Wisterian December 2012

The Wisterian December 2012

Vol. LXXIX No. 4

Remembering Brother James Rieck ‘57 A Lasallian Gentleman with a Purpose

Christian Endrigian ‘13

How do you replace a man of such character, wisdom, strength, and courage?

You don’t. It is hard to imaginie that another man or student will ever walk through our halls and provide us with the presence that Brother James Rieck supplied. Simply put, there will only be one Brother James Rieck. Much more than a photographer, Brother James was the epitome of a gentleman with a purpose.

For me personally, I saw Brother James in maybe a different light. Everyone knows that he was at every single La Salle function. Whether it was snapping pictures for a sporting event, supporting each and every one of our plays, monitoring a mixer, or just being there for an alumni event,

you always saw Brother James Rieck there smiling and standing with his camera around his neck. But what truly defines him as a man? Well, since I never participated in a sport or play, I never got one of his famous “fist bumps” to relax me before a big game. What Brother James gave me instead far outweighs a physical picture. Rather he gave me a picture of what a true man should be to his family, friends, and community. His spirit always raised your spirit regardless if you had just failed a chemistry test or were experiencing certain problems at home. I can remember being pretty upset during some days, but as I passed Brother James, usually right by the campus store, I would always walk away with a smile. That smile goes a long way. A man that can turn your

day around just by a 15 second conversation does not come around often. His unique and loving personality made you feel comfortable and secure.

Photo by Jimmy Prncivalle ‘13

Br. James Rieck (right) poses with Br. Richard Kestler ‘60 (left), the president of West Catholic, and Sr. Kathleen Brabson (center), the president of Mount Saint Joseph Academy..

Inside this month’s issue of The Wisterian

P.2--Manuary/Faculty Profile P.3--Open House/Opinion P.4--Basketball/Philly Marathon P. 5--Football P. 6--Football The Wisterian

Photo by Jimmy Prncivalle ‘13

Br. James Rieck (center) at a fundraiser for La Salle Academy in the spring with Ms. Kathleen Smith (left) and Br. Carl Clayton (right).

You knew you always had Brother James behind you.

Before attending La Salle, I knew of Brother James because, during my brother’s years at La Salle, my family grew very close with him.

My dad would always stop in to see him at Allinson House, but before my father could ask how he was doing, Brother James would be more concerned with how my father was doing. My father described him as “An icon for all ages,” because even with his health issues, he never lost sight of his love for his school. As long as he was on La Salle’s campus, everything was ok. This is why I look up to him. It may sound clichéd, but people have to realize, he truly put La Salle, his second family, in front of him. That is a type of legacy that cannot be replaced. It is as simple as that.

Two of my last memories of Brother James come from Kairos and Open House, where his collapse happened.

Without going into much detail, Brother James was not a teacher-leader for 37-89, but does that mean he missed it completely? Of course not.

Brother James made it a point to spend a night with us and make our time that much more memorable. Again, simply put, his presence. Then one of sadder memories of Brother James came on the morning of Open House. As I walked in through the main entrance of school at about 10 o’clock ready to set

certain things up for the Open House, the first person I saw was Brother James Rieck. We talked for about a minute, as he asked how I was, how I was enjoying senior year, and how my brother was? As I walked away, everything seemed fine.

He looked healthy, he looked strong, and of course he had a smile on his face. He wouldn’t want to have been anywhere else but the La Salle Open House. Hours flew by and before I knew it, I was leaving La Salle to go back home. It was not until the next day that I found out about Brother James.

I broke down. An hour before his collapse, I was standing there talking to him. I couldn’t believe it. How can a man of his caliber be hurt like that?

So where does this entire situation put us now?

Look back at it. When doctors and people thought Brother James’s last couple hours awaited him, he stayed strong and gave us day after day. He fought every single hour. If that is not pure strength, I don’t know what is. Rejoice on all the wonderful times you shared with Brother James and keep them in your hearts, for his legacy will continue to shine a light on us each day we walk through these halls. Know that he is keeping a special eye on La Salle and will continue to keep La Salle under his wing.

La Salle Loves Brother James Rieck. RIP.

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Wisterian News

LSCHS Mock Presidential Election Robert V. Stratton ‘13

Tuesday, November 6, marked La Salle’s school-wide mock presidential election, which was set up and administered by Mr. Gregory Bielecki and his AP Government classes. This was Mr. Bielecki’s first time organizing the election, which has taken place at the school every four years for the past several presidential elections and which began when Mr. Miller was the AP Government teacher.

Of the entire student body and faculty, 562 members voted, or roughly 50 percent, to match the general turnout in the actual nationwide election. Of the total voter base, 293, or 52.13 percent, voted for Governor Mitt Romney, and 165, or 29.63 percent, voted for President Barack Obama. 104 votes, or 18.51 percent, constituted the support for the Green Party (Jill Stein) and Libertarian Party (Governor Gary Johnson) candidates.

Among the students, Governor Romney won handily, but among the faculty and staff, President Obama was the clear favorite. In addition, Governor Romney won in each student class grade, although his margin of victory in each class grade decreased from the Class of 2016 class to the Class of 2013.

Exit polls consisting of ten questions were ran-d o m ly assigned to 203 will- i n g participants, and almost exactly matched the school-wide results.

The responses were broken down by political party and yielded percentage breakdowns to each questions. The first question, asking the participant to check his grade, showed a decrease in percentage of voters for Romney from the freshman class to the senior class. Meanwhile, Obama’s

percentage of voter support increased from 24 to 50 percent from the freshman to senior class based on the students polled.

The second question, asking the participants to describe their level of political knowledge, revealed the majority to “have a general sense of what is happening” and showed the second highest response to be that the voters “know a great deal about the campaign.” The greatest influence in helping voters to make their decisions was television news, and the second greatest was news outlets. Family and friends was a close third, while media influences such as Facebook/Twitter and The Daily Show were listed as minimal sources of information.

The majority of poll responses indicated that voters decided on their choice “earlier in October,” while the second highest response said that decisions were made the very day of the school election. In determining the qualities that mattered most in making their decisions, a clear majority of voters listed “can bring about needed change” and the second highest chosen quality was “shares my values.” Interestingly, few participants chose “has the right experience” or “cares about people like me” for either of the two major candidates.

Of the major issues facing the United States today, over 80 percent of voters chose “the economy” as the most important.

Of all participants polled, the majority described themselves as “optimistic, but not excited” or “concerned, but not scared” if Barack Obama wins. Of those polled, the large majority said that they would either feel “excited” or “optimistic, but not excited” if Mitt Romney wins. For the final question, the majority of

participants described the current state of the nation’s economy as “not so good” or “poor,” although more than 20 percent described it as either “excellent” or “good.”

Overall, the election was a great success and went smoothly under the organization of the AP Government classes and Mr. Bielecki, along with some help from Mr. Raymond Shay in putting together the survey on the computers where students voted and took exit polls.

Mr. Bielecki said that he especially values this type of experience “as a way to get students active and engaged which will hopefully allow them to leave this school to serve as politically aware and engaged members of society.” He also noted how these elections allow the AP Government students who run them to experience a sample of the political process and to see firsthand “the translation between public opinion and political action.”

his first job since his graduation in May, and he is very excited to have the chance to teach at La Salle. “I love being back,” says Mr. McCabe. “When I was a student here, an entire wing of the building didn’t even exist. But really, not much has changed.”

Mr. McCabe, like many students at La Salle, wants to take advantage of the many clubs, sports, and activities we offer. He has enlisted as an assistant coach on the Speech and Debate team, focusing specifically on Policy Debate. Mr. McCabe was a very successful Policy debater during his time as a student here at La Salle. He also hopes to be an assistant coach on the baseball team in the spring.

Throughout the second semester, however, Mr. McCabe wants to focus more on the service opportunities. He would like to participate in Sarnelli House with Mr. Clark, as well as the summer service trips. Also, he is taking part in the December Kairos retreat.

Each morning, Mr. McCabe can also be found in the cafeteria, where he helpsMr. Lichtner and Mr. Montgomery, another volunteer, to su-

The Month of Manuary

Christian Endrigian ‘13

Welcome to the month of Manuary! A time for all guys of La Salle to rejoice. Student Council has made everyone’s facial hair dreams come true. If you pay a certain amount of money (announcements will be made later), you will receive a bracelet. This bracelet will then allow you to wear your facial hair from when we return on Christmas break to exam week. To make this week even more fun than it already could be, Student Council is proposing the idea that whoever has the best beard will receive some sort of recognition(again, later news to be announced).

Imagine walking around school with your fully grown beard or mustache, without being asked

to shave. Sounds good right?

But remember, this is more than just being able to grow out those whiskers. This is also about men’s cancer. During the month of October, La Salle helps women fighting breast cancer by raising money through a variety of fundraisers. That is why our president, Andrew Carlone, thought it would be appropriate to help men fighting cancer.

This is how the idea came about.

Carlone stated, “ It is just a way of showing our support to men and women going through tough times. We knew the student body would be behind it 100%.”

Even if you can not grow out facial hair, you can still help out the cause and donate to the fund.

No donation is a small donation.

At the beginning of this new school year, La Salle welcomed several new teachers, all eager to partake in the many opportunities offered here at La Salle. Among these new teachers is Mr. Michael McCabe, a Lasallian volunteer, who is helping out in the Social Studies department. A recent student himself, Mr. McCabe graduated from La Salle College High School in 2008. From there, he went on to study history and religion at La Salle University.

He graduated this past May.

Clearly well accustomed to the atmosphere of a Christian Brothers school, Mr. McCabe is glad for the chance to teach at his alma mater. He is teaching at La Salle as an Alumni Volunteer. He has been assisting Mr. Devlin, Mr. Clark, Mr. Shay, and Mr. Eisele. Mr. McCabe is assisting with history, morality, and public speaking to gain some experience. This is

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Brendan Keenan ‘14

Every year, La Salle opens its door to prospective students and their families, presenting them with the opportunity to tour and learn about the school.

This year, La Salle held its Open House on November 11th, and it was attended by more than six hundred families. Over the years, Open House has become a staple institution at LaSalle, pioneered under late Brother James Rieck, during which enrollment spiked to unprecedented levels.

This year, however, the Admissions Office made certain alterations to the format of Open House in accordance with a philosophy Mr. Kevin Dougherty, the Director of Admissions, holds, “We need to make changes that are exciting for prospective families and we need to make the day flow better.”

The changes were pioneered through a joint effort on the part of Mr. Dougherty ’00, Mr. Muehlbronner and Mr. Carabello ‘82. Mr. Dougherty, who became Director of Admissions last year, following Brother James’s resignation

after eighteen years of service, has brought some fresh ideas to the Admissions Office. Some of these new ideas include the implementation of registration for the Open House. Families, through La Salle’s website, were able to preregister for Open House, which, according to the Admissions Office, significantly reduced both the amount of people who were waiting to get in and the amount of time before they could enter the building.

Additionally, through the use of several laptops, families who did not preregister could register as they arrived, which also helped reduce the wait time. Another change made from last year was that, when registering. families were asked to provide an email address so a survey could be sent to them a few days later in-order to gauge their opinions regarding the Open House.

Mr. Dougherty stated that this option was a lot more userfriendly than what was done the previous year when families were asked to stop during their tours and fill out a survey.

One of the most noticeable adjustments made was the

new location for the academic departments. Instead of putting the departments in the library as was done in recent years, they were, with the exception of the science and world language departments, placed on the third floor in St. Michael’s Hall. This alteration enhanced the day’s flow as there was no bottleneck in the library. The World Language Department was located on the first floor in Kestler Hall, while the Science Department was in the third floor science labs, performing various experiments throughout the day.

The second aesthetic change was the moving of the clubs and activities from classrooms on the second floor into The Pit. This gave families the opportunity to not only see how many extracurricular activities La Salle offers, but to relax while doing so by enjoying the provided bar-b-que. Perhaps the most popular change was made to the campus tours. This year freshman and upperclassmen gave tours of the school together, which many families appreciated as they were able to speak with a new La Salle student

while also seeing the final product of several years at the school.

Based on the survey responses that have been sent back, Open House was an overwhelming success. However, no one person has taken credit for its success; instead each individual involved has stressed that organizing and running the Open House was a team effort. While Mr. Dougherty, Mr. Carabello and Mr. Muehlbronner were the primary directors of Open House, they definitely stressed the importance of the entire Lasallian community coming together. The combination of the two hundred students and the majority of faculty members who volunteered that day helped to make Open House a success, as they were the ones who positively presented La Salle to its visitors.

The influence of Brother James Rieck also cannot be overstated.

He not only served as Mr. Dougherty’s mentor, but took an active role in helping to plan this year’s event where he served as a soundboard for the Admissions Office’s various ideas.

With all great things, the Admissions team has already begun planning next year’s Open House. In order to make sure no ideas become “stale,” the office has begun sitting down and reflecting on what made this year so successful and what can be improved for next year. As Mr. Dougherty points out, they try to capitalize on experience; surveys have been sent out to the faculty in order to garner their opinions, and the surveys from the families who attended have been anayzed. One of the ideas that is being considered is expanding the campus tours beyond Mr. Lopez’s golf cart or encouraging families to walk the grounds to something more interactive with students. It is worth noting that campus tours would leave the the visitors at the mercy of mother nature. Regardless of any possible future changes, this year’s Open House was rather successful and as Mr. Dougherty says, it would have made “Brother James very happy, with the way the community came together, where everyone was a phenomenal representative of what this place is about.”

Wisterian Opinion A Nation Divided: Now What?

Brendan Keenan ‘14

Photo by Jimmy Princivalle ‘13 Student body president, Andrew Carlone ‘13, shows off his face sans whiskers. Carlone suggested donating the money raised by Manuary to help fight cancers which primarily affect males.

New to La Salle: Mr. Michael McCabe Nicholas Camusi ‘16

Open House 2012: A Big Success

pervise the students. He also helps to collect homreroom folders each morning outside the Student Affairs office.

We welcome Mr. Mc-

Cabe, along with all the teachers who are new to La Salle.

We hope that they feel at home in our school community.

Militarily, the last civil war that was fought in the United States ended in 1865. However, in the political sphere, a civil war between two stubborn adversaries has been raging for the past several years which has brought the federal government to a gridlock on multiple occasions. This time, though, the contested topics are not slavey and the right to secede, but entitlements and health care. This previous election drew a clear line between Governor Romney and President Obama and their opinions on these and other domestic matters. Grossly simplified, the most recognizable tagline for each party was that Republicans and

Romney called for lower taxes which would in turn allow more money to flow into the economy, while the Democrats and Obama vehemently argued for increased taxes on individuals who earn more than $200,000 annually and families that make more than $250,000. Even with the election over, this dispute is one of the rudimentary issues that divides Congress and forces the country to walk a dangerous line to going over the fabled “fiscal cliff.”

Although a month after the election the talk had turned to the impending doom of the American economy if representatives in Congress cannot cross party lines and compromise, the first few hours following

Obama’s victory were relatively positive. What makes his reelection even more impressive is that he won reelection with the highest unemployment rate since Franklin D. Roosevelt and was the first candidate to successfully run his campaign with a platform of raising taxes. As much as Obama’s reelection and the fact that the Democrats successfully defending their majority in the Senate despite having over twenty of their seats up for election are near miraculous occurrences, the status quo continues to reign.

The Democrats maintain control of the Presidency and the Senate, while the Republicans hold a strong grasp over the House of Representatives, guaranteeing

that the congressional gridlock will continue. While this election may not have “loosened the political dirt” that was holding the hold system in place, it does ensure that the next four years will be ones of great change for every American. With no Republican capability to repeal laws passed during the President’s first term in office, the American people can expect to see the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, known colloquially as Obamacare, in 2014. Additionally, reforms such as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act will go into effect and tighten restrictions in an attempt to prevent another recession similar to the one that began

in late 2007 and carried into 2009.

Overall, the 2012 election was fought over the course the nation will take on its road to recovery. With the Democratic victory, the nation will continue to pursue the path pioneered by President Obama, and with the release from campaigning, the President will have the opportunity to focus more exclusively on governing the nation. Although some may argue the contrary, American will experience change because the President will have the ability to put into motion the laws which were lain in his first term, meaning that now that the battle has been won it is time to wait and see if Obama and the Democrats will be able to win the war of economic recovery.

Who is the Wisterian?

Editors-in-Chief Christian Endrigian ‘13 Jimmy Princivialle ‘13 Assistant Editors Robert V. Straton ’13 Brendan Keenan ‘14 Danny Spinelli ‘14

The Purpose of The Wisterian is to inform the student body of news and opinions of relevance to the school community.

The views expressed are those

of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect official school policy.

The Wisterian welcomes all comments, suggestions, and Letters to the Editor. Please keep all letters to 600 words or less. Letters may be submitted to thewisterian@gmail.com.

Contributors

Arthur Bailin ‘13 Evan Walsh ‘13 James Foley ‘14 Chris Jastrzemski ‘14 Mike Mullin ‘14 Nicholas Camusi ‘16 Angelo Giuliano ‘16 Nathan Janda ‘16

Advisors

Mr. Chris Holwick Mr. John Janda

Photo by Jimmy Princivalle ‘13 Lasallian volunteer, Mr. Mike McCabe ‘08, sporting his pin from the December Kairos.

The Wisterian

December 2012

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Wisterian S ports L S F :S R

Dan Spinelli‘14

All good things must come to an end. The La Salle football program will live to fight another year, but for 2012—the season is finished. As would be expected of a tenacious and heartfelt senior squad, the Explorers went down fighting until the very end. The Explorers fell to the mighty Coatesville Red Raiders in a true-shootout on Friday night at Downingtown’s Kottmeyer Stadium. Ted Silary did a wonderful job in his recap of describing the incredible tension and excitement as the Explorers made a comeback, down by 3 TDs in the fourth quarter. Though their effort fell short, the La Salle football team again proved that their effort and heart are second to none in Pennsylvania. During this article, I want to reflect on a special Explorers team and what these players have meant to me, as well as the entire La Salle community.

The easiest way for an Explorer football team to win our hearts is to beat North Penn.

This local public-private rivalry has provided fans with a great matchup every year on Labor Day weekend. After finishing last year with a loss to North Penn in the state semifinal, the Explorers were eager for their rematch with the vaunted Knights. In his debut as the team’s starting QB, senior Chris Kane wowed the crowd with a virtuoso performance—passing 17-25 for 286 yards and 3 TDs. Obviously, La Salle’s new quarterback would be no lame duck.

His favorite receiver that night was a bright new star, sophomore Jimmy Herron, fresh off of a starting role in the Explorers’ state championship baseball team. With a bright future ahead, these new and improved Explorers began a promising season.

After a 37-20 win over Staten Island power Monsignor

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ootball

Farrell, La Salle embarked on a blazing run, beating Cardinal O’Hara, Malvern Prep, Archbishop Ryan, and Father Judge by a combined score of 142-19. A lockdown defense was anchored by the terrific linebacker corps of seniors Trent Simmons and Mike Eife, as well as junior Zaire Franklin.

All year, #42 and #4 (Simmons and Franklin) have tag-teamed numerous tackles, while Eife is fearless in his readiness to get hit.

Complementing the linebackers is a fearsome defensive line, headed by seniors Pat Hoffman, Tom Spiteri, and Luke Persichetti. Junior defensive end Ryan Coonahan has also made waves on defense, recovering fumbles and turning pick-sixes week after week. This all-star defense finishes in the secondary, where old meets new in surprising ways. Senior Chris Rocco has been a DB mainstay for many a year now, but when he suffered from mid-season injuries, junior Steve Hudak stepped up in a big way, hinting at the future of La Salle’s defensive backs. Explorer senior Sean Coleman again lent his talents to the defense, coming up huge many times for the secondary on big plays. Finally, senior Dad Poquie brought his athleticism to the secondary as much as he could, having to fight through an injury all year. I hope that my admiration for everyone who lines up on defense for La Salle has clearly shown through, because these guys deserve every piece of praise they receive.

The first visible misfire of the season occurred in the regular season matchup against St. Joe’s Prep. One of the Hawks’ strongest teams in recent memory beat La Salle in a close game. A slew of turnovers hurt both teams, with the Hawks getting the final edge late. A La Salle 16-10 lead turned into a St. Joe’s 24-16 victory after fourteen unanswered points for the

Hawks. The Explorers lost, but the emotions of defeat turned into motivation to only finish the season in a strong fashion.

The Explorers and Hawks were destined to meet again in the PCL final, and so they did. In a brilliant game for the ages, La Salle earned its fifth straight league title with a 28-27 overtime victory.

Senior K/P Ryan Winslow’s extra point on an Explorer overtime TD proved the difference in a game of inches. Coleman turned in one of the best performances in league history, accounting for all four of La Salle’s touchdowns on the day.

La Salle entered the state playoffs with two straight victories, beating Frankford 37-20 for the city title, and Parkland 28-7 in the state quarterfinal. The Explorers managed to turn the table on Parkland, a team especially known for their stellar running game.

Sophomore running back Jordan Meachum put on his own show, rushing seven times for 146 yards against Frankford with 1 TD. According to Zaire Franklin, the game plan was clear: stop Parkland’s run game. He said, “Parkland is a team with a lot of speed and quickness and we have been preparing for it all week.” Surely Franklin and the defense did their part, holding Parkland’s offense to limited production.

The Explorers’ outstanding offense came up huge during the early games of the state playoffs, capping off a true team effort that had carried on since training camp. Meachum finished with 52 rushes on the year for 309 yards and 4 TDs. His fellow RB, senior Jared Herrmann ran 75 times for 323 yards and 5 total TDs (2 rushing, 3 receiving). Another unexpected star on the gridiron was Eife, who rushed 55 times for 301 yards and 6 total TDs (2 rushing, 2 receiving, 2 INTs returned). A more startling statistic is the fact

way up to State College for the Tip-Off tournament. December 7th and 8th, they will face Pennsylvania powerhouses in Hazleton Area High School, North Allegheny High School, and host school State College Area High School.

Other out of conference opponents include Public league powerhouse Imhotep Charter, Boys Latin as a part of a Coaches vs. Cancer event, Reading High School, Roselle Catholic High School, and Malvern Prep. With such a tough out of league schedule, the blue and gold know they have to leave it all out there, but how can you look past such a tough nationally ranked league schedule. As the famous Philadelphia Catholic League breeds pure talent, each team knows that every game will be a battle. With nationally ranked opponents in Neuman Goretti, St. Joseph’s Prep, and possibly Roman Catholic or Archbishop Carroll, La Salle will certainly have their hands full. Returning starter and Pittsburgh football commit Ryan Winslow stated, “In regards to our schedule, I’m excited.

You got to want to play in those big games to get the respect you

deserve. We are going to get every team’s best. No team is going to hand us a win. That’s why the Catholic League is so exciting.”

Joining Ryan Winslow will be All-Catholic guard and La Salle University commit, Amar Stukes, Fairfield commit Steve Smith, Patrick Cooney, Malik Janifer, Alex Cuoci, and two sophomore guards in Shawn Witherspoon and Najee Walls. With so many returning varsity players, La Salle knows they have something that maybe they lacked last yearexperience. With years of varsity experience under each one of their belts, these guys know what it is like to play in a big environment.

Now it is just all about putting the pieces together. La Salle basketball is back and they are ready for a new year. Each of the players has asked for support all year long, because past experiences show that our crowds make a difference. Let’s get our Explorers to the Palestra and get back to the winning tradition of La Salle basketball.

Stay tuned for a “Silent Night” date!

La Salle Basketball Preview

Christian Endrigian ‘13

For the past seven years, La Salle basketball has held its own as they have reached the Catholic League playoffs each of these years. After what most consider, even the Explorers, to be a disappointing season, La Salle knows they can get back to the rich tradition of winning that was evident throughout 2009-2011.

During those years, the Explorers rolled through tough opponents achieving a 41-11 record in addition to a District 12 and city title, along with two consecutive state playoff berths. Last year alone, La Salle finished with more losses than all throughout 2009 to 2011.

Last year’s 11-13 record is something the gold and blue want to put behind them and start fresh. Returning senior and Fairfield commit Steve Smith had this to say, “I just hope we can bring a title back to La Salle, whether it be the PCL, districts, or states. We just want a title.” So who do they have to look forward to in order to get this team back where it belongs?

Let’s just say the road is not going to be easy. Right off the bat, the Explorers will make their

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eason

ecap

that on the year, Meachum averaged 5.94 yards per carry and Eife averaged 5.47 yards per carry. Not only were their rushes prolific, but they were efficient as well.

The tough brood that created the holes for these guys to run through also deserves recognition.

Fronting the line at center is junior Dave Geppert and senior Conor Resch. At guard are seniors Dave Losier and Andrew Carlone. Carlone’s willingness to fight through injuries all season-long acted as an inspiration to his teammates.

At tackle are seniors Hoffman and Persichetti. As their academic record can attest to, these guys have no problem doing double duty in life (school and football) as well as on the field (offense and defense). Filling up the tight end position are seniors Jon Naji and Andrew Halton. Naji and Halton

are special not just for their solid blocking, but for occasionally reeling in a clutch pass.

On special teams, La Salle was blessed with Winslow’s magic leg. Other players also showed their mettle on kickoffs, with players like Poquie and senior Vito Braccio hustling on every play.

Overall, this team played with passion on every play, and when they fell short, they did so without leaving anything on the field.

I am upset to see this season end without a trip to Hershey, but I cannot remain sad. This team has given the La Salle community everything they can, and that simply, is more than enough.

Congratulations to the 2012 La Salle Explorers. It was an absolute pleasure writing about this team.

Good luck in all of your future endeavors!

Wisterian Sports La Salle Football - 2012 PCL Champions (continued from p. 6)

La Salle’s Marathon Men Brendan Keenan ‘14

Designed as a way to honor Pheidippides, the Greek solider who ran from Marathon, Greece to Athens in-order to deliver the news of the Athenian victory over the invading Persian Army, the modern marathon is one of the most demanding physical activities in the world.

Unsurprisingly, Pheidippides died immediately after delivering since he had just performed one of the most taxing physical feats without proper training. Beginning with the modern Olympics in 1896, a race was designed to model the distance Pheidippides ran after the Battle of Marathon. This race was called a marathon and the modern marathon’s official distance is 26 miles and 385 yards or 26.218 miles. As the marathon has gained international popularity over the past century various cities around the word have begun to host them, including Philadelphia. Founded in 1954 the Philadelphia marathon is held on the third Sunday of November every year, with a course length of 26.219 miles. The course begins at the Art Museum on the Parkway before taking the runners through the heart of Philly, including a circumnavigation of City Hall, in addition to a trip along the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row.

This year two La Salle students, Senior Colin MacCrory and Junior Keith Lee, ran in the Philadelphia Marathon, with this being MacCrory’s second time running the marathon. Since this event is so grueling physically both students have been preparing for it since the summer. Lee began training in June, while MacCrory began in August, and both of them continued to train while simultaneously running Cross Country during the fall. During their training both students ran weekly long runs that stretched up to 20 miles, before scaling back on mileage in the week before the actual marathon. Although most people would consider the marathon a daunting task both students chose to run it because they thought it would be

fun, or as MacCrory poignantly puts it, “As much fun as 26 miles of hell can be.” Although it was MacCrory who convinced Lee to run since he had enjoyed his first marathon so much he was willing to go through four hours of ‘hell’ again.

MacCrory finished the marathon in 3:50:57, a time which he was proud of because it not only fulfilled his goal of breaking four hours, but it also beat his 2010 marathon time by ten minutes. Lee’s goal was a relatively simpler one, since it was only to finish, but he stated he was happy with his time of 4:00:10.

Although both students enjoyed the experience they both admit there were difficult parts to the day. For MacCrory, it was running the last leg of the race from miles 20 to 26.2 because by that point his feet had started to drag, and it became painful to run. Running miles 17 to 20 proved to be the most challenging for Lee because there were only a few people there to cheer the runners on. It was a cold morning, and by that point it had become much harder to continue running. Although he said he did have an easier time running miles 1 to 10 since they just ‘flew by.’ Even though the race was challenging they both enjoyed one part of the experience, being done and sitting down after they had finished. Although Lee did say he did like being able to high-five Mayor Nutter as he crossed the finish line. In the week after the marathon both students stated that their legs were sore and experienced some difficulty in walking the day after the marathon, but overall the pain usually associated with this post-run period was minimal. The soreness that they did feel was the result burning almost 3,000 calories and depleting their body’s entire supply of glycogen, which is responsible for forming the energy the body needs to function. Despite the pain, Lee and MacCrory are proud of their accomplishment and are looking forward to being able to take a week or two off from indoor track.

The Wisterian

Jared Herrmann ‘13 dives for the endzone in the PCL Championship game

major play only affirmed his efforts. I played football with Steve Hudak in grade school, and was so ecstatic to see him come up huge right when his team needed him. Great job, Steve! Now again the La Salle offense was given a chance with 2:14 left in the game. With both teams having excellent kickers—Prep senior Kyle Battin and La Salle senior Ryan Winslow— a field goal could easily send either team to the City Title game.

But from here you might already detect the pattern—things are not as easy as that.

Starting from the La Salle 25yd line, Kane needed to at least get into field goal position to give Winslow enough of an opportunity to win the game.

After completing a thirteen yard pass to sophomore QB/WR Jimmy Herron, Kane stepped back again in the pocket. As he dropped back, Hawk frosh DT Joe DuMond knocked the ball out, forcing a crucial fumble.

Kane’s hand came forward after losing the ball, causing many spectators (including myself) to think that the play had been a forward pass, thus making the fumble simply an incomplete pass. The referees did get the call right though, and it was St. Joe’s Prep ball.

Right now, I got a bit queasy. With exactly 60 seconds on the clock, St. Joe’s had the ball at the La Salle 36yd line, needing only a field goal to win.

The Hawks, obviously playing for that three-point victory, ran three times to center out the ensuing field goal. Battin was blessed with a great center angle toward the goal, but the distance (40yd) was no gimme, especially for a high school player. Geez, I barely expect Alex Henery to make a 40yd FG! After La Salle coach Drew Gordon called a customary timeout to ice Battin, he took aim on the center of the field. As the ball was snapped, out came La Salle’s consummate

kick-blocker, senior Dad Poquie.

Battin’s field goal did not make it to the post. Ladies and gentlemen, we were going to overtime.

At this point, we learned the very strange rules that govern high school football’s overtime period. In a nutshell, it operates very similar to NCAA rules, except each team starts at the opponent’s 10yd line, not the 25. After announcing the rules and sensing some obvious disdain in the crowd, St. Joe’s PA announcer (who was absolutely terrific, by the way), dryly stated, “I don’t make the rules.”

With each team being well able to go 10 yards in four plays, it looked like we were in for a long day. “Small things win games” is that old adage, but it proved true in overtime as something very insignificant—an extra point— became very, very significant.

La Salle won the toss and opted to defend first, getting the advantage of opting for a field goal if St. Joe’s failed to score.

Michael Eife ‘13 breaks through a hole in the PCL Championship game

December 2012

The Explorers were not so lucky though, and Zaccheaus rushed forward on 1st down for a 10yd score. On the PAT though, Battin’s kick was blocked—giving St. Joe’s a 27-21 lead. The Explorers then took over from the Prep 10yd line. On 1st down, an incomplete pass to Coleman resulted in a pass interference call on St. Joe’s, giving La Salle four downs to score from the Prep 5yd line. After a pass to Herron in the end zone was dropped, Kane hit up his favorite target—Mr. Coleman—for his fourth touchdown of the day. La Salle’s favorite son, Harvardbound Sean Coleman, scored all of his team’s touchdowns today, and etched his name into the growing log of Explorer star multi-sport athletes. Winslow made the extra point as a growing roar erupted from the La Salle sidelines—with a final score of 28-27, La Salle had won yet again.

Perhaps Laina Spinelli, my mother with her own interesting perspective on football, could summarize the La Salle perspective today. She said earnestly, “I don’t hate the Prep.

They are very nice people. I just like La Salle a bit more.” While I cannot match her admiration for the Ancient Enemy, they sure played an outstanding game. St. Joe’s Prep’s defense especially left everything on the field. I was very much impressed with the performance of Sherry, who made huge plays on both sides of the ball. He was complemented by the work of senior OL/DL Paul Johnson, another pillar of the Hawk football team.

On the offensive side, Chris Martin played a strong game.

He is blessed with an ability to run from the pocket that really elevates his ability as a QB. And well, there is Olamide Zaccheaus himself, the sophomore phenom who will surely be giv-

Sean Coleman ‘13 fights through a tackle against St. Joe’s Prep

Photos by Arthur Bailin ‘13 ing Drew Gordon many sleepless nights for two more years.

The La Salle defense played strong against the run all day, but Zaccheaus managed to break through many a time.

In an overall context, La Salle played a strong game.

Unlike in their regular-season matchup, La Salle really outgained St. Joe’s. Coleman had an exceptional day, catching 14 balls for 138 yards and 4TDs. Kane went 31-46 on passing for 328 yards and 4 TDs. And coming up huge when it mattered was senior TE Andrew Halton, who caught some clutch balls in the second-half. In the first-half, the Explorers made it to the red zone four times, scoring 2 TDs and missing 2 FGs. Specialteams were a rough spot today for the Explorers, which makes it slightly ironic that St. Joe’s lost on a missed extra point.

Early in the game, the Explorers were victim to the aforementioned missed FGs, as well as

a blocked punt—where almost three St. Joe’s Prep players rushed forward to block the ball.

Four years ago, I was in eighth grade and these current seniors were just finishing their freshman football season, having watched the future-state champion Explorers just vanquish St. Joe’s Prep in the Catholic League final. As their idols did before them, this generation of La Salle football players lost to St. Joe’s in the regular season, only to beat them in the game that mattered. It was truly a game for the ages and I am forever blessed for having witnessed it. Congratulations again to both teams for their superb play. As for my beloved Explorers, it was again a pleasure watching you guys play.

It is one thing to see athletes four years my senior win a PCL title against St. Joe’s Prep. It is only more endearing to see my classmates do the same thing.

Congrats!

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Wisterian Sports

Sean Coleman ‘13 hauls in a crucial catch against St. Joseph’s Prep in the PCL Championship game

La Salle Football - 2012 PCL Champions Dan Spinelli ‘14

Make that FIVE PCL titles in a row! In an extraordinary and sometimes frightening game, the Explorers triumphed over their “Ancient Enemy”— beating the St. Joe’s Prep Hawks 28-27 to win the PCL title. The Explorers now own five straight league titles, as well as six of the last seven hubcaps. The Hawks, by far, put La Salle to their greatest test, sending the game to overtime. I’ll start by giving a pretty lengthy recap (you know me…) of the incredible final minutes of this game, and then backtrack to give a broader picture of this game and what it means. I think that any report that gets this in-depth into

individual plays can sometimes be a bit tedious, but I think it is worth it for such an incredible game. Congratulations to all involved—it really was a spectacle of athletics and high school football in particular. I have never been so entertained during a high school game, and each play only made me prouder as a writer to be a witness to such passion in all of the athletes involved.

The fourth quarter began a mesmerizing fifteen minutes of football that had each team’s postseason hopes twirling almost by chance. With the score tied at 14-14, the Explorers began the quarter on the Hawk 20yd line, having drove from their own

20yd line. On the first play of the final period, La Salle senior QB Chris Kane tossed a 20yd beauty to senior WR/DB Sean Coleman, who rushed into the end zone for his third TD of the day. This 20yd TD put the Explorers up 21-14 only nine seconds into the quarter. The Hawks fans were a bit disheartened at this juncture, having watched their team trudge back from a 14-0 halftime deficit to tie the game. Now, they were done again. But of course, this is La Salle vs. St. Joe’s Prep, and no game can ever end without a few hearts skipping a beat.

Thus, on the ensuing kickoff, Hawk superstar sophomore RB Olamide Zaccheaus sprinted

90yd to tie the game again at 21, putting us back to square 1 with 11:37 remaining in the game.

As each team pressed forward trying to gain an edge, the 10,000 or so fans present at Plymouth-Whitemarsh were treated to a chess-match. The La Salle defense, which forced a total of FIVE three-and-outs for St. Joe’s stellar offense on the day, came up large again in crunch-time. After La Salle was forced to punt, the Explorers’ D got the Prep offense off the field in 4 plays forcing another punt.

The teams then traded punts, leaving the game (and the postseason) in the hands of the La Salle offense with 3:39 left on the clock. At this point, the Ex-

The Explorers celebtate their hard fought win

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plorers had 3 TOs left, with St. Joe’s Prep only having one. On second down, from the La Salle 29yd line, Hawk senior TE/DE Dan Sherry intercepted a Kane pass, effectively crushing La Salle’s mojo and giving his team a terrific shot at winning. But alas, nothing is ever so simple in this age-long rivalry.

Two short runs by Zaccheaus brought the Hawks to 3rd and 9 at the La Salle 44yd. line.

Prep junior QB Chris Martin dropped back and tossed a nice pass that happened to fall right into the hands of junior DB Steve Hudak. Steve has been stepping up large for the La Salle secondary ever since the injury of senior Chris Rocco, and this

Photos by Arthur Bailin ‘13

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