Buddy Ball

Benedictine and Saint Christopher’s Join Forces for Good

class has endured, the group has made many great memories. David Ngendakuriyo ‘23 stated, “Winning the State championship will go down as being one of the best moments of my life.” man Cadets, every Tuesday and Thursday, had to arrive at school earlier than sophomores and upperclass- men and get orientated. It consisted of bear

In 2019 the Benedictine football team won the state championship against St. Chris, 14-6. It was a wholesome moment for the Cadets, and it was well-celebrated. The Cadet corps rushed the field alongside fans and players and coaches in tears.

See Page 5: Adíos Amigos

Not only was the moment wholesome, it will forever go down in Benedictine history. TJ Baldwin ‘23 stated, “My favorite memory is probably the vibes after the state championship game.”

There is talk that the class of ‘23 is the last true piece of Benedictine left. In 2019 there was a much more lenient approach than there is now. Back then, the Cadets had Slam Halls, no girls, class squabbles and more. Whenever the Cadets had a little free time, it was fun for them to horseplay and wrestle. Baldwin also stated, “Sometimes,

See Page 4: Heading Out and Ryan Sellers ’23 morning come back at night to watch the two high school teams compete. “I’m lucky to be in the situation I am in right now,” stated BCP’s Riley Roarty ‘24. “But it always feels good to help or volunteer in any way I can.”

By Terrence Rhodes ’23

There are rivalries such as the Red Sox vs. the Yankees, the Cubs vs. the Cardinals and the Dodgers vs. the Giants. But when it comes to the local sports scene, nothing tops Benedictine vs. St. Christopher’s.

Over the years, the two rivals have gone tooth-and-nail across the entire spectrum of sports. While the competition is especially fierce in baseball, the Cadets and the Saints of the sport are able to set aside any hard feelings to direct their energy toward a greater cause: Buddy Ball.

It is a day-long event where the two teams come together in the morning to volunteer with individuals from Jacob’s Chance to play wiffle ball. The two squads use this time to relax before the heated affair as well as to make new friends and interact with the people at Jacob’s Chance. Later the kids participating in the wiffle ball game in the

Jacob’s Chance is an organization with the mission of assisting people with developmental, intellectual or physical disabilities and helping promote lifetime relationships. According to the organization’s website, their values are inclusion, diversity, collaboration, adaptability, acceptance and healthy lifestyles.

All these values are put to show when the program’s members join forces in wiffle ball games for the books with the players in green and black as well as red and white. These people find copious amounts of fun when getting to enjoy this amazing sport.

Even though the two teams are com-

See Page 2: Whimsical Wifffle Ball ing together and putting their hard feelings for each other aside for a bigger cause, there is still a game to be played between two always star-studded squads.

Year after year, the Cadets and Saints are always two of the top teams in the state. If not both teams, at least one, battles at Shepherd Stadium for the state championship. The past three times the Cadets have won the state championship have been against the Saints at Shepherd Stadium: in

2017, 2019 and 2021. From 2019 to 2022, the Saints and Cadets have shared the VISAA Division 1 state championship, allowing no other team a shot at the gold. Cape Henry broke that streak last year. The last 10 encounters between the two squads currently have the Cadets up 6-4. This just shows that the two teams compete hard every year and is always a game to see. With both teams off to a strong start this year, there is a good chance that ei- ther the Saints or the Cadets could reassert themselves as top dogs in the state. Still, despite the heated rivalry, Buddy Ball has the teams putting all hard feelings aside.

This event is guaranteed to be a success with Jacob’s Chance and the two Richmond private schools. Year after year, the two schools and locals around Richmond have raised enough to easily reach the goal that is set each year.

The two crews find significant enjoy-

Benedictine and St. Christopher’s players gather at home plate after another successful year of Buddy Ball. ment in this event. Not only is the main event at night, but everyone in attendance at the Buddy Ball game during the day packs the stands at RF&P Park to spectate Richmond’s favorite rivalry under the lights. Neither of the schools have lights on their home fields, so playing under the lights improves the atmosphere compared to most games they play. “[It is a] lively experience with all the students from both schools [in] a packed crowd. It’s a fun experience,” stated Bene- dictine’s Jagen Ratlief ‘23.

The 2023 Buddy Ball game took place on the morning of April 15, at RF&P Park, with the Cadets taking the win. But, when it comes to Buddy Ball, everyone involved is a winner.