February 7, 2013
News
Four alumni inducted Science Bowl places top six at Iowa State into Hall of Fame Four alumni, Fr. Donald Bruggeman, Greg Hawthorne, Kristin Jennings Kahn, and Ryan Sweeney were inducted into the Regis-LaSalle-Xavier Alumni Hall of Fame during halftime at the February 1 varsity boys’ basketball game against Linn-Mar. Fr. Bruggeman is a Xavier supporter who was honored for his dedication to Catholic schools. He was ordained as a priest in 1962, and has since spent 25 years in Catholic education. Fr. Bruggeman also worked as ExecutiveCoordinator when Regis and LaSalle high schools merged into Xavier. His time and talent were important components in the construction of the school. Greg Hawthorne, a 1992 Regis graduate, was a four sport athlete at Regis High School. He was a key member of the golf, baseball, football, and basketball teams during his high school athletic career. Hawthorne led the football team to the state semi finals in 1989 and 1991, and also led the basketball team to state runner up titles in 1991 and 1992. He was named first team All-State, All-Conference, and All-Metro in both football and basketball. Kristin Jennings Kahn was a four year member of Xavier’s varsity girls’ basketball team. During her time on the team, Xavier had a record of 86 wins and 16 losses. She led the Saints to the 3A state championship game two times, winning the state runner up and state championship titles in
2002 and 2003, respectively. Kahn was a member of the first team All-State team, All-Tournament team, and the Cedar Rapids Gazette All-Decade team. She was also named the MVC Player of the Year her senior year in 2003. Also a graduate from the class of 2003, Ryan Sweeney was honored for his contributions to the Xavier baseball program. Sweeney was named first team MVC All-Conference in 2001, 2002, and 2003. After graduating from Xavier he was drafted by the Chicago White Sox, beginning his baseball career with the Bristol Sox and Great Falls White Sox. He played for the Oakland Athletics until 2011, when he was traded to the Boston Red Sox. He recently resigned with the Red Sox to a minor league contract. Fr. Bruggeman felt honored for his recognition. “To be inducted into the Xavier Hall of Fame during this year of celebration is perfectly timed and deeply appreciated. I am so proud to be a supporter of this premier institution of learning with a Catholic environment to educate the student’s full potential.” A reception was held for the honorees prior to the game. Nominations are now being taken for the 2014 Alumni Hall of Fame. Forms to nominate an alum can be found at www.xavierfoundation. org, or by calling 319-378-4571. Maria Efting News Writer
Kristin Jennings Kahn, Fr. Donald Bruggeman, Greg Hawthorne, and Ryan Sweeney pose for a photo after their induction to the Regis-LaSalle-Xavier Hall of Fame February 1. Jody Ruff Photo
The Xavier High School Science Bowl team tied for fifth place at a regional competition January 26 at Iowa State University. In morning pool play, Xavier went undefeated in four matches and was one of 16 teams to move on to the championship bracket. In the afternoon double elimination competition, the Saints defeated Dubuque Wahlert 52 to 4 and edged out Central Academy of Des Moines 46 to 44 to advance to the quarterfinals. Xavier then lost to Dubuque Senior and was eliminated in the challenger’s bracket by Wahlert. They finished tied for fifth place out of 40 teams, tying for the best placing in school history. “I think each of us did the best we could have during the competition, as we were not beaten by more than two questions in any of the games,” junior Grace Busse said. Each team consists of four members and an alternate. Captain James Krouse, Sarah Chicchelly, Ben Biggins, David Kirpes, and Busse make up this year’s team, which is moderated by Xavier science teacher Mr. Schaub. Each 16 minute match is conducted in a question and answer format, broken up by a two minute intermission. Questions cover a variety of topics, including biology,
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chemistry, mathematics, physics, earth and space sciences, and energy. After the moderator asks the question, any student can buzz in to answer the question. Four points are awarded for correct answers in addition to the opportunity to answer a follow-up bonus question for another ten points. The team with the most points at the end of the 16 minute match wins. The Iowa State regional competition was one of 69 nationwide with the winner advancing to the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. in April. This year’s winnerwas Pleasant Valley. The team began practicing for this year’s Science Bowl last spring. For practices, the team divides into two and completes two matches. Both individual points and team points are recorded during practices for team standings. The standings are then used to determine the captain and the alternate for competition. Since four of the five team members are seniors, there are available spots for next year’s Science Bowl team. Interested students should contact Mr. Schaub to learn more about participating in Science Bowl.
Daniel Pape News Editor