April 2008 THE FALCON  Inside: Inside:

Life in Japan page 3 Sports page 4 St. Joseph High School Vol. XLX Number 5 The Student Newspaper of St. Joseph High School, Metuchen, N.J. April 2008 International Travelers Club Trip to Italy

By Leonel Delgadillo Staff Writer The International Travelers Club, accompanied by chaperone Dr. Robert Longhi, ’81, took an exciting 11-day trip through Italy, leaving on March 20 from JFK Airport. During their stay in Italy, the Photo by Bill Scarano students visited some of the coun- Pam Stenzel urges students to make good choices. try’s most prominent and well- known attractions and locations. Their first stop was a tour of Capri. Teen Outreach Program: Following that, the group went to Sicily, where the 23 students and Speaker Dr. Longhi enjoyed the unique experience of scaling Mt. Etna, the Encourages largest active volcano in Europe. Teens to Act They also visited the historic ruins of Syracuse. Photo by tour guide Responsibly Afterwards, the students went to Students visited the Greek Theater ruins in Syracuse, Italy. Palermo, Sicily’s capital, and trav- By Michael Lee eled aboard an overnight cruise to Pompeii, Rome, and Vatican City, she taught the students some basic surer of the International Travelers Associate Editor Naples. The ship was luxurious and seeing sights such as the Colos- Italian phrases that enabled them to Club, said, “I went last year on equipped with a discotheque. seum and Sistine Chapel. communicate with native speakers the trip to Spain, and I was just as Perhaps the most prova- After disembarking from the Ms. Ana Rocci, club modera- and get a true sense of the Italian excited this year. I tried my best to cative subject for discus- ship, the students went on to visit tor, was unable to attend the trip; experience. make sure that the underclassmen sion, sex was the topic for famous places such as Naples, however, prior to their departure, Junior Stephen Zielinski, trea- had a good time.” the Teen Outreach Program on April 10. Students and faculty gath- ered in the Vincent Maglio Middle School Chess Tournament Hosted by Chess Team Gymnasium to hear Ms. The day was not only devoted taken home three state titles, Pam Stenzel, a renowned By Jack Fitzhenry Staff Writer to the study of the game but also and last year’s team finished speaker featured on numer- to competition. Students entered an impressive third in the state ous television shows and Members of the accomplished the tournament as individuals or tournament. For the players radio networks, and honored St. Joe’s Chess Team shared their on school teams of four players, and Wayne Fischer, this with several awards, tackle passion for the game with local competing for prizes that includ- year marked the second suc- the controversial issue. middle school students on Sat- ed new chess sets and plaques cessful hosting of the middle Although Ms. Stenzel has urday, April 12. for the top teams. Some of St. school tournament. It is a legacy hosted many seminars for More than 30 participants gath- Joe’s top veterans attended to that the team is proud to have CCD students at St. Joe’s, ered in the Cor Jesu Conference Photo by Yearbook staff help moderate and impart per- begun. including one on April 9, Center for an afternoon devoted Chess Team members mentor sonal wisdom and experience Coach Fischer remarked, this appearance was her first to the study and appreciation of young players. upon the budding players. “Last year was a good year for for St. Joe’s students. chess. The students enjoyed lunch The St. Joe’s players have no the event. We would like to see Ms. Stenzel, who revealed and a lecture on opening moves chess enthusiast, Mr. Jim Milani- shortage of chess experience. In it grow and become a tradition that she was conceived as a given by guest speaker and local fee of Freehold. its history, the Chess Team has here at St. Joe’s.” result of her teenage mother being raped, warned of the consequences of pursuing sexual relationships outside Mr. Ernst’s Winter Rainforest Adventure of marriage. She shared per- sonal stories, as well as the By John Woolley by the island’s constant geothermal-volcanic experiences of various teen- Staff Writer activity. Mr. Ernst and his impetuous crew agers that she has encoun- thus set out on their bold enterprise, traveling tered throughout her career. In this modern, industrialized world, many on steep, slippery paths edging along water- Far from monotonous, Ms. people assume that adventure and exploration falls and chasms so deep that their mossy walls Stenzel entertained the audi- of a dangerous wilderness are romantic memo- faded into a darkness from which only the ence with her humor while ries of a period long since passed. It may be roar of water escaped. The company climbed at the same time maintain- ironic, then, that Mr. Albert Ernst, who teaches ever upward until they finally reached a state ing an insightful perspective a class on the Survey of Technology, took of utter exhaustion, resting at a peak where on sex. part in an adventure in February resembling they could peer down on the verdant island “Young men, here’s the something out of an Indiana Jones movie on and the azure waves that rolled into a white, choice,” Ms. Stenzel said. the island of Dominica in the Caribbean. sandy shore. “Either you trust your Cre- The island is covered by lush rainforests Their guide spurred them on, leading them ator, your God who loves and deep ravines formed by the numerous riv- into an area known as the Valley of Desolation, you, or you can choose ers and waterfalls descending from the many filled with sulfurous streams, bubbling mud MTV. I hope you choose mountain peaks. Present on the island are pots, and rainbow pools. Using clay from your Creator.” hamlets of former slaves and villages of the one of the more colorful vents, they painted Although Ms. Stenzel proud Carib Indians, whom Columbus encoun- their faces blue. tered when he arrived in the New World. At last, they arrived at the huge volcanic provided a compelling Photo by Ms. Barbara Westerfield While on Dominica, Mr. Ernst was caldera known as Boiling Lake. At first, the argument, only the students Mr. Ernst (right) and other tourists hiked to have the power to decide informed by the owners of his lodge, which full extent of the rim could not be ascertained Boiling Lake in Dominica. how they will behave and he shared with several other tourists, that he due to the thick steam clouds that had con- express themselves sexually. and his company should limit their power densed above the lake’s surface. However, over whether the island should remain a pris- However, with the insight consumption to 60 watts per hour, but in the when wind removed the natural veil, a stun- tine paradise or whether it should be industrial- provided through the Teen words of Mr. Ernst, “Who needs electricity ning panorama was revealed to them. The ized to address more adequately the material Outreach Program, they will when opulent golden sunsets preoccupy one’s towering 60-foot high cliffs walled-in the needs and desires of its people. Mr. Ernst be prepared to act respon- time?” lake, a bit less than a football field across with added that if Dominica were to modernize at sibly. The culmination of Mr. Ernst’s adventure waters in excess of 200 degrees. the expense of the natural beauty, he is “happy was a day-long hike to Boiling Lake, formed There exists a debate in Dominica today to have been there before it happened.” 2 THE FALCON April 2008

French Exchange spring college tour

Appreciating all France has to offer By Brian Whiteside ferent college environments. Current students from each col- By Alex Mosko Photo by Staff Writer lege conducted the tours and Staff Writer Mr. Ryan Burke ’02 Spring is finally here! It answered the students’ ques- Bonjour. Salut. A demain. The French is the time for spring sports, tions. These words are not commonly students blooming flowers, and April The juniors who attended the heard in the hallways or at the enjoyed showers. For juniors, it is also annual event had a wonderful lunch tables; however, French was their stay time for the Spring experience, and at St. Joe’s. heard more often during the middle College Tour. they truly appre- of April when the annual French On April 10, 40 ciated the whole exchange program took place. St. Joe’s juniors, tour. This year’s program was orga- accompanied by “I really want- nized by St. Joe’s President, Mr. Director of Guid- ed the students Lawrence Walsh, ’68, and French group field trips to destinations two weeks to experience French ance Ms. Diane to get a feel of teacher Mr. Ryan Burke, ’02. in New York City, including the culture. Yannaco, visited what college they St. Joe’s students hosted guest United Nations. Additionally, the Mr. Burke offered, “Our stu- the University of Scranton, would like to attend,” said Ms. students from l’Institution des American students introduced the dents were eager to host the guest Marywood University, and Yannaco. “I can tell that some Chartreux in Lyon, France for French students to American life students. We hope it will extend King’s College. of them really took this experi- two weeks. by bringing them to school. their cultural horizons and create This event was a chance for ence seriously, and it worked While the French students The St. Joe’s host students an appreciation for the French students to tour a variety of dif- out for their benefit.” were here, they participated in will travel to France in June for language and culture.”

Jerseymen’s Club governor’s schools See Liberty Science Center, New Again By Devin Froelich required to view the IMAX film, St. Joe’s nominates five juniors Staff Writer Hurricane on the Bayou. dents can learn about the arts, and academic performance. On this trip, the Jerseymen’s By Michael Pico Staff Writer engineering and technology, the After being nominated, each Busy as ever, the Jerseymen’s Club was accompanied by the environment, international stud- student is required to fill out an Club members went on another Umoja Club in a joint effort to The Governor’s Schools ies, public issues, or science. application, which must be passed exciting adventure, this give students the oppor- of New Jersey are prestigious Acceptance into one of the through the county and state lev- time to the newly reno- tunity to learn more about programs that take place each Governor’s Schools is a rigorous els in order for a student to be vated Liberty Science the planets, human anat- summer. Attending one of the and difficult process. Only one accepted. Center. omy, the natural world, Governor’s Schools is not only an student per high school can be Lucas Zavala will attend the The March 30 trip and the other scientific honor but also a testament to the nominated for each Governor’s Governor’s School for Science marked the first time that attractions at the center. student’s academic talent. School, and since there are so at Drew University. John Wool- any of the club’s mem- Mr. Thomas Scarano, There are six programs offered many talented students at St. Joe’s, ley will attend the Governor’s bers attended the Science moderator for the Jersey- at various colleges located this is often a difficult process. In School for Public Issues at Mon- Center since the state-of- men’s Club, said, “This throughout New Jersey. Each order to choose a student, each mouth University. Both programs Photo by www.lsc.com the-art renovations took was an excellent oppor- of the colleges associated with academic department meets to take place during the month of place. Those who went The blue sneeze tunity to see the new exhibit the Governor’s School program discuss and nominate the most eli- July with students residing on on the trip were free to exhibits, and I’m sure that focuses on a specific subject. Stu- gible student, based on his interest campus. roam the center, but everyone was everyone had a good time.” Academic teams

Chess Team—The Chess Team top five in the state of New Jer- Liobis, Daniel Ciborowski, Joe place in the Catholic Conference St. Joe’s team won four games, finished the year second in their sey. We hope the JV team gains Krulewicz, Sean Naughton, and at the varsity level, with a school lost three, and tied one, finishing division with a 10-4 record in experience that will pay off in the Charlie Jaeger. record team score of 1977. 27th out of 60. The competition the Shore High School Chess coming year.” On December 3, February 8, Lucas Zavala and Daniel Ploch lasted three days. League. —Jason Diaz, Staff Writer and March 7, the team put up led the entire conference and each In addition to this competition, Members participated in the impressive scores of 46, 46, and scored a perfect 100 on each of the team traveled to the Javits Freehold Raceway Mall Playoffs Computer League—Over the 47, respectively. On April 11, they the four, ten-question contests. Convention Center in New York on March 5, in which senior Greg course of the year, the Computer took their final contest of the year Ed Stivers was first in the league City for the FIRST New York Ngo went undefeated. The team League has worked valiantly in and scored 49 out of 50. at the JV level. City Regional Competition, from also competed in the state tourna- their efforts to bring glory to St. Mr. John Costanzo, the team St. Joe’s also clinched the state April 4 to 6. ment at the Rutgers Cook Douglas Joseph High School. moderator, said, “I’m very pleased title in the New Jersey Mathe- —Ed Zukowski, Staff Writer Recreational Center on March 15 The members of the team com- with the outcome of the tests. I matics League and the Advanced and 16. The team’s starters were pete by taking challenging exams couldn’t ask for more of the Math portion of Mathfax. Science League—The Science seniors Charlie Jaeger, Eric Lio- that test their knowledge of com- students who compete for the Five of the Math League’s best League has been successful so far bis, Cory Sharp, Greg Ngo, and puter programming. These tests school.” students qualified for the AIME this year. Gifted students from all freshman Michael Bender. are graded on a 10-point scale, and —Mark Lee, Staff Writer (American Invitational Mathe- four grade levels have been given Before the tournament, mod- the top five scores are combined matics Examination), which was the chance to broaden their scien- erator Mr. Wayne Fischer said, “If to form the team score. Debate Team—The Debate administered on Tuesday, March tific knowledge by participating in the team plays up to its potential, Top scorers this year include Team recently had a strong show- 18. Charlie Jaeger, Michael Lee, various competitions. we believe we can finish in the Daniel Ploch, Bob Page, Eric ing at the New Jersey State Bar Jun Yan Miao, Daniel Ploch, and The team has performed excep- Foundation Mock Trial Competi- Lucas Zavala all surpassed the tionally well in each category of tion. required 100 (out of 150) points the Science League competitions. Ms. Georgia Christopolous, on the AMC 12 (American Math- For these competitions, the team team moderator, said, “I am very ematics Contest), the first step on travels to another school and par- proud of the team’s tremendous the way to the United States Math ticipates in tests encompassing efforts.” Olympiad. the three main sciences: physics, Published by the students of St. Joseph High School At the competition, members “We are experiencing an amaz- chemistry, and biology. There are 145 Plainfield Ave., Metuchen, NJ 08840 displayed their skills in public ing year! Records are being bro- two tests in each science, one for 732-549-7600 ext 261 • www.stjoes.org speaking, effective body language, ken and many students have per- the first year students and one for methods of debate, and logical fect scores on multiple contests,” the AP students. Volume XLX, No. 5 April 2008 argumentation. The team is wrap- remarked moderator Ms. Linda “I am very pleased with how ping up the intense Mock Trial Muratore. the team has done so far this year. Editor-in-Chief: ...... Christopher McGovern Managing Editors:...... Kevin Corlett by reviewing the tapes from the —Kevin Corlett, The AP Chemistry and AP Physics ...... Lucas Zavala competition in order to improve Managing Editor teams have wonderful chances of Associate Editors:...... Christopher Jacques, Matthew Kuchtyak next year. winning for the year,” said Ms...... Michael Lee, Matthew Velez Currently, the team is preparing Robotics Team—The Robotics Jeanne McNamara, moderator. Sports Editor:...... John Nolan for the annual St. Peter’s Oratori- Team has been busy this month. The team also participated Staff Writers:...... Anton Alicante, Amery Chang, Leonel Delgadillo cal Contest. As with last year, Ms. Led by moderators Mr. Carmine in the New Jersey section of the ...... Jason Diaz, Jack Fitzhenry, Devin Froelich, Mark Lee Christopolous hopes that the team Salerno and Mrs. Florentina National Science Bowl competi- ...... Neil Merchant, Alexander Mosko, Alfonse Muglia, Russell Pepe will represent the school well in Savva, the team traveled to the tion. The tournament was held ...... Martin Pico, Michael Pico, Jonathan Ramteke, William Scarano this prestigious competition. Addi- US Naval Academy in Annapo- on February 23 at the Princeton ...... Brian Whiteside, John Woolley, Edward Zukowski Photographers...... Leonel Delgadillo, William Scarano tionally, the team continues to lis, Maryland for the FIRST (For Plasma Physics Laboratory. In Technology...... Mr. George Milligan practice the art of formal debate. Inspiration and Recognition of its first year of competition, the Faculty Adviser...... Dr. Martine Gubernat Ms. Christopolous said, “We Science and Technology) Chesa- team made it all the way to round Principal...... Mr. John Anderson, ’70 will be holding in-house debates peake Regional Robotics Compe- 6 of 12. President...... Mr. Lawrence Walsh, ’68 every week, and I hope to chal- tition on March 13. On May 20, the team will The Falcon welcomes articles from students, parents and faculty mem- lenge other schools in the area In FIRST competitions this participate in the Merck Science bers for consideration for publication. All articles are subject to editing. The before the year is out.” year, the schools were arranged Competition, which covers a vari- opinions expressed in The Falcon do not necessarily represent the opinions —Neil Merchant, Staff Writer into three-team groups and played ety of scientific disciplines, giving of faculty or administration. Opinions expressed in any column except those a game called “FIRST Overdrive.” students another opportunity to of the editors are not necessarily those of the editors. Math League—Determination + The goal was to have the robot go showcase their talents. Graphics and Printing by Media Trends, Metuchen, NJ Talent = Success for the ’07-’08 around a track, picking up and —Matthew Kuchtyak, (732) 548-7088 Math League. St. Joe’s won first carrying balls to earn points. The Associate Editor April 2008 THE FALCON  Juniors and seniors learn to make college count By Matthew Velez ing first to the junior class and then Associate Editor to the senior class. The junior program is more of a As seniors prepare for college and “Making the College Search Count” college student, as well as how to juniors start to feel the heat of the lecture, with the speaker giving manage time wisely in an environ- college search, the Guidance Depart- valuable tips on choosing a college ment with so many free hours. ment will host its annual Making that fits each student best. Juniors “The evaluations are always College Count conference. will also learn how to prepare for overwhelmingly positive,” re- On April 24, a speaker from the application process they will marked Ms. Diane Yannaco, Direc- Making It Count, a subsidiary of face in the near future. tor of Guidance. “The speakers are Photo by Bill Scarano Monster.com, will visit St. Joseph’s To the seniors, the speaker will always dynamic, which makes it The gym was decorated by the Mothers Club with sports-figures and balloons, which was a fitting backdrop for an evening of fun. Vincent Maglio Gymnasium, speak- give advice about being a successful interesting.” Freshman-Sophomore Semi-Formal: Brother Mike’s movie review Traditions and ice cream make memories By Bill Scarano dinner, and ice cream, there was By Russell Pepe Staff Writer absolutely no shortage of fun. Staff Writer The event was not only an The Freshman-Sophomore enjoyable evening for the couples, EYYY!!! OHHH!!! AHH- Semi-Formal, held on March 15, but was also a successful fundraiser HH!!! Wait, wait, wait! What’s was once again an enjoyable eve- for the St. Joe’s community. the problem here? Did the ning for all who attended. Thanks “I think it’s a wonderful eve- Snow Genie fall into the copy- to the generosity of the Mothers ning for the couples. The students ing machine again? Something Club, which held its Card Party the worked hard to prepare for the must be up here, ’cause this previous evening, the gymnasium event and everyone had an enjoy- month, THERE WERE NO A+ boasted a festive atmosphere with able time,” said freshman class MOVIES!!! This is bad, very, its sports-themed decorations. Student Council moderator, Mr. very bad… I mean none of these Student Council officers, rep- Thomas Scarano. movies were worthy of even sit- resentatives, and their respective As the final dance of the year ting in Brother’s wheelie chair, class moderators worked tire- for freshmen and sophomores, the let alone the Big-Boy chair… lessly to make the Semi-Formal Semi-Formal was a huge success forget about it! Photo by movieweb.com a success. With 100 couples in once again as a long standing St. At least there was one some- attendance, as well as good music, Joe’s tradition. what decent film this month, and Vantage Point that would be The Bank Job. This film takes place in England Next up is Vantage Point. ridiculous than a leprechaun Model UN Corrections during the 1970’s, involving Now despite having a pretty riding an albino baby buffalo The February issue of The gates who have displayed excep- England’s largest attempted loaded cast (Dennis Quaid, For- (everyone knows it’s the other Falcon contained errors regard- tional leadership and internation- bank robbery ever. The main est Whitaker, Sigourney Weav- way around… hehehe!). Any- ing the Model UN conference in al awareness. Seggio, Jonathan character, played by Jason Sta- er, to name a few) this film was way, it had terrible acting and Hershey, Pennsylvania. Langton, and Nitin Srinivasan HH tham, has a pretty shady past but pretty mediocre. We’ve all seen was just bad. The St. Joe’s delegation were also nominated for Premier takes the job… crazy, absolutely the commercials… the presi- Now brace yourself for this represented five countries: Delegate, an award presented to MAD I tell you! Anyway, little dent has a , the double one… Jumper! Possibly the Bahrain, Dominica, Fiji, Italy, the strongest delegate within a does he know that there are gets shot in a Middle Eastern worst film ever made. This and Mozambique. In addition, committee. The new leaders of some secrets and whatnot hid- country, OH NO! What are film makesWild, Wild West look William Batista and Michael the St. Joe’s delegation, Sriniva- den behind the job, and he lands we gonna do? At times, this like 3:10 to Yuma. This film is Petrozziello received awards for san and Seggio, have been cho- himself in the middle of a scan- film was a bit slow, but for the about these special people who their outstanding position papers, sen to serve as Youth Secretariats dal involving London’s criminal most part the action was pretty can just jump from one place which described their nations’ next year. Current leaders are underground—not exactly the decent. Bing, Bang, Boom… to another. San Francisco to perspectives on certain issues. William and Peter Batista, and HHH type of kids who watch sitcoms Rome? You got it, POOF! At Philip Seggio was nomi- Kyle Livingstone. every Sunday night. The action Now these next two films… one point they were even sitting nated to attend the Conference The Falcon regrets the errors is pretty intense, and overall, it absolutely ridiculous! First, on the pyramids! The Sphinx on National Affairs (CONA), a made in the previous issue. HHH H had a good story to it. Fool’s Gold. This film… more refused to be filmed. follow-up to Model UN for dele- —Amery Chang, Staff Writer

1. The first photo is of me mak- who had just graduated that day. ing this weekend). Left to right is ing friends with a deer (that later They’ll be off to Tokyo for university Laurent (Belgium), Addison (USA), attacked me) at Toudai Temple in in about a month! (I’m so proud of Fuyu (Japan), me, Josefa (Chile), Nara. There are (at times, not-so) them; they got into two of the best and Shaki (Austria). I love these five Reflections about Learning the tame deer wandering the prem- universities in Japan...) people so much! ises. 3. The third photo is a picture of this 4. The fourth photo is me making 2. The second picture is at school, area’s exchange students (and one rice cakes for New Year’s. Language of a Foreign Land with my two very close friends Japanese student) as of February 5. The last photo is me in a garden Sakiko Maria (left) and Kei (right) 3 (one has since left, two are leav- in Nagoya back in November.

By Jonathan Ramteke of the first things my host family in between, means “I’ve heard uses. Most words consist of dif- quickly react by trying to correct Foreign Correspondent told me, soon after picking me it before.” Some time later, I ferent combinations of kanji. I my mistake myself, and if that up at the airport, was that I was found it amusing to see this same know only about 350, but I have does not work, they will fix it for One of the most reward- going to be climbing Mount Fuji construction being explained in found that studying them greatly me. Sometimes, I can understand ing parts of being an exchange two weeks later. my textbook, and I thought to enriches my knowledge of the 100% of what’s being said, but student is learning an entirely Anyway, learning a new lan- myself, “I figured that out myself Japanese language. It leads to somehow, five minutes later, I’ll new language. The experience guage this way involves many weeks ago!” remembering words more easily. understand nothing. I must con- of learning by total immersion processes. First, of course, is Learning vocabulary often For example, the word “Oukoku” fess that there are some people I is challenging, frustrating, and the traditional textbook and tutor, works in the same way. After means “kingdom;” however, it is purposely avoid just because they enjoyable all at the same time. which I have been fortunate to hearing a word used so often in much easier to remember it by its always manage to say things that When I first came to Japan, I have two times a week in the a certain context, I can usually kanji parts: “Ou” meaning “king,” I can never understand. Simi- understood close to nothing. I school library. However, this accurately predict its meaning. and “koku” meaning “country.” larly, I spend as much time as could introduce myself, count, is such a miniscule part of my I can understand some of these When learning a language like possible with those whose speech and say words such as “read,” education in Japanese. words well, but if I were asked Japanese, there really is no point I understand perfectly. “write,” “eat,” and “drink.” I was For example, there are many to express these same words in when you wake up and think, Learning Japanese in this way unable to express that I was hun- grammatical structures that I have English, I would be at a loss for “Oh! I’m fluent!” It’s an uphill has truly been an amazing experi- gry or tired, and I could not recite been able to pick up just by listen- words. It’s not that English does climb, and the best support is not ence. When I return to the States, the days of the week. Moreover, ing. Once, when I was watching not have equivalents for these any sort of material learning aid, I will be a bit relieved to be able I could not even inquire as to the MTV with my host family, my words, but that I simply cannot but other friends and host family. to understand everything around location of a restroom! host sister kept saying “kiita koto remember what one would say in Although the Japanese people are me perfectly again. However, a The first word I learned when aru” whenever the song changed. English in the same situation. rather reserved when it comes to little part of me will greatly miss I arrived in Japan was not any I knew that “kiita” means “heard” By far, however, the most dif- correcting someone else’s mis- the challenge and excitement of of the aforementioned expres- and “aru” means “have,” so I ficult aspect of Japanese to learn takes, when I make a grammati- conducting my daily life in a for- sions but “touzan,” which means correctly guessed that this con- is kanji. Kanji are Chinese char- cal or pronunciation error, my eign language, especially one as “mountain climbing.” Why? One struction, with the word “koto” acters that the Japanese language friends give me a strange look. I interesting as Japanese. 4 THE FALCON April 2008 St. Joseph High School

Falcon

volleyball UPDATE Baseball Update

By Lucas Zavala ence will give it the advantage it By Alfonse Muglia Peter’s), catcher Dave Milanes Managing Editor SPORTSneeds to overcome tough oppo- Staff Writer (Navy), infielder Brian Beck nents. The Falcons’ formidable (Muhlenberg), and designated Having suffered a heartbreak- schedule reflects coach Cabri- The baseball team is looking hitter Nick Marcucci (Hagerstown ing defeat at the hands of East ta’s expectations; the team will to improve upon its success in CC) have already announced that Brunswick in the quarterfinals of play an unprecedented number 2007. As defend- they will continue last year’s state tournament, the of forty-plus matches. Loaded ing Non-Public their respective St. Joe’s volleyball team is ready with back-to-back quad matches, South A sectional baseball careers to reclaim the state title. tournaments (including one in champions, play- at the collegiate Eight returning seniors pro- Quakertown, PA), and face-offs ers and coaches level next year, vide the Falcons with a host of against powerhouses East Bruns- alike have high while more play- offensive weapons. Outside - wick, Don Bosco, and CBA, the expectations for ers are expected ter Kyle Ditmars, who played road to the state championship this year’s ball to commit to Photo by Normandy Studios beach volleyball at the profes- will be anything but easy. club. c o l l e g e s t h i s sional level, is ready to bring his The uber-athletic Paul Kono- “I see in this group of players packi skies to spike the ball. “To develop spring. beachfront intensity to the hard- a great deal of talent and dedica- a culture of win- The Falcons, wood. Meanwhile, the right side tion,” coach Cabrita said. “From ning in any ath- who are touted as is dominated by perhaps the best at the position of libero and will watching them play and hearing letic program, one of the Greater hitter in the state, senior Marcin be a tremendous asset for the them talk about this season, I can you must expect Middlesex Con- Midura. Equipped with the setting Falcons. Ditmars, Midura, and tell how much they want the title. to win cham- Photo by Normandy Studios ference’s best skills necessary to run a quick Rossiter, along with setter Matt All we have to do now is go out pionships, not Senior Rob Ellis takes a swing teams, will play offense, the Falcons will look to Furey, middle hitter Dave Arva, there and get it.” just hope to win during batting practice. a daunting out- feed their hitters and catch their and outside hitter Zeyad Loubnan, As of April 14, the Falcons championships,” of-conference opponents off guard. have made a conscious effort to had already jumped out to an commented second-year coach schedule that includes the likes of The squad is not lacking in play volleyball year-round. early season record of 10-1 and Paul Esposito. Don Bosco, Seton Hall Prep and defensive skill either. Senior Eddie Coach Miguel Cabrita, ’91, were ranked number 1 by The Last year’s team amalgamated Immaculata. With seniors Sam Rossiter has filled the team’s void hopes that his squad’s experi- Star Ledger. during the end of the season, and Fourre and Sean Hille at the top of returning players hope to build the rotation and a powerful offen- track & Field update upon the chemistry they formed. sive lineup, the team has good The team will rely on its solid reason to expect more titles. By Anton Alicante core of experienced upperclass- The Falcons have posted a 4-4 Staff Writer men and promising young talent. record as of April 14. The Falcons’ roster is composed The spring track & field team of eight seniors, seven juniors, is hungry for victory and poised For more sports go to www.stjoes.org and two sophomores. and click on Athletics to make a run at its first state Infielder Brian Koster (St. and county championships since 1998. With senior Jack Fitzhenry tennis update and junior Jesse Castellanos leading the way in the 1600 By Martin Pico Ambrose and Neil Merchant. Not and 3200-meter races, along Staff Writer only will they be holding two of with senior middle distance the three singles positions, but runners Charlie Jaeger and Coming off of a disappointing also their roles as seniors will be Jervis Hudson, the distance corps season last year (3-15 record), to set an example for the entire has a chance to put together a the tennis team looks to improve squad. The team also hopes its very impressive season. in 2008. The Falcons aspire to underclassmen will gain valu- qualify for the state tournament able experience and continue to Senior Chris McGovern and Photo by Mr. Pat McGovern juniors Camaron Burke, Hayes and will strive to make a stronger improve. Junior Camaron Burke (left) and senior Chris McGovern (right) showing in the Greater Middlesex Facing tough teams like J.P. Cozza, and James Livingstone, sprint to the finish in a preseason meet. along with sophomores Jon Conference tournament than they Stevens and East, North, and Marques and Matt Delaney, will In the field events, the NJ Catholic Track Conference did a year ago. South Brunswick, the Falcons attempt to exceed expectations Falcons will be led by a number championship on May 25, with Second-year coach Jarrett will have to work hard to reach in the sprint events. of seniors: Joe Tormey and Rob the campaign concluding at the Dewelde, ’96, commented, “Last respectability again. Coach The squad’s strongpoint will Dawson in the javelin, Randy Non Public A state championship year we had only one player make Dewelde remarked, “We need to be the 110-meter hurdles and Reyes in the shot put, and Joe on May 30 and 31. it into the top four of his respec- find balance in both singles and jumping events, highlighted Tarr in the discus. Coach Gary Trojanowski, ’72, tive bracket at the county tour- doubles to become successful.” by junior Rich Bills and senior The squad will compete in said, “The key to this season is nament. This year we have the Early on, the team has not got- Albert Bastien (who returned to several dual meets throughout health and consistency. We have ability to do much better.” ten off to the strong start it was competition following an injury the season as it prepares for the all the pieces to put together the The key to the team’s success looking for, posting a 2-5 tally as that sidelined him for much of Greater Middlesex Conference championship season that has lies in returning seniors Brett of April 13. the winter season). championship on May 10 and the eluded us for 10 years.” golf update lacrosse update By Chris Jacques tive with East and South Bruns- By John Nolan die), Steve Todd (attack), and Raritan. Such a slate of games Associate Editor wick, we must win matches that Sports Editor Sean McGowan (face-off middie). is sure to have the team battle- take place on our home courses Third-year coach Marc Moreau tested for the Non-Public A state Under the leadership of senior (Metuchen Golf & Country Club The Falcon lacrosse team stated, “Our strength is that we playoffs. co-captains Jerry Lewis and Brian and Hyatt Hills in Clark),” coach entered the 2008 season with a have returning starters at each Coach Moreau explained that Gahagan, the Falcon golf team Ryan Lechner commented. chip on its shoulder. part of the field: midfield, attack, the reason for playing such a diffi- hopes to match or exceed last The team faces a difficult A year ago, the squad finished defense and goal.” cult schedule is because, “we need year’s impressive second-place schedule with matches against with a 12-8 record; however, with With junior Kenny Cernuto in to move from focusing on GMC performances in both the county East Brunswick, Westfield, Scotch four of their losses coming by a net, along with senior Chris Marsh schools to focusing on competing and state tournaments. With top Plains, South Brunswick, and single goal (most notably, a 9-8 and Ray Tropiano and sophomore at the level that Mountain Lakes, players from a year ago having St. Peter’s Prep. In addition, the loss to South Brunswick in the Nick Contino on defense, coach Delbarton, Ridgewood or Summit graduated, the team will rely on its Falcons will participate in two Greater Middlesex Conference Moreau believed that his team’s do on a yearly basis. It takes a match-tested junior class of Chris tournaments: the Cherry Valley Tournament final), the Falcons defense was stronger than its much higher commitment level Jacques, Matt Kuchtyak, Kevin Invitational and the Viking Invi- began the new season not only offense heading into the season. and focus to play at that level all Corlett, and Curt Chapkowski. tational. hungry to win their first county The Falcons will take on some the time. If we can raise the bar to In the Greater Middlesex Con- “If the team performs at the title since ’04, but also prepared of the state’s toughest competition that level, taking care of the GMC ference, defending champion East level it is capable of, this season to make a run for their first ever in their out-of-conference sched- will happen as a result of it.” Brunswick and South Brunswick could be very successful,” coach state title. ule against Pingry, Hillsborough, After games played through are the Falcons’ stiffest competi- Lechner said. Captaining this year’s team Bergen Catholic, Seton Hall Prep, April 13, the team had a 4-1 tion. The team’s record was 4-1 as are seniors Andrew Gunn (mid- Immaculata, and Bridgewater- record. “If we are going to be competi- of April 15. Special thanks to the Yearbook staff for supplying The Falcon with many great photos this year. —Falcon staff