the chronicle of strake jesuit college preparatory

THE CHRONICLEsummer 2012

O F S T R A K E J E S U I T C O L L E G E P R E P A R A T O R Y

Table of Contents

FeaturesCommencement 2012

p. 3

Water Polo Program Comes Full Circlep. 16

Departments

President’s Message - 2

News from 8900 - 9 -13

Principal’s Perspective - 15

Athletic News - 16 - 23

Ignatian Spirituality - 24

Alumni News - 25-26

Class Notes - 27

In Memoriam - 27

By George - 28

Summer 2012Vol. 44, No. 4

Editor/LayoutRick Rivers, Director of Communications

ContributorsFr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ Ken Lojo ‘91Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ

The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory (USPS 024165) Vol. 44, No. 4, Summer Edition, is published quarterly by Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, 8900 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77036. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, TX.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chronicle of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory,

8900 Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX 77036-4699.

PresidentFr. Daniel K. Lahart, SJ

PrincipalKen Lojo ‘91

Director of DevelopmentNJ Santarcangelo ‘67

MISSION STATEMENTTo assist young men in their formation as leaders and as Men for Others through a program of rigorous college

preparation in the tradition of the Society of Jesus.

ON THE COVER - Jesuit’s 48th Commencement Exercises, held on May 20, were a cause for celebration as graduating seniors gathered for the last time as an entire class before moving on to college and the next phase in their lives.The Crusaders celebrated the first Water Polo state title in school history this spring. To learn more see page 14.

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_________________PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

May and June are months of transition on a school campus. There is much pride as we watch the seniors in their final days, seeing these young men who truly have grown from

young boys into Men for Others during their four years. They

reminisce about their years here, from freshman retreat to Kairos,

from football to soccer, from freshman biology to senior calculus. Stories of classroom antics are told as they soon realize that the world that they have known, a world that has challenged them and comforted them, is about to radically change. They talk about their brotherhood. As natural as it feels to move on to the next stage, it is often with a lump in their throat and even a tear in their eye that they prepare to leave the place that has been home to them during these four important years in their lives. Even before these men don their green caps and gowns, before those caps sail in the air as the Principal calls out “Gaudeamus!” we are already fast preparing for the arrival of the new freshmen and their parents. Those boys anxiously line up for their placement tests, their parents nervously gather in the Moran Dining Hall to listen to various administrators speak about our way of proceeding here at Jesuit, and moms line up in the Spirit Store to buy grade school graduation gifts so that their graduate is properly decked out in green and white. The excitement of what is soon to begin softens the farewell of those young men who have spent the past year leading our teams, clubs, and campus. It is a season of transition. This has also been a year of transition here at Strake Jesuit. This year was the first time in 22 years that someone other than Richard Nevle proclaimed “Gaudeamus!” at graduation. As I look back on this year filled with challenges, I am filled with gratitude. From the beginning of Richard Nevle’s illness, through our mourning his loss, into the start of a year that had to go on like all the others, our team did a fantastic job to make sure that our students and parents continued to experience the excellence of Jesuit education throughout the year. I am particularly grateful to Ken Lojo ‘91 for his generosity in assuming the tremendous responsibilities of Principal. He has worked incredibly hard all year to

make sure that the school year went smoothly for our community. I am truly indebted to him. Mr. Lojo was ably assisted by Carlos Roman, Trip Norkus ‘95, Mark McNeil, and many others who labored together – all for the greater glory of God. This was also a year for us to transition into our new Retreat & Leadership Center in Leona, Texas. In our last issue of The Chronicle, you had a glimpse of this remarkable place. Some of you have been able to attend one of our retreats or Open House, but I look forward to welcoming more of you to the RLC in the years to come. Our transitions continue as we now turn our gaze to the future. In the fall we will begin our planning and fund-raising for a new science building which will also include space and programming for our new engineering offerings in the curriculum. Our current science building (Hampil Hall – I bet most of you did not know the 400 building had a name!) has served the school well since we opened its doors in 1962, and while classes are able to use the latest technology in science, it no longer serves our needs adequately. I will have plans and drawings to share with you in the fall as our designing efforts progress. In our fall issue of The Chronicle we will introduce many new faces on campus as we transition to new leadership in several areas on campus. Actually, several of the faces will not be new, as some of our veterans are taking on new responsibilities. It promises to be an exciting year. Transitions are not always easy; they are not always painless. It was difficult to say goodbye to the Class of 2012. These 204 young men made a lasting impression on campus. Whether it was their leadership, our first state Water Polo championship, or simply their living out our Jesuit ideals, they were a tremendous class. The Class of 2016 will have some big shoes to fill. I am confident that just as the members of the Class of 2012 grew into Men for Others over their four years – men of whom we are all very proud – so too will the Class of 2016. That is why at Strake Jesuit transitions, and the future, are filled with joy and hope. Thank you for all that you do to support our mission here at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.

Sincerely,

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The ranks of Strake Jesuit’s alumni grew by 200 on Sunday, May 20 when the school held its Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2012. A large gathering of family members and friends were on hand that morning in the Competition Gym to witness the school’s 48th Commencement Exercises. During his remarks to members of the class, school President Daniel Lahart, SJ, told them, “When you arrived here, the four years ahead were uncertain, and probably a little scary. In these years you have made wonderful friends, some of whom will be your friends until the day you die. Whether it was freshman football or freshman retreat, debate or drama, Calculus BC or Saturday PH, you have had experiences which have shaped who you have become. Whether it was the joy of a championship season, or the pain of a loss, like that of Mr. Nevle and Mrs. Schindler this past year or some other personal disappointment, through good and bad, God has been there through it all. And he has been preparing you.”

COMMENCEMENT

Steven Brian McConnell Award

Steve Brian McConnell, a member

of the class of 1978, died very

suddenly during January of

his senior year as a result of

spinal meningitis. This award

is presented to the senior who

best exemplifies the traits and

character that made Steve the

unique person he was. Steve accomplished many great

things in athletics despite being “undersized.” He did

this through determination, hard work, dedication and

perseverance.

2012 Recipient - Joe Quinn

Robert H. and Joanne M. Williams Foundation Award

The Williams Foundation created

his award in order to recognize a

college bound student who has

a good academic record, strong

character and who has been

involved in both the school and

wider communities.

2012 Recipient - Ian Chesser

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In the continuing Jesuit tradition of being Men for Others, the members of this class performed over 24,400 hours of community service across Houston, the United States and the world. From Jesuit, members of the Class of 2012 will be attending 73 different colleges and universities in 26 different states and the District of Columbia. Those schools are among 183 to which members of the class were accepted. Included among those are two students who will be attending the United States Military Academy and one who will be attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy. A total of 17 graduating seniors will be attending nine Jesuit colleges and universities and another 19 will be attending other Catholic universities. In total, 154 members of the class (76%) earned scholarships and grants worth over $24 million. The average SAT I test score for the class was 1910 (6293 critical reading, 657 math and 630 writing) while the average ACT was 29. Three members of the class scored a perfect 800 in critical reading, three students scored a perfect 800 in math and eight students scored a perfect 800 in writing on the SAT.

Among the 200 graduating seniors there were: - 8 National Merit Finalists - 27 National Merit Commended students - 13 National Hispanic Scholars - 1 National Hispanic Honorable - 11 National Achievement Scholars - 4 National Achievement Outstanding Students - 25 Eagle Scouts

The Valedictorian for the Class of 2012 as selected by the faculty from among the students with the ten highest scholastic averages was Jonathon Vachon. In his address he commented that, “...individual achievements are spectacular, but they tell relatively little about our class. We are something special. Individual achievements cannot possibly capture the daily camaraderie that we’ve had over the last 4 years. They cannot possibly tell of how supportive we are and will continue to be to one another. The list goes on… All of these things and more are what makes us so special. We’ve grown to be brothers for one another, and I’m so proud to be part of the class of 2012.” The Salutatorian, selected the faculty from among the students with the ten highest scholastic averages was Michael Donatti.

2012 SENIOR AWARDS

Each year at graduation, a number of very special Senior Awards are presented. Listed here are the recipients of those awards from the Class of 2012.

Millard Fillmore Parsley Award

In 1978 one of Strake Jesuit’s

founding Board members, Mr.

Robert H. Parsley, established the

Milliard Filmore Parsley Award

in honor of his older brother in

order to recognize outstanding

achievements in speech and

debate.

2012 Recipient - John Heizelman

John F. Kennedy Award

The John F. Kennedy Award

is presented to a senior whose

service to the community at large

warrants special recognition.

2012 Recipient - Brennan Lanier

Charles K. Alford Men For Others Memorial

Scholarship Award

This award was created to honor

Charles Alford, a member of the

Class of 2011, who died tragically

in an auto accident early in his

sophomore year. His classmates,

teachers and all who knew him

saw him as example of what it

means to be a Man for Others. His

thoughtfulness, consideration of others, and generosity

were a true inspiration.

2012 Recipient - Billy Dodd

Rev. Michael F. Kennelly, SJ Award

In 1960 Father Michael F. Kennelly of the Society

of Jesus with little more than an idea in his head

and a phone number in his pocket began an

undertaking that became this school. In tribute

to him a graduate is recognized

who exemplifies the vision, labor,

leadership and dedication to

Strake Jesuit that Fr. Kennelly

exhibited in its founding.

2012 Recipient - Kenny Lahart

Senior Crusader Award

The Dads’ Club in Consultation

with the Faculty, sponsors the

Crusader Award presented to a

graduate who has best responded

to, and most benefitted from,

the influence of the Strake Jesuit

Community environment.

2012 Recipient - Sam Finney

Frank Ribelin Award

The Frank Ribelin Award is

presented in tribute to a man

who has been instrumental in the

founding and growth of the Strake

Jesuit Art Museum.

2012 Recipient - Abolade Jebutu

Jesuit Secondary Education

Association Award

The Jesuit Secondary Education

Association instituted and funded

an award to be given to a graduating

senior who most closely

resembles the ideal of

a well-rounded person

who is intellectually competent, open to growth,

religious, loving, and committed to doing justice in

generous service to the people of God.

2012 Recipient - Nate Zuiker

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learn more online

www.strakejesuit.org/StudentAwards

TEN DOWN, NONE TO GO

This year’s Commencement Exercises marked the tenth and final time that Joe and Cathy Garcia-Prats would witness one of their sons graduating from Jesuit. On hand were all but one. Left to right are Joe Pat ‘99, Mark ‘03, David ‘95, Chris ‘98, Cathy, Timmy ‘12, Joe, Jamie ‘10, Tommy ‘05, Danny ‘07, and Matt ‘00. Not able to attend was Tony ‘94, the eldest who was not able to travel from Africa where he is a doctor.

Fourteen Strake Jesuit alumni welcomed their sons into the ranks of the school’s alumni at Graduation on Sunday, May 20. Pictured here are (left to right) - Top row: David Glass ‘85 and Allen ‘12, Bouncer Schiro ‘82 and Tyler ‘12, Mike Doyle ‘83 and Patrick, ‘12 Jim Murphy ‘76 and Pace ‘12, Tom Padgett ‘82 and Tommy ‘12, George Brueggemann ‘73 and John ‘12, and Steve Kamel ‘74 and John Michael ‘12. Bottom row: Joe Heizelman ‘78 and John ‘12, Alan Petrov ‘79 and Matt ‘12, Christopher Bertini ‘83 and Chris ‘12, Henry Delclos ‘78 and Julian ‘12, Jim Barkley ‘81 and Drew ‘12, and Mike Koch ‘75 and Thomas ‘12. (Not pictured: Tim Bailey ‘75 and Dylan ‘12.

SOMETHING ABOUT APPLES, TREES, AND FALLING

SPECIAL CONNECTIONS

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The University of Alabama 23

Allegheny College 1

American University 1

Arizona State University 6

The University of Arizona 1

University of Arkansas at Little Rock 1

University of Arkansas 7

Auburn University 11

Austin College 1

Austin Community College 3

Barry University 1

Baylor University 45

Belmont University 1

Benedictine College 1

Blinn College 1

Blinn College 6

Boston College 5

Boston University 1

University of British Columbia 1

Bucknell University 1

University of California at Los Angeles 1

University of California at Santa Barbara 2

Carleton College 1

Carnegie Mellon University 1

Case Western Reserve University 4

The Catholic University of America 1

Centenary College of Louisiana 1

Centre College 1

University of Chicago 1

The Citadel 2

Clark University 1

Clemson University 5

Colby College 1

Colgate University 1

University of Colorado at Boulder 6

Colorado College 1

Colorado School of Mines 9

Colorado State University 5

Columbia University 2

Connecticut College 1

Cornell College 1

Creighton University 3

University of Dallas 4

University of Dayton 1

University of Delaware 1

Denison University 1

University of Denver 3

DePaul University 4

Drexel University 3

Duke University 1

Emmanuel College 1

Emory University 3

Fairfield University 2

Florida Southern College 1

Fordham University 13

Franciscan University of Steubenville 3

Furman University 3

The George Washington University 2

Georgetown University 6

Georgia Institute of Technology 9

University of Georgia 7

Gettysburg College 1

Gonzaga University 2

Gordon College 1

Grinnell College 1

Hendrix College 1

Holy Cross College 1

College of the Holy Cross 1

Houston Baptist University 9

Houston Community College System 2

University of Houston 33

University of Houston, Downtown 2

Howard University 3

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 3

Indiana University at Bloomington 1

Iowa State University 3

The University of Iowa 1

Johns Hopkins University 1

Juniata College 1

University of Kansas 4

University of Kentucky 1

Kenyon College 1

Knox College 1

Lehigh University 2

Louisiana State University 30

University of Louisiana 2

Loyola Marymount University 8

Loyola University Chicago 9

Loyola University Maryland 1

Loyola University New Orleans 14

Luther College 1

Marquette University 11

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4

Miami University, Oxford 1

University of Miami 4

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 1

Mississippi State University 1

University of Mississippi 9

University of Missouri Columbia 2

The University of Montana, Missoula 1

Morehouse College 1

Mount Saint Mary’s University 1

NCAA Eligibility Center 14

University of Nebraska at Lincoln 1

University of New Mexico 1

New York University 3

The Univ. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 4

University of North Texas 3

Northeastern University 1

Northwestern State University of Louisiana 1

Northwestern University 3

University of Notre Dame 23

Oklahoma State University 2

University of Oklahoma 7

Oxford College of Emory University 3

Pennsylvania State University 1

University of Pittsburgh 2

Pomona College 1

University of Portland 1

Purdue University 7

Reed College 1

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 4

Rhodes College 1

Rice University 7

University of Rochester 1

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 1

Saint Joseph’s University 1

Saint Louis University 29

Saint Michael’s College 1

Sam Houston State University 1

San Diego State University 1

University of San Diego 8

University of San Francisco 1

San Jacinto College, South 1

Santa Clara University 12

Sewanee: The University of the South 2

University of South Carolina 4

University of Southern California 9

Southern Methodist University 18

Southwestern University 6

Spring Hill College 3

CLASS OF 2012 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

St. Edward’s University 14

St. John’s University-Queens Campus 1

St. Mary’s University of San Antonio 2

University of St. Thomas 7

Stanford University 1

Stephen F. Austin State University 4

Syracuse University 6

The University of Tampa 1

University of Tennessee, Knoxville 1

Texas A&M University 72

Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi 3

Texas A&M University, Galveston 6

Texas A&M University, Kingsville 1

Texas Christian University 27

Texas State University-San Marcos 4

Texas Tech University 22

The University of Texas, Austin 53

The University of Texas, Dallas 7

The University of Texas, Permian Basin 1

The University of Texas, San Antonio 12

Trinity College 1

Trinity University 17

Truman State University 1

Tufts University 1

Tulane University 2

University of Tulsa 8

United States Air Force Academy 2

United States Merchant Marine Academy 1

United States Military Academy 3

Vanderbilt University 6

University of Vermont 1

Villanova University 9

Virginia Military Institute 1

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ. 4

University of Virginia 9

Wake Forest University 5

Washington and Lee University 1

Washington University in St. Louis 4

University of Washington 3

Wesleyan University 1

Widener University 1

College of William and Mary 4

University of Wisconsin, Madison 3

Wofford College 1

University of Wyoming 1

Xavier University 2

Xavier University of Louisiana 1

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When it came time for us to revise our wills, since we don’t have children, our plan was to distribute virtually all of our estate to a portfolio of faith-based causes. We received advice to look at institutions which had estab-lished an excellent track record of investing and achiev-ing superior returns, much the same way we would evaluate a money manager to manage our assets.

In our view, Strake Jesuit is the best ‘investment manag-er’ in our group of faith-based causes. Not only is Jesuit on that list, it is the foremost beneficiary of our estate, a fact that we are both proud of.

Jesuit’s track record of achieving good returns on in-vestment is evident on two levels. Most obvious is the track record of shaping young men that are spiritually,

intellectually, socially and physically equipped to bring a positive impact to our world. Equally as important as the product Jesuit produces is the responsible manner in which it conducts its fiscal affairs.

We offer thanks to the many directors, faculty, staff, alumni and parents whose collective wisdom, management and sacrifice have enabled Strake Jesuit to evolve into one of the most admired secondary education institu-tions in our city and state.

More than the thanks we offer, we pledge our long term support to Jesuit through our estate planning decision. We urge all of you in the Strake Je-suit community to consider a planned giving gift as you are able.

Rick ‘76 and Shana Walker

For more information on The Loyola Society and Planned Giving at Strake Jesuit,contact N.J. Santarcangelo ‘67 in the Office of Development at 713.490.8152.

The ift of a ifetimeG LWhy we choose to give

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HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM COMPLETES FIFTH YEAR This summer Jesuit’s Higher Achievement Program (HAP) began its fifth year after being introduced in 2008. HAP is a three-week summer outreach program organized to provide opportunities for academic enrichment, supervised recreation, and other meaningful learning activities for rising 7th and 8th graders, many of whom come from low-income backgrounds, in the setting of a Jesuit high school. It is similar to other such programs offered at Jesuit schools across the country. Originally directed by Trip Norkus ‘95, Jesuit’s Assistant Principal for Academics, this year’s program was under the direction of Athletic Director Mike Crowley. “Our original goal was to have 60 students involved in the program and we exceeded that number the first year with 68,” Norkus recalled. “By the third year we were up to 140 students and have since leveled off at 100. Usually by May 1 we have to cut-off registration.” During the program which ran from June 4 - June 22 this summer, students attended classes in the morning and then, after lunch, had PE. Fridays were reserved for field trips, career days, and other activities which this year included a trip to Jesuit’s new Retreat & Leadership Center. “The classes are designed to be very hands-on and interactive. We want to challenge, excite, and inspire the kids,” noted Crowley. Among the classes are subjects such as robotics, physics, and current events. The HAP faculty consists of members of the Jesuit faculty as well as some current students. Last year, an alumnus of the HAP program returned as a teacher’s aide and even more participated this summer.

Students in Jesuit’s Higher Achievement Program get hands-on learning in the Computer Lab (top) and in Physics (bottom).

8900NEWS FROM

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8900NEWS FROMJOHN JAMERLAN, RAUL GARCIA-RAMEAU RECEIVE ANNUAL FLEMING AWARDS The annual Fleming Award for Teaching Excellence has been presented to two members of the school’s faculty since 2005. The winners are selected for both excellence in the classroom and also for cura personalis of students. This year’s recipients, announced at the Awards Day in May, are Raul Garcia-Rameau and John Jamerlan. Mr. Garcia-Rameau, a member of the Foreign Language faculty and Head Baseball Coach at Jesuit, has been a member of the faculty since 1998 and is this

year’s recipient among teachers who have been at the school for 15 years or less. Mr. John Jamerlan is a member of the Science faculty and has served at Jesuit since 1994 and is the recipient of the award for teachers who have been at the school for more than 15 years. He is also the husband of Elizabeth Jamerlan who is a member of the Science faculty and was a past recipient of the Fleming Teaching

Excellence Award in 2006. “I am very grateful to the Fleming family for this recognition,” said Garcia-Rameau after receiving the award. “This is an honor to have received this award especially with the faculty that we have. I am very thankful to work along my colleagues, especially the foreign language department. It’s an honor to be recognized along the names of previous winners, especially Mr. John Hosty who has been a great mentor not only to me but to others as well.” John Jamerlan noted that “receiving the award is such a big honor and surprise to me, and the reaction of the students during the ceremony is, by itself, a huge reward! Strake Jesuit has so many excellent teachers and I feel humbled by this recognition. I’d like to thank the Fleming family for their continued generous support of this school through the faculty grants and awards, Mrs. Jamerlan for her mentorship in my journey as a teacher and the Science Department for their friendship and camaraderie throughout all these years. I’d like to dedicate this award to Mr. Richard Nevle, whose spirit and personality can still be felt in our hallways and classrooms.”

Principal Ken Lojo ‘91, Raul Garcia-Rameau, John Jamerlan, Scott Fleming ‘69 and President Daniel Lahart, SJ.

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TRADITION OF SENIOR CLASS GIFT CONTINUES Continuing a tradition that began in 2002, members of the Class of 2012 presented the school with their Senior Class Gift. Started as a way to provde the graduating seniors as a group the opportunity to give back to their alma mater, the

class gift should be something that both excites the class and is important to the school as well. Eighty-one percent of this year’s class participated in the gift, which this year included two items. The class pledged $13,570 toward an entry sign for the Strake Jesuit Retreat and Leadership Center, and $8,545 to the Richard Nevle Financial Aid Scholarship, for a total gift of $22,115. Past Senior Class gifts have included: 2002 – Hall of Fame Display, 2003 - Fr. J.B. Leininger, SJ Teaching Fellowship Endowment, 2004 - Kenneth McGregor

Financial Aid Endowment, 2005 – Crusader Statue Fund, 2006 – Banners for Competition Gym, 2007 – Composite Class Photos of all Classes, 2008 – Carlos Senosiain ‘08 Memorial Scholarship, 2009 – “WE ARE SJ” Gessner Driveway Display, 2010 – New Entry Sign at Gessner Driveway, 2011 – Charles Alford ‘11 Scholarship and Charles Alford ‘11 Capital Fund.

AUCTION MAKES TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO CAMPUS

For the first time in over 20 years the Annual Strake Jesuit Auction made a return to campus on Saturday, April 14 and it was a triumphant one. A sell-out crowd of over 500 enjoyed “Jazz at the Green” and by doing so supported the Jesuit mission of building Men for Others. Chaired by Rick and Jean Jenner and

learn more online

www.strakejesuit.org/SeniorClassGift

8900NEWS FROM

Auction Chairs Jean and Rick Jenner with Fr. Lahart and one of the living ‘statues’ on hand for the evening.

KEY CLUB MAKES DONATION

FROM MONIES RAISED TO

NEVLE ENDOWMENT

The Key Club at Strake Jeusit, made

a donation of $300 to the Richard

Nevle Financial Aid Scholarship from

proceeds raised during the 2011-2012

school year. Key Clubs are among the

oldest and largest high school service

orgnizations in the country. Leaders

of Jesuit’s club made the donation

in honor of Mr. Nevle’s promotion of

volunteerism and his own service as a

life-long volunteer. Proceeds for the

donation came from the sale of t-shirts

and membership dues.

Presenting Fr. Lahart with the donation

(above) are the Key Club officers (left to

right) Juan Pablo Sussarrey-President,

Jack Keller-Treasurer, Trey Jenner -Vice

President, and Sean Ryan-Secretary.

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8900NEWS FROMhosted by school president Fr. Daniel Lahart, SJ, the auction is the school’s largest fund-raising event benefiting the school’s financial aid program and other important efforts. “The auction’s return to campus has been greatly received by our school community,” noted Fr. Lahart. “It’s a wonderful way for everyone to see and enjoy the many fabulous changes on the campus that have been made in the last few years. It’s also a meaningful way for our great benefactors and supporters to get a first-hand sense of the impact of their support.

The event was held in the school’s gymnasium which had been transformed to rival the finest hotel ballroom with special lighting and magnificent decorations to fit the jazz theme. Guests were greeted by the sounds of New Orleans played by Strake Jesuit’s own Jazz Ensemble, setting the mood for the evening. A real French Quarter “feel” was achieved with street performers, as Mr. Haich juggled and “human statues” posed, painted bronze and silver. Inside the mood was upbeat as

well, and delicious creole appetizers like shrimp beignets and boudin balls were passed by Cordúa Catering’s amazing and attentive staff. Cocktails were flowing, people visited and bids were generous, with the Big Board seeing more action than ever before! After the ‘formal’ event was completed inside,

many guests strolled out to the festive after-party under the courtyard-lit tent, where sazeracs were served and beignets and coffee were offered. The weather was gorgeous - cool and breezy - and Henry Darragh and his Jazz Quartet kept everyone in the spirit of the Big Easy. “After many months of hard work and effort put forth by countless volunteers and faculty members, it was a fun party!” noted Chair Jean Jenner. “From the Pre-Auction reception for major sponsors, the ‘living statues’ to the Harbor Lights Choir, and lingering on into the night with the after-party, we hope everyone enjoyed temselves as much as we did!” All left the evening with anticipation for the what the 2013 Auction will hold.

Top: The gym was converted into an elegant and lively ballroom for the special evening.

Bottom: Director of Development N.J. Santarcangelo ‘67 (center) with Dave and Alie Pruner.

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8900NEWS FROMPAVILION COMPLETES INITIAL CONSTRUCTION AT RETREAT & LEADERSHIP CENTER In early June construction was completed on the Ammons Pavilion at the Retreat & Leadership Center (RLC) which then marked the completion of all planned construction at the new facility. The pavilion is located on the corner of the playing field nearest the bunkhouse which provides easy access from that facility as well as the dining hall and conference center. The steel structure, which is 94’ long and 75’ wide, is marked with a full basketball court and includes permanent goals and lights for night-time use. Aside from basketball and other games, the facility can be used for more informal retreat gatherings and outdoor dining. From the beginning of construction of the dining hall to the pavilion’s completion, the RLC was built in just over a year. In addition to the dining hall and pavilion the facilities include a conference center, eight cabins, bunkhouse, chapel, and guest house.

ROBOTICS TEAM WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Spectrum, the Strake Jesuit/St. Agnes joint venture engineering robotics team, participated in the West Dallas FIRST Regional Competition March 30 & 31 and won the top prize, the Chairman’s Award. As a winner of the award, the team was invited to the FIRST World Championship held in St. Louis. The Chairman’s Award is the most prestigious award a team can win at a regional or at the championship, more so than even winning the competition itself. The Chairman’s award was created to recognize teams that demonstrate the greatest commitment to spreading passion about science and technology into their communities and schools. Submission involves writing an essay of approximately 2,500 words documenting the team’s efforts at spreading the message of FIRST, as well as student interviews with judges at the competition. FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is designed for students in grades 9-12. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to “real world” engineering as a student can get. Professional mentors volunteer their time and talents to guide each team.

When you Sponsor a student,your gift

comes with a faceand

a name.

Whether you have been a longtimecontributor to Strake Jesuit, or you have just beenwaiting for the right opportunity to get involved,

consider sponsoring a financial aid student.

As a Sponsor, you will be able to meet the student and watch him grow throughout his Jesuit experience.

It is a very personal and rewarding way to reach out to a deserving young man and impact his life

in a meaningful way.

For more information, contact NJ Santarcangelo ‘67 in the Development Office at 713.490.8152.

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PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE_________________

“Gaudeamus!” For many years, our graduation ceremony has concluded with this simple Latin expression that carries a meaning deeply felt by our graduates: “so let us rejoice!” An oft-used phrase in academic ceremonies over the centuries, “Gaudeamus” is used as the exclamation mark to a significant milestone in the lives of our students. I find myself repeating another phrase each year. Typically a few weeks before our commencement exercises, frequently during the passing of a regular school day, the realization strikes. Shaking my head back and forth I’ll say to myself, “I can’t believe the seniors are about to graduate.” This year, that moment greeted me a few days before senior final exams. As the last school bell of the day rang, a group of three seniors walked past me in the breezeway laughing and joking with each other. Moving quickly and clearly happy about the conclusion of another school day, the boys with their deep-voiced greeting of “Hey, Mr. Lojo” caught me off guard. I returned their greeting, but as they passed I turned and looked back at them. I found myself repeating that familiar phrase once again… “I can’t believe the seniors are about to graduate.” It seems only moments ago I greeted future members of the Class of 2012 as animated young eighth graders stepping off a big yellow bus for their first tour of campus. Time and the rigors of life as a Strake Jesuit student molded eager, excited young applicants into grown men; into graduates dressed in caps and gowns ready to leave Jesuit and make their mark on the world; into young men who have discovered the importance of being honest, religious, loving, and committed to a life of service to others. A few weeks ago I spoke with the Class of 2012 as a group for the last time. On the Friday before graduation we gathered in the Competition Gym to prepare for the upcoming commencement exercises. We talked about the significant amount of work and effort that they put into their journey to graduation. It certainly wasn’t easy, nor had it always been fun. They met the challenges of essays, late nights studying, and preparing for final exams. They found great success in athletics and extracurricular activities. They helped people locally and across the world, accumulating

over twenty-four thousand hours of community service in the last year alone. They made friendships that will last a lifetime. And then it happened. “Gaudeamus!” Graduation was over and the class of 2012 had joined the ranks of our alumni. We certainly rejoiced. Gathering just outside of the Competition Gym after graduation, I walked among the crowd shaking the hands of our newest alumni. It was then that I realized I could believe that they had graduated. Their pride and sense of accomplishment was palpable as they opened that familiar green case and looked down on their diplomas. It was a great day. After the fanfare subsided, my mind flashed forward to next year and the inevitability that sometime before graduation I would speak those same words about the class of 2013 – “I can’t believe the seniors are about to graduate.” While each year is certainly unique, there is a comfort in the repetitive nature of the school year. Orientation will lead to the first day of classes. Freshman retreat will give way to Open House, semester exams, Kairos, and ultimately graduation. The repetitive nature of the school year reminds me of waves crashing on a beach. As each wave crashes, another one follows closely behind, just as each of our classes. They slowly build up speed during freshman year, reaching their zenith senior year, and finally crashing against the shore at graduation only to return to the ocean to find the next beach upon which to crash. While I do feel a certain amount of sadness that our seniors have moved on, I am excited that they are off to find their place in the world, to engage it, and to make a difference. “Gaudeamus!” has come and gone for the Class of 2012 and summer signals the end of another school year. Now we wait in the comfort of knowing that the Class of 2013 will crash against our shores soon enough.

newsaTHLETICWATER POLOProgram Comes Full Circle with First State Championship When the Crusaders Water Polo team captured the state title in Austin this spring, it was the culmination of more than the years of hard work

by this year’s team. It was the completion of a cycle begun 25 years ago when the program was launched in 1988. “We started play in school year 1987–88,” recalled the program’s first coach Bob Horn. “We scheduled a few games and took our beatings. I was learning on the fly as were the kids. We did a bit better the following year, actually winning a few games. The program was established and the kids were relishing the physical nature of the game and worked hard

to improve.” Those early years were tough. The primary challenge was simply finding water. The team practiced wherever they could. They found it in places like the Meyerland Club, the Jewish Community Center, various neighborhood community pools, the Masterson YWCA, the UT Medical Center pool, country club pools, city facilities, anywhere they could get in. Over the next several years the program slowly improved. Then under the direction of Jamie LaRochelle the team had its greatest success yet. They came as close to the success of this year’s team as they could get, finishing 2nd in state on two different occasions.

In the fall of 1999, Bob Horn returned to take over the Jesuit team again. During the next nine years, the team managed to finish as runner’s up again on two more occasions, but never managed to win the title. “For two decades, I begged for a pool on campus,” recalled Horn. “I always got a negative response until Fr. Lahart walked in the door. He told me we would have a pool on campus within 5 years. I’ll admit, I met this statement with a degree of skepticism, but he delivered.” This development could very well have been the turning point that helped lead to this year’s success. Among the immediate implications, an hour daily commute was transformed to an extra hour in the water. Plus now there were actual home games and hosting tournaments. When the

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Top: First Water Polo Head Coach Bob Horn with one of his early teams.Bottom: Head Coach Jamie LaRochelle and the 1992 team which finished 2nd at the State Tournament.

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newsaTHLETICpool was built, it was the best high school facility for water polo in the Houston area. With a capability of playing two games simultaneously in all deep water, everyone wanted to play at Jesuit. Water polo is intended to be played in deep water so no player can use the bottom to his advantage. Most teams still practice and play in pools deep on one end, shallow on the other. Jesuit had a conditioning advantage when its players could spend two hours in the water, never touching the sides or bottom. Fast forward to 2012. The tone was set early as the team traveled to Dallas where they defeated state contenders St. Mark’s in its season opener. The varsity team had just as much success with their season as they posted an impressive record of 35-0 this season in high school play (their only losses came in tournament play against collegiate level competition). On the way they won four different tournaments and won their district and region. All of this led up to an amazing conclusion to the season as the team would travel to Austin for the State Tournament. In an emotional weekend and by pure determination, the Varsity squad would claim the State Title for the first time in school history beating Clear Creek 11-10 in the final game. “The championship game was an incredible and emotional match,” noted Head Coach Brian Chambers ‘01. “Our guys fought every second of the game. Even when we were down by 3 goals I never saw defeat in my guys. They deserve to call themselves state champions.” Liam Jennis would be named MVP and named to the 1st team All-Region. Nate Zuiker and Alex Hansen would also make 1st team All-Region team and Michael Stolte would receive honorable mention. Nate Zuiker was named to 1st Team All-State and Alex Hansen to 2nd Team All-State. Also, Coach Chambers would be named Region 2 Coach of the year and Texas State TISCA Water Polo Coach of the Year. Liam Jennis also signed his letter of intent to play at Loyola Marymount next year. Others that will continue water polo careers at the collegiate level are Nate Zuiker at the University of Texas, Alex Hansen at the University of Notre Dame and Andy Felix at Texas A&M University. On top of that several single season school records were broken. Liam Jennis broke the record for goals scored with 205 and steals with 82. Nate Zuiker broke the shooting percentage with 74.6% and broke the record for assists with 137. Patrick Doyle also set a record for most field blocks with 31.

Nate Zuiker (top) was named 1st Team All-State and set a school record for shooting percentage and Liam Jennis (bottom) set a school record for goals with 205 and steals with 85.

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TRACK & FIELD It was another exciting and competitive year for the Jesuit Track teams. While the youngsters won Freshman District 19-5A championship, the Junior Varsity and Varsity squads each finished fourth at their district meets. The Varsity squad

won the Will Taylor Relays by exhibiting good relays and field events. Then they did the same at the Crusader Relays where they captured the championship. At the TSU relays the 4x8 and Distance Medley relay teams won their respective relay championship for the third year in a row. At the Dallas Jesuit Relays, the 4x1600 relay team of sophomores Colin Thompson, Frank Lara, R.J. Ammons and junior Gus Raskosky broke the school record with a time of 17:52.27. At the District Meet the Varsity advanced seven athletes to the Region III meet in eight events. R.J. Ammons placed 1st in the 3200 meters and 2nd in the 1600 meters. Frank Lara finished 2nd in the 3200 meters and senior Scott Walker was 4th. Lara took 4th in the 1600 meters. In the shot put Abolode Jebutu finished 1st and junior Allan Ahn placed 2nd while senior Nick Pielech, last year’s champion, finished 4th. Chance Griffin finished 3rd in the triple jump and Trey Sessums 6th in the 110 hurdles.

Senior Carlos Barbosa finished 3rd in the discus and senior Greg Beck 5th. At the Region III meet the Crusaders tied for 4th. Individually Ammons and Griffin won berths in the state meet. Ammons won the 3200 meters and finished 3rd in the 1600. Griffin finished 2nd in the triple jump. At the State Meet in Austin, Ammons made the All-State team by placing 6th in the 1600 meters and Chance Griffin placed 8th in the triple jump. “The future looks bright,” noted Head Coach Mike Kerley. “A new crop of throwers will be in place next year to make the team a well-balanced one.”

GOLF The Crusaders Golf Team, competing in what could be argued is the toughest district in Houston, had a strong season and with seven of their top ten players returning next year, should be well positioned to make a strong run next year. The squad finished fourth in a tough 13 team district tournament and posted the ninth lowest team tournament scoring average in school history. During the season, the team posted a 3rd place finish in the 16 team Katy Taylor Tournament and 4th place finishes in four others, including the district event. Matt Digoy led the way individually as an All-District selection and three top ten finishes. One of those was at the district tournament where his 72 earned him an 10th place finish and was the 11th lowest post-season tournament round in school history. Alex Trevino also had a strong season with two top ten finishes while Nolan Aparicio, Daniel Platt, and Ashton Radvansky each posted one top ten finish.

newsaTHLETIC

Sophomore Matt Digoy was an All-District selection and posted three top ten finishes.

R.J. Ammons (left) and Chance Griffin each represented Jesuit at the UIL State Track Meet.

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NEWSATHLETICBASEBALL The Jesuit Baseball team, though falling just short of a playoff berth, posted one of their strongest overall seasons in years. The team finished with a 21-8 overall record marking their highest win total since 2000. Competing in a tough district, the team finished with an 8-6 district record that included four straight wins to close out the season. “This was a team that practiced and played hard every day during the season,” said Head Coach Raul Garcia-Rameau. “These players had a lot of passion for the game of baseball and we played well all season long and it was just unfortunate to be one game out in a very tight district race”. A total of ten members of the team have received post-season recognition for their play this season. The group was led by sophomore outfielder Ryan Chandler and senior pitcher Bryce Pederson who were each selected 1st Team All-District. Selected 2nd Team All-District were senior pitcher Daniel Posway, junior pitcher Pierce Pontikes, senior outfielder Kevin McEnery, senior designated hitter Matt Blaschke, and senior shortstop Bill Munson. Receiving Honorable Mention All-District were seniors Joe McCormack, Jose Chapa, and Austin Hahn. Chandler led the Crusaders in hitting in district play with a .391 batting average while Pederson hit. 333. Posway and Pontikes each posted a team high three wins in district play and Munson was one of the district’s top defensive players with a .983 fielding percentage.

TENNIS The Strake Jesuit tennis team continued its winning ways with strong showings in both the fall and spring seasons. With wins over rivals Dallas Jesuit and St. Thomas and a superb showing in its spring tournaments, the team looks to build on its success for the 2012-13 season. The team traveled to Louisiana and beat #2 ranked Catholic High and tied #1 ranked New Orleans Jesuit. In addition to the travel, the varsity doubles team of Alex Bain and Aaron Elder reached the quarterfinals of the 19-5A district tournament. Teammates Karthik Thiagarajan and Zack Westenhaver played a great match in the finals of the freshman singles draw while Pablo Fajer placed 2nd in Junior Varsity singles. “I am very proud of the energy and enthusiasm that our guys brought on a daily basis. We had great senior leadership throughout the year, and the guys really came together as a team. I expect big things from them next year,” noted Head Coach Trip Norkus ‘95.

Bryce Pederson (top) and Ryan Chandler (right) were each named 1st Team All-District.

Alex Bain (left) and Aaron Elder reached the quarterfinals of the 19-5A district tournament in doubles.

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ATHLETICNEWSLACROSSE

The Crusaders Lacrosse team ended a great season with a 16-8 record and another post season appearance. The senior class achieved a great deal over their four years in the program. They had winning records in three of their four seasons and made the playoffs each of those three years. “Most of all they built a team chemistry at Jesuit lacrosse may have not seen before,” noted Head Coach Mike Block. “They are an awesome group of people, and will be sorely missed, but in their honor the Crusader Lacrosse Program will pick up where they have left us and strive to achieve as they did.” Jesuit senior Sam Finney earned All-American honors from the Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL) and five other Crusaders received post-season honors. In addition to the All-American honors, Finney was named All-State, All-District and District MVP. Other Jesuit players receiving honors were senior John Cashin who was named All-State and All-District, senior Clark Bullington who was named All-State, senior Jordan Underwood, who was named All-District, and juniors Erik Rowley and Elijah Cherry, who were each named All-District Honorable Mention.

RUGBY On balance, Crusader Rugby enjoyed its most successful season in the five year history of the program. The Varsity registered the highest cumulative point differential in qualifying Cup Matches (224 for; 58 against) and attained the highest total of Varsity victories (9) in Cup, Tournament and Friendly matches in SJ Rugby history. The Program awarded the highest number of letters (29) to the greatest number of players (65) who have participated in the program to date. The strength of the Program was evidenced by the success a mixed group (U-19 through U-15) had at the Gareth Jones Tournament at Texas A&M where they were successful in winning all three matches played in the U-19 bracket, and where a similar group, coming together for a friendly after the season was officially over, defeated a good U-19 side from McAllen. Four members of the Jesuit Rugby team received All-State recognition for their play this season. Named to the first team All-State was senior Wing Andre

Fiorito. Crusaders named to the second team include senior Hooker Chris Bertini, senior Lock Jordan Trout, and junior Number 8 Christian Stangel.

Sam Finney earned THSLL All-American honors as the Crusaders top defender.

Left to right: Andre Fiorito was named 1st Team All-State and Chris Bertini, Christian Stangel, and Jordan Trout were named 2nd Team All State.

SOCCER The 2012 Varsity soccer team had a very successful season earning a record of 18-4-3 and winning a District Championship, but those accomplishments did not come easy. Senior goalkeeper Kyle Shoebotham went down with a knee injury in the team’s second game of the season. Junior goalkeepers Steffen Seitz and George Fritsch stepped in to help the team until Kyle returned. He then helped the team win six straight games and the District Championship. He also earned 2nd team All-District despite playing in just six district games. Strong defense was the reason for the team’s success as Jesuit only gave up 22 goals in 25 games. The anchor of that defense was Timmy Garcia-Prats who is the youngest of ten brothers to graduate from Jesuit, and the ninth to play soccer. He earned 1st team All-District honors as well as Defensive MVP. He was helped all year by seniors Nick Langemeier, Dylan Simpson, Oliver Skelly, Brennan Lanier, and Peter Winter. Juniors that will be counter on heavily next year in defense will be Matt Hanel and Jordan Brooks. Matt earned 1st team All-District and Nick Langemeier was selected to the 2nd team. Jesuit’s potent offense scored 67 goals on the season in a variety of different ways. Senior Kyle Ruck, who will go to St. Edwards University to play college soccer, led the team with 12 goals while Will Gifford had 11 and Connor DiGregorio had 10. Kyle and Will were 1st team All-District and Connor was All-District Honorable Mention. Will was able to garner 15 assists for a combined total of 26 Jesuit goals that he had a hand in. Kenny Lahart was 2nd team All-District, and Aryan Ghoddossay and Nacho Torras were Honorable Mention. The Crusaders graduate 17 seniors from this team, and next year will count on the experience of the seven juniors from the 2012 squad. The team returns to District 19-5A, which has provided the Region’s UIL State Soccer Tournament representative for the last six years.

NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH TAKES REINS When Jesuit held their annual Spring football program, it marked a new start as it opened under the leadership of new Head Football Coach James Clancy. In addition to serving as Head Football Coach, Clancy will serve as an Assistant Track Coach and a member of school’s Social Studies Department. “James is a great addition to our faculty,” noted Principal Ken Lojo ’91. “His qualifications in the classroom and on the playing field are outstanding and they

District Defensive MVP Timmy Garcia-Prats anchored a stong Jesuit defense.

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are enhanced by his commitment to Catholic education. As a graduate of Bishop Kelley High School, a Catholic high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he understands the mission of Catholic education and how we translate that mission into the classroom, our extracurricular activities, and all that we do.” Clancy comes to Jesuit from Klein Oak High School where he taught Social Studies and had been a member of the football coaching staff since 2007. In addition to teaching AP U.S. Government and Politics, World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government and World Geography, he also served as the Co-Offensive Coordinator and varsity Quarterbacks Coach. Last year he served as Assistant Athletic Campus Coordinator. “I grew up in Catholic Education and know the benefits of being in such a special place,” said Clancy. “I’m excited to be here and to have a chance to give back, to making a positive impact on these young men. I’m equally excited to have an opportunity to work with such a prestigious faculty and staff. It really is a dream come true for me.” James earned a BS in Education with a Minor in History from Oklahoma State University. He then earned his Master’s in Education Administration from Lamar University. After high school, James attended the University of Tulsa for two years where he played fullback and tight end. In his second year he was named to the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Honor Roll. He then

transferred to Oklahoma State where he played fullback. In 2005 he was named to the College of Education Dean’s List.

TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL A number of Jesuit athletes who are members of the Class of 2012 have the opportunity to continue their athletic careers when they move on to college in the fall. They represnt five different sports and will play at some of the finest institutions and programs in the nation.

New Head Coach James Clancy addresses players during Spring football.

John Cashin-LacrosseGordon College

Jose Chapa-BaseballCentenary College

Sam Finney-LacrosseWest Point

Andy Felix-Water PoloTexas A&M

Liam Jennis-Water PoloLoyola Marymount

Billy Munson-BaseballRhodes College

Daniel Posway-BaseballLoyola-New Orleans

Rasheed Sulaimon-BasketballDuke

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John Gillon-BasketballArkansas-Little Rock

Alex Hansen-Water PoloNotre Dame

Nate Zuiker-Water PoloTexas

Kyle Ruck-SoccerSt. Edwards

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NEWSATHLETICTWO ATHLETES AND TWO TEAMS SELECTED TO ATHLETIC HALL OF HONOR The Selection Committee for the Strake Jesuit Athletic Hall of Honor met in early June and selected the fifth class which is set for induction next February. This year’s class includes two Individual Athletes, Patrick Devine ‘78 (Baseball, Football, Basketball), Bill O’Brien ‘78 (swimming), and two Teams which include the 1977 Mile Relay Team and the 1998 Baseball Team. These new members will be inducted at the annual Night of Honor dinner to be held next February. They will share the spotlight that evening when this year’s winner of the Ignatian Award as the Alumnus of the Year receives his award. Patrick Devine, was an outstanding all-around athlete for the Crusaders in the late 70’s. As a sophomore he was an All-District pitcher with a 702 record. As a junior he was All-State in football and baseball, and as a senior was again All-State in football and baseball. Possibly his more memorable moment, that alumni of the time still recall with great joy, was his winning field goal as a junior in 1976 that handed the Crusaders their first ever win over rival St. Thomas. Devine’s classmate, Bill O’Brien was quite possibly the greatest swimmer in the school’s history. He was All-State as a sophomore, junior and senior and set the record for the 100 yard butterfly which stood almost 20 years until 1997 and the record for the 500 yard freestyle which still stands today. In 1980 he was a member of the U.S. Olympic Team which boycotted the Moscow Olympics. The 1977 Relay Team consisted of seniors Alan Bergeron, Tyrone Donahoe, Ira Lucas and junior Bryant Newbill. At the Texas Relays in 1977 they ran a 3:13:8 which was not only a new school record and a record for the Texas Relays, it was the best time in the nation. As a point of reference, some 35 years later that time would compete for the UIL title at the Texas State meet. The 1998 Baseball Team won the TCIL State Title, their second in a row, with a record of 26-6, a record for wins in a season which still stands. The team finished with a club batting average of .393 with 28 home runs and 274 runs scored. The pitchers finished with a team ERA of 2.59.

2012 Inductees include (top to bottom): Patrick Devine ‘78 , Bill O’Brien ‘78, the ‘77 Mile Relay Team and the ‘98 Baseball Team.

by Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ

GNATIAN PIRITUALITYI S

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It’s not always so bad. But, sometimes I let my mind wander a little while at prayer or at Mass. Like many of us, I make a conscious effort to stay focused on what is important during communal prayer or when I pray alone. Quite often the opening hymn can be lovely and inspiring, allowing for centering my mind on the heart of worship. But, if the hymn is unfamiliar or hard to sing, then walking down the aisle with a hymnal in my hands, pretending to be joyfully singing, makes me feel hypocritical and frustrated. I am also guilty of surveying the congregation while I bow and kiss the altar and becoming self-conscious of my mannerism and accent while I speak. Is my hair neatly combed? Did I forget to turn the mic on? Do people understand what I say? So much depends on first impressions and the sound system, right? Of course, yet the heart of prayer and worship is not how well I look today or if the mic is on or off. I share with you these few incidents in which I experience distraction while at prayer. I know that you may also have a few stories to tell. In recalling these moments of distractions, I am also remembering that when I go to confession I often mention that I am not very good at prayer and that I entertain distractions during Mass. I feel that somehow my prayer is not good enough and that God must be somewhat disappointed with my wandering mind. The best advice I have been given after my complaining about my lack of focus and distraction during prayer came from a beloved spiritual director. She said to me, “Flavio, never judge your prayer and never punish yourself for being distracted in prayer. Sometimes, distractions in prayer can be windows to the sacred. Life is chaotic and busy, yet God’s gentle footprints are always there. The Spirit knows your desires and the Spirit groans for you in the midst of your distracted prayer.” The gentle advice was hard to take and I have to admit, I was suspicious of her advice. Oh sister, I said to myself, you are just too nice and you want me to feel good about myself. What would Teresa of Avila, Ignatius of Loyola and the mystics say about it? To my skeptical, wondering mind, Teresa of Avila writes, “Do not imagine that the important thing is never to be thinking of anything else and that if your mind becomes slightly distracted all is lost. It is still important to keep

praying.” Furthermore, St. Francis de Sales says, “If all you do is return to God’s presence after your distraction, then this is very good prayer.” St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote in his autobiography that “from experience he knew that some thoughts left him sad while others made him happy, and little by little he came to perceive the different spirits that were moving him.” These thoughts, feelings and distractions, of which Ignatius and other saints speak about, are part of our journey as we move closer to God and in our commitment to a life of prayer and discernment. My problem, when it comes to distractions, is that I try to force thoughts out of my consciousness. This usually ends in introducing more distraction. Furthermore, whenever I have punished myself for being distracted in prayer, the focus then becomes my doing and not my being with the Beloved. The point is not to push all of my distractions and thoughts out by force, but to let go of control. It is an invitation to deeper fidelity to the Lord. He knows me and knows my thoughts and desires. It is about recognizing that in prayer I am not in control, because control is the opposite of prayer. In my experience of prayer and distraction in prayer, I have come to accept that sometimes I have to simply surrender to His presence and let the distractions be just simply that, a distraction. A fleeting thought that has no control over me or over my relationship with God. What is important is to be present to the one I am with when I pray. We also need to remember that we are not alone when we pray. The Holy Spirit is right there with us, helping us. My best bet is to open the door to Jesus and let him minister to me in my need. Then, rather than focusing entirely on my problems and distractions, I am allowing Him to heal me, to give me the strength that I need, to be consoled in my distress and to delight in His ever loving presence. My prayer for you is that this summer be filled with opportunities for prayer and plenty of time for delight and joy in God and family. May your journey be marked not by how many times you were distracted during prayer, but by the moments in which you surrender to the loving gaze of God.

“In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.”

Romans 8:26-27

Praying Through the Distractions

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NEWSALuMNI10th ANNUAL BR. CASEYSATURDAY PH PROJECT HELD The Houston Food Bank was the site of the 10th Annual Br. Casey Saturday PH Service Project held on Saturday, May 12. Another great turnout of alumni, many with their children, as well as some faculty and staff reported at 8:00 am sharp to begin work In all, 18 volunteers spent the morning doing a variety of projects. The group spent most of their time in the Food Bank’s carousel room where they sorted and packaged food for distribution. Over the past decade, alumni have volunteered during the Saturday PH Project at various sites around Houston including Cristo Rey Jesuit, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, St. Christopher’s Day School, Holy Ghost, and Magnificat House.

TWO CRUSADERS TO THE PROS Two former Crusader athletes have taken that final step in their athletics careers - going pro. Nick Jean-Baptiste ‘07 (top right) signed as a un-drafted free agent with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens in April. A defensive lineman for the Baylor Bears, Jean-Baptiste was named to the Big 12 2nd Team All-Conference Defense. With the Bears this year Nick started all 12 games for Baylor and had 22 tackles with 14 of those unassisted, 8.5 tackles for losses for a total of 36 yards and four quarterback sacks. In June during Major League Baseball’s draft, Jeff McVaney ‘08 (bottom right) was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 8th round. He had just completed his career at Texas State where he was an outfielder and left-handed reliever as well as stellar at the plate. As a senior, the former Crusader batted .338 with 10 home runs, 48 RBI and 16 stolen bases, also recording six saves with a 3.38 ERA for the Bobcats.

NEWSALUMNI

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21ST ANNUAL ALUM MOMS RETREAT HELD AT RLC The 21st Annual Alumni Mothers Retreat was held in late April with three significant changes. It was the first Annual Alumni Mothers Retreat not given by Fr. Billac, who recently retired to New Orleans. Fr. Billac began the Alumni Mothers Retreat program and gave all 20 of the prior retreats before this year’s. Second, it was also the first Alumni Mothers Retreat to be held off-campus – specifically at the new Strake

Jesuit Retreat and L e a d e r s h i p Center (RLC), and third, it incorporated an overnight stay for those who wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.

The day began with a group of about 30 Alumni Mothers meeting at Strake Jesuit to take a chartered bus trip to the RLC. There they met another 25 Alumni Mothers who had driven themselves, some who were just staying for the day, and some who were staying overnight. Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ, Strake Jesuit’s Pastoral Minister, gave the retreat – a reflection on the Risen Jesus, and the Joy of the Easter season. The retreat included a tour of the cabins and bunkhouse, and lunch in the dining hall for all in attendance. It concluded with a Mass in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. Those who were staying overnight got settled in their cabins and explored the grounds of the Center. Later in the evening the group ventured into the town of Leona and dined at the Leona General Store and Steakhouse along with Fr. Bravo and school President Fr. Lahart. They concluded the next morning with breakfast in the Dining Hall and another Mass in the chapel before departing.

ORDINATIONS HAVE A STRAKE JESUIT CONNECTION

Fr. Brian Reedy, SJFr. Bao Nguyen, SJFr. Richard Magner, SJ ‘80

Two Jesuit ordination ceremonies on June 9, 2012 had a Strake Jesuit connection. Alumnus Richard Magner ‘80 was ordained in Los Angeles the Oregon Province. Meanwhile Brian Reedy and Bao Nguyen, who each spent three years at Strake Jesuit from 2006-2009 as Scholastics, were ordained in Mobile, Alabama.

Paul Carty, Jr. ‘02, and his wife, Jessica, live in Boston where he teaches Theology at Boston College High School and he is the Head Rugby Coach.

Steven Hogan ‘03 graduated from the Dental School at the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio on May 27. In July, he will begin a two-year residency at the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas to become a pediatric dentist.

Kevin Miller ‘09 is studing Entrepreneurship & Life at North Carolina State University. He is an avid travel addicit and has lived in Latin America for 9 months studying, working with a non-profit he co-founded in the Dominican Republic, teaching English at a center for ex-prostitutes, and backpacking through 9 countries. Kevin is the Unreasonable Associate at the Unreasonable Institute and is a Caldwell & Starting Bloc Fellow.

Matthew Danielson ’11 is a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Squadron 20. He received the Most Outstanding Freshman Award at the conclusion of his freshman year. He was also selected as Guidon Bearer for his upcoming sophomore year.

Shirley BoudreauxMother of Glen ‘67 and Grandmother of Robert ‘85 and

Greg ‘86 Clay and David Steakley ‘11

John ChaseFather of John ‘71

Harry Dean Sr.Father of Harry ‘78

Jean Steib DubielMother of John ‘86

Emmett Sterling Huff Jr.Father of Wesley Trojacek ‘03

Christina MasonMother of Larry ‘66

Winston McKenzieFather of Maxfield ‘78

Kassandra Leigh McLeanWife of John Jr. ‘71, Mother of John III ‘03, Sister-in-Law of

James ‘74 and Aunt of Josef ‘04 and Jimmy ‘06

Maria Perez-ChaumontMother of Andres ‘65 and Armando ‘68 and Grandmother of

Jackson Klein ‘13

Dr. Zeb Poindexter Jr.Father of Zeb ‘77

Rose Flanagan WebreMother of John ‘67 and Chris ‘77 and Grandmother of Richard

Hite ‘01, Stuart Elledge ‘02 and John Hite ‘04

Saints of God, come to their aid!Hasten to meet them, angels of the Lord!

Receive their soul and present them to God the Most High.Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,

And let perpetual light shine upon them.May they rest in peace. Amen

NotesCLASS

Rick Sindelar ‘67 is a full-time professor at the Univesity of St. Thomas Center for International Studies.

Dr. Clifford Moy ‘77 of Dallas was elected Speaker of the House for the Texas Medical Association.

David Glass ’85 welcomed the birth of his grandchild on March 2 when Ela Rose was born to his daughter Allyson and her husband Fahri in Fribourg, Switzerland.

Jeff Marino ‘94 married Danial Morris on May 5 in a beautiful rooftop ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts.

Alvaro Interiano ’99 was ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in June. He will be serving at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.

60’s 00’s

27

80’s

90’s

70’s

Edward Carney ‘01

~ IN MEMORIAM ~

With these words begins yet another 15 year old boy’s most

cherished Rite of Passage: The pursuit of the coveted Driving

Learners Permit.

For the last twenty-four years Jesuit Drivers Education

has been taught by Coach Willie Webster. Coach Webster, a

Waco, Texas native, first came to Jesuit in 1987 via Northwest

Oklahoma State where he played

football and was a member of the

ROTC. His military background began

early on at New Mexico Military

Institute and continued with his service

in the United States Army. He trained at

Fort Bliss and then served in Germany

from 1979 through 1982. “I like to think

that I still project a military presence,”

he confided. “ Discipline and personal

conduct still matter. My military

background has served me well and

remains a point of personal pride.”

Coach Webster and his wife

Dianne will celebrate 34 years of

marriage on August 5th. “We have three

wonderful daughters all grown now and

all doing very well for themselves. My

wife and I are so proud. By the way, if you see me on campus

with some little ones in tow, that’s my grandchildren and they are

simply a blessing.”

Coach Webster is somewhat of a Jack-of-all-trades, as he

not only coaches both track and football but also teaches health.

“I still remember all of the boys that I have taught and coached.

They have all done very well.” It’s just a guess, but this Olde

Crusader thinks it’s likely that most of the boys best remember

Coach Webster as the man who taught them how to drive.

“That’s probably true,” confirms Coach Webster. “I

recently ran into a former student of mine at the grocery store.

He is now a grown man, in his mid-thirties with a young son. He

introduced me to his boy as the man who taught him to drive.

That comment caused me to reflect. It’s hard to believe but I

think I have taught some 1800 kids to drive!”

Coach Webster teaches what he calls, THE FIVE

FUNDAMENTALS OF DRIVING.

For our young aspiring drivers to be,

this Olde Crusader offers a brief course

preview. For those seasoned drivers

who might need it (this Olde Crusader

being one), please consider this a

refresher.

COACH WEBSTER’S FIVE

FUNDAMENTALS OF DRIVING:

1. THE BIG PICTURE- Be aware of a

wide field of vision ahead, side to side,

behind.

2. AIM HIGH – Anticipate the next

12-15 seconds of the road ahead.

3. EYES CONSTANTLY MOVING

- Scan the entire vehicle… windshield

ahead, right, left and rear view mirrors.

4. LEAVE MYSELF AN OUT –

When stopping in traffic, don’t get too close to the vehicle in

front. Stop at a point where you can still see the other vehicles’

rear tires.

5. BE SURE YOU ARE SEEN – Use your horn, lights and

signals to alert other drivers.

In recognition of all our safety minded young drivers and

to the man who taught them so well, I pledge my shield and my

sword.

George

“10 O’CLOCK…2 O’CLOCK…BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL”

28

are you ready forYOUR WEEKEND?

If this is YOUR Weekend,mark your calendars now for

September 28 - 30, 2012and watch for emails and watch

your mailbox.

August

September

ALL DATES ARE TENTATIVE AT TIME OF PUBLICATIONFor up to date event information,

go to www.strakejesuit.org

PARENTS, if you are still receiving your son’s Chronicle although he no longer lives with you, let us know so we can change our records and send the magazine directly to him. If you enjoy reading the publication but do not receive a copy of your own, let us know that too. We would be glad to send a copy to your son’s new address and continue to send you one.

Contact the Alumni Office at [email protected] or at

713.490.8153

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory8900 Bellaire BoulevardHouston, Texas 77036

October

New Family Cookout

Vow Day

Mothers’ Club Welcome Brunch

New Student Orientation

Classes Begin

Mass of the Feast of the Assumption

Follow Your Son’s Schedule

Orientation Dance

Mass of the Holy Spirit

Mass of the Exaltation of the Cross

Parent-Teacher Meetings

Reunion Weekend

Mass - St. Francis Borgia, SJ

Catholic Schools College Night

Career Day

Mother-Son Luncheon

Grandparents Day

Homecoming Game vs Morton Ranch

Homecoming Dance

Alumni Mothers Mass & Brunch

8

11

13

13

15

22

25

31

14

18

28-30

3

9

17

18

19

20

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Get your copy of the award-winning book that chronicles Strake Jesuit’s first 50 years before they are gone.

A VERY limited number of copies remain.You can purchase online at www.strakejesuit.orgor in the school’s Spirit Store in the Clay Center.

It’s not too late!

the chronicle of strake jesuit college preparatory

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