Crusader Chronicles Winter 2019

A Publication of the CATHOLIC MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Alumni Community

CRUSADER
CHRONICLES

WINTER 2019

IN this ISSUE

Alumni Class Notes
New Faculty & Staff Profiles

2018 CMH Athletic
Hall of Fame

Alumni Profile:
Allison Balke

Nelson ’00

UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE COVER: Many CMH alumni
FEBRUARY 23, 2019 attended the D3 State Championship
Class of 2008 10TH Reunion football game at Camp Randall in
Milwaukee Ale House, Milwaukee Madison on Nov. 16, 2018 where
MARCH 2, 2019 the CMH Crusaders won 37-24
38TH Annual Crusader Auction against West De Pere High School
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha in a comeback worthy of the history
MAY 10, 2019 books. The night before the game,
Celebrating Lives of Service Mass & Luncheon alumni gathered at the Nitty Gritty in
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha Madison to celebrate.
MAY 26, 2019 Back row L to R: Nico Marchan ’18,
Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement Broc Kocour ’11, Derek Krismer ’18,
Catholic Memorial High School, Waukesha and Andrew Doyle ’18
JUNE 10, 2019 Front row L to R: Josie Schrubbe ’18
31ST Annual Crusader Golf Outing and Erin Sullivan ’17
The Legend at Bristlecone, Hartland
JUNE 22, 2019
Class of 1969 50TH Reunion
CMH & Café Esperanza, Waukesha
NOVEMBER 13, 2019
Legacy Alumni Awards Dinner

CATHOLICMEMORIAL.NET/PAGE/ALUMNI/EVENTS

REUNIONS 1 2
4
1 • The Class of 1958 celebrated its 3 5
60th reunion in September with a CLASSES ENDING IN 4 & 9...
tour of CMH and reunion at Delafield THIS IS YOUR YEAR!
Brewhaus. Reunion Planning
2 • The Class of 1967 held its biannual Materials Available at:
Day of Discussion at CMH in July. CATHOLICMEMORIAL.NET/PAGE/
3 • The Class of 1978 got together for ALUMNI/REUNIONS
its 40th Reunion with a CMH tour and
cookout at Jim Young’s home.
4 • Class of 1983 met to celebrate its
35th reunion in November. It started
with a tour of CMH and enjoyed an
evening at Thunder Bay Grille.
5 • The most recent members of the
CMH Alumni family, the Class of 2018,
reunited for the first time at Reunion
Zero on August 1st.

2

2018-2019 CMH BOARD OF DIRECTORS A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
What an exciting time to be a Crusader and Crusader Alumni! The excitement
Michael Grubich, Chair can really be felt here at CMH! From celebrating our championship teams to
Ann Marie Wick ’88, Immediate Past Chair planning for the continued growth of our beloved school, CMH is filled with
Mark Mirsberger, Treasurer excitement that is felt the minute you step on campus.
Kelly Cleary-Rebholz, Secretary First semester gave us much to celebrate! Our varsity football team took
Rev. Mark Brandl home the State Championship in November after an epic comeback at
Larry Brown Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. We were also awarded the Classic 8
Patrick Dragani Conference Sportsmanship Award for football. We celebrated students in
Marcy Hinkes Dunlap ’76 the drama department who made us proud with their amazing One Act
Carlos Garces performance in the 2018 State Theatre Festival in La Crosse. Additionally,
William Henk CMH was recognized with a STEMMY Award for the annual STEM Challenge
Very Rev. Dan Janasik ’97 event we host each year for elementary school students! While we share
Glenn Kormanik the excitement of student successes on the field/court and stage we are so
John Paul Marchan ’98 proud of the annual Crusader Day of Service, this year supporting 31
Susan Nelson, Archdiocesan Representative charities (including 14 student-led projects!) with 1,500 hours of service in
Eric Oechsner one day once again bringing our motto – Caritas in Omnibus – to life.
Shawn Reilly ’79 As alumni of this extraordinary institution, you are aware that these are the
Christopher Rosecky ’88 things that differentiate Catholic Memorial from other schools. Our
Mark Tomchek ’89 exemplary academic programs compel students to elevate themselves
Marlo Vasquez intellectually. Our championship-level athletics, award-winning theatre
Rev. Tony Zimmer program, and various extracurriculars drive students to perform at their
very best. We inspire and educate in faith.
2018-2019 ADMINISTRATION As we begin the new year, I thought it timely to provide you a status update
on a couple key initiatives and projects in the works to ensure Catholic
Donna Bembenek, President Memorial continues to grow and flourish, so all students can rise to their
Laura Anderson, Principal God-given potential.
Steve Plechaty ’74, Dean of Students In this issue of Crusader Chronicles, you will see various examples of how
Dawn Keller, Director of Finance the Catholic Memorial community continues to rise. From alumni who use
their Catholic Memorial experience to make significant contributions in
and Business Administration the community to engaging new faces who are committed to moving our
Lori Holly, Director of Advancement students and school forward, the Memorial Way is evident in all that we do.
Julie Lindahl ’91, Admissions Manager Thank you for your contributions of time, talent and financial resources to
Matt Bergan ’02, Director of Athletics our community. Know that you have an open invitation to visit, and please
Claire Hoffmeyer, Director of Campus Ministry keep in touch. We always enjoy hearing from you.
Fr. John Gibson, Chaplain Peace and Blessings to all!
Our Lady of Memorial, pray for us!
Contact the Advancement Office to help stop duplicate
and undeliverable mail by updating your address. Your Donna Bembenek
help is appreciated. President

For information about making a donation, setting up
a scholarship, sponsoring an event or attending an
upcoming alumni event, please contact the
Advancement Office at 262-542-7102.

601 E College Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186 | 262-542-7102 3
www.catholicmemorial.net | [email protected]

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

ACCOMPLISHMENTS Bryon Riesch ’97 and the Bryon Riesch “Making Faces” – which has been extended
Isaac Barta ’18 completed Plebe Paralysis Foundation hosted the 9th Annual through March 2019 – is a retrospective of
Summer at the U.S. Naval Academy. Bryon’s Run/Walk/Roll To Cure Paralysis on Oct. drawings and paintings featuring caricatures of
Plebe Summer is a required 7 at Carroll University. The historical and contemporary notables.
seven-week training program for all event raised $63,000 in Christine Wall Laurent ’76 successfully
incoming students at the USNA, support of the Foundation, defended her dissertation in January 2018,
involving rigorous physical and which strives to find a cure earning a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of
mental training. for paralysis through funding Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Dr. Laurent is an Associate
Autumn Bergemann ’18 helped lead the the latest in medical Professor of Nursing at Marian University.
Trinity Christian College women’s soccer team research and to assist those
to a National Christian College Athletic who suffer from neurological WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS
Association (NCCAA) D1 National Championship disorders. Matt Hubley ’13 & Haley Doro ’14
on December 1, 2018. Bergemann scored a goal Elizabeth Hamilton Dufek ’96 became a Married Nov. 18, 2018
during the team’s shootout against Oklahoma published children’s author with the release of Sarah MacGregor ’13 & Preston Hall
Wesleyan University. her book, The Traveling Dress. It was released Engaged Aug. 3, 2018
Madeline Walz ’17 released her book, Adore: A through Amazon and Barnes & Noble in Oct. Ali Mueller ’12 & Drew Karczewski ’12
Poetry Collection, through Amazon in Dec. 2018. 2018. Married on Aug. 12, 2018
Joe Lange ’16 was inducted into the Wisconsin Sarah Kobach Hughen ’96 is the co-founder of
High School Theatre Hall of Fame in Nov. 2018, Foster the Earth, a non-profit organization Alumni standing up in the wedding included Marissa Nennig ’12,
in honor of his multiple-year Outstanding Acting dedicated to helping vulnerable children and Gabrielle Houk ’12, Jen Waupoose ’12, Miranda Stenstrup ’12,
awards. young adults in the Foster Care system Lauren Mueller ’12, Meghan Mueller ’15, Leah Croal ’13, Rob ’06,
Aaron Siehr ’15 has been admitted to St. reconnect with their curiosity and wonders Peter ’11, and Ben ’15 Karzcewski, Jack Croal ’17, and usher
Francis de Sales Seminary, where he will begin through exposure to the great outdoors. Mike Croal ’79. Pictured are CMH alumni from 1979–2017;
studying for the priesthood in Fall 2019. Aaron is Through their proud footsteps, dedication, alumni from 1976–2017 were present at the wedding.
a member of St. Dominic Parish in Brookfield, perseverance and resiliency, youth learn a
and is currently a senior at the University of deeper respect for themselves and mother Andrew Cobb ’11 & Tess Hejna
Wisconsin-Madison. nature and learn skills they can carry with them Married Sept. 8, 2018
Mitchell Matyas ’14 joined the national tour of throughout life. Elizabeth Eitel ’10 & Brian Miller
Kinky Boots in Jan. 2019. Mitchell is a graduate Katie Conley ’91 was promoted to Senior Vice Married Nov. 3, 2018
from Marymount Manhattan College. President, Customer Success at Zywave, Inc. in Roberto Fernandez ’10 & Rebecca Norgood ’12
Taylor Braun ’08 recently accepted a new Milwaukee. Married July 7, 2018
position at Chapman University in Orange, CA. Michael Gotzler ’89 has joined Littler Daniel Feurer ’10 & Meghan Callaghan
He will serve as the Film Festival Specialist at Mendelson P.C. as Special Counsel and will Engaged Jan. 18, 2019
the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Taylor open the firm’s first office in Madison. Littler is
will be helping both undergraduate and the largest global employment and labor law
graduate filmmakers by creating festival practice, with more than 1,500 attorneys in over
strategies for their thesis films to get them out 80 offices worldwide.
on the circuit. Taylor currently resides in Long John Kascht ’79 lectured on his exhibit,
Beach, CA. “Making Faces,” at the
Bridget Smith ’03 began attending Marquette Waukesha County Museum
University Law School in Fall 2018. on Oct. 27. In attendance
were Kascht’s 1979
classmates Laura Dable,
Sue (Biwer) Wall, and Cindi
Wright-Kau (right).

’08DAN POLASKI Whenever you graduated, and regardless of where your path Catholic Memorial has a proud history and promising future, and
took you in the years since high school, you are an important part it is all because of the engagement, support, and legacy of alumni
Alumni Relations of the Catholic Memorial family and we want to ensure you stay like you!
Coordinator connected. My name is Dan Polaski, and I am the Alumni There are so many exciting things happening at CMH! If you have
Relations Coordinator at Catholic Memorial. not visited recently, I encourage you to stop in soon. You have an
As a 2008 graduate of Catholic Memorial, I know how much I open invitation. I would love to give you a tour of our modern
value the connections I’ve made through CMH. It is my goal to Innovation Wing or the beautiful Our Lady of Memorial Chapel. Of
bring all CMH alumni together into a powerful network of course, you are always welcome to worship with the Catholic
professionals who not only reminisce at reunions, but who Memorial community at our weekly Chapel Masses or across the
support each other personally and professionally. valley at one of our monthly all-school Masses at St. Mary’s.

4 SHARE YOUR NEWS & IDEAS, UPDATE YOUR INFO, SCHEDULE A TOUR • [email protected] 262-290-4608

IN MEMORIAM

July 2018 - January 2019 Jill Cardenas Otto ’99, sister of Jeffrey Cardenas ’97
We prayerfully remember all those in the Catholic
Memorial community who have passed away. Thomas Peterson, grandfather of Nicholas ’16 &
Jerry Bambery, grandfather of Megan ’09, Patrick ’12, Zachary ’19 Scharrer
and Michael ’17 McNulty
WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS Joseph Blanco, former CMH teacher & coach Donald “Don” Pionek, father of Jeff ’81 & Randy ’84
CONTINUED Christopher Bogenski, brother of Steven Bogenski ’85 North and Kyle ’92 & Scott ’97 Pionek; grandfather of
Michael Kelnhofer ’09 & Chelsea Bullis Margaret “Peg” Dahms, former CMH employee; Cassie ’08, Drew ’11, Chandler ’14, & Tori ’16 North
Married Oct. 20, 2018 mother of Stephen ’89 & Mark ’92 Dahms; mother-in-
Bridget Koshick ’08 & Christopher Geary ’09 law of Dale Crites ’75 & Theresa Adee Dahms ’79 Sister Mary Beth Prinz, former CMH teacher
Married Sept. 29, 2018 Madonna “Donna” Dalbroux, grandmother of Ben ’18
Devon Kristiansen ’08 & Collin Calvert and Alyssa ’21 Nimz Thomas J. Rademan ’67, brother of Alan ’68, Bruce ’71,
Married Aug. 18, 2018 Nathan Denk, brother of Trent Denk ’95; son of former & David ’71 Rademan
Adam Puzach ’08 & Jessica Senglaub ’06 CMH teacher Randy Denk
Married Sept. 8, 2018 Janet LaBranche Douglas ’62 Christine Radke, mother-in-law of Jennifer Poshek
Jennifer Gerschke ’06 & Kristopher Sharpe John “Jack” Dowe ’71, brother of Jeanne Dowe Smith Ogren ’89; grandmother of Madeline ’15 & Michael
Married Nov. 10, 2018 ’77; brother-in-law of Mark Smith ’72 Ogren ’18
Trevor Norgal ’06 & Dana Marble Wayne A. Fillinger Sr., father of Wayne Jr. ’90 and
Married Dec. 8, 2018 Warren ’91 Fillinger Alvin “Bobby” Rohde, grandfather of Shannon Richter
Jason Ganos ’04 & Lauren Musni ’03 Mona Garcia, grandmother of Erik ’11 & Jacob ’14 Drwila ’00 & Andria Rohde ’16
Married Oct. 21, 2018 Joann “JoJo” Henry, mother-in-law of Erin Smith,
Heidi Barrette ’03 & Tom Easter CMH faculty member Rosalie Schober, grandmother of Katie ’08 & Emily ’10
Married Nov. 17, 2018 Harvey Hohl, father-in-law of Beth Dorff Hohl ’79 Schober
Mark Kalawa, grandfather of Calvin ’19 and Samuel ’21
NEW ARRIVALS Kalawa; uncle of Jody Kalawa Jackson ’97 & Jill Kalawa Dr. John “Jack” Schoenecker, father of John ’66 &
Eric ’08 & Lindsay Magliocco Rybold ’08 ’00 Dave ’67 Schoenecker
welcomed daughter, Megan, on Jan. 20, 2019.
Dayton ’08 & Natalie Walsh Young ’08 Tekla Marie Keyser, mother of the late Charlie ’62, Elaine Schreiber, mother of Dan Schreiber ’62;
welcomed son, Cooper Terrance, on Dec. 14, 2018. Mary Sue Franson ’64, & Henry ’67; mother-in-law of mother-in-law of Kathy Mlynarek Schreiber ’66;
Megan Lichterman Rasmussen ’07 Sandi Streit Keyser ’62 grandmother of Jenna Schreiber-Greene ’90 & Brian
& her husband, Peter, welcomed daughter, Ronald King, father of Tyler King ’15 Schreiber ’93; grandmother-in-law of Jennifer
Emilia Rose, on Oct. 29, 2018. Mark Knuth ’82 Cunningham Schreiber ’97
Maggie Thoreson Sudimack ’07 James Kuranz ’68, brother of Joseph Kuranz ’62 &
& her husband Joseph welcomed daughter, Janice Kuranz Pexton ’65 David Schulz ’76
Vivian Elizabeth, on Aug. 29, 2018. Joseph P. Lawler ’01
Daniel ’97 & Stephanie Riesch-Knapp ’01 Tobin Marek ’80, brother of Thomas Marek ’77 & Terri Gail Schulz, mother of Kristin Schulz Giese ’92 & Mark
welcomed daughter, Kelsey Elizabeth, on Marek Harenda ’78; brother-in-law of Maureen Carrol Schulz ’94
Sept. 13, 2018. Marek ’78; uncle of Ryan ’05 & Sean ’07 Marek
Joseph Milazzo ’01 & his wife, Carey, Douglas R. Maschin ’68 Elroy Schweitzer ’56
welcomed daughter, Natalie Belle, Edward McCarthy, grandfather of Nolan ’13, Michaela
on Oct. 10, 2018. ’14, Tara ’15, & Maura ’17 Hoffmann; father-in law of Neil A. Sheaffer, former CMH teacher
John Muchka ’01 & his wife, Lindsey, Mike Hoffmann, CMH Boys Lacrosse coach
welcomed son, Luke Patrick, on Sept. 4, 2018. Barry McNulty, father of Megan ’09, Patrick ’12, and Conrad “Connie” Slowinski, father of Chris Slowinski
Jill Wilson Medina ’97 & her husband, Michael ’17 McNulty ’79, Cheree Slowinski Vohs ’81, Colleen Slowinski
Humberto, welcomed son Mateo on Sept. 8, 2018. Josephine “Josie” Meola, mother of Joseph Meola ’88 Czerwinski ’82, Cathy Slowinski ’85, & Callie Slowinski
Mateo joins big sisters Aeleesa ’16 & Zeyra ’19 Richard Douglas “Doug” Milford Sr., grandfather of Reuteman ’88; father-in-law of Paul Reuteman ’87
Medina. Claire Hoffmeyer, CMH Director of Campus Ministry
Johannetta Millot, grandmother of Alexandra ’12, Eleanor Mary Staab, mother of Anne Staab, CMH
Samuel ’15, & Isaac ’18 Gromacki and Theodore ’12 & faculty member
Andrew ’16 Rindahl; mother-in-law of Fred Gromacki
’80 John “Hans” Stoehr, father of Kyle Stoehr ’92;
Maria Ocampo, mother of Zulema Ocampo Hauer ’86, grandfather of Owen Stoehr ’20
Judy Ocampo Uribe ’87, Miguel Ocampo ’89, Dolores
Ocampo Brown ’95, & Dimas Ocampo ’97; grandmother Donald Sydow, father of Kyle Stoehr ’92; grandfather of
of Marco-Antonio Uribe ’19 & Miguel-Angel Uribe ’22 Owen Stoehr ’20

Denotes memorials donated to CMH per family’s request. Aurora Tallinger ’83, sister of Robert ’77 & Ronald ’79;
aunt of Robert ’06, Ronald ’06, Timothy ’10, & Victoria ’12
Tallinger, Jessica Tallinger Kuss ’03, & Jamie Gaeth ’03

Janet “Jan” Tallinger, mother of Robert ’77, Ronald
’79, & Aurora ’83 Tallinger; grandmother of Robert ’06,
Ronald ’06, Timothy ’10, & Victoria ’12 Tallinger, Jessica
Tallinger Kuss ’03, & Jamie Gaeth ’03

James Toby, father of Mark Toby ’81 & Susan Toby
Schwartz ’85; grandfather of Bryan ’07, Kevan ’10, and
Andrew ’14; father-in-law of Michele Lyskawa Toby ’83

Kathleen Weber ’60, sister of James ’61 & David ’65
Knoebel; sister-in-law of Joanne Betker Knoebel ’61

Danielle Sommer Weston ’08

Dolores Zielinski, mother of Jodi Zielinski Swiderek ’71
& Gary Zielinski ’72

Please notify CMH of the death of any alumni by 5
emailing [email protected].
We apologize for any errors or omissions that
occur in this In Memoriam section.

Ask any CMH alumnus what made their time at CMH
memorable and they will undoubtedly tell you it was
the teachers. As this group of freshmen teachers begin
their second semester, they reflect on why they chose
Catholic Memorial High School.

MEET OUR NEW FACULTY

ELSA APARNIEKS ’13 MATH

“What drew me back to CMH was the community. CMH is like family to me. The same
teachers that were mentors to me in high school are mentors to me again in my
professional career. I’m hoping to help my students rise to the next level by showing
them that math is not a subject that they automatically have to say they don’t like. Math
is fun and exciting and interactive, and all my students have the capabilities to excel and
do well in my class and learn that math is not something to be afraid of.”

DAN BURAU ART

“I recently relocated to Wisconsin and am very excited to teach art at Catholic Memorial.
As a former Catholic school student, I recognize the value of Catholic education. The
students and staff at CMH are extraordinary. Students will rise to meet challenges
through art exploration and creation in my photography, design, ceramics, and painting
classes. I am eager to help my students grow as artists and thrilled to be a part of this
great Catholic Memorial community!”

ANGELA FLANAGAN ACADEMIC RESOURCE SPECIALIST

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to be working at Catholic Memorial and being
more than a parent in this community. (I am the proud mom of Brian ’19, Logan ’21, &
Ethan ’22.) I am most excited about being back in a school setting, especially in a Catholic
school where students and staff can share their faith and support one another on this
journey. I am enjoying being with students every day and working with them to increase
their academic success.”

JACOB SUDBRINK CHORAL MUSIC

“After working on the musical last season, I realized how much of a family CMH is. The
students welcomed me without reservation, and the staff did the same. When I found
out that there was an opening in the music department, I knew I had to take that
opportunity and apply. I have had a wonderful time as part of the Catholic Memorial
family, and I look forward to all the places we will go as a school.”

SABRINA ROLLI ENGLISH

“I feel so privileged to be working for such a respected high school. This year I will be
teaching Creative Writing, World Literature, Shakespeare, and Literature 2, and I’m
already excited and encouraged by how our classes have been filled with insightful
discussions, collaborative writing, and a rich variety of texts. The depth of our students
continues to amaze me. I’m so excited to continue to meet more of the Catholic Memorial
family as the year continues!”
6

Ms. Hoffmeyer addressing students before a Mass in
the new Our Lady of Memorial Chapel. Chapel Masses
are held three times a week and attended by CMH
students. Mass intentions are said for those in the
CMH community who have passed away.
Our Lady of Memorial, pray for us.

“We’re doing God’s work simultaneously.”

STAFF PROFILE CLAIRE HOFFMEYER

Each day, CMH students learn and grow in their faith Hoffmeyer acknowledges that high
so they can face life with the strength and confidence school is a very impressionable time for
to serve as disciples and become leaders who serve young adults, and meaningful
the Church and the world. Leading them in the involvement in these organizations and
formation of their spiritual practices is Campus opportunities has a significant impact
Minister, Claire Hoffmeyer. on their self-awareness and faith
After 10 years as a parish youth minister, Claire was formation. The more you explore in
ready for a change. Steadfast in her faith, Claire’s high school, she says, the easier it will
prayers led her to Catholic Memorial. Since she arrived be for students to discern God’s call for
in July, Hoffmeyer has been enjoying the opportunity to their life.
develop relationships with students, faculty and staff. “Catholic Memorial is a very safe,
“What Catholic Memorial does well for students is secure, and stable place for students to
provide a moral compass, and there are opportunities explore those habits, and to fail, and to
at all levels that cultivate that moral compass in every get back up. There’s always someone to
student. It’s in the classroom, it’s on the athletic lend a hand and pull them back up on
teams, it’s in the theatre programming, it’s in the their feet, whether that be a fellow
Learning Commons,” reflects Hoffmeyer. “That’s what student, a faculty member, someone
makes me really proud to be here. As Campus Minister, on staff, a coach, or a parent. This
I’m aligned with many other professionals and we’re community is a family.”
doing God’s work simultaneously. That is a huge
stronghold. Not every Catholic institution can say
that, but Catholic Memorial can.”
In her first year as Campus Minister, Hoffmeyer is
discovering ways to take Catholic Memorial’s retreat
programs to another level. “I want to focus on
interaction and engagement, giving students an
opportunity to learn about the legacy of Catholic
Memorial and explore how they are living memorials,
and are charged to be living memorials for life,” she says.

L to R: Matt Cunningham ’19, Lily Brunclik ’20, 7
Angela Ripple ’20, Ms. Hoffmeyer, Ryan Matoska ’20,

Tyler McMahon ’19, and Matt Schultz ’19

The Hall of Fame Class of 2018 was inducted on Friday, September 28.
The nine inductees were introduced to the student body at the annual
Homecoming Pep Rally, then were joined by friends and family for an
awards luncheon. Inductees were also recognized during the Catholic
Memorial Homecoming football game at Carroll University.

Congratulations to the newest members of this elite group!
The Catholic Memorial Athletic Hall of Fame was founded to honor
outstanding athletes, coaches, managers, and other individuals who have

made contributions to the winning tradition of the CMH Crusaders.

CHRIS ANDACHT DAVID PITSCH ’67
CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK COACH FORMER ATHLETE, POSTHUMOUS

Since 1982, Chris Andacht’s influence on As a student from 1963-1967, David Pitsch
Catholic Memorial and tireless leadership was the star and undisputed leader of a
of the successful girls’ cross country and basketball team that was consistently
track programs are unparalleled. His ranked in the top 10 in Wisconsin. He led
lessons on focus, commitment and hard the conference in scoring in 1967, while
work transcend the sport. A member of also being named to the All-Conference
the Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches team the same year. David lettered in
Association Hall of Fame, Andacht has baseball all four years, football his
been the coach of eight State Champion Track Teams & sophomore and junior seasons, and cross country his
seven State Champion Cross Country Teams, and his over senior year. According to friends, David won every athletic
150 State Champion athletes have broken more than 10 honor Catholic Memorial awarded at that time, including
State Meet records. Andacht currently serves as a part- the prestigious Fr. Smith Senior Athlete of the Year Award
time faculty member at Catholic Memorial, as well as the in 1967. David passed away in April 2016. David’s wife,
director of the fall one-act and winter musical. Starr, accepted the award on his behalf.

STEPHEN PLECHATY ’74 THERESA LEFEBVRE
GOLF/BASEBALL/BASKETBALL WORRALL ’86
COACH FORMER ATHLETE

Stephen Plechaty is not only a winning Considered one of Catholic Memorial’s
coach, but one who teaches his players “first absolutely phenomenal female
character, sportsmanship, work ethic and athletes,” Theresa Lefebvre Worrall was a
teamwork. As a Catholic Memorial student member of the girls’ cross country, track
from 1970-1974, Plechaty lettered six and cross country ski teams between
times in four sports – baseball, basketball, 1982-1986. Lettering in both track and
cross country and tennis. He joined the cross country all four years, Theresa
faculty in 1978 and currently serves as the Dean of served as captain of both teams her junior and senior
Students. During his tenure, he has served as head coach years. She was also named MVP of the track team her
of the boys’ JV basketball team, assistant coach of the sophomore year and of the cross country team her junior
boys’ varsity basketball team and head coach of the boys’ and senior years. In addition to multiple All-Conference
varsity baseball team. Plechaty currently coaches boys’ selections, she earned All-State honors in cross country in
and girls’ golf. Plechaty is a five-time All-State Coach of 1983. Off the field, Theresa’s accomplishments were
the Year and seven-time All-Area Coach of the Year and equally impressive. She was valedictorian of the Class of
has led his teams to seven golf State Championships. 1986 and earned that year’s David Frischmann Award for
Service to School, Community and Church.

8

MARK BIEBEL ’87 KAREN SCHERWINSKI EVANS ’93
FORMER ATHLETE FORMER ATHLETE
From 1989-1993, Karen Scherwinski Evans
As a three-sport athlete – soccer, baseball proved herself a track and cross country
and basketball – Mark Biebel earned superstar. Evans was a member of the cross
multiple letters between 1983-1987, and country team that won four consecutive
played on both the state soccer (1983) and State Championships, serving as captain her
basketball (1987) championship teams. senior year. In track, she was named the
Biebel was named All-Conference in soccer Metro Conference MVP as a freshman and
from 1984-1986 and All-State in soccer in State Meet MVP as a junior, and was a
1986. Notably, he held the title of leading member of the 1993 State Championship team. In addition
scorer for the first 30 years of the Catholic Memorial boys’ to serving as captain of the track team her junior and senior
soccer program. After graduating from Catholic Memorial, years, Evans won multiple State Championships in the 100-,
Biebel played Division I soccer at UW-Milwaukee. 200- and 400-meter dash, and set both state and Catholic
Memorial records in all three of those events.
PETER FOX ’92
FORMER ATHLETE GREG GAMALSKI
DR. PAUL S. FOX
Peter Fox participated in football, SERVICE TO MEMORIAL AWARD
basketball, baseball and track, earning a
total of nine letters between 1988-1992. In Greg Gamalski originally joined Catholic
1991, he was named the Area Player of the Memorial in 1974 as a teacher in the Social
Year in football by both the Waukesha Studies Department, while also coaching
Freeman and Milwaukee Sentinel. That football, track and baseball. He later taught
same year, he earned multiple All-Metro, physical education classes, then served as
All-Area and All-State honors. A scholar as Athletic Director from 1979-2017. During that
well as an athlete, Fox maintained a 4.2 grade point period, Catholic Memorial greatly expanded
average at Catholic Memorial and was the recipient of the its athletic offerings to include boys’ and girls’ soccer, boys’
1992 Fr. Smith Senior Athlete of the Year Award. In 2000, volleyball, boys’ and girls’ hockey, lacrosse, co-ed scholastic
Fox was named to the Waukesha Freeman’s All-Millennium clays, girls’ rugby, downhill skiing and fencing. An advocate
football team. of every sport, and a firm believer in treating each athlete
fairly and with respect, these programs experienced
JAMIE VANDERVELDT ’92 tremendous success under his leadership, earning a
FORMER ATHLETE combined 91 State Championships and a National
Championship in girls’ soccer in 2000. Greg retired from
Jamie Vanderveldt was named to the Catholic Memorial High School in 2017 after 43 years of
varsity football team as a sophomore and service.
helped lead his squad to three straight
appearances in the State Championship As an alumni parent, Greg’s support of Catholic Memorial is
game, winning in 1989. He was named All- steadfast. Greg and his wife, Judy, are the proud parents of
Conference in 1990 and 1991 and All-State alumnae Lori ’97, Lisa ’00 and Krissy ’02.
in 1991. During his time at Catholic
Memorial, Jamie also ran track and played
basketball, earning letters in both sports and
winning championships in discus (1990 and 1991)
and shotput (1991). After graduating from Catholic
Memorial, Vanderveldt had a stellar career as an
offensive lineman for the Wisconsin Badgers and
played for the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay
Buccaneers from 1997-1999.

CMH Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2018 Inductees at the induction
ceremony on Sept. 28, 2018. L to R: Gamalski, Plechaty, Fox, Starr

Pitsch (wife of David), Evans, Andacht, Worrall, Biebel and Vanderveldt.

ALUMNI PROFILE
ALLISON BALKE NELSON ’00

CMH HELPS YOU FIND YOUR NICHE

Allison Balke Nelson ’00 credits her years at Catholic Catholic high school. “Memorial just stuck out,”
Memorial High School with helping her to not only Nelson says of her decision to attend CMH. “You could
find her calling, but with helping her develop the skills feel the sense of community coming through just by
necessary to balance the demands of marriage, attending Open House. I felt I would be very well
parenthood and a successful career as a physician and supported and prepared to pursue a career in
a woman of faith. medicine.”

“Balancing different aspects of your life, career, and Nelson went on to earn degrees in biochemistry and
family life are skills that you take forward with you genetics at the University of Wisconsin. She later
forever.” – Allison Nelson earned her medical degree from the Medical College
of Wisconsin (2009.) In August 2013, she returned to
Waukesha, joining the team at Moreland OB-GYN
“Balancing different aspects of your life, career, and Associates, where she continues to practice today. She
family life are skills that you take forward with you lives in Delafield with her husband, Adam, and their
forever,” Nelson said. “You don’t think about that children Claire (4) and Jacob (2).
when you’re a teenager, but once you’re in your 30s
and you look back, you realize CMH was where you
started to learn how to prioritize and balance.”

While at CMH, Nelson excelled in the classroom as well
as on the soccer field and the basketball court. A four-
year varsity soccer player and a three-year varsity
basketball player, she was also named an Academic
All-American for soccer her senior year. It was a
demanding schedule, but one that helped her define
her path, she said. “Involvement certainly helps you
carve out your niche (and) helps you find your
identity,” she says.

The oldest of three siblings, Nelson grew up in New
Berlin and attended Holy Apostles Grade School and
knew she wanted to continue her education at a

WE WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY!
Are you interested? Do you know someone we should feature?
10 Contact Dan Polaski • [email protected] • 262-290-4608

38TH ANNUAL DINNER AUCTION LEGACY DINNER 2019

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019 CELEBRATING ALUMNI WHO EXEMPLIFY AND SUSTAIN THE CMH MISSION
Registration: $125/person
Young Alumni Price: $80/person SAVE THE DATE!
(30-years-old & younger)
Details, Register, Sponsor & Donate: Wednesday,
CatholicMemorial.net November 13, 2019
Register by Feb. 22, 2019
4:00 p.m. Rosary in the Our Lady of Memorial Chapel Any member or friend of the CMH community
4:30 p.m. Mass in the Our Lady of Memorial Chapel may submit a nomination for the 2019 Alumni
5:00-7:00 p.m. Silent Auction, Cocktails & Hor D’oeuvres and Memorial awards to be presented at the
7:00 p.m. Dinner, Live Auction, Music & Dancing biennial Legacy Dinner. Nominations due by
May 31, 2019.
Attire E1nc9o4ur0asged!
Alumni Professional Achievement Award
If you’ve never attended the Crusader
Auction before, this is the year to attend! (CMH graduate prior to 2004)
We are looking for representatives from every Alumnus/a has reached a level of excellence in his/her career,
class to come home for the “Crusader Canteen” including professional achievement, distinguished leadership
to celebrate the wonderful legacy that is CMH and service to the profession and wider community and exem-
and honor the 29 brave young men for whom plifies living the Catholic Memorial mission in his/her personal
and professional life.
we are a living memorial.
Consider serving as a CLASS CHAMPION to Alumni Caritas Award
help us reach as many CMH alumni as possible.
There will be an exciting surprise at the Auction (for exemplary service to CMH and the community)
for the class with the highest participation— Alumnus/a has demonstrated outstanding service to Catholic
Memorial High School and service to the community and ex-
don’t miss out! emplifies living the CMH motto of Charity in All Things in both
his/her personal and professional life.
For more information, contact Dan Polaski, Alumni Relations
Coordinator, at (262) 290-4608 or [email protected]. Young Alumni Award

(CMH graduate between 2004-2014)
Alumnus/a has reached a level of professional and/or personal
achievement within 15 years of graduating from Catholic Me-
morial while demonstrating continued service to CMH and the
community and exemplifies living the Catholic Memorial mis-
sion in both his/her personal and professional life.

Memorial Award

(non-alumni only)
Candidate(s) has/have demonstrated distinguished leadership
and/or service to Catholic Memorial while exemplifying the
CMH motto Charity in All Things in both personal and profes-
sional life.

Fill out a Legacy Alumni
Award Nomination Form at

catholicmemorial.net/page/legacy-dinner

11

CRUSADER Pre-Sorted First Class
CHRONICLES U.S. Postage
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Waukesha, WI
Catholic Memorial High School
601 East College Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186

The Class of 2004 defended their championship title at the 2018 Alumni Basketball Tournament on December 22nd, defeating
the Class of 2016 in a thrilling final game. The Class of 2017 also walked away as champions, winning the Consolation Bracket
after defeating a team of 2006, 2014, and 2015 alumni. Thank you to the 70+ alumni who joined us for this year’s tournament!

Pictured below L to R: Dave Cunningham ’94, Charlie Walsh ’12, Mike Hanley ’07, Chris Fehrenbach ’04, Ryan Agnew ’04 & Braden McGlothlin ’23

262-542-7102 • www.catholicmemorial.net

If you receive duplicate copies of Crusader Chronicles, please email [email protected] or call 262-542-7102.
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