Fall 2013 - Black and Gold - Vianney

The Official Magazine of St. John Vianney High School

E: D 3 rt SI -1 po IN 12 Re 20 al nu An

A CASE STUDY IN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

Fall 2013

Background photo by David Ringwald ’86

The Official Magazine of St. John Vianney High School

Fall 2013

Inside Model School Award......................................................................5 Vianney Honored by Gurian Institute as one of 10 Model Schools in America

Rick Davis ’79 Named Board Chair...............................................6 Vianney Board of Directors taps Rick Davis ’79 to be the new Board Chair

Night of the Griffin Auction...........................................................9 Vianney’s Annual Auction Event is set for February 15th, 2014

Living Rosary................................................................................11 Religion classes, sports teams gather to recite the Rosary each week ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES

Class of 2008 Reunion, Class Notes.............................................13 Vianney alumni doing great things in the world The Black and Gold Magazine is a product of St. John Vianney High School, 1311 South Kirkwood Road, in Kirkwood, Mo. To submit items for the Black and Gold, contact the editor, Rob Staggenborg, Director of Communications, at rstaggenborg@vianney.com or call (314) 965-4853 ext. 270.

President Mike Loyet ’77 Principal Dr. Tim Dilg Assistant Principal – Academics Dennis Matreci Assistant Principal – Student Development Scott Brown ’84 Director of Athletics Terry Cochran Director of Finance and Facilities Wendell DePhillips ’71 Director of Campus Ministry Rev. Tim Kenney, S.M.

FACULTY PROFILE

KING OF THE COURT: Mr. Kevin Walsh ’91.............................14 Going beyond the scorebook with our own Kevin Walsh COVER STORY

SUPERMEN: Andy Frisella and Chris Klein...............................22 Vianney’s Chris Klein ’97 and Andy Frisella ’97 are survivors in the Supplement industry

SPECIAL INSERT

The Spirit of Family St. John Vianney High School’s Annual Report of Donors for 2012-2013

Director of Advancement Peter Cerone ’93 Director of Admissions Tom Mulvihill ’04 Director of Constituent Relations Molly Walsh Director of Events Mark Schuermann ’03 Editor, Black and Gold Director of Communications Rob Staggenborg

Stay in touch at www.vianney.com

BLACK & GOLD

School News

Gurian Institute Names Vianney A Model School Award is one of only 10 given this year nationally

Vianney Principal Dr. Tim Dilg and a group of teachers attending the Gurian Institute’s Annual Conference in July were honored by the Institute - which named Vianney as one of its Model Schools.

“It is a tremendous testament to our faculty and staff that in two years we’ve been honored as a Cardinal Newman Society Top 50 School in America for Academics, and now a Model School by the Gurian Institute,” said Dr. Dilg, who went to Colorado with teachers Brandon Lewis, Adam Hamilton, Brian Haddock and Kevin Walsh for the conference.

“There are so many young men who need a school environment like Vianney,” said Michael Gurian, the Institute’s founder and a bestselling author and expert on brain-based research. “Males need movement to keep their brains active, and Vianney certainly provides this in its classrooms. The faculty serve as mentors and your leadership curriculum, rites of passage activities, and community service are all important in helping young men find their purpose.”

Vianney became only the 10th school to be recognized as a Model School in the country and the first in the state of Missouri.

“This elite designation recognizes St. John Vianney High School’s excellence in faculty professional development and school-wide implementation of brain-based strategies to promote the well-being and development of young men,” says Kelley King, associate director of the Gurian Institute.

“Vianney is a great example of a school that is committed to and excelling at educating and developing young men,” says King.

This is the second significant academic honor the school has received in the last two years. In the fall of 2012 Vianney was recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society as one of the Top 50 Catholic High Schools in America for Academic Excellence.

Founded in 1996 by Gurian, an author and gender-specific learning expert, the Institute is committed to helping boys and girls reach their full potential by providing professional development that creates awareness on gender learning differences and trains teachers and parents about methods proven to increase student motivation, engagement, and achievement, teacher effectiveness and parent involvement.

Vianney received the “Model School” designation by meeting a series of requirements including in-depth professional development for all staff members, educating and engaging the parent community and implementing a wide array of “male-friendly” learning strategies throughout the school and classrooms.

“Vianney is a great example of a school that is committed to and excelling at educating and developing young men.”

- Kelley King, Associate Director of the Gurian Institute 4

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FALL 2013

Rick Davis ’79 Named Board Chair Alumnus Richard Davis has been named Chairman of the school’s Board of Directors. Davis, a 1979 Vianney graduate, is Director of Chain Sales for the William K. Busch Brewing Company.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be asked to serve on the Board and assume the responsibility of Board Chair,” he said.

“St. John Vianney High School has been such an important part of my life. It is very gratifying to be able to give back to the school that has meant so much to me.”

Davis replaces outgoing Board Chair Don Eggleston, the parent of two Vianney graduates - Tim Eggleston ’05 and Andy Eggleston ’06.

Davis has built a successful career working for AnheuserBusch Cos. for 23 years, and now with his current company – makers of the Kräftig beer brand.

Rick Davis ’79 was named the new Chair of Vianney’s Board. He replaces former Board Chair Don Eggleton in the position.

He and his wife, Bridget, have been married 28 years and are active in Assumption Parish (Mattese). Rick has three children, all who have attended Catholic high schools in St. Louis. Rick previously served as chair of Vianney’s Advancement Committee. He was recently the President of Cor Jesu Academy’s Father’s Club, and was a past board member of St. Joseph Home and Family Services, a Catholic Charities agency.

Griffin Theatre Pays Homage to The Bard, William Shakespeare The St. John Vianney High School Griffin Theatre will pay homage to British playwright William Shakespeare this year with three shows dedicated to the work of “The Bard.”

In honor of Shakespeare’s 450th anniversary, Griffin Theatre will produce an “All-Shakespeare” season of shows, according to theatre director Mr. Al Book.

April 2014 marks the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth. In honor of this occasion many theatres and schools around the nation will celebrate the works of The Bard.

Griffin Theatre will present MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING on November 14-17, 2013, followed by The Compleat Works Of Willm Shkspr (Abridged) on January 30-February 2, 2014. The Shakespeare tribute season closes with Cole Porter’s KISS ME, KATE on April 10-13, 2014.

“What could be more appropriate than presenting these productions in a setting as historically accurate as possible?” Book said. “In honor of The Bard, Griffin Theatre stage crafters will recreate the famous Globe Theatre stage as it would have appeared to Shakespeare’s audiences. This recreation will be used for all three of this season’s productions and will be as historically accurate as possible.”

This year, Griffin Theatre will honor the works of noted playwright William Shakespeare and are building a set that replicates the famous Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare’s works were performed.

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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BLACK & GOLD

Two Vianney Seniors Earn National Merit Semifinalist Honors Seniors Anthony Schrader (left) and Jack Lyons (right) have earned designation as National Merit Semifinalists for 2014.

Lyons, of Eureka, and Schrader, of Ballwin, were notified in September by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation that they were among the 16,000 Semifinalists in the nation in the 59th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These two academically gifted seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for about 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth about $35 million. Those scholarships will be awarded next spring.

To advance to the National Merit Finalist stage, students must fulfill several requirements. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to earn Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the title of Merit Scholar.

“This is a tremendous honor not only for Jack, Anthony and their teachers, but for St. John Vianney High School as well,” said Dr. Tim Dilg, Principal. “These are both hard-working young men who are talented academically and who choose to participate in many activities in our school.

Congratulations to Jack and Anthony and their parents on this significant honor.”

About 1.5 million high school juniors in more than 22,000 schools entered the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program by

taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT). This test served as an initial screen of program entrants.

information about his academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards earned.

The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represent less than one percent of all high school seniors in America. This pool includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

The number of Semifinalists named in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT scores that confirm a student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and his school must submit a detailed scholarship application, which includes important

THREE SENIORS HONORED AS COMMENDED STUDENTS Three Seniors have been honored as Commended Students in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program, Vianney’s Principal Dr. Tim Dilg announced.

Seniors Joe LaMartina, Aaron Reynolds and Zach Roseman received Letters of Commendation from Vianney and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout America were recognized for exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2014 competition by taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“This is a great honor for these three young men,” said Dr. Dilg. “Their dedication to academics, co-curriculars and Vianney’s family spirit are evident in the way they conduct themselves. We offer our congratulations to these young men and their families.”

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Of the 16,000 semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholarship designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is a not-for-profit organization established in 1955.

Scholarships are underwritten by the corporation and nearly 440 business organizations and higher education institutions.

FALL 2013

Griffin Sports on Prepcasts St. John Vianney High School has entered into a partnership with Prepcasts.com, a local Internet company that broadcasts high school events around the metro area.

All football games have been broadcast in video format or in audio format in one case.

Under the partnership, Prepcasts provides video or audio broadcasts via the Internet for a total of 30 athletic events. These include Vianney football games, marquee Vianney soccer games, basketball, volleyball, swimming, and baseball. More games, sports and events may be added throughout the year. Owen Shroyer, a local radio host and producer, serves as the main play-by-play announcer.

TJ Moe, the former Mizzou player who played for Coach Paul Day at Fort Zumwalt West, has signed on provide analysis during football games this year.

“The opportunity to broadcast many of our athletic events is not only a great way to showcase Vianney to potential students, but also is a way to connect with alumni and parents who live in or out of the area,” said Dr. Tim Dilg, Vianney Principal. “With the marked increase in social media connectivity today, we will be sharing the games via our Facebook page and our various Twitter accounts.”

Each week, broadcast information is posted on the school’s Twitter account, which is @vianneygriffins and on our Facebook page.

Prepcast broadcasts of Vianney games are accessible live, as they happen, or fans can access the games later through the archive of Vianney games at Prepcasts.com.

Each broadcast contains pregame interviews with coaches, and live interviews with Vianney newsmakers. Vianney alumni Mark Klose ’71, KMOV’s Mike Colombo ’04, Trent Green ’88 and other prominent alumni have worked with the Communications Office to produce Vianney ads and promos for events that run inside each broadcast.

Grandparents’ Mass Extends the Family Spirit Vianney hosted more than 600 people at the annual Grandparents’ Mass in early September.

Students were encouraged to invite their grandparents to a special liturgy, which was held on the worldwide celebration of Grandparents’ Day. Rev. Tim Kenney, Vianney’s Campus Chaplain, celebrated Mass along with Rev. Joseph Uvietta, a longtime member of Vianney’s religious community and a member of the school’s board.

“We talk about ‘family spirit’ all of the time here at Vianney, and an event like the Grandparents’ Mass is a way to show that Vianney’s family spirit extends outward beyond our walls,” said Dr. Tim Dilg, Vianney’s Principal. “I know that our students are very excited to show off their school to their Grandparents, and as you can see by the attendance, the Grandparents enjoy this event quite a bit.”

Following Mass, students and their Grandparents were invited to a special luncheon held in their honor. While some waited for lunch, others took the opportunity to show off their school, classrooms and lockers to their Grandparents during informal tours of the campus. Photos were provided as well for Grandparents and their grandsons.

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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BLACK & GOLD

Kyle Williams Named Outstanding Student Leader

Senior Kyle Williams with St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley.

Congratulations to Senior Kyle Williams, who was named one of top student leaders of 2013 by the St. Louis County’s Department of Human Services, Family and Community Services Division.

Williams received his award on September 17th at Washington University in St. Louis. Williams serves as the President of Vianney’s Student Council.

Survey Results Reveal Alumni Opinions Academics weigh heavy on the minds of Vianney alumni, according to results of the alumni survey conducted in July and August.

Nearly 1,000 Vianney alumni completed the survey, which sought their opinions on various alumni communications, events, school programs and fundraising strategies.

To help generate interest in the survey, Vianney had a random drawing for an iPad for those who completed the survey. Tom Donovan ’03 won the iPad drawing.

“Clearly the survey showed that maintaining high academic standards at Vianney was important to the majority of those surveyed,” said Pete Cerone ’93, Director of Advancement. “The strides Vianney has made over the years establishing itself as a true college preparatory school with a challenging academic curriculum has resonated with alumni. They are very proud of their school in this regard, the survey shows.”

The survey was conducted by The Rome Group, a local firm that specializes in market research, surveys and strategic planning. The survey process included an electronic survey, one-on-one interviews, phone surveys, and focus group sessions coordinated by The Rome Group.

Other significant findings: •

To keep alumni engaged soon after they graduated, the school should consider creating events for college-aged alums.

•

To involve alumni and their families, Vianney may consider creating familyoriented events.

•

Alumni are most proud of Vianney’s academic standing and achievements by students, and appreciate news and communication in this regard,

•

Alumni seek involvement in a variety of student recruitment activities that take place throughout the school year, including special events specifically for alumni and their sons, grandsons, and nephews who are looking at various high schools to attend,

•

Alumni were satisifed with the frequency of communication via The Black & Gold Magazine, the Alumni E-Griffin, and direct mail pieces.

INTERVIEWS WITH VIANNEY NEWSMAKERS! Check out Vianney’s YouTube Channel - VianneySTL - for a series of video interviews with alumni, faculty, administrators and coaches. New interviews are loaded frequently, so the content is always fresh. Go to youtube.com/VianneySTL Recent interviews include: new Board Chair Rick Davis ’79 and his vision for Vianney’s Board; Football Assistant Coach Matt Markway ’96; Head Soccer Coach Dave Gauvain, Football Coach Paul Day, Swim Coach Bill Alexander, Cross Country Coach John Mohr, alum Brad Rischbieter ’13, the creator of a successful Apple application selling well in Europe, and Social Studies teacher Nate Stein ’03 talking about a trip he took with students to London and Wales.

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FALL 2013

Saturday, February 15, 2014 at St. John Vianney High School

Football Coach Paul Day (left) talks with RB Markel Smith during the season opening win over Francis Howell North.

Markel Smith Breaks State Rushing Record For Yards in Single Game Markel Smith, a senior running back, had no idea he was on pace to set a new Missouri State High School Athletics and Activities record in Vianney’s 48-41 win against the Washington Blue Jays on October 4th.

“I didn’t know anything about the record until somebody told me after the game,” he said.

Smith rushed for 541 yards in the game and scored seven touchdowns to lead the Griffins.

The previous single-game rushing record was 533 yards, which was set in 2009.

Smith’s performance had the local social media world buzzing as news spread of his record-setting night. In the hours after the victory, the hashtag “#vianneygriffins” was trending on social media, according to Twitter stats tracked by @Trend_STL. Smith credits the offensive line in helping him break the record. In the game, he broke for long gains of 65, 70 and 80 yards for scores. What appeared to be two other long touchdown runs were called back due to offensive penalties.

Fans can watch his record-breaking performance on the Vianney Network on our Prepcasts.com feed or by going to the school website (vianney.com) and clicking on the News & Events tab, and searching for the October 4th game.

The Night of the Griffin Auction and Dinner is the biggest event on Vianney’s fundraising and social calendar. We rely on scores of parents, alumni and friends to help us make this event a big success. If you have questions or would like to know more about volunteering or opportunities to donate, please contact Mark Schuermann, Director of Events, by e-mail at mschuermann@vianney.com or calling him at (314) 965-4853 ext. 144.

Doors Open at 5:00 p.m.

Dinner Served at 6:45 p.m.

Live Auction Begins at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets cost $95.00 per person Sponsorship Tables Are available for $1,500.00 Sponsorship Tables Include: * A Premium Attendance Gift * * Advertisement in Auction Book * * Signage at the Event * * Preferred Seating * * Reserved Parking *

WIN $10,000!

This year, you can enter a special raffle for a chance to win $10,000.

We are selling only 300 raffle tickets at $100 each with a $10,000 payout.

The winner will be drawn the night of the auction.

You do not need to be present to win.

Get your tickets fast! Once we sell 300 there will be no more available.

If you would like to donate any items or trips to the Auction, contact Mark Schuermann, Director of Events, by e-mail at mschuermann@vianney.com or call him at (314) 965-4853 ext. 144.

www.vianney.com/auction Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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BLACK & GOLD

Feature: MARIANIST MOMENTS

Maintaining the Charism

Sponsorship and Marianist Education

Dan Donnelly remembers the first time he

Marianists, but more lay people have been

heard of the Marianists. He was a parishioner

added to help develop the vision, identity

at St. Joseph’s Parish in Manchester, and he

and other guidelines for our Marianist

met a Marianist priest. He had heard of the

schools to maintain the charism.

“The average age of the vowed Marianist

Jesuits, and knew a little about them. But the Marianists - and all they stood for - were a

religious is age 70, so it won’t be long

mystery to him.

before they are not here,” Donnelly said.

“The Marianists recognized this trend and

“My first contact - like many of our graduates and families - came through

are developing ways to keep true to the

a Marianist priest,” he said. “Why is that

identity and charism. They are doing this by

significant? Because today, with a little less

enlisting more lay people into the process.

than 350 men who are vowed religious as

The vowed religious still play a major role in

Marianist priests and brothers, we don’t have

our Marianist culture and mission. However,

that personal connection to those in religious

now there are more people available to help

life as Marianists as we once did.”

keep the legacy strong and the heritage true to what Blessed Father William Chaminade

For St. John Vianney High School graduates, the names of the brothers and

had envisioned when he started the

priests that helped shape their minds and

Marianist movement.”

souls would include people like Brother Rev. Marty Solma, S.M., serves as the

Brother Joe Towers, Brother Fred

leader of the Marianist province. Br. Ed

Weisbrook, Brother Len Rudy, Rev. Don

Brink serves as the Province’s Director of

Marianists in many ways. First, it expands

Cahill, and so many others.

Education, and oversees schools. In St. Louis

and strengthens established relationships

alone, there are three Marianist schools

by including more people in the decision

Director of the Office of Sponsorship for

- St. John Vianney High School, where

making processes. It also provides shared

the Marianist Province, located in St. Louis

the Society of Mary has been a presence

governance of the mission and our Marianist

in the Central West End. The creation of

since 1960, Chaminade College Prep (the

culture. With more lay people involved at a

the Office of Sponsorship came as the order

oldest Marianist school in St. Louis) and St.

higher level, sponsorship provides oversight

saw a need to find new ways to continue the

Mary’s High School. Around the America

to the Provincial Council, while also

Marianist charism through lay people.

and Puerto Rico, the Marianists operate 18

maintaining the connection to the brothers

secondary schools, three college universities,

and their legacies in our schools. Finally, the

and four retreat centers.

model allows others to offer new “gifts” -

Donnelly was named this summer as the

The goal of the Office of Sponsorship, Donnelly said, is to expand the inclusion of lay people in a more collaborative model of

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WHY SPONSORSHIP?

Francis Haug, Brother Vic Winkler,

The schools, universities and retreat centers

ministry, and to establish and maintain a

now fall under the administrative purview of

new leadership approach and governance of

the Office of Sponsorship. Br. Ed Brink is still

the Marianists.

involved with the educational mission of the

Visit us online! www.vianney.com

The sponsorship model benefits the

professional insight and talents, for example - to sustain and expand the charism.

The mission statement of the Sponsorship Office sums it up best: “Marianist

FALL 2013 SPRING 2013

Sponsorships, a ministry of service, animates apostolic works through relationships and the sharing of governance power to ensure fidelity to the mission of the Church and to the charism of Blessed Father Chaminade.”

Blessed Father Chaminade, Donnelly noted, had a simple mission of bringing

FAITH IN ACTION

LIVING ROSARY As an outward expression of our faith and our Marianist mission, Vianney students and sports teams have participated in the Living Rosary each week.

Catholic faith and a culture of spirituality back into the lives of those in France in the dark years following the French Revolution. His mission and message spread from there. He brought concepts of virtue, service and faith back to a population that was sorely missing it. He evangelized.

Today’s Marianists have a similar mission of bringing the faith and charism to a world that sorely misses it, he said.

From an administrative point of view, the Marianist brothers and priests maintain a sense of authority in this new structure.

The sponsored ministries - schools and universities like Vianney and the University of Dayton, for example, along with the retreat centers - are governed by the Office of Sponsorship. That office falls under the administrative overview of the Sponsorship Commission - a group of Marianist religious and lay people.

The ultimate decision-maker is still the Provincial Council, Donnelly said.

Members of the varsity football team gathered to pray the Living Rosary after a practice.

Students in Vianney’s religion classes and on some of the fall sports teams have started a new tradition - the Living Rosary.

Each Friday, students in religion classes take time from their daily instruction and move to a large area to form a human Rosary chain. Students have learned about ehst the Rosary means to Catholics around the world. After a short opening prayer, they recite the Rosary. The actual Rosary was a gift from Paul Brockmeyer, an active member of the ACTS Community.

“As a Marianist school, it is important that we focus on our devotion to Mary by praying the Rosary,” said Jeremy Remiger ’98, a member of the Campus Ministry team. Campus Ministry initiated the program. “The Rosary is an important prayer in the Catholic Church.”

Vianney has embraced the responsibility of bringing more lay people into the work of the Marianists. The school president, Mike Loyet, is a Vianney graduate and one of just a handful of lay presidents at Marianists schools across the country.

Faculty and staff at Vianney receive indepth in-services about Marianist culture and the “5 CMEs” - the Characteristics of Marianist education. The CMEs are listed

• • • • • •

News Event Information Scores and highlights Interviews Alumni Calendar More!

on page 3 of the special Annual Report insert in this edition of the Black & Gold.

Earlier this year, the school instituted a special Marianist-themed Board retreat session to help Board members become more familiar with the work and mission of the Marianists.

WANT TO RECEIVE VIANNEY UPDATES? Be sure to sign up TODAY for the Alumni E-Griffin. This communication is released twice a month and is filled with school news, alumni information and other great features.

It’s FREE and easy to sign up. Just send us an e-mail to rstaggenborg@vianney.com or call the Alumni Communications Office at (314) 965-4853 ext. 270.

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BLACK & GOLD

Alumni News

Dr. Chris Bowe ’73 Named Head of St. Anthony’s Health System Christopher Bowe, M.D., was appointed in September to serve in two key executive leadership roles for St. Anthony’s Medical Center. He will serve in the Office of the President, and as President of St. Anthony’s Physician Organization (SAPO). Dr. Bowe is a 1973 graduate of Vianney.

St. Anthony’s Chief Executive Officer. “This leadership model combines the best talents of administrators and physician leaders and fosters a new era of collaboration between our Board of Directors, physicians, management and staff at St. Anthony’s Medical Center.”

In his new roles, Dr. Bowe serves as the fourth member of the Office of the President at St. Anthony’s Medical Center.

He joins Michael Rindler, Chief Executive Officer; David Morton, M.D., Chief Medical Officer; and Jack Mitstifer, M.D., in a unique physician-oriented health system leadership model in the St. Louis area.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Missouri School of Medicine, Dr. Bowe completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa. He joined St. Anthony’s medical staff in 1999, and has been involved in numerous care management and quality improvement initiatives.

“We are extremely pleased Dr. Bowe has agreed to lead St. Anthony’s Physician Organization as well as completing the Office of the President,” said Michael E. Rindler,

Dr. Bowe has been named a Gold Level Quality Partner by Primaris, the federally designated Medical Quality Improvement Organization for Missouri.

SUPPORT THE GRIFFIN FUND What is the Griffin Fund?

The Griffin Fund is our annual invitation to members of the Vianney family to renew their commitment to our students.

We ask for your financial support to ensure that Vianney can continue to provide an exceptional Catholic education for our students in the Marianist tradition now and into the future.

High school is a critical time in the lives of our students. With your help, Vianney can continue to form young men who are spiritually grounded and prepared academically for college and, ultimately, for life.

TO MAKE A GIFT: Contact Pete Cerone ’93, Director of Advancement, at (314) 965.4853 ext. 118 or send him an e-mail to schedule an appointment at pcerone@vianney.com Visit Vianney.com/donate to make an online gift today!

YOUR GIFT TO THE GRIFFIN FUND IS AN INVESTMENT IN ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL!

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FALL 2013

ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES

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Thomas Freese ’74 published his 9th and 10th books entitled Eerie Encounters in Everyday Life and Halloween Sleepwalker, respectively. Freese is an author, storyteller and artist. The books were published by Schiller Publishing, Ltd.

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Kevin Amsler ’81 co-authored a historical book about the architecture of Raymond Maritz and W. Ridgely Young entitled, The Architecture of Maritz & Young: Exceptional Historic Homes of St. Louis, published by The Missouri History Museum Press last August.

The book, written with co-author L. John Schott, includes more than 200 photographs, architectural drawings and original floor plans of homes built in a variety of styles. For more than a decade, Amsler wrote a column for the West End Word entitled, “This Month in St. Louis History.”

92

Michael McCleish ’92 was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, US Army in July and he is slated to take command of the 10th Special Forces Group Support Battalion in the summer of 2014 at Fort Carson, CO.

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96

Mark Hessel ’96 recently joined Shell Exploration and Production Company in December of 2012 as Logsitics Lead/Project Manager for Upstream Americas Unconventials Business Group. He has relocated his family from St. Louis to Midland, TX. He has been married since 2006 to Dawn, and they have two children Kaylin (4) and Hannah (2).

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Joe Hudgens ’96 has been an attorney at law for nearly 10 years, and welcomed his first two children, twins, in August 2013 with wife Dr. Laura M. Schmidt, M.D.

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CLASS OF 2008 REUNION

Alumni from the Class of 2008 gathered at Vianney for Homecoming as part of their five-year reunion event. The group of alums gathered to watch the game, catch up and relive great memories of their experience at Vianney. Alumni with upcoming reunions will have their reunion weekend in April 2014.

00

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Bryan McMahan ’00 is a Spanish teacher at Somonauk High School in Somonauk, IL., where he also is a football coach.

01

Donal Harris ’01 received his Ph.D. from UCLA in June. He started this fall as an Assistant Professor in the English Department at the University of Memphis. He is married to Sarahbeth Winn, and they have two sons, Milo and Theodore.

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04

Bradley Peters ’04 married Jennifer Harp on March 9, 2013 in New Town in Saint Charles, MO. Jennifer is a 2004 graduate of Francis Howell North and she is a preschool teacher in O’Fallon, MO. He currently works for the State of Missouri’s Dept. of Mental

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Health as a case manager. The wedding party included Dan Flynn ’04 as the best man, Shawn Peters ’01 as a groomsman, and Matt Slama ’04 who was an usher.

04

Matthew K. Zeller ’04 is retired from the U.S. Army where he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005-2006. Finishing up a Masters degree in Healthcare Administration, Matthew plans on pursuing a second undergraduate degree starting in 2014. He is married with two boys ages 5 and 20 months.

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08

Kevin P. Jackson ’08 is currently a Second Lieutenant stationed at Vance Air Force Base as a Pilot Select going through Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training.

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BLACK & GOLD

Faculty Profile

KING COURT OF THE

Vianney Coach Kevin Walsh ’91 Has Put The Griffin Basketball Program on the Map

T

Moving toward a higher standard for the here was a time when Kevin basketball program took time and buy-in Walsh ’91 was a new teacher at from the players.

Vianney. He recalls walking “When we first started, basketball was into the Faculty work room one something other athletes did to stay in day and seeing people like Don shape during the winter. Now, we have Heeb, Jim Farrell, Jerry Boeckman, Larry guys who are committed to becoming Furrer, Charlie Walsh, and others in the better basketball players,” Walsh said. “We room. spend a lot of time in the summer and in “I thought to myself, wow, these guys are the offseason developing our program and the legends of Vianney,” he said. “And I just the players responded well.” went from a student of theirs to a colleague The 2000s were very good to Walsh and of theirs.”

Vianney basketball. From 2002-06, the Today, the walk to the faculty room still Griffins won five district championships in brings him down memory lane, but the faces a row, and reached the state quarterfinals have changed. in 2004 and 2006.

‘Now, I see people on staff who were It was during that span that Walsh students that I taught,” he said. “People like realized this group at Vianney - the (alumni-teachers and staff) Jeremy Remiger players, their families, the fans - were a ’98, Tom Mulvihill ’04, Nate Stein ’03, Mark special group of people who were only Schuermann ’03, and James Gladstone ’09 limited by their own vision and desire.

- those are all guys I taught at one time. I “We told our kids that the harder they realized it has gone 180 degrees for me.” worked, the results would come. And in Walsh, a social studies teacher and the head the course of five years, we did have the boy’s varsity basketball coach, is as much of a results we worked so hard to achieve.” fixture at Vianney as the Griffin itself. He’s In 2005, after losing key scorers - Paul been part of Vianney as a teacher and coach Paradoski and Brandon Beal, both of the since 1995. He graduated in 1991, went to Kevin Walsh ’91 gets emotional after the Class of 2004, and who both combined for Fontbonne University, where he played Griffins advanced to the Final Four.

2,000 points in their Vianney careers, not basketball all four years. Upon graduation, he much was expected of the Griffins. But Walsh had other plans and returned to Vianney, taking a job as a teacher and then assistant on didn’t buy into the skepticism, the boys’ basketball team. He spent five years as an assistant, then “We ended up winning 18 games that year, took the District title, took the head coaching job in 2000. He has never looked back. and it was all because of the work ethic our guys had.”

“In those early years when I took over, I was practically a kid myself That year, his seniors adopted a team motto, “Find a Way.” Each - I was 25 years old,” he said. “I was very fortunate to have a group of season, Walsh and the team adopt a new motto - a rallying cry of great men who served as my mentors. There were people like Charlie sorts. Last year was the first time he allowed a previous team motto Walsh at Vianney, and other coaches in the Metro Catholic to be used - “Find a Way.” Conference. People like Bob Steiner at DeSmet and Don Maurer “Last year’s team reminded me so much of the 2005 group, so the who at the time was the coach at SLUH. They all reached out to me team theme was appropriate to use again.” and helped me get better as a teacher, and a coach and as a leader.”

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Visit us online! www.vianney.com

FALL 2013

After going 27-2 in 2011-12 and graduating eight seniors, Vianney’s team made history by finding ways to win key games. Led by seniors Sean O’Brien and Brad Woodson, among others, Vianney knocked off McCluer North in the state quarterfinals to earn its first-ever trip to Columbia, MO for a berth in the Final Four. Though Vianney lost to conference rival and eventual state runner-up, DeSmet 58-55, the program had jumped a very important hurdle. Vianney basketball was a force.

In the ever important youth camp scene, Kevin Walsh has slowly built an empire of sorts. The first year at Vianney, the youth summer camps drew seven players - “and two of them were Charlie Walsh’s kids,” he recounted, laughing.

Today, his camps have grown in numbers and in the number of weeks he provides. Each year, hundreds of grade school players gain access to Vianney’s campus and see all the Kevin Walsh has brought personality and a winning tradition to Vianney basketball and Leadership classes. Here, he dons pink for the annual Paint It Pink game at the Scottrade Center last season. school has to offer. This past summer, he had 500 players completely fill all four weeks of his summer camp.

To be able to make all this work at Vianney takes a caring family “I get a kick out of going to the store and seeing a kid wearing one who supports the school, and a family that understands the unique of the Vianney camp shirts or going to a game and seeing kids with mission of the school - the dedication to spiritual, academic, and the Vianney water bottles. To me, that’s getting out into the personal excellence and the pervasive family spirit for which community and that’s what these camps are all about - to get kids Vianney is known. He credits his wife, Jill, a former Vianney staff interested in coming to Vianney.” member, and his three children - sons Luke (age 6), Justin (1 year) To characterize Kevin Walsh as a gym rat only is missing a major and daughter, Abby (4 years old) with allowing him to share his life part of his story. He’s a teacher first, and the classroom is his domain. with the black and gold of Vianney.

“I love being in the classroom. To be a good coach, you “They all really understand what Vianney is all about and that have to be a good teacher or the kids won’t respect you.” support makes it possible,” he said.

Walsh played a key role along with former Principal Larry Keller Looking back at his time at the school - the only teaching and in adding Leadership Courses to the curriculum. The first year, coaching job he’s ever had - he eagerly accepts the changes the school Walsh taught a single course. Today, developing leaders is part of is continually going through. He knows Vianney is always trying to Vianney’s brand and a there are six leadership courses offered to get better in every way. students at every level.

“A lot has changed at Vianney over the past 25 years since I “The leadership course has been one of the best things I’ve ever graduated, but there are a lot of things that have stayed the same. The done as an educator because it is a way for us to help kids get teachers cared about us then and wanted to help us get better as men comfortable with who they are, let’s them feel comfortable with back then, and that is still true today. Teachers then and now both taking some risks, and forces them to grow into men.” went out of their way to make sure our experiences here were He laughs when he thinks of James Gladstone ’09 - a former top-notch, and I love that about Vianney.” leadership student of his who now teaches one of the leadership courses. That’s another aspect of Walsh’s Vianney life coming full If you would like to make a donation to Vianney in honor of Kevin circle.

Walsh, send it to Pete Cerone ’93, Director of Advancement. You can call Pete at (314) 965-4853 ext. 118 if you have any questions.

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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BLACK & GOLD

AND

FACTS

FIGURES

Next time you are asked, “Where did you go to high school?” Don’t just tell them you went to Vianney - “School” them with the facts.

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et’s face it - St. Louis is a high school town. Beyond Cardinal baseball, pork steaks, gooey butter cakes, breweries and muddy rivers, St. Louisans put a premium on which high school you attend or attended in the past.

Next time the question is posed to you, don’t just leave them flat.

Answer proudly, and then “school” them about St. John Vianney High School - now, then and all the years in between. To help you on your way, we’ve developed some “Quick Facts” about your school, a primer of sorts.

9. In 2013, Vianney seniors earned more than $8.5 million in college scholarships.

ACADEMICS & STUDENT LIFE

12. Each year, Vianney juniors are engaged in a two-week Christian Service project.

1. Vianney’s academic program has been ranked among the Top 50 Catholic high schools in the nation, based on an evaluation by the Cardinal Newman Society.

2. Our current enrollment is 633, representing 70 ZIP codes and 50 grade schools and parishes. Vianney draws students from across St. Louis city and county, from Jefferson and Franklin counties, and from the Metro East.

3. Vianney is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

4. Vianney had two National Merit Semifinalists this year.

5. Tuition for the 2013 - 2014 school year is $12,250. This includes everything except for textbooks.

6. Thirty (30) percent of students receive some form of tuition assistance.

7. Vianney is one of the only schools in the area that offers a comprehensive leadership course for freshmen.

8. Our 2007 expansion provided additional classrooms, a media center, field house, student commons and bookstore. In 2013, we added new windows, classroom updates and centralized AC. 16

Visit us online! www.vianney.com

10. Vianney is sponsored by the Society of Mary, an international religious order of priests and brothers known as Marianists.

11. Vianney uses a “4-by-4 block schedule,” with four, 85-minute classes per day. A daily 30-minute “Encore” period allows students to work ahead, attend co-curricular meetings or seek assistance from teachers or counselors. The block schedule was established at Vianney in 1997.

13. In the last 13 years, 10 Vianney students have gained entry into the highly competitive U.S. Military Service Academies.

14. Sixty-eight (68) percent of Vianney juniors and seniors earn college credits offered through Saint Louis University, Drury University, the University of Missouri - St. Louis and Kansas State.

15. Seventy-seven (77) percent of Vianney’s faculty hold masters degrees or higher.

16. Vianney has a wireless campus and a “teacher-deployed technology plan,” which emphasizes use of technology as a tool in educating the entire person. Laptops are readily available, with one computer for every two students. Vianney is a Google-powered school.

Christian service is integral to the Vianney experience. Service opportunities abound, and all students earn at least 100 service hours during their time with us.

17. More than 99 percent of Vianney seniors go on to college, with about 64 percent of them receiving scholarship offers. Griffins earn 32 credit hours during their time at Vianney. This is among the highest in the Midwest

FALL 2013 FALL Vianney has a teacherdeployed technology plan which means various devices and platforms are used in the classroom environment.

Students have access to Chromebooks, laptops, iPads and more, depending on the subject matter.

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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Our current enrollment is 633, representing 70 ZIP codes and 50 grade schools and parishes.

Vianney draws students from across St. Louis city and county, from Jefferson and Franklin counties, and from the Metro East.

FACT:

BLACK & GOLD

We Will Return to You a Man.

ACTIVITIES 18. Vianney students participate in 28 different clubs including the art club, chess team, campus ministry, pep band, language honor societies, math club, mock trial team, newspaper staff, photo club, student council and bocce club, among many others.

19. Griffin Theatre offers three full-scale productions each year.

20. In 2013, our varsity chess team won its second National Championship in three years.

21. Vianney sports include cross country, football, soccer, swimming, basketball, bowling, ice hockey, inline hockey, racquetball, wrestling, baseball, golf, lacrosse, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

22. Vianney has won a total of 28 state championships in various sports since 1960. Our volleyball team has earned 17 state championships, with the most recent title in 2013. Our soccer, basketball, baseball and volleyball teams all won district titles; our basketball team made it to the Final Four and junior Matt Mueller won the state title in golf.

23. A Griffin is a mythological beast that is half lion and half eagle.

Our Promise to Parents: Give Us Your Son and

25. WHO WORKS HERE? Vianney is blessed to have a talented faculty and staff. There are 13 Vianney alumni who work at the school.

They are: President Mike Loyet ’77, Director of Finance and Facilities Wendell DePhillips ’71, Brother Chester Burnog of the Business Office (Maryhurst Novitiate), the Griffin Gear Store’s Tim McVey ’76, Assistant Principal - Student Development Scott Brown ’84, Varsity Basketball Coach Kevin Walsh ’91, Advancement Director Pete Cerone ’93, Science teacher Keith Touzinsky ’93, Campus Ministry’s Jeremy Remiger ’98, Events Director Mark Schuermann ’03, Social Studies teacher Nate Stein ’03, Admissions Director Tom Mulvihill ’04, and the Media Center’s James Gladstone ’09.

26. MEDIA MEN: Vianney graduates are all over the local media scene. Grads include Dan McLaughlin ’92, Post-Dispatch columnist and “Life Sherpa” Joe Holleman ’76, Mark Klose, 71, KMOV Reporter Mike Colombo ’04, and KMOX producer David Cline ’03, among others.

27. Recent grad Brad Rischbieter ’13 designed a successful Apple App while a student at Vianney. The app is a photo frame app that is a huge success in Europe.

28. Fran Bader, mother of 6 Vianney grads, is the first (and only) woman (so far) to be inducted into Vianney’s Hall of Fame.

PEOPLE 24. WHO WENT HERE? Some notable alumni are: the late Bob Cassilly ’68, artist and founder of the St. Louis City Museum; Trent Green ’88, Super Bowl Champion, former Rams and Chiefs quarterback; Dan Harbaugh ’78, president, Ronald McDonald House; Larry Jehling ’72, O.D., owner of Clarkson Eyecare; Mark Klose ’71, local radio personality; Mark Lamping ’76, past president of St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, now President of the Jacksonville Jaguars; Dr. Joe Ojile ’77, of the Clayton Sleep Center; Rev. Mitch Doyen ’79, Archdiocesan priest; Charlie Hoffman ’67, Dean of the UMSL Business School and Joe Koenig ’83 of World Wide Technology.

29. Vianney currently has two graduates who are seminarians (Andrew Auer ’12 and Mike Horn ’08).

30. LEGACIES: There are more than 100 students who are sons of graduates currently attending Vianney.

BONUS TRIVIA: Dalton Hewitt ’09 is Vianney’s all-time leading passer with 2,880 yards. Trent Green ’88 is third on the list of most prolific passers in Vianney football history. The Hewitt brothers (Dalton and Travis) are 1-2 in career passing yards for Vianney. Green is third on that list. Dalton Hewitt passed for 7,734 yards from 20062009 - a St. Louis area record. Travis threw for 3,992 yards from 20012003. Green threw for 3,827 yards from 1985-87.

Of Vianney’s seniors last year who went on to college, 68 percent of them received scholarships.

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Visit us online! www.vianney.com

FALL 2013

Michael Gurian, a New York Times best-selling author of 26 books about gender specific learning styles and brain-based research, was the keynote speaker at Vianney’s 7th Annual Speakers Series Event. More than 500 area educators attended the seminar.

Vianney Hosts 500 Catholic Educators for annual Speakers Series More than 500 Catholic educators from Archdiocesan grade schools in the St. Louis area converged on Vianney in September to hear from one of the nation’s foremost experts on gender specific learning strategies and brain-based research.

Michael Gurian, a New York Times best-selling author, was the keynote speaker for the event. Dr. Tim Dilg, Vianney Principal, coordinated the event.

This was the sixth year Vianney hosted a Speakers Series event.

“The Speakers Series is a great way to connect area educators with Vianney,” said Dr. Dilg. “The event has grown each year, and we are reaching more area teachers and grade school administrators every year we do this event. Michael Gurian brought a very unique and interesting topic to the event and he provided attendees with many research based theories and proven, practical applications that they could take back to their schools and implement in their classrooms right away.”

Gurian is the founder of the Colorado Springs, Colorado-based Gurian Institute. The institute conducts research internationally, launches pilot programs and trains education professionals.

As a social philosopher and family counselor, Michael has pioneered efforts to bring neuro-biology and brain research into homes, schools, corporations, and public policy.

A number of his books have sparked national debate, including: • • • •

The Wonder of Boys The Wonder of Girls Boys and Girls Learn Differently Leadership and the Sexes

A video interview with Michael Gurian is available on Vianney’s Youtube channel - VianneySTL. In the interview, he gives an in-depth perspective on the work of the Institute, the Speakers Series Event and his work in the area of brain-based research.

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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BLACK & GOLD

SOCIAL MEDIA If you want to stay connected to Vianney with regular updates on news, events and other great online features, be sure to follow us on Twitter, “like” us on Facebook, join us on LinkedIn, watch us on YouTube and catch us online.

Twitter Follow us @Vianneygriffins - our Main school account Follow us @GriffinsAD - our Vianney Athletics account

Sunday, June 1, 2014 SEND IN YOUR NOMINEES FOR THE ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME! The 2014 Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2014. Our evening begins with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The Induction Ceremony will immediately follow.

Follow us @VianneyGuidance - our Guidance Department account Follow us @vianneysoccer - Vianney Soccer account Follow us @vianneyswimming - Vianney Swimming and Diving Follow us @TrackCoachMohr - Vianney Cross Coountry and Track Follow us @VHSHockey - Vianney Hockey account

TO NOMINATE SOMEONE: Go to the Alumni Section of the St. John Vianney High School website at www.vianney.com to download the Official Nomination Form.

Follow us @Vianneybaseball - our official Vianney baseball account

Please provide any additional details about the candidate that you think qualify him or her for the Hall of Fame. You should include:

Follow us @VianneyFootball - Vianney Football account

• • • •

Why you have nominated this candidate; The candidate’s accomplishments in his or her field; The candidate’s awards or recognitions; Any additional information that may help the committee evaluate this candidate.

The deadline to submit a Nomination Form for this year’s Hall of Fame is Friday, January 3, 2014.

QUESTIONS? Contact Mark Schuermann, Vianney’s Director of Events, at (314) 965-4853 ext. 144 or send him an e-mail at mschuermann@vianney.com.

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Follow us @Vianney_CM - our Campus Ministry account

Visit us online! www.vianney.com

Follow us @VhighVolleyball - our official Vianney Volleyball account

Follow Coach Kevin Walsh @coachkwalsh Follow Principal Dr. Tim Dilg @tdilg Facebook Facebook.com/vianneygriffins Linkedin Search for St. John Vianney High School in the companies tab YouTube Vianney’s Channel is youtube.com/VianneySTL

FALL 2013

The 2013 Homecoming featured big hits on the football field, a much-needed conference victory and stands full of alumni, parents and students. A pregame tailgate and postgame party made it the perfect Friday Night under the Vianney lights.

HOMECOMING

2013 Jeremy Remiger ’98 (left) and Bob Dilg and Nate Stein ’03 work the grill for the pregame feast.

TOP PHOTO: The football team prays before hitting the field, led by team spiritual leaders Kyle Markway and Connor Borisenko. ABOVE, LEFT: Mr. Ed Baur and Vianney President Mike Loyet ’77 were on hand for the festivities. ABOVE, RIGHT: Senior QB Nick Allgeyer was the game MVP and took home the Randy Frisch Memorial Award. Allgeyer is pictured after the game with Coach Paul Day and Vianney Principal Dr. Tim Dilg.

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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BLACK & GOLD

Alumni Profile

Chris Klein ’97 and Andy Frisella ’97 shared a bond on the football field at Vianney and do still today in the corporate suite of their business

E

very Monday, Chris Klein, a 1997 Vianney grad, does nearly the same thing. He hops into a truck at the break of dawn and drives seven hours back and forth to Springfield, MO. He’s been doing it for years, even though he probably doesn’t need to do it. After all, he is one half of the ownership of Supplement Superstores - a chain of fitness supplement stores he founded with fellow Vianney grad Andy Frisella more than 14 years ago. Springfield, Klein said, held a special significance for he and Frisella. It was there that the iconic Supplement Superstores planted its first corporate seed. It was a single store that in a little over a decade would grow to 13 stores, and a corporate behemoth that would be both a pain and a thrill in their lives for many years to come.

“I could make that drive to Springfield in my sleep, I’ve done it so many times,” Klein said. Frisella, his high school friend and business partner chimes in.

“Chris does it because it needs to be done and it also sends a message to all of our employees that none of us is too high up to do the grunt work. It also is good that our employees down there see Chris on a regular basis. And, Chris enjoys seeing those guys so the trip makes sense on many levels for Chris and the company,” Frisella said.

More than anything, Supplement Superstores has enjoyed unparalleled success due to its corporate culture and its dedication to customer service. Maybe even more than anything to do with Frisella and Klein. They are the names on the corporate filings, but they do all they can do to ensure their business is about its core values than personalities. These values center around treating people right inside the company and on the sales floor, Frisella said.

“We don’t do a lot of media, even though we are asked because we never want this to be about us. It’s more about our customers, our business partners, our team, our brand. It’s not about us,” Frisella said.

None of their current successes came easy. They had to work for it.

“I can count about 10 different times when we were about ready to close the doors on the business and by some miracle the circumstances worked themselves out and we were able to save the 22

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business. And 10 may be a low number. We had our share of struggles keeping this going, but we did. I still remember selling our first item for $7. It took us almost eight months to have sales over $100 in a single day. But we stayed true to our business model, stayed true to our customers, and made it through those hard times.”

Recently, Frisella and Klein helped Vianney in a major way. They worked with President Mike Loyet, himself a 1977 graduate, to help with a major upgrade of the school’s weight room and fitness facilities this past summer with new equipment, lighting, signage and painting. The area is a point of pride for Vianney. Both Klein and Frisella played football for teams coached by Loyet and Paul Rhame, and the two alums felt obliged to help pay forward the goodness Vianney gave to them.

The gift, Klein said, “was our way of giving back to a place that gave Andy and I so much in our lives.”

Vianney had a huge impact on them - both in the classroom and on the playing fields.

“I was so far ahead in college because of Vianney, I think I was bored for my first two years,” Frisella said. “I was in Level 3 classes at St. Louis University pulling A’s and B’s when everyone else was struggling. I attribute that to Vianney having me so well prepared for school.”

Klein ended up in Southwestern Missouri to play football for Missouri State University, formerly Southwest Missouri State (SMS). After a few years, Frisella moved there and the two founded the first Supplement Superstore in a strip mall in town.

It took six full years to see any success. After riding it out, the two considered expanding the brand into other markets - notably Kansas City. Unexpectedly, Andy got a call from a supplement store owner in St. Louis.

“He called us on a Monday and by Thursday night, I was already back in St. Louis,” Frisella said. “Looking back, it would have been easier to open our own store rather than try and take over his failing store and rebrand it. We learned a lot of valuable lessons on that deal.

One thing we didn’t realize was how hard it would be to deal with the stigma of a struggling business and its employees. All this while trying to turn it around by instilling our way of doing things with the

FALL 2013 customers and employees. It was a struggle to get buy-in from the employees.”

Frisella hears younger entrepreneurs dream of success right out of college ... like they fell into it. Klein and Frisella had anything but that primrose path in developing the Supplement Superstores brand.

There were many failures, and many periods of gloom and doom.

“We made all the mistakes you’d expect young entrepreneurs to make,” Klein said. “The difference with us was that once we made a mistake, we learned from it and then we never made the same mistake again.”

The branding of their stores was a major success. The “S” squared logo can be seen on T-shirts, banners, TV commercials, websites and even tattoos. Frisella, a voracious reader, said he wanted the brand to resonate with consumers, much like Harley Davidson’s brand.

“You look at it and a company like Harley-Davidson builds a personal connection with their fans, and that’s what I was trying to capture with our branding,” Frisella said. “Branding is more than a logo and images, it’s a culture “We work well you instill in your company - a personal connection from your together because brand to your fans. Now, if Chris and I love we put out on Facebook that doing the things we are releasing a new T-shirt design, there will be people the other person lined up at our stores to get it. hates,” Frisella said.

The branding has been a big success.”

The Klein-Frisella partnership works because both guys appreciate the talents and gifts the other brings to the job each day. Frisella and Klein have built a cohesive team, with Vianney grads David Woods ’92, an attorney, Mike Hurley ’97 and Andy’s brother, Sal Frisella ’99 working for the company. Andy credits the strong work ethic of his father with instilling ambition and determination in him.

Some corporate chiefs spend many days on golf courses or at country clubs. Not so for these two. They are up at the break of dawn and their days sometimes just meld into the next day. Finding a work-life balance is difficult. There is always work to be done for Supplement Superstores, a company which relies on no outside capitalization to get by.

The company’s success comes down to the concept of trust. When a customer enters a Supplement Superstore, he meets with a team member who speaks with them about desires and outcomes and not just to sell them a product they don’t need. The focus, Frisella said, is on “making friends so we have return customers and lifetime advocates.”

“Trust builds loyalty and you cannot have one without the other.

I tell our people all of the time that the focus is on educating the consumer about what’s good for them, and not to just sell them stuff they may not need.”

The future looks bright for S-2 as it continues to expand its retail stores and outlets. The two friends are working on an e-commerce website they think will make their company S-2 a top online retailer.

And, 1st Phorm, the manufacturing company which Frisella and Klein partner, continues its Research and Development to bring products to the market on a national and international scale.

“There are so many people who think success is an overnight thing.

It takes a lot of patience, and a lot of time and you have to be willing to put in the work needed,” Klein said.

SAVE THE DATES! Tom Cella ’92 Memorial Trivia Night Make plans to join us for the 9th Annual Tom Cella Memorial Trivia Night hosted by Dan McLaughlin ’92 on Saturday, December 7th, 2013 at Vianney. For more information, contact Molly Walsh, Director of Constituent Relations, at (314) 965-4853 ext. 166 or send her an e-mail at mwalsh@ vianney.com.

2014 Alumni Association Trivia Night The Vianney Alumni Association is sponsoring its Trivia Night event on Saturday, January 25th, 2014 at Vianney.

For more information, contact Molly Walsh, Director of Constituent Relations, at (314) 965-4853 ext. 166 or send her an e-mail at mwalsh@vianney.com

2014 Night of the Griffin Make plans to join us for the 2014 Vianney Auction - Night of the Griffin on Saturday, February 15th, 2014. Contact Mark Schuermann ’03, Director of Events, at (314) 965-4853 ext.

144 for more information about this year’s Auction.

2014 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Vianney’s 2014 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2014. Look for additional information in this edition of the Black and Gold, on Vianney’s Facebook page (facebook.com/vianneygriffins) and online at vianney.com.

Get in the game this year with your official Black and Gold colors from the Vianney Griffin Store! The Griffin Store has a variety of items for men, women, and students. The store is open according to the following schedule: MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY - 7:15 A.M. - 7:45 A.M. - 9:10 A.M. - 9:40 A.M.

- 2:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY - 8:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.

- 2:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M

For more information contact Tim McVey ’76 at tmcvey@vianney.com .

Follow Vianney on Twitter @vianneygriffins.com

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a marianist college preparatory school

Non Profit Org US Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit 3514

1311 South Kirkwood Road St. Louis, MO 63122 www.vianney.com

Photo by Michael Paradoski ’99

Freeze Frame

Vianney soccer’s Adam Michel is mobbed by his teammates Eric Biras (#14) and Kevin Grant after scoring a goal against Kirkwood High School in September. Hayden Sparrow (#8) is in the foreground. Vianney’s soccer team has enjoyed a great season with a top ranking and earning the championship of the annual CBC Soccer Tournament. Fans can follow the team’s progress on the school Twitter account @vianneygriffins or the soccer account - @vianneysoccer.