In This Issue - Detroit Catholic Central High School

In This Issue
Students Shine At C.C.
Academic Team # 1
In Nation
On The Move With
Jim Keskeny ’62
Look for a picture of better health care in your neighborhood.
Announcing A New Health Care Choice
The face of health care is about to change near you. Introducing the NEW Henry Ford Medical Centers in Plymouth and Canton. These Centers
will change the way you look at health care. By focusing on the needs of you and your family, we’ve created premier health care facilities with
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Services Offered: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Laboratory, Radiology, Pharmacy, *OB/GYN, *Urgent Care and **Dermatology.
*Service offered only in Plymouth **Service offered only in Canton
Plus: For hospital care, your physician may admit you to St. Mary Hospital in Livonia, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor or Henry Ford Hospital
in Detroit. Hospital admission will depend on your health care needs and insurance plan. Henry Ford accepts many insurance plans, including:
Aetna US Healthcare, Alliance Health and Life Insurance Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ethix Great Lakes, HAP, HAP Senior Plus,
Medicare, Preferred Choices PPO and many more.
Hours: Seven days per week.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call:
Canton (734) 981-3200, Plymouth (734) 453-5600
You can find us here:
Plymouth - 14300 Beck Rd.
Canton - 6100 Haggerty Rd.
Expect more from your physician.
Stevenson, Hotz, Di Ponio & Bullock, L.L.P.
Attorneys and Counselors
29200 Southfield Road, Suite 210
Southfield, Michigan 48076
(248) 423-8200
Fax: (248) 423-8201
Tony F. Di Ponio, J.D., C.P.A. ’83
Charles D. Bullock, J.D. ’87
A full-service firm, specializing in Real Estate, Business Planning, Construction, Bankruptcy,
Estate Planning, Probate and Commercial Litigation
Editor
Paula Bullington
E-mail: [email protected]
Assistant Editor
Donna Shade
E-mail: [email protected]
Director of Alumni and Development
Patrick Schulte
E-mail: [email protected]
Contributing Writers
Matthew Dougherty ’89
Sherrill Lefforge
Tom Nesbitt
Russ Quaine ’53
John Salter
J. D. Shade ’00
Howard Weinberg
Photographer
Mike Rossi
Design & Production
C.O. & Company
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12
Features
2
Chatterbox
C.C. Profiles –
For Information or Admissions:
Ed Turek ’85
Director of Marketing &
Public Relations/Admissions Officer
(313) 534-1310
Fax: (313) 534-2789
E-mail: [email protected]
Or visit us on the Web:
www.catholiccentral.net
Jim Keskeny ’62 Finds A
Different Way
Awards Presented
To The Class Of 1999
Tri-State Signed 5 Shamrocks
Paul Cusick ’99
Joins “Riverdance”
Brzezinski Brothers
Dominate The Field
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Alumni Association
The “Aluminator” is published three
times per year by Detroit Catholic Central
High School and distributed to Alumni,
Alumni and Current Parents, and Friends
of Detroit Catholic Central High School.
President
Rev. Richard J. Elmer, C.S.B. ’46
Principal
Rev. John H. Menner, C.S.B
Family Fest ’99
Reunions
Blue Bells
In Memoriam
14-15
16
17
18-20
School News
School Profile – Academic Team Wins
National Title
Articles should be addressed to:
The Aluminator
Detroit Catholic Central High School
14200 Breakfast Drive
Redford, MI 48239
Sports Rap
To reach the Alumni Office:
(313) 534-0550
Fax: (313) 534-2789
E-mail: [email protected]
Calendar Of Events
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24
Calendars
Fall Sports Schedule
26-27
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OOPS!
On the Cover:
This issue salutes our own Catholic
Central students, whose stellar achievements shine brightly once again.
Derek Anderson ’99 was omitted from the list of 1998 Football team members
attending college. Derek is enrolled at Tri-State.
Peter Cwik ’85, not Ciwik.
C H AT T E R B O X
Edward Kmiec, D.D., S.T.L., Bishop of Nashville,
Kentucky. After four years of education, he is ready
to start over in a new life. His wife, Carol, has been
an inspiration to him for the past 38 years. She is
the sister of Bill ’49, Pat ’51, Tom ’53, Ed ’58 and Jim
Moylan ’62. Mickey’s parents, Percy and Margaret,
were involved with the Dads’ and Mothers’ Club for
many years.
The Swell ’40s
1943 – Fr. Ed Thome, in a letter to fellow classmate
Allan Chisholm, relayed that he is assisting a
busy pastor of 1,700 families at St. Patrick’s Parish,
Onalaska, Wisconsin. He enjoys the crowds, the many
Masses, teaching in the school, Bible studies with
adults, Prayer Groups, etc. “One does retire from
being a pastor (as I did 2 years ago) but one never
retires from being a priest,” he says.
Mickey recalls his years at CC: becoming the top raffleticket salesman in 1953 with a few hundred books sold;
being a cheerleader; and taking a vocational survey
that indicated he should
take up a service-oriented
occupation. He began his
career with computers –
working with Ford Motor
Company in Dearborn and
Nissan in Tennessee, retiring after 39 years.
C H AT T E R B O X
1944 – Fred Briggs, a retired engineer from Chrysler,
began a second career as an alcohol- and drug-abuse
counselor at Maplegrove. He has been widowed 5
years, after 45 years of marriage to Mildred. They had
three children who are “all doing well,” according to
their Dad.
He has been assigned to his
parish, St. Stephen Catholic
Church in Old Hickory,
Tennessee. Mickey prays
that his direction will be towards becoming a servant
for the helpless as Mother Theresa practiced throughout her life.
1946 – Rev. Robert Madden, C.S.B., has the honor
of having the restored and refurbished Carr Hall, at
the University of St. Michael’s College, renamed the
Father Robert Madden Hall.
(Editor’s Note: More information in next issue.)
1947 – Frederick Wenson was a recipient of the 1999
Michigan Heritage Award. This award, sponsored
by The Michigan Traditional Arts Program of the
Michigan State University Museum, yearly honors
Michigan’s outstanding traditional artists. Fred
weaves Palm branches into crosses for Holy Week;
Cardinal Maida uses one for the Palm Sunday
Procession at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Detroit,
Michigan.
Mickey sends his heartfelt thanks and prayers to the
Basilian Fathers and their tradition that is passed on
from generation to generation – to teach goodness,
discipline and knowledge to those who seek it.
1953 – John Schwanneke retired two years ago from
Volusia County (Florida) schools. He was an elementary teacher for 35 years. John resides in DeLand,
Florida.
The Nifty ’50s
1958 – Paul Tschirhart, formerly a general counsel
for the Hertz Corporation, now is a partner in the
Washington, DC-based law firm of Sher & Blackwell.
His practice involves various kinds of transportation
and travel law. Paul wishes the best to all his friends
from CC; and to his classmates, he promises to make
the next reunion.
1951 – Fr. Daniel Fraser was ordained a priest for the
Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, on June 12, 1999. Fr. Fraser
has been assigned to St. Peter’s Catholic Church in
Mansfield, Ohio.
1953 – Richard Herbert retired on August 1, 1999,
after 36 years with AAA of Michigan.
1958 – Dick Fenech graduated from Central Michigan
University in 1964 and Michigan State University in
1968 with teaching degrees from both Universities.
He was in private business for 20 years and is now a
1953 – Gordon “Mickey” Rose was ordained a permanent deacon on May 14, 1999, by the Most Reverend
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manufacturer’s rep in the golf industry. He and wife
Barbara have been married for 36 years. They are the
parents of two sons, Steven and Jeff, and the proud
grandparents of Logan Jeffrey Fenech, who was born
September 13, 1998.
although he went to John Fisher in Rochester, New
York. Fr. Dave officiated at Marisa and my marriage
in 1971. He also baptized two of our three children.
We usually see him when he comes home from
Vancouver, British Columbia, where he is chaplain
in a local hospital. One of Fr. Dave’s first visitors in
Vancouver was my former Toronto roommate, Larry
Weiler.”
1958 – James Hyde is finishing his Master’s Degree in
Mental Health Counseling and hopes to be in private
practice soon. He and his wife, Ellen, have four
children – Gabrielle, Ben, Jeff and Amy.
1959 – Rev. David Sharp, C.S.B., has been Director of
the Newman Center at Glendale Community College
in Glendale, Arizona, for the past 15 years. Glendale
Community College is the second-largest community
college in the country. Fr. Sharp’s office is a table outside the Student Union building. It makes him easily
accessible to those who pass by. Fr. Sharp has been
studying comparative religions and visiting with the
people who practice them. He likes to spend a month
in those countries, meeting the people, finding out
what they’re like, and what their thoughts and values
are. Fr. Sharp truly enjoys nature – by river running
or canoeing, camping and hiking, or just quiet prayers
in the desert. Words of wisdom from Fr. Sharp: “If
you show respect for yourself, other people, creation
and God, you will always be at peace.” Fr. Sharp
resides in Wickenburg, Arizona.
1960 – Paul Elsey moved from Washington state to
Burlington, Vermont, where he is a Labor Relations
Manager for General Dynamics Armament Services
Division. “I have been able to keep up with the good
fortunes of CC football courtesy of USA Today,”
writes Paul.
1962 – Robert Lamb reports from his home in Traverse
City, Michigan, that his oldest child, Lindsay, is a
senior at Grand Valley State University. His other
daughter, Kelly, is a sophomore at the University
of Michigan, and R.J., his 17-year-old son, is on the
Varsity Hockey Team at Traverse City West High
School. Bob writes, “I really enjoyed the most recent
issue of the Aluminator, especially the picture of Fr.
Enright at the hockey rink. That took me back to the
days at the Riverside Rink in Canada. Keep up the
good work.”
The Psychedelic ’60s
1960 – John MacInnis reminisces about the days he
and his three brothers, Jim ’50, Dan ’57 and Bill ’65,
attended Catholic Central: “We are all very proud of
our CC heritage and the good values taught by the
Basilians. I am very proud of my Toronto connection
and all that brought to me. I went to St. Michael’s
in Toronto because of a cousin, George Larin ’41.
He lived in Toronto at the time I was looking for a
college in 1960. I was destined to go to Notre Dame,
I thought. I got Jim Boutrous ’60 to go to ND in my
place. But my desires were replaced with a wonderful
experience in Toronto for five years. I cannot tell you
how glad and proud I am of that place. I shared my
first year with Fr. David Sharp ’59 and Fr. John Ward
’59. There were several other Basilians in the class
too. Fr. Dave Klein ’60 was in the following class,
1969 – Mark Livernois, wife Donna and daughter
Cheryl, recently sent to Norway their 3rd high-school
foreign-exchange student. In the past three years, they
have hosted another student from Norway and one
from Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition, Mark and family
have visited Sao Paulo and Oslo, Norway. They enjoy
the sharing of the cultures.
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C H AT T E R B O X
1960 – Dennis Champine has been a successful
businessman, realtor and politician in the Denver
area. He served a couple of terms as Mayor of Aurora,
Colorado (a suburb of Denver about the size of
Livonia, Michigan). When he reached the age of 54,
he decided to undertake a career change, went back
to college and is currently nearing the completion of
his law degree. He will become a defense lawyer.
He is the father of four grown children – three sons
and a daughter – and grandfather of five. He and
his wife, Kathryn, live in the university district of
downtown Denver.
C.C. P R O F I L E
J
Finding a Different Way
England. While there, he
visited a respite care center,
a place where severe MS
patients can go while their
caregivers take a brief break.
Never one to let an opportunity
pass by, Jim was looking for
ideas that could be used in
the U.S.
C H AT T E R B O X
im Keskeny ’62 is a moving
phenomenon – not a “walking”
phenomenon, but he’s in
constant motion. Jim was
diagnosed with Multiple
Sclerosis at the age of 22.
Rather than letting the disease
win, he fought – and is still
fighting back. Although
confined to a wheelchair, Jim
travels abroad at least once a
year and has been to four continents. He is serving
his second term as the U.S. representative to the
International MS Committee.
Back home in Pinckney,
Michigan, Jim and his wife,
Nancy, installed a 1,000square-foot addition to allow him to go from the
first to the second floor. The ramp is at a gradual
angle with a couple of turns – enough for Jim to
work up a bit of sweat. The walls are lined with
marathon posters, pictures of friends, and product
logos. Jim and Nancy chose the house of their
dreams, then adapted it to fit their needs.
Jim has participated in four marathons, plus shortdistance races. His first marathon took place in
France. A French semi-pro football team pushed
him and enjoyed the event so much that they asked
Jim to return the following year. In the 1998 Detroit
Free Press marathon, 40 people pushed him 26.2
miles. “Have you ever tried ‘just sitting there’ in
an aerodynamically designed chair for 26.2 miles
of cold, rain and bumpy roads?” asked Jim. He
figures he gained 10 pounds in water absorption.
Jim volunteers at his college alma mater, the
University of Michigan, by meeting weekly with a
Japanese student to discuss various issues and to
share his knowledge of the English language. He
also assists the University’s medical program. Jim
meets with third-year medical students, who are
encouraged to ask about his condition and then
attempt to diagnose his illness. It puts the classroom knowledge to use. While striving not to be
different, Jim has learned to think and do things
differently. ■
Jim helped raise $10,000 for MS in 1998 and hopes
to raise $15,000 in 1999. He said that eighty-nine
cents of every dollar raised in the United States
goes into MS care and research.
Last year, Jim attended both the International MS
Conference and the United Kingdom Conference in
Credits: Heather Schulz, “The Express” (serving Pinckney, Gregory,
Hamburg, Lakeland and Whitmore Lake communities)
Disco-Down ’70s
1971 – Reverend Michael Kazer has been granted a
sabbatical through December, 1999, by the Archdiocese
of Detroit. Fr. Kazer will be studying at the Marianella
Centre for Study and Renewal, Dublin, Ireland.
September 27, 1998, with graduation December 17,
1998. Greg was promoted to Deputy Chief of the
Trenton (Michigan) Police Department on April 9, 1999.
1973 – Brian Gulick is a 6th-grade teacher at Pierce
Middle School in South Redford. He also coaches basketball and softball. This is his 20th year of teaching.
1971 – Gerrard Gumbleton, Jr., recently was made
partner, health-care consulting practice, at Plante &
Moran L.L.P., Southfield, Michigan.
1977 – Marc Rullo was recently promoted to Director
of Strategic Sales Planning for Display and Digital
Media Products for Sony Electronics Inc. Marc and
his family reside in Ringwood, New Jersey.
1973 – Greg Plagens was one of seven law-enforcement
officers chosen in the state of Michigan to attend
the 195th session of the FBI National Academy. The
training took place in Quantico, Virginia. It began on
4
1977 – Mark Johnson, who matriculated from the
University of Michigan (Mechanical Engineering) and
the University of Chicago (MBA - Finance), owns a
medical examining business and recently formed a
venture capital firm targeting high-tech acquisitions.
Mark and his family reside in Chicago, Illinois.
1982 – Tom Benoit is a manufacturer’s rep for IOMED
Inc., a new drug delivery device. He covers the
Midwest. His son, Charlie Alexander, was born May
21, 1998. Tom resides in Sylvan Lake, Michigan.
1979 – Joe Bauman writes to assure us that “he may
be missing,” but he’s still alive and well, and living in
Livonia, Michigan. He recently attended Mass at St.
Fabian’s with his mother and his daughters. “Fr. Ned
Donoher was saying the Mass, and it was nice to see
him,” said Joe.
1979 – Michael Leavitt is President/Owner of
ProCarpet in Livonia, Michigan. ProCarpet is a cleaning/restoration company. Mike actively plays guitar
for a local rock and roll band. Mike, his wife Kathy,
and three daughters reside in Lincoln Park, Michigan.
1983 – Patrick Bagley was appointed to District Court
Magistrate Judge of the 51st District Court, Waterford
Township. He was sworn in on May 28, 1999.
1983 – Pete Poirier has been a sportscaster at radio
station WTKA-AM 1050 for seven years. He has had
a sportstalk show every Saturday for the past four
years called “The Tom and Pete Show.” Pete has been
a producer for the pregame and postgame shows for
all of the station’s University of Michigan football
coverage during the last seven years. He has also
engineered U of M’s hockey, basketball, and baseball
play-by-play, as well as having done some play-by-play
himself. Pete has anchored the Michigan Speedway
coverage that the station provides at the track for
NASCAR for the past five years. “It is a lot of fun to
do as well as getting close to a lot of college and pro
athletes,” he writes. In addition to the above, Pete is
also the Personnel Manager for the Big Ten Party Store
in Ann Arbor – a gourmet food and wine store that
has been in business since 1939. Pete, wife Denise and
three children reside in Milan, Michigan.
The Techno ’80s
1981 – Major David Kennedy deployed with his
Battle Creek Air National Guard unit to Italy from
May 16 to July 2, 1999, in support of “Operation Allied
Force,” flying 16 combat sorties over Kosovo in his
A-10 Thunderbolt II, the warthog. David writes, “As
proud as I was to be a part of bringing the conflict to
an end, I was happier to come home to my family.”
1983 – Robert Duggan is working on different TV
and film projects in Orlando, Florida. He recently
appeared in commercials for Universal Studios Islands
of Adventure Park and the Florida Lottery MegaMoney. “Congratulations on being State Champs in
football and I understand CC is also doing well in
baseball,” writes Robert.
1981 – Daniel Skidmore is a Senior Logistics Manager
for Ryder Integrated Logistics. “I hope the Alumni
office is doing well and I do believe your Aluminator is
an excellent production. I thank you and your staff
for all your hard work,” he writes. Daniel, wife Kari,
son Jordan, and daughter Taylor reside in Clinton
Township, Michigan.
1983 – Thad McCotter was elected to the Michigan
Senate - 9th District in November, 1998. “The personal
freedom card trumps the local control card every
time,” was the comment attributed to Sen. Thaddeus
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C H AT T E R B O X
1979 – Lance Gotko recently became a member of the
Friedman, Kaplan & Seiler, LLP law firm. Lance practices in the areas of commercial and securities litigation,
employment discrimination, and accountants’ liability.
He graduated from Michigan State University in 1985
and received his law degree Magna Cum Laude from
Brooklyn Law School in 1988. Following law school,
he served as a law clerk for the Hon. John Bartels
of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of
New York and the Hon. Morton Greenberg of the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Prior to joining
Friedman, Kaplan & Seiler, Lance was associated with
Sullivan and Cromwell.
McCotter when the Michigan Senate voted on May 5,
1999, to end mandated residency rules for public
employees. The ban on residency requirements would
not apply to “paid, on-call” employees, such as some
firefighters, because they are paid to be on standby
for the city. Thad and his family reside in Canton,
Michigan.
a franchisee in Florida. Deals for 10 franchised and
company restaurants are ‘in the pipeline’ for 2000. A
company store in Auburn Hills is in the works for next
year. Billy is also looking at sites in the downtown
Detroit area.” BD’s 7th Michigan Restaurant opened on
September 3rd at the intersection of Market Place and
Grand River in Novi, Michigan. It can accommodate
200 diners.
1983 – John Bebes was recently made partner at
Plante & Moran, L.L.P., Southfield, Michigan.
1984 – Dan Vincent is a Loss Prevention Manager for
Checkers/Rally’s Drive-In Restaurants. Dan, wife
Karen, and daughters Lyndsay and Emily reside in
Redford, Michigan.
1983 – Kevin Kral was recently made partner,
financial advisers practice, at Plante & Moran, L.L.P.,
Southfield, Michigan.
1984 – Ken Pelletier transferred in April, 1999, from
Nissan’s Purchasing Strategy Group, in Farmington
Hills, Michigan, to Production Purchasing as a
Financial Analyst at the company’s plant in Smyrna,
Tennessee. Ken, wife Pauline, and daughters, Danielle
and Nicole, reside in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
C H AT T E R B O X
1983 – David Dingeman graduated from the
University of Notre Dame in 1987 with a degree in
Aeronautical Engineering. He graduated from the
University of Detroit Law School in 1997. David
resides in the Dallas, Texas area, and is currently
employed by Trilogy as an engineer. He also practices
Patent Law.
1985 – David McNeal is currently living in South
Korea, where he is married and teaching English at
Shui Gu University. According to his mother, Judy
McNeal, David has fond memories of his years at CC,
and appreciates the positive direction and influence
the school has had on his life.
1984 – Thomas Sullivan is a Projects Writer for the
Ventura County Star in Ventura, California. He was
recently awarded first place in the nation for short
feature writing by the American Association of
Sunday and Feature Editors (1998). Tom also received
first place in the “Best of the West” competition for
feature writing in 13 western states, bettering writers
from such papers as the Los Angeles Times, the Portland
Oregonian and the San Francisco Chronicle.
1986 – Greg Schenden pledged his perpetual vows in
the Jesuit Order on August 14, 1999, at the LeMoyne
College Chapel, Syracuse, New York. In addition to
his parents, Lawrence and Rosemary, and his brother
Larry ’79, friends Paul Perry ’86 and Carl Butler ’86,
and their wives were present to celebrate with him.
Greg entered the Society of Jesus in 1997. He is currently studying at Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois.
1984 – Billy Downs, III, President/Founder of
Mongolian Management and Investment Co., L.L.C.,
now owns 14 BD’s Mongolian restaurants (four are
franchised). His goal is to have 50 restaurants by
2003. The front cover article in Crain’s Detroit Business,
August 23-29, 1999, reports, “the company met their
growth plans announced in 1997 and now have restaurants in Maryland, Kansas, Illinois and Colorado.
A development agreement is being completed with
1986 – Paul McMaster is a Property Manager with
Marcus Management, Inc. Paul resides in Royal Oak,
Michigan.
1987 – Tim Lafferty is the Midwest Sales Manager for
Capstan Atlantic. He and his wife, Johanna, and their
children, Emma and John, reside in Livonia, Michigan.
1987 – Greg Haeger is in his fourth year as Madonna
University Baseball Coach. The upcoming season will
find three members of CC’s state baseball championship team in the Crusaders’ lineup.
1988 – John Dingeman is the National Business
Development Manager at Aventric Technologies,
Inc., Madison Heights, Michigan. John, his wife Blair,
and daughter Sierra reside in Highland Township,
Michigan.
Bill Downs, Jr. ’61 and son Bill Downs, III ’84
6
1989 – Tim McRae works for an environmental
organization involved in California state politics
in Sacramento, California. Tim, a graduate of
Georgetown University in 1993, spent a year in Costa
Rica as a volunteer English teacher. He returned to his
studies at Georgetown in 1995 and earned his Master’s
Degree in English Literature in 1997. Tim decided to
join his parents in California and moved there in 1997.
years and won two NCAA Division II National
Championships. He graduated from the University of
Alabama - Huntsville in December 1998, with a BSBA
in Marketing. He is employed by Quality Research.
He and his wife, Tracy, reside in Huntsville, Alabama.
1993 – John Couture graduated Magna Cum Laude
from Butler University with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Psychology in May of 1997. John is employed by
Major Video Concepts, Indianapolis, Indiana, as an
Internet Content Developer. His time is split between
Internet programming and interviewing Hollywood
talent for Major Video Concepts’ “Ask Hollywood”
feature. John and his wife, Christie, reside in
Indianapolis, Indiana.
1989 – Jerry Kocis started a new company –
Worldwise, Inc. – offering website design, hosting, and
marketing. Jerry resides in Royal Oak, Michigan.
The Happening ’90s
1990 – Patrick Shipley graduated with a Doctorate
Degree in Clinical Psychology. He is working as a
Clinical Psychologist in Washington, DC, where he
resides.
1993 – Joe Blaznek was recently signed by the IHL’s
Kansas City Blades team. Joe is a left winger. According
to the General Manager, “Joe has NHL-caliber speed.”
Joe had 38 goals and 61 points in 59 games last season
while playing for Richmond, Virginia.
1994 – William Sweeney graduated from Albion
College in 1998 with a degree in Political Science and
a concentration in Public Service. After graduation,
Bill worked as a fundraiser for Michigan gubernatorial
candidate Doug Ross. After Mr. Ross’ primary defeat,
Bill traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to work on a
Congressional campaign. He then found himself in
Madison, Wisconsin, working for Democrat Tammy
Baldwin, who became the first woman elected to
Congress from Wisconsin. Bill now serves as the
Finance Director for Representative Baldwin’s
re-election campaign.
1991 – Jason Mahoney began his MBA program at
The Wharton School-University of Pennsylvania in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in August. In 1997, he
formed a consulting firm, OMB Associates, with
clients in Los Angeles, Denver, Australia and New
Zealand. Jason, wife Valerie, and daughter Dara
reside in Livonia, Michigan. Valerie is pursuing her
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree.
1994 – Aaron Radatz continues to amaze audiences
with his feats of magic. Aaron and his crew traveled
through nine countries performing for cruise lines,
amusement parks, casinos and corporations. They
performed for U.S. troops and NATO, touring over
twenty military bases throughout Europe. All of this
was done during the first half of 1999.
1992 – Chris Laroo is an applications engineer at
Horiba Instruments, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan. He
is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry.
1992 – Dr. Jonathan Zonca graduated from the
Michigan State College of Human Medicine in May
1999. He is currently doing his Family Medicine
Residency at Rose Hospital - University of Colorado
Health Sciences in Denver, Colorado. This past
year, Jon served on the American Academy of
Family Practice Commission on Legislation and
Governmental Affairs.
1994 – Jeffrey Haithcock is in his second year at
the Ohio State University College of Medicine &
Public Health. He graduated in 1998 from Michigan
State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Zoology (and a specialization in Cellular and
Developmental Biology) with high honors. He plans
to finish his 3rd and 4th years of Medical School at the
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, and
earn his Doctor of Medicine degree in June of 2002.
1992 – Paul Schloss played Junior hockey for a year
in Vail, Colorado, following graduation. He then
returned home, attended and played hockey for the
University of Michigan - Dearborn for a year. Paul
received a scholarship to attend the University of
Alabama - Huntsville, where he played for three
1995 – Kevin Kuzia was listed in the “Who’s Who
Among American High School Students, 1994-1995”
edition. He attended the University of Michigan -
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C H AT T E R B O X
1990 – Scott Dingeman graduated from Occidental
College in 1994 with a degree in Pre-Med. He
received his Medical Degree from Michigan State
University in 1998. Scott is a General Surgeon and
2nd-year resident at St. John’s Hospital, Detroit,
Michigan. He resides in the metro Detroit area.
C H AT T E R B O X
Dearborn on the Chancellor’s Scholarship and graduated
“With High Distinction” on May 2nd from the College
of Arts, Science and Letters with a Bachelor of Science
degree, majoring in Biochemistry. He is a member
of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and received the
Eta Kappa Chapter Academic Award in 1996. Kevin
also received the University of Michigan-Dearborn
Department of Natural Sciences - Biochemistry
Honor Scholar Award. He was conferred in both
1998 and 1999 with the designation “Class Honors”
in recognition of his superior scholastic achievement.
In addition, Kevin was nominated and accepted into
the United States Achievement Academy, the AllAmerican Scholar’s Program, and will be listed in the
All-American Scholar’s Directory for 1998-1999.
1995 – Greg Rogers recently finished a four-year
career with the Oakland University baseball team. He
was one of 36 Oakland University student-athletes to
earn All-Academic honors for the spring season in the
Mid-Continent Conference. Greg, a marketing major,
carried a 3.15 grade-point average.
1996 – James Camiller, who attends Albion College
won a $1,000 ConSern Scholarship. The scholarship
was presented by EduCap Inc., a Washington, D.C.based nonprofit corporation and provider of the
ConSern education program.
1997 – Joe Kohn was one of 17 students nominated
by faculty to receive Student Awards for Excellence
in Writing, sponsored by the Madonna University
Writing Across the Curriculum (MACAW) program.
“The goal of the program is to make Madonna
University a place where writing is talked about,
encouraged, read and valued,” explained Dr. Mary
Minock, director of MACAW.
On June 9th, Kevin left for Washington, D.C., to be
inducted into the Peace Corps, where he will serve
for two years as a teacher on the high-school level in
Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology. His assignment
has taken him to Cameroon, Central Africa. Kevin
will be teaching in the village of Nguti. Upon his
return in 2001, he plans on applying to Medical School.
Kevin writes, “I would appreciate hearing from any
of my classmates who would like to correspond, even
though the mail usually takes four to six weeks. I also
have an e-mail address; however, I only have access
to a cyber café about every three months, because it is
located in the capital city of Yaounde, which is about
six hours from my village. My addresses are as follows:
1998 – Dave Schulte was awarded his Private Pilots
License on August 18, 1999, at Willow Run Airport.
Dave is attending Western Michigan University in
the Aeronautical Engineering program.
1998 – Joe Sgroi is a first-year walk-on member of
the University of Michigan football team. Seeing his
first action on September 18th, Joe filled in as long
snapper in Michigan’s victory over Syracuse, wearing
No. 59. Joe says, “Trying to balance football and
school is not easy; it takes its toll, but you have to
be self-disciplined.”
Kevin Kuzia, Peace Corps Volunteer
Corps de la Paix
B.P. 817, Yaounde
Cameroon, Central Africa
E-mail: [email protected]
1996 – Steven Van Kerckhove is a student at the
University of Michigan-Dearborn. He is studying
history and communications. He plans to work
for the U.S. State Department upon graduation.
Steven is paralyzed from the neck down, due to an
automobile accident six years ago. He gets around
campus on a motorized wheelchair and is able to
perform most tasks, such as note-taking, himself.
Steven is learning to drive a specially modified car,
and hopes to eventually leave his parents’ home and
have his own place. A Women’s Softball Tournament
was held August 17th in Steve’s honor. Proceeds
from that event were made to the Spinal Cord
Society, a research organization dedicated to finding
treatments for spinal-cord injuries.
Credits: Heather Needham, staff writer;
Paul Hurschmann, photographer, “Redford Observer
8
1998 – Paul
Garabelli, a firstyear student at
Albion College,
has organized
and participated
in various volunteer projects.
During spring
break (March 612), Paul traveled
Paul Garabelli is helping to move
to McCarr,
concrete for the foundation for the
Kentucky, for
new house.
one week
with nineteen other Albion students. Together, the
students aided in measuring, assembling, and laying
the footings for a house foundation. In addition, Paul
and other students made repairs to a local Habitat For
Humanity house that had been vandalized. As Director
of Hunger and Homelessness Programming at Albion
College, Paul has coordinated two campus/community
events. As student coordinator for the Walk for
Warmth, Paul helped the community raise more than
$9,000 to help low-income families pay heating bills.
National Honor Society at CC, and very active in St.
Colette’s Youth Ministry Program. Jason is attending
Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.
On April 10, 1999, Paul served as the local coordinator
for the National Student Campaign Against Hunger
and Homelessness Hunger Cleanup. Albion students,
in combination with college students around the
country, volunteered time and raised money to support causes fighting hunger and homelessness. The
worthwhile event was sponsored by Tipper Gore.
1999 – Mark Cole will be a pitcher/outfielder for
Madonna University’s Crusaders next season. “He
didn’t pitch a lot for CC, but he has a good breaking
ball,” says Coach Greg Haeger ’87.
1999 – Anthony Tomey, Catholic Central’s ace pitcher,
was taken in the 26th round of the Major League baseball draft. While unable to sign a contract until the
high-school season was finished, Anthony did sign
a National Letter of Intent to Play Baseball at Eastern
Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
1999 – Nick Moore was a member of Team Michigan in
the Wendy’s Basketball Classic held at the Nutter Center
on the campus of Wright State University in Dayton,
Ohio, July 20 and 21, 1999. The Wendy’s Classic features
elite all-star teams from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and
Indiana. Nick is currently a student and basketball
player at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio.
1999 – Chris Woodruff will wear the Madonna
University baseball uniform in the Spring. Chris
played catcher at CC. He batted .440 with 40 RBI.
According to Madonna’s Coach, Greg Haeger ’87,
“Chris has a chance to start right away.”
1999 – Charles Cash, III received an Albion College
Merit Scholarship.
1999 – Casey Rogowski was named Catholic League
Athlete of the Year for 1998-1999. Casey earned eight
varsity letters during his high-school career: three in
baseball, three in wrestling and two in football. He
was an All-State competitor in all three sports and AllAmerica in wrestling. Casey was drafted in the 13th
round by the Chicago White Sox during the Major
Leagues amateur draft. He has decided to sign with
the White Sox and forego attending Central Michigan
University at this time.
1999 – Kevin Graff played soccer at Schoolcraft
College. The former CC captain, who started his
senior year as a defenseman, was moved to midfield,
and finished with four goals and five assists. Kevin
was selected for the third team all-state. “He’s very
likely a starter,” stated coach Van Dimitriou. The
Ocelots hope to get a shot at an NJCAA title.
1999 - Nick Sosnowski placed 2nd in the 200-meter
backstroke and third in the 1500-meter freestyle at the
Flag City Invitational Swim Meet in Findlay, Ohio.
Nick is a member of the Clarenceville Swim Club.
1999 – Jason Jackett was the first teen nominee to
receive positive press at St. Colette Church, Livonia,
Michigan. Jason is an example of the hundreds of
teens who go unnoticed by the media because of constant attention on negative teen press. Jason received
the James Coughlin Award from the Catholic Youth
Organization. This award, given yearly by the
Archdiocese, recognizes one teen who displays outstanding leadership and service to his community.
Jason is an Eagle Scout. He was a member of the
1999 – Daniel Jess was the winner of the Farmington
Festival road race with an overall time of 20:49. (He
finished fourth last year.) Dan now attends Indiana
University with plans to compete in cross country
and track. ■
9
C H AT T E R B O X
1999 – Mario D’Herin, a second baseman, rounds out
CC’s contribution to Madonna University’s baseball
team this coming season. Mario, a right-handed hitter,
was an unsung player on CC’s state championship
team. “Mario has great hands, is quick-footed, a
control hitter and shows a lot on energy on the field,”
says Coach Greg Haeger ’87.
Awards Presented
The following awards were presented
to members of the class of 1999:
Rev. Daniel Dillon Award – John Gardai
Rev. James Whelan Award – Nicholas Brzezinski
C H AT T E R B O X
Academic Scholarships:
Ryan Abenes – Northwood University Freedom
Scholarship; Michael Addison – Xavier University
Academic Scholarship; Derek Andersen – Tri-State
University Award; George Angelovic – University of
Detroit Mercy Academic Scholarship; Stefan Bankowski –
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Regents Merit
Scholarship, University of Michigan-Dearborn Alumni
Merit Scholarship, Wayne State University Presidential
Scholarship, American Polish Engineering Association
Scholarship, Edward Siwik Residential Scholarship,
Reginald L. Tucker Scholarship, and Ford Motor Amateur
Astronomy Club Scholarship; Christopher Beaty –
Michigan State University Air Force ROTC Scholarship,
Michigan Technological University Air Force ROTC
Scholarship, and Michigan Technological University
Provost Incentive Award; Gregory Bechard – University
of Detroit Mercy Insignis Scholarship; Michael Bink –
Grand Valley State University Award for Excellence
Scholarship; Jeffrey Bloem – Aquinas College St. Thomas
Aquinas Scholarship; Charles Cash, III – Albion College
Merit Scholarship, Albion College Trustee Scholarship,
and Case Western Reserve University Presidential
Scholarship; Ryan Cibor – Eastern Michigan University
Regents Scholarship, Lawrence Technological University
Honor Scholarship, Madonna University Dean’s
Scholarship, and Madonna University Catholic Student
Scholarship; Aaron Cole – Northwood University
Academic Scholarship; George Converse – Center for
Creative Studies Academic Scholarship; Vincent Crafton
– Catholic University of America Academic Scholarship;
John Crandall – University of Detroit Mercy Academic
Scholarship; Andrew Cubba – Eastern Michigan
University Presidential Scholarship; James Curtiss –
Wayne State University Presidential Scholarship; Paul
Cusick – National Foundation for the Advancement in
the Arts Level I Scholarship, and Presidential Scholar;
David Demray – Northwestern University Merit
Scholarship; Matthew Dickerman – Eastern Michigan
University Eagle Leadership Award; Michael
DiGiovanni – Butler University Engineering Award;
Eric Doebel – University of Detroit Mercy Academic
Scholarship; Alexander Froehlich – University of Detroit
Mercy Academic Scholarship; John Gardai – Alma
College Distinguished Scholar Award, and National
Merit Scholarship; Vincent Gusty – Kettering University
Academic Scholarship; Brett Habermas – University of
Detroit Mercy Benefactor’s Scholarship; Brian Hannah –
Northwestern University Grant; Daniel Hool –
University of Detroit Mercy Academic Award; Jason
Jackett – Franciscan University of Steubenville Academic
Scholarship, and James F. Coughlin Scholarship Award;
Bryan Johnson – Albion College Merit Scholarship,
Albion College Academic Scholarship, Arizona State
University Academic Scholarship, Ball State University
Academic Scholarship, and Michigan State Youth Soccer
10
Association Scholarship; Mark Kruczek – Eastern
Michigan University Eagle Leadership Award, and Ford
Motor Credit Scholarship; Brian Kuszynski – Center for
Creative Studies Academic Scholarship; John LaRuffa –
Michigan State University Air Force ROTC Scholarship;
Alan Mardegian – University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Navy ROTC Scholarship; Christopher Martin – Polish
National Alliance Scholarship; Corey Mason – Vanderbilt
University Academic Scholarship, Catholic University
Bishop Shahan Scholarship, University of Pittsburgh
Honors Scholarship, Albion College Presidential
Recognition Award, Georgetown University Academic
Scholarship, and American University Presidential
Scholarship; Michael Melnick – Eastern Michigan
University Eagle Leadership Award; Matthew Miller –
Indiana University Faculty Scholarship; Timothy Mitzel –
University of Michigan, and University of MichiganAnn Arbor Regents Scholarship; Christopher Morelli –
Wayne State University Presidential Scholarship; David
Nay – Michigan State University Honors Scholarship,
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Engineering
Scholarship of Honor, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Regents Alumni Scholarship, and Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute Medalist Scholarship; Matthew Niemiec –
University of Michigan-Dearborn Chancellor’s
Scholarship, and Eastern Michigan University Academic
Scholarship; Jesse Norman – University of Dayton
Presidential Scholarship, Villanova University Academic
Scholarship, University of Notre Dame Academic
Scholarship, and Michigan State University Honors
Scholarship; Patrick O’Neill – Eastern Michigan
University Recognition of Excellence Scholarship;
Matthew Oblak – Albion College Presidential
Scholarship, and Grand Valley State University Award
for Excellence Scholarship; Ryan Orlowski – Schoolcraft
College Trustee Scholarship; Daniel Parrott – Adrian
College Academic Scholarship, Adrian College Art
Scholarship, and Siena Heights College Art Scholarship;
Brian Paruch – Ohio State University National Buckeye
Plus Scholarship, and Ford Motor Company Scholarship;
Nathan Platte – University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Regents Scholarship, Western Michigan University
Medallion Scholarship, Indiana University Division
Scholarship, and Indiana University School of Music
Scholarship; Adam Pourcho – Alma College President’s
Scholarship, Central Michigan University Academic
Scholarship, Michigan State University Academic
Scholarship, Ohio State University Academic Scholarship,
and Western Michigan University Academic Scholarship;
Scott Primeau – Indiana University Faculty Scholarship,
and University of Colorado Parents’ Scholarship;
Philip Radlowski – Marquette University Academic
Scholarship, University of Dayton Presidential
Scholarship, and Warner-Lambert Scholarship; Richard
Reynolds – Central Michigan University Centralis
Scholarship, and Western Michigan University Academic
Scholarship; Javier Rodriguez – University of Detroit
Mercy Insignis Scholarship; Collin Roegner – Lawrence
Technological University Trustee Scholarship; Erik
Ruselowski – Ohio State University Out-Of-State
Scholarship; Armand Samouelian – Alma College
Tartan Scholarship; Ronald Sarata, II – Central Michigan
University Board of Trustees Academic Honors
Scholarship; Kyle Skiven – Kettering University Scholars
to the Class of 1999
Michigan Competitive Scholarship
and Tuition Grant Recipients:
Ryan Abenes, John Abshire, Andrew Cubba, Nicholas
DiBella, Brian Doyle, Alexander Froehlich, John
Gardai, Vincent Gusty, Adam Harris, Daniel Hool,
Bryan Johnson, Ryan Johnston, Nicholas Kato,
Andrew Kogut, Jonathan Ladouceur, Jay Mackay, Alan
Mardegian, Michael Melnick, Christopher Morelli,
Matthew Niemiec, Patrick O’Neill, Matthew Oblak,
Daniel Parrott, Adam Pourcho, Scott Primeau, Javier
Rodriguez, Collin Roegner, Christopher Sarnecky,
Mark Sulkowski, Justin Taloa, Andrew Todd, Steven
Watts II, Andrew Werner, Kirk Wideen, Bryan Wood,
and Christopher Woodruff.
(Football); Robert Malek – Michigan State University
(Baseball); Ryan Meekins – Eastern Michigan University
(Swimming); Nicholas Moore – Bowling Green State
University, Northwestern University, University
of Toledo and University of Wisconsin-Madison
(Basketball); Brocc Naysmith – Tri-State University
(Football); Casey Rogowski – Central Michigan
University and University of Miami (Football); Keith
Rowe – Lake Forset College (Hockey); Eric Tessier –
University of Denver (Lacrosse); Anthony Tomey – Eastern
Michigan University/Baseball, University of Detroit
Mercy and University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (Baseball);
Matthew VanHeest – Lake Forest College (Hockey);
Louis Willoughby – University of Findlay and Tri-State
University (Football); and Jason Woehlke – Tri-State
University (Football).
1999 Phi Beta Kappa Winners:
These students were recognized as future leaders.
More than 3,200 graduating seniors from 156 public,
private and parochial high schools in southeastern
Michigan who maintained a 3.75 grade-point average
received their Phi Beta Kappa certificate.
The Detroit Association of Phi Beta Kappa’s 51st Annual
Honors Convocation recognized the following Catholic
Central seniors: Michael Addison, Stephan Bankowski,
Michael Beach, Christopher Beaty, Gregory Bechard,
Charles Cash, Ryan Cibor, Vincent Crafton, James
Curtiss, Paul Cusick, David Demray, Nicholas DiBella,
Marcus Frohm, John Gardai, Christopher Grabowski,
Brian Hannah, Shane Hill, Jason Jackett, Bryan Johnson,
Andrew Kaye, Jeffrey Kruszewski, John LaRuffa, Alan
Mardegian, Corey Mason, Timothy Mitzel, Christopher
Morelli, David Nay, Jesse Norman, Matthew Oblak,
Nathan Platte, Adam Pourcho, Scott Primeau, Phil
Radlowski, Richard Reynolds, Javier Rodriguez,
Rondal Sarata, Alan Schultz, Kyle Skiven, David
Sudekum, Mark Sulkowski, Andrew Todd, Mark
Walkuski, Timothy Weiss, Andrew Werner, Lawrence
Wisne, Bryan Wood, Paul Wood and Daniel Yowell. ■
1999 Athletic Scholarships:
John Abshire – Hillsdale College and Tri-State University
(Football); Derek Andersen – Hillsdale College and
Tri-State University (Football); Brian Beardsley – Adrian
College (Football), Ohio Wesleyan University (Football
and Lacrosse), and Marymount University (Lacrosse);
Peter Broccoli – Ohio State University (Hockey);
Nicholas Brzezinski – Duke University (Football);
Charles Cash, III – Case Western Reserve (Basketball);
Justin Cessante – Hillsdale College and Tri-State
University (Football); Mark Cole – Madonna University
and University of Detroit Mercy (Baseball); Kevin Graff
– Schoolcraft College (Soccer); Aaron Griffin – Northern
Michigan University (Football); Erik Hawkins – Lake
Forset College (Hockey); Daniel Jess – Oakland University
(Cross Country); Andrew Kogut – Kalamazoo College
(Soccer); David Lusky – Eastern Michigan University
Nice
Job!
11
C H AT T E R B O X
Scholarship, and University of Michigan Regents
Scholarship; David Sudekum – Wayne State University
Presidential Scholarship; Derek Swancutt – Ford
Endowment Plan Scholarship; Nicholas Takach – Eastern
Michigan University Eagle Leadership Award, and Ford
Motor Company Scholarship; Andrew Todd – Wabash
College Presidential Scholarship; Trevor Tutro-Anderson –
Quincy University Scholarship; Chad Tyson – Ford
Motor Company Scholarship; Richard Waligora – Wayne
State University Talent Scholarship; Mark Walkuski –
University of Detroit Mercy Insignis Scholarship, Loyola
University of Chicago Academic Scholarship, and Wayne
State University Presidential Scholarship; Steven Watts, II –
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Grant; Andrew
Werner – Kettering University Academic Scholarship,
Lawrence Technological University Academic Scholarship,
and University of Michigan-Dearborn Alumni Merit
Scholarship; Kirk Wideen – University of Detroit
Mercy Benefactors’ Scholarship; Louis Willoughby –
Northwood University Academic Scholarship; Bryan
Wood – Albion College Presidential Recognition
Scholarship, and Western Michigan University Academic
Scholarship; Paul Wood – Franciscan University of
Steubenville Academic Scholarship; and Daniel Yowell –
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Scholar Recognition
Award, and Wayne State University Presidential
Scholarship.
C.C. P R O F I L E S
“I haven’t planned out my
whole life yet,” he said. “As
far as ‘Riverdance’ goes, I
will be getting paid for something I really like to do.”
Paul has been dancing since
he was five years old.
Oh, My Aching Feet!
H
C.C.
PROFILES
ow many times will
Paul Cusick ’99 utter these
words this year?
Paul was one of four
Paul – the first American male
Michigan high-school seniors
ever to win the All-Ireland
Paul Cusick ’99 receiving the Presidential Scholars
selected to receive the
senior Dance competition in
Award from President Clinton
Presidential Scholars honor.
1997 and the 1998 All-World
– Official White House Photo The scholars were honored at
Championship – joined the
the White House on June 23“Riverdance” tour following graduation. “I’ll tour for
27, 1999, where they were presented with a Presidential
a year and see what happens,” he said. Paul has visited
Scholar Medallion. Paul had a 4.1 grade-point average
Germany, Brussels, Belgium and Switzerland since joinin the honors program, scored 27 out of a possible 36 on
ing one of the three “Riverdance” touring companies.
the ACT, was a member of the cross country team and
interned with State Senator Thaddeus McCotter ’77.
It can take up to a year for a new dancer to learn all
He will attend the University of Notre Dame starting
the moves they need to become part of the cast; two
in September 2000, and major in Political Science.
to three weeks to learn just one number. Two to three
He hopes to get a law degree and may even run for
hours a day are spent rehearsing. “What looks so easy
political office someday.
takes a lot of hard work and concentration,” says Paul.
Tri-State Signed 5 Shamrocks
W
hat do Justin Cessante, Lou Willoughby, Brocc
Naysmith, Derek Anderson and Jason Woehlke have
in common (besides graduating from Catholic Central
in 1999)? They are all continuing their football careers
at Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana. Justin, a
defensive back, was the first to commit to Tri-State.
“I liked the coaching staff,” he said. Justin and Jason
Woehlke will be roommates. Jason is a wide receiver.
Lou Willoughby, a defensive lineman, and Derek
Anderson, a wide receiver, will also be roommates.
Odd man out is Brocc Naysmith because he committed
last. Brocc, who was a wrestler for Coach Rod (grandpa),
is content to concentrate on only one sport. “If they
had a wrestling team, he’d probably encourage me to
do it,” said Brocc. Brocc, Jason and Lou plan to study
criminal justice. Justin is interested in pre-medicine.
Derek is undecided about a major. Justin is expected
to get the best shot at playing, maybe even starting. The
others hope to receive some playing time as freshmen. ■
CC graduates Lou Willoughby, Jason Woehlke, Justin
Cessante, Derek Anderson and Brocc Naysmith (shown
left to right) are now teammates at Tri-State.
Photo by Tom Hawley, photographer, Redford Observer
12
C.C. P R O F I L E S
Brzezinski Brothers Dominate The Field
D
oug Brzezinski ’94, a graduate of
Boston College, was taken in the 3rd
round of the National Football League
draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 6-foot-4, 300-pound lineman played
tackle and guard for the college Eagles
and was drafted as a guard by the
professional Eagles. Doug majored in
Sociology, graduating in 1998. Even
though he was done with classes, Doug
had playing eligibility remaining, so
he stuck around campus to take some
graduate courses and play his last year
of football. While the Eagles will be
going through a season of change
with a new coach, a new system and
a lot of turnover among personnel,
the atmosphere is sure to be one of
hope. Doug is looking forward to
getting started. “I just want to play,
do the best I can,” he said.
Doug was one of 10 Athletes of the
Year to be honored during the 72nd
Catholic Coaches Association and
Catholic League Hall of Fame anniversary party on June 14th.
C.C.
PROFILES
N
ick Brzezinski ’99, winner
of the 1999 Whelan Award, will
pursue his academic and athletic
career at Duke University.
On August 2nd, Nick was one of five area players for the
East squad in the 19th Annual Michigan High School Football
Coaches Association All-Star Game at Spartan Stadium,
East Lansing, Michigan. ■
13
A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N
FamilyFestFest’99
Family
W
Restaurant Participants
hen dining out, please consider the following restaurants. We appreciate their donation of time and food to make
the Family Fest so successful.
A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N
ALL SEASONS
CATERING
578 Starkweather
Old Village
Plymouth
734-421-3248
ATWATER BLOCK
BREWERY & PUB
237 Jos. Campau
Detroit
313-393-2337
BONFIRE BISTRO &
BREWERY
39550 7 Mile Rd.
Northville
248-735-4570
BUDDY’S PIZZA
33605 Plymouth Rd.
Livonia
734-261-3550
CARINI ITALIAN
BAKERY & DELI
28760 Plymouth Rd.
Livonia
734-513-0960
CONFECTIONATELY
YOURS
37120 W. Six Mile Rd.
Livonia
734-464-8170
EMBASSY SUITES
HOTEL
19525 Victor Parkway
Livonia
734-462-6000
LIVONIA
ITALIAN BAKERY
33615 W. Seven Mile Rd.
Livonia
248-474-0444
MERCHANTS
FINE WINE
22250 Michigan Ave.
Dearborn
313-563-8700
EXCALIBUR
28875 Franklin Rd.
Southfield
248-358-3355
MACKINNON’S
of NORTHVILLE
126 E. Main St.
Northville
248-348-1991
146 N. Main St.
Royal Oak
248-546-7770
GREAT HARVEST
BREAD COMPANY
of Northville
139 E. Main St.
Northville
248-349-3537
JOE’S PRODUCE
33152 W. Seven Mile Rd.
Livonia
248-477-4333
KAMORA LIQUORS
(Jim Beam Brands)
Farmington Hills
LAFFREY’S
24201 W. Seven Mile Rd.
Detroit
313-538-4688
DAD’S
FINE CATERING
734-425-4220
14
21034 Mack Ave.
Grosse Pointe
313-417-0400
A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N
BD’s MONGOLIAN
BARBEQUE
Royal Oak, Ann Arbor,
Dearborn, Novi, Grand
Rapids, Okemos,
Chicago, Wrigleyville,
Naperville, Cleveland,
Denver, Traverse City,
Columbus, Indianapolis,
Overland Park, Bethesda
PEPSI-COLA
Found at your local
grocery stores and
party stores
SZEGEDI’S CATERING
5704 North Telegraph
Dearborn Hts.
313-561-6288
29106 Franklin Rd.
Southfield
248-356-8881
TOM’S OYSTER BAR
15402 Mack Avenue
Grosse Pointe Park
313-884-6030
WING YEE’S
37273 W. Six Mile Rd.
Livonia
734-591-1901
22848 Woodward Ave.
248-691-7145
318 S. Main St.
Royal Oak
248-541-1186
… and coming soon to
Plymouth
15
A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N
RED LOBSTER
5774 Wayne Rd.
Westland
734-326-7655
STEVE & ROCKY’S
43150 Grand River Ave.
Novi
248-374-0688
A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N
Class of 1953
Reunions
your yearbook. A special thanks to Vic and his committee, which consisted of the following: Joe Binno, Mike
Hilbert, Gordon Goodrich, Jack Cavellier, Russ Quaine,
Mike Farrug, Joe McKevite, Bill Brett and Longin
Kolakowski. Russ noted, “It was the best reunion that
Jerry Welch could remember, but then again, Jerry couldn’t remember any of the others.”
– Russ Quaine ’53
Class of 1968
The 30th reunion of the Class of 1968 was held at
Catholic Central on September 26, 1998.
A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N
O
ur 45th reunion has come and gone, and it was a great
success. It was especially fun to renew old relationships
with our classmates and selectively recall events that
put us in the most favorable light. It was amazing how
everyone ignored the real facts so that a better story
could be told. This reunion was particularly interesting
because so many came from out of town. Fr. Jim
Gaunt, and Bob and Sue Benz came from Texas. Tom
Heffernan, Pete Machert and Tom Lannon were here
from New Jersey, and Dave and Ann Megal came in
from Washington, DC, just to name a few.
Standing (left to right) are Tom Woodbeck, Jim Kish,
Denny Antoniotti, Dave Syrowik, Joe Scallen, Rick
Wilk, Tom Sandon, Brian Rorai, Jim Gibbons, Glenn
Brown, Mike MacDermott, Stan Kogut, Stan Bawol,
Terry Brennan and Rick Repicky; seated (left to right)
are Bob Crongeyer, Paul Romanelli, Dick Hathaway,
Pat Denton, John Schrot, Steve Foley, Ken Lerg, Barry
Galdes, Mark Waldecker, Denny Krol and Brian Carson.
We are all looking forward to our 50th and many have
expressed a desire to make it a longer event. If you have
any thoughts or suggestions on the matter concerning
location, events, activities, etc., please pass them along
to Fr. Elmer at Catholic Central.
Our Reunion Chairman, Vic Poleni, has provided a
picture. See if you can match them to the pictures in
Class of 1989
The Class of 1989 held their 10-year reunion on
September 25th at the Embassy Suites Hotel Livonia. 105 Alumni and guests came from
near and far to attend the festive event. Class
President Jeff Pinto served as Master of
Ceremonies, and gave a humorous speech
entitled, “More Fat, Less Hair.” Father Richard
Elmer ’46 updated the class on the School’s
many successes of the past decade and
described plans to continue our long tradition
of excellence into the next century. Proceeds
from the event have been donated to the
School’s general fund in the names of deceased
classmates James Dietrich and Scott Ziobro. ■
16
BLUE
BELLS
Wedding Bells
Baby Bells
homas Longhway ’64 and Cynthia Bell were united
in marriage June 26, 1999. Tom and Cynthia reside in
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, after living in the Boston,
Massachussetts, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania areas the
past 20 years.
Lynne and Brian Gulick ’73 – a son, Robert Edward,
born December 12, 1998.
Mark Johnson ’77 and Jennifer Smith were married on
the island of Santorini, Greece, on July 1, 1998.
Mary and Marc Rullo ’77 – a son, Marc Anthony, born
June 30, 1999.
Sheldon Alexander ’91 and Monica Lee were united in
marriage at Sandals Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Annette and Robert Frank ’78 – a daughter, Nicolette
Marie, born June 4, 1999.
Phil Brown ’91 and Lisa Prindle were united in marriage on May 14, 1999, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church,
Wayne, Michigan. Paul Bozyk ’91 served as Best Man.
Jeff Antone ’91, Tom Charnley ’91, and Rusty Fowler
’91 served as groomsmen. Phil and Lisa reside in
Berkley, Michigan.
Kari and Daniel Skidmore ’81 – a daughter, Taylor
Patricia, born May 24, 1999.
T
Jennifer and Mark Johnson ’77 – a daughter, Caroline,
born May 24, 1999.
Mark Cartier ’94 and Jennifer Sash were united in marriage on June 26, 1999, at St. Robert Bellarmine Church,
Redford, Michigan. Bryan Riffle ’94 served as best
man. Mike and Jennifer reside in Orion Township,
Michigan.
Kyla and Peter Cwik ’85 – a daughter, Stephanie Lynn,
born June 7, 1999.
Dawn and Paul Kueber ’85 – adopted a son, Noah
Christopher, on February 11, 1999. Noah celebrated his
1st birthday on June 16, 1999.
Pam and Patrick Nolan ’86 – a son, Mark Louis, born
April 4, 1999.
Lisa and Daniel Vukmirovich ’88 – a daughter, Anna
Beth, born February 21, 1999.
Carrie and Patrick Fuelling ’89 – a son, Tyler Patrick,
born February 12, 1999.
Monica and Sheldon Alexander ’91 – a son, Sheldon,
born February 25, 1999. ■
17
BELLS
Erin and Tim Moran ’84 – a daughter, Ashlyn “Ally”
Grace, born October 16, 1998.
John Couture ’93 and Christie Coil were married on
August 22, 1998.
BLUE
Elizabeth and Don Tryon ’82 – a son, Carter James,
born May 26, 1999.
In Memoriam
The following members of the Catholic Central Family have passed from this life to the next. May their souls
and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Please remember them in your Masses
and other prayers. Our sincere condolences are extended to their loved ones.
Joseph Vinskowski ’43 – January 16 1999. He is survived by his
wife, Julia, and three children.
Alumni
IN
MEMORIAM
Robert Tiffany ’31 – June 24, 1999. He is survived by his wife
Mary “Betty,” sons Michael, Thomas and David, daughters Patricia
Grein and Margaret Baratta, and 12 grandchildren. The Funeral
Mass was celebrated at St. Andrew’s Church, Rochester, Michigan.
The burial was held at VanHoosen Cemetery, Rochester, Michigan.
Bernadine and Irvin Elsey ’32 – Bernadine died June 4, 1999, and
Irvin died on September 8, 1999. He died of renal failure. They
are survived by their son, Paul ’60, daughter Janet Moffitt, three
grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
Bernardine was also survived by a brother and a sister. Irvin
played football for Catholic Central and loved the years he
spent on Belmont. Their Funeral Masses were celebrated at
St. Christopher Church, Detroit, Michigan.
William Davison ’38 – May 29, 1999. He is survived by his wife
Shirley, sons William Jr., Thomas, Walter, Gary ’70 and Mark, and
seven grandchildren. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at Our
Lady of Victory Church, Northville, Michigan.
Joseph Campau ’40 – June 29, 1999. He is survived by his present
wife Elizabeth, sons Joseph Jr., MD ’66 and Thomas ’72, daughter
Mary Elizabeth Emond, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild
and two sisters. Joe was predeceased by his first wife, Janet. The
Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Hugo of the Hills Church,
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Robert Pollard ’40 – May 4, 1999. He is survived by his wife of 55
years, Vera, and nine children, including Robert Jr. ’70. Robert and
Vera were residents of Rutland, Vermont.
Anthony Reo ’40 – July 13, 1999. He is survived by daughters
Patricia and Marylynn, sons James ’67, David ’69, Christopher,
Anthony and Michael ’86, nine grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Violet. The
Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Church,
Southfield. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield,
Michigan.
Howard O’Chocke ’42 – June 14, 1999. He is survived by his wife
Marian, son Howard, daughter Barbara Putnam, and six grandchildren. Howard suffered a severe stroke in 1991 that paralyzed his
right side and left him unable to speak. He walked with a cane,
but his mind was very clear. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at
St. Joan of Arc, St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
18
George Kuhn ’43 – December 15, 1998. He is survived by his wife
Catherine, 10 children and 22 grandchildren. The Funeral Mass
was celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Southgate, Michigan.
Interment at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Brownstown Township,
Michigan.
Monica and Edward Dahl ’44 – Edward died August 31st and
Monica died September 2, 1999, as the result of an automobile
accident. They were residents of Pahrump, Nevada. Edward and
Monica are survived by their daughter Margaret Reneau, sons
Gregory, Andrew and Cletus, and four grandchildren. Edward
was also survived by five siblings: his brother, Bernard, and sisters
Cecilia Mason, Sarah Dahl, Rita Dahl and Marie Harrington.
Monica was survived by two sisters, Anne Matthews and Celine
Hoban. Edward had served in the U.S. Air Force and then worked
for General Motors before retiring eight years ago. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Society of Professional
Engineers. Funeral Masses were celebrated at Our Lady of the
Valley Catholic Church, Pahrump, Nevada, and St. John The
Evangelist Catholic Church, Fenton, Michigan.
Ervin Mroz ’44 – June 20, 1999. He is survived by his wife Ruth,
daughter Carol, sons Robert and James, and two grandchildren.
The funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Edmund Church, Warren,
Michigan. Ervin loved boating and was the proud Captain of a
33' Welcraft. He and Ruth lived on a canal in St. Clair Shores for
33 years.
Stephen Gorman ’44 – October 2, 1999. He is survived by his wife,
Dorothy, three daughters, Carol Lepine, Cynthia Goodman-McNutt
and Julie Gorman, two sons, Michael and Stephen, stepdaughters
Karen Hehl and Theresa Flack, 10 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild,
his brother, Joseph, a niece, and a nephew. Stephen was a resident
of Stuart, Florida, for the past 10 years. He had been an employee
of Nabisco Foods for 20 years, and then worked for Allstate
Insurance Company for 21 years. He was a senior account agent at
the time of his retirement. During WWII, he served in the United
States Navy. He was a member of the Stuart-Jensen Elks Lodge
#1870, past Commander of the Windjammer Yacht Club, and past
president of the Windjammer Condo Association. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Aycock Funeral Home, Stuart,
Florida.
Frank Caram ’45 – March 3, 1999. He died of a heart attack. He is
survived by his brother Joseph ’50.
Donald Ryan ’47 – June 21, 1999. He is survived by his wife,
Nancy, five children, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren,
and brothers, Clifford ’44 and Gordon ’50.
Norb Kudla ’47 – April 12, 1999. He is survived by his wife
Lorraine, daughters Kim Tepel and Kelly Victor, three grandchildren, a sister, Christine Kvansiak, and his brother Carl. The
Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Anne Church, Warren,
Michigan. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery.
Benjamin Wenson ’50 – July 6 1999. He is survived by his wife of
41 years, Linda, son Martin, daughters Cheryl Weberman and Terri
Mazer, six grandchildren, a sister, and his brother Frederick ’47.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Colman Catholic Church,
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Bruce MacDonell ’56 – March 19, 1999. He is survived by his wife
Mary Ann, sons Bruce Jr. and John, daughters Patricia, Catherine
and Sharon, nine grandchildren, his ex-wife Margaret, and two sisters. Bruce had a 41-year career in broadcast journalism that took
him from America to Asia, where he was in charge of eight NBC
News bureaus from Delhi, India, to Seoul, South Korea. He began
his career as an intern at NBC News in New York City; however,
his first writing job was in 1959 at CKLW-AM, Windsor, Ontario.
He went on to become a staff writer at WXYZ-TV, writing gags for
William O’Neill ’59 – August 12, 1999. He is survived by his wife
Carol, three sons and a daughter. William was a resident of Las
Vegas, Nevada.
Terrence Barden ’60 – August 22, 1998.
He died of a massive heart attack.
Terry is survived by his wife Mary,
daughter Beth, son James, brother
Robert, and brothers-in law Matthew
’55 and the late Joseph Holdreith ’57.
Terry, along with several other graduates of the class of 1960, played on the
1959 Triple A Championship Baseball
Team. He was an avid golfer and loved
to try all the new courses in Michigan.
Terry graduated from the University
of Detroit and worked for Vickers in Troy for 28 years. In 1995,
he and his family moved to the Memphis area. They were in the
process of moving back to Michigan when Terry died. The Funeral
Mass was celebrated at St. Andrews Catholic Church, Rochester,
Michigan. Burial was held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery,
Southfield, Michigan.
Stephen Gniewek ’85 – July 31, 1999. He died in a skydiving accident. Stephen is survived by his father, Leonard, sisters Judee and
Teresa, brothers Paul and Matthew, and his beloved friend, Kelly
Sharpe. He was predeceased by his mother, Helen, who died of
cancer in May. Stephen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
from the University of Michigan in 1990. He became a traveling
nurse, returning to Michigan when his mother became ill. He
was employed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s
Hospital of Michigan. For the past 10 years, Stephen had volunteered a week of his summer to Trail’s Edge, a camp near Caro,
Michigan, for ventilator-dependent children. Stephen began skydiving almost 4 years ago and had made over 200 jumps. Stephen,
eight other members of the Parahawks Skydiving Club and their
pilot died when their plane crashed near the Marine City airport.
Stephen had planned to move to Florida in September because he
could dive there all winter long. The Funeral Mass was celebrated
at St. Thomas á Becket Catholic Church, Canton, Michigan.
19
MEMORIAM
Paul Predhomme ’56 – August 14, 1999. He died suddenly at his
home in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He is survived by his wife
Carol, son P.J., daughters Michelle McLellan, Chrissy Pierce, and
Nicky, two grandchildren, brothers William, Dennis, Tom and
Michael, a sister, Julie Jeffrey, and many nieces and nephews. He
was predeceased by his parents, William and Juliette. Paul was
a 1960 Phi Beta Kappa of the University of Detroit, where he
was the captain of the golf team. He began his career at Arthur
Andersen, and later established his own CPA firm, continuing for
the past 35 years. He was a member of the American Association
of CPAs, as well as the Michigan Association of CPAs. He was a
former trustee of the City of Detroit Pension Fund. As an avid
golfer, he had been a member of Kingsville Golf and Country Club
for nearly half a century, where he became the youngest Club
Champion in 1961. Paul and Carol were very active bridge players, both achieving their Life Masters. They traveled throughout
North America playing in various bridge tournaments. The
Funeral Mass was celebrated at Assumption Church, Windsor,
Ontario. Burial was held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, also
in Windsor.
James Dingeman ’56 – September 19, 1999. He died of congestive
heart failure. Jim is survived by his wife Marjorie, daughter Jeanne
Curcio, four sons, Mark, David ’83, John ’88 and R. Scott, MD ’90,
two granddaughters, Stephanie Curcio and Sierra Dingeman,
his mother Gertrude, a brother, William, and sisters Kathryn
Dingeman and Mary Jo Domenich. Jim retired in 1997 from the
State of Michigan’s Accounting Department after 25 years of service. He enjoyed retirement by playing golf and watching after
Sierra.
IN
James Rioux ’54 – June 11, 1999. He died of gastric cancer. He is
survived by his wife Elaine, daughters Elizabeth Zorse and Sherrie
Hayes, son James Jr., two grandchildren, a sister, Barbara Rizner,
brothers Joseph ’49, Jerome ’57, John ’61 and Jay, and twenty-three
nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph
and Elizabeth. James began his professional career with Glidden
Paint Company in Detroit. Furthering his career, he moved to
New Jersey, Louisiana, and in 1986, founded his own company,
J.A. Rioux & Associates, in Greenbush, Michigan. The Funeral
Mass was celebrated at Sacret Heart of Jesus Church, Oscoda,
Michigan. Burial was held at Springport Cemetery, Harrisville,
Michigan. A Memorial Service was also held at Immaculate
Conception Church, Annadale, New Jersey. A Memorial Scholarship
Fund has been established at Catholic Central in Jim’s name.
Soupy Sales, Johnny Ginger and Rita Bell. In 1962, Bruce returned
to New York, then moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Los
Angeles, California, Washington, DC, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.
In 1986, Bruce started Globe Net Productions, a news and documentary production house in Japan that provided video for the
Macneil/Lehrer News Hour, the BBX and Entertainment Tonight.
In 1994, Bruce and Mary Ann moved to Burbank, California,
where he worked for Warner Bros. Television. The Funeral
Mass was celebrated at the Capuchin Mission Monastery Chapel,
Detroit, Michigan. Burial was held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery,
Southfield, Michigan.
Extended Family
Clara Belczak – July 31, 1999. She is survived by her sons, the
Reverend Edward and Reverend Thomas ’71, and many nieces
and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Valentine Church, Redford,
Michigan. Burial was held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield,
Michigan.
Edward Bober – August 30, 1999. He is survived by sons
Norman ’60, Lawrence ’64 and Richard ’66, five grandchildren,
three great-grandchildren, and his brother, Leocadia Veach.
Edward was predeceased by his wife, Jane. The funeral Mass
was celebrated at St. Valentine Church, Redford, Michigan.
Burial was held at St. Hedwig Cemetery, Dearborn, Michigan.
IN
MEMORIAM
Panfilo (Paul) Buccilli – May 2, 1999. He is survived by his wife
Anne, daughter Sandra Poulor, sons Gary ’71 and Ken, five grandchildren, his brother, Aldo, and sister, Lillian Curtis. The Funeral
Mass was celebrated at St. Aidan Catholic Church, Livonia,
Michigan. Burial was held at Glen Eden Cemetery, Livonia,
Michigan.
Joan Collings – July 24 1999. She is survived by two children –
one being Les ’41 – 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Valentine Church, Redford,
Michigan.
Margaret Connolly – September 13, 1999. She is survived by her
sons, Denis ’56 and John ’58, daughters Mary Peck and Patricia
Anderson, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The
Funeral Mass was celebrated at Divine Child Catholic Church,
Dearborn, Michigan.
Robert Dougherty – May 30, 1999. He is survived by his wife
Elizabeth, sons Marty and Matthew ’89, daughter Colleen Burton,
three grandchildren, and three sisters. The Funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of St. Alexander, Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Burial was held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, Michigan.
Barbara Feenstra – September 26, 1999. She is survived by her
husband, Fernon, sons Matthew, Kelly and Daniel ’87, daughters
Jenifer Carbonneau, Leigh Byrd, Tracy Trost and Kristen Paulos,
six grandchildren, two sisters and a brother. Barbara retired from
nursing in 1987 after working for St. Mary Hospital in Livonia,
Michigan, for 25 years. She was active in many clubs. The Funeral
Mass was celebrated at St. Aidan Catholic Church, Livonia,
Michigan.
William Jenkins – June 21, 1999. He is survived by his wife Joy,
daughters Kelly Hodge and Gail Kirschmeier, sons Kiley ’87,
Kerry, William, Gary, Danny and Greg, 17 grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Edith
Catholic Church, Livonia, Michigan.
Kathleen Lane – September 9 1999. She
is survived by sons James and Daniel ’72,
daughters Barbara and Theresa, six
grandchildren and two sisters. Kathleen
was the Alumni Secretary and Fr. Canning
Harrison’s right hand from 1973 to 1988.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr.
Dick Elmer at St. Genevieve Church,
20
Livonia, Michigan. Burial was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery,
Southfield, Michigan. A Memorial Scholarship Fund has been
established at Catholic Central in Kathleen’s name.
Joseph Lang, Sr. – September 21, 1999. He died of lung cancer. Joe
is survived by his sons, Joseph III ’75 and John, daughter Susanne
Burgess, four grandchildren and a brother. He was predeceased by
his wife Rosemary. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Edith
Catholic Church, Livonia, Michigan.
Lee Miglio – May 23, 1999. She is survived by son Terry ’72, and
daughter Carol Cook, six grandchildren, including Andrew Cook
’99, a sister and a brother. An evening service was held at the John
N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
A Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established at Catholic
Central in Lee’s name.
Michael Mullett, Jr. – October 5, 1999. He is survived by his wife,
Mary, daughters Rita-Ann Smith and Deanne Adaschik, sons
Michael III ’79, James and Jerome, six grandchildren, two sisters,
and three brothers. Michael worked in the elevator industry. He
received his education at St. Leo’s and the University of Detroit.
He served in the United States Army during WWII, in the
European Theater. Michael was a founding member of the Holy
Family Catholic Church, Novi, Michigan. The Funeral Mass was
celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment at Holy
Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, Michigan.
Dolores Muma – July 20, 1999. She is survived by her husband
Jack, sons Michael, Andrew ’77 and David, daughters Lindsay Kill
and Margaret Serda, and nine grandchildren. The Funeral Mass
was celebrated at St. Mary Church, Royal Oak, Michigan.
Tillie Munce – August 9, 1999. She is survived by sons William
and Donald ’57, daughters Kathryn Retich and Marcia Munce, 10
grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Church,
Livonia, Michigan.
William Refalo – August 5, 1999. He is survived by his wife
Marilyn, daughters Marilyn Maher, Judi Refalo, and Lori Husiman,
sons Michael ’74 and Daniel, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a sister. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at Holy
Family Church, Novi, Michigan.
Stephanie Stanczyk – October 3, 1999. She is survived by her
husband, Hon. Benjamin Stanczyk ’32, son Benjamin, daughter
Kathy Thibault, three grandsons and a sister. Stephanie was a
charter member of Friends of Polish Art and a member of Pi Sigma
Alpha. A Memorial Mass was celebrated at St. Lucy Church,
St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
Chester Trybus – July 3, 1999. He is survived by his wife Eleanore,
sons Thomas ’60, Chet ’63, Gregory ’65, Gerard and John, 10
grandchildren, and a brother. The Funeral Mass was celebrated
at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Dearborn, Michigan.
Irene Wayner – July 16, 1999. She is survived by two sons,
including Robert ’70 and two daughters. The Funeral Mass was
celebrated at Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak, Michigan. ■
SCHOOL BELLS
Academic Team
Wins National Title
T
T
After finishing fourth
in 1990, third in 1991 and
1997, and second in 1994
and again in 1995, the
victory was the first for
CC in a national tournament.
Coach Weinberg commented,
“After all these years of frustration at the national level,
this team was so dominant on the second day of the
tournament that when the championship finally came,
it almost came easily. Our guys simply brushed aside
these powerhouse teams as if they were little more than
a minor annoyance.” He then dedicated the victory
to all the players on the teams from 1988 through 1998
who had played with skill and considerable success at
the national level but without having had the chance
to experience the exhilaration pursuant to achieving
the elusive first-place finish.
Not to be outdone by the varsity, the 1998-1999 frosh
team of Coaches Leininger and Flowerday also had
☞
Quiz Bowl Basic Rules
he format of quiz bowl competitions varies from event to event. Typically, four members of a team who
have individually strong backgrounds in the categories of math/science, social studies, literature and
fine arts face off against four challengers from an opposing high school in a fast tempo question-and-answer
type format including consultative team bonuses or speed rounds where 10 to 15 questions have to be
answered within 60 seconds. ■
21
BELLS
On June 5-6, the team competed in the NAQT National
High School Championship Tournament at the University
of Oklahoma. On the first day of the competition, CC
posted a 8-2 record which was good enough to qualify for
the next day’s playoffs among the tournament’s top six
teams. On the second day of the tournament, the team
shifted into an even higher gear. CC reached the finals as
the first-seeded team by winning all five games in a round
robin competition among the six surviving contenders.
Finally, the CC team won the tournament championship
by sweeping the
two out of three
final series against
the second-seeded
team from Walton
High School. Indeed, CC’s victories
over the perennial
power from Marietta,
Georgia were each by
the decisive margin of
200 points.
SCHOOL
he 1998-1999 varsity academic
team fulfilled Coach Howard
Weinberg’s dream of the past
decade and a half by winning
a national Academic title for
Catholic Central. The squad
set team records by winning a
total of 203 games, capturing 24
trophies and awards in a single
season. Notable among its ten
tournament titles, the team
became the first representing a
northern school to win the High
School Invitational held each
February at Lee University near
Chattanooga. In April, the team
won CC’s sixth Michigan Class
“A” State Championship in the
twelve-year history of the annual
tournament in Port Huron.
However, it was in postseason
play that the team achieved its
crowning success.
a record-breaking season
which included national
titles. The team won all
eight local competitions
while remaining undefeated with a record of
71-0. Even more notable,
the team finished first in
the nation in both the
December and April
Knowledge Master Open
The winning 1999 Frosh Academic Team is shown here with
Coaches Susan Leininger and Andrew Flowerday: (in front, left
to right) Scott Bowling, Adam Ralko, Luke Raulich, Andy Rund,
Frank Budde, Ben Cesarz, (back row) Rob Gavin, Tony Guerreso,
Chris Grzywacz, Joe Galea, Bryan Seymour, Mark Kehres,
Jerin Philip, Steve Selinsky, Paul Hagan, Jamie Enoch, Tony
Kreucher, Ethan Lube and Matt Hannah.
competitions conducted
by computer among
top frosh teams from
coast to coast. The CC
team thus became the
first in the country to
win both KMO frosh
competitions in a
single academic year.
“Thanks For The Memories”
or the
hanks f
ies”
Memor
leaves will no longer be a part of my
normal day! To encourage the fourteenyear old with stories of Thimm, Leja,
Juras, or Rama will be replaced by
stories of Brer Rabbit to grandkids.
Shira, Gerhold, Wauldron, or Garmo
won’t be the topic of another story
praising excellence. Thirty years of
award-winning efforts remind me of
Cleary, Kozlow, Whitesell, and Tokarz.
SCHOOL
BELLS
“T
ons,
y afterno
Of sunn ner victories; e,
is
With W phs at the Dom
m
iu
w;
Of tr
g in a ro
,
Repeatin ning steel on ice
e
?
t
e
s
Of gli he victory nic
Wasn’t t k you so much: s,
t
Oh, than nal Merit grea states;
f
io
t
o
a
p
e
N
e
sw
For
iz Bowl
And Qu pean tours,
o
For Eur he jive and jazz; ry parades;
t
ll
a
victo
d
n
a
des and oint great?
a
c
r
o
t
o
for m n’t Cedar P
and was k you so much:
Oh, than s and dances,
For prom and Masses, e;
Retreats e holidays galore!
h
And driv en’t they a chor ank you so muc
r
h
t
e
,
Hey, w ou, thank you …
Thank y r the memories
fo
Thanks
“Yesterday” will always include a
Clark, a Marston, a Stenbeck, and
a Rodriguez, but Dilworth, Swoish,
Livingston, and Uzilac are there too.
Somewhere in between, a Sprys,
Bieszczad, Seidl, and Mickienicz made an impression,
left his mark. Recently it was Mee, Baldas, Mullen,
and Tone who carried on the tradition. Yes, I know
Lupinacci, Poiniatowski, Powierski, Massara, and
Butler made their mark too, but it would surely
include a few of the Hollinsheads, a Panion, a Gould,
and a Gregory just to name a few. Did I forget Pine,
Valente, or Foltyn? I guess not. Perhaps it was
Holinoty, Soma, Shaver, or Helinski. No? How
about Govan, Nelson, Matteocci, and a Polteraitis –
even two. Ah, the memories of years gone by and of
boys grown to men before one’s eye. ’Twas fun while it
lasted. Your records hang at Alma Mater. Goodbye! ■
T
hroughout the building there are indications that art
is alive at Catholic Central. Sitting down to write this, I
am surrounded by a treasure of winning entries to past
Scholastic Arts competitions. Just a half hour ago, I sat
in the teachers’ lounge, where I also was surrounded
by award-winning artwork. On my way to homeroom,
I passed the display cases where this year’s winners are
hanging. Reaching the second floor, I passed another
display of former winners. In a few short months, I
will cease to have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of
the labors of so many. The Hallmark nominees, national
winners, old barns, telephone poles, and a study of
– Tom Nesbitt
CC Art Department
(Editors Note: Tom wrote the above farewell last Spring, prior
to his retirement. During his 30 years at Catholic Central, Tom
taught Fine Arts, coached Football and Baseball, was Lunchroom
Supervisor, and Bus Driver. We wish Tom good health and a very
active retirement. May he enjoy being in the woods, at dawn, on
opening day.)
22
Students Shine Outside The Classroom
B
M
ike Geney ’00 and Derek Howell ’02 were
chosen for the five-member CYO Youth Council
Leadership Team.
Livonia Volunteer Award
K
evin Rahie ’00
received a City of
Livonia Volunteer
Award on April 28,
1999 from Mayor
Jack Kirksey. Kevin
is a teen volunteer
at Angela Hospice.
Credit: “Livonia Observer”
J
A Perfect Pair
eff Haller ’00 scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT test
and classmate Paul Schultz ’00 scored a perfect 36
on the ACT test! According to school officials, having
two students from the same school ace the standardized
college entrance exams is a rarity. Approximately 1 in
every 2,700 students score 1600 on the SAT. It’s 1 in 5,900 for a perfect
36 on the ACT. Perfect scores don’t automatically open doors to the nation’s top colleges,
but, combined with their Advanced Placement test scores, extracurricular activities and high grade-point
averages, they should be able to attend the school of their choice. Jeff, who plans to study biomedical engineering
or take pre-med courses, will apply to Harvard, Stanford, Yale and Northwestern. Paul plans to study economics
and political law in his quest to be President of the United States (and then perhaps a U.S. Supreme Court justice).
He is applying to Harvard, University of Chicago and Boston College. ■
Credit: Michelle Agius, Michigan Catholic
23
BELLS
Livonia Mayor Jack
Kirksey congratulates
CC Junior Kevin Rahie after Kevin received a City of
Livonia Volunteer Award on April 28, 1999. Kevin is
a Teen Volunteer at Angela Hospice.
SCHOOL
rian Jackett ’02 advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout as a
member of Boy Scout Troop 271, chartered to St. Michael
Parish, Livonia, Michigan. He achieved the rank through
a variety of community service
activities, including clearing
and landscaping the walkway
leading to the AAA Crisis
Pregnancy Center, and a
“giving tree” with gift tags
containing wish-list items
for the center available at
St. Mike’s. More than 200
clothing and baby accessory
donations were collected.
Brian’s Eagle Scout project
encompassed more than 266
hours and involved the help
of 14 adults, 17 scouts and
friends. During his seven
years of scouting, Brian earned
the Catholic Religious medal
for Cub Scouts, the Arrow
of Light as a Webelo, the Ad
Altare Dei Medal (a religious
medal for Boy Scouts) and 26
merit badges. In addition to
the scouting program, Brian
is involved with football and
wrestling at Catholic Central.
SPORTS RAP
Baseball…
SPORTS RAP
C
atholic Central’s Varsity
Baseball Team completed a
near-perfect season on June
19th when they defeated
Troy 6-5 to win the Division
1 State Championship. The
team overcame a 5-3 deficit
in the third inning when
senior Dave Lusky hit a 400foot homerun with a runner
aboard to tie the game.
The Shamrocks rallied to score the winning run in
the bottom of the seventh as senior Bob Malek raced
home from third on a wild pitch. Sophomore Charlie
Haeger pitched the final 5-1/3 innings of shut-out
relief to get the win.
was chosen
by the Chicago
White Sox and
Anthony by
the Cleveland
Indians. The Michigan High School Baseball
Coaches Association named Casey “Mr. Baseball”
as the best player in the state for the 1999 season.
The State Title was the 3rd for the baseball program,
with previous championships coming in 1979 and
1987. Head Coach John Salter, was ably assisted
by coaches Al Moran ’57, Ed Hamacher ’61, Kevin
Walters, Bill Lis and Bob Murray ’79.
Several other graduating seniors will continue their
baseball careers in college. They include Dave Lusky,
Bob Malek, Mario D’Herin, Mark Cole and Chris
Woodruff.
In early June, the team won its second consecutive
Catholic League Title at Tiger Stadium by defeating
Villanova High School 10-3. It was the first time in
nearly 50 years that the Shamrocks won back-to-back
CHSL titles in Baseball.
The Baseball Team’s State Title followed similar
successes by the Football Team in the fall and the
Hockey Team last winter. It was the first time one
school won state titles
in those three sports
in one school year.
Congratulations
to all the players and
coaches on this fine
achievement. ■
The team finished the
year with a 38-1 wonlost record. Two seniors,
Casey Rogowski and
Anthony Tomey, were
selected in the majorleague draft the first
week of June. Casey
24
SPORTS RAP
Tennis…
top-ten powerhouse
tennis schools at the
Division 1 level.
he 1999 Catholic
However, thanks
Central High School
to a very strong
Varsity Tennis Team
third-place finish
continues to be a model
The 1999 Varsity Tennis Team is comprised of (front row, left to right) at Regionals in Ann
of consistency, persisIan McHenry ’01, Evan Currie ’00, David Atallah ’02, Andy Cubba ’99, Arbor, the team
tence and excellence.
Nick Gonzales ’01, Co-Captain Jeff Fleszar ’00, Nick Gray ’99, Mark earned its right to
The road to a state
a bid for the State
championship is not an Fleszar ’02, (back row) Coach Paul Bozyk ’91, Lodewijk van Holsbeek
Championships held
’00,
Matt
Roe
’01,
Eric
Tomkiewicz
’01,
Co-Captain
Rob
Sparks
’00,
easy one. Coach Paul
in Midland. Practice
Ryan
Cibor
’99,
Michael
Findling
’01,
Co-Captain
J.
D.
Shade
’00,
Bozyk ’91, and co-capand more hard work
and
JV
Coach
Matt
Olex
’97.
tains Jeff Fleszar ’00,
followed. When the
J. D. Shade ’00 and Rob
dust cleared from the Midland courts, CC was ranked
Sparks ’00 led the determined team into battle
7th in the state. A few weeks later, three
against some of the best contending schools in
Varsity players were named to the
the state. Runners-up at Catholic Leagues,
Michigan Boys All-State Tennis Team:
the team continued to work hard, despite
Mike Findling ’01(#1 Singles), J. D.
the injuries, illnesses and shoulder
Shade ’00 and Rob Sparks ’00 (#1
surgery (yes, even that!) which
Doubles). Having lost only two
plagued the players. For the second
seniors last season, CC’s Varsity Tennis
straight year, CC was placed in
players are already setting their sights
the same regional area as Ann
on a 2000 Championship!
Arbor Pioneer and Ann Arbor
Huron, two of the
7th and 3!
T
25
SPORTS RAP
Championship rings from baseball, football
and hockey are displayed on the hands of
Matt Loridas ’00, Jeremiah Hicks ’00, and
Brandon Kaleniecki ’00 respectively. ■
SPORTS SCHEDULE
Basketball
Hockey
1999
Friday
Friday
(BOLD TYPE DENOTES HOME GAME)
1999
Dec. 10
Dec. 17
Notre Dame Prep
Orchard Lake St. Mary
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Tuesday
Friday
Tuesday
Friday
Friday
Tuesday
Friday
Tuesday
Friday
Jan. 4
Jan. 7
Jan. 11
Jan. 14
Jan. 21
Jan. 25
Jan. 28
Feb. 1
Feb. 4
U of D
Bishop Borgess
Ann Arbor Huron
Brother Rice
DeLaSalle
Notre Dame
U of D
Bishop Borgess
Brother Rice
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Tuesday
Friday
Feb. 8
Feb. 11
DeLaSalle
Notre Dame
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Friday
Wednesday
Sunday
Wednesday
Saturday
Saturday
Friday
Saturday
Tuesday
Wednesday
2000
Nov. 19
Nov. 24
Nov. 28
Dec. 1
Dec. 4
Dec. 11
Dec. 17
Dec. 18
Dec. 28
Dec. 28
Red Wing Alumni
Brother Rice
St. Joseph (New York)
Grosse Pointe Liggett
Churchill
Park Tudor
Newtrier (IL)
Newtrier (IL)
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
TBA
TBA
TBA
6:00 p.m.
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Jan. 6
Jan. 12
Jan. 15
Jan. 21
Jan. 22
Jan. 29
Jan. 31
Feb. 4
Feb. 5
Feb. 9
Feb. 12
Feb. 19
Feb. 22
Feb. 26
Port Huron Northern
Cranbrook
Trenton
East Kentwood
Big Rapids
Grosse Pointe North
Clarkston
Alpena – Tournament
Alpena – Tournament
Trenton
Brother Rice
Cranbrook
Grosse Pointe North
Port Huron Northern
TBA
7:00 p.m.
TBA
7:30 p.m.
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
7:30 p.m.
TBA
TBA
8:00 p.m.
TBA
2000
SPORTS SCHEDULE
Thursday
Wednesday
Saturday
Friday
Saturday
Saturday
Monday
Friday
Saturday
Wednesday
Saturday
Saturday
Tuesday
Saturday
26
Swimming
Wrestling
1999
Saturday
1999
Dec. 11
East Lansing
2:00 p.m.
Jan. 6
Jan. 8
Jan. 13
Jan. 18
Jan. 26
Feb. 4
Feb. 8
Feb. 12
Feb. 15
Feb. 17
Feb. 19
Mar. 4
Mar. 10
Mar. 11
Roseville
Notre Dame
Brighton
Bloomfield Hills Lahser
DeLaSalle
Ann Arbor Huron
Livonia Stevenson
U of D
Livonia Churchill
Brother Rice
Ann Arbor Pioneer
C.H.S.L. (TBA)
State Finals (TBA)
State Finals (TBA)
7:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
12:00 noon
TBA
TBA
TBA
Thursday
Saturday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Friday
Wednesday
2000
Thursday
Saturday
Thursday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Tuesday
Saturday
Tuesday
Thursday
Saturday
Saturday
Friday
Saturday
Dec. 2
Dec. 4
Dec. 9
Dec. 10
Dec. 11
Dec. 17
Dec. 29
Davison
Bay City Western
Hartland (Assembly)
Solon (Ohio)
Solon (Ohio)
Clio/Salem
Goodrich Tournament
1:30 p.m.
8:00 a.m.
1:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
2000
Grand Ledge/Waverly
6:00 p.m.
CC Invitational
10:00 a.m.
Anchor Bay, Brother Rice,
Clarkston, Davison, Fowlerville,
Fruitport, Holt, Howell, Livonia,
Stevenson, Oxford, Romeo,
Warren Lincoln, Westland
John Glenn
Saturday
Jan. 22
Wednesday
Saturday
Friday
Wednesday
Saturday
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Wednesday
Saturday
Friday
Saturday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Jan. 26
Jan. 29
Feb. 4
Feb. 9
Feb. 12
Feb. 16
Feb. 17
Feb. 19
Feb. 23
Feb. 26
Mar. 3
Mar. 4
Mar. 9
Mar. 10
Mar. 11
Bedford, Howell, Roseville,
Southgate Anderson,
Wyandotte Roosevelt
Adrian/Carmen Ainsworth
Observerland
Rochester Adams
Clarkston
Catholic League Tournament
Team Districts
Team Districts
Individual Districts
Team Regionals
Individual Regionals
Team Finals
Team Finals
Individual Finals
Individual Finals
Individual Finals
10:00 a.m.
5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
6:00 a.m.
5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
SPORTS SCHEDULE
27
Wednesday Jan. 5
Saturday
Jan. 8
C AT H O L I C C E N T R A L
December
4
5
13
14
20
1999-2000
Calendar Of Events
Parents Christmas Dinner/Dance – 7:00 p.m. (by reservation only)
Catholic Central Christmas Concert – 6:30 p.m. – Gym
CC Dads’ Club General Meeting – 7:00 p.m.
Alumni Evening of Recollection at Catholic Central
Christmas Break
January
3
10
20
21
24
Classes Resume
CC Dads’ Club General Meeting – 7:00 p.m.
Senior/Junior Retreat
Sophomore/Freshman Retreat
Senior Parents Night
February
6
10
11-21
March
1
8
13
18
23
24
April
2
10
11
19
26
Mother/Son Mass & Brunch
CC Dads’ Club Evening of Recollection
Student Ticket Drive
CC Mothers’ Club Retreat
Ash Wednesday – Student Mass
Dads’ Club General Meeting – 7:00 p.m.
Band Night On The Town – 7:00 p.m. (by reservation only)
12th Annual Alumni Dinner
Parent/Teacher Conferences
CC Mothers’ Club Fashion Show – Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn (by reservation only)
CC Dads’ Club General Meeting – 7:00 p.m.
Student Ticket Drive Drawing – 1:50 p.m.
Incoming Freshman Night – 7:00 p.m.
Easter Break
School Resumes
28
A Family Tradition
Catholic Central
Orin Jewelers
Since 1928
Since 1933
The tradition of
hand-engraved Platinum…
Breathtaking in every way…
A look that was,
is, and always will be
a symbol of unending love.
Garden City
29317 Ford Rd.
Orin Jewelers offers
you a complete collection of
Catholic Central logo jewelry.
“Your Family Diamond Store
Where Fine Quality & Service
Are Affordable.”
Catholic Central alumni, students,
parents and faculty receive special
pricing on all their purchases.
(at Middlebelt)
(734) 422-7030
Northville
101 E. Main Street
(at Center St.)
(248) 349-6940
BAC K I S S U E S
Got any holes to fill?
Copies of yearbooks are
available — not all years.
Please call the
Alumni Office
regarding availability.
(313) 534-0550
?
Detroit Catholic Central High School
The Aluminator
14200 Breakfast Drive
Redford, MI 48239
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