Christian Brothers Academy -- Syracuse, NY

The Alumni Association and 'To Be the Best' Campaign hosted an expanded homecoming celebration that spanned two days this year. On Friday, September 18th, close to 600 alums, parents, students, and friends gathered at the ‘tent city’ on the newly renovated athletic field to enjoy the traditional tailgate hot dog roast and picnic fair. Soda and rolls were generously provided again this year by Michael Hennigan ’73 of Nichols Supermarket in Liverpool. Wegman’s, Price Chopper, and BJ’s also donated food and paper goods for the larger than usual event.

The tailgate was a huge success thanks to the efforts and support of the following volunteers who helped with set up, cooking, serving, and cleaning up

	Michelle Alletzhauser	Jim Hopkins '71
	Daisy and Mike Bongiovanni '72	Br. Ken Kalinowski
	John Callahan	Judy Killion
	Joanne Corasaniti	Mary Barbara Lovas
	Beth and Randy Crawford	John Marzocchi '77
	Tom Dadey '87	Rich Mosley
	Jim D'Agostino	Beth Owens '98
	Holly Dowd	Ron Pelligra '72
	Jeff Glass	Caroline Reff
	Mark Grenga '74	Dave Scrano'83
	Mark Hettler '73	Julie and Dave Venditti '78

A hungry crowd gathers to enjoy tailgate fare

The crowd was treated to a rousing game of touch football by 15 alums, who tested their cleats and prowess on the gleaming practice field turf. Players in this 2 nd annual football game included: Jim Corapi ’86, Ken Fifield ’88, Chuck Giarrusso ’73, Mark Grenga ’74, Mark Hettler ’73, Lorenzo Jackson ’84, Marc Jones ’86, Steve Locey ’82, Leo Massaro ’91, Paul Mullin ’76, Paul Vavonese ’04, and Jason Venditti ’01. Bob Battaglia ’76, Bob Vavonese ’00 and Mike Vavonese ’76 joined the crowd to cheer on the teams. Much thanks to Mark Hettler, Paul Mullin, and Mike Vavonese for their assistance in planning and coordinating this great event.

Alumni gridiron greats: Kneeling L to R: Jim Corapi ’86, Mark Grenga ’74, Lorenzo Jackson ’84, Paul Mullin ’76.
Standing L to R: Steve Locey ’82, Paul Vavonese ’04, Leo Massaro ’91, Nicholas DiVeronica ’94, Marc Jones ’86, Todd Marshall ’97, Jason Venditti ’01, Mark Hettler ’73, Jay Kianka ’73, Chuck Giarrusso ’73, and Ken Fifield ’88.

Following the alumni football game, an excited crowd of well wishers assembled at the main gate of Alibrandi Stadium for the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the completion of renovations made to the athletic facilities, funded by the campaign. Ed Barno, Jim Breuer ’68, Frank Cappelletti ’53, Andrew Frasier ’10, Alfred Krause, John Marshall ’67, Marissa Mosley ’10, John D. Murphy, Jr. ’77, W. Dennis Owen, AFSC ’44, John Sindoni ’63, and Buddy Wleklinski ’75 participated in the ceremony, wielding scissors and much good cheer, with the official ribbon cutting performed by Principal Brother Joseph Jozwiak, FSC. The CBA Varsity football team then took on Baldwinsville, in a grueling match of grit and spirit.

It’s official!

At halftime, Br. Joseph Jozwiak, To be the Best Campaign volunteers, members of the CBA Lasallian Athletic Hall of Fame, board members, student representatives, and members of the Cappelletti family gathered on the fifty yard line to dedicate the football field to Frank Cappelletti ’53. The dedication was the result of recent significant gifts to the campaign that helped the school exceed its $11 million goal and which recognized Cappelletti’s outstanding career as an athlete and CBA coach. The ceremony included remarks by Brother Joseph and Chairman of the Board, Ed Barno; a blessing of the field performed by Fr. Jim Mathews ’54; and a touching and poignant acceptance speech from Frank Cappelletti.

Frank Cappelletti ’53: athlete, coach, mentor, ‘Brother’

Fr. Jim Mathews ’54 blesses the new field

Immediately following the Varsity game, MVP plaques were awarded to quarterback Tyler Hamblin for his exemplary offensive efforts and to Dan Patane for his strong defensive play. MVP award judges included: Gary Barnaba, Ed Ferrante ’55, Marc Jones ’86, John Marzocchi ’77, Ed Moses ’61, Richard Storto ’67, Frank Vavonese ’67 and Pete Vercillo.

MVP Award ceremony L to R : Pete Vercillo, Ed Ferrante ’55, Frank Vavonese ’67,
Dan Patane ’11, John Marzocchi ’77, Tyler Hamblin ’11, Marc Jones ’86, and Ed Moses ’61

On Saturday, September 19th about a dozen alumni soccer players gathered under a pristine fall sky on the Frank Cappelletti ’53 field for the 1 st annual Alumni Soccer Mania day. After enjoying the CBA girls Varsity and JV soccer games, the players donned their cleats and set out on the pitch for their own match. Joining us for the alumni game were: Andrew Barno '00, Griffin Chase '05, Colin Conroy '04, Ramez Ghaly '01, Amanda Koval '08, Mike McQuatters '97, Kelly Niland '03, Kathleen Niland '06, Cosimo Pagano '02, Joe Papaleo '79, Jon Rachetta '03, Doug Taylor '86, and Dario Vacco '02

Tearing up the pitch for the 1 st annual Alumni Soccer Game were: Front Row kneeling L to R: Joe Papaleo ’79, Jon Rachetta ’03 Standing L to R: Ramez Ghaly ’01, Amanda Koval ’08, Kelly Niland ’03, Kathleen Niland ’06, Doug Taylor ’86, Colin Conroy ’04
Back Row L to R: John Rachetta, Andy Barno ’00, Griffen Chase ’05, Cosimo Pagano ’02, Dario Vacco ’02, and Mike McQuatters ’97

The athletes and their friends and family gathered under the homecoming tent for pizza and wings after the game. Several stayed to watch the boys CBA Varsity and JV games. The Alumni office would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Mike McQuatters and Joe Papaleo who helped with the planning of this first time event and to Buddy Wleklinski for his continued support of alumni sporting events and activities.

Archives: 2008 Homecoming Tailgate

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