Catholic Hight School Football Magazine

OUR LADY  ANTONIAN APACHES
OF THE CENTRAL CATHOLIC BUTTONS
HILLS HAWKS
HOLY CROSS KNIGHTS

FOOTBALLArchdiocese of San Antonio

2016ST. ANTHONY YELLOW JACKETS

ST. GERARD ROYALS
ST. JOHN PAUL II GUARDIANS
THE ATONEMENT ACADEMY CRUSADERS

2 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 3

TABLE OF
CONTENTS

>Q&A with
Sam Moeller 6-7

Antonian Apaches
8-10

^Football Central Catholic
Abbreviations Buttons
Chart 10 12-14

Holy Cross Knights 20-22

^CHRISTUS ^Champion Powerlifting
Orthopedics: Get 18-19
you back in the
game. 17

St. Anthony
Yellow Jackets

26-28

St. Gerard Royals St. John Paul II
30-31 Guardians 36-38

^ >The little
The Atonement known
Academy Crusaders
40-41 legend of
Ferd Burket
4
33-35

>Our Lady ^Catholic schools
of the Hills transform
student's outlook
Hawks 45
42-44

All high school football photos
included in the Archdiocese of San
Antonio 2016 Catholic High School
Football Magazine are provided by
Christopher Tobar unless otherwise
noted.

TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

Sports Medicine 5

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC

with Photos provided

Q A& Sam Sam Moeller, #40, as a Dallas
Moeller Cowboy

Sam Moeller, an alumnus of Antonian College
Preparatory High School, played as a wide
receiver and safety all four years before graduating in
2011. One measure of a man, in the perspective of a
football coach especially one held in as high esteem
as Antonian Head Football Coach Van Fuschak,
counts for a lot.

“When I got here,” Coach year speaks a lot about his charac- employed as an estimator for Ko-
Fuschak remembers, “Sam was ter, discipline, and integrity.” diak Trenching and Boring.
in his last semester at Antonian.”
Coach Fuschak remembers one Sam Moeller was recognized He was generous with his time as
of Moeller’s impressive statistics: with a Special Teams MVP Award Today’s Catholic had the oppor-
“He ran the 100 meters in 10.8 for his athletic prowess at Texas tunity to ask him a few questions
seconds.” A&M University and played until about football:
December 2015 when he gradu-
Because Sam also showed inter- ated. TODAY’S CATHOLIC (TC):
ested in playing at A&M, Coach WHAT WOULD YOU SAY
Fuschak, through his connections, Moeller gave NFL a try, briefly WERE THE IMPORTANT
made it possible for the talented playing for the Dallas Cowboys. LESSONS YOU LEARNED
athlete to visit A&M. He said, “I originally did not plan FROM PLAYING FOOTBALL AT
on playing football after college. I ANTONIAN?
“From that point on, it was all already had a good job coming out
Sam Moeller. His work habits and of school and was excited to start Moeller: The most important
his toughness on the field are what a different chapter. I only decided thing I learned while playing
helped him set the record for repre- to give the NFL a try after I found Antonian football was learning the
senting the 12th Man at A&M. Sam out how many teams actually were value of hard work. It taught me
is very hardworking and has great interested in me.” how hard work and extra time in
determination… he knows how to the weight room can prove more
play the game with few mistakes. He played for the Dallas Cow- valuable than natural talent. You
To play at A&M as a walk-on and boys briefly before he was cut from don’t need to be the most talented;
receive a scholarship your senior
the roster. outworking everyone
Sam Moeller, pictured at right, He is else is where I got to
with Texas A&M currently today.
Coach Jeff Banks
and Devonta Burn, TC: WHAT
left, receives Texas COACH-
A&M’s Special OFFERED
Teams MVP WISDOM
Award. DO YOU

6

"Everyone has to

be able take respon-
sibility and you can

really learn a lot
about a person on
how they prepare

for a game."

— Sam Moeller

REMEMBER TO THIS DAY? Sam Moeller, #12, Captain of the Texas A&M Football Team
Moeller: Coach Steve Kurtz
in high school, so every year I was you can really learn a lot about a
always taught me to cherish the overlooked because of my size and person on how they prepare for a
moments because you will always every year I had the mentality that game.
remember the memories. I had to prove all the naysayers
wrong. TC: WHAT ADVICE WOULD
TC: WAS THERE AN YOU GIVE TO YOUNG MEN
ANTONIAN GAME PLAYED TC: WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE WHO WANT TO REACH THE
AGAINST AN OPPONENT GAME OF FOOTBALL THAT LEVEL OF ACHIEVEMENT THAT
THAT YOU REMEMBER WELL? CAPTIVATED YOU FOR SO YOU HAVE?
LONG?
Moeller: Yes, playing Central Moeller: The advice I would
Catholic my senior year. I will Moeller: The thing I love about give to young men is not to give
always remember playing Central football is that it is such a team- up. Throughout my whole career,
because we lost and I never hear oriented sport. You have to rely and people doubted me saying I was
the end of it from my Central trust your teammates to do their too small or not fast enough. Don’t
friends. But really, that game was jobs in order to win. Everyone has listen to the noise outside and trust
probably one of the most exciting to be able take responsibility and in your ability.
games of my career with it being
such a big rivalry and both student
sections going crazy. 

TC: HOW DID THE EARLY
PLAYING DAYS AT
ANTONIAN PREPARE YOU
FOR PLAYING AT TEXAS
A&M UNIVERSITY?

Moeller: Playing at Antonian
prepared me well. I was always
seen as the underdog. I was always
smaller than everyone else even

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 7

ANTONIAN COLLEGE PREPARATORY
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

APACHES

KNOW YOUR TEAM

ANTONIAN COLLEGE PREPARATORY
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL “APACHES”

TAPPS Division 1, District 2
Principal: Tim Petersen
Asst. Principal: Diann Montemayor
Asst. Principal: Fernando Ruiz
Athletic Director: Devlyn Lovell
Asst. Athletic Director: Samantha McLure
Dean of Students: Adela Segura
Director of Admissions: Lisa Rosenfeld
Head Coach: Van Fuschak
Assistant Coaches: Steve Kurtz, Blake Fuschak, Bill
Perrenot, Paul Lindy, Craig Kirby, Chip Linahan, Bryce
Fuschak, Malcolm Maxey
Trainer: Pellagio Halbala
Colors: Columbia Blue, Red, White

8 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

VARSITY SCHEDULE

FRI., Sept. 16 Floresville @ Home*,
7:30 p.m.

FRI., Sept. 23 Blanco @ Home**,
7:30 p.m.

FRI., Sept. 29 Bandera @ Bandera, 7 p.m.

SAT., Oct. 21 St. Anthony “Yellow Jackets” @

St. Anthony, 7 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 28 Central Catholic “Buttons” @
Home, 7:30 p.m.

SAT., Nov. 4 Brownsville St. Joseph @
Brownsville, 7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 9

COACH COMMENTS: FOOTBALL
ANTONIAN COLLEGE ABBREVIATION
PREPARATORY CATHOLIC CHART
HIGH SCHOOL APACHES
OFFENSIVE POSITIONS:
Coach Fuschak’s assessment: QB - QUARTERBACK
RB - RUNNING BACK
STRENGTHS: OL-DL FB - FULLBACK
HB/TB - HALFBACK/TAILBACK
CHALLENGES: Replacing FB WR - WIDE RECEIVER
and TB, Isaac Holguin and Daniel SM - SLOT MAN
Rosenfeld; also lost several skilled TE - TIGHT END
positions OL - OFFENSIVE LINE
C - CENTER
Fuschak KEY PLAYERS: Brady French, G - GUARD
Adam Binzak, Alex Vigil, Anthony T - TACKLE
Flores, Jake Smith, Nathan Braulick, Kyte McDonald
DEFENSIVE POSITIONS:
DL - DEFENSIVE LINE
N - NOSE TACKLE
DT - DEFENSIVE TACKLE
DE - DEFENSIVE END
LB - LINEBACKER
MLB - MIDDLE LINEBACKER
OLB - OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
DB - DEFENSIVE BACK
CB - CORNERBACK
S - SAFETY
FS - FREE SAFETY
SS - STRONG SAFETY

COACHING STAFF:
HC - HEAD COACH
DC - DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
OC - OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
AC - ASSISTANT COACH

10 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

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Marianist University

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 11

CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL KNOW YOUR TEAM

BUTTONS CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL “BUTTONS”

TAPPS Division 1 District 2
President: Paul Garro
Athletic Director: Carlos Enrico
Head Football Coach: L.D. Green, Sr.
Assistant Coaches: Mike Gomez (DC); Randy Walker (OL);
Mike Garrett (Secondary); Bryan Myler (OLB); Wane McGarity
(Receivers); Marshall Weinkam (RB); Tyler Acosta (FB); Danny
Castro (DL); Marshall Fleener (Freshman HC); Donald Griffith
(Freshman OL/DL); Ed Solis (WR/DB); Ernie Paz (RB/LB), Jacob
Galindo (Video Coordinator)
Colors: Navy Blue and White
Mascot: Button

12 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

VARSITY SCHEDULE

FRI., Sept. 16 Devine @ Devine, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Sept. 23 Eagle Pass Winn @ Cozel Foster

Veterans, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Sept. 30 Navarro @ Bob Benson ’66

Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 7 St. Thomas @ St. Thomas

Houston, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 14 BYE

FRI, Oct. 21 **St. Joseph Academy @ Bob
Benson ’66 Stadium, 7 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 28 Antonian @ Antonian, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Nov. 4 St. Anthony @ Bob Benson ’66

Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

SAT., Nov. 12 TAPPS Bi-District

SAT., Nov. 19 TAPPS Regionals

SAT., Nov. 26 TAPPS Semi-Finals

SAT., Dec. 3 TAPPS State Championship

** Homecoming

FRESHMEN/JUNIOR VARSITY SCHEDULE

THUR., Sept. 22 Eagle Pass Winn (Fr.) @ Bob Benson ’66

Stadium, 5 p.m.

Eagle Pass Winn (JV) @ Bob Benson ’66 Stadium,

7 p.m.

THUR., Sept. 29 Navarro (Fr.) @ Navarro, 5 p.m.

Navarro (JV) @ Navarro, 6:30 p.m.

THUR., Oct. 6 Veteran Memorial (Fr.) @ Bob Benson ’66
Stadium, 5 p.m.

THUR., Oct. 27 Antonian (Fr.) @ Bob Benson ’66 Stadium, 5 p.m.

Antonian (JV) @ Bob Benson ’66 Stadium, 7 p.m.

THUR., Nov. 3 St. Anthony (JV) @ Bob Benson ’66 Stadium, 6 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 13

COACH COMMENTS:
CENTRAL CATHOLIC
BUTTONS

Coach Green’s assessment:

STRENGTHS: This season is one
of optimism with our strengths being
the OL/DL; with the Offensive Line
led by Senior Troy Gonzalez and
Defensive Line led by First Team All-
State Senior Ramon Aguilar. We have
nine returning starters coming back.
Green CHALLENGES: Challenges for

the 2016 season will be to continue to maintain focus on
our mental and physical preparation of each game.

Defensive key players - First Team All-State CB
Senior Mark Castillo; FS Senior Andres Flores; and DL
Junior Seth McCrum.

Offensive key players - First Team All-State WR
Senior Thomas Palomera; Second Team All-State RB
Senior Caleb Salinas; OL Senior Grant Holmes; and
OL Junior Eric Oyervides who is the anchor on the
Offensive Line.

14 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

DEVELOPING YOUNG MEN OF CHARACTER
THROUGH FAITH, LEADERSHIP & ACADEMICS

Prepare your son for the next step.

SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY!
210-225-6794 ext. 217 or gobuttons.org

CHARACTER FAITH LEADERSHIP ACADEMICS

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 15

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ROOFING RCOOTONTFORINADGCATOYRS’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016
CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
ASSOCIATION MEMBER
MEMBER

CHRISTUS

ORTHOPEDICS:

Specialists tackle orthopedic injury, get you back in the game

CHRISTUS Orthopedics Sports Medicine offers a of athletes ranging from middle school to professional,
special clinic with a focus on treating injuries related to and the occasional weekend warrior. His passion is
high school athletics. The special sessions are avail- getting patients back on the playing field or the activity
able on most Saturdays of the 2016-2017 season, from that is their passion. He completed his medical degree
Aug. 20, 2016 through May 20, 2017. During this time, and orthopedic surgery residency from the University
the clinic provides expert evaluations, free of
charge, to injured student athletes. of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio.
In addition, he completed his fellowship
Despite advances in protective sports training for surgical sports injuries at The
gear and training technologies, injuries American Sports Medicine Institute in Bir-
still happen to even the toughest or most mingham, Ala., where he cared for numerous
agile athletes. The experts at CHRISTUS NFL, NCAA, NBA, and MLB athletes.
Orthopedics Sports Medicine specialize in
orthopedics, primary care, and pediatrics CONTACT CHRISTUS ORTHOPEDICS
and are dedicated to getting young athletes SPORTS MEDICINE
back on their feet and back in the game.
The CHRISTUS Orthopedics Sports
MEET THE SPECIALIST: Medicine Saturday Clinic is located
The Sports Medicine Saturday at 423 Treeline Park, Third
Floor, San Antonio, Texas
Clinic is being supported by 78209. Physician examina-
a board-certified orthopedic tions begin at 7 a.m. and
specialist: Matthew Murray, complimentary parking is
MD (pictured). available.
For more information,
Dr. Matthew Murray is call (210) 705-5060 or visit
board-certified and subspe- www.christussantarosa.org/
cialty-certified in sports med- orthopedics.
icine. He excels in the care

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 17

Q: WHAT IS YOUR DIET?
I do a meal prep for about a

month before the meet. I have been
to a place called The Lions Den. I
eat clean and pretty often too,
about six small meals a day with
protein shakes a couple of times a
day.

Q: HOW DO YOU TRAIN?
I train pretty much every day. 

One day, we do lower body and the
next, we do upper body. If some-
thing comes up and we can’t train
like that, I do all three major lifts in
one day and then skip a day and try
to get back on track after that.

CHAMPION ing gives me. I also like to see newer Q: DO YOU HAVE TO
lifters get involved and watch them MOTIVATE YOURSELF? IF SO,
POWERLIFTING: compete. I get excited when they hit WHAT ARE SOME OF THE
a personal record.  WAYS?
Q A&
Q: ATHLETES IN FOOTBALL, Not for training. Once I have my
with Joseph Peña, senior BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, workout written down, I just get it
at Holy Cross of San SWIMMING, SOCCER, AND done. I have certain music I listen
Antonio MORE, LIFT WEIGHTS AND to, but that’s about it. At meets, I
TARGET SPECIFIC AREAS OF listen to music and just try to lift
Q: IN LAST YEAR’S FEATURE, THE BODY TO PREPARE THEM more than my last attempt.
YOUR DAD, DESCRIBED AS FOR THEIR SPORT. HOW
AN AMATEUR POWERLIFTER, DO YOU PREPARE FOR Q: YOUR DAD SURELY
WAS REPORTED TO HAVE COMPETITIONS? IS ONE OF YOUR ROLE
SUGGESTED YOU GIVE THE MODELS.  WHO ELSE DO
SPORT A TRY — AT THE AGE We run Mark Rippetoe's Starting YOU ADMIRE IN THE SPORT
OF 8! WHAT CONTINUES TO Strength Program. It is actually a AND WHY?
CAPTIVATE YOU ABOUT THE general strength training program
SPORT? that is designed to get you generally I follow some of the current big
strong — not specific to a sport — names in the heavyweight divi-
I really enjoy challenging myself. I just overall stronger to be better at sion, such as Blaine Sumner, Ray
like the physical challenge powerlift- your sport. The only change I make Williams, and Andy Askow. I like
to my training is to get an opening to see the numbers they put up
18 attempt about two weeks prior to in training. I will be competing
competition. It is built into the pro- against them in five or six years. I
gramming, so my opening attempt is have also been able to meet some of
usually my best set of five. the more experienced lifters. I met
“Dr. Squat” Fred Hatfield, Ed Coan,
Bill Kazmire, Mark Rippetoe, and
Matt Reynolds, who actually came
to help me with my training. They
really helped pave the way for
strength sports and you can see
how much passion they still have
for the sport when I talk to them.   

TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

FROM A POWERLIFTER'S PARENT

COMMENTS FROM JOHN PEÑA, which together assist the lifter in squatting more
JOSEPH’S DAD: weight. There is also equipment for the bench press
which is also made of a thick canvas material.
Q: TELL US ABOUT JOSEPH IN THE PHOTO
BELOW.   
Q: APART FROM HIS TREMENDOUS
Joseph squatted 805.8 pounds, or 365.5 kilos, PHYSICAL STRENGTH, WHAT HAVE BEEN
at the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) THE BENEFITS OF POWERLIFTING? DO YOU
Raw World Championships in Killeen. He earned EVER WORRY ABOUT INJURIES?  
best squat, best bench, and best dead lift. He totaled
four gold medals. Powerlifting is one of those sports that can be
a lifelong activity. Anyone can train and compete. 
Q: WHAT DID HE ACCOMPLISH AT THAT Strength sports come in many forms. All it takes
COMPETITION? is effort. Joseph has the potential to do whatever
he wants to do in the sport. One of the best things
He set and broke five world records. He broke his that has happened is he has promoted great interest
own Sub-Junior Squat Record twice with his second in the sport for other people. He is nowhere near
and third attempts. His last squat also broke the understanding what an impact he has made in the
Junior Squat World Record which was for the age community. As a parent, I am always concerned
group above him, but same weight class. He broke about injuries, but I have tremendous confidence in
his previous total World Record on his first dead lift the program we run. We are both so proud of him. 
attempt and then again on his second attempt.  Once he has his workout for the day, he stays until
it gets done. To see the focus he has towards the
Q: EXPLAIN “RAW” IN TERMS OF goals he sets for himself is just mesmerizing. He is
COMPETITION. blessed with some God-given talent, but it doesn’t
take talent to get you in to the gym day in and day
The Raw Division is competing without assisted out. It is all determination and hard work. It is the
equipment. In the Raw Division, you are allowed to hard work that not everyone gets to see, but he does
use wrist wraps, a belt, and neoprene knee sleeves.  it all the time.
In the Equipped Division, you are allowed to use
a ridged canvas squat suit and 2mm knee wraps,

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 19

KNOW YOUR TEAMHOLY CROSS OF SAN ANTONIO

HOLY CROSS OF SAN ANTONIO “KNIGHTS”KNIGHTS

TAPPS Division II District 3
Principal: Henry Galindo
Executive Director of Advancement and Enrollment: Aida
Manganiello
Athletic Director/Head Football Coach: Mike Harrison
Assistant Coaches: Angel Cedillo, Brian Ortiz, Shaun Battles, David
Vela, Polo Botello, Roy Salas, Garyl Graham, John Libby
Colors: Navy Blue and Vegas Gold
Mascot: Knights

20

VARSITY SCHEDULE
FRI., Sept. 16 Hondo @ Hondo, 7:30 p.m.

SAT., Sept. 24 St. Mary’s Hall @ Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

FRI., Sept. 30 *Cornerstone @ Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 7 San Antonio Christian @ San Antonio Christian, 7:30 p.m.

SAT., Oct. 15 **Austin Regents @ Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 21 BYE

SAT., Oct. 29 ***Austin Hyde Park @ Harlandale Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

FRI., Nov. 4 Austin St. Michaels @ Austin St. Michaels, 7:30 p.m.

*Homecoming Game ** Tailgate Game ***Senior Night

JUNIOR VARSITY SCHEDULE
THUR., Sept. 22 BYE

THUR., Sept. 29 Cornerstone @ Cornerstone, 6 p.m.

THUR., Oct. 6 San Antonio Christian @ Home, 5 p.m.

THUR., Oct. 13 Austin Regents @ Austin, 6 p.m.

THUR., Oct. 20 BYE

THUR., Oct. 27 Austin St. Michaels @ Home, 5 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 21

COACH COMMENTS:
HOLY CROSS KNIGHTS

COACH COMMENTS: HOLY CROSS KNIGHTS

Head Football Coach Mike Harrison’s assessment: STRENGTHS: Number of returning starters,
experience at skill positions, work ethic
The upcoming season is probably
the toughest schedule we have had CHALLENGES: OL, depth, team speed, leadership
since I have been at Holy Cross; KEY PLAYERS: Robert Adame, Ethan Lara, E.J.
non-district that includes San Perez, Jay Nava, Joseph Peña, Steve Gutierrez, Chris
Antonio Lanier, Blanco, Boerne Silva, Philip Gonzales, Vince Compian, Darren Graham,
and Hondo. The district schedule Austin Gonzales, Jeremy Herrera, Raymond Casarez,
is much stronger as well with the Andrew Villarreal, Joseph Rivera, A.J. Barrera, Josh
addition of San Antonio Christian Centeno, Rene Medina, Jeremy Gonzales, Gabe Herron,
Harrison (SACS) and Austin St. Michaels from Carlos Treviño, Jaime Ramirez
We have won four district championships and four
TAPPS Division 1 and St. Mary’s Hall from the SPC. area championships in a row, but this year will bring
Austin Regents and Austin Hyde Park are always tough, many challenges to Holy Cross and we have our work
as Regents advanced to the regional game last year. cut out for us.
Cornerstone Christian is improving each year and their
skill players are as good as anyone in the district.

STREAM

A STEM program where students will learn in a
state-of-the-art science laboratory and a
engineering/mathematics computer lab. Religion and
the arts will be interlaced to ensure the mind and spirit
are properly nurtured for a holistic education.

Contact our Admissions Office at 210 - 433 - 2178 or email [email protected] to learn more!

22 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

WEEKDAY • WEEKEND • ONLINE

“...graduates who

LEAD AND SERVE

with faith and wisdom
to improve our world...”

- OLLU Vision Statement

431-3961 • ollusa.edu • [email protected] Catholic higher education and service,
SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC sponsored by the Sisters of Divine
Providence, since 1895

23

DISTRICT CHAMPS

RLoeyt’saGols
Team
Managers:
(from left)
Celso Cuellar,
Jr. and George
Beissner

1957A football flashback courtesy of Celso Cuellar, Jr. (Class of 1958)
24 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

1985
SGH Royals

TCIL 3A
State

Champions

Fond Memories of 1994 SGH Royals TCIL 3A District Champions
St. Gerard High School
Royals Football

In recognition of the
approaching 90th
anniversary of the
establishment of St. Gerard
Catholic High (SGH) School,
a page is dedicated to one of
SGH’s proud traditions —
its football legacy.

1963 SGH Royals District 4AA Champions “Great football coaches
are great teachers and
“Undefeated! 1963 — A season to remember! That year, our team was I was blessed to have
victorious over Lanier, Edgewood, La Salle and our biggest rival — Central played for George Paster-
chick, who was not only a
Catholic. St. Gerard High School may be small, but has always been great coach and mentor,
mighty. With the example of two fine coaches Ken Dugosh and Frank but someone who was a
Tudyk, our dedication helped us overcome the odds to have an undefeated great man. I still dream
season. Good luck to the future of Royals’ football.” — Tony Garcia (’63) about playing one more
game because of Coach
and his staff and my
teammates who became

my brothers…”

— Cary Clack, (’78)

1977
SGH Royals
TCIL 3A
District Champs

This page was made possible through the generosity of Kathryn M. (Woitaske) Lewis, M.D. (Class of 1973)

in recognition of Debbie Woitaske (Class of 1971) and all members of Woitaske Family who are SGH alumni.

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 25

ST. ANTHONY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

YELLOW JACKETS

26 KNOW YOUR TEAM

ST. ANTHONY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
“YELLOW JACKETS”

TAPPS Division 1 District 2
Principal: Dr. Rene Escobedo
Assistant Athletic Director: Erika Hodo
Head Football Coach: Kevin Smisek (’88)
Assistant Coaches: Wayne Schroeder (Defensive
Coordinator), Adrian Ayala (’90), Jon Anguiano (’07),
Gabe Borrego (’90), Sean Hobdy, Robert McArthur
Colors: Garnet and Grey
Mascot: Yellow Jackets

TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

VARSITY SCHEDULE

FRI., Sept. 23 Lytle @ Lytle, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Sept. 30 Lee Academy @ Wheatley Heights Sports

Complex, 7:30 p.m.

SAT., Oct. 8 Marine Military Academy @ SACHS Lang Field, 2 p.m.
(Senior Day)

FRI., Oct. 14 Texas Military Institute @ TMI, 7:30 p.m.

SAT., Oct. 22 * Antonian @ SACHS Lang Field, 2 p.m.

SAT., Oct. 29 * Brownsville St. Joseph @ SACHS Lang Field,
2 p.m.

FRI., Nov. 4 * Central Catholic High School @ CCHS,
7:30 p.m.

* District Game

FRESHMAN SCHEDULE

THUR., Sept. 22 Lytle @ SACHS Lang Field, 5 p.m.

THUR., Sept. 29 St. John Paul II (Schertz) @ SACHS

Lang Field, 4 p.m.

THUR., Oct. 6 La Vernia @ SACHS

Lang Field, 4:30 p.m.

THUR., Oct. 13 Central Catholic @ SACHS

Lang Field, 4 p.m.

THUR., Oct. 20 Antonian @ Antonian, 6 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 27

COACH COMMENTS: ST.
ANTHONY CATHOLIC HIGH
SCHOOL YELLOW JACKETS

Coach Kevin Smisek’s assessment:

The Jackets bring three members
of the 1987 St. Anthony State-Finalist
football team to the coaching staff
Head Coach Kevin Smisek ('88),
Adrian Ayala ('90), and Gabe Borrego (All-District Honorable Mention, both); Kyle Davila
('90) as well as new defensive (Junior) - LB (Second Team All-District, Team Defensive
coordinator, Wayne Schroeder (former MVP); Jay Ortiz (Senior) - WR/QB/DB (Second year
Sul Ross State Head Coach). The starter); Ethan Carriedo (Senior) - DB (Second year
Smisek Jackets return Sean Hobdy and Jon starter); Ashton Vienne (Sophomore) - DB (started as
Freshman on Varsity); Diego Hernandez (Sophomore) -
Anguiano ('07) from the previous staff. RB/DB

STRENGTHS: Senior-heavy team With changes happening so late, what we do offensively
CHALLENGES: Number of players and new coaching will depend on how quickly the system is learned. We will
staff look to be strong on defense with seven returning starters,
KEY PLAYERS: Olan Vining (Senior) - RB (Second but again it will depend on how quickly the team learns
Team All-District); BJ Faniran (Senior) - DL (Second the system.
Team All-District); Kaleb Mendoza (Senior) - OL/DL

ABOUT COACH SMISEK and feel I have raised the level of on the ’87 State-Finalist team.
When I was approached by the program. Now, I hope to do the Ayala and Borrego were on the ’89
same with the football program. It State Semi-Finalist team. We also
SACHS principal Dr. Rene will be hard work, but our students have Jon Anguiano and defensive
Escobedo with the opportunity to have never been afraid to give 100 coordinator, Wayne Schroeder on
grow the football program as head percent. We have a large senior class staff. Coach Schroeder has been the
coach, I did a lot of soul searching. returning and they will set the tone head coach at Travis High School
After discussion with my family for the football program. and Taylor High School. He also
and prayer to find the path God spent six years as the head coach
wanted me to take, I accepted the It is important for me to include at Sul Ross State University. He
opportunity, feeling positive this is alumni on the football staff. We brings a wealth of knowledge and
the right path for me. I am proud all played for Coach Frank “Vav” understanding to the defensive side
of the work I have done with the Vavala, a legend in high school of the game and to the program. He
basketball team is a tremendous asset to the St.
coaching. I want as many Anthony Family. Returning to
28 alumni who played for Coach the SACHS coaching staff is Sean
Vav as possible to support Hobdy and new to the team are
us. Our Offensive Line coach Chris Treviño, Robert McArthur,
is Adrian Ayala and our and Ruben Garza.
Linebacker coach is Gabe
Borrego. Ayala and I played

Seniors from the 1987 TCIL (Texas Catholic Interscholastic League)
3A State Finalist team with Coach Vavala and Father David Tar-
lizzo, OMI (kneeling holding the helmet). St. Anthony coaching
staff has Head Football Coach Kevin Smisek (’88) and Adrian
Ayala (’90). They were members of the SACHS “Yellow Jackets”
1987 State-Finalist team. Coach Smisek is the fourth from the
left on the bottom row, #22. Ayala and Gabe Borrego (’90)
were members of the 1989 SACHS State Semi-Finalist team.

TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

TODAY’S CATHOLIC

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SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 29

ST. GERARD CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

ROYALS

30 KNOW YOUR TEAM

ST. GERARD CATHOLIC HIGH
SCHOOL “ROYALS”

TAPPS Division 3, District 5
Principal: Michelle DeAnda
Athletic Director/Head Football Coach:
Vincent Mendez
Head Assistant Football Coach: Antonio
Licon
Assistant Coaches: Kelly Shull, Luis
Gonzales
Colors: Royal Blue, White, and Red

TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

VARSITY SCHEDULE

FRI., Sept. 16 BYE

FRI., Sept. 23 Sacred Heart

(Hallettsville) @ Hallettsville,

7:30 p.m.

FRI., Sept. 30 San Marcos Baptist

Academy @ San Marcos,

7:30 p.m.

SAT., Oct. 8 Geneva High School @
Boerne, 3 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 14 St. Paul High School, Shiner
@ Seguin, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 21 BYE

FRI., Oct. 28 St. John Paul II Catholic High
School @ Schertz, 7:30 p.m.

COACH COMMENTS: FRI., Nov. 4 Brentwood Christian High
ST. GERARD CATHOLIC School @Austin, 7:30 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL ROYALS

Coach Vincent Mendez’s assessment:

Mendez STRENGTHS: Our team’s
strength is the commitment,
determination, and expectations
among players and coaches.

CHALLENGES: The team’s
challenge will be to maintain our
strength and health throughout the
season.

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 31

St. Gerard Catholic High School

521 S. New Braunfels • San Antonio, TX 78203 • Principal: Michelle DeAnda

TAPPS Division 3-District 5

THE ROYALS FOOTBALL TEAM:

Seniors: Vincent Arciniega SS/FB #4; Robert Hernandez DT/G #74; Brandon Schmidtling CB/SM
#2, and Richard “Rico” Segovia DT/T #64
Juniors: Mark Espinoza N/T #72; Jonathan Garcia FS/HB #5; Davionne Hastings ILB/SM #21;
Andreas Mesquite OLB/T #53; Raquanne Murray ILB/TE #44
Sophomores: Santos Salinas DT/G #54 and Roderick Walker OLB/TB #1
Freshmen: Sergio Almanderaz CB/SM #10; Noah Cruz DT/TE #50; Christopher Macias N/T
#76; Oscar Martinez DT/G #62; Ricky Mesquite CB/QB #7; Zackary Rios DT/G #77, and
Nathanial Tobias OLB/C #56
Head Football Coach: Vincent Mendez
Head Assistant Coach: Antonio Licon

GO ROYALS GO!!!
Alumni/Friends supporters:

IN MEMORY OF LOURDES M. CUELLAR RUBEN SEGOVIA
EVELYN C. SIGGINS Class of 1968 Class of 1973

Class of 1936 MICHAEL A. MIKA GERARD (GERRY) GALLEGOS
Class of 1968 Class of 1977
BETTY JANE (CARTER) CHOFFEL
Class of 1943 CHERRYL (SIGGINS) ’68 ROLAND SEGOVIA
AND KIE SAGAN Class of 1977
LOYD LEBLANC JR.
Class of 1949 JOANN (GALLEGOS) HOPKINS CARY CLACK
Class of 1969 CLass of 1978
CELSO CUELLAR JR.
Class of 1958 GEORGE MONCIVAIS CARMEN (GALLEGOS)
Class of 1969 HUGHES
JIM ’62 AND LINDA
(PLOCH) ’74 WORSWICK DEBBIE WOITASKE Class of 1978
Class of 1971
COOKIE AND TONY GARCIA JUANITA (GALLEGOS) CONSTANTE
Class of 1964 NICANORA CUELLAR Class of 1981
Class of 1973
GREG & LAUREN (‘65) EDELEN BEATRICE AND IN MEMORY OF
MARIE GALLEGOS JOE SEGOVIA
THOMAS (‘67) AND KAREN Class of 1973
(BARBEE) (‘79) ADKISSON (Mr. Segovia formerly coached all sports,
MEMBERS OF WOITASKE FAMILY including football, at St. Gerard Catholic
DEACON RICHARD HOBBS WHO ARE SGH ALUMNI
Class of 1967 Elementary School)

32 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

The little known legend of

FERD BURKET

who captured international
football fame

» BY CARY CLACK
ST. GERARD HIGH SCHOOL, '78

That left leg. Again. For the third time in his life, Cary Clark | For Today's Catholic
Ferdie Burket’s left leg is slowing him down. He Glynda and Ferdie Burket call Jourdanton home, but
navigates a wheelchair around the beautiful Stone Oak are enjoying their stay at a local retirement com-
apartment he shares with his wife, Glynda. munity while he completes his rehabilitation therapy
following surgery after a car accident.
Even in a wheelchair and at the age of 83, Burket
retains the sense of power and grace that made him a the high school, she’d make pots of hot chocolate at the
superb athlete. games on Friday nights.

Ferdinand John Burket is the only graduate of St. At St. Gerard High, he starred in basketball and
Gerard High School (Class of 1951) and one of the few baseball, but he especially shined in football. Wearing
San Antonians to be drafted into the National Football jersey #10, he was an All-State quarterback in his senior
League and to play in the Canadian Football League. year. His teammates included lineman Dick Gawlik and
wingback Frank Bennack, the future CEO of the Hearst
It was a career that was as improbable as it is Corporation.
impressive.
But the sharpest memory he has of the football field
He, and his younger brother Jim, grew up on the San where he showcased his talents, has nothing to with any
Antonio’s East Side in Denver Heights. His father, also of his plays or games.

named Ferdinand, was a San “Did you know there were dead bodies under there?”
Antonio fireman for 44 he asks with a mischievous smile.
years. His mother, Anna,
was a riveter at Kelly Air St. Gerard’s football field was built over what used
Force Base. to be City Cemetery No. 7 which was the resting place
He was a St. Gerard for people who’d died in a Poor Farm. He remembers
student from elementary watching the excavation.
through high school.
“My dad wanted us “They’d throw skulls and bones in a box,” he says. “We
to get a Catholic used to think it’s going to be hard with everyone walking
education,” he
says.
His mother
had also
attended the
elementary
school. When
her boys got to

St. Gerard high School “Royal” Quarterback Ferdie Burket and line-
man Dick Gawlik were co-captains of the team for the 1950 football
season.

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 33

Ferd Burket’s significant contributions as a player in the Canadian Football League (CFL)’s Montreal
Alouettes were memorialized when his name and image were selected to appear on a TOPPS playing
card. Burket also played for the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders.

around having someone’s foot and ‘they don’t even want me in the
someone else’s head.” Army.’”

He went to the University of He began a daily rehabilitation
Texas on scholarship, but during his program of filling a bucket with
freshman year, hurt his left knee, the bolts and doing leg extensions. The
first of the injuries to that leg. next year, he was accepted into the
Army and stationed in Germany
“Frank Medina (the UT trainer) where he played football at the base.
told me I’d never play football
again,” says Burket. “That’s a terrible When his service was completed,
thing to say to a kid, that he would he was recruited to play for
never play football again.” Southeastern Oklahoma State
University.
He got a job at Pearl Brewery and
was then drafted into the Army, but “That was when my life changed,”
wasn’t accepted because of his bad he says.
leg.
One of those reasons sits next
“I was despondent,” he says. “I to him. “That’s when I made the
went home and told my parents, worst mistake of my life,” he says

34 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

with twinkling eyes while nodding “Being a little season — 1964 — he was still paid
towards his Glynda. his $12,000 salary.
boy from St. Gerard
“I wasn’t a mistake,” she answers and playing with By then, the Burkets had bought
with mock indignation. They Johnny Unitas and a 600-acre ranch in Jourdanton.
married on Jan. 9, 1960, his 27th the big boys, that Throughout his CFL career, he
birthday. was something.” continued working at the Pearl
Brewery in the off-seasons.
From 1956-1958, Burket, 6’2”
and 210 pounds, starred as a “I didn’t make big money
running back and punter. In his playing football,” he says. “But
senior year, he averaged 46 yards a when oil was struck, I got good
punt, leading the NAIA. He would money from oil rights.”
be inducted into the university’s
Hall of Fame in 1985. (He also In 1972, he began a 26-year
holds the distinction of being one career at Pleasanton High School
of the first two inductees into St. — Ferd Burket as coach, teacher and athletic
director. For nine years he was the
Gerard’s Hall of Fame.) head football coach.
He was taken in the 14th round “We played St. Gerard once and
of the 1959 NFL Draft by the they beat us,” he says.
world champion Baltimore Colts. About a year and a half ago, he
“Being a little boy from St. Gerard and playing with was in a car accident that broke several ribs and his left
Johnny Unitas and the big boys, that was something,” leg. A rod has been placed in the leg and once again, he’s
says Burket, still marveling at the experience. working hard in rehab. The Burkets want to get back to
He was the last running back cut by the Colts in their beloved ranch bought with his running, scoring
training camp. and punting, and their combined savvy.
But the Colts head coach, Weeb Ewbank, softened the They have three children, six grandchildren and
blow. he still gets to see the woman who made pots of
“I’m sorry I have to cut you, but you’re going to make hot chocolate on Friday nights at St. Gerard High.
$1,700 more,” said the future Pro Football Hall of Famer His mother turns 105 years old in September and
to the rookie. resides at The Village at Incarnate Word Senior Living
Ewbank had arranged for the Saskatchewan Community.
Roughriders of the Canadian Football League to offer From Denver Heights to Canada and back to South
Burket a contract paying him $7,300. Texas, it has been a good journey, left leg and all, for a
He played for the Roughriders for four years, setting Catholic boy from San Antonio’s East Side.
team records such as most touchdowns in a game (five) “St. Gerard meant the world to him,” says Glynda.
and longest punt (83 yards.) He played two more years Ferdie Burket nods in agreement.
for the Montreal Alouettes before injuring his left leg for “We had lots of good times,” he says. “We didn’t have
the second time. Even though he could not play the final much, but we had lots of good times.”

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 35

ST. JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL KNOW YOUR TEAM

GUARDIANS ST. JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC HIGH
SCHOOL “GUARDIANS”

TAPPS Division 3, District 5
Principal: Andrew Iliff
Athletic Director/Head Football Coach:
Ed McCabe
Assistant Coaches: David Nelson, Forrest
Blackwell, Jacob Broner, Colton Hermes, Mike
Kirby, Trey Mullen, Mike O’Bryan, Jay Sulak,
Charlie Wallen
Colors: Blue and Gold
Mascot: Guardians

36 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

VARSITY SCHEDULE

FRI., Sept. 16 Thrall @ Away, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Sept. 23 San Marcos Academy @ Away, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Sept. 30 BYE

FRI., Oct. 7 St. Paul, Shriner @ Away, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 14 Sacred Heart @ Home, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 28 St. Gerard Catholic High School @ Home,
7:30 p.m.

FRI., Nov. 4 Geneva @ Home, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 11/12 Area Playoffs

Nov. 18/19 Regional Playoffs

Nov. 25/26 State Semifinals

Dec. 3/4 State Championship

JUNIOR VARSITY SCHEDULE

THURS., Sept. 22 Geneva @ Away, 5 p.m.
THURS., Sept. 29 TBA
THURS., Oct. 6 Antonian @ Away, 6 p.m.
THURS., Oct. 13 Sacred Heart @ Away, 5 p.m.
THURS., Oct. 20 Central Catholic @ Away, 5 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 37

COACH COMMENTS:
ST. JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC
HIGH SCHOOL GUARDIANS

Coach Ed McCabe’s assessment:

The St. John Paul II Guardians
finished the 2015 season with a
winning record, going 6-4, but have
their sights set much higher for the
2016 campaign. Coach Ed McCabe
believes his senior leadership
combined with hardworking and
talented underclassmen position the
McCabe Guardians for a chance at a long playoff

run. “Our guys have really worked hard in the spring and the ability to make the tough yards as well as the
summer. Our seniors and juniors are learning how to explosiveness to go the distance. At quarterback, Junior
lead by example and to set expectations higher than have Hunter Albrecht returns with a year of experience under
been previously set by our players. This should help us his belt. Albrecht will look to a talented receiving corps
with our tough district schedule that we will face.” of Quentin Rhoder, Dakota Oliver and Antonio Salazar
Offensively, JPII will look to a strong backfield of to make big plays in the passing game. Tight ends Luis
senior runners to move the chains this year. Mark Rodriguez and Trey Rompel provide big sure-handed
Slaughter, the team’s returning rushing leader, Sammy targets at the tight end position. The offensive line will
LaRue, Ryan Grosso, and Cade Anderson all have be a position of strength for the team. Juniors Taylor
Stevenson and Patrick Harris will head the group, with
R ISTORANT Michael Olmos, Tristan DeLeon, Jacob Hilbig, Alex
Mitchell, Riess Doer, and Jake Farrell all pushing for
E starting positions.

2503 Broadway Defensively, new Coordinator David Nelson will
San Antonio, TX 78215 look to an experienced group of linebackers to provide
leadership. Matthew Sullivan and Cade Anderson
210-444-0277 both return with district honors from last year. Ryan
www.fratellosdeli.com Grosso and Steven Stallings will look to make plays
as well for the Guardians. Up front, Taylor Stevenson,
Tradition Alex Mitchell, Patrick Harris, Michael Olmos, Tristan
Done Right DeLeon, Luis Rodriguez, and Jacob Hilbig provide a
strong line with great depth. The secondary will have
speed and playmaking ability with Sammy LaRue,
Dakota Oliver, Mark Slaughter, Quentin Rhoder, and
Antonio Salazar. Kicking duties will fall to Trey Rompel
and Antonio Salazar. The Guardians have a host of
players that can make strong impacts in the return game.

JPII started the season at home against Natalia on
August 25 at Texas Lutheran University. The Guardians
open district play at San Marcos Academy on Sept. 23.
McCabe noted, “If we continue to work hard and stay
focused on getting better every day, we have a shot at
meeting our non-district, district, and playoff goals.”

38 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

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SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC

THE ATONEMENT ACADEMY

CRUSADERS

KNOW YOUR TEAM

THE ATONEMENT ACADEMY
“CRUSADERS”

Texas Christian Athletic League (TCAL) Division 2
Senior Administrator: Sister Mary Margaret
Athletic Director: Jack Dorn
Head Football Coach: Dennis McKnight
Colors: Red and Black
Mascot: Crusaders

40 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

TEAM SCHEDULE

FRI., Sept. 16 New Braunfels Christian @ Home, 5 p.m.

SAT., Sept. 24 Mt. Carmel Academy @ Away, 4 p.m.

FRI., Sept. 30 Medina @ Away, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 7 Bracken Christian @ Home, 5 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 14 Living Rock Christian @ Home, 5 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 21 *Fayette County @ Away, 7:30 p.m.

SAT., Oct. 29 Annapolis Christian @ Away, 1 p.m.

FRI., Nov. 4 Winston @ Home, 5 p.m.

ABOUT HEAD COACH culminated in being voted a Pro
DENNIS MCKNIGHT Bowl alternate and team captain of
the San Diego Chargers in 1988.
The Atonement Academy administrative
team and new athletic coordinator, Jack After his playing career, he coached
Dorn, are pleased to at the collegiate level for 13 years,
announce that Dennis beginning in 1999. His stops
McKnight has joined the included the University of Hawaii,
faculty as the new head San Diego State University, SMU,
football coach of the and Lamar University. At each of
Crusaders. He will teach these places, he was an assistant coach
Physical Education for taking part in rebuilding a football
kindergarten through program.
McKnight eighth grades. He started
 For the past two years, he has been
at the end of July, just in time for the start at St. Mary’s Catholic School in San
of football practice. He brings a wealth of Diego, Ca. serving as athletic director
experience both in his playing career and and kindergarten through eighth
coaching career. grades as a Physical Education teacher.
He played college football at Drake He and his wife, Jodi, are faithful
University in Iowa before graduating with Catholics and have been married for 37
a degree in Education. After graduation, years. They have two daughters, Nina
he continued his career in the National and Erin.
Football League for 11 years, playing
for the San Diego Chargers, the Detroit The Atonement Academy community
Lions, and the Philadelphia Eagles. His is excited Coach McKnight joins the
years of playing at the professional level Crusaders, bringing his considerable
experience and talent to both the
football field and to the classroom.

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 41

OUR LADY OF THE HILLS REGIONAL KNOW YOUR TEAM
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
OUR LADY OF THE HILLS
HAWKS REGIONAL CATHOLIC HIGH
SCHOOL “HAWKS”

TAPPS Division 1, District 4 (6-man)
Athletic Director and Head Coach:
Chris Ramirez
Assistant Coaches: Joe Martinez, Dale
Bode
Colors: Royal Blue and Black
Mascot: Hawks

42 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

VARSITY SCHEDULE

FRI., Sept. 16 Round Rock Concordia @

Away, 7:30 p.m.

THUR., Sept. 22 New Braunfels Christian @

Away, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Sept. 30 Bulverde Living Rock @ Home,
7:30 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 7 Medina @ Home, 7:30 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 14 BYE

FRI., Oct. 21 *Austin Veritas @ Away,
7:30 p.m.

FRI., Oct. 28 *SA Castle Hills @ Home,
7:30 p.m.

*District Game

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 43

COACH COMMENTS: OUR LADY OF THE HILLS REGIONAL
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL HAWKS

Head Coach Chris Ramirez’s assessment:

The 2016 Hawks will once again
be competing in a very difficult
district. The state champion team has
come out of this district for the past
three years. The Hawks will be led
by Quarterback Jack Groff who also
will be an anchor in the defensive
Ramirez backfield. Other returning starters

include John Tran at linebacker, Triston Schubert
at Defensive Back and Justin Moody at Defensive
Lineman.
Returning letterman Griffin Forti will be used in
various positions to utilize his athleticism and I have big
plans for the sophomore.
The Hawks will be creative in their offensive schemes
with an emphasis on misdirection and one-on-one
opportunities.
Defensively, the Hawks will focus on fundamentals
and being sound, physical and aggressive.

Benefitting Hope for the Future and the 43 Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2016
MASS ~ 7:30 AM

KID’S RUN ~ 8:30 AM
RUN STARTS ~ 9:00 AM

MISSION COUNTY PARK #1

802 VFW Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78214

Register at www.hopeforfuture.org

For more information:
Call 210.734.1963 or email [email protected]

44 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

Catholic school transforms student's outlook

» BY STEPHEN CHAVEZ “I am so worth it, I don’t care what I have to
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE do. I will drive without complaint.”
grateful for
In today’s troubling times, parents the difference Bryan, now a seventh grader, has
are seeking something greater for Catholic school changed his outlook on school,
their children. has made.” thanks to his time at St. Leo the
Great. “He would come home
An education that not only fulfills — Melissa, stressed out from public school and
and exceeds the academic require- parent of a Hope for depressed, now he comes home
ments, but the social, emotional, the Future tuition with a huge smile on his face, it
and most importantly, the spiri- assistance recipient. makes everything worth it,” said
tual enlightenment of an educa- Melissa.
tion based on Catholic teachings. for the Future, said the turnaround
Families see Catholic school educa- was unbelievable after Bryan began Melissa understands the value of
tion as an extension of the home, attending Catholic school. a Catholic school education and ap-
to reinforce the values parents are preciates the tuition assistance she
working hard to teach within their “Within the first year, he was read- receives, “I’m thankful for Hope for
families. ing. It was amazing! His Catholic the Future allowing me the oppor-
school teachers treat him with love tunity to send my son to Catholic
It is the families who have less and attention, and have encouraged school. Without the amount they
and struggle financially who rely him in his class work — I am so give me, Catholic school would not
on archdiocesan programs such grateful for the difference Catholic be possible for my son.”
as Hope for the Future for tuition school has made,” said Melissa.
assistance to send their children to For the 2016-17 school year,
a Catholic school. Let me share one Melissa, a self-employed single Hope for the Future is providing
such story. mom, drives more than 70 miles more than 2,000 children a total of
a day to take her son to and from $2.2 million in tuition assistance
Prior to coming to St. Leo the school. She has no regrets about to all 43 Catholic schools in the
Great Catholic School four years making the drive knowing how ben- Archdiocese of San Antonio. Bryan
ago, Bryan, was struggling at his lo- eficial the education has been, “It is is able to attend Catholic school
cal school and his mom was looking thanks to the continuous support of
for options. generous individuals, foundations,
including the Archbishop’s Appeal,
With tears in her eyes Melissa ex- and businesses.
plained, “My son did not know how
to read. There was pain in his voice. To learn how to support students
He felt lost at school.” Melissa, like Bryan, call (210) 734-1642,
whose son is the beneficiary of tu- e-mail hopeforfuture.org, or visit
ition assistance funding from Hope www.archsa.org.

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC 45

Call Today

and reserve your next retreat!

Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center

The Premier Retreat Center of the Hill
Country Dedicated to Catholic Youth.

We are about an hour away from Austin or an hour
and a half San Antonio. This drive is a perfect time

to prepare yourself to connect with God.

~Enhancing lives~
~Shaping lives~
~Changing lives~

We have all you need for a Spirit-filled retreat here at Eagle’s Wings.

Confirmation Retreats Middle School Retreats Planning Retreats
Teen Acts Retreats Parish Staff Retreats Leadership Training

High School Retreats Youth Ministry Core Team Family Retreats
TEC Retreats Retreats Days of Spirituality
Home School Education
Adult ACTS Retreats Teacher Training
Corporate Retreats

Call us today to book your next retreat!

Eagle Wings Retreat Center

2805 Ranch Road 2341
Burnet, TX 78611
Phone: 512-715-0017

Fax: 512-715-0580
www.ewrc.org

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46 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016

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Wholesale Sausage, Brisket, Ham, Bacon,
Cheese and Mexican Foods

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264 W. LaChapelle St. 47
San Antonio, Texas 78283-0143

Call 210-226-8397 or visit

www.laxsonco.com

SEPTEMBER 2016  TODAY’S CATHOLIC

48 TODAY’S CATHOLIC  SEPTEMBER 2016