The Standard: Brother Rice College Shirt Day

May 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Last week, the Brother Rice seniors had the opportunity to show off their college selections with a new tradition – College Shirt Day. This special day was suggested by senior Tom Nye, who says that he was inspired to do it:  “I heard about other schools doing something similar, and I thought it would be a great way for seniors to show everyone where they were going.” Many Brother Rice seniors gladly took part in this event, and they were proud to show where they plan to continue their educations.

“The Class of 2012 is headed to great colleges, and it was really visible especially on that day. I think that the variety and number of colleges (chosen) by my classmates shows not only how academically gifted the senior class is, but also how well they handled the rigorous and nerve-racking college application process,” said Nye.

This was an accurate depiction of all the colleges that were shown off on college shirt day. The colleges that were displayed ranged from Berkeley to Harvard. By wearing these shirts, it gives a perfect example of how academically gifted the students at Brother Rice are. It is definitely obvious that all of the seniors worked very hard during their four years at Brother Rice, and that they will be rewarded greatly for their efforts.

Now that it was started this year, students and teachers alike expect college shirt day to be a yearly tradition at Brother Rice. Not only does it display the academic excellence of Brother Rice students, it also gives the whole school bragging rights. Not many schools can claim that most of their seniors are going to colleges that are known to be some of the best in the country. The students and faculty should be proud to have so many intelligent students attending our school.


Filed Under: Academic Standard, Academics, Articles of Interest, Crusader Clips, Students, The Standard

Habisohn Qualifies for State in Tennis

May 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Brother Rice tennis is back on the roll again with senior James Habisohn qualifying for the IHSA state finals. Before last year Brother Rice qualified players for 12 consecutive years to the state finals.  Now James Habisohn has brought Brother Rice back to its tennis preeminence by placing third in a field of seventeen at the University Lab High School tennis sectional. State tennis finals begin on Thursday, May 24.

Filed Under: Athletics, Crusader Clips, More Brother Rice Athletics News, Tennis

Crusader Rugby Heads to State Final

May 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

It’s never easy to beat a team twice in the same season, but in the end, the Brother Rice Crusaders did just that in their semi-final victory over Mt. Carmel at home on Friday, May 18.

The Crusaders wore down a determined Caravan squad, and pulled away with a 48-21 win that puts them into the state final on Memorial Day Monday (4:00).  The winner of Mondays Morton (defending champion) and Lincoln Way match will be the opposition.

Led by fullback Alex Lynch’s pair of tries, the Crusaders would not be denied an opportunity to return to the state final. Mike Houston showed why he donned All American Honors as he got the Crusaders on the board early.  After Pat Watson gained great territory taking it down inside the Caravan 20, the Crusaders recycled twice before Houston broke a couple of tackles on his way across the try line.  Danny Lyons converted for an early 7-0 lead. Lyons followed that up with a penalty after Houston forced a Caravan penalty for holding on and taking a quick tap 40 yards.  Another Caravan penalty allowed the Lyons kick to increase the lead to 10-0 before Mt. Carmel was able to score a try of their own and make it a close 10-7 game.

The Crusaders answered back when Lyons pinned the Caravan deep in their own territory with a kick into the corner, and then applied pressure which caused a Caravan knock on.  The ensuing 5 yard scrum was a thing of beauty as Houston threw a miss pass to an inserting Lynch from the fullback position who went in untouched (until he was accidently kicked under the posts).  Lyons again was good for a 17-7 lead.

Again the Crusaders took territory as Justin Vainer put a kick in behind the Caravan defense.  Carmel’s only option was to kick to touch and again the Crusaders saw themselves with favorable attacking position.  Rice took the lineout cleanly and Lyons made a dart for the try line; the ball sprung loose into a supporting Bart Oborka’s hands who lunged over for the try.  Lyons’ conversion made it 24-7. The Caravan, again showing their determination, took advantage of a strong pack to again push over for a score before the halftime whistle which saw Rice ahead 24 – 14.

Rice came out strong to start the second half and look determined.  Nolan Corley, who ran hard on the left wing all night long, took a ball deep into Caravan territory, and after multiple phases, James Gannon would not be denied as he leaped over a defender for the score to increase the lead with Lyons’ conversion to 31-14. The Caravan was forced to kick away possession throughout the night as the Crusader defense was relentless.  Taking advantage of that territory on a lineout 30 yards out, Ryan Flynn was able to pick up an overthrown lineout and got the Crusaders on the front foot.  The backs then put the ball through their hands and got it wide to Corley, who ran a great switch line off Lynch and cut back through the Caravan defense, dashing 25 yards for the score.  Lyons was good again to put the score 38-14.

Mt Carmel would not go quietly after they were again forced to kick, but this time the opposition found space behind the Crusader backline and few missed tackles later found the Caravan back in it at 38 – 21. The nail in the coffin came after Corley countered a Caravan kicking attempt that failed to find touch.  Lyons then faked a kick and took the ball 40 yards down to the Caravan 20.  Again, safe phases found the Crusaders close to try and Mike Murphy was able to dot down for the score.

Lynch closed out the scoring with his second of the match with a replay of his earlier score when he inserted, and Houston hit him; his pace, power, and purpose proved too much as he went over the tryline.  Rice then closed out the 48-21 win and advanced to the championship game.

_______________________________________

TRIES: Houston, Lynch (2), Oborka, Gannon, Corley, Murphy
CONVERSIONS: Lyons 5 of 7
PENALTIES: Lyons

Mt. Carmel
TRIES 3
CONVERSIONS 3

Filed Under: Articles of Interest, Athletics, Crusader Clips, More Brother Rice Athletics News, Rugby, Rugby Coach's Blog, Rugby News

Brother Rice Manna Program – This Week’s Special: BP 1.5%, Shell 3%, and Speedway 4%

May 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Weekly Special (5/21/12) –  BP 1.5%, Shell 3%, and Speedway 4%

We all know that these days, most of us are struggling to keep up with our tuition payments.  At Brother Rice we are here to help with that any way we can, which leads us to the Manna Program.  You can save on tuition for present day Crusaders as well as future Crusaders.  The good news is, it’s easy to do through the Manna Program, whether you’re buying gas, cosmetics, groceries or even holiday shopping!

Here’s how the Manna program works; you go to www.mannaexpress.net, and download an order form.  You choose from the MANY stores that you already shop at, mark the dollar amount you need for the week, total the amount and turn it in to school….it’s that easy! For example, you know that you are going to spend $100.00 at Jewel this week.  You order $100.00 of Jewel cards and you PAY $100.00, even exchange.  However, your $100.00 that you were going to spend anyway just earned you tuition credit.  Every participating store has offered a percent that they are willing to help with tuition reimbursement.  On the Vendor list you can see that percentage next to each store.  From our example above Jewel offers 5%.  Brother Rice and you split the 5%; 2.5% goes to the school and 2.5% goes towards your tuition reimbursement.  You’ve spent nothing more than your initial $100.00 investment, yet you still gained tuition credit and supported Brother Rice………EVERYBODY WINS!!!

Just by making this a weekly habit, buying cards through the school, your tuition credit percentages can really help to make a difference.

Here’s how you can order your Manna through Brother Rice:

First you must register with either Lisa Zawaski at ljzawaski@aol.com or Katie Elwood at kzawaski@yahoo.com.  What you’ll need to send them is your Name, Address, Phone #, E-mail address.  Once you have done that, they will e-mail back your password so you can access your account.

  1. Download an order form from www.mannagroup.net.  Send an order form with a check made out to Brother Rice by Monday morning.  Pick-ups will be available on Friday mornings.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE:

There are two great advantages to this program .  First, once you are entered into the site as a customer, you can track and see at all times how much money you will be getting towards your tuition credits.

Second, if you still have children in grammar school but know you want your son to attend Brother Rice, your tuition credits will be there for him when the time comes.  You can bank your credits for 2,4,or even 7 plus years down the road!  You will receive tuition credits just like those already enrolled in the school, only yours will be applied once your child enters into the school.  What a great way to prepare for the future!  If your child goes to another high school other than Brother Rice, your manna credits will be considered a donation to the school.

We are planning to start orders on Monday August 22, 2011. You must register before you can place an order.  And remember, tell your family.  Grandma, Grandpa, Aunts, Uncles, family friends all could buy the certificates and give your child the credit!   If you have any questions please contact: Lisa Zawaski at (708)259-5818 or ljzawaski@aol.com Katie Elwood at (708)305-5465 or kzawaski@yahoo.com

Filed Under: Articles of Interest, Crusader Clips, Manna, Parents

Crusader Track Takes 2nd at Sectionals, Sends Four to State

May 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Thursday the Track team competed in the St. Ignatius Sectional at Concordia University.  The Crusaders placed 2nd as a team.  Qualifying for the state meet next weekend at Eastern Illinois University were Sam Jaros who finished 2nd in the Pole Vault, Kevin Jones who was 2nd in the High Jump, Cody Stull who placed 2nd in the Discus, and Marcus Cheatom who was the Discus Champion and 2nd in the Shot Put.

Results

Filed Under: Articles of Interest, Athletics, Coach Waz's Blog, Crusader Clips, More Brother Rice Athletics News

Lacrosse Beats Harlan on Senior Night

May 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Lacrosse team held its Senior Night on Tuesday, May 15, and hosted Harlan Academy.  The Crusaders prevailed 17-1 for a win in their last home game of the 2012 season.  It was also the team’s grade school night, as local students from the surrounding parishes were invited and treated to hot dogs and Brother Rice Lacrosse T-shirts.  The game was never in doubt as the Crusaders offense took the ball straight from the opening face-off and placed it into the Falcons’ net.  The game saw a number of Crusaders earn multiple point performances, most notably Brennan Cira and Quinn Coyle, who each scored 3 goals; Matt Badali scored 2 goals and fed others for 3 assists.

The Crusaders now end the season on the road against Fenwick and find out this weekend who their opponent will be in the first round of the Illinois Lacrosse Cup playoffs.  Fifty-seven players are competing on the team’s varsity, junior varsity, and frosh-soph levels.

Filed Under: Articles of Interest, Athletics, Crusader Clips, Lacrosse, More Brother Rice Athletics News, Students

Rugby Frosh/Soph State Semi-Final at Brother Rice

May 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The FR/SO Rugby State Semi-Finals kicked off Thursday night at Brother Rice as the Crusaders hosted the traveling Predator Rugby Club from St. Charles. Led by a hat trick of tries out of 8-man Luke Mueller and with 2 from Freshman Center Jimmy Opoka, the Crusaders scored early and often in their 8 try 50-19 victory.  The win puts the Crusaders into the state final of the Inaugural FR/SO Illinois State Competition.

Mueller started and ended the try scoring in the first half, and the big #8 showed his athleticism on the second when he would take an 8-man pick off the base of the scrum and outrun the Predator defense 80 yards for the score. Opoka dotted down his first try after a long dashing run by flyhalf Nate Swanberg.  Swanberg then made a beautiful offload to a supporting Mueller who recycled before Opoka crossed in the corner.  Opoka added another moments later, and the onslaught was on.

Freshman Fullback Jack Desmond provided some razzle dazzle after receiving a Predator clearing kick.  The speedy 15 took the kick on the full before putting in a chip and chase of his own, outpacing the Predator defense when he scooped up the loose ball and finished off a great individual try. Freshman Alex Borys, making the switch from the 15 Jersey to the 13, was 3 of 5 on first half conversions which saw Brother Rice take a 3 -0 lead into halftime.

Mike McGinley made sure the team didn’t come out flat and got the Crusaders on the board early in the second half.  Mueller added his third try and Borys converted both for the 45-0 lead. The visiting Predators fought back with two converted tries of their own, and it looked like the Predators had signs of life, 45-14. It appeared that momentum continued with the Predators 5 yards out, but Kyler Ayres came away with the ball and dash 95 yards for the score.  The Cameron Fahey conversion was no good as Brother Rice hit the 50 mark for the third time this season (and once they had 49).

Ayres, McGinley, Swanberg, Andrew Canedo, Charlie McDermott, and Pat Hosty led a strong defensive effort and caused havoc in and around the rucks for the Predators all night long. The Predators attempted a late try to finish out the scoring 50 – 19.

Brother Rice now faces the winner of Friday Night’s Nequa Valley vs. Waubonsie Valley match in the Memorial Day State Final.

———————–

Brother Rice 50 (8 Tries, 5 conversions)

Tries: Mueller (3), Opoka (2), Desmond, McGinley, Ayres

Conversions: Borys 5 of 7, Fahey 0 of 1

 

Predators 19 (3 Tries, 2 conversions)

Filed Under: Athletics, Crusader Clips, More Brother Rice Athletics News, Rugby Coach's Blog, Rugby News, Students

Volleyball Defeats State Champ Sandburg

May 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

In volleyball action at home on Thursday, May 16, the varsity Crusaders defeated defending state champion Sandburg in an exciting 3 game match on Senior Night.  Sophomore Mitch Weiler led all hitters with 10 kills and junior Ryan Paull added 6 kills and 4 solo blocks.  The Crusaders ended the regular season at 23-12 overall.

This weekend, the volleyball team competes in the 2nd Annual Chicagoland Catholic JV Boys Volleyball Championship at Brother Rice.  Play begins Friday, May 18, at 5:00 P.M. through Saturday, May 19 at 11:00 A.M. A complete schedule is posted on the volleyball bulletin board outside of the cafeteria.

The IHSA Regional Volleyball will be hosted by Brother Rice next week and will include the following schools: Blue Island (Eisenhower), Chicago (Brother Rice), Chicago (Fenger), Chicago (Marist), Palos Heights (Shepard).

Play is scheduled as follows:

Monday, May 21 – Brother Rice South Gym

Match 1 at 6:30 P.M.:  (13) Blue Island (Eisenhower) vs. (20) Chicago (Fenger);

Match 2 at 7:30 P.M.:  (12) Palos Heights (Shepard) vs. (21) Bridgeview (Universal)- *Universal has forfeited- there will only be one game on Monday now at 6:30 P.M.

Tuesday, May 22 – Mother McAuley Gym
Match 4 at 4:30 P.M.:  (5) Chicago (Brother Rice) vs. Winner Match 2
Match 3 at 5:30 P.M.:  (4) Chicago (Marist) vs. Winner Match 1

Wednesday, May 23 – Brother Rice South Gym
Match 5 at 7:00 P.M.:   Winner Match 3 vs. Winner Match 4

Filed Under: Articles of Interest, Athletics, Athletics Features, Crusader Clips, Students, Volleyball

Sophomores Participate in Larry Platt Essay Contest

May 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The 11th Annual Larry Platt Essay Contest was held Thursday, May 17, 2012, where 48% of the sophomore class, tying last year’s record high percentage, competed for $17,000 in scholarship prize money.

Larry Platt ’68, who began funding the scholarship in 2002, has been joined by his brother, Bill ’69, in making presentations all day in the sophomore English classes.  According to Alumni Director Jim Casey ’70 and English teachers Tim Daniher ’74, Michelle England, and John Lettiere, these presentations have made a huge difference in inspiring students to give it a shot.

“Larry and Bill are excellent teachers who deliver a compelling message about the need for communicating well in business,” Casey said.

Every sophomore benefitted from the experience of Larry and Bill discussing the family business, RQA Inc., that Larry started with his wife, Mary Ann.  They each touched on different key points about how important it is for students to challenge themselves to present themselves well in writing and speech, while outlining the details of the contest.

Larry and Bill told the members of the Class of 2014 that they were one step ahead of the game by attending Brother Rice, and they will fully realize that when they go to college and when they start looking for a career in six short years. The Platts also conveyed a spiritual message, predicting that students will never know who Christ will place in their paths or who will help them along the way; they should always remember to pay it forward.

Paying it forward is certainly what the Platt family is all about, with their time, treasure, and considerable talent.

Filed Under: Academics, Alumni, Alumni Exclusives (Top), Articles of Interest, Crusader Clips, Students

The Standard: Junior Mike Mayer Awarded Prestigious Internship

May 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The American Cancer Society, which is known as the official sponsor of birthdays, is the largest non-governmental funder of cancer research in the United States. It spends over one hundred million dollars each year trying to find a cure for cancer. One of our very own Crusaders, junior Mike Mayer, has been given the opportunity to work with the American Cancer Society over the summer, giving him a stepping stone for a potential career in the medical field.

Out of hundreds of students that applied, Mike Mayer was one of the select few asked to go downtown to the office of the American Cancer Society for an interview. After a successful interview, Mayer was offered an internship, which is an eight week long program over the summer, in the beginning of June. Eagerly accepting, he will be working with a college professor in a science lab at a university downtown. Mayer will not know which university, professor, and research project he will be assigned to until a date closer to the start of the internship.

Mayer applied because he plans to work in the medical field in either the direction of a doctor or researcher. “This is the perfect opportunity to see if I want to start a career in the medical field,” said Mayer about the internship. Basic scientific knowledge, such as chemistry and physics, is needed for the internship.

Mayer is very excited about his first internship, and it will be a great learning experience. Whether his research project deals with chemistry or physics, Mayer said, “It will be a job worthwhile.”

Filed Under: Articles of Interest, Community, Crusader Clips, Service, Standard Feature, Students, The Standard
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