Summer 2008
The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School
Making
A Splash
Page 11
Sesquicentennial Celebration and Dedication Sunday, October 5, 2008 3:00 pm
Mass Celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali Dedication of New Academic Wing and Athletic Fields Reception and Guided Tours A Light Fare of Food and Drinks Entertainment and Fireworks To ensure that you receive an invitation to this milestone event, please register at
www.lschs.org/dedication
The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School
WHAT’S INSIDE Features A Title Wave Of Champions Page 7
Making A Splash Page 11
Class of 2008 Page 14-17
Departments From The Hip
Photo Gallery
Letter From The President
Class Notes
Page 2 Page 3
Happenings At La Salle Pages 4-6
Pages 18-25 Pages 26-31
Announcements Page 32
Explorer Summer 2008
From The Hip Recently, I overheard someone bragging about their “alumni network.” Being so connected to La Salle College High School, I often take for granted the vast network that continues to thrive within our community. As a Past President of the Alumni Association, I was fortunate to have experienced the interaction between our alumni and I am always amazed by the openness and receptiveness of our alumni; particularly, in regard to assisting a fellow alum. The common bond that we share transcends beyond graduation and creates life-long opportunities. In March, I joined forty-eight juniors as they converged upon New York City to meet with members of La Salle College High School’s New York Regional Roundtable in an effort to gain insight into various fields. Six of our prominent New York alums led a panel discussion that focused on career opportunities as well as the importance of perseverance and hard work. The students split into groups and the alums literally “took the boys to work” with tours of the New York Stock Exchange, United States District Court, and Time, Inc. (and its various publications). The day was an introduction to not only La Salle’s well established alumni network, but to life in the “city that never sleeps.” Career Day has become an established opportunity for our alumni to interact with students. In April, over fifty alums returned to their Alma Mater to talk about their experiences, explain the educational paths they took, and share insight on the present and future state of their profession. The freshman and juniors that participated in the presentations learned first-hand of the opportunities that await them and the keynote address by Drew Morrisroe ’92 spoke to the true power of the La Salle Network. In June, the Alumni Association held the 48th Annual Alumni Golf Outing. Over 160 golfers representing seven different decades of Explorers came out to play. As I looked out across the porch of the Philadelphia Cricket Club, I couldn’t help but notice the interaction between these men. Many comprised foursomes of the same class year, while others played together in corporate foursomes because they worked for the same company. The perfect weather and two fabulous golf courses where surpassed only by the camaraderie and communication of the participants. When Florence Ward was inducted into the Hall of Fame in March, she referred to her “boys” – a group of men who worked with Florence and served as President of an association that she and so many hold dear to their heart. I am honored to be one of Florence’s “boys,” but even more grateful to be a “Brother’s Boy” and part of a global network of Lasallian educated men (and women) who have been instilled with the teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle. It is a network that doesn’t require boasting as it travels with me wherever I go and sets a shining example for everyone with whom I interact. Like Jesus, it lives in our hearts forever.
Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Editor
E X PLORE R
The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School
President Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 Principal Joseph L. Marchese Vice President of Institutional Advancement Daniel L. McGowan Alumni Association President Anthony J. Gillespie ’68 Editor Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Editorial and Production Assistance Barbara Franks Andrew M. Gill ’05 Cathleen P. Winning Contributing Writers Dennis M. Bloh Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Patrick J Gallagher ’70 Gayle Ronan Sims Photography Greg Bobowski John J. Burns Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Davor Photography Michael Maicher Brother James Rieck, FSC ’57 Raymond T. Shay ’00 UGA Sports Communications University of Georgia Artwork and Design John Burns Graphic Design Address Explorer La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, PA 19038 215 233 2350 Phone 215 836 4502 Fax alumni@lschs.org The Explorer is published by La Salle College High School. The Explorer welcomes letters to the Editor concerning alumni, school, and topics published in the magazine. The Editor of the Explorer reserves the right to make all decisions regarding the content and information published in the magazine.
Florence Ward and “Her Boys” (Presidents of the Alumni Association) Standing (left to right): Bob Szostak ’72, Tim Foley ’66, John Wozniak ’77, Jim McLaughlin ’57, Bob Moran ’69, Lloyd Beck ’74, Gerry Lowery ’78, Tom O’Keefe ’63, Bob McAnespey ’66, and Chris Carabello ’82 Seated (left to right): Scott Wolpert ’84, Dave Cattie ’68, Gerry Binder ’69, Connie Miller ’50, Florence Ward, Jim Donahue ’86, Bob McCreight ’71, and John Fenningham ’68
Explorer Summer 2008
Letter from the President Dear Fellow Alums and Friends, As our 150th academic year comes to a conclusion, I am pleased to report that La Salle College High School finds itself in a very strong position to face the future. This year, the 248 members of the Class of 2008 were accepted at 254 colleges and universities across our nation and, after much decision making, have accepted appointments at 83 universities in 22 states. Almost 80% of the Class received merit-based and/or athletic scholarships and the Class leaves La Salle having earned in excess of $22.5 million in documented scholarships and grants. There can be no doubt that our graduates have widened their pursuits and world view. Congratulations to their teachers, coaches, and families who encouraged them throughout these four years. The Explorers of 2007-2008 celebrated five Philadelphia Catholic League Championships – Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Swimming, and Tennis – as well as two state championships (Ice Hockey and Lacrosse). Our Speech and Debate team proved their mettle by taking first place at the district championships and winning the State Championship in Policy Debate as well as Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Our Jazz Band again represented our students’ talents by achieving five “superior” ratings at the Cavalcade of Bands Competition. This year has truly been one of celebration. For the past 150 years, over 20,000 young men from the Delaware Valley have called themselves Explorers. Their efforts have not only advanced the name of La Salle, but their personal careers as well. Our social calendar was enhanced by three major events: the Founder’s Gala in April, which celebrated our birth in 1858 and the 150 years that followed; our annual Auction in November, which marked its 25th anniversary with yet another tremendous success; and in May, when our Mothers’ Club commemorated their 70th anniversary with over 250 “past” moms. I am especially pleased to recognize Jack Bauerle ’70, who was selected as the Head Coach for the USA Swim Team at this summer’s Olympic Games in Beijing. In the coming weeks, I am certain you will hear much of the accomplishments of Jack and his teams. Jack was a former standout swimmer here at La Salle and you will be happy to know that La Salle continued its winning ways with its 20th consecutive Swimming Championship under the leadership of Coach Frank Lichtner. We continue to benefit from your legacy and look forward to creating a brighter future for our students. On Sunday, October 5, 2008, Justin Cardinal Rigali will visit La Salle to celebrate our Sesquicentennial Anniversary as a school and dedicate our 40,000 square foot academic addition and new athletic fields. La Salle has positioned itself as among the best with these improvements. I hope you will take the occasion to visit us on this date or in the near future at a time of your convenience. Sincerely,
Mission Statement adopted by the Middle States Evaluation Team March 2006 La Salle College High School, a Catholic independent, college preparatory school for young men of varied backgrounds, is conducted in the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Through a broad and balanced, human and Christian education, La Salle College High School guides each student in the development of his unique God-given talents and fosters a commitment to academic excellence, service, and leadership.
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 President
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 presents the President’s Medal to Brother Dennis Malloy, FSC, Provincial of the Baltimore Province of the Christian Brothers, on behalf of all of the Christian Brothers in the Province.
Explorer Summer 2008
Happenings At La Salle
Arts Festival On Monday, May 19, 2008, the Art Department officially opened the annual showcase of student artwork with a reception for students, families, faculty, and staff. The artwork displayed ranged from drawings and paintings to pottery and sculptures. Blue Ribbons of Excellence were awarded to the “Best in Show” pieces. With construction this year, the student artwork was displayed in the first floor hallways and the main office and remained on display in the school for two weeks.
School Spirit The 5th Annual Fran Johnson Field Day, named in honor of the beloved teacher of English and Religion who passed away in 2003, was held on Friday, April 18, 2008 and featured gorgeous weather, spirited competition, notable sportsmanship, and many smiles and laughs. There were over three dozen events taking place simultaneously in four areas of the campus and this special day has become one of the most anticipated traditions at La Salle primarily because it brings out some of the best in the students, faculty and staff in terms of building relationships, promoting school spirit, participating in school extracurricular activities, simply taking pleasure in healthy competition, and in being in one another’s company.
Men Of Accomplishment The AAA Hockey Team defeated Pine-Richland by a score of 9-1 in the Class AAA Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League Championship held at Cambria County War Memorial Arena in Johnstown, PA. The Explorers, who finished with a record of 30-1-2 and defeated Holy Ghost Prep to win the Flyer’s Cup, prevented Pine-Richland, the Penguins Cup champions, from winning a third consecutive State title.
The Fourth The final Kairos retreat of the year took place April 8-11, 2008 at Diamond Ridge in Jamison, PA. Thirty seniors and nine juniors made the four day, three night retreat in which the retreatants examine their lives. The retreat marks the eleventh year of the Kairos Retreat Program at La Salle College High School.
Heads Of State The Lacrosse team defeated St. Joseph’s Prep in the Philadelphia Catholic League Lacrosse Championship to win their fifth consecutive title and their 14th championship in sixteen years. The Explorers went on to defeat the Haverford School, Malvern Prep, and Manheim Township to win the State Championship (Keystone Cup) and finish with a record of 32-2 and ranked as the fourth best team in the nation. During the course of the season, Head Coach Bill Leahy won his 300th game as Head Lacrosse Coach of the Explorers.
What A Glorious Feeling The Theatre Program held four sold-out performances of “Singin’ In The Rain” April 3-6, 2008. Matt Dwyer ’08 and Brian McGinley ’08 were the male leads in the show that also featured Catherine Begley ’08 and Kim Whitehill ’09 (both from Mount St. Joseph Academy). Band President Julian Tucker ’08 conducted the all-student orchestra.
Explorer Summer 2008
Let The Music Play The annual Spring Band Concert took place on Monday, April 28, 2008. The concert, under the direction of Joe Vettori, featured every member of the La Salle Music Program performing in one or more bands. On Monday, May 19, 2008, La Salle’s Choral Program held its Spring Concert under the direction of Mark Norman. Three choral ensembles performed including: Upperclassmen Chorus, Freshmen Chorus, and The Belcrofters. La Salle was joined by Gwynedd-Mercy Academy for a combined piece to conclude the program.
Final Bow After twenty-three shows, “Singin’ In The Rain” marked the last musical directed by Colleen Durkin Lapowsky. Colleen summarized her years at La Salle, “My life has been so beautifully blessed. I have worked with your children and my own. The pay has been lousy, but the final payoff has been immeasurable! I would have never become the woman I am today if it was not for La Salle. My son Tim is graduating from La Salle, so too am I.”
Men Of Service Tuesday, April 29, 2008 saw the entire sophomore class along with over one hundred fathers and twenty members of the faculty participate in the 6th Annual Sophomore Branch-Out Day and provide a day of community service to twenty different locations in the Philadelphia area. The sites included inner city Catholic grade schools, Salvation Army Corps, nursing homes, and food banks. In total, 400 volunteers provided over 1,600 hours of service to the community.
Persuasive Speakers The Speech and Debate Team won two state championships at the 2008 Pennsylvania High School Speech Championships. T.J. McCarrick ’08 and John Sperger ’08 defeated Erie Cathedral Prep on a 5-0 decision to win the championship in Policy Debate. Sean Janda ’10 defeated a debater from St. Joseph’s Prep to capture the championship in Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
Tennis Anyone The La Salle Tennis team defeated Roman Catholic to win the Philadelphia Catholic League Tennis Championship held at La Salle University.
Hall Of Fame Coach On Sunday, May 18, 2008, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame honored Vic Stanley, La Salle’s Head Wrestling Coach, with a “Lifetime Service to Wrestling” Award. The award recognizes individuals that have given countless hours of their time instilling in young people the skills needed to succeed in all areas of life. Coach Stanley will be permanently recognized at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, OK.
Explorer Summer 2008
Happenings At La Salle Continued
Men Of Respect On January 20, 2008, more than forty La Salle students joined Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 and made the journey to the steps of the Supreme Court in Washington, DC to support the effort to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 abortion decision.
Ladies First More than two hundred present and past members of the Mothers’ Club Board celebrated La Salle’s Sesquicentennial Anniversary as well as the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the Mothers’ Club at a festive luncheon at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club on Thursday, May 15, 2008. Honored guests included thirty-four Mothers’ Club presidents and six Brothers who served as Moderator. The most senior of the past presidents, Mrs. Roselle Bartkowski Sucharski, who headed the Mothers’ Club in 1965-66, and whose Moderator, Brother Leo Smith, FSC, was among the Brothers present, led the procession of Presidents into the grand ballroom, where memorabilia from the Club’s long history was displayed.
A Medley Of Surprises The Distance Medley Relay Team won the State Championship on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Penn State University. Every member of the relay team set personal records and the overall time of 10:15:59 broke not only the school record, but set a new state record. The performance was the fastest time in the nation and the third best time ever run by any high school.
A Taste Of The Big Apple On March 27, 2008, forty-eight juniors converged upon New York City to meet with members of La Salle College High School’s New York City Regional Roundtable and to gain insight into the various fields lead by La Salle Alumni. The primary focus of the trip was to acquaint students with the wide range of opportunities offered by New York’s renowned businesses and institutions and featured visits to the New York Stock Exchange, United States District Court, and Time, Inc. The experience also introduced the students to La Salle’s well established alumni network.
We Take Tests For Fun The Academic Decathlon Team won the Eastern Regional Academic Decathlon Competition held at Montgomery County Community College on February 4, 2008. La Salle won the championship for the first time by dethroning North Penn High School and went on to finish third place in the State Championship.
Men Of Intellect La Salle College High School inducted eighty-six new members into the National Honor Society on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at a ceremony held in the auditorium. La Salle College High School requires that the students maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.50 (with no grade lower than a “C”), have a record of good conduct, and participate in an acceptable number of extra-curricular activities within the school community as well as in the community at large.
Explorer Summer 2008
A Title Wave
Of Champions
by Dennis M. Bloh
The Philadelphia Catholic League has known many great champions and dynasties throughout its long and revered history, but none compares to the tidal wave that is La Salle College High School Swimming. With its most recent Catholic League championship, La Salle has captured an unprecedented twentieth straight title. To put this in perspective, one needs to understand that for the last few years there has been no swimmer in the pool who had been alive when La Salle was not the champion. The La Salle dynasty has been an interesting journey filled with hard work,
Academy. He knew the La Salle swimming legacy very well. He had swum with
determination and the tireless efforts of a man destined to be not only one of
such La Salle greats as Robin Gallagher, Pat Gallagher, Ed Quarry and Mark
the greatest coaches in La Salle history, but one of the legendary coaches of
Giuliano at his AAU club. Frank himself has been a six time State Champion at
the Catholic League, Frank Lichtner. It is a story of hundreds of athletes who
Council Rock High School, an All-American at the University of Florida and an
bought into a philosophy, a work ethic and a team concept that was never
Olympic trial participant.
satisfied. All the swimmers for Coach Lichtner knew what the goal was for each season and worked daily to achieve that goal.
He had inherited a team that had just won back to back Catholic League Championships and were hoping to win a third. He looked at the dimly lit,
Although the twenty year streak begins with the 1988 – 1989 season, the
narrow four lane pool at La Salle and his collection of “summer” swimmers and
dynasty begins in the fall of 1990 when a “youngish” Frank Lichtner was hired
began molding what is today one of the most consistently winning
to coach La Salle swimming. Frank had coached several places before La Salle
swim programs in the nation.
including a year and half stint working under Dick Shoulberg at Germantown
Explorer Summer 2008
A Title Wave Of Champions Continued Class of 2011 Chris Catalino Will Galbally Chris Nunnari David Speese Brendan Stone Class of 2010 Dave Cinque Eddie Kehan Tom Knab Phil Letcavage Brendan McGoldrick Andrew Sideras Rhoads Worster Class of 2009 Connor Bracken Kyle Finlay Chris Foley James Mahoney Mike McGee Paul McGee Tom O’Neill Tom Shiels Andrew Speese Blase Szyszko Ted Walker Patrick Maginnis Class of 2008 Todd Domanski J.J. Houldin Greg Woods Class of 2007 Ed Bonnevie Ben DiFranco Conor Doherty Garrett Gallagher John Holt Michael Hughes Brian Jeffers Vince Levito Brendan Wills Class of 2006 Paul Bonnevie Ben Dearden Christopher Driscoll Patrick Jeffers John Knab Eric Prendergast Thomas Winning Class of 2005 Pasquale Ciammetti Brennan Hagy Kevin Hylinski Daniel Marcolina George Walters
Class of 2004 Timothy Adams Adam DiMenna Kevin Egan Patrick Gallagher Brian Hopkins Kent Jaggers Brian Neary Robert Vrancken John Welsh Joel Worster Class of 2003 Patrick Healy Garrett McDowell Class of 2002 Ian Carey Jason Fisher Christopher Jeffers Andrew Mowery Ross Muldoon Michael Nunnari Patrick O’ Connor Kevin Rieffel Class of 2001 Christopher Chancler Mark Gernerd Jeffrey Paul Robert Queroli Christopher Tuman Class of 2000 Brian Bacher Sean Brooks Kieran Bryers Kyle Callahan Kevin Dougherty Bradley Green Michael Harrigan Kevin Hughes Gregory Hylinski Matthew Wahl Class of 1999 Evan Behr Dan Cirrino Chris Domanski Craig Keenan Ryan Lynch Timothy Pippet Matthew Ranweller Bart Ray Sean Tucker
The Early Years As Frank faced the 1990 – 1991 season he knew that he had to gain the respect of his swimmers. He did this by providing well thought-out, demanding practices that required his swimmers to constantly challenge both themselves and each other. He inherited a few very talented swimmers, and he immediately put a high value on leadership. He had also inherited a team that had not distinguished itself outside of the pool, and he placed an even higher value on sportsmanship. In that first year he relied on his seniors and some key underclassmen, like Keith Krelovich to set an example for a very talented corps of freshmen. He and assistant coach Kathy Fox would be there every day as he held split practices in the afternoons to accommodate the swimmers in a four lane pool. The early years saw continued success in the Catholic League as team records began to fall. Some of these records had been held by those he himself had competed against. Frank would yell and drive his swimmers to become better than they had thought they could be. His first five years saw individual All-Americans, John Weiss and Steve Duncheskie as well as several All-American relays. Frank began to measure success by out of league competition like Hill School and St. Joseph’s Metuchen, the perennial New Jersey State Champs. One of Frank’s fondest memories is when the team first bested Hill School helped by the diving performance of All-American, Kyle Goldbacher. The team had overcome its first hurdle and now new goals needed to be set. The following few seasons saw standouts Steve Duncheskie and Kyle Gallagher lead teams that continued to dominate Catholic League competition, but continued to fall short at the now annual Christmas meet with St. Joseph’s Metuchen.
The Falcons of Metuchen had become the measuring stick. Not only was it important to try and defeat them, it was even more important to emulate them. They were a program that exuded class, and Frank knew that his teams would always strive to be not only good losers, but more importantly gracious winners. In the fall of 1994 Dennis Bloh, a teacher at La Salle, replaced Kathy Fox as assistant coach, and Frank decided to change his approach even more. He decided to keep the team numbers down to below thirty so that he could run a single practice in the afternoon and use the same amount of time to better train his athletes. This paid immediate dividends at Eastern Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Championships held each year at La Salle University. This premier meet drew some of the best competition in the country including schools like The Peddie School, Mercersburg Academy, and Germantown Academy. The 1995 Easterns saw great individual performances lead by two All-American swims by Kyle Gallagher and two All-American relays, both the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. La Salle had finally arrived as a team. They were now a force in both the local and regional swimming worlds and new goals had to be set. The Middle Years The 1995 – 1996 team was lead by co-captains Tom Yeagel and Ray Fitzpatrick. They embodied the drive, discipline and endurance that Frank had begun to instill in all of his swimmers. The new goal for this year was to try and peak for the National Catholic Swim Championships held at Villanova University. This meet featured the top Catholic swim teams from Virginia to New England. The Explorers trained with incredible focus and effort.
Explorer Summer 2008
Class of 1998 Joseph Chiarantona Michael Knowski William Markmann Brendan O’ Hara Teague O’Malley Paul Sharkey Ryan Tuman Class of 1997 Paul Callahan Kurt Hirsekorn Michael Labosky Dennis O’ Donnell Class of 1996 Ray Fitzpatrick Brendan Hogan Mike Kowalski Tim Lash Shaun McCormac Anthony Penzarella Andrew Sharkey Dan Sinni Jeff Truitt Chris Walters Thomas Yaegel Matthew Yaglenski Class of 1995 Ashley Brandan Michael Burak Ian Coffey Ryan Foley Kyle Gallagher Frank Palopoli David Schalleur Class of 1994 Michael Amerman Brian Andrusko Alex Crothammel Steve Duncheskie Jeffrey Fegley Todd Lofgren Brian Romano Jason Santini Brian Scully James Tate David Wenhold Michael Wimmer
Class of 1993 Mike Bavuso Brian Donahue James Maloney Kieran McAuliffe Paul Morrissey Tim O’Donnell William Palm William Sharkey Kevin Vanderslice
The team excelled in Coach Lichtner’s two season measuring sticks, the twenty 100’s and the Christmas training. These two events have become synonymous with La Salle’s success. The twenty 100’s is a test of conditioning and toughness. It consists of athletes swimming twenty 100 yard freestyles all out every three minutes. The challenge is to do each hundred in under a minute. For the exceptional athletes, Coach Lichtner sets an even lower time standard.
Class of 1992 Dave Gathman Adam Karr Keith Krelovich Daniel Lewis Christopher Mediano Shawn Melley John Weiss Matthew Wieckowski William Wittkamp
The Christmas training is done at La Salle University while other students are enjoying their Christmas break. The team trains for three hours each day and the workouts are very demanding. Coach Lichtner always feels that by the end of Christmas training he can tell in what kind of shape his team is. The Christmas of 1995 saw the bar set higher for La Salle swimmers. As the New Year greeted the team, both coach and swimmers knew they could accomplish their goal. It took a complete team effort, but La Salle had won its first National Catholic Championship.
Class of 1991 David Fegley Kevin Gray Kevin O’Donnell Kevin Scully Stephen Streibig Ryan Young
Easterns followed and La Salle took the energy from National Catholics and placed in the top five at Easterns. La Salle was now a “someone” in the swimming world. As La Salle completed its eighth straight Catholic League Championship, Coach Lichtner made it known to his fellow Catholic League coaches that La Salle represented the Catholic League in these larger championships and did so proudly. Frank Lichtner was already proud that his athletes represented La Salle not only with their skill, but also with their ability to win without taunting or putting other teams down.
Class of 1990 Robert Fluehr William Francoeur Jason Gathman Christopher Hoover Hunter Karr Mark Kelly Christopher Korman Martin Matthews William Rothenbach Christopher Schalleur Brian Stokes Class of 1989 Stephen Brennan John Cusimano Brandon Ginieczki Brian Hogan Christopher Idler Michael McGettigan John Pitts Edward Shields
The following several years were marked by continued success at National Catholics, winning in 1997 and again in 1999. Coach Lichtner added to his staff two of his former swimmers, Steve Duncheskie and Jim Tate, now teachers at the school. He began scheduling tougher and tougher out of league opponents. The Explorers traveled to Virginia (St. Paul VI) and to Baltimore (Loyola Blakefield Academy) to afford themselves the highest level of competition on which to hone their skills. They also competed against Delaware state champions, Salesianum. They managed to win more than they lost against these powerful foes. In addition, they had begun to dominate the Christmas meet with St. Joseph’s Metuchen, an occurrance that Coach Lichtner had not dared to imagine. The La Salle Swim Team had gained consistency both in and out of the pool. They were beginning to make the Top 25 nationally in the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) dual meet point system. The New Century As La Salle swimming greeted the new century, only one goal seemed left for Frank Lichtner’s team to conquer, the Easterns. Frank looked at the Easterns as the proving ground for both great swimmers and great swim teams. Its long hallowed history had included the names of many former Olympic swimmers and countless future college All-Americans. As Frank always puts it, “This is where the big boys swim.” Frank desperately wanted La Salle to be one of the big boys. In the late nineties and early two thousands, La Salle finished as high as third, lead by what now seemed to be a continuing wave of outstanding athletes that would come to La Salle to get a uniquely great education, to be coached by Frank Lichtner, and to become part of an ever growing tradition of greatness.
10 Explorer Summer 2008
A Title Wave Of Champions Continued The freshman class entering La Salle in 2000 was the La Salle swimming version of the perfect storm. All cylinders began to fire that year. Frank would always sit and tell me that “I can’t have a good Medley relay without a stud backstroker.” Later he would add, “We can’t swim with the big boys until we get an Im’er (Individual medley) who can final at Easterns.” The last thing on his wish list was, “The winning teams are all led by ’the man’.” The class of 2004 had all of these and much more. In two years Joel Worster became one of the premier backstrokers in the area, by junior year Kent Jaggers was a bona fide sub two minute IM’er as well as a great breaststroker, and from the first time he set foot in the La Salle pool, and Pat Gallagher was “the man.” The supporting cast were hardly also rans. John Welsh, Kevin Egan, Adam DiMenna, Rob Vrancken and others added depth and superior relay power. In 2004 the team got off to a great start defeating the Dons of Loyola, a perennial power in Baltimore. They stubbed their toes at Christmas with a close loss to rival St. Joe Metuchen, but got right back on track winning the Blue Chip Meet and regaining their National Catholic crown. Finally, the end of February had arrived and the team knew they could accomplish this last feat. For the first time the team knew we were the ones everyone was looking to beat. The team walked in confidently behind Pat Gallagher sensing the respect accorded the really great teams.
Sometimes the most difficult thing about winning is maintaining it. From the very first event the La Salle team demonstrated not only their skill but their desire to win for Coach Lichtner. These seniors had dedicated the prior summer and all of this season to winning this one last championship for the man they had come to revere and love. As Frank later stated, “They took care of business.” Perhaps no better is this meet characterized than in the 200 freestyle relay finals that took place at the end of the first day. The favorites in the race were La Salle and our neighbors at Germantown Academy. As the third leg finished the La Salle swimmer was clearly ahead, yet the GA swimmer took off before Pat Gallagher. Whatever the reason the GA swimmer had “jumped,” but no call was made. The other coaches, the fans and especially the parents were yelling, but no call. At that moment Pat Gallagher needed no call. He dove into the pool and proceeded to catch and pass GA’s fastest swimmer over the brief 50 yard distance. La Salle University erupted applauding a performance that is still often spoken about at Easterns.
Upon winning the final event, the 400 freestyle relay, the team, the coaches and a huge collection of students and parents from La Salle roared the cries of victory. The team, coaches and moderators all ended up in the pool. Coach Lichtner had promised that the only time he would let the team throw him in the pool was if we had won Easterns. We coaches were merely gravy. The team and parents partied and went on the following week to collect its 16th straight Catholic League Championship. The feeling of that meet was special because although the outcome was never in doubt, the remainder of the Catholic League teams could share in some part of that victory. A Catholic League team had won Easterns. The gold ring was attained. Continued Success Sometimes the most difficult thing about winning is maintaining it. This presented Frank Lichtner’s challenge for the following several years. New challenges arose. Coaches Duncheskie and Tate initiated a Water Polo Team who in its brief life has already challenged teams with more experience and better facilities. Each year Coach Lichtner goes and receives the Catholic League Championship plaque personally. He has made this a personal tradition which demonstrates to all of his colleagues the respect he has for Catholic League swimming. Even the Eastern cup was received by the captains. Perhaps this is why after twenty straight years, the rest of the teams respect us, but don’t hate us. That is the mark of a true champion. That is the mark of a La Sallian champion. The team continued to win Catholic League Championships as well as Blue Chip Meet Championships. They continued to remain very competitive at both National Catholics and Easterns. This past year they finished a strong second only surpassed by a new addition to the event, Baylor Academy, the Tennessee State Champions and a true national power. La Salle’s team faced them as they always have unafraid and well prepared. Unfortunately, our hopes winning another Easterns Championship has been thwarted. For the 2008 – 2009 season, the Philadelphia Catholic League has joined the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). La Salle will now be part of District 12 along with the other Catholic schools and the Philadelphia Public schools. Victories over neighborhood rival and perennial State champion, North Penn bode well for the Explorers in their first state tournament. A new goal has been handed to Coach Lichtner and his swimmers, winning La Salle’s first state championship. Fortunately we graduate only three seniors from this year’s team. We return two individual All-Americans, Ted Walker and Blasé Szyszko and three All-American relays. The class of 2009 like the class of 2004 have dedicated their summer, fall and winter to achieving this goal. They would like to be La Salle’s first State Champion for the school, for their team and most of all for the man who directs and motivates them, Coach Frank Lichtner.
Making
A Splash
by Christopher M. Carabello ’82
Jack Bauerle ’70 is the head coach of the University of Georgia (UGA) Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams. In the spring of 2008, he finished his 29th year as a head coach for UGA. Bauerle began On September 8, 2006,
coaching the women’s team in 1979 and became USA Swimming and the
head coach for the men’s team as well in 1983. In U.S. Olympic Committee
nearly four decades overseeing the UGA programs, announced that Bauerle
Bauerle has produced four NCAA Women’s titles would be the head coach
and six SEC Women’s titles. He has been chosen as of the U.S. Women’s
the SEC Coach of the Year thirteen times (11 with Swimming Team at the
the women and two with the men) and named the 2008 Summer Olympics in
NCAA Women’s Coach of the Year on five separate Beijing, China.
occasions. His combined record of 405-100-1 makes him the third-winningest coach in the NCAA.
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Making A Splash Continued
“Jack Bauerle is the consummate team coach. What he has done at the University of Georgia represents the pinnacle of team swimming, which is what the U.S. Olympic Team is all about. He brings a fun approach to the sport that will be key to producing Olympic success for our women’s team.” Mark Schubert, the head coach and general manager for USA Swimming’s National Team, used those words when he announced that Bauerle had been selected. For Bauerle, who has done it all at the collegiate level, the Olympic appointment became the crowning moment of his career. Bauerle embarks on his second Olympic swim coaching assignment, having also served as an assistant swim coach for the Olympic Women’s Swimming Team in 2000. Additionally, Bauerle served as a personal swim coach at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens where four Georgia swimmers brought home Olympic medals. Bauerle has been around the world as a U.S. National Team coach at multiple championships, including guiding the women at the 2005 World Championships in Canada. He also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Team at the 2001 and 2003 World Championships in Japan and Spain respectively. In 1997, Bauerle traveled to Italy, as the Head Women’s Coach for the USA World University Games Team and, in 1995, Bauerle was in Atlanta as an assistant women’s coach for the Pan Pacific Championships. Bauerle has met with unparalleled success in and out of the pool. Under Bauerle’s watch, individual national and Southeastern Conference champions, All-Americans, recordsetters, Academic All-Americans, and NCAA Postgraduate
Scholarship recipients have become the norm. During the 1998-99 season, Bauerle became the SEC’s winningest coach, surpassing the 252 recorded by Tennessee’s Ray Bussard from 1968-88. He then reached the elite 300 dual-meet-wins club in 2002. Bauerle eclipsed the 400-wins mark during the 2007-08 season. That same commitment to excellence extends into the classroom as UGA athletes have always ranked among the nation’s best in academic honors. In 2006, Georgia placed fourteen swimmers and divers on the CSCAA Academic All-America Team and a program-high twenty-six on the SEC Academic Honor Roll. The Lady Bulldogs won the Faculty Athletic Representative’s Award for the women’s team with the highest GPA at Georgia. A look into Bauerle’s character reveals the guiding force behind his motivation – a dedication to both the University of Georgia and its swimming and diving program. Across the nation, a rare few have accumulated 400-plus wins. Among those, only a few have claimed that honor while guiding only one program – a minority that includes Bauerle. The tradition established by the founders of the Georgia swimming and diving program has been steadfastly maintained in the Bauerle Era. Not only do Bauerle and his coaching staff demand the best of their student-athletes – in the classroom, in the pool, and in the community – but their efforts draw individuals who demand the best of themselves. Georgia swimming and diving can claim one achievement that no other collegiate sports program can – three NCAA Woman of the Year Award winners in Lisa Coole (1997), Kristy Kowal (2000), and Kim Black (2001). Georgia is the only program in the nation to have more than one winner and Bauerle has coached all three.
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Jack Bauerle as an All-American Swimmer at La Salle College High School in 1970 Pictured below: Jack Bauerle as the Head Coach of the Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams at the University of Georgia
Conference results are further evidence of Bauerle’s success. On the women’s side, Georgia has secured top-three finishes at the SEC Championship in eighteen of the last twenty-one years under Bauerle. In dual meet competition, the Lady Bulldogs have accumulated a 242-30-1 mark and have not lost in dual-meet (or tri-meet) competition at Gabrielsen Natatorium since the 1995-96 season – a streak of sixty-two entering the season. Initially arriving at the University of Georgia in 1970, Bauerle himself was once a Bulldog freshman. Over the span of the next four years, he collected four letters, three school records, and co-captained the team during his junior and senior years. Bauerle graduated from UGA in 1975 with B.A. in English. After spending seven years as a Bulldog swimmer and men’s assistant coach, Bauerle assumed the women’s head coaching duties in 1979. In their first two years under Bauerle, the Lady Bulldogs compiled a 16-3 record and a fifth-place finish at the inaugural women’s SEC Championship. Bauerle’s strides with the newly formed Lady Bulldogs of the 1980’s reflect the charisma and strength of his coaching ability. It was only a matter of time before this ability took effect on the men’s program. After accepting the head coaching position in 1983, Bauerle quietly built up his men’s team to the point that in 1988, Georgia earned its first trip to the NCAA’s in thirty-two years, finishing 41st overall. Perhaps the greatest accomplishments of Bauerle’s coaching career were reached during the 1997 season. Not only did the Lady Bulldogs earn their first league title, but combining the women’s fifth-place finish with the third-place mark of the men at the NCAAs, Bauerle stood as the only coach during that season to lead two teams to top-five finishes. His contributions were recognized by the league as Bauerle was
named SEC Men’s Coach of the Year and SEC Women’s Coach of the Year. The 1999 season brought the breakthrough Bauerle had worked years to accomplish as the Lady Bulldogs captured the NCAA team title in front of a boisterous hometown crowd. Behind the force of a true team effort, the Lady Bulldogs garnered twenty-four All-America finishes, eight Honorable Mention distinctions, and four individual titles. The 2000 women’s squad repeated as national champions by winning nine NCAA events. The 2001 team won the NCAA crown by a mere 1.5 points ahead of Stanford in the closest meet in the history of the championships. The Lady Bulldogs were back on top of the awards stand as they won the 2005 NCAA title. Besides coaching, Bauerle has dedicated his athletic talents to other endeavors, ranging from marathons to a world record for the most consecutive hours of doubles tennis. In 1983, Bauerle and three partners played 125 hours of tennis at the Jennings Mill Country Club to raise more than $50,000 for the American Cancer Society. For his contributions to the University and the community, Bauerle was selected to be an honorary member of the Sphinx Club, Blue Key Society, the Gridiron Society, and Phi Kappa Phi. He is the Northeast Georgia Chairman for the United Way, which last year raised $2.1 million. He also was the Honorary Chairman for the World of Wonder project that raised more than $500,000 for construction of playgrounds. Jack is married to the former Frances Ruth Fowler. They reside in Athens, GA with their two sons, John Randall, Jr. and Stuart Magill, who is named after legendary Georgia tennis coach Dan Magill.
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Baccalaureate Mass Thursday, June 5, 2008
The Class of 2008 prepares to process into the Baccalaureate Mass
Mike Rongione ‘08 presents the Offertory Gifts to Reverend Anthony Janton ’69, William Thomas ‘10, and Steve Sinnott ’10
View from the choir loft at Immaculate Heart of Mary
Julian Tucker, Lou Raieta, Gerald Lutes, and Matt McGovern
John Harrison, Brendan Ahern, Bob Marzullo, and Matt Alba
Celebration of Mass by Reverend Anthony Janton ’69
Matt McGovern, Dennis McBride, John-Michael Dronson, and Chris Johnson
View from the altar of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
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Graduation Class of 2008 Saturday, June 7, 2008
Dan Erhard, Jason Raschiatore, Chris Wolper, Julian Tucker, Tristan Tschoepe, and Jack Blanke
Kevin Shields, Jamie Santoro, Mike Rongione, and Frank Pierson
The Behr Family
The Smith Family
Commencement Speaker Greg Woods
The Forst Family
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 congratulates T.J. McCarrick
Victor Marques, Colin Miller, J.J. Houldin, and Connor Cunningham
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La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038 www.lschs.org
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Photo Gallery Communion Breakfast and Hall of Fame Induction Sunday, March 2, 2008
Alumni Association President Jim Donahue ’86 presents the Alumni Service Award to John Stienmetz ’77
Alumni Association President Jim Donahue ’86 makes the Hall of Fame presentation to Ed Allinson ’52
Mass in the Gymnasium
The Family of Florence Ward
Members of the Class of 1952 join Ed Allinson ’52
Reverend Anthony Janton ’69
Brother Andrew Bartley, FSC, Jim McLaughlin ’57, Connie Miller ’50, Joe Slabinski ’67, Brother Fred Stelmach, FSC ’46 (seated left), and Florence Ward (seated right)
Members of the Class of 1977 join John Stienmetz ’77
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Florence Ward is led from the podium by Marty Stanczak ’60 and Bob McAnespey ’66
Members of the Class of 1958 join Bill Regli ’58
The Family of John Stienmetz ’77
Bill Regli ’58 accepting the Alumni Service Award
Bob McAnespey ’66 makes the Hall of Fame presentation to Florence Ward – the only woman at La Salle College High School to ever receive such an honor
The Family of Bill Regli ’58
Nineteen Members of the Hall of Fame Standing (left to right): Gerry Tremblay ’53, Jim McLaughlin ’57, Bob Moran ’69, Tom Lynch ’58, Joe Flanagan ’55, Dave Diehl ’55, Joe Colistra ’64, Marty Stanczak ’60, Reverend Anthony Janton ’69, and Mike McCarthy ’65 Seated (left to right): Brother Fred Stelmach, FSC ’46, Major General William Burns ’50, Connie Miller ’50, Jim Foley ’56, Ed Allinson ’52, Florence Ward, Joe Ciccimaro ’57, Ken Shaw ’60, and John Glaser ’58
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Photo Gallery Continued
Founder’s Gala Saturday, April 26, 2008
Karen Donahue, Bill Matthews ’86, Jim Donahue ’86, and Nancy Matthews
Linda Rabbitt and Jake Whalen ’67
RADM Jay Foley ’65, Al Salvitti ’70, Leslie Salvitti, and Charlene Foley
Drew Milligan ’69, Jerry Hathaway ’72, Kate McCauley, and Rita Milligan
Event Chairpersons – Chip Behr ’73, Julie Behr, Brother Edward Gallagher, FSC, Austin Meehan ’79, and Trish Meehan
The Christian Brothers join in a rendition of Honour A Toi
Guest Speaker Chris Matthews ’63
Barbara Houldin, Jim Donahue ’86, and Principal Joe Marchese with the Anniversary Cake from Weinrich’s Bakery
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Career Day Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Career Day Speakers Michael Adams ’81 Kevin Barger ’95 Jim Belcher ’72 Paul Benyovszky ’78 Bill Benz ’72 John Campbell ’81 Rocky Citrino ’95 Henry DeLuca ’52 Dan Diehl ’85 Michael Donohoe ’79 Kevin Dougherty ’98 Charles Dunton, MD ’70 Neil Fitzpatrick ’81 Steve Gardner ’73 Brendan Gaul ’83 Tim Gillespie ’78 Gene Halus ’86 Gerry Hathaway ’72 Tim Hughes ’72 Joseph Irwin 86 Alan Jalon ’99 Reverend Tony Janton ’69 Todd Kelly ’96 Paul J. Kelly, III ’74 Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 Greg Lavin ’93 Andrew Malone ’78 James Maloney ’93 Jim Matthews ’88 Jim McCloskey ’64 Sean McCook ’86 James McHugh ’95 Drew Milligan ’69 Bob Moran ’69 Drew Morrisroe ’92 Tom Murphy ’57 Dan Price ’79 John Sayer ’83 Ray Shay ’00 Trevor Swan ’69 Robert Szostak ’72 Joe Turk ’63 Kevin Vanderslice ’93 Bill Wasylenko ’69 Jim Wilson ’90 Scott Wolpert ’84 Mark Zielinski ’77 Shawn Finney ’95 Jerry Ventresca, Jr. ’77
Jim McCloskey ’64
Dr. Michael Donohoe ’79
Joe Turk ’63
Paul Kelly ’74 (left) and Steve Gardner ’72
Tim Hughes ’72
Keynote Speaker Drew Morrisroe ’92
Career Day Presenters 2008 – Six Decades of La Salle Alumni
Bob Szostak ’72 (left) and Scott Wolpert ’84
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Photo Gallery Continued
Grand Reunion Saturday, April 19, 2008
Terry Millet, Joe Millet ’68, and Paul Benyovsky ’78
Class of 1998 – Brendan Kelley, Andrew “Buddha” Rakowski, and Keith Adams
Mass in the Gymnasium
Class of 1973 – Bill Bryers, Jim Tyree, and Joe Flemming
Class of 1978 – Joe McCreary and Rich Panettieri
Class of 1983 – Joby Kolsun, Kevin Dunphy, and Bud McGann
Mike Jankowski ’73 and John Waldron ’73
Class of 1998 – Matt John, Beau Yanoshik, and Bill Reid
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50-Year Reunion Class of 1958 Saturday, June 7, 2008
Frank Sexton, George Ward, and Jim McMonagle
Joe Donahue, Brother Joe Mahon, FSC, and Lou DiMaria
Lou Wakefield, John Kelly, and Bill Strobel
Bill Regli and John Simone
John Convey accepts his 50-Year Diploma from Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ‘60
Walter Horn, Terry Wochok, and Tom Lynch
Class of 1958 – Prior to the Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2008
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Photo Gallery Continued
48th Annual Alumni Golf Outing Monday, June 30, 2008
Class of 1972 – Paul McGurkin, Mike Magarity, Steve Gardner, and Mark Sutton
Tom Gilmore ’87, Ryan Farragut ’93, Ryan Tyrrell ’91, and Brian Saxon ’87
Class of 1993 – Doug Friel, Bob Ball, Matt Shevlin, and Greg Mason
Class of 1985 – Tom Kolsun, Chuck Eisler, Dan Diehl, and Ron Matthew
Class of 1985 – Chuck Minnich, Steve Rietzke, Rich Sherman, and Dave Gingrich
Greg Magarity ’65, Jack Meehan ’67, Chris Magarity ’96, and Joe Magarity ’70
Class of 1979 – Jim Driscoll, Riley Smith, and George Johnson
Class of 1991 – Jamie Maher, Chad Stowe, Jamie Barton, and Mark O’Neill
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Winners Wissahickon Course Low Gross Mark O’Neill ’91 Low Net Bob Ball ’93 Closest to the Pin Mark O’Neill ’91 Longest Drive Joey Sullivan
Class of 1969 – Bob Moran, Jack Horan, Geoff Meyer, and Bill Wasylenko
Class of 1976 – Tony Maginnis, Ron Guerra, Pat Foley, and George Foley
Class of 1963 – Tex Enoch, Toe Turk, Lou Galzerano, and Jim Cake
Event Sponsors – Andy Malone ’78, Gregg Melinson ’82, and Joe Cullen ’91 with Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60
Father/Son Foursome – Chris Carabello ’82, John Carabello, Joe Cullen, and Joe Cullen ’91
Terry Fenningham ’71, John Fenningham ’68, Phil Cassidy ’70, and Ray Angelo ’70
Jim Malone ’74, Andy Malone ’74, and Patrick Malone ’07
Class of 1966 – Bill Winning, Denis Lawler, Tim Foley, and Bob McAnespey
Militia Hill Course Low Gross Eugene Maginnis ’69 Low Net Tom Gilmore ’87 Closest to the Pin Dom DiGiacobbe Longest Drive Joseph Morrissey ’91
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Class Notes Golden Explorers Luncheon Mass and Luncheon Classes of 1938 to 1958 Reunions for the Classes of 1938, 1943, 1948, and 1953
1940’s Martin Pendergast ’45 is very proud of his grandson, Kyle Finlay, and the rest of La Salle’s swim team for winning its 20th consecutive Philadelphia Catholic Championship. Dick Daisley, CPA ’47 recently retired from Drexel University after thirty-five years of service as an Adjunct Professor of Accounting in the Evening Division. Robert Maro, Sr., MD ’48 is excited to celebrate the 60-Year Reunion for the Class of 1948.
1950’s
Wednesday, October 1, 2008 10:00 am North Hills Country Club
William dePasquale ’51 made his debut as conductor of the Philadelphia Region Youth String Music on February 2, 2008 at Villanova University.
For details, please visit www.lschs.org or call the Alumni office at (215) 233-2350
Martin Luff ’54 and his wife are now living full time in West Palm Beach, FL.
Francis Ponti, PhD ’56 has established a prize for excellence in dramatic presentation for a graduating senior at La Salle College High School in honor of his cousin, Sal Ponti ’52. John Singiser ’56 is enjoying his forty-sixth year in the sporting goods business in New England. David Devlin ’57 and his wife are planning a motorcycle trip from their summer home in Georgia to Los Angeles and back. Peter Frey, PhD ’58 has retired. Edward Miller, PhD ’58 has recently completed a two year appointment as an invited speaker in the Pennsylvania Humanities Council Commonwealth Speakers Program. Cornelius McKelvey ’59 has retired after twenty-five years at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, MD.
Gerald Hepburn ’55 and wife, Mary Jo, celebrated their 40th Anniversary on September 2, 2007. George Schmidt, Jr. ’55 has been married to his wife, Claudette, for twenty-five years. George is also a member of Sphinx Senior Honor Society.
Class of 1955 Golf Outing at Spring Mill Country Club
Sunday, September 14, 2008 4:00 pm
Mass
5:00 pm
Cash Bar and Hors D’oeuvres
6:00 pm
Dinner Dance to the music of Tony DeLuca
$55.00 per person Monday, September 15, 2008 8:00 am
Golf (Shotgun Start) Includes greens fee, cart rental, and range balls. No Handicap Necessary
$60.00 per golfer
(pay at the Pro Shop)
La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038 215 233 2350 phone 215 836 4502 fax alumni@lschs.org www.lschs.org
1:00 pm
Lunch Order from the menu.
In the event that you have any questions, please contact the Alumni Office at 215.233.2350 Register online via a secure server at www.lschs.org/alumni and a confirmation will be sent to you via email.
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1960’s Louis Beccaria, PhD ’63 was honored in January 2008 by the Chester County Chapter of the National Association for the Mentally Ill for leadership in helping to improve services for the County’s mentally ill. Tom Long ’63, along with his band “The Blue Method,” is selling out venues up and down the East Coast including World Café Live and Warmdaddy’s in Philadelphia.
Joe D’Angelo. EdD ’63 was appointed the Principal of Notre Dame deMours High School in Villanova, PA. Joe came to La Salle College High School as an English teacher in 1986 and became department chair in 1989. In 1998, I was appointed Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs and during his tenure at La Salle served as a moderator for baseball (1986-90), ice hockey (1990-2000), and basketball (2003-2007). He also directed or co-directed the fall drama and moderated the drama and film clubs. In addition, he served on the board of trustees and the principal’s council. Outside La Salle, he was a fellow of the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1989, served as an A.P. reader in English Language and Literature, led four Middle States Visitation teams, served as a judge for the Barrymore Awards, and as a member of the Barrymore Awards Oversight Committee for the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. W. Dennis McGill ’63 retired from the securities business. Robert Yacobellis ’64 has retired and is enjoying the Florida lifestyle. Charles Boris ’66 has recently retired after forty years as Advantage Sales Representative of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News. Michael Etzl, Jr., MD ’66 is the Director of the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Michael Taylor ’66 is the new President of Delaware Valley Society of Association Executives. John O’Donnell, MD ’66 retired in July 2008. John married Mary McGee in September 2007 and is now building a home in South Carolina.
Reunion Photo for the Class of 1963
Reverend Mark Aita, SJ, MD ’67 returned to Philadelphia as Assistant Director of Institute of Catholic Bioethics. He is also teaching at Drexel University School of Medicine. Richard Kreipe ’67 became the President of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, an international organization of fifteen hundred professionals devoted to improving the health of adolescents. John Turzer ’67 is celebrating his 25th Wedding Anniversary with his wife, Leslie, with a twelve day Mediterranean Cruise. Raymond Mattern, Jr. ’68 is an interfaith minister. Michael O’Toole ’68 was the featured speaker at Inn Dwelling’s Annual Fundraiser at the Merion Golf Club in April. Inn Dwelling promotes housing and educational opportunities for the working poor. Mike spoke about outreach programs in private secondary schools, including his work with the Northwest Scholars Program at La Salle and the Spiritan Scholars Program at Holy Ghost Prep. Patrick Becher, DO ’69 has joined with John Deeney, MD ’71 in the practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, PA.
Reunion Photo for the Class of 1968
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Class Notes Continued 1970’s Walter Dearolf III, MD ’74 is pleased his son, Christopher, is in the Class of 2011. William Garrity, Jr. ’74 was promoted to Regional VicePresident and is now based in Atlanta. Frank Cervone, Esq. ’75 is Executive Director of the Support Center for Children Advocates in Philadelphia and was recently appointed to the PA Supreme Court Juvenile Court Rules Committee.
John Suchy ’75 just passed his Real Estate Brokers Exam and has been named Director of Sales and Office Manager for Coldwell Banker Hearthside in Upper Bucks County, PA. Joe Mehling ’77 is completing his 25th year as Band Director in Coppell Independent School District in Texas. Anthony Labella ’78 is now employed as the Area Business Director for Corner Stone Biopharma. Joseph McCreavy ’78 is proud of his oldest son, Joe, who is a freshman in the Class of 2011. Peter Nolan ’78 is proud to announce the arrival of his new son, Kevin. He is four years old and from Guatemala. Peter just finished his third year as Head Coach of La Salle’s Varsity AA Hockey Team. Thomas Gallagher, Esq. ’78 a partner at Pepper Hamilton, LLP, has been named chairman of the firm’s White Collar and Corporate Investigations Practice Group. The group assists clients in the areas of white collar criminal defense and counseling, corporate investigations and corporate compliance programs. He is a former prosecutor in the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and has led the investigation and prosecution of numerous complex, multi-defendant white collar criminal matters in a number of industries, including health care, insurance, financial services and defense.
Reunion Photo for the Class of 1973
The white collar and corporate investigations group comprises an interdisciplinary team of forty lawyers with significant government investigations and trial experience. The group includes former federal and state prosecutors and former Securities and Exchange Commission and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority enforcement lawyers. They work seamlessly to represent clients facing criminal or civil investigations, regulatory enforcement and civil litigation, which often proceed on parallel tracks. Areas in which they have particular experience include health care, pharmaceuticals, medical device, securities, government procurement, antitrust, corruption, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, environmental, and criminal tax. Joseph O’Dea, Jr., Esq. ’78 has been named Chairman the Litigation Department at Saul Ewing, LLP. Michael Yuengling ’79 received an MBA from St. Joseph’s University in May of 2007. Ronald Zoldy ’79 is now working for Bank of America.
Reunion Photo for the Class of 1978
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1980’s Martin Andrejko ’80 joined the Board of the Brandywine Valley Association. Anthony DiLucia, Jr. ’80 has recently retired from the hospital industry after twenty-five years. Anthony has now joined the Aspen Associates Realty Group working in real estate sales and development. Joseph O’Connor ’80 recently began working for Alan Ritchey, Inc, in Levittown, PA as an Industrial Engineer.
Edward O’Mara III ’82 climbed to the summit of Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina, In January 2008. He also climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and hopes to climb all of the seven summits. Edward is raising money for Children’s Hunger Fund his in relation to climb. Hugh Panaro ’82 starred in the lead role of Jean Valjean in the production of Les Miserables that ran through August 3, 2008 at the Walnut Street Theater. It is the first time that Les Miserables has been performed without a “turntable stage” and Hugh got rave reviews. The production also featured Fran Prisco ’90 who starred in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and George M as a student and returned to direct La Salle’s performance of A Little Shop of Horrors in 1995. John Toner ’82 is pleased that his son, Billy, will be part of La Salle’s incoming Class of 2012. John is also proud of his other son, John, who is part of La Salle’s Class of 2010. Kevin Dunphy ’83 is proud of his son, Tyler Dunphy, who is a member of the Class of 2011. Tyler is a third generation Explorer. Edward Skorpinski, MD ’83 joined the Allergy and Asthma Center of Wyomissing in Wyomissing, PA. Joseph Cilio ’84 is working with his brother, Anthony ’79, at their company, Alfresco Home. Stephen Kiszely ’87 was promoted to President of Delaware Valley Packaging Group in August 2007. Stephen Bacica , CPA ’89 is currently the Vice President of Accounting Policy of Marriott International and lives in McLean, VA with his wife, Karen, and son Ethan.
Reunion Photo for the Class of 1983
Raymond Letak ’89 currently lives in Lake in the Hills, IL with wife and two daughters. Carl Mattia, DPM ’89 is now a solo practitioner in Bucks County. Christopher Meagher ’89 started a new company, BBM Benefits Solutions, Inc., specializing in employee benefits.
Career Day Tuesday, October 14, 2008 9:00 am to 1:00 pm If you are willing to participate as a speaker and share your experience, please contact Mary Frances Kelly in the Office of Institutional Advancement at (215) 233-2350 or mfkelly@lschs.org Reunion Photo for the Class of 1988
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Class Notes Continued 1990’s Michael Bate ’90 is now living in Hendersonville, NC where he is a teacher and head football coach as well as wrestling coach and assistant track and field coach. Brother Joseph Juliano, FSC ’90 is President of the San Miguel School of Camden. The school is in its 11th year of educating middle school boys in Camden. Jeffrey Fegley ’94 married Dr. Rachel A Patterson on May 17, 2008.
Reunion Photo for the Class of 1993
Reunion Photo for the Class of 1998
Daniel Shilkitus ’94 married Kirstin A. Huesmann of Wilmington, DE on August 18, 2007. They reside in Elkton, MD. E. Christopher Zaucha ’94 was appointed Chairperson of the Institute of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals in May at the Annual Board of Directors Meeting. Matthew Lawandowski ’96 is finishing his first season as Production Manager for the American Repertory Ballet. He resides in New York City where he also works in various capacities in the live entertainment field.
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Sean O’Donnell ’96 is committed to furthering Able Flight, a cause which has given a lot to others with disabilities. Having been one of the second pilots to complete the program, Sean was able to perform a charity flight, the Ableflight Barnstorming Tour, in July of 2008 that took him from Philadelphia to Atlanta to Oshkosh, WI with the hope of raising awareness of the program along the way and to show the community the capabilities of a disabled pilot.
2000’s
David Citro ’98 was recently attained licensure as a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and also a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control. Dave has been with Horizon Engineering Associates of Quakertown since 2003 with a primary focus on residential land development.
Dominick Barbuto ’03 is working as an Underwriter for McKee Risk Management, Inc.
Stephen Crognale, Jr. ’98 married Mary Ubbens-Crognale on May 19, 2007.
Joseph C. Meade ’97
Joseph C. Meade ’97 was recently inducted into the West Chester University Basketball Hall of Fame. During his career, he was named Rookie of the Year (1998), First and Second Team All Conference (1999, 2000), All-East Coast Athletic Conference (1997-2001), Conference Player of the Year (2001), and was considered an Honorable Mention Division II All-American in his senior year. He finished his career as the school’s 8th all-time leading scorer as well as second in assists and third in career free throw percentage. During his four years, his teams won over 90 games (over 20 wins each season), won the league championship twice, and participated in the NCAA Division II Tournament on two occasions. Joe is the last basketball player at La Salle College High School to score 1,000 points in his varsity career and was a two-time First Team All-Catholic selection. Joe received a Master of Public Administration from Widener University in December of 2007 and currently works as the Legislative Director for Philadelphia City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. He also serves as board member of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and is a member of the political action committee for the Northeastern region of the same organization. James Sullivan ’99 is owner and operator of All-Met Recycling.
Reunion Photo for the Class of 1998
Thomas Dougherty ’00 is pursuing a Masters Degree in Journalism at Temple University. Michael Bondiskey ’01 is a graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School
Kevin Gardner ’03 graduated in May 2007 with degrees in Nursing and Political Science. Kevin currently works as a Registered Nurse at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in the Emergency Department/Shock Trauma Center. During Spring Break 2008, Kevin served as a Clinical Instructor to nursing students on a service trip to Mexico. Philip Greiner ’03 is studying at Temple University for an Education degree. Michael Merlini ’03 is deploying to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, serving with Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Air Wing. Dan O’Toole ’05 was awarded a Whiteside Internship for the Summer of 2008 at Haverford College where he has an English major and Economics minor. Whitehead interns develop skills in entrepreneurial or start-up companies. A member of the cross-country and track team at Haverford under Coach Tom Donnelly ’65, Dan was also named to the Centennial Conference Honor Roll for the third consecutive year. Colden Johanson ’07 is a sophomore at Providence College. He will also be spending his junior year at the London School of Economics. Colin Baker ’07 is a freshman at St. Joseph’s University. Colin was named the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year and the Philadelphia Soccer 7 Freshman of the Year.
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Announcements
Births
Nicholas G. Rudnytzky ’86, and his wife Christina, a son, Gregory Peter, born on June 9, 2007. Michael Bate ’90 and his wife, Lynda, welcomed their first child, a boy Hayden Michael, on May 23, 2007. Kevin Burke ’90 and his wife, Lauren, twins Delcan and Darby. George A. Saitta, Jr., CPA ’94, and his wife Rebecca, a son, Nicholas George, born on February 27, 2008. Scott C. Wimmer ’91 and his wife, Teresa, a son, Ryan Scott, on March 28, 2007. Robert B. Gladu ’93 and his wife, Germaine, a boy, Levi Xavier, born January 15, 2008. Frank J. Grosso ’94 and his wife, Fiona, a little girl, Molly Patricia, on January 11, 2008. Nick Caputo ’90 and his wife, Karen, a boy, Justin Alexander, on October 10, 2007. Dave H. Nocentino ’93 and his wife, Jocelin, twin boys, Peter Henry and Andrew Aloysius, on September 14, 2007. Ryan Slizofski ’95 and his wife, Caroline, a son, Connor Ryan, born on January 22, 2008.
Deaths
Alexander L. Avallon ’50 Peter J. Beaty ’62 Richard M. Beatty ’63 Carl E. Beck, Jr. ’51 Robert J. Bell, Jr. ’62 Robert J. Bolger ’40 Joseph E. Bourgeois ’41 Thomas R. Buckley ’78 John C. Carney ’49 Leo E. Connor ’40 James E. Convey ’41 Reverend William J. Cox ’47 William P. Curley ’47 William J. Curran ’50 Stephen E. DeGiovanni ’69 Richard DeLuca ’56, brother of Hank ’52 and Dave ’63 David S. Dougherty, MD ’69 Karl F. Ehmann ’46 Frank H. Fitzpatrick ’44 Edward L. Fullen ’47 David Geppert ’76 John A. Giuffrida ’79 Ralph R. Grande ’48 Edward F. Green ’44 Joseph G. “Hank” Greenberg ’43, father of Chip ’82 Matthew S. Greger ’53 Reverend John T. Gutekunst ’72 Alexander Hartnett ’44 Joseph J. Hess, Sr., ’39 Raymond Kent ’48 John J. Moran ’32, father of Robert ’59, John ’60, and current parent Patrick Moran, grandfather of Patrick Moran ’08 John G. MacBride ’55 Frank P. McCrossen ’43 James J. McDevitt, MD ’49 C. George McNamara ’63 Paul H. McTear, Sr. ’43
“Pete The Barber”
Col. James P. McWilliams, Jr., USMC (Ret), PhD ’53 John L. Morasco ’67 John J. Melchiore ’49 Charles J. McIlvaine ’52 Bernard G. Miller ’46 Frank E. Moos ’75 James A. O’Brein ’49 Leon J. Palo ’49 Lawrence J. Rosania ’39 George A. Smith, Jr. ’48 Robert W. Smith, MD ’46 William R. Solvibile ’58 Peter B. Thomas ’62 Dominic Vander Neut ’33 Adolf van Hake ’39 Angelo Ventresca, Jr. ’55 Larry Wentz ’55, father of Matt ’85, Ed ’88, Jim ’89, Jerome ’91, and Joe ’99 William J. Wheeler ’47 Gerard J. Woltemate ’59 Joseph Borek, father of Edward ’74 and John ’80 Emily T. Carr, mother of Michael’62 and Donald ’70 Franklin Chong, father of Brandon ’05 William F. Corcoran, father of W. Francis, Jr. ’92 Dale Creter, father of Ryan ’06 Stephen W. Crognale, father of Stephen, Jr. ’98 Frances Daly, mother of William ’68, Michael ’70, Thomas ’72, and Stephen ’74 Frank V. Daniel, father of Frank ’63, James’66, Robert ’68, J. Christopher ’76 and Lawrence ’80 Eleanor M. Erb, mother of Timothy ’66, grandmother of Timothy ’94 and Gregory ’96 Joan Fayer, wife of Joseph ’50 Gregory Gravinese, uncle of Peter Gravinese ’07 Henry Greenhalgh, father of Jim ’88 Daniel L. Hyman, father of John ’72 and Daniel ’82 Maryann Jankowski, mother of Michael ’73 John P. Jones, Jr., father of John ’06 Catherine M. Kappler, mother of Charles (Chip) ’69 and George ’70 Bettyanne Malloy, wife of James ’51, grandmother of Stephen ’78, James ’75 William F. Mulvey, father of Francis ’89, Patrick ’91 and Thomas ’94 Michaelina Marabella, mother of Louis ’57 and Angelo ’60, grandmother of Gabriel ’01 and Jonathan ’01 William T. McAndrews, father of Willilam ’83 Shirley McCaffery, mother of Fran ’77 Charles McCafferty, father of F. Michael ’60 Daniel McGinley, grandfather of Brendan FitzPatrick ’09 Charles J. McGinty, father of Joseph ’84 Sheila C. Monastero, mother of Joseph ’06 Peter “The Barber” Paranzino, son of Domenic ’73 Warren Schieler, father of Brother Robert Schieler, FSC Nanette Sciolla, mother of Anthony ’68, David ’72, and John ’77 Charles Smith, grandfather of Sean Smith ’08 Elizabeth “Betsy” Thomas, mother of Gregory 98 and Ryan ’02 Willard R. Sterner, father of Brother Rene Sterner, FSC David Underwood, father of David ’11 Frances Walters, mother of Robert ’67, William ’68, and Christopher ’70, grandmother of Christopher ’96, George ’05 and Christian Cinalli ’95
by Gayle Ronan Sims Inquirer Staff Writer
La Salle has lost a legend. Peter “Pete The Barber” Paranzino, who started cutting hair for 50 cents at La Salle in 1939, died in his sleep on at his son’s home in Roxborough. Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Pete’s father died when he was eleven. He quit school after the sixth grade to support his mother and four younger sisters. Pete learned the trade at his uncle’s barbershop in North Philadelphia, where he cut hair for 25 cents a head. The shop was near Broad and Stiles Streets, where La Salle College High School used to be located. The Christian Brothers who taught at La Salle were regular customers. When La Salle moved to 20th Street and Olney Avenue in 1939, Mr. Paranzino moved with it and opened his own shop. He charged students 50 cents and the Brothers 20 cents for a haircut. Prices rose slowly during the years to $7 when he finally retired in 2007. “There was never a formal contract. The school did not charge him rent,” said Domenic Paranzino ’73, Pete’s son. “My father cut hair for students even after the high school moved to Wyndmoor in 1960. He was more than a barber; he was an honorary Christian Brother who was like a bridge between the less fortunate and those from rich families.” Five days a week, Pete took the Broad Street Subway to La Salle University. He cut hair for so many ROTC students on campus that the military awarded him for his service. Generals and other servicemen, former staff members and alumni returned for trims decades later. Pete’s reputation even spread to the Napa Valley of California, when some brothers moved to the Christian Brothers Monastery and Winery. In his 67 years at La Salle, he cut the hair of bankers, lawyers, doctors, professors, broadcasters and AllAmericans long after they graduated. When longer hair came into vogue in the 1960’s, Pete placed a sign in his window that said: “Keep La Salle beautiful, keep your hair trimmed.” Over the years Pete slowly raised his prices and opened a used-book store and concession stand selling candy and hot dogs. He was the closest thing to a priest, his son said. “He lived the life of a Christian Brother and talked to the students as a mentor or like they were going to confession.” On his 90th birthday Mr. Paranzino was asked whether he had considered retiring. “If I retired I’d watch TV and fall asleep on the couch,” he said. “I try to keep busy. It’s the best thing for you. It’s therapy. When I go home, I feel relaxed.”
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In honor of the school’s 150th Anniversary Celebration, we asked all of our alumni, parents, and friends to consider making a special gift to the 2007-2008 De La Salle Annual Fund. In typical Lasallian fashion, many of you generously answered the call and contributed over $975,000. Alumni contributed more than $785,000, which was an 11% increase over last year. Parents contributed a record $150,000, which was a 15% increase over last year.
thank you
Keep in mind, in an effort to keep tuition affordable for all deserving students, we only charge 83% of the actual expense to educate an individual student here at La Salle. For the other 17%, we rely on fundraising initiatives, the largest of which is the De La Salle Annual Fund. So be proud, you’ve made a direct investment in the life of our students as well as the longevity of our institution! We hope you continue your support in the future and that you plan to attend all or some of the events and activities we have planned for the 2008-2009 school year!
thank you
Sincerely,
thank you
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 President
Paul D. Colistra ’00 Director of the Annual Fund