Issue No. 1
SPRING 2013
The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Champions
Message from the
President
The Magazine of Cathedral
Preparatory School
Developing men of vision
in spirit, mind, and body.
Cathedral Preparatory School
225 West Ninth Street
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 453-7737
www.prep-villa.com
ADMINISTRATION
Bishop of Erie
Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L.
President
Rev. Scott W. Jabo, M.Div., S.T.B.
Principal
Trevor Murnock ’98
Assistant Principal
David Swanson
Director of Finance
Dawn Slokan
Director of Advancement
Christopher J. Hagerty ’75
Director of Athletics
Bill Flanagan ’87
Director of Admissions
Timothy Dougherty ’98
Board Chair
David Slomski’ 72
Advancement Office Team
Director of Advancement
Christopher J. Hagerty ’75
chris.hagerty@prep-villa.com
Director of Admissions
Timothy Dougherty ’98
timothy.dougherty@prep-villa.com
Director of Communications and Annual Fund
Christine R. Eddy
christine.eddy@prep-villa.com
Director of Special Events
Kathy Grisier
kathy.grisier@prep-villa.com
Director of Constituent Relations
Nancy Bird ’84 (VMA)
nancy.bird@prep-villa.com
Major Gifts Officer
Paul Simon ’78
paul.simon@prep-villa.com
Advancement Services Manager
Terri Hess ’79 (VMA)
terri.hess@prep-villa.com
© 2013 Copyright of Cathedral Preparatory School.
All rights reserved.
By Fr. Scott W. Jabo
Champions
I am certain that everyone of us knows Wheaties cereal’s claim of being the “Breakfast
of Champions,” a slogan that originated back in the 1930s. We all recall the various
sports figures who have appeared on a Wheaties box – sports greats like Michael
Jordan, Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Mary Lou Retton, Tiger Woods, Cal Ripken Jr., Walter
Payton, John Elway, Jackie Robinson and the 1980 U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team
are considered the top ten vote recipients to appear on the cereal box and each
one is recognized as a champion. Such claims, then, raise the question: “What is a
champion?”
Champions are viewed as exceptional people, teams or groups who have achieved
or who do extraordinary things. We use words like “winner,”“champ,” and “victor” to
identify them. However, it not just about winning games. Although we frequently
associate the term with sports figures, in reality, champions are found in all walks of life.
Musicians, scholars, artists, social workers, religious people and saints and many others
can also be identified as champions because they all share the same common qualities.
Champions do not settle for mediocrity; instead, they strive for excellence. They don’t
give up easily, and they take to heart the old saying, “when the going gets tough, the
tough get going” – at times being the David against a Goliath. They are principled,
focused, disciplined and determined. Champions make a positive difference in
the world and in the lives of others, sometimes being the people who champion
worthwhile causes and movements even if it’s not necessarily the popular thing to do,
but it is the right thing to do. They are the ones who make us proud because they have
achieved something good and worthwhile, often while also overcoming obstacles.
You and I and others look up to them and want to imitate them.
This issue of the Cathedral Prep Magazine highlights some of the champions in our
midst – students and alumni who are champions in their own right. They indeed
reflect a diversity of interests and endeavors, but they share in common those qualities
that we associate with champions. They are only a small representation of the
champions we have at Cathedral Prep. We could write about hundreds more.
Our champions do not appear on a cereal box, but they do appear in our yearbooks.
Page after page of any Cathedral Prep yearbook is full of images of champions –
Men of Prep – who are men of vision in spirit, mind, and body. These champions
have developed their God-given potential and have made a difference. This is what
Cathedral Prep is about – challenging our students to reach beyond self-imposed
limitations and ultimately glorifying God by using their gifts and talents to their
highest potential, no matter the endeavor. While some may claim that Wheaties is the
“Breakfast of Champions,” ours at Prep is prayer, study, hard work, discipline, service and
a relationship with Jesus Christ. As a result, Cathedral Prep’s “Breakfast of Champions”
develops far more champions who make a much bigger impact on others while at the
same time also furthering the kingdom of God.
Mary, Queen of Prep, pray for us!
Fr. Scott W. Jabo
President
Editor In Chief
Fr. Scott W. Jabo
A Message from the President
Editor
Christine R. Eddy
Cover Story
2 A Season for All of Us to Cherish
Table of
Contents
Contributing Editors
Paul DeSante ’51
A True Champion
5 Msgr. John Hagerty
Contributing Writers
Advancement News
6 President’s Leadership Council Commemorates a Great Philanthropic Year
Nancy Neumaier Bird ’84 (VMA)
Director of Constituent Relations
Christian Burch ’15
Almi Clemente Clerkin ‘81 (VMA)
Timothy Dougherty ’98
Director of Admissions
Shaun Evans ’14
Bill Flanagan ’87
Director of Athletics
Chris Hagerty ’75
Director of Advancement
Andrew Harrington ’13
Terri Hess ‘79 (VMA)
Advancement Services Manager
Fr. Scott W. Jabo
President
James McCormick ’13
Lt. Col. Brian McGrain
Frank Mezler
MSgt Richard Sambuchino
Marielle Trucilla ’13 (VMA)
The Cathedral Prep Magazine is published in the Fall & Spring
by Cathedral Preparatory School, 225 West 9th Street, Erie, PA
16501 through the Advancement Office to keep Prep’s alumni,
parents and friends informed and updated about the activities
and achievements happening at Cathedral Prep. Address all
correspondence to Christine Eddy, 225 West 9th Street, Erie,
PA 16501.
Issue No. 1
SPRING 2013
The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Champions
About the Cover
The front cover of this magazine represents
the “Champions of Cathedral Prep.” Prep
continues to produce champions in all
aspects of life. This issue of the magazine
uncovers our spiritual, academic and athletic
champions.
Alumni
7 Champions Reunite 50 Years Later
7 Two Prepsters Connect While Swimming San Francisco Bay
7 Cathedral Prep Lunch Bunch a Hit!
8 Reunion Weekend 2013
9 Class of 2012 Christmas Break Shindig
9 Lasting Friendships - Class of 1970
10 Class Notes
12Obituaries
Administration, Faculty & Staff
14 Brian Markley ’89 Receives Golden Apple Award
14 News & Notes
Special Events
15 Legacy Gala 2013
18 Autumn Tradition Harvest Gala Leaves Women Looking Forward to Next Year
19 A Prep Tradition-The Annual Mother Son Brunch
19 Take Your Best Shot at the Rambler Golf Classic
MVP
20 Children of Eden
21 MacBeth
22 Our Town
23 Frankenstein
24 Alums Share Love of Theatre with Students
Students
25 Spiritual Champions of Faith
26 Academic Champions of Excellence
28 Prep Student is First in State for Excellence in German
28 Nate Kapsar ’14 Nominated as a “Good Kid”
28 Prep Holds Wing Night to Benefit the Leukemia Foundation
28 R.J. Treiber ’16 Gets an Early Christmas Gift From Deployed Dad
29 Prep Students’ Serve Over 1,000 Meals at the Christmas Meal for the Needy
29 Prep & Villa Students March for Life
30 Congressman Mike Kelly Speaks to Prep Students
30 Prep and Villa Homecoming Weekend – Celebrating New Traditions
31 Academic Sports League
31 Prep Students Fundraising Efforts Benefit a Family in Need
31 Prep Celebrates Catholic Schools Week
32 Franciscan Friars Visit Cathedral Prep
32 Finance Club Rides Bull Market
32 “Eucharistic Miracles of the World” Visits Cathedral Prep
33 JROTC Produces Champions
33 JROTC Competes in Regional Air Force Association Drill Team Championships
34 News & Notes
Athletics
36 “Running to Remember”
37 Busy National Signing Day at Prep
38 Burger King Classic
39 Another Stellar Season on the Hardwood
40 2nd Prep-Villa Legacy Gala Tennis Fundraiser
40Baseball
41Swimming
41 Water Polo
41Wrestling
41 Cross Country
News & Notes
42 Where in the World?
44 In Case You Were Wondering…
44 Rambler Retail
44 Mark Your Calendar
45 Where’s Your Prep Spirit?
BCCPEC
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
1
Cover Story
By Bill Flanagan ’87
Director of Athletics
“There is no limit to what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” —Ronald Reagan
It doesn’t happen often; in fact, in the history of
this part of District 10, it has been accomplished
only three times previously. Thus when you
have the opportunity to play in and even win a
PIAA state football championship, you relish it,
you cherish it, and you try to remember every
finite detail about it.
Prep’s incredible 15-0 state championship
season was punctuated with an emphatic 24-14
victory over Archbishop Wood on December
14 at Hershey Park Stadium. The game will be
remembered for the offense scoring 24 quick
points in the first half and the defense standing
firm in the fourth quarter when the game was
on the line. But to sum up this special season
in a 48-minute state title game would be doing
a great disservice to the coaches, the players and
the thousands of fans who had the pleasure of
‘riding shotgun’ along the way.
Senior quarterback Damion Terry did not
have a great year. He had a year unlike any
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seen by a quarterback in the history of Erie
football. Every major record charted by a QB
in the nearly 90 years we have been playing
football at our institution was smashed this past
season. Terry threw for 3,599 yards and 50
touchdowns, including six in one game. He
finished his career with 7,266 yards and 87 TD
passes, both District 10 records. He wasn’t the
only Rambler to make history.
Senior receiver Delton Williams broke the
mark for receptions in a season with 59 and for
a career with 92. He also tied the record for
touchdown catches with 11, a mark equaled
by classmate Brendan Klemensic. Kicker John
Chereson broke the record for extra points in a
season with 82 and for a career with 135.
Some of the other team numbers are
astounding. Prep outscored their opponents
701-152. They trailed in only four games this
past season, the first time coming seven weeks
into the year (though they did have to rally in
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
their final three playoff games). They threw
for nearly 2,600 more yards than their foes,
allowing only eight touchdown passes against
while tossing 51 of their own. The Ramblers
scored an even 100 touchdowns in 2012. Their
opponents could muster but 21.
“It’s just crazy to put into words,” said Damion
Terry, who will head to Michigan State next
season on full scholarship to play quarterback.
“When you are playing during the season and
start thinking about this, seeing what the team
in 2000 did (win the school’s first state title),
it’s incredible. The whole idea of being a state
champion is still surreal to me.”
Yet throughout the campaign it wasn’t the
touchdowns, the field goals, the interceptions
or the sacks that resonated. It was the feeling
all of us had in sharing and enjoying this
memorable run. As one parent told me, “I wish
this season was 36 games long instead of 15. I
don’t want it to end.”
What a glorious ride it was that was provided
by this team. Starting in the August heat,
players molded as a squad, excepted roles, were
coached to play with character, and in the end
they responded. State Coach of the Year Mike
Mischler became the first coach in District 10 to
win two state football championships.
“Coach Mischler has done so much for me and
my teammates,” Terry said. “The work he does
on the field, in the college recruiting process, all
he does for us. He emphasizes the important
character traits with you and your family. It
was a great honor to play for him.”
How do you sum up history? It’s not an easy
task. Instead I choose to remember the entire
ride in small snippets. It’s the early games
in pleasant, 80-degree weather. It’s 99-yard
interception returns and bone-crushing tackles.
It’s pep rallies that begin in the auditorium and
continue in the form of a 18-block trek by 300
students to Veterans Stadium…in the pouring
rain. It’s a goal-line stand and a 98-yard drive
vs. McDowell that started to have people
thinking maybe this would be a special year.
It’s Senior Night where players get to thank
parents for their sacrifice that made it possible
for them to attend our school.
It’s trepidation against West Allegheny in the
state quarterfinals, falling behind 10-0 as
panic ensues around them, only to see a calm
and cool team score 27 of the final 30 points
to win going away. It’s a quiet pregame in a
rainy Clearfield, the calm before the proverbial
storm of the state semifinal, when a distant
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
3
Cover Story Continued
sound suddenly becomes louder and more
pronounced. Then it’s the realization that
sound is actually a stampede of 11 student
buses showing up, en masse, to support
their classmates. A sack, a fumble and five
touchdowns later, that same group celebrates
with a 38-3 win and a trip to Hershey.
It’s the anticipation of the ‘travel day’; the
day before the championship game, when
Prep shows how a sendoff is really done.
It’s Bishop Lawrence Persico making his
Rambler debut, wishing the team well while
chanting ‘Give me a P. Give me an R. Give
me an E. Give me a P. What’s that spell?
“Prep”. What’s that mean? “Champions”.
putting life in true perspective. It’s four
straight possessions netting points, followed
by an underrated defense continuing to do
their job. It’s the realization late in the fourth
quarter that one more first down will do it, it
will clinch the state title.
capture the moment. It’s seeing your family
and friends celebrating this historic moment
and wanting that feeling to last forever. It’s a
police escort home and a seemingly endless
amount of games and banquets to honor the
accomplishment.
It’s the ‘Gatorade bath’; the hugs, the smiles,
the sweat, the tears. It’s the glorious ride
back to the team hotel, the instructions of
how to enter the lobby knowing you should
likely have your iPads in ‘record mode’ to
“We couldn’t have been happier with the
results of all the hard work that went into
this season by the players and coaches,”
Mike Mischler said. “But even more
awesome than that was the display of the
Prep community coming together to support
the team and to show what Prep pride is all
about.”
It’s a party that still is continuing. It’s Prep.
It’s chasing the bus, 8th graders all the way
through 12th, carrying on a tradition while
also adding a special touch of their own.
Who knew some of our seniors would
or could ride their bicycles all the way to
Interstate 79 to follow that bus? It’s the
pregame Mass to celebrate the presence
of God in our lives. It’s coming out of the
tunnel leading from the locker room to the
Hershey Park field and being greeted by
thousands of people wearing Orange &
Black, including more than 650 Prep and
Villa students. It’s a moment of silence just
prior to kickoff for 26 innocent victims
killed in Sandy Hook earlier in the day,
Thanks for the ride. The pleasure was all
ours.
“Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat,
determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.”
—Dan Gable, Olympic wrestler and coach.
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SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
A True Champion
By Chris Hagerty ’75
Director of Advancement
MSGR. JOHN HAGERTY
1930-2013
Former Cathedral Prep Headmaster and faculty member Msgr. John
Hagerty passed away on April 6, 2013. Msgr. Hagerty graduated from
Cathedral Prep in 1947 and returned to Prep as a priest and a faculty
member in 1955. He taught at Prep for five years before being transferred
to St. Mark Seminary. It seems as though God had a way of bringing
Msgr. Hagerty back to his alma mater; thus it was 1984 when he returned
as Headmaster at Cathedral Prep, a position he held for five years. He was
inducted into Cathedral Prep’s “Headmaster’s Hall of Fame” in 2004. Msgr.
Hagerty retired from his priestly ministry several years ago, but again, even
in “retirement,” God kept calling him back to the school he loved so much.
Msgr. accepted a teaching position at Prep in September of 2012 and taught
first year Latin to the young men of Prep. At the age of 25, Msgr. Hagerty
was teaching 15-year-olds at Prep, and almost 60 years later when he was
83, he was still teaching 15-year-old young men! What a rare gift to be
able to span the ages and decades, and still have the ability to connect with
young people. As a matter of fact, Msgr. Hagerty was teaching right up
until the day he was hospitalized and later diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
He had fainting spells in the classroom during the diagnosis process, but like
a true Man of Prep, he kept returning to the classroom to teach his students.
It was only when he could no longer get out of bed that he realized he
could no longer come to school. Did that keep him from teaching? Not
a chance. He kept in touch with his students and their progress through
communicating with Lance Strasser, who kindly agreed to take over Msgr.
Hagerty’s class.
Msgr. Hagerty exemplified the meaning of “Loyal and True.” He was a Prep
man from the beginning of his freshman year and continued being that
man right up until the day he died. Over that span, he touched thousands
of lives with his charm, humor and compassion. A testimony to the life
Monsignor lived was evidenced by his funeral Mass. It was standing room
only at Blessed Sacrament church, with the pews filled a half hour before
Mass even started. In attendance were over 80 priests, three bishops,
and hundreds of people from all over the Diocese of Erie. It was a fitting
conclusion to the life of a good and faithful servant.
Msgr. John Hagerty was a true champion of Catholic education, a true
champion of Cathedral Prep, and a true soldier of Christ. He will be dearly
missed by so many, but his memory and legacy will last forever. Thus, we
say farewell, and not goodbye, to our beloved shepherd:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Msgr. John Hagerty received a proclamation from the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2010. State Representative
Pat Harkins presented Hagerty with the proclamation when
he learned that he was chosen as “Priest of the Year” by the
Serra Club.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
5
President’s Leadership Council Commemorates a
Great Philanthropic Year
M
embers of the President’s Leadership Council gathered in
the Cathedral Prep Library for the annual cocktail party
on Thursday, October 18, 2012 to celebrate an ending to another
fantastic philanthropic year. Many enjoyed the opportunity to get
together and share their passion and commitment for Cathedral
Prep and Villa Maria Academy with other members of the school
community.
The President’s Leadership Council was established to honor the
proud legacy of Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria Academy. The
council is composed of lead benefactors to the Fund for Cathedral
Prep and the Fund for Villa Maria Academy, who through their
generosity demonstrate a commitment to the mission of Cathedral
Prep and Villa Maria Academy. Membership in the council is open to
all individuals who made a gift of $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund
prior to June 30, 2012.
Bobby Oehling ’13.
Mark Kloecker ’84 and Fr. Tom Fialkowski ’58.
Amelia Werner ’13 (VMA).
James and Lana Gartner.
Cathedral Prep Senior Bobby Oehling spoke to the members of the
Leadership Council. He thanked them for their continuous support.
“I am so thankful not only to the Prep administration and teachers,
but to you generous donors, for your charity that has made this
all possible. You have given many students, including myself, the
opportunity to have the best education in the country, who otherwise
would not have been able to afford it.”
Amelia Werner ’13 is thankful for her Villa experience. She spoke on
behalf of all Villa Maria students. She said, “Villa has always stood
for faith, family, excellence and tradition. Faith is the most important
foundation at Villa. Because of donations from alumni, parents, and
businesses, such as yourselves, in addition to the Sisters of Saint
Joseph, a new chapel was constructed within the past two years. The
chapel has given my classmates and me the opportunity to connect
to God on another level and continue our spiritual journey.”
Thanks to everyone for your support and commitment to Cathedral
Prep and Villa Maria Academy. The total giving in the 2011-2012
fiscal year was $2,964,382 for Cathedral Prep and $1,267,349 for
Villa Maria Academy.
Bill ’47 and Carol Reinhold.
John’82 and Nancy ’87 (Scalzitti)
Hilbert.
Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program Benefits Education
Michael Edwards, CEO (left)
and Dave Slomski ’72, Senior
Vice President and Manager
of Business Banking (right)
of Marquette Savings Bank,
present Fr. Scott Jabo, President
of Cathedral Prep and Villa
Maria Academy with a check
in the amount of $80,000
as a part of Pennsylvania’s
Educational Improvement
Tax Credit (EITC) program and the Opportunity Scholarship
Tax Credit (OSTC) program. This most generous gift will be
used as tuition assistance dollars for families who meet the
necessary requirements to participate in the program. For more
information, contact Paul Simon, Major Gifts Officer at 814-4537735 ext. 2294 or paul.simon@prep-villa.com.
6
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Patty Gunesch, AVP Branch
Manager and Jeff Tebaldi,
Senior VP of First National
Bank of PA, present the
Educational Improvement
Tax Credit checks to
President Fr. Scott Jabo.
Looking to make a big difference in a student’s
life in a short period of time? Cathedral Prep
has made it easy for you to help out. With one
click you can change the life of a student in less
than a minute. Support the Fund for Cathedral
Prep at www.prep-villa.com. Just click on the
“donate online” button on the home page.
Champions Reunite 50 Years Later
L-R: Steve Sensor ’67, Mike Pilewski
’67, John Gianoni ’69, Bill Kohler ’69,
John Poignard ’67, Tom Kubinski ’67
and Jack Shoemaker ’67.
Team members not present:
Jim Anderson ’67, Bill Hain ’67,
Tony Matz ’67, Denny Biondi ’69 and
Jim Dubik ’67.
Fifty years after capturing the City Parochial Football League Championship
title, several Prepsters who were members of the 1962 Holy Rosary Tigers
football team were honored on October 24, 2012 at the Cathedral Prep Events
Center. In 1962, they celebrated their victory over St. George 15-6 at Erie
Veterans Stadium. Eleven of 18 members attended with seven Prep alums
present who stand gleaming with their favorite magazine in tow.
Two Prepsters Connect While
Swimming San Francisco Bay
On September 9, just prior to swimming the Tiburon Mile in San Francisco Bay,
Michael Feldman ’78 and Tom Cavanaugh ’81.
Michael Feldman ’78 and Tom Cavanaugh ’81 ran into each other and learned that
they had something more in common than just their love of swimming. They quickly found out that they shared Prep as their alma
mater. The two Ramblers were about to jump into the chilly 60 degree Bay waters and swim 2,000 yards from Angel Island in San
Francisco Bay to Tiburon, CA.­—along with 600 hundred other hardy souls, including a number of Olympians. They both had great
swims and compared notes afterwards while reminiscing about Prep friends they had in common. After the swim, Mike returned to
Mike’s Body Shop where he helps clients overcome postural and musculoskeletal issues affecting their health; Tom was back in the
philosophy classroom at the University of San Francisco.
Cathedral Prep Lunch Bunch a Hit!
There’s nothing better than a free lunch, especially if it’s in the Cathedral Prep
cafeteria! Ask the Prep alumni who have taken us up on our LUNCH BUNCH
offer. Many have enjoyed the cuisine of our in-house chef Frank Cirillo and his
exceptional staff. In addition to the delicious fare, what makes LUNCH BUNCH
extra special is the gratification of meeting up with classmates in the SAME
cafeteria that they shared lunch in decades ago and witnessing the new age of
students enjoying it in the same vain. Many grandfathers have connected with
their grandsons who are current students during the
luncheon and have taken time out for a quick photo
or introduction to the other classmates at lunch. There
is obviously a special bond between grandfather and
grandson who will share the same alma mater.
After lunch, many of our guests stay for a tour of the
facility. Most agree that Cathedral Prep is the perfect
blend of preserving tradition (the original tile floor still
shines in the hallways) and preparing for the future
(iPads, state of the art science labs and a renovated
auditorium, for example).
1947.
1958.
George Ferrick ’58
and Chris Edgett ’15.
Cathedral Prep LUNCH BUNCH…good food, great friendships and lots of
reminiscing about the good ol’ days! If you are interested in reserving a date for
your LUNCH BUNCH group, contact Nancy Bird, Director of Constituent Relations,
at 814-453-7737 ext. 2293 or nancy.bird@prep-villa.com.
1961.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
7
Cathedral Preparatory School
REUNION WEEKEND 2013
July 26 - 28
Honoring the classes of:
1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973
1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008
Friday, July 26, 2013
Classmates Picnic
Cathedral Prep Events Center
Saturday, July 27, 2013
INDIVIDUAL CLASS ACTIVITIES
TIME: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
COST: $15 per person
 Picnic is Outdoors (weather permitting)
 Casual Attire
 Registration in the CPEC Building, Field Level
 Parking Entrance at 12th and Poplar Streets
 Cost includes Picnic Food, Beer, Pop, Water
 BYOB for Additional Beverages
Planned by individual class representatives
See www.prep-villa.com for more info
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Family Mass & Breakfast
Prep Auditorium and Cafeteria
TIME: 10:00 am Mass
11:00 am Breakfast
COST: $10 per person / $25 per family
 Family Mass in the Prep Auditorium
 Continental Breakfast in the Prep Cafeteria
 Self-guided School Tours
Cathedral Prep Reunion Weekend 2013 Reservation Form
ALUMNI INFORMATION
EVENT
Name:
Class Year:
Spouse / Guest Name:
$15
Mass/Breakfast
$10
# attending
TOTAL
TOTAL
Check Enclosed (payable to Cathedral Prep)
State:
Home Phone:
Classmates Picnic
*Family Price for 3 or more = $25
Address:
City:
cost/person
Cell Phone:
ZIP:
Please charge:  MasterCard  Visa  Discover
Credit Card #:
Exp. Date:
Signature:
Email:
Please register online (www.prep-villa.com) or return registration form by July 1, 2013 to:
Cathedral Preparatory School, Advancement Office, 225 West 9th Street, Erie, PA 16501
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SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Class of 2012 Christmas Break Shindig
Anthony D’Aurora, Matt Lasher and Matt Harkins. DJ Lord, Mario Nicolia, Josh Ordos, Peter Sivak,
Henry Lewis and Zack Urbanski.
The Class of 2012 was invited to a “Christmas Break Shindig” at Cathedral Prep on December 27, 2012. The
purpose of the casual gathering was to give our newest graduates a time and place to catch up with a large
group of their classmates. Most had spent a semester on their respective college campuses, of which there
is a long list, so there was a lot to talk about. It gave the guys from the Class of 2012 the opportunity to pick
up their yearbooks as well. Pizza and drinks were served and the gym was open for the afternoon. We were
thrilled to see all the past students and wish them much luck until their next visit to Prep!
Lasting Friendships Class of 1970
Several Prepsters who graduated in the 70s have been
meeting for lunch every Wednesday for the past 38 years.
The members from the Class of 1970, all met in 9th grade
and found out that they had common interests. All six of
the men pictured here, went to Gannon and five of the six
of them are fraternity brothers. They continually meet to
celebrate the foundation of their friendship which brought
them together…Cathedral Prep.
!
Congrats
Rick Miaczynski ’72, Sam Mancini ’73, Joe Kloecker ’70,
Larry Piotrowicz ’70, Bob Jarzomski ’70 and
Gary Fabian’70.
PSU News
Take our
Alumni Survey!
Michael Blount ’08
Patrick Paluh ’08
Josey Westerdahl ’09
What have you been up
to? Did you get married?
Write a book? Have
children? Change jobs?
We want to hear about
your accomplishments!
Just log on to www.
prep-villa.com and click
on the “Alumni Survey”
button.
Congratulations to the follow Prep graduates
who graduated from Penn State Erie,
The Behrend College in December.
The following Cathedral Prep graduates were named to the Dean’s List for the
fall 2012 semester at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. In order to qualify
for the Dean’s List, students earned at least a 3.50 grade point average.
Michael Blount ’08
Jared Fatica ’09
Joseph Gresh ’10
Cody Kindle ’11
Michael Knoll ’11
Matthew Kwitowski ’10
Christopher Marchini ’09
Steven Mott ’10
Michael Nelson ’09
Justin Ross ’07
Brian Seelinger ’94
Michael Squeglia ’10
Kyle Witchcoff ’11
www.prep-villa.com
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
9
Class
Notes
chairman, president and CEO of
P.H. Glatfelter Company (NYSE:
GLT). Parrini has been president
and chief executive officer of
Glatfelter since January 2011
and chairman of the board since
May 2011.
1965, Henry (Hank) Mroczkowski is married to
Kathy Mroczkowski ’67 (VMA). The couple reside
in Houston and have three grown children, Joel,
Tony and Lori and four grandchildren.
1948, John Modica poses with Vice President
Joe Biden and his wife Jill in his home. The Vice
President and his wife visited John following the
Army-Navy game in Philadelphia. John and the
Vice President go way back, from when he played
football for a local private Catholic school and
John was the coach at Brandywine High School.
John always recognized Joe as an excellent
football player, and he never forgot it. John was a
very active Democrat and always supported Joe
in his successful political career. The reason for his
special visit was that he heard that John was very
ill. John passed away in March.
1951, Dr. Peter Scibetta was honored in
October at Westwood Racquet Club. The club
dedicated its 2nd court to Dr. Pete Scibetta. He
has been a tennis member for 47 years and runs a
mixed doubles and men’s league. L-R: Pete and
Ellie Scibetta and Tom Pakulski, Owner.
1963, Tom Simmons and Joe Bufalino ‘66
became grandfathers for the first time. Their
granddaughter, Macie Weber Bufalino was born
on October 23, 2012.
1976 Atty. Richard E. Bordonaro was elected
to be a fellow in the
National College of Workers’
Compensation Lawyers. This
distinction is provided to
attorneys who have excelled
in the practice of workers’
compensation law and have
represented clients in the
field for at least 20 years.
Bordonaro was invited by
the American Bar Association to speak on a
panel with other members of the College of
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Coral Gables,
FL in March. He earned his B.A. in Business and
Economics from Slippery Rock University and his
J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law.
1980, Atty. Don Fessler was
named to the board of trustees
at Marquette Savings Bank.
Atty. Fessler earned both his
B.B.A. and J.D. degrees from the
University of Notre Dame. With
over 24 years of experience,
Atty. Fessler provides legal
counsel and representation
primarily in the areas of workers’ compensation
law, civil litigation and residential real estate
law. He is a partner of the law firm of Marnen
Mioduszewski Bordonaro Wagner & Sinnott, LLC.
Atty. Fessler is also a member of the Pennsylvania
Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Defense
Institute. He just completed his term in 2012
as president of the Erie County Bar Association,
and he is past chairman of the Bar Association’s
workers’ compensation section. Atty. Fessler
resides in Erie with his wife Erin ’84 (VMA) and
two daughters, Emily ’15 (VMA) and Julia ’14 (St.
Peter). The Marquette Savings Bank seat replaces
that of his father Donald F. Fessler Sr., ’49 now
an emeritus trustee who was on the board for 35
years.
1982, Dante Parrini was elected as an
independent member to H.B. Fuller Company’s
(NYSE: FUL) board of directors. He is currently
10
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
1993, Robert Merski was
appointed to the Saint
Vincent Foundation Board of
Corporators at their annual
meeting in November. He is
currently a special education
teacher at East High School in
Erie and is serving his first term
as a councilman on Erie City Council.
2002, Adam Causgrove
has been named the
Robert Goulet Memorial
Mustached American of
the Year. Nine hundred
nominees vied for the
title. A friend nominated
Causgrove who captured
67 percent of 1.3 million votes cast over several
weeks at www.americanmustacheinstitute.org.
He was crowned in Mesa, at the group’s yearly
‘Stache Bash.’ Here is pictured with his girlfriend,
Chelsea Banks. Causgrove manages research
grants for the Department of Microbiology
and Molecular Genetics at the University of
Pittsburgh.
2002, Adam Grisé
married
Stephanie
Marenco on August
4, 2012 in Alexandria,
VA. Adam is a graduate of Mercyhurst
College, where he
received a bachelor’s
degree in Intelligence
Studies and Political
Science. He is a civilian intelligence analyst working at a Department of Defense intelligence
agency. Two Prepsters served as Best Men: Ryan
Grisé ‘04 and Thomas Ross ’02. Also in attendance were, Jeff Grisé ’75, Phil Farbo ’02, Andy
Kubinski ’02, Jeff Daisley ’01. The Grisés reside
in Alexandria. Adam has been deployed to Afghanistan. This is his 4th deployment. He was
previously deployed to Iraq three times.
2003, Steve Falk III married Julia Mack ’03
(VMA) on October 27, 2012. She graduated from
Bowling Green State University with her Ph.D. in
Sociology. She is currently an Assistant Professor
in the Criminal Justice department at Gannon
University. This fall, she will be the Criminal
Justice program director. They may have broken
the record for Villa/Prep wedding attendance
with 34 guests who are alums. Prep alums: Steve
Justice is Ohio’s leading
organization for plaintiffs’
attorneys. The OAJ is
the only association
of attorneys whose
mission is to preserve
the constitutional rights
of Ohio individuals and
protect their access to
the civil justice system. Calabrese focuses his
practice on workers’ compensation appeals,
personal injury claims and medical malpractice
litigations. He earned a bachelor’s degree
at Florida Gulf Coast University and a J.D. at
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.
Falk III (Groom) ’03, Joe Figurski ’73, Bob Merski
(Groomsman) ’93, Andy Vitale (Groomsman)
’01, Marcus Woodard (Groomsman) ’01, Mark
Montroy (Best Man) ’01, Tom Schumacher ’03,
George Morgan III (Groomsman) ’01, Brian
Batkiewicz ’97, Russell Turbaczewski ’01, Joe
Komorek ’79, Gerry Mack ’69, Jim Mack ’66,
Mike Donikowski ’75, Steve Dobosiewicz ’72,
Dave Kosobucki ’78, Ron Turbaczewski ’59, Dave
Edwards ’03, Steve Falk II ’70, Jim Buto ’88, Larry
Feeney ’70, Don Feeney ’65, Chris Feeney ’92,
Robert Vahey ’96. Villa alums: Julia (Mack) Falk
(Bride) ’03, Diane (Tucceri) Chlebus ’73, Kathy
(Crocker) Mack ’71, Joyce (DiNicola) Feldman ’57,
Julie (Turbaczewski) Vahey ’98, Tina (Cicchetti)
Donikowski ’77, Mary Lynn (Dalton) Lewis ’81,
Jill (Kosobucki) Giannelli (Matron of Honor) ’03,
Patty (Allen) Chilcott ’83, Kelly (Straub) Titus ’82,
Jamie Fausnaught (Bridesmaid, not shown) ’03,
Kelly Falk (Bridesmaid, not shown) ’06.
DiRienzo ’53, Alan Hosford ’63, Donald Hosford
’63, Philip Gallagher ’98, Matthew Nedresky ’03,
Matthew Gress ’03, Andrew Marin ’03, Ryan
Colvin ’03, Joel Marz ’03, Drew Kramer ’03 and
Joseph Nedresky ’71. Also in attendance were
Chris Brennan ’82, Fred Dudenhoefer ’61, Jack
Freeman ’72 and Dan Teed ’83.
2003, Max Terzini, former
exchange student, works as a
knowledge management and
sharing specialist for the United
Nations in Italy.
2005, John Calabrese, an
attorney with Plevin & Gallucci Company, L.P.A.,
has been elected to the Board of Directors of
the Ohio Association for Justice (OAJ) and will
chair OAJ’s Ab Initio Section, the organization’s
young attorneys group. The Ohio Association of
2010, Brennan Kruszewski was pleased to
perform in his hometown with the Notre Dame
Liturgical Choir, shown below. Kruszewski is a
member of the choir. They presented a concert of
sacred music at St. Peter Cathedral on January 6.
The choir, directed by Dr. Andrew McShane and
Mary Catherine Levri, is the primary choir for the
Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of
Notre Dame and was visiting Erie as part of their
annual tour. In addition to singing every Sunday
for Mass at the Basilica, which is broadcast live
nationally on CatholicTV, the Choir has travelled
and performed across the United States and
Europe, most recently spending a week in Rome,
Italy, and has released several recordings on the
Pro Organo label.
2011, Chris Fessler
attends Loyola University
Maryland. He organized
a “Relay for Life” team
and reached out to the
Prep community to raise
money in honor of Mrs.
Joann Mullen. Mullen
had a huge impact on
Fessler’s life, and he
wanted to form a team
to help the fight against
cancer and remember Mrs. Mullen and others
who have fought cancer. He raised over $1,000
on his own, and his team raised $4,000. The
school raised $165,000 overall.
2003, Ryan Colvin married Shannon Lewallen
on October 13, 2012 in Durham, NC. Best man
was his brother Zach Colvin ‘06, and also joining
the festivities were his sister, Katie ‘06 (VMA).
Several Prepsters were in the wedding party. L-R:
Francis D’Aurora ‘03, Zach Colvin ‘07, Ryan, Matt
Hubert ‘03, Andrew Marin ’03, and Tony Iesue ‘03.
2003, Andrew Marin married Melissa Work
on September 15, 2012 at Church of the Gesu,
University Heights, OH. Andrew is a graduate of
John Carroll University and is employed by the
Technology House, Solon, OH., while pursuing
his MBA at Cleveland State University. Several
Prepsters attended the event. L-R: Richard
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 11
All our Alumni and all our benefactors, living and deceased, are remembered in our daily
Masses celebrated in our St. Joseph Chapel. Mary, Queen of Prep, pray for us!
12
1937 Ernest J. Pryce, January 4, 2013, was employed in various 1948 Leland J. Bailey Jr., December 3, 2012, was a graduate of Gannon
University. He served in the U.S. Army. He was a General Electric
supervisory positions throughout his life.
Apprentice graduate, Tool and Die Maker, and retired as manager
of Manufacturing Engineering in 1992 with 42 years of service.
1938 Robert J. Eisert, February 28. 2013, served in the U.S. Army
during WWII as a member of the 7th Lightning Division in France
and Germany. He was branch manager at three Sherwin Williams 1948 Frederick C. Kelsey, March 26, 2013, graduated from Gannon
University with a degree in business. He served as Lieutenant in
Paints stores in Erie.
the U. S. Navy on the USS Midway during the Korean War. He was
president of Kelsey Industrial Supply until his retirement.
1942George O. Shickler, November 29, 2012, attended Erie
Commercial College and Gannon University. He was an
accountant/auditor for Case Company, the PA Sales Tax Office 1948 Jerome Kirschner, January 21, 2013, served in the U.S. Air Force
Strategic Air Command during the Korean War. He owned and
and PennDOT as well as an independent personal tax consultant.
operated Jerry’s Exxon Service in North East for 26 years.
He worked in various capacities in the Erie School District, retiring
as the attendance officer.
1948 John D. Modica, March 1, 2013, served in the U.S. Navy. He
earned degrees from Edinboro University and Temple University.
1944 Leo J. Menz, December 15, 2012.
He was a teacher and football coach at Brandywine High
School in Wilmington, DE. He served two Delaware governors
1944 William C. Watson, March 24, 2013, worked at Isaac Baker for 50
as State Director of Parks and Recreation and State Director of
years as manager of the West Erie Plaza Store. In 1983, he started
Employment and Training in the Department of Labor.
Watson’s Menswear with his son, Bill.
1946 John L. Warneka, October 23, 2012, served in the U.S. Army 1949 William J. Hill, April 12, 2013, was a graduate of Erie Business
College and attended Gannon University. He worked in orthotics
during the Korean War. He received advanced degrees in
at Dr. Fortune’s office and was later employed with Eckert Surgical
accounting and finance.
Supply and General Electric.
1947 Clarence G. Boehm, February 2, 2013, graduated from Gannon
University. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He relocated to South 1950 Richard F. Gardner, November 24, 2012, was a tool and die
engineer at Lord Corporation for 34 years before retiring in 1993
Carolina and acquired Printing Associates, which is still familyowned and operated.
1950 Thomas E. Karle, January 5, 2013, attended Gannon University
and went on to serve in the U. S. Navy. He worked in the retail
1947 James E. Fromknecht, March 11, 2013, served in the U. S.
clothing business for 60 years and was the owner of Tom Karle &
Army. He worked as an office manager for Young Brothers,
Son Clothiers for the past 33 years.
Knox, McLaughlin, Gornall & Sennett and retired from McCreary
Roofing. During his retirement, he was a driver for both Brugger
1951 James C. Dahlkemper, April 8, 2013, served in the U.S. Army. He
Funeral Homes and St. Mary’s Home of Erie.
was a partner of Dahlkemper Landscape Company for over 50
years.
1947 Msgr. John B. Hagerty, April 6, 2013, graduated from St. Mark’s
Seminary and Gannon University. He was assigned to St. Mary
Seminary, Baltimore, in 1949 where he received a Bachelor of 1953 Anthony A. Anthony, October 13, 2012, graduated from the
U.S. Naval Academy. He worked for Erie Technological Products,
Arts degree in philosopy. He was then appointed to Theological
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and Spectrum Control. In 1996,
College and the Catholic University of America in Washington,
he cofounded X2Y Attenuators, LLC. He was granted over 140 U.S.
D.C., where he received a Master of Arts degree in Theology.
and international patents on X2Y Technology, which is applied
Post-graduate studies were taken at the University of Pittsburgh,
in electronic components that are used in products including
Georgetown University, and The University of Notre Dame. He
satellite radios, automobile braking systems, commercial and
was ordained to the priesthood in 1955 at St. Peter Cathedral.
military aircraft, portable heart defibulators and computer
Msgr. Hagerty was assigned to Cathedral Prep and to weekend
microprocessors.
assistance at St. James Parish. In 1959, he was appointed Dean of
Studies at St. Mark Seminary, and in 1968, he was appointed the
rector of the Seminary. In 1972, he began a five year appointment 1953 Dominic F. Cagnoli, April 14, 2013, attended Gannon University.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired from
as headmaster of Elk County Catholic High School in St. Marys
Zurn Industries in 1997 and worked part-time at Gospel Hill Golf
where he also served as administrator of St. Benedict Mission
Course.
Church, Daguscahonda. Other pastoral appointments included
St. Joseph Parish, Sharon (1977-1984), headmaster of Cathedral
Prep (1984-1989), Blessed Sacrament Parish, Erie (1989-1991), 1953William P. Miesel, December 23, 2012, retired after 40 years as an
assistant manager at Loblaws Grocery Store. He was a magician
St. Thomas Parish, Corry (1991-1997) and Notre Dame Parish,
and wrote many books on magic, especially a biography on Erie
Hermitage (1997-2005). He retired from active ministry in 2005,
magician Harry Kellar.
but taught Latin part-time to students at Blessed Sacrament and
Cathedral Prep. In 1970, he was designated a Prelate of Honor by
Pope Paul VI. Msgr. Hagerty served on numerous boards. Bishop 1954 Lyle T. Hickey, December 6, 2012, served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He graduated from Gannon University and received a Bachelor of
Emeritus Donald Trautman appointed Monsignor Episcopal
Arts degree in political science. He completed graduate studies at
Delegate for Retired Priests.
American University’s Graduate School of Public Administration
and completed the Executive Program In Advance Management
1947 Joseph A. Majersky, January 17, 2013, was employed as a
at Indiana University. He worked in the U.S. Treasury Department
manager with General Electric for 35 years. He also sold Lifetime
as an IRS revenue officer. He also held positions with the U.S.
Cookware for West Bend for several years. In 1985, he founded
Public Health Service, the U.S. Social Security Administration
Joe’s Seniors, a popular travel business.
and DHEW’s Office of the Secretary. He was awarded the Social
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Security Administrations highest honor—the Commissioner’s
Citation.
1955 Laurence A. Weiss, December 6, 2012, attended Gannon
University. He served in the U.S. Army. Prior to his retirement, he
served as a City of Erie police officer for 23 years.
1956 Ronald J. Angelotti, January 6, 2013, served in the U.S. Army.
He was a graduate of Gannon University. He worked for Atlantic
Refining Co. in Erie, and retired after 27 years with Chrysler Realty
as their Midwest Real Estate Manager in Chicago, IL.
1956 Ronald Neubert, December 3, 2012, attended Gannon University.
He worked for Dean Phipps Auto Store, General Electric, BucyrusErie, GTI Saegertown, Steere Dairy, Premier Autoware and retired
in 2000 from Saint Agatha Roman Catholic Church and Seton
School.
1956 Robert J. Tomczak, November 8, 2012, a member of the
Cathedral Prep Athletic Sports Hall of Fame, worked for the City
of Erie for 41½ years and received two proclamations from the
Mayor and City Council for his years of service.
1957 Walter S. Bulishak Jr., January 29, 2013, served in the U.S. Army.
He worked for GTE as a cable splicer.
1957 Stanley D. Jankowski, September 5, 2012, received bachelor’s
degree in secondary education from the University of Southern
Miss., and an associate degree in architectural technology from
Del Mar College. He served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years. He
worked for the Forest Service in Warren, PA until his retirement.
1957 James B. Urbaniak, February 25, 2013, was a graduate of Penn
State University and served in the U.S. Army. He was employed
by Verizon for 25 years and later at Wegmans for 15 years. He also
worked in the family business, Urbaniak Bros. Quality Meats and
Ted and Paul Urbaniak Meats.
1958 Dr. Jan F. Schetzina, August 26, 2012, received a B.A. in Physics
from Gannon University and went on to earn a M.S. and Ph.D. at
Pennsylvania State University. He joined the faculty in the Dept. of
Physics at North Carolina State University. He published over 230
peer-reviewed publications and delivered 140 talks throughout
the world. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush selected his
laboratory as the site for a visit emphasizing the importance of
advanced research and technology. He was awarded seven U.S.
patents. Among his many inventions, he developed a prototype
of the world’s first digital camera that senses only ultraviolet light.
1959 Richard J. LaPrice, November 11, 2012, was a graduate of
Gannon University where he earned degrees in mathematics and
physics. He worked for Haysite Manufacturing, Zurn Industries,
Smith Meter, Lyons Transportation and retired in 2009 from PHB,
Inc. where he was a senior programmer analyst.
1960 David A. Haas, December 14, 2012, earned an A.B. from John
Carroll University, an M.B.A. from the University of Tennessee and
a Ph.D. in business administration from Temple University. He
was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served 24 years as an officer
in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. retiring from active duty in
1988. Most recently, he retired from his position as a professor in
the College of Business at Kutztown University.
1960 David J. Reuter, August 29, 2012, was a graduate of John Carroll
University and received his master’s in counseling from Penn
State University. He worked for the Harborcreek School District
as an English teacher and school counselor until his retirement in
2004.
1961 Robert M. Lechner, September 2, 2012, was granted a degree in
government by the President and Fellows of Harvard College in 1965
and a Master of Business Administration degree in 1969. He worked
at the Erie Paint Company for many years. He was the founding
chairman of the board of the Erie City Water Authority. He also chaired
the boards of the Erie County Industrial Development Authority, the
United Way of Erie County and the Erie Area Chamber of Commerce.
In recent years, he kept the books for his wife’s business, The Patio
Shop.
1962 Peter P. Wernicki, October 3, 2012, earned a masters degree from
Gannon University. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves.
1964 Ronald E. Grochowicz, August 29, 2012, worked at Dee’s News until
his retirement.
1964 Arthur D. Sider, January 5, 2013, retired from American Turned
Products.
1965 Paul R. DiGello, October 26, 2012, was employed as a nurse in the
operating room of UPMC Hamot.
1966 William J. Barabas, September 3, 2012, served in the U.S. Air
Force. He received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Gannon
University and a master’s degree in hospital administration from the
University of Pittsburgh. He worked as an assistant administrator
for Our Lady of Victory Hospital in Buffalo, NY until his retirement in
2007.
1966 Gary S. Trojanowski, October 7, 2012, graduated from Edinboro
University. He worked as an accountant at Automation Devices,
Inc. for over 20 years. He previously worked at Hammermill Paper
Company.
1968 Paul W. Pry, January 25, 2013, was a graduate of the University of
Louisville. He owned and operated CAM Trucking Company. For the
last 19 years, he was employed with Maersk Domestic.
1969 Thomas R. Jones, February 6, 2013, served in the U.S. Army. He was
employed as an iron worker in construction with Local #3.
1976 Stephen A. Orzechowski, October 25, 2012, worked for over 25
years at Conway & O’Malley as a certified auto service technician.
1977 Timothy A. Gagnon, December 21, 2012, attended Gannon
University. He worked on Presque Isle with the maintenance staff
and at the marina.
1978 Michael J. Minnaugh, December 26, 2012, was a graduate of John
Carroll University. He began his career at Arthur Andersen and was
currently the chief investment officer at Advocate Health Care in
Chicago, IL.
1978 Michael Ventrello, November 21, 2012, received a degree in
mathematics from Gannon University. He taught high school math,
tutored, and worked in retail music as a manager. Most recently, he
was employed by Protective Industries.
1985 Fred M. Elber, December 24, 2012.
2008 Nicholas A. Barlow, January 8, 2013, attended Gannon University
and was a student at LECOM School of Pharmacy.
2009 Gregory J. Hendricks, December 13, 2012, was pursuing a degree in
criminal justice at Mercyhurst University. He worked at the Bel-Aire
Clarion Hotel and Conference Center.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 13
Administration, Faculty & Staff
Brian Markley ’89 Receives Golden Apple Award
L-R: Father Scott Jabo, President; Dr. Mary Jo Melvin, Edinboro University; Trevor Murnock, ’98 Principal; Alex Root ’14; Brian
Markley ’89 and Lou Baxter, WJET-TV.
WJET-TV and Edinboro University visited Cathedral Prep on
February 14, 2013 to present chemistry teacher and wrestling
coach Brian Markley with the Golden Apple Award. The award
honors area educators who have made a positive impact upon
the youth of our community. WJET-TV and Edinboro University
presented the award.
Markley, a Prep graduate of 1989, has taught at his alma mater
for the past 13 years. He was humbled to receive this prestigious
award. He said, “I don’t have children of my own. These students
are my children.” He enjoys teaching at Prep because it gives him
the opportunity to teach more than just what is in the books. He
said, “Aside from chemistry and wrestling, I get to teach about faith.”
Markley was nominated by student Alex Root ’14. Root, a wrestler,
is thankful to have the opportunity to be coached and taught by
Markley. He said, “Mr. Markley is a great coach and teacher. He
puts in his time and teaches me life lessons.”
Mr. Markley joins Golden Apple Award winners: Mr. Jim Scharrer
’70, Mr. Mike Flanagan, Sr. James Francis Mulligan, SSJ and
Rosemary Apa Grove ’83 (VMA).
Faculty & Staff News & Notes
English teacher, Mr. Kent
Peightal was inducted into
the Wesleyville-IroquoisLawrence Park Hall of Fame on
September 15, 2012. There he
met David “Rudy” Ruettiger, the
subject of the movie “Rudy”. He
served as the guest speaker at
the event.
Mr. Peightal was also listed in
the PTR (Professional Tennis Registry) magazine, Tennis Pro, the
International Magazine for PTR teachers and coaches in the state
by state section for his Hall of Fame induction. The magazine goes
out to tennis pros in 124 different countries.
Last month, Mr. Peightal was named the AMD High School Tennis
Coach of the Year for 2012. The United States Tennis Association
sponsors the award. The Allegheny Mountain District is a branch
of the USTA. The award covers all of Western PA, Pittsburgh and
parts of West Virginia.
14
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Theology teacher Mr. Tony DelRio received
special recognition for his service to the
community at the Safe Communities-Safe
Kids Erie awards luncheon on February
13. The event was held at the Ambassador
Courtyard by Marriott.
Information
Techonology
Assistant Mrs.
Amy Cambra and her husband,
Mike, welcomed their second child
on September 5, 2012. Allison
Maryann Cambra weighed 7 lbs. 13
oz. She joins big sister Aubrey, 4.
S P E C I A L
EVE N T S
2013
Legacy Gala 2013 “Simply the Best” – Lives up to its Name
Presidents Hall of Fame Honorees with Father Scott Jabo - John Hilbert ’82, Mike Scutella ’78, Father Scott Jabo, President,
Sue Pompeani Palka ’73 (VMA) and Jerry Wegley.
This year’s Legacy Gala lived up to its theme, “Simply the
Best”, with an astonishing 475 guests in attendance and over
$325,000 raised. The gala proved to be “better than all the
rest” in the history of Cathedral Prep. The gala, which is the
premier fundraising event for Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria
Academy, was held on April 27, at the Bayfront Convention
Center.
The following alumni of both schools were honored at the
prestigious event and inducted into the President’s Hall of
Fame as a result of their accomplishments and dedication
to the mission of both schools. John Hilbert ’82 President
of PHB, Inc. was the Cathedral Prep Distinguished Alumnus
along with Mike Scutella ’78 of the UPMC Hamot Women’s
Hospital. The Villa Maria Academy Distinguished Alumna was
Sue Pompeani Palka ’73 six time Emmy winning weather
forecaster from WTTG Fox 5 in Washington, D.C. and Villa
Distinguished Board member was Jerry Wegley of Knox
McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 15
S P E C I A L
EVE N T S
The night was a first class
affair. Cathedral Prep
students were dressed to
the nines in tuxedos and
greeted the guests. Several
Villa students in cocktail
dresses helped out with
the jewelry raffle and silent auction areas. They had a great time
interacting with the auction attendees who believe in the mission
of Prep and Villa.
Layout of room.
Guests enjoyed different food stations and delectable desserts
while bidding on over 200 items in the silent auction. The live
auction boasted 16 items and featured the opportunity for a one
week stay in a vacation home Sonoma California and another
in Orlando Florida; a lease opportunity on a 2013 Jeep Patriot
provided by Matt Clark ’82 of Humes in Waterford and badges and
accommodations for two to the 2014 Masters Golf Tournament.
Seniors Patrick Spizarny and
Hogan Zegarelli.
Villa seniors Christina Cacchione
and Alexis Monocello.
The Cathedral Prep Jazz Band, under the direction of Mr. Jake
Malec, donated their time to the Gala and entertained guests for
most of the evening.
Jeff ’62 and Emily Evans graciously donated a Swarovski “Elis”
crystal mesh watch valued at $625. Raffle tickets were available
for $20 for the chance to win.
Allburn Florist did an amazing job in decorating in Prep and Villa
colors. The blue and orange flower arrangements
were spectacular and galore filled the room to make
for a breathtaking view.
Father Scott Jabo, President with
his mother Bette and stepfather,
Bob Gerardi.
The Shipley brothers-Joe ’58,
Dan ’59 and Jim’69.
Members of the Class of ’82.
Kneeling: Steve Vitale, Bob Corritore, John Zack
and Joe Rodriguez.
Standing: Greg Clark, John Rahner, Matt Clark,
Honoree John Hilbert, Tom Luteran and Mike Dill.
16
Guests were treated to a Pulakos chocolate display donated by Joe
Hilbert ’88. Attendees who did not have room for dessert had the
opportunity to take chocolate home.
There were several highlights to the evening. The four honorees
humbly accepted their awards and spoke about their love for
Cathedral Prep Ambassadors.
Row 1: Hogan Zegarelli, Mark Lyons, John Wegley, Andrew Arrowsmith and Andrew Amendola.
Row 2: Marco Montefiori, Jimmy Bufalino, Conor Colpoys, Damion Terry, Blaine Bensur, Delton
Williams and Joe Hampy.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria Academy.
During the live auction, Father Scott Jabo was stunned
when Chris Hagerty, Director of Advancement announced
the creation of the Fr. Scott Jabo Fund in the Prep/Villa
Endowment.
Hagerty announced that the fund started with two
extremely generous benefactors. Dan Shipley ’59 and R.
Ted Weschler ’79 started the scholarship with $100,000
each. Thus, we entered the evening with $200,000 in
the fund. Guests were then asked to add to the fund and
the room was lit up with paddles raising an additional
$90,000!!!!! Father Jabo was overwhelmed with emotion.
The proceeds from the auction are used to keep Prep
and Villa’s tuition within reach of Erie area families. The
evening brought many Prep and Villa supporters together
to celebrate and to continue to support the mission of Prep
and Villa, all while having fun, raising funds and enjoying
each other’s company. Many thanks to Kathy Grisier,
Director of Special Events and the countless people who
made the 2013 Legacy Gala such a tremendous success.
Stay tuned for details for another exciting Legacy Gala.
Members of the Cathedral Prep Jazz Band:
L-R: Brandon Feikles ’13, Patrick Spizarny ’13, Hao Qiu ’15,
Cody Feikles ’13, Matt Zimmerman ’13, Michael Sallem ’14
(kneeling), Nate Kapsar ’14 and Mr. Jacob Malec.
Overview of live auction from above.
Christina Cacchione ’13 (VMA),
Almi Clemente Clerkin ’81 (VMA)
and Meghan Simon ’13 (VMA).
Melissa Mischler ’13 (VMA) serves
Pulakos candy to guests.
Members Class of ’78.
Front Row: Jeff Scibetta, Doug Grisier, Tom Gromacki, Honoree Mike Scutella,
John Trucilla, John Bloomstine and Paul Simon, Major Gifts Officer.
Back Row: Tim Kolakowski, Jerry Clark, Dennis Prischak and Tom Madura.
VMA Ambassadors.
Row 1: Melissa Mischler, Kim Demjanenko, Ellie Bloomstine, Kate Cooney, Alexis Monocello and
Rebecca Easly.
Row 2: Emily McGovern, Christina Cacchione, Haley Geronimo, Mary Carroll, Allison Kaveney, Jennie
Fustine, and Meghan Simon.
SPRING 2013 Kathy Grisier, Director of Special
Events organized an amazing
evening.
The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 17
CoChairs Mary Beth Hoag, Chris Beaver and
Debbie Malaspina.
Autumn Tradition
Harvest Gala Leaves
Women Looking
Forward to Next Year
Jessica Steiner Frailey ’05 (VMA), Mary Jo
Buchanan Steiner ’64 (VMA), Pat Buchanan
Schlosser ’63 (VMA), Amy Schlosser Jones
’89 (VMA) and Amy Walker Nicolia ’83 (VMA).
Over 500 women packed the Bayfront
Convention Center on Wednesday, October 3, Bridget Hoag ’13(VMA), Brendan Flanagan
2012 to attend the elegant 19th annual
’16, James McCormick ’13 and Katie Hoag ’13
Harvest Gala hosted by Cathedral Prep
(VMA).
and Villa Maria Academy.
Nancy Slomski, Deanne Comi, Dawn Brown
and Maria Ciccozzi Ehrman ’82 (VMA).
Fr. Scott Jabo, President; Sr. Mary Drexler,
SSJ ’63, Principal of Villa Maria Academy
and Mr. Trevor Murnock ’98, Principal of
Cathedral Prep.
The event was sponsored by OB/GYN Associates of Erie.
Villa Maria English teacher Lisa
Chimenti-Foster served as the “Master
of Ceremonies” for the evening and
kept everyone laughing with her
hilarious jokes.
Women were given the opportunity
to purchase tickets to win huge,
elaborate baskets filled with all kinds
Bake sale heaven.
of goodies. The Premium Basket
Raffle featured 83 beautiful baskets to pick from. The baskets included
everything from purses, to wine, to jewelry.
Baskets lined the Bayfront Convention Center.
Special thanks to the following:
Aside from winning something from the basket raffle, there were four
Harvest Gala Title Sponsor: OB/GYN Associates of Erie
additional raffles to take a chance on including a Coach purse and wallet set, Platinum
a John Bagley necklace, a handmade quilt, and a Vera Bradley set.
Saint Vincent Health Center
The event featured an elaborate bake sale with many delectable goodies to
pick from. Women could pick from cakes, cookies, breads and pies galore
that were on display.
Seniors Connor Colpoys and Jennie Fustine spoke to the audience about
their experiences at both schools over the years and thanked the women for
their support.
At dinner, women sat on the edge of their chairs waiting eagerly for their
name to be called. The attendees were spoiled with a full course sit-down
dinner, dessert and coffee.
Allburn Florist turned the Convention Center into a fall escapade with
pumpkins and vibrant flowers.
Women enjoyed a classy evening out, while helping to raise money for
Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria Academy. Thanks to everyone who played
a part in making Harvest Gala a tremendous success. Harvest Gala raised
$18,000!
Gold
Dr. M. Peter ’51 and Mrs. Ellie Scibetta
Silver
HBK Sorce-Joe Kloecker ’70
Partners
Allburn Florist
Printing Concepts
CoChairs
Chris Beaver
Mary Beth Hoag Debbie Malaspina Committee Chairs
Baskets
Kathy Grisier
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Kevin ’14
Gourmet Bake Sale Janet Zegarelli Ian ’15, Hogan ’13
Patty Merski
Luke ’13
Reservations
Special thanks to our sponsors, Director of Special Events, Kathy Grisier and
Male Volunteers
Harvest Gala CoChairs Chris Beaver, Mary Beth Hoag and Debbie Malaspina
for all of their hard work and dedication to make the Harvest Gala a
tremendous success.
18
Son/s and daughters
Jacob ’13, Sara ’15 (VMA)
Mary Katherine ’13 (VMA), Bridget ’13 (VMA)
Ryan ’13, Angela ’15 (VMA)
Linda Spinelli
Joe Kloecker ’70
Andy ’13
Jim
A Prep Tradition—The Annual Mother Son Brunch
Praying together.
Mass in the H. David Bowes Auditorium.
The sixth annual Mother-Son Communion Brunch was held on March 3. This year’s event
had the highest attendance ever, with over 350 guests. Mass was celebrated by President Fr.
Scott Jabo in the H. David Bowes Auditorium. During Mass, a special mother-son blessing
was led by Irma Lynch and her son, Jeremy ’13 and Theresa Blazek and her son, Dan
’13. Following Mass, Chef Frank Cirillo and his staff put on a delicious brunch. It was a
beautiful day, and it gave Prep students the opportunity to share the day with their moms,
grandmothers, sisters, aunts and family friends to remind them of how very special they are.
Pam and Joe Hampy ’13.
Take Your Best Shot at the
Whispering Woods Golf Course, with its
picturesque landscape and rolling hills, will
again be the host for the Rambler Golf Classic.
Cathedral Prep cordially invites you to the
twenty-fourth annual event, which will be held on
Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Cathedral Prep alumni, parents and friends will once again gather for a
great day of spirited competition, camaraderie, prizes, food and refreshments.
The Rambler Golf Classic holds great traditions among the brotherhood of Cathedral Prep and
among the families within. The outing serves as an annual meeting spot for groups of classmates,
father/son combos, and blood brothers. A few participants have actually met on the course at the
event and have arranged for the same foursome to convene again next year!
As a result of the positive feedback from past participants regarding our “a la carte” selections to
best accommodate each golfer, we will offer the options again. Participants can choose to simply
show up and spend the day on the golf course or can enjoy lunch and dinner as well. This year a
Nike Brasilia 5 Medium Duffel Bag in black, with orange “CP” logo, will be offered, in addition to a
Nike Custom Campus Cap, at an exclusive Rambler Golf Classic participant-only price of $40 for
any golfer who is interested. It’s up to you! With this flexibility, we must warn you…no game day
decisions or changes will be permitted (that is, no extra steaks on hand if you didn’t make a dinner
reservation)!
The Rambler Golf Classic has a history of selling out quickly. We historically fill all slots before the
deadline, so please take the time to organize your foursome and register as soon as possible. Also,
as always, your sponsorship is vital to the continued success of the tournament. The deadline
for reservations and payment is June 3, 2013. Your participation in the tournament, whether as a
player or as a sponsor, brand new or back for another one, will help us to continue our mission of
developing men of vision in spirit, mind, and body.
Andy Mraz ‘87, Rob Geiger ‘88, John Laird ‘87,
and Chris Clark ‘87.
Dave Kaprowicz ‘63, Frank Scozzie ‘63, Don
Hosford ‘63, and Jim Gehrlein ‘63.
To register online for the Rambler Golf Classic, visit www.prep-villa.com, Alumni, Rambler Golf
Classic, Registration. For more information regarding the event, contact Nancy Bird at nancy.bird@
prep-villa.com or 814-453-7737 x2293.
We look forward to seeing you at Whispering Woods on June 26, 2013!
Rambler Golf Classic 2013 A La Carte Menu
Golf, On-Course Refreshments and Prizes $85
Picnic Lunch
$10
Steak Dinner
$25
Nike Medium Duffel / Nike Hat
$40
ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE
$160
Paul Simon ‘78, Major Gifts Officer; The
Rambler; and Tim Dougherty ‘98, Director
of Admissions.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 19
Children of Eden
By Andrew Harrington ’13
Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria Academy continued their 2012-2013 MVP
season with the production of Children of Eden. This two-act musical is
based on the Book of Genesis and the novel by John Caird, with music
and lyrics written by Stephen Schwartz. The musical opens with the story
of creation, featuring Adam and Eve, the first humans. Everything is right
and just until Eve’s curiosity and a talking snake tempt her to eat from the
fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Act two picks up several generations later
with the story of Noah and the Ark, and adds several others story elements
not included in the Book of Genesis to keep audiences guessing what will
happen next.
This production was the first of its kind because it brought together alumni
and siblings of Prep and Villa students onto the stage. The siblings of
students were called to the auditions where many took advantage of this
opportunity, including theatre veterans and first-time thespians. As part
of the Catholic Schools Week celebration, the cast had the opportunity
to become one giant family regardless of age or gender. The entire cast is
worthy of praise for all the hard work they put in piecing together this
one-of-a-kind show. It’s definitely a family show, and it’s perfect for all ages.
Fortunately, audiences recognized the hard work we put into the show as
they came to Prep’s beautiful H. David Bowes Auditorium in droves over
the weekend. As always, Prep and Villa proved that their MVP Program
stands well above those of other schools.
Participating in Children of Eden, while playing the role of The Father, was
a true honor for me. Never before have I had the privilege of playing such
a powerful and rewarding character. The cast of Children of Eden was one
of the best that I have ever worked with; they made coming to rehearsal
every day a true pleasure for me. The cast was truly inspiring, and everyone
worked well together, both on and off the stage. In a story about love,
loss, betrayal, sacrifice, and forgiveness, it is no surprise that we all quickly
became true Children of Eden.
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SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
MacBeth
By James McCormick ’13
MacBeth is a show about a Scottish thane named MacBeth
who seizes the Scottish throne through treachery. MacBeth
(played by Nick Burch ’13), is walking with his comrade
Banquo (played by Simon Schoeber ’13) when he stumbles
upon three witches (Antonia Flamini ’13 (VMA), Angela
Malaspina ’15 (VMA), Hannah Kirschner ’14 (VMA), and
Bridget Hoag ’13 (VMA) who convince him to kill his king,
Duncan (Seamus Clerkin ’16). In the end, MacBeth kills
Duncan, takes the throne, and is then killed in a revolt
against him.
This show is considered cursed in theater. Many actors
won’t even say the name of it. They prefer to call it “that
Scottish play.” Luckily, the MVP Department didn’t have any
accidents! The show went off without a hitch in the Villa
auditorium, and it was a big hit! The production was one to
be proud of. It had an exciting stage design and a really great
cast!
MacBeth being over doesn’t mean our MVP department is
finished though. Our theater department is putting on a
record five shows this year, and they’re all outstanding! More
recently, the MVP department has put on Children of Eden,
Our Town, and Frankenstein. The MVP department is still
looking forward to putting on In The Heights. MacBeth was
an outstanding production and a true indication of what our
theater program is capable of!
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 21
Our Town
By James McCormick ’13
Last month, the Prep and Villa MVP Program put on Our Town. Written
by Thorton Wilder, Our Town is an American classic. When it came out
in 1937, Our Town changed American theater. It was a break from the
extravagance of the theater at the time. All Our Town called for was two
tables, two ladders, and some chairs. The show focused on the story rather
than the set. And what a story. Our Town tells the tale of every American
family. It speaks of life, death, love, and marriage. Everyone can relate to Our
Town because it’s a show about everyone.
The show follows the story of a girl, Emily (played by Antonia Flamini ’13
{VMA}) through her entire life. Our Town shows her growing up and falling
in love, it shows her getting married, and it even shows her struggles with
accepting her death.
The Prep and Villa production of Our Town was directed by Father Mike
DeMartinis and Father Tom McSweeny ’63.
In the production, James McCormick ’13 played the stage manager, Mr.
Gibbs was played by Nicholas Burch ’13, Mrs. Gibbs was played by Natalie
Prischak ’15 (VMA), George Gibbs was played by Marco Montefiori ’13,
Mr. Webb was played by Sean Taylor ’14, Mrs. Webb was played by Mary
Katherine Hoag ’13 (VMA), and their daughter Emily was played by Antonia
Flamini ’13 (VMA).
The show went off without a hitch and met rave reviews.
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SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Frankenstein
By Christian Burch ’15
Cathedral Prep’s stage was the site of
an exciting production this past March.
Frankenstein proved to be a new and intense
experience for both the audience and the
cast. Fr. Mike DeMartinis, the director,
decided that the play would be performed “in
the round,” with the audience on the stage
itself, surrounding the cast. Not only did he
direct the Frankenstein that Prep and Villa
put on, but he also wrote it, basing it upon the novel by Mary
Shelley. In addition, Fr. DeMartinis added extraordinary visual
effects such as rainfall, fog, and eerie sound and lights. These
factors combined to bring the classic story to life in a new way
never before seen by other audiences.
Fr. DeMartinis’ stage adaptation of the novel Frankenstein
stays true to book, following the success of Victor
Frankenstein’s toils that quickly leads to his misery and
eventual demise. Victor, played by Nick Burch ’13, pursues
his fascination with the power of electricity that was engraved
in his mind from a young age; he seeks to restore life into a
lifeless human form. His work comes to a conclusion one
night when he manages to bestow life upon the being he
has created. This Creature, played by Christian Burch ’15,
explores the world around him, but is rejected by his creator
when Victor is repulsed by how hideous the monster is. The
Creature leaves, seeking acceptance in the world, but is met
only by more rejection and flees to Ingolstadt. Victor, shaken
by his experiences, seeks the counsel of his friend Henry
Clerval, played by Joe Weibel ’14, only to find that misfortune
has befallen his brother William, who was found murdered.
Sickened by this news, Victor returns to his father’s house
in Geneva, Switzerland, where he is informed that Justine
Moritz, played by Bridget Hoag ’13 (VMA), a family friend,
has been accused of his brother’s murder. Victor knows in
his heart that the Creature killed William, but with no way
of explaining that a monster committed the heinous deed,
Justine is condemned to death. Seeking solitude to escape
from his misery, Victor goes for a walk in the mountains where
he meets the Creature. After Victor lashes out at his monster,
the Creature convinces him to listen to his story before
destroying his wretched life. He recounts his experiences of
discovery, rejection, dashed hopes, of the murder of William
while trying to gain him as a companion, and of the framing
of Justine as his murderer. The Creature then reveals to
Victor what he desires of him; he demands that Victor create
a female creature like himself to join him in his misery, in
exchange for his flight from the world of men. Victor at first
refuses but finally consents, promising to create a female
being, and begins his gruesome task.
Victor wishes to be married to Elizabeth, played by Kate
Cooney ‘13 (VMA), but knows that he must first complete
the second creature. His work takes him to Scotland,
where he destroys the unfinished female creature upon the
conclusion that it is not his right to bestow another evil
creature upon mankind. The furious Creature confronts him
and declares that because Victor has broken his promise,
he will wreak his vengeance on the day of Victor’s wedding.
In a state of horror Victor attempts to leave Scotland, but
is stopped when suspected of the murder of his friend,
Henry. It is obvious that this is the Creature’s doing, and so
in a desperate attempt to protect his family, Victor returns
to Switzerland, only to find his father, played by Kyle
Bowden ’13, in poor health. He soon passes, and it is only
a short time before the day of Victor’s marriage arrives.
They complete the ceremony in peace and begin their
honeymoon without problems but then Victor’s fears are
confirmed when he finds Elizabeth dead at the hands of
the Creature. Now completely miserable and heartbroken,
Victor vows to pursue his creation until one of them
perishes. In the icy realms of the north, the creator and
created wander until at last they face each other; Victor,
weakened by his ordeals, dies at the monster’s feet, and
the Creature, although embittered by Victor’s continual
rejection, is devastated by the death of his creator and
departs from his father with a final farewell, seeking a
release from his misery through his own eventual death.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 23
Alums Share Love of Theatre with Students
S
haring time, talent and treasure with your alma mater
are welcome attributes of any alumni. Having the perfect
opportunity to match your gifts to your high school makes
this giving even easier. At the invitation of Fr. Mike DeMartinis,
director of the theatre program, four alumni have had the unique
experience of sharing their love of theatre, theatrical experiences,
and points of view with the students of Villa Maria and Cathedral
Prep this school year.
Bill Lacey ’49 directed MacBeth on the Villa stage in November
2012. Bill knows Prep opened doors and gave him the foundation
for his education when, 64 years ago, he appeared in his first
Prep/Villa production. “It was an epiphany for me. I was teetering
between a career as a lawyer or entering the seminary when
I discovered theatre. Subsequently, my career began.” Bill is
Professor Emeritus at Boston University and was Director of
Theatre there. He directed with Boston Shakespeare, Western
Playhouse in Vermont (one of the oldest summer theatres in the
country), and was a founding member of Saratoga Shakespeare
Company. He also taught professional Shakespeare in master
classes at Harvard and Skidmore. Some of his international credits
include guest master teacher and director at Trinity College in
Dublin, Drama Studio in London, and American College of Greece
in Athens.
Bill firmly believes acting is not just speaking the words; there is
a relationship with voice and speech and the physical to acting.
“I was so happy to work with these 30 brave Prep and Villa
students as they tackled ‘the Scottish Play’ last November. With
Shakespeare particularly, I have found over the years, when you
spend time with the text before you get on your feet, the thing
takes off. I like the kids; they were really good to work with. “
Nate Dahlkemper ’08, set designer, and Almitra Clemente
Clerkin ’81 (VMA), codirector and cochoreographer, spent
January on the stage working side-by-side with Fr. Mike and 60
students and alumni to produce and rehearse a perfect musical
for our school, Children of Eden.
“It was great to come back to Prep/Villa to design another set,“
said Nate. “My first set design was for All Shook Up my senior year.
Since then, I have designed over 20 productions. I moved into
the world of film where I’m working on TV shows, including The
Vampire Diaries, Second Generation Wayans, Tyler Perry’s The Haves
and Have Nots, and a new CBS pilot called The Surgeon General.”
Nate knows being at Prep was the best place to start his career.
“My career is taking off, but my roots will always be back in my
hometown at the Erie Playhouse and Prep. Almi cast me in my
first Youtheatre show at the age of seven, and Fr. Mike gave me
my first set design job which got me into college. Coming back
to design Children of Eden seemed like the perfect opportunity to
bring my talents back to the people and place where it all started.”
24
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Almi performed in two shows
at Villa and one show at Prep
as a student and directed
30 shows on the Villa stage
from 1985-2005. “When I
was a student, we did a show
every other year. Now the
students have an opportunity
to work on 16 shows during
their four years!” As past
Youtheatre Director (19922006) and current Executive
Director (2006 to present)
of the Erie Playhouse, Almi
knows the value of theatre
in a young person’s life. “We
all know the arts are vital in
building self-worth, excellent
Nate Dalhkemper ’08 on the set of
communication skills, and
Children of Eden.
physical stamina. Learning
time management is also an intrinsic value of doing theatre.
Balancing the theatre workload with the full-time role of being a
student is tough, but totally doable. Our Prep and Villa theatre kids,
both onstage and behind the scenes, are blessed with parents
who support their work on- and off- stage every step of the way.”
Monsignor Tom McSweeney ’63, directed Prep and Villa’s March
show, Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, with 30 students.
“Fifty years ago to the month, I was on stage with Tom Ridge and
Fr. Wally Packard in Arsenic and Old Lace. I have wanted to come
back and was happy to accept Fr. Mike’s invitation to direct Our
Town.”
Msgr. McSweeney is in his 18th year as religion analyst from
MSNBC, was the national director of The Christopher’s in NYC,
and found Gannon University’s Department of Theatre and
Communication Arts.
“It was especially touching to be working with the kids who have
the opportunity to perform and work on a beautiful stage. The
actors and technicians are all developing real skills. Those who
have been in five to six shows are collegiate material already.”
Msgr. McSweeney was also impressed with the students’ sense
of discipline and aura of professionalism. “They were eager to
respond to what I had to impart. They paid attention to the
characters and not to themselves, accomplishing a lot of this
without being told.”
Msgr. McSweeney summed up what all our theatre alumni believe
–we are eager and are looking forward to the next time we can be
involved!
The Men of Prep
Spiritual Champions of Faith
By Christine Eddy
C
athedral Prep is a school that is made
up of different kinds of champions.
We are surrounded by academic, athletic
and spiritual champions every day. Our
spiritual champions are our students who
want to make a difference, who never give
up and give everything no matter what the
circumstances may be. They work hard and
never lose sight of their goals. At Prep, we
have several spiritual champions who lead
in their faith.
Senior Nate Brown
has been told by people
that they can see Christ
through him, and it’s no
wonder. He is involved
in several activities that
strengthen his faith,
including serving as a
sacristan at Prep, participating in the Teens
Encounter Christ retreat, OLP youth group,
and also teaching CCD at Sacred Heart
Church.
Brown’s faith helps him to get through all of
his life struggles and brings him closer to his
friends and family. He said, “Prep gives me
the opportunity to practice my faith every
day if I want to, but it also gives me the
chance to talk to my fellow brothers of Prep
about our faith experiences.”
He believes that Prep can help others just
by the way the Theology Department cares
for their students and the constant prayer
that the teachers go through. He said,
“Spiritually Prep is a powerhouse in the
Diocese of Erie.”
Brown is planning on entering the seminary.
He said, “I want to enter the seminary
because throughout my life I’ve felt that
the Lord has called me to it many different
times.”
Like Brown, Hunter
Lytle ’15 is also a
spiritual champion of
faith. He is an active
member in Campus
Ministry and is also a
liturgical minister. His
home parish is Saint
George Church, where
he is an active member. He said, “Faith is
the basis for life. If anyone wants to fully
succeed in life and truly be happy, they must
have a strong faith-based life. Without faith,
we have nothing.”
Lytle is grateful for his experience at Prep.
“Prep has solidified my faith in many
aspects. One way is offering Mass every
morning. We, as a school, have the ability to
receive Jesus Christ every morning at Mass.
Prep also offers the Divine Mercy Chaplet
before both lunches and adoration after
school, so many opportunities throughout
the day to visit Jesus with your classmates.”
Senior Paul Sitzler
made the March for Life
trip with his church
youth group, and he led
a confirmation retreat
along with a few of his
peers. He also worked
at a retreat for the eighth
graders of Our Lady of
Peace Church. Every Wednesday he goes
to OLP’s youth group. He prays the Divine
Mercy Chaplet every day, and every Sunday
he serves as a Eucharistic Minister.
He said that when it comes to faith, Prep
has so much to offer. “Having the ability to
pray in school and go to all-school Masses
is something to take advantage of. I know
many people who don’t have that ability,
and it does seem harder for them to excel in
their faith.”
Senior Daniel Barron
has witnessed God’s
work. He said, “Being
a part of the Prep
brotherhood and
developing friendships
with my classmates has
shown me how God can
work through others. I
see God do his work at Prep every day.”
Barron is involved in several spiritual
activities. He goes to the Divine Mercy
Chaplet before lunch every day, and he
is Eucharistic minister for school Masses.
He also stays involved in other faith-based
activities outside of school. Barron wants
to live a life with God at the center. He said,
“If I can do that, I can positively affect those
around me.”
Our spiritual champions
are our students who want
to make a difference, who
never give up and give
everything no matter what
the circumstances may be.
They work hard and never
lose sight of their goals.
Prep helps other students connect with their
faith. Barron said, “Prep offers you a chance
to advance in your faith if you are willing to
look into it. There are a lot of things that the
Campus Ministry can offer you, but the best
way students at Prep can strengthen their
faith is by watching God work through their
brothers in their school.”
Sophomore Christian
Burch believes his faith
defines him. He said,
“It should be put before
all things in life.” He
attends Mass every
morning before school
and every Sunday. He
also takes part in the
Divine Mercy Chaplet held in the crypt
before lunch every day at school, and when
he can, he takes part in adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament after school.
Put your faith first and everything else will
follow. Burch said, “Prep can help other
students strengthen their faith by first
proving to them that one: a strong faith life
is essential in finding true happiness and
meaning in life beyond material pleasures,
and two: that it is our call to be strong
in faith, by providing them with ways to
take part in the faith and live it freely in a
Catholic community.”
These students are spiritual leaders of faith
and viable witnesses at school and in the
community. They participate in Campus
Ministry, pray the Chaplet at lunch, serve
in various ways at school liturgies and
pursue their prayer life with retreats. They
continually live their faith and act as “Men
of Prep.”
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 25
The Men of Prep
Academic Champions of Excellence
By Christine Eddy
There are students at Prep who shine in
many ways, whether it is through their
faith, in athletics or through their studies.
They leave Prep with an amazing overall
experience and go on to make a difference
in the world. This article highlights some
of our “Academic Champions.” These
students spend countless hours studying,
and their performance shows it. They have
a thirst to rise to the top of their class in their
academic pursuits. They are motivated and
determined to reach and even surpass their
goals in life and have the confidence that it
takes to do so.
day. He said, “Taking classes at Gannon
has helped me in a number of ways. It
has challenged me academically, while
helping me manage my time with a college
perspective. Many colleges allow you to
transfer Gannon credits which will lighten
the workload for me freshman year.”
Grychowski said, “By the time Colypoys
graduates, he will have earned a minimum
22 college credits from Gannon and the
University of Pittsburgh. To accomplish this
remarkable record, a student has to be very:
capable, talented, dedicated, responsible,
and internally motivated. When you
consider his out-of-school commitments
then these academic achievements are
significantly magnified.”
With so much on his plate, studying can
be challenging, but he still makes the time
for it. Colpoys said, “As freshman and
sophomore, I struggled with finding time
for studying. The work can be challenging,
but balancing homework with basketball
required me to develop good time
management skills and stick to a schedule.”
Ever since he’s been at Prep, Conor
Colpoys ’13 has received first honors
every quarter. He’s an SAT national
merit scholar commended student. As a
commended student on the PSAT/NMSQT
exam Colpoys is in the top 3.3% of over
1.5 million eleventh grade test takers.
Guidance Counselor Mr. Rick Grychowski
’70 said, “This achievement is definitely
‘commendable; and it is noteworthy to add
that his achievement here at Prep (GPA) and
overall standing is commensurate with these
outstanding scores.”
Colpoys is a member of National Honor
Society. Aside from that, he is the varsity
basketball captain, a member of the Finance
Club, Student Government and Senior
Class Vice President. Outside of Prep, he
enjoys golf and works as a caddy at Kahkwa.
Colpoys also spends time volunteering to
help make a difference in the lives of others.
He’s volunteered at basketball camps, Hamot
Medical Center and Hooked on Books.
If that’s not enough, he takes three classes
a semester in the mornings at Gannon
University. He returns to Prep and takes
AP and Honor level courses the rest of the
26
Colpoys credits all of his successes to
Cathedral Prep. “The role that Prep has
played for me has been vital. Choosing to
come to Prep was one of the best decisions
of my life.” He continued, “It has prepared
me for college and been a great experience.
Where I am socially, athletically, and
academically is a direct result of Cathedral
Prep.”
Colpoys will walk away from Prep with
much more than a diploma. He said, “I have
grown in faith and have made connections
and friendships that will last a lifetime. Prep
has provided me with a foundation to be
successful throughout life.”
Colpoys received acceptances from The
University of Notre Dame, University of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania State University
and the College of Wooster. At press time,
he was undecided. Colpoys will attend
college to major in biology/pre-med or in
economics and work towards becoming
an investment banker. He is interested in
medicine because it is always changing,
and he enjoys helping others. He finds
economics interesting, especially the stock
market.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Like Colpoys, Nicholas Ward is also a
Gannon Scholar. He is grateful that Prep
offers this opportunity. He said, “By taking
classes at Gannon, I have been able to
explore a variety of topics and expand my
interests. Additionally, the classes have
helped me to gain insight on the college
experience, which will likely prove useful
as I transition to being a full-time college
student.”
Ward is a member of the National Honor
Society. He credits so much to Prep for his
academic success. He said, “Prep has helped
me to realize my potential. Prep pushed me
to do my best and to succeed in spite of any
challenge or adversity.”
Ward enjoys challenging himself with the
most rigorous courses at Prep, Gannon and
the University of Pittsburgh. Grychowski
said, “He will have completed over 25
credits directly through college coursework
here in our school.” Ward doesn’t shy away
from competition, and Grychowski said,
“Ward’s SAT scores are in the top 95% of
the country.”
Outside of Prep, Ward likes to play tennis,
piano, and spend time with friends and
family. Additionally, he finds time to
complete numerous volunteer hours
in activities such as helping elementary
school tennis teams. Even with all of his
extracurricular activities, he still finds time
to study. He is also involved in tennis, plays
piano, student government and SADD.
He was the 2012 District 10 AAA Singles
Champion.
Ward will attend The University of Notre
Dame to pursue a degree in chemical
engineering. He is interested in chemical
The Men of Prep
engineering because it combines math and
science and applies to the real world. When
he found out that he was accepted to Notre
Dame, he was beyond thrilled. He said, “I
was really excited because I have liked Notre
Dame since grade school when my brother
attended. Additionally, the acceptance made
me realize that all my hard work had finally
paid off.”
Besides his diploma and a solid academic
foundation, Ward will leave Prep with
lifelong friendships and good memories.
Michal Prenovitz will attend Princeton
University next fall to major in chemical
and biological engineering. Getting into
Princeton is no small feat, and Prenovitz has
continuously worked hard getting there.
Studying is his top priority, and he devotes
several hours every day to it. He also
balances his studies with a rigorous tennis
schedule. When he found out that he got
accepted at Princeton, he was really excited
and relieved that all the work that he had
done for the last four years had finally
paid off.
He chose his major because he would really
like to take all of the math and science he
has been learning over the last four years
and apply it to the real world. He said, “I
really want to do something that will make a
difference in society and, for me, I think the
best opportunity to do so is in engineering.
I want to study chemical and biological
specifically because I have always been very
interested in the life sciences, and so many
new and interesting developments are being
made in the field right now.”
Like Colpoys and Ward, Prenovitz is also a
Gannon Scholar. He takes three classes at
Gannon. This has only helped Prenovitz
because it has allowed him to continue with
courses like math and social studies that he
wouldn’t otherwise be able to take at Prep.
He said, “This is a huge advantage for me
and other students because we don’t spend
a year before college where we aren’t taking
a core class and forgetting things we had
learned in previous years.”
Prenovitz’s academic accomplishments are
also impressive. He’s been recognized as
a National Merit Scholar, an AP National
Scholar, and he received two gold and one
silver award for performance on the National
German Exam.
Prenovitz is very grateful for his Prep
education. He said, “Prep has helped get me
where I am today thanks to the incredible
education I received here. I have no doubt
that I was more than well prepared for the
SATs, my classes at Gannon, and anything
else I might do in my life, thanks to the
amazing curriculum and teaching staff
here at Prep, and I am truly grateful for the
academic opportunities afforded to me by
the school.”
Prenovitz is also involved in extracurricular
activities. He plays tennis for the varsity
tennis team. When the team isn’t in season,
he plays in the USTA league. In addition, he
is also the president of student government,
and he plays piano in my spare time.
Outside of Prep, Prenovitz has volunteered
as the tennis coach for the St. Peter’s tennis
team for the last four years during the fall.
He also volunteers as an SAT tutor for
whoever needs it, but he has worked mostly
with students from Iroquois High School
where his mother works and knows many of
the students.
They have been given a solid
foundation to continue to build
on. They have faced their
challenges head on and went
the extra mile. They are modest
and passionate and valiant in
achieving their highest potential
of success. We deem them our
“Academic Champions.”
“The Gannon classes have given me a good
idea of what I will encounter next year when
I go off to college, and they allowed me to
get ahead so that I will enter college with
credits already under my belt.”
His academic accomplishments at Prep have
been impressive. Each year, National Merit
recognizes students who excel on the PSAT.
Estes felt honored to be named a National
Merit Qualifier.
Aside from his studies, Estes has played
varsity tennis since his freshman year. He
was also an All Region 1st Doubles for
Tennis in 2011 and 2012. He is Key Club
secretary, Co-President of SADD, and a
member of Student Government. Although
he is very busy with tennis practice following
school and work, he still makes the time to
study late at night.
Estes will walk away from Prep with a lot of
great memories and with the knowledge that
he has all the tools needed to succeed in the
future. He said, “Prep has challenged me
to work hard and strive for excellence in all
aspects of my life, whether it is at school, in
athletics, or in life in general.”
Outside of Prep, he spends a lot of time
working at the Erie Yacht Club. He is also
very involved at his church (Lakewood
United Methodist), where he does a lot of
volunteering.
Nathan Estes, a life-long Michigan fan, will
attend the University of Michigan in the fall
to major in engineering. Math and science
have always been his best subjects, so
engineering was an easy choice for him.
Like the others mentioned in this article,
Estes is also a Gannon Scholar. He said,
These four students have relished the
academic feast that Prep has to offer. They
have been given a solid foundation to
continue to build on. They have faced
their challenges head on and went the extra
mile. They are modest and passionate
and valiant in achieving their highest
potential of success. We deem them our
“Academic Champions.” They have
dedicated themselves for success. Every
challenge that they faced was turned in to an
opportunity…one they will never forget.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 27
The Men of Prep
Prep Student is First in State for
Excellence in German
Nicholas Ng ’15, son of Ray Ng and Deborah
DuBartell, has recently been honored for
being among the top 99th percentile of
the 25,000 students who took the National
German Examination administered by the
American Association of Teachers of German
during the 2012/2013 school year. Ng ranks
number one in the state of Pennsylvania.
Founded in 1926, the AATG is the only
national organization representing German teachers at all levels
of instruction. The AATG is dedicated to the advancement and
improvement of the teaching of the language, literature and
culture of German-speaking countries.
Awards for outstanding students are donated by the AATG,
the German government, the Austrian Cultural Forum and
Langenscheidt publishers.
Connor Wurst ’15, Alex Madura’15, Pete Duchini ’13, Andrew
Hutzel ’14, and Michal Prenovitz ’13 received silver medals, while
David Kuhar ’15 and Bryce Fauble ’14 earned bronze medals.
Mr. Rolf Daeschner ’64 is their German teacher.
MA1 (EXW/AW/SW) Robert Treiber, USN, embraces his son, R.J. ’16 after arriving home
from deployment.
R.J. Treiber ’16 Gets an Early
Christmas Gift from Deployed Dad
MA1 (EXW/AW/SW) Robert Treiber, USN surprised his son R.J.
’16 on Thursday, December 20, with the best Christmas gift ever.
Treiber, who had been deployed to Afghanistan for ten months,
visited his son’s English class.
The class had to write letters to soldiers about what freedom
means to them. Principal Mr. Trevor Murnock announced a special
guest was present to help deliver the letters. That is when Treiber
stepped in and offered to deliver the letters. R.J. said “My heart
stopped. This is the best Christmas present ever!”
Treiber is an expeditionary warfare specialist and had been in
Afghanistan for 330 days. He has been in the U.S. Navy for the past
18 years. This was his eighth deployment.
His wife, Cindy, along with other family members were present
for Treiber’s homecoming. Following his visit to Prep, he went to
Walnut Creek School to surprise his daughter Abbie.
Mr. Tom Deau and Nate Kapsar ’14.
Nate Kapsar ’14 Nominated as a
“Good Kid”
Congratulations to Nate Kapsar who was nominated as a WJETTV “Good Kid.” The nomination came from Mr. Tom Deau, video
production teacher, for Kapsar’s role as technical director for the
Cathedral Prep newscasts.
As technical director, Kapsar updates full-screens, prayers, music
selections and over-the-shoulder graphics. He takes pride in
every newscast. Deau said, “Nate works hard to direct a flawless
newscast. But that’s not the only thing that makes Nate a ‘Good
Kid’, His work in the classroom is superb!”
Prep Holds Wing Night to Benefit the
Leukemia Foundation
The Cathedral Prep community
spiced things up on January
23 at Buffalo Wild Wings with
a fundraiser for the Leukemia
Foundation. Guests presented
a fundraiser ticket to their
server, and 15% of each bill
was donated to the Leukemia
Foundation. The event was
organized by the Student
Government Association.
Kyle Joint ’13 and Jeff Joint ’77.
Kapsar produced a music video. The project was worth 100 points
but Nate and his group received the highest score ever given...110
points! Deau said, “His music video was the best I’ve seen since
I started teaching at Prep in 2007. In addition, Nate’s movies are
spectacular! While watching his productions, it’s hard to believe
he’s only a junior in high school. Nate is filled with talent, and I
can’t wait to see the great things he produces in the future!”
Colin Barcley ’14, Zachary Miller ’14, Lucas Buseck ’14, and Gregory Coppola ’14.
28
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
The Men of Prep
Prep & Villa Students March for Life
President Fr. Scott Jabo with Prep and Villa students at the “Right to Life March.”
By Marielle Trucilla ’13 (VMA)
Students from Prep and Villa took to the streets of Washington, D.C. to “March for Life” on January 24 and 25. Both groups of students
joined forces with people from all over the world to gather to be a voice for the voiceless, including; the unborn, those living in poverty,
the abused and anyone who has been marginalized by the rest of society. January 22 marked the anniversary of the landmark 1973
Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that legalized abortion throughout our country.
The group stayed at St. Thomas Becket church overnight where they attended Mass in the morning. The church provided the group
with dinner and breakfast. Students enjoyed walking around Washington and viewing the sights. They visited the Lincoln and Vietnam
Memorials and the American History Museum before marching to Congress. Their last stop was Arlington National Cemetery before
returning home.
The march was a great experience to be a part of. This is my second year going, and each year I am touched by the number of people
that attend and feel as passionate about pro-life as the Villa and Prep students. Prep and Villa students will continue to take a stand for
life when the lives of innocent people are increasingly threatened.
Prep Students Serve Over 1,000 Meals at the Christmas Meal for the Needy
For most of us, we never think twice when we sit down to
Christmas Day dinner. Imagine, not having the opportunity of
having a warm meal. For the homeless and needy, it is like this
quite often, but on Sunday, December 9, 2012, Prep changed that
by hosting the 23rd Annual Cathedral Prep Key Club Christmas
Meal for the Needy.
Adults received a gift bag of toiletries. There were also fun and
games for the children, musical entertainment, and a visit from a
very special guest from the North Pole.
Meals were served in the Prep School Cafeteria on Sunday from
11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. A traditional turkey dinner with potatoes,
gravy, stuffing, vegetables, cranberry sauce and rolls was served.
In years past, Chef Extraordinaire Frank Cirillo and his staff prepared
more than 800 turkey dinners, but this year was a record breaker...
with over 1,000 meals served.
After dinner, guests enjoyed a wide range of homemade desserts
and ice cream. Each child who attended the dinner received a toy.
Marco Montefiori ’13 serves deserts.
Dinner is sponsored by the Cathedral Prep Key Club with the
generous assistance of the many families and friends of Prep and
Villa, many local businesses, and the Erie Kiwanis.
Matt Nientimp’13, Jon Fiske ’14, Ethan Louis ’13, Jacob Ordos ’14 and Anthony Paolella’14.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 29
The Men of Prep
Congressman Mike Kelly.
Congressman Mike Kelly Speaks to
Prep Students
A special visitor walked the halls of Cathedral Prep on January 9,
as the Ramblers received a visit from Congressman Mike Kelly.
The Congressman, introduced by Judge John Trucilla ’78, wore
the Cathedral Prep baseball cap that he was given and enjoyed
bantering with the students about football before speaking to
them about congressional events.
Prep students had several questions for the Congressman, who
responded to questions about the fiscal cliff, the debt crisis, welfare
and gun control.
Congressman Kelly urged the students to “fight for what you
believe in.” He said, “Prep wins when you all compete. Prep wins
you all believe. America wins when we all compete. America wins
when when we all believe.”
Congressman Kelly is very familiar with Cathedral Prep. He played
football at the University of Notre Dame with Prep’s own Mike
McCoy ’66.
The Congressman said, “I love being with you guys and hearing
what you have to say.” The students enjoyed having the
Congressman here, and a few stayed behind after his discussion to
have a chance to talk to him. Kelly took the time to answer all of
their questions.
Congressman Mike Kelly receives a warm welcome from Prep students.
30
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Senior Homecoming Court: Emily Luteran, Timothy Buczynski, Grace Wang,
Nick Sorenson, Jennie Fustine, Conor Colpoys, Alexis Monocello, Andrew Arrowsmith
(represented by Chris Konzel), Maggie Chido and Nick Burch.
Prep and Villa Homecoming Weekend
– Celebrating New Traditions
All the components were present for the perfect Homecoming
night at the Cathedral Prep Events Center! September 28, 2012
marked the beginning of a new Homecoming tradition at the
CPEC. Alumni, parents, students and friends were invited to kick
off the evening with a tailgate in the west end zone of Dollinger
Field. The sun was shining brightly as guests clad in Prep orange
and black, and Villa blue and white, gathered for delicious picnic
food and lots of Rambler and Victor camaraderie.
After the tailgate, the Cathedral Prep Ramblers faced opponent
Youngstown Ursuline at 7 pm. The Prep and Villa Homecoming
Court, voted by the student body of each campus, rode around
the CPEC track at halftime in convertibles, while each student
was introduced from the press box. Use of the convertibles was
generously donated by David Hallman and Hallman Chevrolet and
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Gotkin. The Ramblers football team ended the
night with a win, by the score of 47-7.
To round out the Homecoming Weekend, Prep and Villa students
celebrated together at the Homecoming Dance on Saturday,
September 29. The dance was hosted at the Avalon Hotel and
Conference Center.
We hope to make the Homecoming festivities a longstanding
tradition for the student of Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria
Academy!
Seniors Jennie Fustine and Conor Colpoys were selected as Homecoming Queen and King.
The Men of Prep
Row 1: L-R: Olivia Bannister’15 (VMA), Xuechen (Sheryl) Zhang ’14 (VMA) and Yuekun
(Grace) Wang ’13 (VMA). Row 2: L-R: Nicholas Ng ’15; Christopher Konzel ’13; Shaun Evans
’14; Daniel Macaluso ’15 and Andrew Wilcox’14.
Academic Sports League
Shaun Evans ’14
This year was a new one for Villa and Prep Academic Sports League
and Academic Decathlon. For the first time, we fielded one team
as one school, composed of students from both Prep and Villa. This
was also the first time in years that a Prep or Villa team attended
the regional competition. Most of the team consisted of people
new to Academic Decathlon, and the team certainly did not expect
any miracles the first year it was truly back on its feet. However,
we met success at the regional competition and placed well
enough to continue on to the state competition at State College.
Andrew Wilcox, Shaun Evans, Nicholas Ng, Christopher Konzel,
Daniel Macaluso, Sheryl Chang, Olivia Bannister, Grace Wang, and
Victoria Manzano were the team members at the regional and
state competitions. We competed well at all competitions, earning
medals in many subjects, including mathematics, economics,
science, essay, and interview. Medalists at the state competition
included Grace Wang, Nicholas Ng, and Shaun Evans, with medals
in mathematics, interview, and economics, respectively. We
ultimately had a very successful year, made some new friends
along the way, and look forward to competing again next year.
Row 1: Nick Sorenson ’13. Row 2: Giovanni Carrara ’13, Julian Lombardi ’14, Dan
Makowski ’13 and Mike Loveland ’13. Row 3: Ryan Malaspina ’13, Joshua Bruno ’13, Josh
Zelina’13, Matthew Flanigan ’13, Andrew Harrington ’13 and Nate Brown’13.
Prep Students’ Fundraising Efforts
Benefit a Family in Need
For the fourth time in history, Cathedral Prep students graced
the hallowed halls of the building with beards intact. Cathedral
Prep’s Student Government organized “Beard Week”. Prior to
Christmas break, students were able to purchase a “Beard Pass” for
a donation of $10. Students who purchased passes did not have
to shave for the first week following Christmas Break (January 311). Approximately 40 Prep students and a few faculty members
participated.
Student Government also held an “Ugly Sweater Day” in
December. The money raised from both events went to a family
in need.
Prep Celebrates Catholic Schools Week
“Raise the Standards” was theme of this year’s Catholic Schools
Week (Jan. 28 to Feb. 2). Cathedral Prep scheduled many activities
to celebrate the week. To kick off the week, Key Club hosted a
faculty/staff appreciation luncheon on Monday. Students were
able to wear jerseys to school on Monday. Tuesday was “student
appreciation” day. All students attended Mass. During lunch,
students were provided with Dairy Queen sundaes courtesy
of Holland’s Dairy Queen. Wednesday was reminiscent of the
TV show Man vs. Food. Students participated in a food-eating
contest. They tried to eat a week’s worth of Frank Cirillo’s lunch
specials. The winners were Nick Dubowski ’13 and Joey Hickin ’16.
They both won a week’s worth of free lunches. Students dressed
to the nines on Thursday for “dress up” day. They looked forward
to lunch as Pizza Hut pizza was served. Friday was student-teacher
switch day. Students were able to trade places with their teacher
for the day. On Saturday, SADD (Students Against Destructive
Decisions) and the American Heart Association organized a “Red
Out” for the varsity basketball game.
Students show off their favorite jerseys.
John Hilbert ’14 serves Mr. Tim Dougherty ’98, Director of Admissions at the faculty/staff
appreciation luncheon.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 31
The Men of Prep
Franciscan Friars Visit Cathedral Prep
Franciscan Friars visited Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria Academy in November. They spoke to the Theology
classes at both schools. The friars are members of a Franciscan order called the Franciscan Friars of the
Renewal. They were founded in 1987. They strive to live according to the charism of St. Francis of Assisi by
living a life of poverty, chastity and obedience and strive to promote the renewal of the Catholic Church and
fidelity to Church teachings and to the pope.
They were immediately recognized by the habit that they wear. It consists of a light gray habit with a hood, a
cord around their waist, and sandals.
They work closely with the poor and are found in New York City, New Jersey and other areas around the
country and the world.
There were doing some mission talks at St. Peter Cathedral, and they took the time to visit both Prep and Villa.
One of the Franciscan Friars spoke to
students in Mr. Del Rio’s Theology class.
Finance Club Rides Bull Market
The Erie Catholic Preparatory Finance Club was officially started
this school year by senior Conor Colpoys and faculty advisor Frank
Mezler. The objective of this club, is to promote interest in and
knowledge of the fields of finance by accomplishing the following:
1. To guide Cathedral Prep students in pursuit of careers in
finance;
2. To increase knowledge in the area of finance among Cathedral
Prep students by relating the experiences of students and
teachers as well as guest speakers;
3. To increase interest in Cathedral Prep among prospective
students who are comparing high school club programs and
are interested in finance; and
4. To increase Cathedral Prep’s Finance Club visibility among the
outside community and school community
To achieve these goals, the Finance Club opened their own bank
account with Marquette Savings and a brokerage account with
Scottrade. Each Club member pays a yearly $10 club fee and $2
every month in dues. Club members research and discuss possible
investment options and collectively decide where to invest the
money. Every three years the Club examines the portfolio balance
and will take three actions:
1. 25% of the portfolio value is donated to the Joann Mullen Student Scholarship fund
2. 25% of the portfolio value is donated to a local charity that the club chooses
3. 50% of the portfolio value is carried over until the next three- year examination.
“The one thing I hope students learn is the value in long-term
investing. The sooner they get started, the better off they will be
in the long run,” said advisor, Frank Mezler. In addition, Mezler also
pointed out the importance of financial education based on his
own experiences. “I am not saying the subjects taught in school are
not important – they obviously are. However, if I look back at my
education, I wish I would have had some instruction in the world of
personal finance. I could have saved myself a lot of headaches and
saved a lot of money. Hopefully I can teach my students how to
avoid the mistakes I made.”
The club also hopes that as word gets out about what they are
doing, the club will receive donations from alumni that they can
use to build their portfolio value. In the end, it’s not about the
value of the portfolio, but the education and skills learned in the
process of building that portfolio. “A stock loss can just as valuable
a lesson as a stock gain”, says Mezler. Let’s just hope the recent bull
market continues into the foreseeable future so that in September
of 2015, a local charity and the Joann Mullen Student Scholarship
fund will each receive a check built on the education and research
of the Finance Club.
32
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Seniors Blaine Prichard, Kyle Bowden, and Morgan Yezzi.
“Eucharistic Miracles of the World”
Visits Cathedral Prep
“Eucharistic Miracles of the World” came to Cathedral Prep in
November. With an extensive assortment of photographs and
historical descriptions, the exhibition presented some of the
principal Eucharistic Miracles (over 140 panels) that took place
throughout the ages in various countries of the world and which
have been recognized by the Church. By means of the panels, one
can “virtually visit” the places where the Miracles took place.
The exhibition has already visited more than one thousand
parishes in Italy and in other countries and has been translated
into numerous languages.
All of the Prep Theology classes had the chance to review the
exhibit.
Seniors Andrew Dinger, Alec Slomski, Josh Zelina, Anthony Wawrzyniak, and
Herbie Torrance.
The Men of Prep
The 10-cadet inspection team aims not only to test the cadets’
knowledge, but to see if they can carry themselves calmly and
think on their feet while looking immaculate. There’s no one to
back you up. This by far has been our strongest event over the last
two years.
Sambuchino said, “My favorite event is color guard, in which
cadets present the U.S. and their state flags along with two with
rifles. Cadets have to be incredibly exact since every school sends
their best, and the judges can focus so intently on each individual.”
JROTC Produces Champions
By MSgt Richard Sambuchino
Any morning prior to school and even on Saturdays you see rifles
spun in the air and hear commands echo off the walls of the
Prep gym, you’ll also see a small group of young men practicing
precision movements and twirling military style demilitarized
weapons. With all of the training these young men have turned
into champions in world of JROTC Military Precision Drill.
Prep’s Orange Commandos saw their best year in their 19-year
history, participating in five competitions and being presented
13 competition placement trophies against schools from
Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan,
and Wisconsin.
Success on the drill pad and the ability to stay focused is the job of
Drill Commander Junior Alex Marshall. He led the group through
seven months of practice on the various routines. The competition
is fierce but with seniors James McCormick, Pat Spizarny, and
Tyghe Stanbro they pushed to practice till they got it perfect.
Highlight of this championship year was a completion in March
at North Allegheny in south western Pennsylvania largest Military
Drill Competition. The Orange Commandos took home trophies
in every category they participated in and achieved Gold medal
placement in four out of five categories. In addition they were also
awarded two silvers and one bronze.
The team has been invited to attend All Military JROTC National
Competition in Daytona Beach, FL for a second straight year. This
will pin our Prep cadets against 4,000 cadets from 150 schools
from all over the world. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is an
experience they will never forget. Sergeant Richard Sambuchino
said, “The Cadets will meet and make some lifelong friends and
learn some valuable life lessons by competing in a competition
like this.”
Events participated in this year’s competitions consisted of
individual and dual exhibitions with military rifles. This gives the
cadets a chance to show their flair for executing facing and rifle
movements with their own spin.
During the unarmed and armed regulation march, judges check
to see if the cadets bend their elbows at the same angle, keeping
their arms perfectly to their sides as they whip into turns and make
their heels hit the ground in unison on every step, among other
minutia. A similar event utilizes weapons where the demilitarized
guns are checked for safety and maneuvered from arm to arm. The
teams are squeezed onto a space about the size of a basketball
court. If they don’t all march in unison, make the right moves at the
right moments, they’ll run out of bounds or into each other.
The most individually satisfying event would be when about
200 cadets get on the gym floor all at once and attempt to avoid
elimination and to be one of the last 10 standing. Missteps
and slack posture results in the cadet elimination from this
competition. Freshmen Cadets Matt Widomski’s and Case Gryta’s
faces melted into a grin as they were left on floor at the end
,realizing they would be receiving a medal.
Cathedral Prep’s JROTC saw its largest cadet enrollment ever and
is showing no signs of slowing down. As the school welcomes the
20th year of hosting a JROTC unit, this championship style year
should carry over for the years to come.
Air Force Colonel John Gloystein ‘88,
talks to a group of 22 AF JROTC cadets
at the Air Force Research Laboratory
on Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. John is
the acting director of the Materials and
Manufacturing Directorate staffed by
more than 1,100 military and civilian
employees.
JROTC Competes
in Regional Air Force Association
Drill Team Championships
By Lt. Col. Brain McGrain
Cathedral Prep’s Orange Commando AF JROTC Drill and Color
Guard Team travelled to Wright-Patterson AFB in early March
to visit base facilities and participate in the Regional Air Force
Association Drill Championships.
While on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the cadets toured base
operations where they saw the airfield management, weather
forecasting and briefing, and air traffic control operations. Later in
the day, the tour continued at the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Host for this portion of the trip was Colonel John Gloystein ’88,
who is acting Director of the Materials Management Directorate.
Cadets were able to glimpse ongoing and futuristic projects in
the fields of lasers, optics, flight simulation design, solar power,
material failure analysis, and human factors engineering.
Other areas of the base visited included the National Museum of
the Air Force, Pittsenbarger Dining Facility, and the Health and
Welfare Center.
At the drill competition, the Inspection team commanded by
Patrick Spizarny ’13 finished 3rd in the field of 20 teams competing.
The solo armed exhibition rifle event garnered individual given to
Alex Marshall ’14 (2nd place) and James McCormick ’13 (3rd place).
Overall, these placements in the highly competitive competition
represent the best effort put forth by a Prep team in more than 15
years.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 33
The Men of Prep
News&Notes
Peter’s PresentsPut Smiles
on Children’s Faces
Annually, students and staff from Cathedral Preparatory School,
purchase gifts for the Peter’s Presents Project to make a child’s
Christmas brighter. Gifts are returned to the Theology office and
organized by Prep’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
in conjunction with St. Peter’s Women’s Association.
Toys are put into family bags for the families and delivered straight
to the homes of the families in need. SADD also shares the toys
with the Prep Key Club for the Annual Christmas Meal. This year,
1617 toys and articles of clothing were donated.
L-R: Fr. Bill Barron, Hunter Lytle ’15 and Pam Masi, Director of the American Red Cross.
Prep Students Gather Donations for Victims
of Hurricane Sandy
Cathedral Prep presented a check for $2,300 to the American Red
Cross in December that benefitted the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
The relief effort ran from December 10-20. Campus Ministry
collected money for the American Red Cross, while Key Club
collected clothing items and shoes for the victims.
SADD Donates to Second Harvest Food Bank
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) concluded its
annual Thanksgiving Food Drive that benefits the Second Harvest
Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania by making a donation of
nearly one ton of nonperishable food items. The items tipped the
scales at 1981 pounds.
Junior Achievement
awarded Bailey
Klein ’16 a $3,000
scholarship.
Academic Sports League Results
The Academic Sports League competition took place in
November-January. Twenty-one schools from northwestern
Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio participated in the competition,
which concentrated on art, music and language and literature.
This year’s theme was Russia. In November, David Albrecht ’15
received honors for interview during the Academic Sports League
competition.
In December, Shaun Evans ’14 earned a silver medal for math,
while Russell Lin’15 won a bronze medal. Nicholas Ng ’15 and Kyle
Johnson’14 both received silver medals for interview in January.
Prep & Villa Students Honored for
Community Service
Juniors Colton Titus and Calvin Hunter are taking a break after loading the food
for transportation to the Food Bank.
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SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Prep and Villa students were recognized by the Kiwanis Club
of Erie in March for outstanding community service above and
beyond what is expected. Seniors Marco Montefiori, Jordan
Vroman, Rebecca Easly (VMA) and Madison Canter (VMA) were
each honored at a special luncheon at the Maennerchor Club for
their dedication and service to their community throughout the
past four years. Each student received a $100 Visa gift card.
The Men of Prep
National Honor Society Holds Their Induction Ceremony
The National Honor Society held their induction ceremony in March at St. Peter Cathedral. Forty-eight young men were inducted this
year. NHS recognizes achievement in scholarship, character, leadership and service.
Class of 2014 NHS Inductees
Hayden Clarke
Joseph Baltes
John Colvin
Ryan Becker
Gregory Coppola
Ryan Bleggi
Brian Dailey
Kevin Bogniak
Benjamin Deck
Stephen Bretz
Theodore DeSanti
Andrew Britton
John Dill
Lucas Buseck
Ryan Dill
Anthony Chiarelli
Jacob Duska
Shaun Evans
Bryce Fauble
Nick Ferrando
William Fessler
Jon Fiske
Nick Gorny
Kevin Grisier
Evan Guanzon
John Hilbert
Justin Hilbrich
Corey Hoydic
Andrew Hutzel
Kyle Johnson
Austin Kanonczyk
Nathan Kapsar
Chris Klebanski
Pat Kloecker
Alexander Mallory
Joseph Marin
Zachary Miller
Jacob Murawski
Jacob Ordos
Jeremiah Ordos
Anthony Paolella
Noah Repko
Vincent Schohn
Korey Shugerts
Bryan Sienerth
Vincenzo Timpano
Andrew Wilcox
Matthew Wolf
Dr. Stephen Bolstad, Ryan Malaspina’13 and Mr. Jacob Malec.
Ryan Malaspina ’13 One of the Top Three
Drummers in the District
Ryan Malaspina drums to a beat of “third in the district” following
his audition for the District Jazz ensemble in November. He was
seated third, missing second by just one point. MVP teacher, Jacob
Malec also nominated Malaspina to be a percussionist in the District
Concert band. Malaspina placed 5th, missing 4th by just three
points. Malaspina was chosen to participate in “Sound of America”,
which is a music program designed to enrich aspiring musicians
through international performance and education. The concert
band and chorus is comprised of talented high school and college
instrumentalists and vocalists from across the United States of
America. Each year, a new group of students are chosen through
musical audition and recommendations for the annual SOA
European Concert Tour which takes place each summer. Malaspina
will tour Europe for three weeks and play in nine concerts.
Prep’s Air Force Junior ROTC Greets
Governor Tom Corbett and
First Lady Susan Corbett
Governor Tom Corbett and first lady Susan Corbett were greeted
by Prep’s Air Force Junior ROTC prior to the 2012 Governor’s
Awards for the Arts. The annual awards are a 32-year tradition
honoring outstanding Pennsylvania artists, arts organizations
and patrons who have made significant contributions to the
advancement of the arts. The awards are administered by the
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the event was held in Erie
for the first time.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 35
prep
athletics
“Running to
Remember”
- Christine Eddy
Y
ou’ve heard it time and time
again. When something tragic
happens within the Prep community,
the community comes together like
no other to help out those who are
struggling. It’s during these times that
the Prep community supports others
with welcoming arms. Linda and
Joe Gehrlein have experienced this
firsthand after their son, Jason ’09, was
Jason Gehrlein ’09.
killed in an accident on February 18,
2012. Gehrlein was on his way home from a friend’s house
when he fell asleep at the wheel. His vehicle crossed the center
line and hit another car head on.
When Jason was at Prep, he was on the Cross Country team.
Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach Chet Moffett
took Jason under his wing. He would always ask Mrs. Gehrlein
when he would see her how Jason was doing, even after he
graduated from Prep.
Mrs. Gehrlein was touched when Moffett showed up at her
son’s funeral with members of the Cross Country team, but
the support didn’t end there. The team wore a patch on their
uniforms with her son’s name “Jason”. Moffett said, “When
Jason passed, I wanted to let everyone know what kind of
kid he was; the only way I could was with the patches on the
team’s singlet.”
A month went by and Moffett got in touch with Mrs. Gehrlein
to ask her if it would be all right to implement an award in
Jason’s name. She said she would be honored. Thus, the
Gehrlein Memorial Award, for the top Cross Country runner,
was established in her son’s memory. Mr. & Mrs. Gehrlein
“People say you’ll move on…
time heals all wounds. The Prep
community is very helpful and came
together at a time that was needed.”
-Linda Gehrlein
came to the Awards Assembly to give out the award in their
son’s honor. Ethan Louis ’13 was the first recipient.
When Cross Country started their season, Coach Moffett
contacted Mrs. Gehrlein to see if it would be all right if the
team dedicated the season to Jason. Mrs. Gehrlein was moved.
The team wore patches on their uniform in memory of Jason.
Moffett asked the Gehrleins if they would attend regionals.
They did, and the team ended up winning and gave the
Gehrleins their trophy. Moffett had asked the Gehrleins to
attend districts, but they were unable to. Following districts,
Moffett contacted the Gehrleins to let them know that the
team won. The team presented the Gehrleins with the
district trophy.
After the end of the season, the Gehrleins were invited to the
banquet. Moffett invited some of Jason’s former Cross Country
teammates to attend. At the banquet, the Gehrleins were
given a signed picture of the team when they won regionals.
They also were given shirts, “Run to Remember,” along with a
framed jersey with Jason’s patch on it.
Mrs. Gehrlein said, “The boys who ran this year never really
knew Jason. They ran for someone that they didn’t know. My
son looked up to Chet, and for Chet to look up to him and
remember his spirit is comforting. I will always have a debt of
gratitude, I will never forget.”
What is really ironic is that when Moffett originally found out
about Jason, he was at the Roswell Cancer Institute in Buffalo
with his sister, Carroll, who was battling stage four leukemia.
He was overwhelmed. Two and a half weeks after Jason passed,
Moffett’s sister died. Soon after, Mrs. Gehrlein called him
asking the name of his sister. He said, “Carroll Moffett.”
That is when Mrs. Gehrlein told him that his sister was buried
right next to Jason. Moffett went straight to the cemetery.
The former runner and his sister were laid to rest right next to
one another.
Mrs. Gehrlein is thankful that Prep and the Cross Country team
embraced her and her family at such a tragic time. She said,
“People say you’ll move on…time heals all wounds. The Prep
community is very helpful and came together at a time that was
needed.”
Ethan Louis ’13, Linda Gehrlein and Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach, Chet Moffett.
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SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Cathedral Prep is a special place…one like no other. Jason was
and will always be a brother, and he will remain forever in
our hearts.
BUSY NATIONAL SIGNING DAY AT PREP
A slew of student-athletes from Cathedral Prep were recognized
on February 6 as part of National Signing Day. Below is a
composite list, by sport, of the athletes and where they’re heading
to school next year:
Football
Damion Terry—Michigan State University. District 10’s all-time
leading passer, he broke every school record over his career as a
three-year starter. Highlights from his senior campaign included
3,599 yards passing, 50 touchdown passes and leading the school
to their second-ever state championship.
Brendan Klemensic—Gannon University. A huge force in the
passing game, he tied the school record for touchdown receptions
in a season with 11 (equaled by Williams). Finished with 36
receptions, third best on the team, despite missing basically the
last two games of his HS career with a broken wrist.
Eli Martinez—Clarion. Was ninth on the Ramblers in tackles this
past season with 43. He also had one interception, seven pass
breakups (second on the team) and eight passes defended. He
will play cornerback in college.
Cross Country
Delton Williams—Michigan State University. Broke the school
mark for receptions in a season (59) and career (92) while scoring
30 total touchdowns this season. Will head to the Spartans as a
defensive back.
Ethan Louis—University of Dayton. Ethan was Prep’s top cross
country runner the last two seasons. He placed second in the
District 10 race, helping the Ramblers to their first D-10 team
crown in five years, and 55th at the PIAA championships.
John Chereson—University of Notre Dame. He will go as a
preferred walk-on after setting the school record for extra points in
a season and career. Also booted 14 field goals at Prep, third most
in school history.
Baseball
Erik Swanson—University of Pennsylvania. A force on both sides
of the line, he helped the Ramblers ring up 46.7 points a game as
an offensive tackle while registering 77 tackles and 8 sacks. Will
play defense line at Penn.
Jake Plonski—Mercyhurst University. Prep’s leading tackler
from the middle linebacker position, he made 118 stops this past
season.
Nick Dubowski—IUP. Another disruptive force on defense, he
was third on the squad in tackles with 79 stops. Will play fullback
with Indiana.
Eli Flynn—Concord College (WV). Signed with Division II school.
The 1st Team All-Region outfielder hit .500 with 33 hits, 32 runs
scored, 18 RBI and 22 stolen bases last season.
Scott Hess—IUP. The 2nd Team All-State selection and 1st Team
All-Region choice hit .453 with 5 home runs, 25 RBI and a .521
on-base percentage in 2012.
Water Polo
Michael Squeglia—Gannon University. A 1st Team All-State
selection, Michael heads to Gannon as the school’s ninth all-time
leading scorer while he is fifth on the list for assists.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 37
Burger King Classic
I
n the 30th edition of the event, four great games took place in
front of huge crowds at the Hammermill Center for the Burger
King Classic. In the championship tilt, Imhotep Charter out of
Philadelphia shaded Lower Merion 64-61. The Aces had a threepoint try at the buzzer but had it rim out. The Panthers had four
players in double figures while Lower Merion stud and Syracuse
recruit B.J. Johnson had 26 points and 12 rebounds. In the
consolation game of the Classic the Ramblers pulled off a stunner,
defeating nationally ranked Bishop O’Connell to claim third place
in the tourney. Prep shot 59% from the floor and outrebounded
the Knights 30-27. Sheldon Zablotny was one of five players in
double figures as he scored 19 points and added 10 rebounds.
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SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Matt Hess had 18, Matt Harris and Jarrett Pound 12 apiece and
Chris Francis had 10. O’Connell’s Melo Trimble, a junior who has
already committed to Maryland, finished with 33, the 10th highest
total for one game in Classic history.
In the Friday night games, Prep fell to the number one team in the
state in round one of the Classic. Imhotep Charter outrebounded
the Ramblers 37-16 and ran away with a 74-47 victory. State
player-of-the-year candidate and Providence signee Brandon
Austin had 16 points as did Deryl Bagwell, as the Panthers went
7-10 from 3-point land. Sheldon Zablotny led the Orange & Black
with 12. In the opener Lower Merion rallied from 10 down to
knock off nationally ranked Bishop O’Connell 56-52. B.J. Johnson
had 22 points for the Aces, who forced 26 turnovers and won
despite shooting just 1-18 from three-point range.
ANOTHER STELLAR SEASON ON THE HARDWOOD
S
ome 16 months ago they were a hopeful group of overachievers
of which very little was expected. It’s amazing how time and
effort can alter perspective. For the second year in a row the Prep
basketball team made a lengthy run through the postseason,
advancing to the PIAA quarterfinals before falling to New Castle to
close out a brilliant 23-3 season. Through their jaunt the Ramblers
gained followers and admirers aplenty. They were a fun team to
watch, sharing the basketball while play hardnosed defense.
Some highlights included a third-place finish at the KSA
Tournament in Orlando with wins over teams from Mississippi and
Virginia. They snared a second straight third-place trophy in the
Burger King Classic, knocking off nationally ranked and eventual
state champion Bishop O’Connell 80-75. They pasted top-ranked
New York opponent Canisius by 19, and Prep also went unbeaten
in the Region. The Ramblers captured their third straight District
10 title with a 64-46 win over McDowell, a game in which they
scored 16 consecutive points to overcome a halftime deficit. The
PIAA playoffs saw impressive wins over Pittsburgh foes Seneca
Valley and Hampton as the team nearly equaled their Final Four
run of a year ago.
Junior Matt Harris stepped up his game to become the second
leading scorer for the Ramblers. But great leadership was shown
by the six seniors on the team: Dan Blazek, Conor Colpoys,
Chris Francis, Matt Hess, Jeremy Lynch and Sheldon Zablotny.
All of them had their special moments. Blazek was noted for
his aggressive play in the postseason. Colpoys led the team in
rebounding and always got the most out of his limited size, even
when playing against much taller opponents on a seemingly
nightly basis. Francis led the squad in assists while always drawing
a difficult defensive assignment. Hess had a career night on a big
stage by netting 18 points vs. O’Connell in the Classic. Lynch had
a hot start, and then overcame a brutal knee injury to rescue the
Ramblers in the D-10 championship game.
And Zablotny closed out a brilliant Prep career that few others
have rivaled. He averaged just over 19 points a game as a senior
and became just the 11th player in school history to top 1,000
career points. He would climb all the way to second on the alltime scoring list, moving past Tim Gore while trailing only Jed
Ryan. He led the Ramblers in scoring in 19 of their 26 games while
also leading the team in steals.
A special thanks goes out to head coach Mark Majewski ’83 and
his staff for their tireless work this season. Every team would like
to go the distance and make it to the championship game. But
the memories this squad gave their family, classmates and fans
will more than last a lifetime.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 39
2nd Prep-Villa Legacy Gala Tennis Fundraiser
T
he Prep-Villa Legacy Gala Fundraiser, held at the Westwood
Racquet Club, was a resounding success. Organizers Sharon
Van Damia Prenovitz ’85 (VMA) and Joe Kloecker ’70 did a
fabulous job, assisted by tournament director Kent Peightal.
Combining the Prep and Villa tennis teams and adding parents,
alumni and friends has been a great recipe for a successful event.
Twenty-two players enjoyed a fun round robin style tournament.
Two groups, appropriately named, ‘Prep” and “Villa,” played, and
four teams emerged to the semi-finals: Nicholas Ward ’13/Amery
Nies, Michal Prenovitz ’13/Carolyn Fischer Bauman ’76 (VMA), Pat
Grab ’05/Laurie Balkovic Bretz ’81 (VMA), and Mario Nicolia ’12/
Emily McGovern ’13 (VMA). The champions were Nicholas Ward
and Amery Nies who defeated Pat Grab and Laurie Balkovic Bretz
by a score of 11-9. Food and beverages, provided by parents of the
players, were enjoyed by all as good fellowship was the order of
the evening. The event raised over $800.
Participants were: Pat Grab ’05, Laurie Balkovic Bretz ’81 (VMA),
Nicholas Ward ’13, Amery Nies, Johnny Prichard ’15, Kristin Talarico
’81 (VMA), Andrew Dinger ’13, Christina Rowane, Michael Clark ’15,
Andrew Kloecker ’13, Michal Prenovitz ’13, Carolyn Fischer Bauman
’76 (VMA), Richard and Marguerite Held Estes ’81 (VMA), Mario
Nicolia’12, Emily McGovern ’13 (VMA), Blaine Prichard ’13, Ashlynn
Rowane ’15 (VMA), Ryan Deimel ’01, Laura Stancliff Casella ’85
(VMA), John Bauman’75 and Sara Matczak.
Sport Highlights @ Prep
Baseball
O
n April 2nd the Prep baseball team travelled to the home of Renee and Don Felix ’66 and were treated to a huge feast at their home
outside of Phoenix. An added bonus was that Joel and Kevin Felix joined their parents and the baseball team for the festivities. Joel
and Kevin both attended Prep for a short time before their family relocated to Arizona during their freshman year. Each was presented
with an honorary Prep diploma that night by school President Father Scott Jabo in an impromptu but moving ceremony.
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SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
17 years, also smashing the school record that had stood since
1990. A week and a half later, he finished sixth in the state in this
same event. It was a brilliant 16-1 season for the Region and D-10
champion Ramblers and head coach Mike Doyle (’00).
Cross Country
F
or the first time in five years the Ramblers ran away as District
10 champs. The club easily motored past McDowell 30-59 to
win the crown. Ethan Louis placed second overall with John Lacy
crossing third, Pat Kloecker fifth and Norman Stark seventh. A
week later, Louis placed 55th overall as Prep finished 15th as a
team in the state cross country meet. The Ramblers also won the
McDowell Invitational and the Region Invite.
Water Polo
T
Swimming
T
he machine known as the Prep swim team just keeps rolling on.
The Ramblers won their 11th consecutive District 10 crown by
defeating McDowell by 99 points at the beginning of March. Prep
captured the first five events as the 200 medley relay was won by
Zach Miller, Rex Riley, Luke Merski & Mike Squeglia. In the 200 free,
Reid Morrison placed first, Stephen Bretz was third, Lucas Buseck
fourth and Norman Stark sixth. Rex Riley took the 200 IM with Joe
Marin placing second. Scott Garich was fourth, Alex Minnaugh
seventh. In the 50 free Miller took the race while Mike Squeglia
was fourth, Nate Kapsar placed eighth while Tom Squeglia was
10th. In the 100 butterfly Prep went 1,3,4,7. Merski won followed
by Chris Steele, Connor VanHove and Daniel Bauman. Prep won
9 of the 11 races total. Mike Squeglia took the 100 free followed
closely by Morrison, Buseck was seventh, Steele eighth. In the
500 free, Norman Stark, who edged out Bretz, had a big win. Tom
Squeglia was sixth while Minnaugh placed ninth. Morrison, Mike
Squeglia, Merski and Miller won the 400 free relay while Francis
Kloecker was fourth in diving. Freshman Rex Riley won the 100
breast stroke by setting a District 10 record that had stood for
he Ramblers had an excellent season, finishing 17-11 against
a stellar schedule. More importantly Prep placed third overall
in the state. The highlight came in the quarterfinal round vs.
Governor Mifflin when Zach Miller scored the winning goal in
the closing seconds of a 12-11 Prep victory. The Ramblers also
showcased their local dominance, sweeping two games from
McDowell by a composite score of 34-11. Senior Mike Squeglia
made 1st Team All-State, Miller and Daniel Bauman were 2nd Team
All-State while Luke Merski was honorable mention. Two others
were acknowledged on the All-State Freshman team in Rex Riley
and Tom Squeglia. Congratulations to head coach Mike Doyle
(’00) on a fantastic job with the water polo team.
L-R: Jake Gromacki
’14, Coach and Social
Studies teacher Mr.
Tony Parsons ’05 and
Dan Krysiak ’13
Wrestling
T
he Ramblers completed a successful weekend at the PIAA
championships by placing two wrestlers on the medal stand.
Jake Gromacki finished fourth at 113 pounds, while Dan Krysiak
was eighth at 152 pounds.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 41
Where in the World?
T
he Cathedral Prep Magazine is read all over. With sightings everywhere, we want to know where
you have taken your Magazine. Please email your picture and caption information to Christine
Eddy, Director of Communications and Annual Fund, at christine.eddy@prep-villa.com, and you could
be next to grace the pages of the Magazine that is read by over 14,000 constituents!
Eugene ’93 and Laura
Tomczak’92 (VMA) with
Brian Zielinski ’96 at the
Great Wall of China.
Mike Pietrowski ’67 took his magazine
with him on a grizzly bear hunt in the
Talkeetna Mountains of Alaska.
Dan Paluh ‘10
stands in the
tropical rainforest of
Costa Rica with his
magazine.
Bob Lacy ’81 stands in the
front of the Cathedral de
Santiago de Saltillo in Mexico.
1962 classmates Al
Lubiejewski and Mike
Chiteman in Key West.
John Falconer ‘57 with
wife Cynthia at the
Grand Canyon.
Ed Zinkosky ‘70 and his wife,
Kathleen Ciotti Zinkosky ‘69
(VMA), at Phi Phi Island, Thailand.
John Amann ‘62 stands on the veranda
of the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship, as
it entered the Panama Canal from the
Pacific Ocean.
Duane Hayes ’87 and
his wife, Vicki, took their
magazine on a segway
tour of Waikiki Beach.
The Markey family celebrated their family reunion at Biltmore
Estates and proudly displayed their Essence and Cathedral Prep
Magazines. L-R: David Markey, ‘92, John Markey, ‘84, Earle Markey,
‘81, Bill Garvey ‘76, Mary Lee Markey Gardiner ‘77 (VMA), Joy Marie
Markey Garvey ‘78 (VMA), and Susan Markey Nimmer ‘80 (VMA).
Joe Cappello ‘64 and his
wife, Lucy Rastatter Cappello
‘67 (VMA), pose with the
Cathedral Prep Magazine in
Aruba.
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SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
While on their way to the Bahamas this group of Ramblers and
Victors posed with their magazines in the Miami airport. Mike
Wisniewski ’81, Mike Whitman ’86, Lawrence Schroeck ’59,
Dave Schroeck ’89, Matt Keil ’00, Anne Marie Schroeck Keil ’00
(VMA), Sr. Michele Marie Schroeck ’84 (VMA), Abigail Whitman
’16 (VMA) and Kathie Schroeck ’91 (VMA).
Fr. Mike
DeMartinis,
Director of
Theatre Arts,
met this Masai
Warrior while on
a safari in Kenya.
The Chase brothers and
sons took their magazine
to celebrate a wedding of
Gordy Chase ‘72’s daughter at
Stone Hedge Country Club in
Scranton. L-R: Craig Chase ‘05,
Garrett Chase ‘12, Glynn Chase
‘70, Gordy Chase ’72, George
Chase ’80, Gayle Chase ‘77,
and Grant Chase ‘11.
Chris Satrape ’78
poses with daughter
Valentina at Jurere
Beach, Brazil.
The Yeagers with their
Cathedral Prep Magazine
at the Funkwerks Brewery in
Fort Collins, CO. L-R: Patrick
’01, Brian’81, Terry ’69 and
Christopher ’98.
Former Prep teacher/coach Mike
Andrae ‘60, with his wife, Dee ‘63 (VMA),
vacationing in the southern Caribbean.
Mike Chase, Jane
(Pol) Chase ’73
(VMA), Tony Pol
’74, Chris (Felix) Pol
’75 (VMA) pictured
in Hawaii.
Bob Kapsar ’52 poses
with his magazine in
Moscow.
Roman ’17, Ellen ’11 (VMA), Hogan
’13, Martin ’12, Joe, Ian ’15, Janet
Zegarelli took their magazines to
Punta Cana and posed with them on
Christmas Day.
John Bauman ‘75, Bill Bauman ‘05,
Daniel Bauman ‘15, Anne Schloss
Bauman ‘01 (VMA), Doug Bauman ‘02,
Carolyn Fischer Bauman ‘76 (VMA),
Julie Kloecker ‘08 (VMA) and Andrew
Bauman ‘07 at the Daniel Island
Country Club in Daniel Island,
South Carolina.
Barbara Brutcher Maciulewicz
’66 (VMA) and Cheryl Dylewski
Brzezinski ’66 (VMA) with their
husbands, Ed Brzezinski and
Tom Maciulewicz, who are
1964 class mates, brought their
magazines to Myrtle Beach.
Nicholas Bird ’12, also known as
Prep’s “Speedo Man” lived up to
his nickname as he brought his
magazine to Spain and posed in
his speedo.
Dr. Andrew Prischak ’70 poses with
his daughter Amanda Prischak ’01
(VMA) in Cancun.
Row 1: Victoria Mazano ’15 (VMA), Chris Konzel ’13, Nicholas
Ng ’15, Andrew Wilcox’14 and Shaun Evans ’14.
Row2: Yuekun Wang ’13(VMA), Xuechen Zhang ’14 (VMA),
Daniel Macaluso ’15 and Olivia Bannister ’15 (VMA).
SPRING 2013 The Academic Sports League
Team pose with their magazine in
front of the Nittany Lion at Penn
State following their decathlon
competition.
The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 43
In Case You Were Wondering…
Who sat for detention in 1949? Who
failed to show up entirely? Recognize
any of the names? We’ve uncovered
the detention list and it looks like Father
Lester Enright had his hands full. While
some students were only given a ½ hour
of detention, others pushed the limit by
accumulating 20 hours worth. Special
thanks to Mrs. Ellen Hagerty for submitting this slip. Her husband, M. Robert
Hagerty ’50, now deceased, set a record
back in the day.
Mark Your Calendar
May 29
Baccalaureate
June 2
Graduation/50-Year
Mass & Breakfast
June 26
Rambler Golf Classic
July 26
Reunion Picnic
July 28
Reunion Mass & Breakfast
44
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School
Where’s Your Prep Spirit?
H
ow do you show your Prep Pride? If you
have a photo that might top the ones here,
please send it to christine.eddy@prep-villa.com,
and we’ll make sure to include it in the next
issue of the Cathedral Prep Magazine.
Sometimes
our littlest fans are our biggest fans.
Where’s Your Prep Spirit?
Little
Kyiah
Crosby, sister to Kadeice Knight ’14,
How do you show your Prep Pride? If you have a photo that might top the ones below, please
send
it to christine.eddy@prep-villa.com,
we’ll make
to include it inas
the next
showed
off her Prepand
pride
bysure
dressing
a issue of
the Cathedral Prep Magazine.
Prep cheerleader.
Sometimes our littlest fans are our biggest fans. Little Kyiah Crosby, sister to Kadeice Knight
’14, showed off her Prep pride by dressing as a Prep cheerleader.
Athletic Director Bill Flanagan was in rare form following
the Ramblers win of the PIAA-AAA State Championship
football title. Fran Klemensic’s (dad to Brendan ’13)
guitar made the rounds with everyone following the
football game. We just never expected it to land in Mr.
Flanagan’s hands. Without uttering a word, his ear to ear
smile sums up the evening. Also, in honor of his favorite
group, Rush, finally being inducted into the Rock & Roll
Hall of Fame, he does his best Alex Lifeson imitation.
Dan Blazek
’13 shows
his spirit
by wearing
an orange
tuxedo on
“Rally day”.
Grandparents of Billy Snider
’15, Norm ’58 and Marleah
Snider show off their Prep
pride with “Ramblers” on the
back of their pickup truck
before heading to Hershey.
SPRING 2013 The Magazine of Cathedral Preparatory School 45
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Erie, PA
Permit No. 61
Cathedral Preparatory School
Advancement Office
225 West 9th Street
Erie, PA 16501
Phone (814) 453-PREP
FAX (814) 455-5462
Web site: www.cathedral-prep.com
If this Cathedral Prep Magazine is incorrectly addressed –
either a misspelling or the individual no longer maintains a
permanent residence at this address, please send the correct
information to the Advancement Office at the above mailing
address or via email to terri.hess@prep-villa.com.
In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, yet still deliver
a quality publication filled with great information about
Cathedral Prep, we are sending one magazine for Cathedral
Prep per household. We have many constituent’s that reside
at the same address, and it’s our hope that the magazine can
be shared by all. Should you like more than one copy of the
magazine delivered to your home, please contact Terri Hess at
814-453-7737 x2223 or terri.hess@prep-villa.com
Hold your
Graduation
Party
at the
Cathedral Prep Events Center
Taking Reservations for
2013 Graduation Parties now!
Call (814) 453-7737 ext. 2290
We cater to your event with full menu available for buffet dinners.
Facility rental includes full use of the field and building.
We can host your
Holiday party, Anniversary, Birthday Celebration,
Wake, Fundraiser, Meeting, Stag N’ Drag &
Rehearsal Dinners.
501 West 12th Street