed to the majority of customers to welcome various Christian youth groups from around the country, with Christian rock concerts setting the theme for this Christian-themed event. Why would anyone go on a 24 hour round trip ride for just 6 hours of Disney fun? For some, the answer is simple. “I felt like experiencing Disney World with friends on a night where you could recognize Christian faith was a good idea,” said junior Anthony Palumbo, student trip leader and FYI
Beloved former Gibbons principals return for historic Dedication Day By Kristina Rupp Op-Ed Editor Two of Gibbons’ most famous former principals returned for Dedication Day on August 29, 2013. Br. Michel Bettigole and Sr. Mary Frances Taymans, SND helped celebrate the historic events of the day. Both former principals shared similar opinions about the grandeur and atmosphere of the new building. Br. Michel served as principal from 1994, when the school had a population of less than 400 students, during 2006. His tenure included moving from the Western Boulevard campus to the Edwards Mill campus in 1999 and he experienced many changes to the current building as well. His reaction to the new additions was overwhelmingly positive, and he noted the “classy design,” in particular. He also noted that there were “so many places for the students to hang out” and was impressed that there was the same energy and enthusiasm for Gibbons now that there was during his tenure as principal. Sr. Mary Frances, who presided as Gibbons principal from 1979-1984, when the entire school had less students than the current freshman class, reacted in much the same way, saying how “wonderful” the new buildings are with all the “light, space, and flexibility.” Sr. Mary Frances also noted that the while the new spaces are nice, the new building “supports the school, not changes it” and that “the vision [for the school] has developed appropriately over time.” Jason D. Curtis, Gibbons principal since Br. Michel’s retirement in 2006, served as an assistant principal under Br. Michel from 2003-2006, and noted that Br. Michel’s tenure was full of a “real love for students” which featured many student-based programs. Curtis felt that though the building may have changed, the essence of the school has not changed. “We’ve kept the real heart of a Catholic school,” said Curtis. Each principal had nothing but good things to say about Gibbons, whether it be the energy when they stepped inside the doors to the new pavilion
president. For the adult leadership, the experience of having fun with their students was the primary attraction. “I went to spend time with students and to bond with them in a Christian environment,” said Krista Anders, Director of Retreats. The trip really was a long one, though, with the group leaving at 4am on September 7th and not getting back until 11:15am the next morning. All in all, they spent six hours at the park, getting there at 6pm and heading out at around midnight. In the end it was certainly worth going for many of the members of FYI, who certainly kicked off the year in dramatic fashion. “I feel like we really achieved our purpose because everyone had fun and would want to come back again,” said Palumbo.
10th anniversary 2001-2011
Re-established 2001
Continuing a tradition of journalistic excellence
Brennan Doherty Editor-in-Chief Sean Feick Managing Editor
Stephanie Todd News Editor
Erik Borchers Online News Editor
Rebecca Camak Inside & Out Editor
Caroline Young A&E Editor
Andrew Mihok Sports Editor
Preston Moser Sports Editor
Andrew Schnittker Sports Editor
Cheyenne Wood Production Editor
Anthony Palumbo News Editor
Kristina Rupp Lorenzo Macaisa Op-Ed Editor Photo Editor Staff Writer: Kelly Brown
Dan Jukic Adviser
Editorial Policy
Photo by Katherine Nanny/Gibbons Media
Former principals Brother Michel Bettigole (1994-2006) and Sister Mary Frances Taymans (1979-1984) bring up the gifts for the offertory to Bishop Michael F. Burbidge during Mass on Dedication Day.
nestled behind the school. The three principals share more than just a career choice. They are joined by their love of the new additions and of Gibbons, in general. During what could be the last time all three will be together at Gibbons, each expressed praise not only for the school but for each other’s tenure here. Br. Michel had special praise for his successor. “Mr. Curtis is doing a spectacular job as principal,” said Br. Michel.
The Crusader is the official student newspaper of Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a school of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, The Crusader will not purposefully publish any material that contradicts the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Crusader will endeavour to publish only the truth, to the best of its ability. The Crusader will not purposefully publish any stories that are libelous or disingenuous nor any images which diverge from the essential truth of the captured image. Only images legally obtained or for which permission has been granted will be published. The Crusader is the product of class work and as such is subject to prior review by the adviser and administration. Regardless, the commentaries contained herein are the opinions of the newspaper staff only, and do not necessarily reflect those of the faculty/ staff or administration. The Crusader editorial board as a whole will be responsible for determining editorial opinions, which represent the opinions of the majority of the editorial board. No single member of The Crusader will be held responsible for editorial content decisions. All submissions to The Crusader will be considered for publication either in print or online but may be edited for space and content. Please contact The Crusader by email at newspaper@cghsnc.org. Page design by A&E Editor Caroline Young
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Gibbons community welcomes record 19 n
coach wrestling.”
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school? A: “Wrestling at the state tournament.”
Q: What subject do you teach? A: “Choir.” Q: What brought you to Gibbons? A: “A chance to teach and grow the choral program and still reach out to the middle schools. I currently also teach at St. Michael’s middle school Drama and Choir.” Q: What is your favorite memory of high school? A: “My favorite high school memory was being involved in the choral program. I was able to travel with the choir to Canada and other states in competitions. We did a lot of service work, especially with the nursing homes. There was always a concert to sing at.”
A: “I am currently teaching AP Statistics and Algebra 1. I also help Coach Mangum with cross country and track.”
Q: What brought you to Gibbons?
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school?
A: “My favorite memory is very hard to answer. The first thing that stands out to me is how beautiful our graduation was. It was nicer than my college and graduate school graduation. Pep rallies stand out to me as memories, as well as the service projects we went on. I loved going to the soup kitchen.”
A: “One of the big reasons I ended up being interested in Gibbons was Coach Mangum and how highly he spoke of the school. It made me very interested, and when the new wing opened, I saw there was a math position. Coach Mangum encouraged me to apply, and through the interview process I realized that Gibbons was an incredible place for students, families and teachers and I was excited that I was given the opportunity to join the staff.”
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school?
Bill Liedy
Q: What subject do you teach?
Liedy coached college football at Mount Ida College, where he taught PE and Sport Management Classes and was the assistant director of intramurals. He also coached at University of Richmond and Pace University and worked in the athletics department as an assistant football coach and substitute teacher at Gibbons for 2 years. He earned a BS in Education from Ohio State and a Master of Science in Sport Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Kuzaj taught science at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School for 11 years after graduating Cum Laude and earning her BS degree in Biology from Wofford College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from UNC-Chapel Hill.
A: “AP Biology and Physics.” A: “I always had in the back of my mind that I’d like to come back here and teach one day; the opportunity presented itself, and it felt like the right time and thing to do.”
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school?
A: “Playing sports (soccer and basketball) - getting to know my teammates and spending time together traveling to away games, especially when the soccer team traveled down to Wilmington for a tournament every year.”
A: “I spent a lot of time working with the drama department. I just kept coming back, and then they offered me a job. It’s a great place.”
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school?
A: “Always a good time working with the band and doing musicals in the spring… I was a band nerd in high school.”
Nicole Herche
Herche taught research methods, literary analysis, and the writing process in the Gibbons media center for the 2012/13 school year. She received her BA in English from Mount St. Mary’s College in LA and her Masters of Education from St Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, and she is currently finishing her Masters of English from ECU.
Q: What subject do you teach? A: “Freshman English.”
Q: What brought you to Gibbons?
A: “I completed my student teaching for teaching certification here at Gibbons and never wanted to leave.”
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school? A: “I performed in all the theatre productions during high school. I loved being on stage.”
A: “My favorite memory of high school was probably being a part of my school’s first state championship team in track and field. I really enjoyed my teammates and the bonds that we formed that year.”
Sarah Kuszaj ‘95
Q: What brought you to Gibbons?
Q: What brought you to Gibbons?
Q: What subject do you teach?
A: “I teach four classes of
A: “Since I started graduate school to get my license in teaching, it has always been a dream of mine to come back to Cardinal Gibbons.”
A: “Guitar, musical theory, and the band.”
Henderson taught math and coached the cross country and track and field teams for 5 years at Middle Creek High School after earning his bachelor and master’s degree in mathematics education from NCSU.
Q: What subject do you teach?
Q: What brought you back to Gibbons?
Q: What subject do you teach?
John Henderson
Lauren Gentile ‘04
Gentile was a medical technologist for LabCorp of America for four years after earning her BS in Biology from ECU, a certification in Clinical Laboratory work from USC’s School of Medicine, and a Masters of Arts in Teaching Secondary Science Education from NCSU.
Biology and one class of Ecology.”
Aull has a BA in Communications and a minor in music from NCSU. He has worked as bass coach and pit orchestra conductor at Gibbons for the last two years, where he worked on various shows.
Zaldivar worked at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School and Parish after earning a BA in Business Administration and a BA in Music Performance and Music Education from Florida International University. She is a certified Zumba instructor and a cantor at the parish and diocesan level.
Q: What subject do you teach? A: “Game Design & Computer Modeling, and I
Q: What brought you to Gibbons? A: “An opportunity to build a new technology program and coach wrestling.”
Angus Stewart Aull
Martha AmezquitaZaldivar
Jon Armfield Armfield graduated from NCSU with a BS in Technology Education and has been teaching and coaching wrestling at Panther Creek for the past 6 years. He will be helping build a new Technology Program.
you teach?
Q: What subject do
Kerry Mann
Mann volunteered for 15 years at St. Thomas More, where she co-chaired the “One Campaign” and Auction. She has also volunteered at Gibbons, where she implemented the Ambassador and Parent Partner Programs, and she was Director of Cooperative Education and Admissions Counselor for Niagara University. She has a BS in Business Administration from Elimira College in NY.
A: “Health and PE, and I am the associate head coach and offensive coordinator for varsity football.”
Q: What subject do you teach?
Q: What brought you to Gibbons?
Q: What brought you to Gibbons?
A: “I do not teach any classes. I am the Volunteer Coordinator.”
A: “My family lives in Apex, NC, and I wanted to work in an environment of success where I could practice and discuss my faith.”
A: “I have volunteered here for the past seven years and appreciate the Gibbons Spirit.”
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school?
A: “Going to football games on Friday night.”
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school?
A: “My favorite high school memory was throwing a touchdown pass on the last play of our homecoming game to win.”
John Yelenic Yelenic taught at the middle and high school levels and served as a principal in Pittsburgh, the superintendent of Catholic Schools in WV, and the Director of Education Programs at Wheeling Jesuit University. He directed the SPFL (Southwestern PA Forensics League) and wrote for curriculum in teacher development. He has a Master of Arts in Administration and Management from Duquesne University and earned his Bachelor’s in Secondary Education from the University of Pittsburgh.
Q: What subject do you teach? A: “English; two senior honors and three sophomore CP.” Q: What brought you to Gibbons? A: “It gave me the opportunity to teach again..” Q: What is your favorite memory of high school? A: “Proving that I amounted to more than just second place in the student council election.” Photo by Dan Jukic/Gibbons Media Page Design by A&E Editor Caroline Young and News Editor Stephanie Todd
September 27, 2013
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new faculty and staff members Alexander Buckley
Gabrielle Burn ‘08 Burn graduated from Elon University with a BS in Environmental and Ecological sciences, where she was student director of the leadership program. She has recently been published in a scientific journal and hopes to develop STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) research opportunities at Gibbons.
Buckley earned a BA in Modern American History from Brown University and a Juris Doctorate from American University. He was a civil trial attorney for the law firm of Nagel Rice, LLP, in Roseland, NJ before he came to Gibbons.
the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach.”
Q: What subject do you teach? A: “I teach Honors U.S. History, Government, and I am
Q: What brought you to Gibbons? A: “Working with young people is a passion I’ve had since I was 13, when I first started working at a summer day camp. 16 years later it is still my favorite thing to do.” Q: What is your favorite memory of high school? A: “I was a senior in high school in Ridgewood, NJ when 9/11 happened. Two months later, a great friend of mine (and many others) was killed by a drunk driver. While that was an incredibly tragic time for everyone, I will never forget how close our town and specifically our school became after those two tragedies. I have since had a 5 year and 10 year reunion with my classmates, and I think our affection for each other as a class could rival that of any school in the country.”
Q: What subject do you teach? A: “AP Environmental Science.” Q: What brought you to Gibbons? A: “I went to school here and graduated in 2008. It is an amazing place that is filled with love, community, family, and vision. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.” Q: What is your favorite memory of high school? A: “Pep rallies. I was on the dance team and it was the one day we got to show our best dance to the school. It was great to have faculty, staff, and students see how hard we have been working on our competition routines.”
Maria Hill
Shelley Horman
Hill taught English at FuquayVarina High School and Irondequoit High School in Rochester, NY after earning her BS in Secondary English Education from the State University of NY at Oswego and her MS Ed as a Reading Specialist from Nazareth College.
Q: What subject do you teach? A: “I am teaching four sections of English 12 Honors and one section of grade 9 CP. I would love to coach cheerleading again, but right now my own children have demanding athletics and social calendars; I am merely a taxi!” Q: What brought you to Gibbons? A: “Faith and good timing. If you ask my seven-year-old, he would say the lacrosse team.” Q: What is your favorite memory of high school? A: “Homecoming. We had hall decorating, floats, and general craziness, much like Gibbons. This feels like home.”
Horman taught research courses for grades 5-12; coached varsity girls’ lacrosse, JV girls’ soccer, and girls’ basketball; and was library director at Forsyth Country Day School in Winston Salem for 6 years. She earned a BA in History and Government from Morehead State University and a Masters in Library Science from the University of Kentucky.
Q: What subject do you teach? A: “I am one of the new librarians.”
Q: What brought you to Gibbons?
Q: What brought you to Gibbons?
A: “I heard really great things about the dance program at CGHS and wanted to be a part of such a great school.”
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school? A: “Dance team, dancing at the football games, and being on prom court.”
Q: What subject do you teach? A: “Latin I and AP Latin.” Q: What brought you Gibbons? A: “I wanted to teach at Latin at a Catholic prep school, and I also approved and liked the textbook Gibbons uses.” Q: What is your favorite memory of high school? A: “Having a good group of friends and being on the newspaper and debate team.”
Brook Kennedy
Kennedy taught Chemistry Honors, Chemistry, and Physical Science at Jordan High School in Durham and Surry Central High in Dobson, NC. Kennedy earned a BS in Chemistry with a Secondary Education concentration from the Heltzer Honors Program from App State, graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a member of Gamma Beta Phi, a National Honor and Service Organization.
Q: What subject do you teach? A: “CP Chemistry, Physical Science”
Q: What brought you to Gibbons?
A: “Stumbled upon the opportunity to teach at Gibbons and I’m so grateful because the faculty, administration, and students are wonderful here.”
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school?
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school?
A: “Participating in sports and clubs with friends.”
Alina Ramirez
A: “I teach three Dance I classes.”
Crabbe taught first and second year college level Latin at Lexington Catholic High School after earning a Master of Arts in Teaching World Languages, a Master of Arts in Classics and a Graduate Certificate in Latin Studies from University of Kentucky, a Masters in Library and Informative Science from UT in Austin, and a BA in political philosophy from the University of Dallas.
A: “Moved to Raleigh for my husband’s job and was lucky enough to be hired by CG.”
Tripp Reade
Ramirez earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education from ECU. She has taught and choreographed for Cary Ballet Conservatory in Cary, NC and is a founding member of Elevate in Raleigh; in addition, she choreographs and works as a guest teacher for various studios and collegiate dance teams.
Q: What subject do you teach?
David Crabbe
Reade managed electronic course reserves, technology lending, and media services programs at NCSU Libraries. He has a BA in English Literature from Duke, a Master of Library Science from UNC-Chapel Hill, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte, and has published short stories, essays, reviews, interviews, and library articles.
you teach?
Q: What subject do
A: “I’m a librarian, so I suppose my subject is information and media literacy.”
Q: What brought you to Gibbons?
A: “The building of a learning commons was an important factor, as was the school’s strong arts program. Also, I wanted a setting where it would be easier to do small group and individual instruction.”
A: “My favorite memories in high school came from playing volleyball and hanging out with friends.”
Jim Ryan
Ryan taught for ten years in Wake County Public Schools, served as department chair for the past five years at Knightdale High School, and coached college basketball for eleven years. He earned a BA in Comparative Lit from Montclair State University, a Masters of English from ECU and has his National Board Certification in Adolescent Literature.
Q: What subject do you teach? A: “English.” Q: What brought you to Gibbons? A: “Mr. Curtis; my daughter is also a freshman.” Q: What is your favorite memory of high school? A: “Winning the state basketball championship as a senior.”
Q: What is your favorite memory of high school?
A: “Not much to choose from for this question, unfortunately; my high school wasn’t the wonderful, memory-making place that Gibbons seems to be—I love the atmosphere here! There was a physics class I enjoyed in high school, though; the teacher was Socratic, experiential, and constructivist way before those ideas took such firm root in the landscape of secondary education as they have today.”
Photo by Dan Jukic/Gibbons Media
John Yelenic at the new teacher orientation, held at Gibbons on August 15.
Photo by Dan Jukic/Gibbons Media
Faculty, both new and returning, gather in the renovated school library.
Photo by Dan Jukic/Gibbons Media
Alex Buckley, front, with Sarah Kuszaj and Stewart Aull at the orientation for new teachers.
Interviews by Inside & Out Editor Rebecca Camak, News Editor Stephanie Todd, and Production Editor Cheyenne Wood
September 27, 2013
The Crusader 6
Gibbons welcomes biggest freshman class yet By Lorenzo Macaisa Photo Editor For many high school students, Freshman Welcome Day is the most memorable day of their high school career. Freshman Welcome Day, which took place on August 21, is always an exciting day on which upperclassmen spend the day welcoming freshmen to the school and introducing them to the high school flow. “It was cool getting to meet some of the upperclassmen and hear their Gibbons stories,” said freshman Kaleb Howarth. There were many upperclassmen
to share stories as there were over 500 non-freshmen student volunteers. In addition to the numerous volunteers, there were a record number of freshmen according to Maryanne McCarty, director of admissions. The day kicked off when the parents drove up to the piazza where they were greeted by the volunteers. For one freshman, the best part of the day was getting a tour around the school and getting to see their new teachers. “I liked when we walked around to each class and got to see our new teachers,” said freshman Patrick Wirth. The student run tours were sponsored by the National Honor Society. Photo by Dan Jukic/ Gibbons Media
Gibbons students welcome the class of 2017 on Freshman Welcome Day on August 21, 2013.
Photo by Ashley Herbert/Landmark Yearbook
Freshmen Elliot Velk, Daniel Tracy, John Benson, and Matthew Hollis link arms as they play amoeba tag during Freshman Welcome Day on August 21, 2013.
New technology points to the future
Photo by Darsey Williams/Gibbons Media
Sophomore Richie Lee greets a parent as she drops off her child on Freshman Welcome Day on August 21, 2013.
Network changes lead to increased internet speed By Andrew Mihok Sports Editor With the completion of the Building the Vision project at Gibbons, updating the school’s technology is the next step in enhancing the education experience. Some of the technological updates include 12 Gibbons Director of Technology new computers and a green screen in the Lesley Coe new media room, which houses Gibbons’ newspaper, yearbook, photojournalism, and digital video programs. “A lot of the new things this year are internal network changes. We have replaced all the switches in our closets that all the computers, printers, and phones connected to. We are replacing the heart of the networks,” said Lesley Coe, Director of Technology. The new internal network changes have increased the internet upload and download speeds, which makes using computers easier and faster for students and faculty. All classrooms now feature wireless access points, which are helping to prepare for future one to one devices, according to Coe. “This year I’ve notice that the computers are much faster compared to past years. It makes finishing work on the computers a lot easier,” said senior Ryan Desmond. One the main goals of the new technological equipment is to better prepare students for the future. “I think it [technology] is going to
play a larger role in preparing you for college and for the work force. We are hoping to give you the skills here for the technology,” said Coe. Also, new this year is the use of Lenovo ThinkPad Helix ultratablets for science teachers and select media teachers. The Helix tablets feature a stylus that enables teachers to write on the tablets in addition to using the conventional keyboard. Photo by Rachelle Garbarine/Advancement
(l-r) Seniors Madison Clark, Genevieve Servoss, Sarah Benecky, Kaitlyn Peeples, Veronica Lavelle, and Alana Klein arrived at Freshman Welcome Day on August 21, 2013 ready to answer questions from freshmen.
Photo by Brennan Doherty/The Crusader
Media teacher Dan Jukic uses his new Lenovo ThinkPad Helix ultratablet. All science teachers and some media teachers received the tablets.
Page design by I&O Editor Rebecca Camak and Editor-In-Chief Brennan Doherty
Photo by Ashley Herbert/Landmark Yearbook
Senior Connor Battershall directs traffic along the new piazza on Freshman Welcome Day on August 21, 2013.
September 27, 2013
The Crusader 7
XC runs past competition Volleyball seeking fifth Teams aiming for state championships
straight state title
Crusaders still undefeated By Brennan Doherty Editor-In-Chief
Photo courtesy of Vicky Klimek
Sophomore Sophie Ebihara (left) and senior Mary Grace Doggett run in front of the group at the 2012 NCHSAA 3A state championship. The women’s cross country team is going for a fourth straight state championship this season.
By Caroline Young Arts and Entertainment Editor Both the men’s and women’s Gibbons cross country teams have started the season strong, according to head coach Nick Mangum. The team, made up of about 80 runners this year, has competed in two major meets so far this season. “They both went very well,” said Mangum. The runners entered the season with high expectations. Both teams are aiming to win state titles once again. The women’s team is going for its fourth straight state championship while the men’s team is looking to win it all for the third consecutive year. “They set goals to win the state championships again. Both teams are favored to. They absolutely have the ability to; it’s about getting the work
in and staying healthy. Both teams are very talented. Not only are they a talented group, but they’re a lot of fun. There’s never a dull moment with them,” said Mangum. The women’s team is led by senior Mary Grace Doggett, the 2012 NCHSAA 3A state champion. Also back this year is sophomore Sophie Ebihara, and senior Rachel Bartolomeo, both allstate runners in 2012. The men’s team is led by senior Jake Zawada, an all-state runner in 2012, and junior David Edwards. Joining the cross country team as an assistant coach is John Henderson. Henderson has been the head coach at Middle Creek High School for the past five years. “He brings a lot of experience and it’s been great having him,” said Mangum.
The Gibbons varsity volleyball program has established itself as a power house over the past several years with the Crusaders winning won four straight 3A state championships. As of now, it looks as if Gibbons may be on its way toward a fifth consecutive state title. The Crusaders are an undefeated 13-0 with wins over quality opponents such as 4A Apex, Ravenscroft, 4A Athens Drive and conference foe Chapel Hill. According to head coach Logan Barber, the team is very talented, but what makes the squad special is its togetherness and ability to play well as a team. “Overall, the physical ability is certainly a big advantage. They’re just really good volleyball players but they’re doing a great job of learning how to play as a team,” said Barber. Despite losing former four-year starter and all-American Haleigh Nelson ‘13, Gibbons senior captain Erin Quinn thinks that the team is still very talented and that there are several underclassmen that have played big roles this season. “Last year, people sort of focused on Haleigh [Nelson] because she was a primary player but this year we have more options and we have a lot of younger players which helps us out,” said Quinn. Quinn is one of four senior captains along with Cheyenne Wood, Bianca Gartner and Amy Robertson. As Gibbons tries to win the program’s fifth straight state championship this November, the team will most likely deal with some issues that come with being a perennial power. Barber says that winning year after year creates some adversity for the team. “The first thing is it definitely
draws a target on your back. When you play people you definitely get their best shot. The other part is the kids sometimes get the idea that they’re supposed to win it every year, which is good, but sometimes they can get a little anxious about it,” said Barber. Gibbons defeated Orange at home on Tuesday, September 24 and the Crusaders played on Thursday, September 26 at Northwood. Results were not available at press time.
Photo by Anthony Palumbo/The Crusader
Senior captains Cheyenne Wood (center) and Amy Robertson (right) cover sophomore Briley Brind'Amour as she goes up for a kill during warmups before the women’s victory against Orange on Tuesday, September 24.
Women’s tennis starts Carrington hosts season off strong Key To Success clinic
Team sets sights even higher By Cheyenne Wood Production Editor Last Thursday, the women’s tennis team traveled to Northwood, sweeping them 9-0 and improving their conference record to 10-0. Overall, the team is 18-1 this season after winning a doubleheader agaisnt J.F Webb 9-0 and 7-0 on September 25. The team suffered their only loss in the finals of the Port City Invitational in Wilmington on August 23-24, losing 5-4 to Lake Norman. Competition in the Port City Invitational really jump started the season in bringing the team together. “My favorite part of the season so far was traveling to Wilmington and getting to play good teams in the beginning of the season. It really helped us get to know each other and the team became a lot closer quicker,” said senior Millie Piggott. The team has already accomplished some goals this season by beating high level opponents. Key wins came against St. Mary’s (7-2), Ravenscroft (8-1) and Green Hope (5-4). These were some teams that hadn’t been beaten before. But the team still has high expectations for the rest of the season. “Our goal as a team this year is to go undefeated in conference and to be a top team in the state, especially in 3A,” said senior Catherine Monaco. Great experience in the senior
class but also young players step up into leadership roles which makes Gibbons tennis have a bright future ahead of them. “Key players this season are juniors Devin Knors, Natalie Freeman, and Maggie Reilly, who all bring experience to the team after being starters last year, and freshman Lizzie Galush, who starts in both singles and doubles, “ said head coach Andrew Tuttle. According to Tuttle, the senior girls provide a lot of leadership, time and experience to the team. They help the underclassmen learn the tools they will need in the future to be successful and have fun. “The seniors have brought leadership and fun to the season. All three of our seniors (Andie Fitzgerald, Catherine Monaco and Millie Piggott) have been involved in either varsity or JV tennis for all four years of high school and bring a lot of experience to the team,” said Tuttle. Before the season ends for the team all three captains want to finish with wins and have a great time. “I want to have a good season and get some wins but I also want to have fun. I think it’s important that we enjoy the time we have together and be a great team,” said senior Andie Fitzgerald. Senior Night will be on October 7 against Chapel Hill.
Page design by Sports Editor Andrew Schnittker and Editor-In-Chief Brennan Doherty
By Brennan Doherty Editor-In-Chief
High school coaches from around the state of North Carolina gathered for the third annual Key To Success coaching clinic hosted by Gibbons men’s varsity basketball head coach Marque Carrington on Saturday, September 14. The event was held in the Father Price Gymnasium at Gibbons. Several coaches with NBA and collegiate backgrounds spoke at the event including NC State head coach Mark Gottfried. High school coaches who attended the event either paid $25 in advance or $40 at the door. Including attendees and guest speakers, Carrington estimates that there were around 80-90 people at the event. Carrington is donating the money he earned for a good cause as he plans on using it to benefit a local charity. “I was able to send 15 kids to summer camp with the proceeds from last year. This year the proceeds are going to Neighbor to Neighbor, an organization in Raleigh that helps out youth,” said Carrington. Carrington originally got the idea for Key To Success a few years ago when he decided that he wanted to help kids with whom he usually doesn’t interact with. “I was looking to touch a different group of kids that I wouldn’t normally touch throughout the year. So I
thought why not use the game of basketball and the connections that I have to do a clinic to help other people in need,” said Carrington. Other guest speakers included former Davidson and UNC-Asheville head coach and current UNC-Wilmington assistant coach Eddie Biedenbach, Louisburg College head coach Mark Vanderslice, ESPN director of basketball recruiting and former Wright State head coach Paul Biancardi, former Duke basketball director of basketball operations and current CBS Sports Network analyst Chris Spatola, New York Knicks scout Stephen Giles, former collegiate player and current trainer Gilbert Abraham and Olympic high school head coach Ty Baumgardner. Carrington says that this year’s clinic was a success and that he’s heard good things from other coaches. “Overall, I think it went really well. I got a lot of great feedback from the attendees and the coaches that actually presented. Coaches were very excited to implement some of the different ideas they learned from speakers,” said Carrington. After a long off-season, Carrington says that it’s always great to start getting prepared to be in the gym for another year of competition. “It was refreshing and when you get a bunch of coaches in a gym to talk basketball, it’s a good feeling,” said Carrington.
SPORTS
September 27, 2013
Stankavage leads Gibbons to 35-28 comeback victory over Broughton
The Crusader 8
Junior wide receiver Earl Gill catches game-winning TD By Brennan Doherty Editor-In-Chief
terback told his head coach Steven Wright, “Coach, I got this.” Two plays prior to the gameGibbons’ game against Broughton winning touchdown, Gibbons faced a featured many highs and lows for the critical third-and-10 at their own 20Crusaders but no moment was greater yard line. than when senior quarterback Shawn Stankavage was able to spot senior Stankavage hit junior wide receiver running back Peyton Offnick open and Earl Gill for a 50-yard game winning the lead signal-caller hit Offnick for a touchdown with 3:45 remaining in the 26-yard gain, setting up the eventual fourth quarter. game winning play. After the two-point conversion, “I think Shawn was able to lean on Gibbons was ahead of Broughton 35- his experience from last year and his 28 and that would be the score when confidence he’s developed because of the clock hit zero. his abilities. He went out there and Just two minutes earlier, however, executed perfectly and led us right Gibbons (3-1) was at rock bottom. Af- down the field,” said Wright. ter trailing 27-0 in the third quarter. Stankavage said that the Gibbons Broughton scored its fourth-straight sideline was quiet after Broughton touchdown with 5:24 in the fourth took the lead late in the game, but that quarter to take its first lead, 28-27. he was ready to lead the offense toNot deterred, the Gibbons quarward a score. “We were all down on the sideline but I think that’s where my leadership stepped up and I picked up the offense and said ‘Hey we’re good. The ball’s in my hand and we’re going to go down there and win this game.’ When we scored it was just a sigh of relief,” said Stankavage. Stankavage would finish the game with arguably the best stats he’s ever had as Gibbons’ starting quarterback as he completed 22 of his 36 passing attempts for 434 yards and three touchdowns. Stankavage also recorded one rushing score while gaining 91 yards on the ground on 15 carries. Stankavage’s favorite target, Gill, put up monster numbers as well. The junior wide out caught eleven passes for 245 yards. After Gibbons’ go ahead score Broughton still had enough time to make another comeback. But the Capitals turned the ball over on downs at their own 32-yard line with 3:08 minutes remaining. Still, Broughton got the Photo courtesy of Kristy Shaefer ball back with 22 seconds Senior quarterback Shawn Stankavage, seen here left but Broughton quarin action against Cary on August 30, passed for 434 terback Patrick Kearney’s yards in Gibbons’ 35-28 win against Broughton on final pass fell incomplete Friday, September 13.
on the last play of the game. Gibbons started the game off extremely well. Junior running back DJ Smith opened up the scoring for Gibbons with a three-yard touchdown run with 7:05 in the first quarter. Smith would finish the game with two touchdowns, both coming in the first half. However, mistakes by Smith almost cost Gibbons the game in the second half. Gibbons struck again when Stankavage found senior wide receiver Chris Gorman in the corner of the end zone for a seven-yard touchdown pass with 1:54 remaining in the first quarter. Gorman had his best game of the year as he compiled 105 receiving yards on five catches. Overall, Stankavage’s chemistry with his receivers on Friday night seemed improved compared to Gibbons’ first three games. “I think the first three games they just had their jitters. They really didn’t have that much experience. I think they picked it up tonight,” said Stankavage. Smith’s second touchdown of the first half came on a 23-yard pass out of the backfield from Stankavage, making the score 21-0 in favor of Gibbons at the half. Gibbons got the ball to begin the second half and Stankavage methodically led the offense down the field before keeping the ball himself on a quarterback bootleg playcall for an 11-yard touchdown run. From that point on, things got crazy. Immediately following the touchdown, Wright elected to go for a twopoint conversion. If the conversion was successful, Gibbons would have gone up 29-0, but the conversion failed. This decision proved pivotal as Broughton took a one point lead late in the game because of Wright’s decision not to kick the extra point. However, Wright said that he chose to go for the two-point conversion because his kicker Brandon Loy left the game with an injury. “We had lost Brandon Loy. We went for two only because our field goal kicker was injured,” said Wright. Sophomore Jimmy Russo would fill in for Loy on kickoffs for the rest of the game. With just under two minutes remaining in the third quarter, Broughton scored their first touchdown of the
game on a 44-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Patrick Kearney to Michee Kamba. Broughton’s next score came on a 35-yard pass to wide receiver Dominic Ford with 8:48 remaining in the game. The score came just one play after Offnick fumbled the football for Gibbons. Broughton’s defense wreaked more havoc on the Crusader offense just a few plays later when they forced Smith to fumble. The Capitals fell on the ball and less than a minute later Broughton cut the lead to six points when Ford scored a hook and ladder pass play. It looked as if Gibbons was moving in the right direction on their following possession after a 29-yard catch by Gill put Gibbons at the 50-yard line but Smith fumbled for the second straight time on the next play. With all the momentum in the world and a rambunctious home crowed supporting them, Broughton marched right down the field before Ford caught his third straight touchdown, this one from six yards out. After the all-important extra point from Broughton kicker Andrew King, the Capitals led for their first time all game. Ford would end the night with 151 receiving yards on seven catches and Kearney completed 22 of his 48 passing attempts for 351 yards and two touchdowns. Until midway through the third quarter, Wright believed that his defense was doing a pretty good job against a high-octane Broughton offense, especially without starting defensive linemen Michael Benvenuto and Demetrios Meliones. “Through the first three quarters, even after they scored on that first touchdown, I thought our defense was outstanding. We were missing our starting linebacker [Stephen Scott], two of our starting defensive linemen and then eventually one of our starting safeties [Jackson O’Korn] and these guys did a phenomenal job of rallying and getting it done,” said Wright. While Gibbons would have preferred to win by multiple scores, Stankavage sees the game as a big moment and lesson for the team. “We’re a young team. I think this is good for us. I think we’re going to grow from it and learn. It’s great moment for the team,” said Stankavage.
Gibbons ties Jordan 2-2 in dramatic fashion
Two teams combine for three goals in final minutes By Brennan Doherty Editor-In-Chief Gibbons and Durham Jordan combined for three goals in the final 8:33 of the non-conference match between state-title contenders with Jordan scoring the final equalizer with just over 3 minutes left to secure the dramatic 2-2 tie. Trailing by one goal with 8:33 left in the game, Jordan tied the score with a goal by Christian Aguilera. Gibbons answered back less than two minutes later when senior Cameron Steele’s header found the back of the net off of a free kick, giving Gibbons a 2-1 advantage with 6:52 remaining. Trailing once again with time running down, Jordan put on the pressure and secured the equalizer after a scrum in front of the Gibbons net. Gibbons nearly retook the lead with time nearly gone on what would have been a miraculous goal by junior defender Cooper Duplantis. Duplantis lined up for a free kick from Gibbons’ own side of midfield, approximately 65-yards away from the goal, and his kick went over the head of Jordan goalkeeper Billy Morganlander and hit the crossbar.
The near-goal took the Gibbons team and sideline on a roller-coaster ride of emotion. “It was more or less awe, then shock and ultimately a little disappointment because we thought it went in,” said Tim Healy, Gibbons head soccer coach, of the final shot. Overall, Healy thought that his team played well but he says that he and his team are disappointed about the way they gave up two one goal leads within the final ten minutes of the game. “We’re upset because we were up 1-0 and then 2-1 and we let them back in when we felt like we had the better of the play,” said Healy. Both teams had opportunities throughout the first half but good play by both defenses and goalkeepers kept the score at 0-0 for the first 50 minutes of the game. But a beautiful header by senior Matt Springer opened up the scoring for Gibbons a little over nine minutes into the second half. The goal was assisted by freshman Drew Rabil. “Cam Steele saw Rabil wide open and he made a quick touch and distrib-
Page design by Sports Editor Andrew Schnittker and Editor-In-Chief Brennan Doherty
Photo by Dan Jukic/Gibbons Media
Gibbons freshman Drew Rabil attempts to head the ball off a long throw-in but Jordan senior goalkeeper Billy Morganlander punches it away. Gibbons and Jordan tied 2-2 on Friday, September 20 in dramatic fashion.
uted it wide. That really opened things up for Rabil and then Rabil played a great ball in. Springer stepped up and made a big play,” said Healy. Despite not being able to close out the game and walk away with a win, Healy sees the game as a learning experience for his team. “The good news is that our boys have to understand that moving for-
ward we took a big step even though it wasn’t a big step on the scoreboard,” said Healy. Gibbons resumed conference play on Monday, September 23 when the Crusaders defeated Southern Durham 7-1. The Crusaders then defeated Cedar Ridge 4-1 on Wednesday, September 25 at home.