2

From The PresidenT

2

On the COver:Men of the year

Where are they noW?Story on pageS 4 & 5

In thIs Issue

MrS. (Connelly) yarborough retireS

pageS 7

aluMni neWS

& noteS

pageS 8 & 9

Spring SportS

pageS 10-11

St. anthony reSidenCe

pageS 12-13

hall of faMe, boCCe ball & golf

pageS 15-16

Annual report of Gifts

A MAgAzine for AluMni, PArents & friends of st. frAncis HigH scHool

THE

aUSUMMER/FALL 2011

Where are they now?

STORY ON PAGES 4&5

How do you define success? The answer no doubt will depend on who you ask. Some will define success in terms of their careers, others financial independence, and still others through personal satisfaction with the way they live their lives and raise their children. At St. Francis High School we would define Success in terms of our graduates who become leaders who are known by their faith, critical thinking, service to others, integrity, concern for the environment, and an openness to lifelong learning. I hope this sounds familiar because it is part of our mission statement, and we work to accomplish this task with every young man who walks our halls. We are continuing our tradition of success and salute the accomplishments of all our graduates.

This past June the class of 2011 graduated 100 young men who collectively earned over $13.4 million in scholarships and grants to further their education. In September, we welcomed the 135 members of the class of 2015 who are just beginning their journey on the road to success at St. Francis High School. Four members of the freshman class are also resident students who are living in the newly constructed St. Anthony Residence which, by the way, officially opened on September 1, 2011. We now have the capacity to accommodate 26 young men with on-campus housing. Presently, we have 37 international students, 20 living on campus and the others live with families of our St. Francis community. Check out pages 12 and 13 for a pictorial time line of construction. Construction of the residence was accomplished in a relatively short 10 week span; this in itself was a tremendous success.

As we begin another school year, we also begin another year of fundraising. But before we do that, we must acknowledge all of our generous donors who helped us this past year. The Annual Report of Gifts is included in this edition of the Tau. Thank you to our Alumni, Alumni Parents, Current Parents, School Board, Friends, Administrators, Faculty and Staff who have stepped up to help us once again to surpass our goal. Under the Direction of Paul Bartell, Jr.’88, in his new role in the Institutional Advancement Office as Director of Giving, we raised $205,951.00 for the annual giving appeal, surpassing the $200,000.00 goal. The funds raised through the Annual Giving Appeal support our tuition assistance program and other needs of the institution. More and more families of Western New York need help in order for their sons to attend St. Francis. Thank you to all for your continued support of St. Francis High School.

Save the Date - Saturday, May 5, 2012 is the Justinian Dinner Auction. This year marks Justinian XXXI. I look forward to seeing you at the auction and at a gift gathering party or two along the way. Again, my many thanks for all you do for the young men of St. Francis High School.

Pax et Bonum,

Fr. Michael Sajda, OFM Conv.President

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sT. FrAncis TAuVol. 3 no.1

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

Class of 1986 Class of 1991 Class of 2001

It’s fourth and goal, we need 15

yards for the game-tying touchdown; with time running out it seems like the odds are stacked against us…still we have experience on our side; this could have been a Bills game scenario or our varsity football team

but it’s not. Of course I’m talking about the Annual Senior-Faculty Homecoming/Bonanza Picnic Football

game. This annual event helps to bring the student campus even closer together than it is already. The sidelines packed with students and faculty cheering on both sides, the wafting scent of char-broiled hot dogs, the pep-rally helping to get everyone pumped up for the evening varsity football game. The event did work as planned. It brought everyone together faculty, students, and staff; OH and did I mention the ref was a faculty member and in control of the clock? TIE BALL GAME!

The Golf Tournament was a huge success. Thank you to all the alumni board members for their help and a special THANK

YOU to Paul Bartell for spearheading the tournament. He has done an excellent job in running and coordinating the tournament.

Mark the date July 12, 2013, for next year’s tournament.

Thank you’s go out to all the alums who worked on their class reunions this year, especially the point persons for their respective classes: Kevin Gavin ’86, Greg Shea ’91, and Michael Wozniak ’01. Kudo’s on jobs well done. If you are interested in getting started on a reunion for your class, contact Jerry Gorczyca’73 or me.

In addition to the Class Reunions, this past Homecoming we celebrated the 50th anniversary (1961-62) and the 20th anniversary (1991-92) of the two undefeated football teams in St. Francis High School history. Several members of both teams attended; they were given a St. Francis Football Alumni golf shirt, celebrated

Mass in the Chapel with the current varsity team, and then were honored at halftime of the game for their accomplishments. Afterwards they were the guests of the

Alumni Association at the postgame party held in the SDR of our school. Thank you to Rich Sasala ’62, Jason Cichocki ’92, and Scott Taylor ’92 for their help in coordinating a great evening.

If you are ever in the area, please stop in for

a visit and a tour.

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Since 1943, St. Francis High School has chosen a young man for the honor of Man of the Year. This award is the highest honor bestowed on a graduating senior. The award is presented to a student based on his faith, character, scholarship, leadership, service and school spirit. The men chosen for this award have gone on to very successful lives and still exhibit the values of St. Francis, showing how truly powerful this institution is in garnishing success.

Gary Kaczor was chosen as the Man of the Year in 1976. He recalls the bittersweet moment at graduation, when he was given this honor, but would then soon part from his closest friends who he says he considered his brothers. His plans

were to become a professional baseball player and he attended Cornell University. Gary had a back-up plan in case he got hurt, he knew he would have a good education to fall back on. As it turned out, Gary did get hurt in his first year playing professional baseball, but his degree from Cornell helped him to land a job as a medical sales representative.

Today, Gary is the General Manager of Gorman Enterprises, a dealer for school and commercial buses, fire trucks and ambulances. Gary and his wife Lori are very proud of their three children, Katie, Eric ’08 and Kelly who all want to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical and medical fields.

When reflecting back on how St. Francis High School aided his success, Gary stated that his experiences at St. Francis have been very valuable. He finds himself both in his business and social life, incorporating what he learned as a St. Francis Gentleman and also wears his St. Francis colors proudly.

For Kevin Jerge of the class of 1982, being chosen as Man of the Year was the icing on the cake for a week of incredible events. That year, as captain of the baseball team, St. Francis upset rival Bishop

Timon, where Kevin scored the winning run. After St. Francis, Kevin had planned on going onto college, but not sure of what field he would pursue. After spending many years in sales and marketing, Kevin is excited about a new venture, his own business, anyART.

com which allows customers to upload photos and in turn, receive a framed, hand painted oil painting. He currently lives in Tennessee with his wife, Elizabeth and has five children, Nicholas, 25, Lauren, 23, Jonathan, 16, Elle, 7 and Annika, 5.

When it comes to his success, Kevin says he feels that St. Francis provided a diverse and disciplined environment with a balanced focus on spiritual and academic achievement alongside extra-curricular activities. The biggest lesson he learned from his time at St. Francis is to not judge others. His open-mindedness has helped him in many situations, both personally and professionally.

In 1987, John Dantonio received the honor of Man of the Year. John remarked that his hard work and dedication gradually progressed throughout his years at St. Francis and helped him in his plans to study at

Hofstra University. He said he wanted to study in the field of health care and he ultimately ended up at the University at Buffalo Dental School in 1991.

John has been practicing dentistry in Buffalo for 17 years. He and his wife Dana have been married for 18 years and the couple has two children, John Jr. ’15 and Jacob who is six years old.John notes that not only did St. Francis help him develop proper Christian values; discipline and a good work ethic that helped build his current success, but also his confidence as a Christian man who cares about his family, friends and patients.

Jonathan Hageman received the honor of Man of the Year in 1998. He says he holds it as one of the biggest highlights of his life thus far. Something he thought he would never receive but could not be more honored to have been chosen. Jonathan’s plans after St. Francis were to attend SUNY Albany for business, and he knew he wanted to live in New York City. After college, Jonathan did move to New York City, where he started working with Massey Knakal Realty Services, which has been ranked the number one investment sales firm in New York City. Jonathan is partners with the chairman of the company and oversees the day activities of the sales team. To date, Jonathan has worked on the sale of almost $4 billion in aggregate transactions, covering the sale of 560 properties.

Jonathan says he believes St. Francis is one of the most influential reasons for his success. The Friars, teachers, coaches and friends along with the values St. Francis taught him, helped prepare him for college and later, his career. The Franciscan values are what Jonathan believes gave him the ability to be who he is today.

For Zachary Musial, being chosen as Man of the Year in 2004 was surreal. He said he had an idea of several other classmates who he felt were deserving of the award, but he did not think it would be his name being called at graduation. After graduation Zack’s interest in sports served as his inspiration to study at Canisius College. He took up athletic training with a concentration in sports medicine and was able to

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John has been practicing dentistry in Buffalo for 17 years. He and his wife Dana have been married for 18 years and the couple has two children, John Jr. ’15 and Jacob who is six years old.John notes that not only did St. Francis help him develop proper Christian values; discipline and a good work ethic that helped build his current success, but also his confidence as a Christian man who cares about his family, friends and patients.

Jonathan Hageman received the honor of Man of the Year in 1998. He says he holds it as one of the biggest highlights of his life thus far. Something he thought he would never receive but could not be more honored to have been chosen. Jonathan’s plans after St. Francis were to attend SUNY Albany for business, and he knew he wanted to live in New York City. After college, Jonathan did move to New York City, where he started working with Massey Knakal Realty Services, which has been ranked the number one investment sales firm in New York City. Jonathan is partners with the chairman of the company and oversees the day activities of the sales team. To date, Jonathan has worked on the sale of almost $4 billion in aggregate transactions, covering the sale of 560 properties.

Jonathan says he believes St. Francis is one of the most influential reasons for his success. The Friars, teachers, coaches and friends along with the values St. Francis taught him, helped prepare him for college and later, his career. The Franciscan values are what Jonathan believes gave him the ability to be who he is today.

For Zachary Musial, being chosen as Man of the Year in 2004 was surreal. He said he had an idea of several other classmates who he felt were deserving of the award, but he did not think it would be his name being called at graduation. After graduation Zack’s interest in sports served as his inspiration to study at Canisius College. He took up athletic training with a concentration in sports medicine and was able to

graduate a semester early. Then it was off to New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, New York, where he recently graduated. Through Canisius College and New York Chiropractic College, Zack graduated with a Doctorate of Chiropractic, a Masters in Applied Clinical Nutrition and is a certified athletic trainer. In April 2010, Zack married Jillian Ferry, and this past August the couple welcomed baby Lena Michele Musial.

Zack stated that St. Francis gave him the tools he needed to become a well-rounded person. His faith had been solidified, and that was very important to him because there is a push to have young men find not only who they are as people, but also who they are in their faith.

While these men are all at different points in their lives, they not only have the Man of the Year honor in common, but also a character that exemplifies what it means to be a St. Francis Renaissance Man. All these men were hard-working students, who appreciated athletics as well as the arts. They continue to have a deep appreciation for the values that St. Francis High School taught them, as well as an appreciation for their family and friends. While each man has been successful in career, family and personal life, what struck me is when asking Zack Musial about his success was his humble response, “If I can be half the person and half as successful my parents are, then I will consider myself successful.” These five men truly appreciate where they come from, what they have been given and strive to be the best they can be.

After interacting with these men, it is evident to me why they were chosen as Man of the Year. These men continue to be “Renaissance Men”. They truly exemplify what St. Francis High School hopes for every young man that walks through its halls.

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The Christmas ConcertWednesday, December 14th at 7:00 PM

Alumni Hall TheatreAll Choral and Instrumental Groups

The Spring ConcertWednesday, April 25th at 7:00 PM

Alumni Hall TheatreAll Choral and Instrumental Groups

The 40th AnnualArt Awards Banquet

Sunday, May 20th at 4:00 PMRomanello’s South Restaurant

Saturday, November 12th at 7 PMSunday, November 13th at 2 PM

Alumni Hall Theatre

Friday, March 16th at 7 PMSaturday, March 17th at 7 PMSunday, March 18th at 2 PM

Alumni Hall Theatre

So who is the infamous “Stage Door Slasher”who was responsible for the murdersof three chorus girls two years ago?

The producer? The director? The lyricist?Or is it the quirky maid who seems at once

to be a victim and a suspect?Find out as we present this comical murder mystery.

We return to Runyonland once more as we present the Frank Loesser classic

that the Daily News once called“the perfect musical comedy.”

Come spend some tune-filled timewith the gamblers and Hot Box girls,

Miss Adelaide, Sergeant Sarah Brown, Nathan Detroit, Nicely-Nicely Johnson, and, of course, Sky Masterson.

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Fine Arts Department withTheatre Concerts and Ceremonies

Service of Lessons andCarols at GreccioSunday, December 18th at 4:00 PM

Friars’ Hall ChapelThe Male Chorus and Freshman Class

We welcome Mr. Christopher DeVries to the staff ofthe Fine Arts Department at St. Francis.Mr. DeVries will teach General Music,

Chorus and Advanced Chorus.In addition, he will direct our Male Chorus

and assist with preparations for our musical.

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Overlooking the mass of dancing students was when I first saw Mrs. Yarborough. She had a huge smile on her face. She was standing among the voluminous crowd of St. Francis gentleman at their prom; you could tell she enjoyed this type of occasion the most.

She saw the students in a more formal fashion, having a good time, while she maintained order. Mrs. Yarborough

helped keep order on the dance floor as the assistant principal at St. Francis. Mrs. Yarborough’s career has changed throughout her time here and holds significance within the history of the School. She was the first female administrator at St. Francis High School. Some might remember Mrs. Yarborough as Ms. Connelly from 1987 who began teaching chemistry at St. Francis that same year. Her time as a part of the St. Francis family extends over 25 years.

Looking back, Mrs. Yarborough said she experienced the same first day feelings as the freshmen. She recalled not being able to find things or places. However, she had a different experience being a female in a predominately male workplace. She said this did not faze her and her adjustment took a total of two weeks. She remarked that her transition “was not that difficult.”

The Franciscan principles of St. Francis High School allowed Mrs. Yarborough to reach out to students of all abilities and different levels. She said she learned from her students as well, they taught her patience for her task, the greatness of diversity, and that every boy has a special talent. She expressed that as an educator her goal was to discover that talent.

Teaching suited Mrs. Yarborough well because her focus always remained on academics and her academically oriented focus explained why she enjoyed staying after school to tutor her students. She went beyond the standard requirements of a teacher and represented an endearing educator with goals. As a teacher, she felt constantly challenged to bring complex concepts to a level conducive and relevant to high school students. She said that a rewarding part of her job meant truly educating one total person. Pointing out that education was number one in her book. She continued teaching chemistry and was named science department chair. That was until 2007, when St. Francis underwent major changes in administration.

In 2007, Fr. Michael became President and Mr. Braunscheidel became principal. This left a vacancy in the Assistant Principal’s office and Mrs. Yarborough stepped up to fill that spot, becoming the first female administrator in the history of the school.

The administration had a new team which proved its success in their collaboration. According to Mrs. Yarborough, “the concept of collaboration among the administration and the teachers

enhanced student performance.”.

The accomplishments achieved during her time helped the curriculum grow and increased interaction with families on a question that has been troubling students for years- how exactly do you study?

Students who attended school in 2007 will remember the new cell phone policy, academic referrals, and the school dance requirement all created by the team of administrators. She even participated in the residence program which will enhance the school for years to come.

Her typical work day required her to wear many different hats and to answer to many different people. She said she learned to teach in new ways. “I missed the classroom setting but I experienced a different type of teaching with the faculty and the parents.” In response to what role she liked better, teacher or assistant principal, she responded strongly and passionately, “I enjoyed different phases with both of them. I have no regrets. I enjoyed both.”

What will she miss the most? She said she will miss the true rewards of being a teacher, the relationships with her colleagues and working with students. As for her plans after retirement, she expressed that she will enjoy spending

time with her husband and grandchild, visiting her sister in Las Vegas, reading, and her favorite pastime knitting. She’ll miss the proms, the events, the traditions, and obviously and most importantly her roles among the St. Francis faculty and administration. Mrs. Yarborough embodied St. Francis in all its qualities. “St. Francis is a part of me.” If she could describe St. Francis in her own words she said, “It’s an institution with a student feel, a family, where everyone has the individual potential to strive and to teach to that potential.”

I left Mrs. Yarborough with one final question to end our discussion, “Do you have any final thoughts?” “It’s been a very happy part of my life,” and then she started to tear up, “you know, I don’t really think about leaving.” As she reached for the tissue box, I realized she’s right. Her legacy with this school will remain within the walls of St. Francis through her principles and her progress. She will never leave the St. Francis family.

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1960’sMichael Vassallo,’67 …recently retired from the Central Intelligence Agency and is now a Senior Consultant with the Strategic Intelligence Group. Mike resides in Dale City, Va.

1980’s

Ken Lang,’85…currently in his 24th year with the NY State Department of Corrections.

Ken and his wife Karen, operate their business, Saville’s Country Florist in Orchard Park, NY.

1990’sJoshua Russell,’99…has been awarded a research fellowship with the Human-Animal Studies Institute at Wesleyan University. Joshua’s dissertation topic is “On Lifetimes: Children’s Experiences of Animal Death”. He currently lives in Toronto, Ontario.

2000’sAndy Lanigan,’02 ... On August 13th married Sarah Utzig of North Tonawanda at St. John Vianney Church in Orchard Park. The ceremony was celebrated by Msgr. Gallagher and St. Francis’ Father Justin Ross. The bridal party

consisted of fellow alums, Best Man Dan Kick ’02 and groomsman Mark Craig ’02. Other alumni that were guests included John Zygaj ’97, Nate Suchyna ’00, Joe Kick ’00, Alex Fabi ’02, Justin Whitted ’02, and Nick Suchyna ’03. Andy is in his fourth year teaching at St. Francis High School and Sarah is a freelance graphic designer.

Michael Dlugosz, ’03 … graduated from Canisius College and UB Medical School and is now interning at UB’s Primary Care Family Medicine Center in Amherst, NY.

Peter Santandreu, ’05… graduated from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, N.Y. in 2009 with a degree in Theology and Philosophy. He then spent two years at St. Michael’s which is part of the University of Toronto, and graduated with a Masters in Theology. He is currently doing mission work in Buenos Aries, Argentina and is considering a vocation to the priesthood.

Daniel Shick, ’06… and Catherine Colmerauer, both graduates of SUNY Fredonia in 2010, have recently announced their engagement and will be married in May of 2012

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Submit your Alumni News & Notes Via New Web site- www.stfrancishigh.orgClick on the Alumni tab at the top of the home page and then select Alumni News & Notes. You can even upload pictures. You can still e-mail Jerry Gorczyca at gorczycag@stfrancishigh.org with updates.

Alumni Data Base online- visit our website and click on Alumni

Neal Kerwin ,’08… a junior mechanical engineering major at Kettering University, studied this past summer at the University of Germany at Konstanz. While in Germany, Neal was able to travel to Italy to see the sites of Assisi, including the Basilica of St. Francis.

Tomasz Falkowski,’08… a bioengineering and environmental science student at Binghamton University, completed a ten week research project in the tropical rainforest of Costa Rica over the summer. The project was run by Texas A&M and funded by the National Science Foundation. Tomasz conducted field work on a team studying biogeochemical and hydrologic fluxes and their impact on cloud forest watershed ecology and will present his research at the 4th International Ecosummit Conference in 2012.

Charlie Stephenson, III, ’09… came up with an idea to honor the 9-11 victims. After consulting with the President of Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC, (where he is a junior), Charlie was given the

funds to purchase 2,996 two and half foot American Flags. He gathered 10 volunteers and used the flags to form a giant 9-11 on the campus. Charlie is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is Vice President of Student Government and hopes to become a PGA Teaching Professional.

Curran McNamara, 2011, has been selected to play goal for the Jamestown (NY) Ironmen, a Junior A hockey team that plays in the North American Hockey League.

** Editors note: If you sent in an Alumni News item and do not see it here, please contact Jerry Gorczyca’73. Due to computer issues over the summer, some information may have been lost.

pleaSe reMeMber in your prayerS the

folloWing MeMberS of the St. franCiS

high SChool faMily Who haVe reCently paSSed aWay:

+JaMeS bauer

father of Jonathan ’11 & bryan ClaSS of 2014

+fr. aurelian brzezniak, ofM ConV.

+June CareW

Mother-in-laW of SteVe otreMba ’90, grandMother of alex WalCzyk

ClaSS of 2014

+patriCia deMpSey

grandMother of Connor MoSeS ClaSS of 2014

+peter guStauSkaS ’68 paSSed aWay auguSt 2010

+elizabeth MCderMott

Mother of faCulty MeMber Mollie MCderMott

+MiChele MuSial

Mother of zaChary ’04, tiMothy ’05, ChriStopher ’07 & MattheW ‘09

+Carl “butCh” ott, Jr. ’71

+thoMaS reedy ’78 brother of dan ’76, unCle of dan ’06

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BAseBAllFor the second consecutive year, the varsity baseball team finished in first place in the MMAA. Sporting a 14-2 league record, the Red Raiders advanced to the Georgetown Cup Finals for the sixth consecutive time. Unfortunately, an excellent season ended on a losing note as they dropped the playoff series to rival Canisius two games to none.

With nine seniors on the roster, the Red Raiders depended on veteran leadership for its success this season. Mike Wagner ’11, Evan Briggs ’11, Matt Jankowiak ’11 and Bob Harrington ’11 provided the foundation for what was a deep and talented pitching staff. The Mercyhurst College bound Wagner tossed three shutouts and beat rival Canisius twice to set the pace, while the hard-throwing and equally successful Briggs provided a left handed counterpart for him. Jon Stefaniak ’12 and Bob Reiman ’12 also saw time on the hill and did an admirable job when called upon.

Defensive standout seniors Austin Zakroczemski and Nick DiRienzo were staples in an outfield that was complemented by several players including Harrington, Briggs, Wagner and Matt Carrig ’12. The infield was anchored by catcher Keegan Flynn ’11 and third baseman Dallas Szustak ’11. Rookies rounded out the infield with sophomore Matt Michalski taking over at shortstop, junior Paul Wujek providing some “webgems” at second base and Mike Prentice ’13 gaining some valuable experience at first base when Wagner was on the mound.

On the offensive side, seniors Wagner, Szustak, Zakroczemski and DiRienzo led the way while underclassmen Michalski and Carrig

provided punch from the left side of the plate. Harrington and Kyle Anderson ’11 could be relied upon to spark the offense in key situations.

End of the year honors were awarded to Mike Wagner, Austin Zakroczemski and Matt Michalski who were First Team All-Catholic selections. Wagner was also named the MMAA Offensive Player of the Year and chosen as a First Team All-Western New York and Fourth Team All-New York State player. In addition, Zakroczemski was an Honorable Mention All-Western New York selection.

lAcrosseSt. Francis Varsity Lacrosse had a breakout year winning 9 games and losing 7 improving their record from the year before of 8-10. After opening the season with a loss on the road at Aquinas, the Red Raiders won the next 6 straight. The Red Raiders also improved their league record

winning 5 games up from 2 the year before. That effort earned them the third spot in the MMAA and a league playoff game versus Nichols.

That playoff game which was played at Nichols on May 24th would turn out to be an exciting game in which St. Francis was down by four goals twice in the game and would come back to tie things up at 14 with two minutes to go in the game. The last possession was Nichols in which they scored with under a minute to play.The offense was led by Jake Giarrano (Sr.) with 43 goals, 24 assists, and 67 total points. Cooper Stefaniak (Jr.) led the team in goals, assists, and total points with 67 goals, 41 assists, and 108 total points. Alex Misterman (So.) was the leader in ground balls with 153. Second on the team in ground balls was Cooper Stefaniak with 110.

Attack was led Michael Gallagher (Jr.) with 36 Goals, 14 Assists for 60 total points. Collin Krasowski (Jr.) had 20 goals and 21 assists. Brendan McCabe had 13 goals and 14 assists.Defense was anchored by senior Paul Herrmann; along with Joe Ledwin (Jr.), Jeff Basty (Jr.), Nick Kryszak (Jr.) and David Nowak (Jr.). Goaltending was led by Brad Whitford (So.) who compiled a 10.86 Goals against average and a save percentage of .353.

TennisThe 2011 St. Francis Red Raider Tennis team had high expectations for their upcoming season and the optimism was high after great offseason workouts at the Southtowns Tennis Center, but bad weather and bad luck hit the Red

Raiders hard as they finished 1-9 for the season and 0-6 in the league. The team consisted of fairly young players with 2 freshmen, 4 sophomores, 6 juniors and 1 senior. The team’s

only win came against Niagara Catholic.

Sophomore Gabe LaMarca (3-7) was the team’s most versatile player, playing both doubles and singles all season. Junior Andy Ferrentino played as the team’s 1st singles player for most of the year finishing with a 1-5 record. Fellow junior Lucas Grisanti (1-5) played as the team’s 2nd singles player but his season was cut short due to injury. Senior Mike Menard (2-8) teamed with a variety of young players including Junior Jack Berry (1-5), junior Alex Drainville (0-9), sophomore Ben Alessi (4-3), and sophomore Gabe LaMarca to compete as the team’s #1 Doubles team. The doubles players had a tough season, as the young players could not put together a consistent game. The numerous combinations of players, allowed the coaching staff to evaluate the players with their different teammates and decide which teams will work well together in the future. Freshmen Ben Anderson (0-2) and Cordell Turner (0-2) emerged as the team’s 2nd doubles team at season’s end, gaining great varsity experience. Sophomore Christian

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provided punch from the left side of the plate. Harrington and Kyle Anderson ’11 could be relied upon to spark the offense in key situations.

End of the year honors were awarded to Mike Wagner, Austin Zakroczemski and Matt Michalski who were First Team All-Catholic selections. Wagner was also named the MMAA Offensive Player of the Year and chosen as a First Team All-Western New York and Fourth Team All-New York State player. In addition, Zakroczemski was an Honorable Mention All-Western New York selection.

lAcrosseSt. Francis Varsity Lacrosse had a breakout year winning 9 games and losing 7 improving their record from the year before of 8-10. After opening the season with a loss on the road at Aquinas, the Red Raiders won the next 6 straight. The Red Raiders also improved their league record

winning 5 games up from 2 the year before. That effort earned them the third spot in the MMAA and a league playoff game versus Nichols.

That playoff game which was played at Nichols on May 24th would turn out to be an exciting game in which St. Francis was down by four goals twice in the game and would come back to tie things up at 14 with two minutes to go in the game. The last possession was Nichols in which they scored with under a minute to play.The offense was led by Jake Giarrano (Sr.) with 43 goals, 24 assists, and 67 total points. Cooper Stefaniak (Jr.) led the team in goals, assists, and total points with 67 goals, 41 assists, and 108 total points. Alex Misterman (So.) was the leader in ground balls with 153. Second on the team in ground balls was Cooper Stefaniak with 110.

Attack was led Michael Gallagher (Jr.) with 36 Goals, 14 Assists for 60 total points. Collin Krasowski (Jr.) had 20 goals and 21 assists. Brendan McCabe had 13 goals and 14 assists.Defense was anchored by senior Paul Herrmann; along with Joe Ledwin (Jr.), Jeff Basty (Jr.), Nick Kryszak (Jr.) and David Nowak (Jr.). Goaltending was led by Brad Whitford (So.) who compiled a 10.86 Goals against average and a save percentage of .353.

TennisThe 2011 St. Francis Red Raider Tennis team had high expectations for their upcoming season and the optimism was high after great offseason workouts at the Southtowns Tennis Center, but bad weather and bad luck hit the Red

Raiders hard as they finished 1-9 for the season and 0-6 in the league. The team consisted of fairly young players with 2 freshmen, 4 sophomores, 6 juniors and 1 senior. The team’s

only win came against Niagara Catholic.

Sophomore Gabe LaMarca (3-7) was the team’s most versatile player, playing both doubles and singles all season. Junior Andy Ferrentino played as the team’s 1st singles player for most of the year finishing with a 1-5 record. Fellow junior Lucas Grisanti (1-5) played as the team’s 2nd singles player but his season was cut short due to injury. Senior Mike Menard (2-8) teamed with a variety of young players including Junior Jack Berry (1-5), junior Alex Drainville (0-9), sophomore Ben Alessi (4-3), and sophomore Gabe LaMarca to compete as the team’s #1 Doubles team. The doubles players had a tough season, as the young players could not put together a consistent game. The numerous combinations of players, allowed the coaching staff to evaluate the players with their different teammates and decide which teams will work well together in the future. Freshmen Ben Anderson (0-2) and Cordell Turner (0-2) emerged as the team’s 2nd doubles team at season’s end, gaining great varsity experience. Sophomore Christian

Cavalieri (1-8) saw action as the team’s third singles player, as well as Junior Alex Drainville. Despite the disappointing record, the future of tennis at St. Francis looks bright and promising.

TrAck & FieldThe St. Francis Track & Field team won its 2nd consecutive All Catholic title this past spring. The Red Raiders last accomplished winning back to back All Catholic titles in 2011. Along with winning the All Catholic, the team placed 1st in both the Dunkirk Invitational and Hamburg Rodiek Relays.

They also finished 2nd in the WNY Classic which is the highest team finish at the event against some of the premier track programs in WNY and Rochester.Akeel Lynch won 3 All Catholics (100, 200, 400 relay), set the school record in the 100 meters (10.6) and won the MVP of both the Dunkirk Invitational and WNY Classic. Dominic Buccieri picked up 2 All Catholics (400m & 1600 relay). Alex Schaffstall (1600 relay), Andrew Hayes (1600 relay), Arek Janiga (1600 relay), Zachary Wells (400 relay), Dominic Mendola (400 relay), Steve Kawalerski (400 relay) and Adam Pasnik (shotput).School records that were broken this past year included: 100 meters Akeel Lynch 10.6, 110 high hurdles Arek Janiga 15.74, Arek Janiga 400 intermediate hurdles 57.24, and 1600 m relay Darrick Weyrough, Andrew Hayes, Alex Schaffstall and Dominic Buccieri.The team came together after their tough loss to St. Joe’s to overcome all obstacles which included one of the roughest spring - weather wise. Coach Otremba, Coach Wcislo, Coach Ferris, Coach Suchyna and Coach Hoak want to thank everyone for their belief in themselves and each other into making this a tremendous campaign.

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May 2011- Classroom move

June 2011- Construction begins

August 2010- Finishing begins

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June 2011- demolition begins

July 2011- Construction continues

September 2011- Residence opens

The St. Anthony Residence is an on-campus residence hall for students. The residence is located in a section of the third floor of Justin Hall. There are accommodations for 26 students. The space also boasts a kitchen/dining area and recreation room. The Residence officially opened to students on September 1, 2011.

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Six new members were inducted into the Fr. Rufinas Athletic Hall of Fame at St. Francis High School during the Annual sports awards banquet and induction ceremony held on June 3, 2011 at Michaels Banquet Facility. Pictured from left to right : Gary Cullen’83, James Cullen,’81. Kevin VanRemmen, Gaeton Camillo’99 and Peter Sartori’84.

The 4th Annual Alumni Association Bocce Ball Tournament was held Saturday June 4th. The sky opened up with a nice soaking rain at 11 am to provide a slick bowling surface on the front lawn, and after a slight 20 minute delay the tournament began at 1:20 pm with tournament chair, Jack Jensen ’73 uttering the most famous words in lawn bowling: “Ladies and Gentlemen roll your balls!” Pictured from left to right: Chair Pat Maloney ’73, Vinny Russo, Anthony Russo, Tony Russo, Bernie Switzer ’95 and Chair Jack Jensen ’73.

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27th Annual SFHS Alumni Association Golf Tournament

On Thursday, July 7th a sellout crowd of over 200 Alumni and Friends of St. Francis High School took to the links of Terry Hills Golf Course under ideal weather conditions in support of the Alumni Association. Participants enjoyed lunch before teeing it up for a 12:15 p.m. shotgun start and closing the day with a delicious steak dinner.

The Benzingers (Mike ’06, Charlie ’73, Joe ’70) and Costa Kalonaros ’06 prevailed for the second consecutive year coming in at 18 under par. Pete Schaffstall, Dan Reedy ’76 and Dan Weintruab showed precision as winners of the Closest To The Pin Contests while big hitters Lou Fuchs ’74, Dave Ferris ’02 and Gary Kaczor ’76 won the Long Drive Contests.

Over $27,000.00 was raised in support of scholarship programs established by the St. Francis High School Alumni Association. Currently, there are 7 worthy students attending St. Francis High School that receive scholarships funded through the Association’s efforts.

Special thanks to W.H. Greene & Associates for their leadership as the Tournament Sponsor for a 4th consecutive year. Their generosity and the generosity of all sponsors and participants is truly appreciated.

Mark your calendars! The 28th Annual St. Francis High School Alumni Association Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at Terry Hills Golf Course. We look forward to yet another sellout and great event!

4129 lake Shore road * athol SpringS, ny 14010-0185 WWW.StfranCiShigh.org

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Five Year Reunion - Class of 2006November 23, 2011 - 7 - 9 pm

Illio DiPaolo’s

Alumni Association Family DaySaturday, January 15, 2012

1-5 pm Theater & Gymnasiums

Justinian Gift Gathering PartyFebruary 4, 2012 - 7 pm - Hoak’s on the Lake

Alumni Memorial MassMarch 4, 2012 - 10 am - Friars’ Hall Chapel

Spring Musical Reception - Guys & DollsSaturday March 17, 2012 - 6 pm - Main Gym

Class of 1962 - 50 Year Reunion Recognition DayMay 25, 2012 - Alumni Hall

Bocce Ball TournamentJune 2, 2012 - Front Lawn - 1 pm

Golf TournamentJuly 12, 2012 - Terry Hills Golf Course