Fall 2012 Tau

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From The PresidenT

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In ThIs Issue

Called to servePages 4 & 5

Fine ArtsPage 7

Alumni news & notesPages 8 & 9

spring sports recapsPages 10 & 11

Friar & heroFr. maternowski’31

Pages 12 & 13

hall of Fame & BoccePage 14

Alumni Golf TourneyPage 15

on The Cover

Called to serveThree Alums ordained

Over the past couple of years I have written to you about the many successes of the young men here at St. Francis, how success is defined here at St. Francis, and what we accomplish with the young men who are part of the brotherhood of St. Francis. This past July one of our faculty, Ms. Kelly Carrigg, spearheaded memorial recognition in Picauville, Normandy for Fr. Ignatius Maternowski, OFM Conv., who died during the Normandy invasion during the Second World War. Fr. Ignatius was an alumnus of St. Francis High School, class of 1931, who volunteered to serve as a Military Chaplain. He lost his life trying to negotiate the care of wounded soldiers from both sides of this conflict. After nearly 70 years, Fr. Ignatius’31 is still remembered by the people of the village were he was killed by a sniper’s bullet. Near the spot where he died, a memorial plaque has been erected by the Normandy Association, which is a group comprised of American and French veterans, villagers and clergy who aim to preserve the memory and history of those who fought for freedom. Fr. Ignatius’ vocation as a Franciscan and service to his country is also remembered here each year since 1945 when St. Francis recognizes our Athlete of the Year, dedicated to the memory of this faithful alum, this award is one highest honor bestowed at Commencement.

Congratulations to the three newly ordained priests, Rev. Jeffrey Novak ‘98, Rev. Sean Fleming ‘99, Rev. Peter Tremblay, OFM Conv. ’99, along with Bishop Richard Malone, we celebrated the Feast of St. Francis, October 4th, recognizing the many priestly and religious vocations that St. Francis has given to the Church. Please continue to read the rest of the TAU and learn more about these young men.

As we begin another school year, we also begin another year of fundraising. The Annual Report of Gifts is included in this edition of the Tau. Thank you to our Alumni, Alumni Parents, Current Parents, School Board, Friends, Administrators, Faculty and Staff who have stepped up to help us once again to surpass our goal. It is through your generosity that we continue to move forward with many improvements. Yet, there is one project that needs our immediate attention, and I would ask for your generosity and support. We are in need of a major renovation to our athletic complex: new lights, new track, athletic turf, concession and restroom facilities along with new fencing around the facility, including along St. Francis Drive. This will be a major renovation to our campus, and it can only be accomplished with your generous support. Please step forward and help. Funds raised through Annual Giving go to support our tuition assistance program and other needs of the institution. The endeavor of renovating our athletic complex is going to take major contributions. Please consider giving a major gift so we can move forward.

Save the date – May 4, 2013 is the Justinian Dinner Auction number XXXII. I look forward to seeing you at the auction and at a gift gathering party or two along the way. Again, my thanks for all you do for the young men of St. Francis High School.

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President

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Tony’s TopicsTony KosowsKi ’75 - Vice PresidenT for insTiTuTional adVancemenT

Please remember in your Prayers the following

members of the st. francis high school family who

have recently Passed away:

+Janet Coughlin

Mother of Kevin ’94, grandMother of tiM ’99,

Matthew ’08 & daniel ’10

+robert gillen, Sr.father of +robert, Jr. ’77 &

MarK ’79

+vinCent hirSCh

grandfather of brian Jr. ’10

+JoSeph KulCzyK

father of JaMeS ’83, grandfather of david ’12

+norine MCdonald

grandMother of Collin’12 & Callahan KraSowSKi ‘15

+peggy MCdonald

grandMother of dylan ‘16, MiKe ’01 & patriCK ’06

wozniaK

+luCy MonaCo

grandMother of devon ’10 & Kennedy ’12

+roSeMarie notaro

grandMother of Steven notaro ‘15

+hildegard olSzewSKi

grandMother of ryan SChaMber ’07

+JaSon pieCzonKa ’00

+JoSeph robaK ’65

+penny warnKe

Mother of wayne’14

+robert J. williaMS ’55father of robert ’81, brother of thoMaS ’59, grandfather

of tiMothy hopKinS’15

+alfred woJCiK ’45

Thank you to everyone who helped us continue the Mission

of St. Francis High School. As you will see in the Annual Report of Gifts, the list of benefactors has grown and your generosity has helped our institution. We continue to strive to make upgrades and improvements to our facilities and our academic process, so as to help our young men be the best that they can be spiritually, physically and academically. Much has been accomplished over the summer, with a new ceramic tile floor in the SDR, a new TV Studio complete with editing hardware and software, new computers in the labs and as we move forward many more things are being planned. I know I speak for all our students, faculty and staff when I say “Thank You!” for all you do and will continue to do to help keep St. Francis High School a leader in all aspects of education, athletics and the fine arts.

Regional Reunions are being planned for several cities. Visits are being scheduled for Boston, MA and NYC November 1st and 2nd. In late January we will be in the VA/DC area and in Charlotte, NC. Please visit the website at www.stfrancishigh.org and click on the Alumni tab for more information and to register. To all Alumni: If you happen to be in the area (work or vacation) when we are having a regional reunion please stop in for a visit.And speaking of the website, you can update any information changes (email address, phone address etc) online. This helps to insure you will continue to receive The Tau and other updates from St. Francis High School.

sAVe The dATe inFormATion Alumni Association Open Meeting -November 5, 2012Class of 2007 5 YR Reunion - November 21, 2012 Alumni Association Family Day – January 19, 2013 Class of 1963 50 YR Reunion –May 24, 2013

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Published three tiMe S a year by the St. franCiS high SChool

offiCe for inStitutional advanCeMent

4129 laKe Shore road

athol SpringS, ny 14010-0185www.StfranCiShigh.org

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we welCoMe your CoMMentS...

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Sue SChaffStall editor & direCtor

of CoMMuniCationS & MarKeting

Matthew gorCzyCa ’09feature writer

Cover deSign & fine artS

fr. MarK david SKura ’71, ofM Conv.

Jerry gorCzyCa ’73aluMni newS & noteS- SportS

photography

Jerry gorCzyCa ’73 Sue SChaffStall

yearbooK Staff

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Have you ever met a person who was genuinely happy? Images that come to mind are a bride on her wedding day and parents at the sight of their healthy

new born baby. Combine that with a calming inner peace, and what you have is a portrait of newly ordained, Fr. Peter Tremblay, OFM Conv. His smile is contagious and his demeanor is calming. As he sat in my office only a few short weeks after his ordination, I began my interview with the standard

ordinary questions. I quickly learned that this was no ordinary man.

“It was because of a really pretty blonde girl on the Orchard Park bus that I began my daily ritual of prayer that helped me to discern a vocation..” He tells me this with half a smile, knowing that my curiosity is now peeked. He goes on to explain that he really wanted to ask her out, but like most sixteen year-old boys was scared to death at the prospect of actually speaking to her. What he did next was a pivotal moment in his young life. “I went to the chapel and prayed for the courage to ask her out,” said Fr. Peter. The next day on the bus, with the courage he prayed for, he asked her out. She said no. He was a day late; somebody else had asked her out the day before. Most young men would feel rejected and sad. Fr. Peter took this as a sign, a sign that God had other plans for him.

According to Fr. Peter, the Chapel was a place that he spent a lot of time as a student at St. Francis High School. He pointed out the pew where he would go to pray every morning. “In my family, faith was not something you talked about, it was something you practiced.” It was not unusual for his family

to recite the rosary together, and it was never a question if we were going to Mass.

Another pivotal moment. “I remember walking from Justin Hall to Friars Hall and looking up at the cross on top of the Chapel and thinking I could be a Friar.” Fr. Peter explains that he decided to become a Friar, rather than a Diocesan Priest because of his experiences at St. Francis High School. “I was impressed by how normal, down to earth and fraternal they (the Friars) are.

Following his graduation from St. Francis in 1999 he went to college at the Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio where he majored in Theology. He began a four year discernment program while in college. From there the process moved forward, with more training and the profession of vows, culminating with Fr. Peter’s Ordination on August 25, 2012.

When I asked him what was in store for him now that he was ordained he replied “Wherever the Lord calls me.” He is currently assigned to St. Paul’s Church in Kensington, CT, where he spent the past year as a transitional Deacon. “One of the great things about being a Friar is that you can choose to do what you love. Saint Francis was not preoccupied with one specific work. We can go where we are truly needed.”

Former St. Francis High School Principal, now the Bishop of Savannah, GA, Fr. Gregory Hartmeyer, OFM Conv. presided at his ordination and St. Francis High school was well represented.

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Fr. Peter remembers fondly his years at St. Francis High School, he and his twin brother Matthew did everything together during their four years of High School.

Fr. Peter explains that there is something inspirational about this school; St. Francis High School accomplished its mission. “The idea of being a Renaissance man- being an excellent man at everything you do, to live with honor. Mediocrity is not a trait that is encouraged.”

When I asked him if there was anyone from St. Francis who was particularly influential in his life, he rattled off a list of teachers, friars and administrators. Fr. Adrian Gallagher and the late Bruce Reopolos hold a special place in his heart. “Really,

everyone that I came in contact with helped to make me who I am today. Even Coach Smith and I wasn’t an athlete.” On the contrary, Fr. Peter went through three open heart surgeries during his time at St. Francis. “The role of the Friars in caring for me and my family was profoundly influential in my life.” He said his illness helped him to come to grips with his own mortality.

Fr. Peter was on Campus to celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis, October 4th with fellow classmate Fr. Sean Fleming who was ordained in the diocese of Buffalo in June of 2012 and with class of 1998 graduate Fr. Jeffrey Nowak also ordained this past June. The new Bishop of Buffalo, Most Reverend Richard Joseph Malone was the principal celebrant.

Three graduates ordained in the same year, is this a trend? “We do get about half of our vocations from the schools (St. Francis and Archbishop Curly in Baltimore). There are currently three St. Francis graduates in formation. Nicholas Rokitka’02- in formation to the Priesthood-Nicholas Dragone’06- in formation to the Brotherhood-Colton Rodgers’10 in formation to the Priesthood.

Are you being called? More importantly, are you listening?

If you are interested in pursuing a vocation, contact the vocation director in your local diocese. Interested in a particular religious order? According to Br. Nick Romeo, the local vocation contact for the Conventual Franciscan Friars, vocationmatch.com is a helpful website. Br. Nick also recommends contacting the spiritual director in your diocese.

Pictured from left to right: Fr. Jeffrey Nowak’98, Fr. Sean Fleming’99, Bishop Malone, Fr. Peter Tremblay’99.

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The Christmas ConcertWednesday, December 12th at 7:00 PM

Alumni Hall TheatreAll Choral and Instrumental Groups

The Spring ConcertWednesday, April 24th at 7:00 PM

Alumni Hall TheatreAll Performance Groups and Graphic Artists

The 41st AnnualArt Awards Banquet

Sunday, May 19th at 4:00 PMRomanello’s South Restaurant

Saturday, November 3rd at 7 PMSunday, November 4th at 2 PM

Alumni Hall Theatre

Friday, March 15th at 7 PMSaturday, March 16th at 7 PMSunday, March 17th at 2 PM

Alumni Hall Theatre

What happens when you mixan American actor and actress, an international spy,

a cockney maid who has seen too many Americanmovies, a drunken old maid, and four men

all dressed in clergy suits?

Laughter!

Joe Boyd is a middle-aged fan of the hapless Washington Senators who is offered the irresistible opportunity to lead his favorite team to victory in the pennant race against the New York Yankees.

And all it will cost him is his soul.Faust meets professional baseball in this devilishly clever Broadway musical that is sure to entertain.

Theatre Concerts and Ceremonies

Service of Lessons andCarols at GreccioSunday, December 16th at 4:00 PM

Friars’ Hall ChapelThe Male Chorus and Freshman Class

Focus on the Fine ArtsWednesday, April 24thSchool Time AssemblyAlumni Hall Theatre

All Performance Groups and Graphic Artists

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Celebrating the Fine Arts at St. Francis

Book byGeorge Abbott and Douglass Wallop

Music and Lyrics byRichard Adler and Jerry Ross

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On Saturday August 18th members of the Class of 1952 held their 60th Reunion. They took a tour of the campus, attended Mass at St. Francis Parish and then had dinner and stories at Rodney’s.

Pictured from left to right: Gene Karp, Gene Dudas, Phil Fronckowiak, Joe Macielag, Reggie Fernandez, Don Watson, John Molik

ClAss oF 1952 reunion

On Friday, September 21st, members of the class of 1987 celebreated their 25th reunion by attending homecoming events which included a post football game party at Hoak’s

ClAss oF 1987

Most Reverend Richard J. Malone, Th.D., 14th Bishop of Buffalo Celebrated Mass on the Feast of St. Franciswith the school community. Pictured left to right, front row: Fr. Michael Sajda, President of St. Francis High School, Bishop Malone, Fr. Peter Tremblay’99. Back row: Fr. Jeffrey Nowak’98 and Fr. Sean Fleming’99.

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1960’sEugene Nagowski, ’60…has been honored by the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, KY, for helping to establish Pat’s Service Station, in memory of his wife of 44 years, Patricia. Eugene has made a donation to establish an endowment for the museum and hopes that his generosity will inspire other Corvette owners to band together and help grow this endowment.

Richard Cisek, ’62 and Ken Rollek, ’62 met up for the first time since their graduation on a Florida golf course this past November. Along with their wives Helen Cisek and Kathy Rollek, much catching up was done by the two Hall of Famers. Ken and Kathy live year round in Saratoga, FL while Helen and Richard are snowbirds in Port Charlotte, FL.

1970’sTim Cusick, ’76…has been honored by the Registered Rep.’s with their 32nd Annual Altruism Award. A broker with Wells Fargo Advisors in San Diego, CA, Tim has been working with Limbs of Freedom, a Rotary-funded clinic that builds prosthetic limbs for paraplegics in the San Diego area. He served as president of the Coronado (CA) Rotary from 2010 to 2011.

1980’sAnthony P. Scioli, ’80… has been promoted to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve at Joint Base McGuire-Dix- Lakehurst. He is currently serving as the Army State Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer for New Jersey. Employed as the Philadelphia Regional Sales Manager for Standard Xchange a Unit of Xylem Manufacturing Company, Colonel Scioli currently resides in Birdsboro, PA, with his wife Lori and three children, Anthony, Carmen and Renee.

Larry Jay, ’88… graduated on June 8, along with 263 law enforcement officers, from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Va. The 249th Session of the National Academy consisted of men and women from 48 states, Washington D.C., and 24 countries. The National Academy Program

provides selected officers the opportunity to support, promote, and enhance their personal and professional development within their agencies.

1990’sCommander Garrett Krause, ’90… assumed command of Training Squadron NINE (VT-9) during a ceremony held aboard Naval Air Station Meridian, MS on August 31, 2012. VT-9 is one of four U.S. Navy advanced jet training squadrons flying the T-45C Goshawk and is responsible for producing 25% of all new Naval Aviators for the Navy and the Marine Corps.Commander Krause is pictured

with his wife, Sheree, and their three sons, Kevin, Ryan, and Michael.

Gregory LaDuca, ’90… has recently accepted the position of Director of Sales at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Rochester South. Greg currently resides in Rochester, NY.

David Roberts, ’94… and his wife Sandy, are celebrating the one year anniversary of their business, The Broken Sprocket Garage. Located in the village of East Aurora at 660 Persons St., the business specializes in Harley-Davidson repairs , performance upgrades and state inspections. They also repair all other major brands of street and off road motorcycles, and outdoor equipment like lawn tractors, chainsaws, generators and snow blowers.

Richard P. Blatner III,’95 …and his wife Marissa and their daughter Taylor welcomed a baby girl, Paige Elizabeth Ann to their family on March 31, 2012. She weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and 19 ins. long. She arrived on her Uncle Jason’s, ’98, 32nd birthday.

Thomas Gordon, ’97… promoted to shareholder in Gross Shuman Brizdle & Gilfillan, P.C. . Thomas joined Gross Shuman in 2006. He focuses his practice in the areas of business and corporate law. Thomas also assists clients in the areas of securities law, estate planning, and commercial real estate and financing. He belongs to the Erie County and New York Bar Associations and has been

active with the Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo and Erie County and Project Homeless Connect Buffalo. He is admitted to the bar in New York, the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Tax Court. He is a frequent lecturer on the topics of estate planning, buy-sell agreements and issues facing small businesses.

Jason M. Blatner, ’98 … and his wife Stacey and their 2 daughter’s, Amaya and Avarie welcomed a baby boy, Jackson Richard to their family on June 18, 2012. He weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz and 20 ins. long.

Rev. Jeffrey Nowak, ’98 …ordained by Buffalo Bishop Edward U. Kmiec at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo on June 2, 2012 and has been appointed as Parochial Vicar at St. John Vianney in Orchard Park, NY for a term of three years.

Rev. Sean Fleming, ‘99… ordained by Buffalo Bishop Edward U. Kmiec at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo on June 2, 2012 and has been appointed as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist in Kenmore, NY for a term of three years.

2000’sChris Ginnane, ’00… Employed for the last 5 years as a Sheriff’s Deputy-Erie County Sheriff’s Dept. stationed in Clarence. He has recently been promoted to the Sheriff’s Department SWAT team. Chris also owns Greenway Landscaping Co.

Jonathan Senchyne, ’00… received his Ph.D. in English from Cornell University on May 26, 2012, and has accepted a position as Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In attendance at the graduation, along with Dr. Senchyne, were his fiancé Dr. Brigitte Fielder, and his parents Bill and Mary Ann were joined by Jerod Sikorskyj ‘00 and his wife Sarah Signorino and daughter Mary; Dr. Timothy Quinn ‘00 and his wife Dr. Marie Quinn and son Sawyer; and David and Mary Jo Quinn.

Andrew Waterman, ’02…and his wife, Ashley announce the birth of their second child, Olivia on March 14, 2012. She weighed in at 8lbs 5oz and joins big brother Gabriel (age 2). After

graduating with a BS in Chemical Engineering from UB, Andrew is now working as a Project Engineer with Cameron Compression Systems. The family resides in Hamburg, NY

Andrew Gorkiewicz, ’03…married the former Kelly Ring on June 11, 2011 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Orchard Park, NY.

The best man was his brother Martin ’05. Music was provided by St. Francis High School’s Jerry Shea and the Leftovers. After a honeymoon in Ireland, Andrew and Kelly are at home in Hamburg, NY.

Michael Barr, ’05… is an Infantry Soldier in the NY State Army National Guards 101st Brigade Combat Team. He is currently serving in Afghanistan with NATO Forces Operation Enduring Freedom. Mick graduated from St John Fisher College in 2009, and was midway through his Masters program at Buffalo State College before leaving to serve his deployment.

Kevin Rautenstrauch, ’05… graduated magna cum laude from Albany Law School this past May. He will be practicing with the law firm of Attea & Attea, PC in North Boston, NY.

Jacob Brady, ’08…graduated from Babson College in May. He was bestowed the honor of delivering the Commencement

Address to the Class of 2012. Jacob earned a B.S. in Entrepreneurship, and was honored with a Student Achievement Award. He enjoyed many activities in school such as being a stage actor, a peer mentor, and a marketing intern. He was also fortunate enough to travel to Greece and Paris, and work in London, Luxembourg,and Rwanda. Jacob has accepted a position with Inflection, a growing startup in San Francisco that is democratizing public records.

Jacob Dylik, ’08… graduated from LaSalle University and was selected as the top senior among communication majors by the Communication Department’s faculty, which gave him the opportunity to give the Commencement Address to his fellow grads. He has been involved in many activities, including being elected Vice President of the La Salle University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and was active with the La Salle University Student Ambassadors, In addition , Jacob has been involved with the Student Governments’ Association, the student newspaper, University Ministry and Service, the La Salle Singers, and the track and field and cross country teams. He also went on the Project Appalachia student service trip to Harlan County, Ky. Jacob currently holds a full-time position as a communications business associate with Ford Motor Company’s Ford College Graduate Program in Dearborn, MI.

Matthew P. Richey, ’08…graduated summa cum laude from Boston College in May. Matthew has also received a Fulbright Grant to continue his research on the Hebrew Bible at Tel Aviv University. He is currently working on his doctoral program at the University of Chicago.

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Rev. Jeffrey Nowak, ’98 …ordained by Buffalo Bishop Edward U. Kmiec at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo on June 2, 2012 and has been appointed as Parochial Vicar at St. John Vianney in Orchard Park, NY for a term of three years.

Rev. Sean Fleming, ‘99… ordained by Buffalo Bishop Edward U. Kmiec at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo on June 2, 2012 and has been appointed as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist in Kenmore, NY for a term of three years.

2000’sChris Ginnane, ’00… Employed for the last 5 years as a Sheriff’s Deputy-Erie County Sheriff’s Dept. stationed in Clarence. He has recently been promoted to the Sheriff’s Department SWAT team. Chris also owns Greenway Landscaping Co.

Jonathan Senchyne, ’00… received his Ph.D. in English from Cornell University on May 26, 2012, and has accepted a position as Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In attendance at the graduation, along with Dr. Senchyne, were his fiancé Dr. Brigitte Fielder, and his parents Bill and Mary Ann were joined by Jerod Sikorskyj ‘00 and his wife Sarah Signorino and daughter Mary; Dr. Timothy Quinn ‘00 and his wife Dr. Marie Quinn and son Sawyer; and David and Mary Jo Quinn.

Andrew Waterman, ’02…and his wife, Ashley announce the birth of their second child, Olivia on March 14, 2012. She weighed in at 8lbs 5oz and joins big brother Gabriel (age 2). After

graduating with a BS in Chemical Engineering from UB, Andrew is now working as a Project Engineer with Cameron Compression Systems. The family resides in Hamburg, NY

Andrew Gorkiewicz, ’03…married the former Kelly Ring on June 11, 2011 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Orchard Park, NY.

The best man was his brother Martin ’05. Music was provided by St. Francis High School’s Jerry Shea and the Leftovers. After a honeymoon in Ireland, Andrew and Kelly are at home in Hamburg, NY.

Michael Barr, ’05… is an Infantry Soldier in the NY State Army National Guards 101st Brigade Combat Team. He is currently serving in Afghanistan with NATO Forces Operation Enduring Freedom. Mick graduated from St John Fisher College in 2009, and was midway through his Masters program at Buffalo State College before leaving to serve his deployment.

Kevin Rautenstrauch, ’05… graduated magna cum laude from Albany Law School this past May. He will be practicing with the law firm of Attea & Attea, PC in North Boston, NY.

Jacob Brady, ’08…graduated from Babson College in May. He was bestowed the honor of delivering the Commencement

Address to the Class of 2012. Jacob earned a B.S. in Entrepreneurship, and was honored with a Student Achievement Award. He enjoyed many activities in school such as being a stage actor, a peer mentor, and a marketing intern. He was also fortunate enough to travel to Greece and Paris, and work in London, Luxembourg,and Rwanda. Jacob has accepted a position with Inflection, a growing startup in San Francisco that is democratizing public records.

Jacob Dylik, ’08… graduated from LaSalle University and was selected as the top senior among communication majors by the Communication Department’s faculty, which gave him the opportunity to give the Commencement Address to his fellow grads. He has been involved in many activities, including being elected Vice President of the La Salle University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and was active with the La Salle University Student Ambassadors, In addition , Jacob has been involved with the Student Governments’ Association, the student newspaper, University Ministry and Service, the La Salle Singers, and the track and field and cross country teams. He also went on the Project Appalachia student service trip to Harlan County, Ky. Jacob currently holds a full-time position as a communications business associate with Ford Motor Company’s Ford College Graduate Program in Dearborn, MI.

Matthew P. Richey, ’08…graduated summa cum laude from Boston College in May. Matthew has also received a Fulbright Grant to continue his research on the Hebrew Bible at Tel Aviv University. He is currently working on his doctoral program at the University of Chicago.

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VArsiTy BAseBAllCoach Paul Bartell’s young but talented St. Francis High School varsity baseball team took first place in a balanced MMAA league with a 12-2 record (17-6 overall). Five sophomores could be found on the Red Raider roster and its youth showed early on before the team rattled off 10 straight wins to close the regular season. The Raider nine swept the season series with rivals Canisius, St. Joe’s and Bishop Timon-St. Jude going 6-0.

You need to look no further then the young pitchers on the mound to explain the Red Raiders’ success. Juniors Drew Bassini and Sam

Carroccia, along with sophomores Andrew Krakowski , Matthew Minnick and Ryan Stefaniak , led a solid pitching staff that constantly improved as the year progressed and, at times, was dominant. Defensively, returning All Catholic junior shortstop Matt Michalski anchored an infield that featured lead off hitter senior Paul Wujek at second base, senior Matt Carrig at first, Krakowski at third and junior catcher Mike Prentice. In the outfield Ryan Stefaniak was a staple in right while a season ending knee injury to starting center fielder and clean up hitter junior Adam Gora necessitated senior Ryan Emmerling switching from left to center field. Senior Jon Stefaniak returned from a hand injury late in the year to solidify the outfield. Offensively, Michalski, Wujek, Ryan Stefaniak and sophomore catcher/DH Eric Brennan provided the pop in the Red Raider bats. Michalski led the Raiders in numerous offensive categories including average (.413), RBI (22) and hits (26) while Wujek swiped 10 bases and provided a spark at the top of the order. Unfortunately, the Red Raiders lost to St. Joe’s in the finals of the Georgetown Cup playoffs , but still ended up ranked sixth among large schools in Western New York.

VArsiTy lACrosseThe St. Francis 2012 varsity lacrosse team, under first year coach Greg Van Remmen, had its ups and downs throughout the season, but there were two constants evident …hard work and a “no quit” attitude. Those aspects were quite evident in big wins against Canisius

and Nichols. The Red Raiders were led in scoring by senior midfielder Cooper Stefaniak. Alex Misterman, junior midfielder bounced back from an arm injury early in the season, and finished off with a great effort.

The attack was comprised of all seniors who had shown great chemistry all season. Mike Gallagher, Colin Krasowski , and Brendan McCabe contributed key goals all season. The defense also had a strong season with sophomore Tim Biddle, senior Joe Ledwin , and Dave Nowak making big improvements throughout the season. Brad Whitford, junior goaltender, will be looking to be one of the top goalies in Western New York in 2013.

VArsiTy Tennis The 2012 St. Francis Red Raider tennis team had high expectations for their upcoming season and the optimism was high due to the number of experienced players returning. The Red Raiders however had only 2 wins during their campaign, and finished the year 2-8 for the season and 0-6 in the league. Senior Lucas Grisanti played as the team’s 1st singles player and led the team in leadership and dedication. Fellow seniors Jack Berry and David Kulczyk teamed up and played as the team’s 1st doubles for most of the year. These three seniors have been a part of St. Francis Tennis since they were freshman, and their leadership will be greatly missed.

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Junior Gabe LaMarca (3-7) solidified his spot as a varsity player, as he played 2nd singles all season. Junior Aaron Pawlak became the team’s 3rd singles player by the end of the year. Junior Mike Meng played with a variety of different players this year as part of the 2nd doubles team, Meng teamed up with sophomore James Jiang and sophomore Ben Anderson , as well as junior Christian Cavalieri to compete against the league’s other 2nd doubles team. Junior Max Cui started as the team’s 3rd singles player and also competed at doubles in his first season. Junior Alan Ji competed as a doubles player for most of the year and will be called upon to be a team leader as he enters his third season. The team had two freshmen compete this season Jordan Dubay and Evan Michalski; they both gained valuable experience and will see an expanded role in years to come. Despite the disappointing record, Coaches Zygaj and Lanigan see the future of tennis at St. Francis looking bright and promising.

VArsiTy TrACk And Field

The St. Francis Track and Field Squad became the first team to 3-peat as All Catholic Champions in school history. They won the regular season going undefeated (5-0) in the MMAA including big wins vs. St. Joe’s (70-44) and Canisius (80-33) and capped their MMAA season scoring a school record 205 points in the All Catholic besting the next three teams combined.

St. Francis won 11 of the 14 events contested and broke a 31 year record in the 4 x 100 when Zachary Wells, Dominc Buccieri, Steve Kawalerski and Akeel Lynch ran a time of 43.56 on the final event of the afternoon. St. Francis won the Alexander and Olean Invitational and finished 2nd in the Dunkirk, Rodiek Relays and the Carl Roesch WNY Track Classic. The 4 x 400 relay of Darrick Weyrough, Alex Schaffstall, Peter Tremblay and Andy Hayes set the 4 x 400 school record running 3:26.9 at Hamburg’s Rodiek Relays.

Akeel Lynch set the school record in the 200m running 22.25 at the Carl Roesch WNY Track Classic and was named MVP at Roesch Classic and the Olean Invitational this past spring. As a 6-time All Catholic, Lynch is the record holder of the 100 (10.84fat), 200 (22.25) and anchored the 4 x100 school and MMAA at 43.56.

Dominic Buccieri was the 2nd St. Francis 400 meter runner to break 50 seconds when he ran 49.95 at All Catholics. Andy Hayes, 1:59.2, and Alex Schaffstall, 1:57.57, both ran under 2:00 in the 800. Schaffstall won 4 All Catholics winning the mile, 2 mile, 4x400 and 4x800. Andy Hayes finishes his Outdoor Track Career earning 7 All Catholics the most in School history for an outdoor track athlete.

Cody Tehan led a talented group of senior jumpers. Tehan won the Triple Jump at the All Catholic and is ranked in both Long and Triple Jumps in WNY. Tehan scored a total of 32 points at the All Catholic tying Darryl Overton Jr.’s point total in 2007 as the most scored by a St. Francis Track Athlete at the All Catholic. Joe Clifford displayed his versatility throughout the spring campaign placing 2nd in the High Jump and 3rd in the Triple Jump at All Catholics while being the team’s best shotput thrower. Joe was just an example of this group of seniors doing what the team needed them to do to b e the best. Bill Fitzgerald placed 2nd and 3rd in the triple and long jumps at All Catholic. He jumped career best’s on his last attempts in both events. Also contributing to this strong group were seniors Dominic Mendola, Zachary Wells and Juniors Jacob Smolinski and Brendan Macey. Macey returned from injury and won the High Jump at All Catholics. Chris Busha led the throwers with his best efforts in the Discus where he grabbed a third place at the All Catholics. This special group of seniors was the backbone of our success and their history making season in 2012 will be one that will be argued as the best in school history. Coaches Otremba, Wcislo, Ferris, Hoak and Suchyna want to thank all members of the team whose sum of all parts made this season a privilege to be a part of.

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June 6, 1944 is known as D-Day, the day American Allied soldiers invaded Nazi-occupied Normandy during World War II. Many may not realize that St. Francis High School has a deeper connection to the historic day because of the sacrifice of Fr. Ignatius Maternowski, a graduate of the Class of 1931.

Fr. Ignatius Maternowski graduated from St. Francis High School to go on to enter the Franciscan order where he would live out the virtues of chastity, obedience and poverty. Years later he also became an American paratrooper where he would live out the American values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

But the story of Fr. Maternowski goes far beyond his being a Franciscan and an American soldier; it tells the story of a man who embodied both ideals perfectly. His story is one of a hero, both of his country and of his faith.

During the invasion at Normandy, Fr. Maternowski acted in the best interest of all wounded soldiers both American and German. His plan was to establish a joint base where both German and American injured soldiers could be taken and treated. However, before his intentions could meet fruition, Fr. Maternowski was shot by a sniper and killed. He believed that his role as chaplain would allow him the respect from both American and Nazi forces that he could tend to

injured soldiers of both sides. He had the extreme bravery to walk into enemy territory, unarmed and without a helmet.

Ms. Kelly Carrigg, a French teacher at St. Francis High School has a deep connection with the story of Fr. Maternowski. “I served 20 years in the United States Army as a paratrooper, logistician and liaison officer to the French Army in Paris,” stated Carrigg. “Fr. Maternowski inspired me first because we were both paratroopers. I can appreciate the risk that he took as he parachuted into France with his fellow soldiers. Second, he believed in the goodness of man, even the enemy.”

A statue of the late Major Dick Winters, E “Easy” Company, 101st Airborne Division near Utah Beach.

Father Ignatius Maternowski’s photo taken at Camp Mackall, NorthCarolina in 1943.

A message of gratitude left on Omaha Beach.

Ms. Carrigg stands in front of Father Maternowski’s newly inaugurated memorial panel in Picauville on July 15, 2012. “The U.S.- Normandy Organization, Memory and Gratitude” maintains 12 memorial panels for American soldiers who fought during the D-Day campaign.

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Ms. Carrigg was on hand to witness a dedication ceremony in Picauville, France in honor of Fr. Maternowski, where she saw first hand how his sacrifice was one of both an American and a

Franciscan. “Faith and patriotism are closely linked because they are beliefs in someone or something greater than oneself. Fr. Maternowski embodied the values of a Franciscan by serving his fellow brothers in war. He also exemplified the American value of leaving no soldier behind.”

When she came to teach at St. Francis, especially after having served in the Army, Carrigg wanted to not only teach students French and broaden their diversity, but also she wanted her students to gain a better worldview as Americans. Fr. Maternowski’s story does just that. “There is a big picture that needs to be seen,” stated Carrigg. “The French in Normandy lived under the German occupation in World War II and their children and grandchildren will never forget their American liberators.”

It was through men like Fr. Maternowski, whose sacrifice allowed for Nazi occupation of Europe to

be broken and heinous hate crimes to be shattered. But it speaks enormously to Fr. Maternowski as a Franciscan that he was able to look past the swastikas that wrapped around the arms of German soldiers to see their humanity, they too are God’s creation.

It was through this that Fr. Maternowski made the brave decision to try and help wounded enemy soldiers and was what ultimately ended his life. By his bravery in a warzone, his ability to put his life on the line in order to protect the American ideals of freedom and democracy is what truly makes Fr. Maternowski an American hero.

The story of Fr. Maternowski is an incredible one. One, that as Carrigg puts it, gives a new dimension to studying a foreign language. It gives students a

better understanding of the world around them, but also what they stand for as Americans. Especially studying the virtues of St. Francis, the story of Fr. Maternowski is one that helps us to understand how American patriotism and Franciscan virtues complement one another perfectly to create the perfect balance in character and integrity.Ms. Carrigg who was deployed to Iraq from 2005-2006 is the newest edition to the foreign language department at St. Francis High School. Her work has reached far beyond teaching students a new language; it has truly embodied the spirit of Fr. Maternowski, and Saint Francis, himself.

Ms. Carrigg translating for Father Paul Miskiewicz during the Maternowski dedication ceremony. Father Paul, who is based in London, is the Franciscan Provincial Delegate to England and Ireland. Rodolphe Roger looks on as Master of Ceremonies.

Ms. Carrigg had the honor of lowering the U.S. Flag at the U.S.Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer next to Omaha Beach.

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Five new members were inducted into the Fr. Rufinas Athletic Hall of Fame at St. Francis High School. Inductees were honored at the 36th Annual Sports Award and Hall of Fame Banquet held on Friday, June 1, 2012 at Michaels Banquet Facility in Hamburg, NY. The Sports Hall of fame at St. Francis High school is named after The Very Rev. Rufinus Niedziecki. Pictured from left to right: Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv., President of St. Francis High School, David Ferris’02, Kyle Smith ’02, Kiel Illg,’02, Michael Radon’02, Edward Hoak Jr.’93 and Steve Otremba’90, St. Francis High School Athletic Director.

BoCCe BAll winnersThe 6th Annual Alumni Association Bocce Ball Tournament was held Saturday, June 16, 2012. Sixteen teams participated in the double elimination event. The tournament started at 1 PM on the front lawn of St. Francis High School. The courts were fast, the weather was perfect and the view was fantastic. After many close games the winning team “Two and Out” consisting of Captain Matt Ferro ‘96, Jamie Jayes ‘97, Mark Renkas ‘96 & Chris Sortisio ‘96 beat out Smiling Ted’s to capture the crown and their place on the Bocce Ball Plaque! Thank you to Jack Jensen ‘73 for chairing the tournament, all the volunteers, sponsors and participants who helped to make the event a huge success. Pictured from left to right the winning team with: Jack Jensen’73, (tournament organizer) Mark Renkas’96, Chris Sortisio’96, Jamie Jayes’97, Matt Ferro’96 and Ken Sovinski’83(Alumni Association President)

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reCord numBer oF GolFers (212) PArTiCiPATed in The 28Th AnnuAl Alumni AssoCiATion GolF TournAmenT on July 12, 2012

Winning foursome was: Adam Bartell ‘91, Wayne Clarke. Bryan Balk and Kyle Mauro

Long drive winners: Hole #24 Jason Fabianski ‘92, Hole #6 Ken Stoddart ‘92 and Hole#18 Amber Martin (first time a woman has ever won a long drive contest)

Closest to pin winners: Hole #3 Leon Kuczmarski ‘62, Hole #14 Dan Weintraub, Hole #22 Peter Chapman

Raised over $27,000 in support of scholarship funds established by the Association

Thanks to all sponsors especially W. H. Greene and Associates who was the Tournament Sponsor for the 5th consecutive year

Next year’s tournament scheduled for Thursday, July 11, 2013 at Terry Hills

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Five Year Reunion - Class of 2007November 21, 2012 - 7 pm -Hoaks

Alumni Association Family DaySaturday, January 19, 20131-5 pm Theater & Gymnasiums

Justinian Gift Gathering PartyFebruary 2, 2013 - 7 pm - Hoak’s on the Lake

Alumni Memorial MassMarch 3, 2013 - 10 am - Friars’ Hall Chapel

Spring Musical Reception Saturday March 16, 2013 - 6 pm - Main Gym

Class of 1963 - 50 Year Reunion Recognition DayMay 24, 2013 - Alumni Hall

Bocce Ball TournamentJune 22, 2013 - Front Lawn - 1 pm

Golf TournamentJuly 11, 2013 - Terry Hills Golf Course