The Standard | Brother Rice High School

The Standard: Brother Rice College Shirt Day

May 21, 2012 By Kyle Bartolini '13 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

The Standard: Junior Mike Mayer Awarded Prestigious Internship

May 17, 2012 By Nick Pandolfi '13 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

The Standard: Crusader Lacrosse Season Finale

May 14, 2012 By Joe McCarthy '13 Leave a Comment

As the end of the 2012 Brother Rice lacrosse season nears, the Crusaders have a chance to end the season on a high note. The Crusaders will square off against Harlan Academy on Tuesday May 15, at 5:30 P.M. for the final home game of the season and as a farewell for the two seniors of the team. Eighth grade students are invited to the game and will receive a free hot dog and drink along with a free Brother Rice Crusader lacrosse t-shirt.

The Crusader lacrosse program is now wrapping up its second year of existence and the first year as a varsity program. The varsity squad was able to earn the first win of the season with a hard fought victory of Nazareth Academy in the first game. The Crusaders would then fall to their next four opponents before adding the second win of the season against Montini Catholic and the first home win at in Gary Little Stadium in the history of Brother Rice lacrosse. The Crusaders would then not see the win column for the rest of the season, bringing their record to two and nine at this point in the season. The team still looks to finish the season and gain momentum for the play-offs beginning Monday May, 21. With Harlan Academy and Fenwick still remaining on the schedule, the Crusaders look to close out the season strong and send away the two seniors with a win and a play-off push.

In the first year of varsity lacrosse, the Crusaders will be saying good-by to two seniors from the team. Goalie Kevin Mertic and defensive midfielder Greg Ludwig played important roles for the team this season. Each was a defensive standout in his two year career with the Brother Rice lacrosse program. Both joined the team to try something new; goalie Kevin Mertic said, “I started playing lacrosse because it seemed like a fun new sport at Rice.” Mertic volunteered as goalie and has loved playing with the team since. Both Kevin and Greg played defense for the Crusaders, supplying great midfield play from Greg and brick wall saves from Kevin. The coaching staff will have to replace the two with young talent, but the next goalie and defensive midfield have large shoes to fill. The two seniors will be honored before the game against Harlan Academy on Tuesday.

With the season coming to a close, the Crusader varsity lacrosse team will try to end the season on a high note and go far into the play-offs. Both Harlan Academy and Fenwick games promise to be great match-ups and great lacrosse play is expected for the remainder of the season. Play-offs will start next week on Monday, May 21, with a probable opponent of Bartlett. The Crusaders will look to use the great playing from the seniors, make a long push in the post season, and plan to build even more on the platform that the seniors have built.

Filed Under: Athletics, Crusader Clips, Lacrosse, Standard Feature, The Standard

Badke Era Begins: Get Your Hard Hats and Lunch Pails Ready

May 4, 2012 By Cal Kennedy '13 Leave a Comment

It’s official: Brother Rice alumnus and NAIA National Champion Saint Xavier University assistant football coach Brian Badke has become the new head football coach for the Crusaders.

He couldn’t be more ecstatic.

“I’m really, really excited for myself, my family, and to be part of the Brother Rice tradition,” said Badke in an exclusive interview at his home. “This is a dream job for me.”

When the head coaching position first became vacant, the focus of many football players almost immediately shifted towards Coach Badke. Known as the tough-minded, hard-working assistant from Saint Xavier, he is most certainly qualified, as he played and excelled at both football and baseball at the University of St. Francis in Joliet. From a coaching standpoint, he has coached at the little-league level up to the college level, but this will be his first time coaching at the high school level.

Badke’s first move as head coach was an after-school meeting on Thursday, at which he handed out a 45-question sheet to his new players.

“I’m going to know everything about them from their family, to who they are, to who they’re dating,” said Badke, who made it clear that he wants to connect with his players not only on an athletic level, but on a personal level as well. “My goal is to have my players come in as boys and leave as men, and they’re going to be better people because they were in our program.”

Badke will also get to know his players more and more as off-season workouts continue with conditioning beginning next week, and a camp most likely to be scheduled for July. “I’m going to work my butt off for them, and they’re going to work their butt off for me, too,” he stated. “We’re going to put our hard hats on and bring our lunch pails and go to work every day.”

Off the field, from an administrative viewpoint, Coach Badke will join the development office and provide added recruiting help for the school. “I’m going to be at a lot of different events, from the band to the basketball games… it’s important to be a part of that.” In addition, he knows that recruiting responsibility extends far beyond the head football coach, and that all teachers, administrators, and especially students have that responsibility to spread the good news about Brother Rice.

When asked how he will define “success” on the field this year, Coach Badke replied, “To me, if [the players] give me their best effort, and they give it their all… what else can you ask?” He even shouldered much of this burden, saying, “I firmly believe that players win games, coaches lose ‘em… that’s how I’m wired. You’re not going to meet a more competitive guy.”

Concerning how he’ll deal with the inevitable criticism, Badke stated, “That’s what you sign up for as a head coach. As long as our kids are prepared to play, they play hard, and they give it everything they got, that’s all I can ask for. Typically, when you do that, W’s show up on the board.”

Without a doubt, Coach Brian Badke will be a welcome addition around the school and on the field for the Crusaders’ 2012 football season.

“I grew up with the game… It’s really cool to have eleven people all doing the same thing. They all have to be on the same page.”

That page seems to be the first page in Badke’s coaching book. The opening chapter begins in August.

Filed Under: Alumni, Alumni Feature, Articles of Interest, Athletic Standard, Athletics, Athletics Features, Crusader Clips, Football, Opinion, The Standard

The Standard: Class of 2012 Inducted into the Circle of Champions

May 2, 2012 By Kyle Bernaciak '12 Leave a Comment

On Saturday, April 14, Brother Rice High School celebrated the induction of the Class of 2012 at the 2^nd Annual Circle of Champions ceremony, an athletic hall of fame which honors both players and coaches for their athletic success during their time as Crusaders. The Circle of Champions induction ceremony is a way of connecting present Crusaders to legends of Rice’s past, giving them a warm welcome home

The night included a cocktail reception in the north gym where inductees, alumni, staff, and supporters got the chance to mingle with one another and catch up. Guests then took their seats in the south gym for the banquet and presentations. They were welcomed to the event by the President of Brother Rice High School, Dr. Kevin Burns, followed by remarks from Athletic Director Phil Cahill, who shared the importance and the honor behind the Circle of Champions by thanking the inductees for their contributions to the Crusader athletic community.

As dinner came to an end, the inductees were formally introduced into the 2012 Circle of Champions by master of ceremonies Shaun Jacob, member of the Brother Rice Board of Directors and founding member of the Crusader Alumni Athletic Club. Each inductee was honored with a video presentation commemorating his success.

This year’s list of inductees is quite impressive, with athletes and coaches representing a variety of Crusader sports. The twenty gentlemen inducted include James Coleman, Jr. ’74, Jerry Mader ’61, Bob Cummings ’78, Mark Telander ’00, Chris Ulrich ’87, Michael Stritch ’93, Brian Kelly ’90, Ray Crowley ’71, Arthur Bibbs ’73, Pat MacFarlane ’70, Jim Harkness ’90, Jim Stalley ’69, Brother John B. Moore, CFC, Dr. Bob O’Conner ’64, Louis Pasierb ’65, John Walsh ’61, Don Cranley ’64, Lamar Summers ’78, Ed Riska ’71, and Tom Gorman ’85.

The event proved to be a great success; many inductees expressed gratitude for being honored as they enjoyed an evening back at Rice. Dr. Burns said, “I think it is wonderful when we can come together as a school community to honor our fellow Crusaders. The real silver lining of the evening is so many people came back and reconnected with Brother Rice.”

It is apparent that the Circle of Champions will continue on as an annual event that attracts many alumni and proud supporters to return to the halls of Brother Rice. Not only does the event honor inductees, but it also allows all the men that graduated a chance to fondly relive the memories of their Crusader glory days.

Filed Under: Alumni, Athletics, Athletics Features, Brother Rice Exclusives, Crusader Clips, Events, Other Alumni News, Standard Feature, The Standard

The Standard: Rugby Plays for “Hope”

May 2, 2012 By Joe McCarthy '13 Leave a Comment

The annual Hope Hospital charity rugby match took place on April 25 in efforts to raise money for children with cancer. The game played between the Crusaders and the Caravan of Mount Caramel is not only an intense rivralry between the two, but it is also a chance to help fund research for a cure for cancer. All proceeds from the game and sales of wristbands were donated to Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital to help the children currently being treated for this disease.

During the days leading up to the game, some Crusaders visited the children in the hospital. Playing and talking with the children in the hospital before the game inspired some of the players. Junior Sean Martin commented about meeting the kids: “All the players were inspired by these kids, and both teams seemed to play with a sense of pride and determination to win for them.” Once game day had finally arrived, the Crusaders were ready to play a tough game against the rival Caravan. The Crusaders had a perfect record on the line and they knew that this game was going to be a tough match up.

When asked about the importance of this game, Sean Martin said, “Carmel is a big rival for us, so we had to play our hardest to make sure we kept the undefeated season.”

The game drew a large crowd and raised over $3000 from the gate and wristband sales for the cause. The slogan “Help us help them tackle cancer” rang through the stands as both teams took the field for the match. The two teams played well, limiting the amount of tries and having a low scoring affair for most of the match. After hard-fought battles, the Crusaders were able to come out on top and keep the perfect season alive with a 27-10 victory. The big win over the Caravan was not the only victory of the day. The fundraising efforts by the Crusaders made the win that much sweeter the Crusaders.

Scrumhalf Derek McMahon commented about how much this game meant to him: “It was awesome to get to play our neighborhood rivals and raise money for the kids at Hope Hospital. I loved doing it, and I am looking forward to doing it again next year.”

The importance of the game went far past the perfect record; it was for the kids. All the players felt a responsibility to play hard in the game because of the importance the game had for the kids that are affected by cancer. The money raised from the game will help many kids for years to come and the Crusaders will keep playing this game until cancer is finally tackled.

Filed Under: Athletics, Crusader Clips, Events, Rugby, Service, Standard Feature, The Standard

Brother Rice Volleyball Competes in Florida

April 19, 2012 By Colin Broderick '12 Leave a Comment

For the fourth straight season the varsity volleyball team played in an out of state tournament against top high school teams. This year the squad returned to Orlando, Florida for the Spring Sting Tournament at Bishop Moore Catholic High School. The Crusaders were given a number two seed in pool play for the opening matches that took place on April 13.

The Crusaders opened up against Ransom Everglades from Florida, who were the four seed in the pool. Brother Rice defeated the Everglades 25-9, 25-14. Key players from the match included junior outside hitter Andrew Wilkinson with 3 kills, and senior setter Dominic Villarosa with 5 assists. After beating the Ransom Everglades, Brother Rice played Palmetto, who was also from Florida. The team defeated Palmetto 25-16, 25-15. Key players were senior right side hitter Matt Kill with 7 kills, sophomore outside hitter Mitch Weiler with 6 kills, senior setter Dan Dwyer with 20 assists, and senior libero Cody Leahy with 6 digs. The squad went 2-0 overall on the first day and had secured their spot in the gold bracket for the following day. The Crusaders had one game left in pool play left against host team Bishop Moore.

On the morning of April 14 the Crusaders faced off against Bishop Moore for first place in the pool. The team started off well by winning the first game 26-24. But in the second game they feel to the Hornets 25-15 to set up a third game to take it all. In the third game the team lost 15-10 in a hard fought match. Key players against the hornets were senior setter Dan Dwyer, sophomore outside hitter Mitch Weiler, and sophomore middle hitter Kevin Myren. The Crusaders finished pool play at 2-1 overall, and took second in the pool. Their next opponent would be against highly ranked Christopher Columbus who was another Florida team.

In the first game against Columbus, Brother Rice won 25-16. But then in the second game the Crusaders fell 25-22. And then in the third game the Crusaders lost 15-8. Key players were Dan Dwyer, Mitch Weiler, and Matt Kill. After losing the game to Columbus the Crusaders played in the third place game against Bishop Moore. In the first game against Bishop Moore the Crusaders fell 25-14 and 26-24. The team finished 4^th place overall in the tournament and went 2-3 overall. Senior Mario Deprima summed it up best by saying, “We just got to start closing out these good teams that we know we can beat.”

The Crusaders have Catholic League match against St. Ignatius on Thursday April 19. And have their annual Smack Attack tournament this Friday and Saturday all at home. Come out and support the Brother Rice Volleyball team.

Filed Under: Articles of Interest, Athletic Standard, Athletics, Crusader Clips, Students, The Standard, Volleyball

Brother Rice Honors Its Fallen Hero With Prayer Service

April 10, 2012 By Cal Kennedy '13 Leave a Comment

On Monday, April 2, 2012, the Brother Rice community gathered once more for a morning prayer service to remember its fallen hero, Marine Corporal Conner Lowry, Class of 2006 and a candidate on Kairos 87. Though it was, without a doubt, a somber occasion for all who were present, it provided a good opportunity for the people of Brother Rice to reflect on their numerous blessings and the love and care they share with others, especially their families.

Brother Rice President Dr. Kevin Burns began the gathering with a brief welcome to everyone, especially to one of Conner’s best friends, Tim Evans, as well as Conner’s mother, Mrs. Modie Lavin, and Conner’s sister, Grace Lavin. The rest of the event was led by senior peer minister Ian Acosta.

Musically, the men of Brother Rice’s Lyrical Fight Club, coordinated by Mr. Dan Briggs, sang out loud and proud, performing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Were You There?” and “How Great Thou Art.” Especially moving was the flag procession, as peer ministers carried our nation’s colors to the sound of bagpipes, played by renowned bagpipe major Bruce Quintos, formerly of the Chicago Police Department

Before the beginning of prayer, an introductory speech was given by senior Jack Rooney. With a sorrowful tone in his voice, he calmly compared the similarities of this event to the one two years ago given for deceased Army Specialist Jared Stanker, also a 2006 graduate of Brother Rice. By the time Jack finished speaking, it was clear that he and the Brother Rice community hope that we will never have to endure such tragedy again.

Prayer was then begun by Student Council President Marty Kyler, and a scripture reading was read by senior Garret O’Neill. Following the reading, memories and recollections of Conner were given by Principal Jim Antos, who accompanied Conner on his Kairos; Brother Rice graduate Tim Evans, one of Conner’s best friends; and Grace Lavin, Conner’s younger sister. Each remembered Conner from a different perspective, but in the end, they all agreed that he was a true Crusader, a servant of his family and his country, and a dreamer, as described by one of Conner’s favorite sayings, “Live Life Large.”

Following the intercessions, there was a brief but meaningful candle blessing and ceremony involving Conner’s family, which was led by Father Mark Walter. Mrs. Lavin then thanked everyone present for their loving and caring support in what has definitely been a very difficult time for her and the rest of Conner’s family. The entire community then stood and said “An Irish Blessing” for Conner; Mr. Jack Carlson, Conner’s counselor at Rice, then played guitar and sang “America the Beautiful,” concluding what was one of the most emotional and heartrending days for Brother Rice this school year.

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

Tom Hickey `08 is John Carroll’s All Time Hit Leader

April 5, 2012 By Kevin McDonnell '12 Leave a Comment

Tom Hickey, class of 2008, who had a phenomenal three year varsity career at Brother Rice, is continuing his outstanding performance at the collegiate level. Tom recently broke the All- Time Hits record at John Carroll University. The former record was 184 hits and was held by Craig Recko and Jim Wideikis, graduate of Marist High School. Tom currently has 185 hits and looks to extend that number since the season is still young. Tom commented, “I have to give credit to all of my coaches and my family.”

Tom is one of two seniors on the young JCU team this season. The season has thus far been tumultuous for the Blue Streaks, who have just begun their conference match ups. Tom said of the current season, “There have definitely been some growing pains in the early going, but as of late we have played much more complete games, and are starting to gain some momentum.”

After college, Tom plans on working for AlphaBit Trading, a trading firm downtown at the Chicago Board of Trade.

Brother Rice congratulates Tom and wishes him good luck on the rest of his season, as we look forward to watching him continue his success at JCU.

Filed Under: Alumni, Alumni Exclusives (Top), Articles of Interest, Athletic Standard, Athletics, Athletics Features, Baseball News, Crusader Clips, In the News, Spotlights, The Standard

Mike Kennedy `08 Becomes St. Ambrose Basketball Leading Scorer

April 5, 2012 By Joe McCarthy '13 Leave a Comment

Photo Courtesy of St. Ambrose University

Mike Kennedy, a 2008 graduate of Brother Rice originally from Evergreen Park, recently received the honor of becoming an All-American for the second time in his collegiate basketball career. Now a senior at St. Ambrose University, Mike has been a large factor in the success of the Bees. A four-year starter for the program, Mike has set many all time and season leading records in the university’s basketball history, along with leading the team to the NAIA national tournament. Mike has become third all time in career scoring and rebounding for the Bees and is ranked in the top forty points per season chart at St. Ambrose. The hard work that Mike put in his senior year at Brother Rice has paid off with great achievements he was able to attain with his time playing basketball for St. Ambrose. Since then, his work ethic and basketball skills that he learned during his time here at Brother Rice have carried on further into his playing career.

Mike Kennedy started his career at Brother Rice in the fall of 2004. Mike played basketball all four years at Brother Rice but was not considered a stand out player until his senior year in 2008. Coach Pat Richardson commented, saying that he was a good player his freshman through junior year but was not really a stand out. It was not until after his junior season where Mike made the turn around. After meeting with Mike for his junior year meeting, Coach told him that he would have to step up his senior year to become a contributing factor for the 2007-2008 squad. Mike worked hard his senior year, never missing a practice, summer work out, or conditioning season. “Mike was an easy going kind of guy; nothing really bothered him,” Coach said about Mike’s work ethic that season. “He would take responsibility for his actions and worked hard in practice.” Through the hard work and coaching of Coach Richardson, Mike’s senior year was a memorable season for him.

In his senior year, Mike stepped up for the team like Coach Richardson wanted him to do for his final season at Brother Rice. Mike set many single season and all time career records for the Crusaders. Mike lead that year with points (523), free throws (89), and rebounds (328) for the Crusaders; he also set records for number six all time for points in one season and free throws in a single season and number one all time with most rebounds in a single season. Mike was able to grab over 100 offensive rebounds and over 200 defensive rebounds that season, which helped him to achieve 21 double games in his senior season. Mike was also a MVP, All-State players, and All-American player that year from his record setting performances with the Crusaders. Through his efforts, Mike was able to help lead the Crusaders to the regional game that year.

The hard work and record setting trends did not stop when his time at Brother Rice ended. Mike kept that same mentality with him through his four years at St. Ambrose. The hard work also paid off for him there because of the all the records he has set and goals he has achieved over his four years at the University.

Filed Under: Alumni, Alumni Feature, Articles of Interest, Athletic Standard, Athletics, Athletics Features, Basketball, Basketball News, Crusader Clips, In the News, Spotlights, The Standard

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