TOLLETHE MAGAZINE OF ST. RITA OF LEGE CASCIA HIGH SCHOOL

COUPLE OF THE YEAR NICK ‘04 & ASHLEY LoMAGLIO ADMINISTRATION

Chairman of the Board Ernest J. Mrozek, ‘71

Interim CEO, Vice President of Academics Wes Benak, ‘81

Vice President of Student Life CONTENT Josh Blaszak ‘02 Vice President of Finance Eileen Spulak SCHOOL NEWS OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT page 1 | A Message from Mr. Wes Benak ‘81 Director of Institutional Advancement page 2 | The Class of 2019 Jim Juchcinski ‘97 page 3 | Minimester Director of Annual Appeal and Major Gifts John Schmitt ‘84 page 4 | Admissions Update Associate Director of Advancement & page 5 | Students Director of Advancement Communications Laura Fleck page 6 | Spring Sports Wrap Up Database Manager & Director of Special Events page 8 | Faculty Spotlight: John Nee ‘93 Mary Gal Carroll

page 9 | Welcome New Faculty & Staff Director of Alumni & Donor Relations Rob Gallik ‘10 ALUMNI NEWS BOARD OF DIRECTORS page 10 | 83rd Annual Alumni Banquet Ernest Mrozek ‘71 (Chairman) Victoria Barrios page 11 | 2019 Man of the Year James Brasher ‘71 Bernard DelGiorno HON page 12 | 2019 Hall of Fame Lawrence Doyle ‘68 James Gagnard ‘64 page 14 | A Message from Jim Juchcinksi ‘97 Thomas Healy ‘83 page 15 | 44th Annual Scholarship Outing Catharine Hennessy David Howicz ‘84 Nicholas LoMaglio ‘04 page 16 | Keeping Track Donald Mrozek ‘65 Clare Napleton ADVANCEMENT NEWS Charles Nash ‘71 John O’Neill ‘79 page 18 | 30th Annual Valentine Dinner Dance Fr. Anthony Pizzo, O.S.A. Timothy Ray ‘87 page 19 | 2019 Couple of the Year Stephen Schaller ‘83 Fr. Bernard Scianna, O.S.A. ‘83 page 20 | Leave a Legacy Dina Scianna Ronald Skwarek ‘70 page 21 | In Memoriam Renee Sykes Charles Volpentesta ‘92 page 22 | Fall Sports Schedules Andrew Youpel

EMERITI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ronald Abramowicz ‘60 Anthony Colosimo ‘63 Dr. John Donahue Michael J. McArdle ‘54 September 2019 Fr. Thomas McCarthy, O.S.A. ‘83 Donald A. Petkus ‘58 Arthur Velasquez ‘56 A Message from the Interim CEO and Vice President of Academics Mr. Wes Benak '81

Dear Members of the St. Rita Family,

As we enter into the 116th year of providing a Catholic education to the young men in and around the south side of we are stronger than ever and our mission couldn’t be more clear. Our Mission Statement reads in part that our goal is to “provide our young men with the necessary skills to succeed in college and in life, leading to life-long learning and personal awareness.” We have an awesome faculty and staff that has become skilled themselves in the education of boys and in this area we are second to none. I want to thank my colleagues for their tremendous and tireless dedication to our students and our school - it’s in their classrooms, and their offices, in the hallways, and on the playing fields where the magic happens - they have a never ending desire to forge ahead and to make progress. And at the end of every year we see the fruit of their labor: another amazing group of St. Rita graduates going out into the world, using the gifts and talents that they have developed, making the world a better place for all of us.

Even in this time of leadership transition, St. Rita remains a very special place. At the time of this writing we are in the midst of our President search and within a relatively short amount of time we plan on having a new President, not just installed, but one working hard at furthering our great mission. I look forward to the good work that lies ahead because I have been a witness to the past and know full well that our possibilities are endless.

I am grateful to all of you also for your continued support of our mission.We’ve had a very good thing going on here for a very long time and we are positioned well as we begin yet another year of magic at St. Rita High School. We could not have done what we have done without your support and we look forward to the same in the future.

Please know that our benefactors are remembered in our daily prayer.

Gratefully,

1 t school news The Class of 2019

Ten Ritamen from the St. Rita Class of 2019 have chosen to make a Jalen Greer ‘19 signs his contract with the Oak- strong commitment to our great nation by enlisting in the military land A’s immediately after the Mustangs took third or joining ROTC programs in college. place in the state.

VERITAS AWARD CARITAS AWARD UNITAS AWARD MR. MUSTANG MR. MUSTANG Kevin O’Hara Myles Montaque Stedmon Ihejirika Kyle Gustafson Michael Henze

2 school news Minimester 2019

Again this year, St. Rita students traveled the city, state, country and world during minimester. Students had the opportu- nity to participate in an iditarod in Alaska, white water rafting in New Mexico, Culinary Arts in Chicago, a Holocaust study in Krakow, Berlin and Prague, touring the landmarks in D.C. and checking out colleges of the midwest among others! 3 school news school news Welcome Class of 2023 Admissions As has become tradition, the Freshman Augustinian Experience begins with an upper-classmen AndrewSmialek Awards welcome, followed by the class orientation day and freshman overnight. The official kick-off to the 2019-20 school year took place at the Academic Convocation, when freshmen were presented with their ties by upperclassmen and they also signed the Book of Brotherhood.

The Andrew Smialek Award is presented to 8th grade students for outstanding academic acheivement and extra-curricular and community involvement. FieldDay

The Admissions team welcomed 6th and 7th graders from Most Holy Redeemer, St. John Fisher, St. Barnabas and Queen of Martyrs to the Inaugural Field Day Event!

ST. RITA OF CASCIA HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 12pm - 2pm (All are welcome to our Family Mass at 11:30am) ~AND~ SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 10am - 12pm (All are welcome to our Family Mass at 9:30am) 4 Students school news To cap off their year in Honors Physics Class, students held a Regatta in the school’s pool! The students constructed their own boats and were only allowed to use cardboard and tape to build them. Students in Ms. Smialek’s class spent more than three weeks planning for the event. They began by learning about Archimedes’ Principle and how an objects density, weight, and how much fluid it displaces all relate to whether an object sinks or floats. Summer 2019 Ritamen stay busy over the summer, whether it’s a summer job, sports and tournaments, or various other learning activities. Sean and Patrick Nellis ‘22 and Julian Leanos ‘22 attended summer camp at Northwest, where they learned about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Student Government Officer and Live Like John Foundation Teen Board Member Nick Adent ‘20 along with Mr. Josh Blaszak ‘02, Vice President of Student Life, presented a check in the amount of $1,887.55 to Mrs. Amy McNicholas and the Live Like John Foundation on behalf of St. Rita High School. Students held a Spirit Day for LLJ and presented the check before the LLJ Annual Tournament which is held each year at St. Rita.

Brian Deenihan ‘21 and Reggie Sykes ‘21 attended Summer STEM at the United States Naval Academy. For over 30 years, before STEM was being promoted, the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) has been advancing events and activities and offering scholarships designed to excite students to become engineers.

SAME, in collaboration with the military services, offers a series of week long, STEM Engineering & Construction Camps designed for High School students who excel in math, science and technology courses and are interested in pursuing engineering, architecture, or related fields in college.

Each of the camps has a unique curriculum, with the common thread being: challenging environment, hands-on activities, mentors who are young engineers, and long term resources for camp alumni. 5 school news SPRING SPORTS Wrap Up It was a banner spring sports season for the Mustangs as 4A state finals. In the semi-final against St. Charles, St. they collected two Catholic League Blue championships Rita jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, but their dream of and three state finals appearances amongst the , the school’s first ever baseball state championship ended , track, , water polo and rugby teams. with a tough 6-4 loss. The Mustangs would go on to defeat Hampshire in the 3rd place game as the Mustangs collected their fourth ever state trophy.

Baseball The varsity baseball team won their first Catholic League Blue title since 2014 finishing (10-2) in league play. Four members of the team Volleyball The varsity volleyball earned 1st-team all-conference recognition, including also won the CCL Blue title with a perfect (6-0) record, seniors Jalen Greer and Matt Callahan and juniors Luke and they advanced to the state finals in Hoffman Estates Napleton and Chris McDevitt. for the second consecutive season before losing a hard- fought, 3-set match to New Trier in the quarterfinals. The Mustangs also finished (35-7) on the season as they spent most of the second half of the season ranked #1 On the season they finished (28-12) overall as they were in the state. They won their 11th consecutive regional led by All-Catholic Blue selections senior middle blocker championship beating Riverside-Brookfield 10-0. In the Cam Bartman, senior outside-hitter Quinn Coughlan, sectional they defeated Mt. Carmel for the fourth time junior outside-hitter Colin Dahill, senior setter Joe Horn, without a loss on the year by the score of 3-2 before and freshman libero James Sanders. Horn was selected defeating Nazareth 7-0 to capture the school’s sixth as the Tony Lawless Award winner, which goes to the top sectional championship. senior in the Catholic League.

In the super-sectional held in Schaumburg, senior pitcher Vic Aguilar shut out a formidable Fremd team on 4 hits as the Mustangs advanced to Joliet for the Class 6 school news

and junior Jack Nolan, who also became the first ever All-State selection in St. Rita Lacrosse history. Track & FieldThe track team finished 8th overall in the state in Class 2A, which was the best finish by the Mustangs since 1994. They were led by Tony Lawless Award winner Mick Doyle who was a Water Polo The varsity water polo team had their best season in many years finishing (26-6) before losing in the sectional championship 10-8 to Lyons Township. They were led by All-State selections junior Daniel Burns (1st- team), junior

part of the 4x100 relay team along with Javon Venson, Christopher Jiminez (3rd-team), Marcus Coleman, and Kaleb and junior Nathaniel Cruz (4th- Brown who finished 2nd team). They won the Niles in the state. Doyle along West Tournament, the St. Pat’s with Coleman, Andrew Tournament, and finished 3rd Lenehan, Caleb Green and at the Dan Lynch Water Polo Lorenzo Alvarez finished 6th Tournament. in the 4x200 relay. Other state placers included, Brown who ran a personal best (10.84) in the 100m which was good enough for 4th. He also finished in 8th place in the 200m while Doyle finished 6th in the hurdles with a school record time of (39.03.)

LacrosseThe varsity lacrosse team advanced to the sectional championship game at St. Rita losing to the #1 seed Lyons Township 12-11 in sudden For all your Mustang news death overtime. They were led by 1st Team All-CCL Blue visit stritamustangs.com selections: seniors Adrian Thompson and Liam Houlihan 7 school news

the school and my whole family fell in love with of St. Rita for two reasons: it allowed St. Rita to Faculty Spotlighthim that day. That sealed the deal for me. I knew expand onto a 37-acre campus that expanded to from that moment on that I wanted to be a Mus- include the new football stadium and multiple tang.” At the same time, St. Rita head baseball and baseball fields and it extinguished the notion JOHN NEE ‘93 coach, Jim Prunty, also played a major that a new school may open up in Quigley’s place role in recruiting John as well. “They just always that could affect St. Rita’s enrollment on 63rd If you’ve ever been made St. Rita feel like home to me.” Street. Gone were the days of changing clothes in on St. Rita’s campus the parking lot after school to walk to Lindbloom for a sporting event in In 1989, during John’s freshman year, home for St. Park for baseball practice, or catching a ride to the last 20 years then Rita High School was at the corner of 63rd Street Marquette Park with your equipment for football you’ve probably seen and Claremont Avenue. And, like many other practice, sometimes having to wear your helmet or heard John Nee at Rita men who chose the school at the time, the for fear of getting hit with a rock while walking work. John, a 1993 ambiance and the lore of campus played a role in under the viaduct. Now students were able to walk St. Rita graduate, has the decision, specifically the old St. Rita football from the locker room directly onto the baseball been a staple in the St. field, or the Snake Pit as it was also referred to. field for practice. John even remembers the day Rita family for years they laid the sod for the football field in through his roles as between practices one afternoon. a student, athlete, “We tell our kids all the time, particularly teacher, coach, dean when we’re sitting in our clubhouse, that and announcer, just to name a few. But what they have no idea how good they really makes John’s story unique is his timing into St. have it - and that’s fine! As an alum and Rita and the company he’s kept for over two de- current coach, I want nothing more than cades. “When you think of fate and how your life our facilities at St. Rita to improve. But, we turns out, the little twists and turns that you never still laugh when I get together with buddies could’ve imagined, the stars needing to align to about those old days.” have you end up where you are - it’s unbelievable to think about.” Some of those twists and turns in Though John is humble about his playing John’s life include legendary St. Rita names like days at St. Rita, those “old days” of his are Wernet and Prunty, the Quigley South rivalry, hall filled with achievements and recognition of famer, Gordie Gillespie, and returning to St. as a premiere two-sport athlete. Even in Rita to work beside two of the winningest high his earlier days as a sophomore playing up school coaches in . “There’s nothing more However, that would soon change in the spring on the varsity football team, the one thing he’ll exciting to us coaches than to watch our kids go of John’s freshman year. “I still remember the day always remember was the way those upperclass- on and have successes beyond St. Rita, even if we Fr. Danber, who was principal at the time, called men treated him. “They took me in, made me a played just a really, really small part in it.” the entire school down to the gym. There was part of it and made me feel comfortable. And, I tell talk of this big announcement but our kids all the time how I tried to give back to the Like many Rita men be- nobody knew what it was. Then, they sophomores and juniors when I was a senior - out fore him, John’s journey talked about us moving to 77th and of respect for the guys to St. Rita started in the Western and at the time it was not who had done that for West Lawn neighbor- that well received because as kids, we me.” Some of those hood where he attended were leaving our home.” That move seniors he mentions Queen of the Universe from 63rd and Claremont to 7740 S. are names like Tom grammar school. It was Western Avenue was made official Dennis (Wisconsin), during his 8th grade over the summer of 1990. Although, Jimmy Kordas (Notre year when he started in hindsight, the move turned out to Dame), Eric Johnson following St. Rita’s be one of the best decisions in the (Pittsburgh), and Mark football team regularly history of St. Rita but, as John said, Sadowski (Tulane). and, as John remembers, the first two years of the move were right before the entrance very difficult. Over 100 students from Besides the all-conference accolades and individ- exam, he received a visit Quigley South remained in the build- ual recognition, one moment that really stood out from longtime St. Rita ing, mostly juniors and seniors, who for John was the they made in the baseball head football coach Todd chose to stay on campus and finish playoffs in 1991 when they beat Mt. Carmel in Wernet. He knew at the high school at St. Rita. “It was difficult the regional championship. The next game in the time it was an important on a lot of us. Rightfully so, they were sectional was played against Thornwood who had night because, prior to upset. They felt like we came in and a star first baseman named Cliff Floyd who was Coach Wernet arriving, John’s parents made him stole their school. It took a little while for things to chosen 14th overall that year in the 1991 MLB Am- turn off a Michael Jordan-led Bulls team playing settle in. But, by my senior year, things were good ateur Draft. “I’ll never forget; I was lucky enough Magic Johnson’s Lakers on a cold December night and the rest is history.” to draw a walk in that game and I get to first base - which in 1988 wasn’t a game any Bulls fan would and I look up at this guy, six foot four, just an miss. “Coach Wernet came over and talked about The movement of campus was pivotal to the future unbelievable player. I remember him being 4-4 in

8 school news the game that day...just looking back, being able to play against Cliff Floyd is a memory I’ll never forget.” Floyd went on have a 17 year MLB career following that season. But Welcome! Floyd wasn’t the only star John would stand with on a baseball field. After graduating, he had the opportunity to continue both his baseball and football careers at the University WE WELCOME THE FOLLOWING NEW of St. Francis in Joliet where he played under legendary coach FACULTY & STAFF MEMBERS TO THE ST. Gordie Gillespie, who at one point held the record for most RITA FAMILY! wins of any coach in college baseball history. “To this day, I cherish the thought of even having an opportunity to play for him, who was the head baseball and football coach at the time.” He credits former St. Rita offensive line coach Woody Urchek, “Old Woody” as he refers to him for the St. Rita crowd, with even getting him an opportunity to play under Coach Gillespie. After two years as a dual sport athlete, John found football to be a better fit at the time, but will always look back at his time at St. Francis with no regrets. John Anderson ‘12 Austin Bilotto ‘10 After graduating in the spring of 1998, the key word to describe John’s return to St. Rita Admissions Office Science Teacher was timing. St. Rita had just hired two new young coaches that year to head their football and baseball programs: Todd Kuska and Mike Zunica. That spring, John remembers being introduced to Zunica through a mutual friend named Tuck Lyons and within 5 minutes, he offered him an assistant’s job. “And, just as luck would have it, an English teacher opening came up in the summer and I remember coming in to interview in June and here we are.” That first year teaching was also the first year as head football coach for Todd Kuska who offered John a job as the sophomore offensive coordinator, coaching a team that would later be referred to in St. Rita football history as “America’s Team”. The next year John made the move to varsity, first coaching defensive line and eventually Daniel Bowers Merle Green making the move to offensive line, the role John still holds today. Math Teacher Math/Science Teacher Fast forwarding through two decades of St. Rita life, John has not only taught English and coached two sports, he’s also the PA announcer for the varsity basketball team and held roles in the school such as the Dean of Students. He recalls his 13 years as the Dean and Assistant Dean being special because, “It gave me an opportunity to get to know kids outside the classroom. Sitting down one on one, trying to teach them life lessons, see them get it and have them share things with you that they might not tell their teach- ers or their coaches. Just to be someone there to help guide these kids and you think of why you get into this business, that’s what you do. Those are the moments that I really cherish from that Daniel Hernandez Marco Ordonez particular job for Spanish Teacher Science Teacher sure.” Not Pictured: John had always had aspirations to Bro. Emmanuel Isaac, O.S.A. be a head coach Campus Ministry Intern in either football or baseball but re- turning to St. Rita Bro. Truyen Nguyen, OFM Cap. - Campus Ministry after two young Intern head coaches John Perovich ‘78 had just been Theology Teacher hired meant he’d have to wait for that chance. For some with those aspirations, the idea of waiting for the job to reopen seems much more tedious than moving onto a new school to fulfill that goal. But, it was Todd Kuska and Mike Zunica who gave John a lot of input in both programs. “They made me feel as an assistant like I was

See Nee, p. 11 9 alumni news alumni news

Greg Jania ‘89

ANNUAL ALUMNI BANQUET MAY 3, 2019

SAVE THE DATE | FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 THE 84th Annual Alumni Banquet honoring the Class Years: 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 1995, 2000 & 2010 alumni news alumni news 2019 MAN OF THE YEAR

Greg Jania ‘89

Greg Jania graduated from St. Rita in 1989. His late father, Jim, was a 1964 St. Rita graduate and his brothers Geoff ’89 and Chris ’91 also attended St. Rita. Greg has made significant contributions to both St. Rita and the Augustinian order. While a student, he was the Valedictorian of his class, President of the National Honor Society and Ritan Editor. He went on to graduate from Wabash College in 1993 and earned his MBA from the University of Chicago in 1998. Greg is a former member of the St. Rita Board of Directors, a mem- ber of the St. Rita Finance Committee, and the Augustinian Advancement Council Vice Chairman. He is also a member of the Valentine Dinner Dance Committee, where he and his wife, Wendy, were honored as the Couple of the Year in 2016. Greg and Wendy’s children, Alec and Olivia attend Villanova University. Nee, cont. from p. 9 really contributing. I think that made life more attractive and I’m so appreciative looked back since, going 56-24 in his first two seasons including a 35-7 season of that. I learned so much from both of them. And to share in their successes in and CCL Blue championship last season. They went on to finish third place in the their time here - two guys that love the school, two guys that are in it for the right IHSA Class 4A state playoffs. John was also named the Southtown Coach of the reasons, love their kids, are revered by their players. If I could be half the coach Year and Lawless Award winner, which recognizes the most valuable player and that those two guys have been in their time here, I’d be happy with that.” During coach in the Chicago Catholic League. But as always, John’s humble approach to John’s tenure in those two the game and his team remain the same. programs, he was a part of over “We never prioritize winning, and when I 700 combined wins, 11 Chicago say that, what I mean is, we think winning is Catholic League championships, a by-product of doing things the right way. three baseball state runner-up If that means we’ve done things the right titles, three summer baseball way in my two and a half years following state championships, and one the lead of Mike Zunica before me, then yes, football state championship. it makes it satisfying, no doubt. All those Those two programs have also successes; the entire St. Rita community can sent over 200 players to play hopefully share in those and we can contin- collegiately and 15 players ue the same type of run going forward.” professionally in both the NFL For a school to not only survive, but thrive and MLB. through the rigors of Catholic education in the city of Chicago, it will need After Mike Zunica announced that he would be retiring as head baseball coach people like John, who are so intertwined in the fabric of the school that they in the spring of 2017 after his 21st season, John was finally announced as the exemplify exactly what it means to be a part of a community with as much rich new head baseball coach of St. Rita, the job he had always wanted. He was the history as St. Rita. With the combination of hard work, loyalty and unique timing, best man for the job after spending the last eight seasons as the associate head John’s journey has solidified the decision he made all those years ago to turn coach. In his first two and a half seasons since taking over before summer ball off Michael Jordan and the Bulls for a meeting with Coach Wernet that would started in 2017, John picked up right where Zunica left off, winning the summer change his life forever. state championship in John’s first unofficial “season”. The Mustangs haven’t 11 ST. RITA OF CASCIA HIGH SCHOOL 2019 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Tony Colosimo ‘63 Kenton Terrell ‘83 Todd Kuska ‘90 Craig Ferguson (Hon.) Hank Szopinski ‘62 Ron Sabal ‘54

Tony Colosimo Kenton Terrell graduated from St. Rita Todd Kuska graduated from St. Rita in graduated in 1983. While at St. Rita, he was a 3-year 1990. He was named Head Football from St. Rita in starting point guard for the Running Coach of the Mustangs in 1998. In his 1963. He came Mustang basketball team while over 20-year tenure as Head Coach, to St. Rita via earning All Catholic League honors in he has led the Mustangs to 6 Catholic St.Anthony’s 1982-83 and all-area honors in 1983. League Championships, 5 State Grammar As captain, he led the Mustangs to Quarter-Final appearances, 4 State School in the 1982 IHSA Regional Title. After Semi-Final Bridgeport. St. Rita, he earned a scholarship to appearances, After high the University of Missouri-Kansas 4 Chicago school, City where he played one season PrepBowl titles, Tony attended both Loyola and for the Kangaroos before returning and the 2006 . Tony is a home to finish Class 7A State founding member of the St. Rita his college Championship Board of Directors, where he served career at all while for 21 years. He was also one of the Chicago State compiling the founding members of the Valentine University. He most wins in Dinner Dance Committee, St. Rita’s was a 3-year St. Rita football largest annual fundraising event. letterman for history, surpassing Hall of Fame the Cougars coach Pat Cronin’s record. Coach Professionally, Tony spent 31years while earning Kuska has been married to his wife, working in television advertising team MVP Sherri, for over 20 years, and they sales and management, including honors in have 2 sons, Jake, a junior swimmer 16 years as the Director of Sports 1988. Coach and water polo player at st. Rita, and Advertising Sales at WGN TV. For K just wrapped up his 8th season at Joey, an incoming freshman to St. the past 16 years, Tony has worked St. Rita as Associate Head Basketball Rita. as a consultant in marketing and Coach. corporate sponsorships for the Chicago White Sox. Tony and his HONORARY ALUMNI ATHLETIC AWARD wife Meg have two sons, Anthony Dave Conrath and Peter. Dave Dybas John Griffin ST. RITA OF CASCIA HIGH SCHOOL 2019 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Tony Colosimo ‘63 Kenton Terrell ‘83 Todd Kuska ‘90 Craig Ferguson (Hon.) Hank Szopinski ‘62 Ron Sabal ‘54

Craig Ferguson led the “Skating” Hank Szopinski Ron Sabal graduated from St. Rita Mustangs to 3 State Semi- graduated from in 1954. After a successful football Final appearances (2008, 2009, St. Rita in 1962. career at St. Rita, he attended Purdue 2011), 5 straight Kennedy Cup He married his University on scholarship where he Championships (2008 thru 2012), St. Rita prom forged a rivalry with his brother Al and 2 State Championships (2010, date Valerie De who would attend Notre Dame. 2012) in his tenure as Head Hockey Nardo in 1965 Sabal was drafted in the 1958 NFL Coach at St. Rita (2004-2013). He has and they have Draft by the in amassed over 500 career wins which one daughter, the 19th round include 2 stints as hockey coach at Tina Marie. He (220th overall his alma mater, Mt. Carmel. He and successfully selection). He his wife, worked in computer software for would go on to Darlene, various companies for more than play two years in have 5 40 years before retiring in 2008. the NFL with the children Hank has been very generous to Oakland Raiders between St. Rita High School as he and alongside Tom them, his family have helped many St. Flores and Jim including Rita students through the years to Otto. Ron has Mike afford the ever-increasing tuition to been married to Ferguson attend the school. his wife Shirley and Jack Sheahan from the St. Rita since 1961 and they have 3 children, Class of 2011 and Luke Sheahan Suzanne, Ron Jr., and Al. Sadly, Ron from the St. Rita Class of 2015. WE WANT TO HEAR passed away just days before he was FROM YOU! to be honored at this year’s alumni banquet.

LOYALTY AWARDS Please let us know your professional acheivementsand personal milestones for John Griffin ‘64 printin future issues of the alumni magazine. Pat Griffin ‘74 Send your submissions to: Kevin Gibson ‘76 Laura Fleck at [email protected] alumni news advancement news

A Message from the Director of Institutional Advancement Mr. Jim Juchcinski '97

Dear Ritamen, Friends and Families,

The 2018-19 school year was our 115th and it was a great year in St. Rita’s storied history. Thanks to our very generous alumni and donors our Champions Will be Made Capital Campaign raised more than $6 million. These funds allowed for the building and completion of our Mrozek Family Fitness Center, John McNicholas Baseball Clubhouse and much needed renovations to our gymnasium.

In addition to all the changes that took place this past year, our student body saw 605 students in our building coming from 187 Grammar schools, with more than 150 of our students being either sons or grandsons of Ritamen! Having students come from such diverse areas so that they and their families can become a part of our St. Rita Family is an impressive feat. ANNUAL GOLF OUTING Our spring 2019 sports season was one of our most successful in St. Rita’s history as well. Our baseball team, JULY 19, 2019 led by John Nee ’93, went to the class 4A Final Four where they took 3rd place, our volleyball team, led by Brian Hagen ’04, went down state once again making it to the State Quarterfinals and both our water polo and lacrosse teams made it to their Sectional Finals.

This coming 2019-2020 school year is particularly special for me as I have been named the Director of Institutional Advancement here at St. Rita. As we enter our 116th school year I am both honored and privileged to work with all of you and the almost 25,000 that make up our St. Rita alumni base. I remember as a young boy looking forward to Saturday home football games at 63rd and Claremont, where I could see my two older sisters as a part of the Marching Mustangs, but most importantly watching the Mustangs on the field. As an alumnus of St. Rita I am completely humbled by the opportunity given to me and look forward to helping both past and future Ritamen move St. Rita in a prosperous direction.

As we move into a new school year there is a breath of fresh air here at St. Rita and an eagerness to be better and move forward. With the search currently underway for our fifth President in St. Rita’s history there is optimism around the campus. We hope to see as many of you as possible at our Homecoming on Friday, October 11th where our Mustangs will play host to Marian Catholic. Go Mustangs!

Please feel free to contact me at any time. I look forward to the days ahead here at St Rita, our future is bright.

St Rita, pray for us!

14 alumni news advancement news

ANNUAL GOLF OUTING JULY 19, 2019

Despite the heat, we welcomed 200 golfers to the 44th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing at Gleneagles Country Club. Proceeds from the golf outing go directly to our students in the form of financial aid and scholarships. Each year, St. Rita awards more than $1million in tuition assistance. alumni news alumni news Keeping Track

CURRENT AND FORMER MUSTANGS TAKE TO THE ICE FOR A GREAT CAUSE!

Ryan Cleve ‘20, Griffen Drebing ‘20 and Jimmy Larkin ‘20 hosted an alumni hockey game as part of their Caritas project. All proceeds benefited Homes For Our Troops, an organization dedicated to building and donating specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.

RITA ALUMNI MEET EACHOTHER VIC LAW ‘14 SIGNS AUSTIN O’CONNOR ‘17 IN THE PROS WITH THE MAGIC RETURNS TO ST. RITA

Congratulations to Vic Law ‘14, who signed a Free Agent deal with the ! Vic was a four-year varsity standout as a Mustang and a key force for the , leading them to their first appearance ever in the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

Austin O’Connor ‘17 of the North Carolina Tar Heels who was spent a week this sum- mer conducting a grade school wrestling Two St. Rita alumni could be seen on the camp with other members of the Tar Heel field together playing in the Oakland program and staff. Athletics organization. Marty Bechina ‘15 (on 2nd base) with Jalen Greer ‘19 playing SS. Both Ritamen were recently drafted by the A’s, and met on the field for a scrimmage in Rookie Ball in Mesa, AZ.

16 alumni news alumni news

FR. TOM ‘83 CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Congratulations and Blessings to Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. ‘83, former St. Rita Principal and President, on recently celebrating his 25th anniversary of being ordained a priest. Fr. Tom is a household name among many members of the St. Rita Family and we are grateful for his service to our school, his alma mater, the Augustinian Order and our church in HOME general. Well done, Fr. Tom, and cheers to another 25 years COMING 2019 TWO ST. RITA GRADS HOLD MANAGEMENT POSITIONS AT WALT DISNEY COMPANY Friday, October 11 When Tommy McCormick ‘13 started a new position at The Walt Disney Company, he vs. Marian Catholic was surprised to discover a fellow Ritaman on his managment team. Tommy and Rich Shroth ‘88 are both members of the Park Join us for our Operations Management Team at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at The Walt Disney Annual World Resort.

Tommy graduated from Saint Joseph’s Pre-Game Party College in 2017, and relocated to Florida for an internship with Disney and ended 5-7pm up staying with the company when the internship program ended. Rich has been with Disney for 25 years and both Ritamen are currently Park Operations Guest Experience McCarthy Center Managers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Patio

ED STREIT ‘07 JOINS LAKERS Kickoff: 7:30pm ORGANIZATION

After careers with both the Chicago Bulls and the Dayton Flyers, Ed Streit AllSt. Rita Alumni, Family & ‘07 recently became the Assistant Strength And Conditioning Coach for Friends are welcome the . advancement news

The Caritas Dinner Dance, St. Rita’s largest fundraiser raised more than $350,000 to directly benefit our students. As always, St. Rita honored some of the many people who contribute to the success of our school, our students and our community.

Crest of St. Augustine Award Organization of the Year The Northern Trust Company & Mr. Joe Bamberger Ms. Connie Lindsey

The Crest of St. Augustine award is pre- The Organization of the Year award is sented to members of the immediate presented to recognize and celebrate St. Rita family. The award recognizes the leadership of an organization who individuals who set a special standard gives, advocates or volunteers for posi- of generosity as they bring light and tive change within a community, society life to charitable and community or a non-profit organization. endeavors. They accomplish this with not only their financial contributions Connie L. Lindsey is Executive Vice but also their time and talents. President and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Global Diversity and Joe Bamberger HON, began his tenure Inclusion at Northern Trust, Chicago. as a St. Rita history teacher in 1960 In addition, Ms. Lindsey provides and held the position of social studies oversight and leadership to the firm’s department chair for 22 years and response to environmental matters as eventually became the first lay princi- well as social issues within the market- pal of any Augustinian high school, a place, workplace, and the community. position he held for nine years before his retirement in 2002

18 advancement news advancement news 2019 COUPLE OF THE YEAR

Mr. and Mrs. Nick ‘04 & Ashley LoMaglio

The Couple of the Year award is presented to honor a couple who is closely tied to the St. Rita family. The couple is recognized mainly for their direct involvement and support of the mission of St. Rita. They are also recognized for the support of other charitable endeavors outside of the St. Rita community.

Nick LoMaglio ’04 is a First Vice President at UBS Investment Bank and a member of the Valentine Dinner Dance committee as well as St. Rita’s Board of Directors.

Nick founded the “Advice Beyond the Classroom” (ABC) program, a fully registered tax-exempt 501(c)3 entity at St. Rita. The ABC program teaches students essential business skills such as networking and business etiquette. It includes over 75 alumni, 50+ mentors and advisors and 25 current students in the sophomore, junior and senior classes. The program is competitive, both in gaining entry and in sustaining success. The members of the program are ranked throughout the year and compete for endof-the-year awards, college scholarships, and grants. A main goal of the ABC Program—and of Nick’s personally—is to help young Ritamen find their career path and discover success. ABC’s professional development curriculum give students a leg-up on many of their competitors in college and the professional world. The real-life experience and skills being taught truly do go “beyond the classroom.”

Ashley is originally from Louisville Kentucky and is the oldest of 5 children. She attended Catholic schools all her life and it was at the University of Dayton where she and Nick met their senior year. After graduation, Ashley moved to Chicago and was hired on as the 25th employee at Groupon when they were still in their infancy. After a successful sales training career and 4 kids in 5 years, she decided to retire and become a full time mother. Beyond taking care of their growing family, Ashley dedicates her time to the domestic violence non-profit A New Direction and Advice Beyond the Classroom. Nick and Ashley currently reside in Beverly with their four young children.

Tolle Lege Community Service Award

Mr. Bernie DelGiorno

The Tolle Lege Award is presented to either a member or non-member of the St. Rita family. The award recognizes individuals who set a special standard of generosity as they bring light and life to charitable and community endeavors. They accomplish this with not only their financial contributions but also their time and talents.

Bernie DelGiorno HON, came to know St. Rita through the successful ABC Program that Nick LoMaglio ‘04 brought to St. Rita. On November 1, 2017, St. Rita received the largest donation in its 113-year history when Mr. DelGiorno announced his extraordinarily generous gift of $2.5 million to the Champions Will Be Made Capital Campaign.

19 advancement news Leave a legacy 1905 GUILD THE PLANNED GIVING SOCIETY OF ST. RITA HIGH SCHOOL

The 1905 Guild honors alumni and friends who have committed to leaving a legacy through their estate plans to assist the next generation of Ritamen.

This honorary society celebrates the traditions of St. Rita of Cascia High School and its legacy to the future. It is comprised of generous benefactors who have provided for St. Rita in their estate plans in the way of a will, life income agreement, charitable remainder trust, gift annuity, life insurance policy or remainder interest in a residence or a farm – just to name a few.

By remembering us this way, friends of St. Rita are able to remain perpetual partners with the school while also being involved in its contemporary work during their lifetime. The 1905 Guild is named to celebrate the year our tradition of excellence began on the southside of Chicago. That year, Fr. James F. Green, O.S.A., brought the Augustinian core values of Truth, Unity and Love to 63rd and Oakley. During the 113 years since, over 24,000 men have benefited from these core values.

We honor and thank all those individuals who are a part of the 1905 Guild. We are grateful for their commitment to the ideals of Augustinians and St. Rita High School’s mission of excellence that continues to thrive today.

FOR MORE INFORMATION onincluding St. Rita High School in your estate plans, please call JOHN SCHMITT Directorof Annual Appeal & Major Gifts at (773) 925-5029

20 In Memoriam The St. Rita High School Office of Institutional Advancement has been notified of the deaths of the following alumni, family and friends. Leave a legacy Our sympathies are expressed to their family members and friends.

1935 Robert Konen 1959 Robert Podowski The practice of requesting 1942 Walter T. McShane 1960 John P. Moran gifts to a favorite charity to 1942 Raymond O’Connor 1960 Marvin M. Piasecki commemorate the death 1942 Edward V. Walsh 1960 Charles Rusky of a loved one is very 1943 John N. Lamberty 1961 John E. Fennelly thoughtful. Such requests 1944 Thomas Burkman 1961 Timothy have resulted in gifts 1944 Vincent P. Janks 1961 Kenneth J. Kudla 1946 Leonard L. Kosinski 1962 Edward Lenicky that benefit St. Rita High 1946 Henry B. Maibusch 1963 Dan M. Porrevecchio School. We thank those 1946 Raymond H. Rieth 1964 Charles Schleyer benefactors and their 1947 Robert A. Murphy 1965 Philip Farina families, and ask that you 1948 James J. Barrett 1965 Denis B. Kazelas remember them in your 1948 Timothy J. Hammersmith 1965 Robert Zittnan thoughts and prayers: 1948 Robert C. Schnabel 1968 Charles T. Zeman 1948 Robert L. Walcott 1969 William Bluis 1949 Donald W. Blaha 1969 Michael Curran Donald Blaha ‘49 1949 Thomas C. Honan 1969 Raymond G. Gierut John E. Fennelly ‘61 1949 Edward J. Martin 1969 James Knepper 1950 Edward Duffin 1969 Richard Mann John Patrick Moran ‘60 1950 Philip C. Rinaldi 1969 Paul Wzorek Raymond O’Connor ‘42 1950 Edwin P. Skowrowski 1970 David S. Acius 1950 Richard T. Vlcek 1971 Jeffrey Mader Wanda Mrozek, 1951 Francis Richard “Dick” Dolack 1972 Donald Cozzie mother of Don ‘65 and Ernie ‘71 1951 Walter Obrochta 1972 James Kapitanek 1951 Ronald Piotrowski 1972 Steven M. Sabadosa 1952 John J. Griffin 1973 Richard A. Hargarten 1952 Richard W. Kresal 1974 Leon Paz 1953 Robert Moser 1980 Eugene Kochniarczyk 1953 John Schmidt 1983 Brian Neville 1953 Donald Sulzer 1995 Joseph Rosario 1954 Ronald Sabal 2002 Ryan R. Himmel 1954 Leo R. Schuch 2007 Matthew Thomas 1954 Anthony J. Silvestri Rev. John H. Gaffney, O.S.A. 1954 Frank Sloup Rev. Michael J. Slattery, O.S.A. 1956 David J. Howicz Rev. Jerry Van Overbeek, O.S.A. 1957 Donald J. Thompson 1958 John A. Smith Dan Hoffman, Director of Security - 1958 Richard Supanich long-time friend and protector of 1959 William Arends St. Rita High School

21 St. Rita of Cascia High School 7740 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60620

SEPTEMBER FEBRUARY 9/11 Ritamen Luncheon 2/8 Valentine Dinner Dance | Ritz Carlton OCTOBER 2/12 Ritamen Luncheon 10/9 Ritamen Luncheon MARCH 10/11 Homecoming Pre-Game Party vs. 3/11 Ritamen Luncheon Marian Catholic 5pm APRIL NOVEMBER 4/8 Ritamen Luncheon 11/13 Ritamen Luncheon 4/17 Alumni Banquet DECEMBER MAY alumni 12/11 Advent Mass 10am | Luncheon to 5/13 Ritamen Luncheon follow JULY Calendar JANUARY 7/8 Ritamen BBQ 1/8 Ritamen Luncheon 7/17 Scholarship Golf Outing of Events 1/25 Winterfest

Alumni who graduated prior to 1981 gather for the monthly Ritamen Luncheon at noon in the McCarthy Center of the school.