WINTER 2013 201 ER 20 3 - Central Catholic High School

WINTER ER 2013 201 20 3
Brother Patrick Duff y, FSC, President, welcomes students to Central Catholic

2
Inside
Members Board
Most Rev. David A. Zubik, DD,
Bishop of Pittsburgh
Rev. Ronald Lengwin, MDiv.,
General Secretary
Dr. Robert Paserba
On the cover:
Th e Quadrangle is published
each spring and autumn by the
Offi ce of Constituent Relations
quadrangle@centralcatholichs.com
Page P 10
Fr. Nick Vaskov ‘01
Page 14
Saint Kieran Parish
Board B of Directors 2012-2013
Central C Catholic High School, INC
James J G. Gordon '70, Chair
Brother B Patrick Duff y, FSC, Ex-Offi cio
JJesse
Campayno
TT.
Bradley Totten '80
DDana
Hanna
Janet Donahue
Kevin McGonigle '82
Charles Vukotich '67
Kevin Acklin '94
Joseph Massaro, III '81
Charena Swann, Ph.D.
John Miclot
Richard Hamilton '63
John Staley, V '84
David O’Brien '68
Giovanni Cortazzo '93
Brother Joseph Juliano, FSC
Father Jay Donahue '91
Paul A Iurlano, Diocese of Pittsburgh
Dr. Michael Latusek, Diocese of Pittsburgh
Photo by
Roy Engelbrecht Photography
Mission Statement
Central Catholic High School Administration
Brother Patrick Duff y, FSC ..................................................................... President
Brother Robert Schaefer, FSC .................................................................Principal
Vincent Ciaramella ’71 .................... Assistant Principal for Academic Aff airs
Edward Bernot ...................................... Assistant Principal for Student Aff airs
Richard Capretta ’82 .................................................................. Dean of Students
Gary Pollock .............................Vice President for Institutional Advancement
412-208-3401 • gpollock@centralcatholichs.com
Jeff ry Folino ’75 ..............................................Director of Constituent Relations
412-208-3488 • jfolino@centralcatholichs.com
Brian Miller ......................................................................Director of Admissions
412-208-3492 • bmiller@centralcatholichs.com
Editor ......................................... Jeff Folino ’75, jfolino@centralcatholichs.com
Co-Editor ........................................................... Gene Kail ’63, emk@emkail.net
Design & Layout .............................................................................. Dan Laff ey ’73
Brother Patrick Duff y, FSC
Page P 13
Ten Questions for Chuck Crummie
Page 24
2012 Hall of Fame
Central Catholic High School, a Catholic college preparatory school for boys, is guided
by the educational principles of Saint John Baptist de La Salle.
Th e school strives to provide a challenging, relevant, and diverse program of studies
and extracurricular activities in an environment that fosters a life of faith and learning and
develops leaders rooted in the Gospel values of integrity, respect, service, justice and peace.

Opening Th oughts ............................................................3
Brother Patrick Duff y .......................................................4
Brother Robert – Principal ..............................................5
Advancement new ............................................................6
Gary Pollock VP Institutional Advancement ..............6
Brother Patrick Duff y Assumes Presidency .................7
Evan Pennington ‘13 .........................................................8
Gennaro Valant ‘16 ..........................................................9
Alumni Spotlight/ Fr. Nick Vaskov ‘01 ........................10
Rare Air – Ian Luconti ’14 .............................................12
Ways to Give ....................................................................12
Ten Questions for Chuck Crummie ...........................13
Opening Thoughts
A friend recently told me I am a pest about Central. It couldn’t possibly be as good/
caring/fun as I maintain it is/was (too frequently, in her mind). She feels, essentially, that
most people have high school memories that have turned golden with the passage of time.
Of course, the way she phrased it was, “as you get old.”
Gene Kail ’63
Co-Editor
I had a hard time with her statement. My memories of Central border on the
sacrosanct. However, because Brother G. Ronan taught me scientifi c method, and Brother
G. Rene taught me argumentation and debate, I controlled myself and tried to examine her
arguments both thoroughly and impartially. I told myself I should appreciate her willingness to give me an objective opinion. So,
I performed my analysis.
She was wrong.
Working on this edition of the Quadrangle helped me to realize that, objectively speaking, the quality of the education I
received at Central was exceptional. Th e sense of self-discipline was invaluable. Th e number and quality of the relationships I
developed with both students and faculty were a unique gift. And it was great fun. Th e memories are golden. For most of you
reading this, and for most of the current students creating their own memories and relationships, they will be golden, too. But
there is more.
What she failed to realize – or what I failed to communicate – was the uniqueness of Central. I’m sure that most schools
and alumni regard themselves as unique, but there is objective evidence to make the case for Central: the fi nancial support, the
volunteer base, the pride, the loyalty, the stories recalled and retold. We help create Men of Faith, Men of Scholarship, Men of
Service, not just for graduation, but for life. Th e education of a Central graduate poses membership in an ongoing dynamic that
binds together past, present and future.
Actually, in its 80 odd years, Central has become more than a school; it is a community, and in many ways, a brotherhood,
a family. For example, whether or not it is formally acknowledged, the alumni are as much a part of CCHS as the students
and faculty. Th eir role is to support the current students, support each other, and preserve tradition (read “core values”) and
continuity (read “history”). Sometimes they don’t do it so well, but then, some students get a “C”.
Without these elements, Central Catholic is just another high school.
Th at fact permeates every page of the Quadrangle, and justifi es its existence. Th is is not just a “magazine;” it’s a family album.
Th is year, the student-athletes will do well, seniors will attend many excellent colleges and universities; students will sacrifi ce
for a number of worthy causes; the Masque will perform brilliantly; the forensics team will excel, and students will wear ties and
walk the quadrangle. So what else is new?
Read on and fi nd out.
Gene Kail ‘63
And I promise to talk less about Central (to her).
Co-Editor
Table of Contents
St. Kieran.....................................................................14-15
Th e Brothers .....................................................................16
Central Crew ....................................................................17
Bookstore Ad ...................................................................17
National Merit Finalists/Golf .......................................17
Legacy Photo .............................................................18-19
John Joyce ’08 Lasallian Volunteer ...............................20
Inline Hockey ...................................................................21
De La Salle Blackfeet School .........................................22
Alumni Message ..............................................................23
Hall of Fame ...............................................................24-25
Joe Bathanti ‘71 ................................................................25
Central Catholic Day of Proclamation ........................26
Identify a Viking ..............................................................26
Sciullo-Lombardozzi Golf Outing ...............................27
Lettermen’s Club .............................................................28
Reunion/Viking Baseball Alumni Game ....................29
Reunions .....................................................................30-31
Little Sisters of the Poor .................................................32
Robert P. O’Connor ’43 ..................................................32
In Memoriam ...................................................................33
News From the Family .............................................34-35
Back Cover Auction ........................................................36
3

4
A message
from the
President
Dear Alumni, Parents, Guardians and Friends of Central Catholic:
To inspire boys to become Men of Faith, Men of Scholarship, Men of
Brother B th
Service is the leitmotif that permeates all we do at Central Catholic. Faith,
Patrick Duffy, FSC,
scholarship and service are constantly recurring themes in our conversations,
President
celebrations, classes, athletic programs and extracurricular activities.
Faith is at the center of our 85-year tradition of Catholic Lasallian
education. We invite our students to anchor their lives in the Gospel values of integrity, respect, service,
justice and peace. Frequently recalling that we are in the holy presence of God, we remind the boys that
Jesus Christ is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever-present teacher.
Scholarship is the goal of our 85-year tradition of academic excellence. We challenge our students to
be creative, collaborative, risk-taking, solid and hard-working. We prepare our students for the academic
rigors of the best colleges and universities. Vikings excel in higher education.
Service is the result of our 85-year tradition of inspiring boys to become compassionate, responsible
and courageous participants in the Church and society. We provide our students with eye-opening and
heart-touching experiences designed to motivate them to be faith-centered and intelligent leaders in
search of a better world for all.
Catholic Lasallian secondary education for boys is thriving at Central Catholic. Th e Brothers,
administration, faculty and staff are steadfast in their commitment to inspire the boys to become Men of
Faith, Men of Scholarship, Men of Service.
All of you – alumni, parents, guardians and friends – have a part to play in furthering the mission of
Central Catholic. Th ank you for your many contributions of talent, time, money and prayers. On behalf
of the boys who benefi t from your extraordinary generosity, please accept my heartfelt expression of
appreciation.
Brother Patrick Duff y, FSC
President

A message
from the
Principal
Dear Alumni, Parents, Guardians and Friends of Central Catholic,
Th e school administration and faculty continue to refl ect upon the unique mis-
Brother Robert sion of Central Catholic High School in light of 21st century educational demands and
Schaefer FSC, reality. We are committed to remaining faithful to the mission that has been entrusted
Principal
to us by the Church as part of the spiritual legacy of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and
the educational heritage of the Brothers of the Christian Schools while at the same time
acutely aware of the modern world.
One of the important goals we have set for ourselves as administration and faculty has been to focus our eff orts on
ensuring that Central Catholic continues to have a clearly articulated, rigorous college-prep curriculum aligned with relevant
standards, 21st century skills and Gospel values and that they are implemented through eff ective instruction that
takes into account the increasing importance of technology.
Our program of studies continues to adapt to contemporary reality. Th is year we have added a required technology
course to the freshman year that involves robotic and computer design technology. We are actively planning to enhance
our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program to enable the students to meet the challenges they will
face in college and in the world.
Signs of our mission eff ectiveness are everywhere. Th e students continue to strive toward becoming Men of Faith,
Men of Scholarship, Men of Service. Let me share with you just a few of the accomplishments of our students.
Senior Evan Pennington, was recognized by the Knights of Columbus with the prestigious international award of
Squire of the Body of Christ at a mass in his parish presided by Bishop Zubik for his contributions to the Columbian
Squires, the youth branch of the Knights of Columbus.
In September, we were notifi ed by the College Board that two of our seniors, Adam Johnson and A.J. Nestler, qualifi ed
as National Merit Semi-Finalists and nine seniors, Jason Beiriger, John Rossi, Patrick Skeeba, Joseph Monahan, Andrew
Haky, Kraig Hackett, Daniel Mozely, Joseph Hudack and Alex Senchak, were recognized as Commended Students in the
National Merit Scholarship Competition for their outstanding performance on the PSAT.
Recently, two students, Cody Meyer, ’13 and John McGraw, ’14, were recognized by the Greenfi eld Neighborhood Association
for their outstanding service to the community.
All of our fall sports qualifi ed for playoff berths as the season came to an end. Th e soccer team once again won their
section title. To the delight of the entire Central Catholic Community, the Varsity Golf team captured the WPIAL Team
Championship for the fi rst time in school history and Brett Rogers, ’14, was the WPIAL individual champion.
With your continued support we are able to look confi dently to the future ready for the challenges that await!
Live Jesus in our hearts forever!
Brother Robert J. Schaefer, FSC
Principal
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A dvancement
Thank you for supporting Central Catholic
High School on the Day of Giving!
Th anks to all of the loyal alumni, parents and friends who
logged on to the PittsburghGives website on October 3rd and
raised nearly $135,000 for Central Catholic in just one day! 240
supporters took advantage of this opportunity to make their
gifts go even further for Central’s hard-working students. Your
support put Central in the top 2% of organizations in terms of
funds raised through the Day of Giving. During this 24-hour
period, a match of 10.5 cents on the dollar was provided by Th e
Pittsburgh Foundation.
To those who participated, a heartfelt thank you! Your
generosity sustains Central Catholic’s mission to inspire Men of
Faith, Men of Scholarship, Men of Service.
Five Ways to Help Central Catholic Inspire Men of Faith,
Men of Scholarship, Men of Service
1. Make a year-end gift to the Fund for Central Catholic.
Your gift provides tuition assistance to young men who would be unable to attend Central without this
support. Currently, 37 % of our students receive tuition assistance.
2. Increase the value of your contribution by asking your company if they match
charitable contributions made by employees.
Many area corporations have matching gift programs – this can double or sometimes even triple your
gift! Check with your Human Resources Department.
3. Turn your company’s state tax liability into scholarship dollars for a Central Catholic
student through the State of Pennsylvania’s EITC/OSTC programs.
With an easy one-page application, your company can receive tax credits while making a lifelong impact
on a deserving Central student.
4. Attend the Viking Victory Auction on April 13!
Join us at this annual celebration of our Lasallian mission and our amazing Central Catholic community.
5. Volunteer
Central is grateful for our supporters’ donations of time and talent. We would love to see you on campus!
Call Gary Pollock, VP of Institutional Advancement at 412-208-3401 for more information.
Central Catholic welcomes
Gary Pollock , Vice President
of Institutional Advancement
Gary has over 13 years of professional development experience.
He most recently worked at the University of Pittsburgh. He had been
an advancement offi cer since 2006, fi rst in the School of Education and
most recently in the Swanson School of Engineering. Gary was born
and raised in Butler County. He completed undergraduate studies at
La Roche College and holds a Master of Arts from Temple University.
Gary’s wife Christine is director of Foundation Relations at Duquesne
University; their son Ian is a junior at Central Catholic.

In June, the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Christian
Brothers of the District of Eastern North America, offi -
cially announced that Brother Patrick Duff y, FSC would
become the second President of Central Catholic High School,
succeeding the late Brother Richard Grzeskiewicz. Th e assignment
was approved by the Board of Directors of Central Catholic.
Brother Patrick immediately assumed his duties.
While Brother Patrick has spent much of his professional
career serving in Central America, he actually grew up in Beechview,
a graduate of (then) South Hills Catholic High School. His
education includes numerous certifi cations and degrees; among
them are LaSalle University (B.A. in Spanish), Middlebury
College (M.A. in Spanish), and Duquesne University (M.A. in
Formative Spirituality).
A Brother for 47 years, Brother Patrick’s educational service
includes time at Cumberland and Baltimore, Maryland, and
Philadelphia; as well as much of Central America (including
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica). Brother Patrick
literally and fi guratively brings a world of experience to his
new position. “As President,” he maintains, “my role is to insure
that all programs for students, faculty and staff are planned,
implemented and evaluated in accordance with the mission and
Catholic Lasallian identity of Central Catholic High School.”
Earlier this year, Brother Patrick stepped down from his position
as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for Nicaragua’s
Atlantic Coast Region, where he was responsible for more than
Brother Patrick Duffy, FSC
Assumes CCHS Presidency
17,000 children and 643 teachers in 382 free primary schools.
Th e excitement of teacher training, announcing the Gospel to
the poor, managing budgets, fund raising, salary negotiations,
and the construction of schools provided him with daily challenges
– and also extensive experience.
Brother Patrick is no stranger to the Central Catholic family.
It has long been his stateside “home community” as a Christian
Brother. He has also gained a familiarity with the students of
Central over the years, as he has coordinated and hosted seven
missionary experiences for Central Catholic students. Th e Central
Catholic family, through the annual Lenten mission drive,
was always a major contributor to Brother’s missionary eff orts.
It’s no wonder he hit the ground running.
Brother Patrick assumed the position of President in June,
and immediately and fully assumed its duties, challenges and
opportunities. It would be easy to get caught up in the everyday
details of administration, but his primary commitment, as he
continually reminds all, is the mission of Central Catholic High
School.
As he explains it: “Everything we do at Central Catholic is
motivated by our mission: To inspire boys to become Men of
Faith, Men of Scholarship, Men of Service. Our tradition of academic
excellence, our outstanding program of extracurricular
activities and our brotherhood of faithful and generous alumni
and friends are grounded in our Catholic Lasallian mission.”
7

8
Student receives highest honor
We often view the Knights of Columbus as an organization for mature
adults, but like many social/fraternal/religious organizations of this
type, they have an active outreach program. Th e Columbian Squires are
the offi cial youth organization of the Knights. It is a leadership development
program for young Catholic men 10-18 years old.
Evan Pennington (CCHS ‘13) joined the Columbian Squires more
than two years ago. He wasn’t exactly sure what he was getting into,
but he thought it would look good on his resume. Th is fall, however,
Bishop David Zubik presented him with the Squire of the Body of
Christ award during a Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption, Evan’s
home parish.
It is the organization’s most prestigious award; Evan is one of only 74 Squires to receive the award
(and the fi rst from Pennsylvania).
“It’s been awesome and rewarding,” he said of his Squire experience. Evan received a certifi cate of
recognition; a congratulatory letter from Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, supreme chaplain of
the Knights of Columbus, also was read.
Th e Squire of the Body of Christ is the highest rank of fi ve levels. Candidates for the highest honor
must be a Squire for at least two years and accomplish a number of tasks, four each in the categories of
Home and Family, Squires and Knights, Community and Country, and Church. Th ey must also complete
a major service project.
Th e son of Shawn and Renee Pennington of Shaler, Evan is a senior at Central and has been a member
of the swimming and volleyball teams, campus ministry, My Brother’s Keeper and MAPS program.
He is a graduate of St. Mary School.
Th ere are more than 25,000 young men in 1,500 local Squire units — or circles — throughout the
United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas and Guam.
Squire Council 5444 has more than two dozen members. Th ere are
some 28 circles with 400 members throughout the state, and three other
circles in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
In his homily, Bishop Zubik pointed to the mandate that the faithful
be less selfi sh, more selfl ess and put Christ at the center of their lives.
Th ey must stand up for the church and the truth. “Today is another
example of someone who has fallen in love more with Jesus,” he said.
Th e reception of the award wasn’t Evan’s only highlight of the day:
the bishop also commissioned him as an extraordinary minister of Holy
Communion.
(Based on reporting in the Pittsburgh Catholic by William Hill.)

Something to
Be Proud Of
Gennaro Sebastian Valant ‘16
“Now I get it. Now I understand what all those people were talking about,” I
said to myself towards the end of my fi rst month as a Viking. I now understand
how important it is to be where I am, part of the Central Catholic tradition.
I am Gennaro Sebastian Valant, a freshman at one of the best Catholic
schools in the nation. I knew that I would attend Central Catholic, but I wasn’t
always sure why I wanted to. My friends planned to attend Central; their siblings
went here, as did members of my family, but what did that mean? I now know.
Many people scarcely remember or mention the high school they attended.
But Central Catholic grads remember and take a lifelong pride in their high
school experience. Th ey describe it as the best four years of their lives, and I am
beginning to understand why. I’ll understand more fully by the time I graduate,
when I’ll be part of the legacy, a member of this fraternity of faith, scholarship
and service.
Once, I hardly believed people who said that the friends I would make at
Central would be my friends for life. On our fi rst day of school, we were told to
look around and see the people who would be among our best friends by graduation.
Although I have been here only a short time, I have made friends whom I
now consider my brothers.
Attending an all-guys school didn’t appeal to me when I was a middle school
student, but I now see that the positives far outweigh the negatives: no distractions,
no drama, and always a great time!
I have never before been so proud to be a part of something as I am to be a
Viking. High school is something we all have to experience, so make it the best
possible experience: be a part of the Central Catholic legacy!
9

Special Features Special Special Features Features
Features
Special Features Special
10
10
A lumni
Spotlight
Father Nicholas Vaskov ‘01
For the members
of Father Nicholas
Vaskov’s class of 2001,
memories of him are
bound to be associated
with music. Active in
the Campus Ministry
program, Father Nick
often provided the music
for school liturgies.
It goes further than
that, however, since
he participated in the
marching band, the jazz
band and the pep band
(as well as accompanying
the Masque and the
Father Nicholas meeting the Pope in November 2011
Chamber Singers).
His early biography includes a bent for service Father Robert George as chaplain at Central and Oakland
and strong family ties. Father Nick came to Central Catholic. Th is allowed him to get to know a whole new gen-
from Wilkinsburg, a graduate of St. James School. eration of Central students. Ultimately, his duties included
His parents, Gene and Connie Vaskov, have been serving as personal secretary and master of ceremonies to
active in parish and diocesan service for many years. Bishop David Zubik.
He describes with great joy this past May, when he In 2012, immersing himself in parish life, he became
presided over the nuptials of his sister Victoria and Parochial Vicar at a group of New Castle parishes, including
her husband Tom, both of whom are lawyers work- Mary, Mother of Hope, St. Joseph the Worker, St. Vincent
ing in New Jersey.
de Paul, and St. Vitus. He maintains that he enjoys the
Father Nick left Central for Duquesne Uni- details and demands of his current ministry. (He came to
versity, where, after his freshman year, he joined this interview from a meeting with a couple planning their
the diocesan seminary program. He remained at wedding.) He also keeps his hand in education by teaching
Duquesne to fi nish his undergraduate degree in an evening class in liturgy at St. Paul Seminary.
philosophy. He continued his studies in Rome at
Both as student and alumnus, Father Nick’s memories
the Pontifi cal North American College, where he of Central are rich and rewarding. He credits the Christian
completed his bachelor’s in Sacred Th eology and Brothers (“good Christian men”) with encouraging his call
received a Licentiate in Liturgical Th eology. He was to the priesthood, especially then Campus Minister -- now
ordained in 2009.
principal -- Brother Robert Schaefer. “I give thanks to
When he returned to Pittsburgh, he resided God every day for the four years I spent at Central with the
at St. Paul Cathedral; his duties included assisting Brothers, years which planted the seeds of my vocation.”

(Lto R) Rev. Christopher Donley '97 Rev. Adam Verona, Bishop David Zubik, Pope Benedict XVI, Auxiliary Bishop William
Waltersheid, Auxiliary Bishop William Winter, and Rev. Nicholas Vaskov ‘01.
A calligraphy of his Senior Quote handwritten
by Father Nicholas' mother
Like many Central Alumni, he can cite a number of
relationships that enriched his time here, and made special
mention of classmate and current faculty member Matt
Sudnik, '01. He is now experiencing that Central community
in a diff erent way. “After living outside the country for fi ve
years, I am amazed at the many ways I have re-established
friendships with my former classmates and other grads.”
“As chaplain,” he continues, “I got to see from the other
side of the desk the compassion and dedication of the teachers
at Central. Th eir work is more than a job; it is in many
ways a vocation.”
Fr. Nick pays homage to his Lasallian heritage in trying
to live a life characterized by the words of St. John Baptist
de LaSalle: ”I adore in all things the God whose hand has led
me all my life.”
Father Nicholas Vaskov, '01 joins a long and illustrious
line of Central Catholic priest-alumni. (“Th ere may
be no more important work at Central than the formation
of young men to serve God and others….”) His ministry
promises to add luster to that line.
’01
Class of
11

12
12
Rare Air
For the past three years he has been very successful in
the yearly magazine drive to support the school. During his
sophomore and junior years, he came in 2nd place with 39
and 44 sales respectively. Th is year, challenged by Assistant
Principal Mr. Bernot, Ian Luconti, '13 determined to reach
100 sales, an almost mythical level.
And he did it.
He began with e-mails to family and friends and
thought he had peaked at 65 sales. However, when the deadline
was extended, Ian extended his eff orts, and fi nally became
the fi rst Central student to reach the 100-sale plateau
(actually the 124-sale plateau). Rarefi ed air indeed!
Th ose of you “pre-magazine sale” alumni, who hawked
raffl e tickets among your friends and family, or responded
to Mr. Saville’s exhortation to “sell just one more,” should be
glad to know that the spirit of entrepreneurship and school
support is still fl ourishing at CCHS.
Congratulations to Ian Luconti (’14), dubbed the CCHS
“King of the Magazines.”
Ways to Give
Online
Give online with any credit card, at our secure website. Go to
www.centralcatholichs.com, and choose “Support CCHS,” and look
for the “Donate Now” option.
Check or Cash
Checks should be made payable to Central Catholic High
School, 4720 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Credit Cards
We accept VISA and MasterCard if you mail in your gift.
Appreciated Securities
Central Catholic welcomes gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds,
mutual funds. Please contact the Offi ce of Advancement at (412)
208-3401 when considering or making gifts of appreciated funds.
Corporate Matching Gifts
Many companies sponsor matching gift programs that can
double or triple your gift to Central Catholic. Contact your human
resource department for information and the appropriate forms.
Matching gifts are added to your own gift and are counted toward gift t society i t levels. l l
Ian Luconti, '13
Nathan Chau ’12 and Malik Simpson ‘12
Consider a Planned Gift
Naming Central Catholic as a bequest benefi ciary or making other deferred gifts allows you to plan for the future and
invest in the continued success of our Lasallian tradition. Th e Offi ce of Advancement would be pleased to provide a list of
planned giving opportunities to discuss with your fi nancial advisor.

Ten Questions for Chuck Crummie
An Interview with Central’s
Long-Time AD and Basketball Coach
1. How did you first come to Central?
After graduating from Point Park, I learned of a basketball
coaching opening at Central Catholic from a friend of mine who just
happened to be a graduate (Ron Gualtieri, '69). I came and interviewed
with Larry Michelangelo but no teaching job was available.
But by midsummer a math job opened and I successfully interviewed
for a math and coaching position. I started teaching math, and coaching
football and basketball in the fall of 1974.
2. Although not a graduate, you and your wife have
definitely raised a Central family. What was it like
to coach your sons? Where are they now?
Th at is funny because most people think I am a graduate—and,
after almost 40 years, I guess I could be.
Coaching my sons was not something that I was planning to
do. In fact, they sort of dictated that part of my career. Every time
an opportunity presented itself to leave Central my sons would
object saying “We want to go to Central, we want to stay at Central,
or we want to play for you at Central.” Th ey pretty much grew up
on the Central Catholic campus so they started experiencing the
“mystique” at an early age. However, I must say that I truly enjoyed
not only coaching my sons but also being able to watch them play.
Devin, '97 and Sean, '98 are both currently teaching and coaching
at Central Catholic. Th ey both have two children. Devin teaches
English and lives in Lincoln Place, while Sean teaches Math and
resides in Brighton Heights. Kevin, '07 works in the Bar/Restaurant
business and lives on Mt. Washington.
3. How many sports does Central offer? How many of
the current students participate in some part of the
athletic program?
We currently off er 18 WPIAL and Club sports from Baseball to
Ice Hockey to Wrestling. Our current student sports participation
rate is an outstanding 80%. Our administration understands the
importance of solid academics enhanced by athletics.
4. How have students and athletes changed in the 38
years you have been at Central? Have you had to
adapt your coaching style?
I don’t think the students/athletes have changed intrinsically
all that much but the external pressures and societal changes have
certainly impinged upon their perspective and expectations. As
coaches, we now have to concentrate more on player focus, concentration,
and leadership as well as the typical physical skill sets. Some
ex-players say I have turned soft over the years when they come
back to practice, but I feel I have simply become more Lasallian.
5. As a basketball coach, you have a reputation for
turning out disciplined, committed teams. How can
you do that in this day and age?
Respect, responsibility, and leadership are the keys we stress
to maintain discipline and committed teams. Th e players under-
stand we give only our best eff ort
because of the respect we have for
each other and that they have the
responsibility to take ownership
of their team. From that respect
and responsibility fl ows leadership.
We have few rules but the
highest expectations.
6. As a coach and AD, who
were your models or
mentors?
Th ere were three local college
coaches, Tim Grgurich-Pitt,
Dave Maloney-CMU, and Bill Shay-CCAC, who were not only great
coaches but excellent teachers, from whom I developed the foundation
of my philosophy. My high school coach, Jim Meissner, also was
a source for some innovative basketball theory.
7. Was it a difficult transition to Athletic Director?
I did not think the transition was diffi cult at fi rst glance, but
looking back now the amount of time you spend is unbelievable.
For me it was more a change in mindset, in that your job is never
fi nished. It is truly a job in progress that continues in and out of the
school year.
8. Elsewhere in this issue is an article about the Inline
Skating team. Is there a relationship between the
Athletic Department and club sports? Is there a
process for getting a new sport approved?
Th e relationship between A.D. and Club sports is a good and
necessary component for a successful season especially since most
of the club sports are off campus. We typically pay part of the
coaches’ salaries and provide practice facilities when available.
We recently added Rugby as a new Club sport and will consider
proposals for others based on possible student participation, fi nancial
feasibility and space.
9. How has Central been able to maintain athletic excellence
over so long a period of time?
I think that our athletic excellence continues for many reasons.
First, our alums and friends display their pride in Central by continuing
to send their sons, even though they may have moved from
the city or East End neighborhoods. Along that same line, we have
28 faculty members who are graduates and many of whom coach.
We have about 30 alums who coach for our various teams.
Our Lasallian and all-male heritage provides us with a unique
perspective on continuing and understanding our true athletic
excellence.
Our student/athletes are disciplined and committed to their
teammates and team goals.
13

Special Features Special Features Special Special Features Features
14
14
Saint Kieran Parish
by Pat Burns ‘77, Barney Burns ‘80, Mike Burns ‘88. In memory of Tom Bittner Jr. ‘48
Since 1927, St. Kieran’s has sent many young
men to Central. Public transportation was the
typical means to high school for the working
class families. Catch the 94A Stanton Heights along
Stanton Ave. and transfer to one of three other routes,
the 71 Negley, 73 Highland Park
or 75 Wilkinsburg. You were more
likely to get a seat if you made the
transfer before entering East Liberty.
Any of the three routes you
transferred to had a bus stop near
Central. During the mid-1970s,
school buses were provided by the
Pittsburgh Board of Education,
but only for two years.
Th e parish’s foundation began in 1810 at St.
Patrick’s in the Strip District, which served the
entire Allegheny Valley Catholic
population until 1840, when St.
Philomena Parish was established
for the Germans.
In 1816, W.B. Foster, the
father of the great American
composer, Stephen Collins
Foster, established a town named
Lawrenceville, in honor of
Captain Lawrence, United States
Navy, who during the War of
1812, uttered the famous battle
cry, “Don’t give up the ship” before he died. In 1866,
the City of Pittsburgh welcomed Lawrenceville,
along with East Liberty, into the
city limits.
As industries grew in Lawrenceville,
so did the Catholic
population, with immigrants
from Ireland, Germany, Czechoslovakia,
Poland, Italy, Hungary,
Slovenia and Croatia. Eventually
nine parishes were established
between the Strip District and
Morningside.
In 1866, Irish Catholics
requested their own parish. Th e request was granted
and Mr. Patrick McCabe purchased the Bissell Estate,
consisting of 19 building lots, for $12,000. He sold
the property to the Pittsburgh Diocese, under the
h served the St. Kierans fi rst
direction of Bishop Tuigg, for a parish then known as St.
Vincent De Paul. Th is was the entire 5300 block of Carnegie
Street, between 53rd and 54th Streets, Carnegie Street
and Natrona Way.
Receiving some input from the parishioners, Bishop
Phelan, coadjutor to Bishop Tuigg,
renamed the parish after St. Kieran
College in County Kilkenny where he
studied for the priesthood. Th e name
Ciaran, the Irish version, appears twice
among the 12 apostles of Ireland. Th e
patron saint Ciaran Th e Wright, the
son of a carpenter, followed in his
father’s footsteps. He became a priest
and established a monastery and
school at Clonmacnois on the River Shannon.
St. Kieran’s fi rst building, constructed in 1887, was a
combination of church and school. Th e
church occupied the fi rst fl oor, with
four large classrooms on the second
fl oor. When the new church was dedicated
in 1908 by Bishop Canevin, the
fi rst fl oor space was converted into 4
large classrooms, similar to the second
fl oor. Th is eliminated the need of
having classrooms in the neighboring
convent. In 1939, due to the continuing
increase in the student enrollment,
a two story addition was added to the
original building, providing an additional 4 classrooms, 2
bathrooms and an offi ce.
In 1954, the Most Reverend John
F. Dearden, Bishop of Pittsburgh,
purchased the old Sunnyside School
located on the McCandless Ave. Extension,
and it became known as the
Annex. Th e parish now had two school
buildings, each providing education for
grades 1-8. Th e Annex was for the students
who lived from the Stanton Ave./
McCandless Ave. intersection across
from the Allegheny Cemetery up into
Stanton Heights. Th e original school on
Carnegie Street accommodated the students from the same
intersection down toward Butler Street.
Between 1962-1967 the Annex was the grade school
for two parishes, St. Kieran’s and St. Raphael’s in Morning-

side. St. Raphael’s used the second fl oor to help relieve the
overcrowding at their Chislett Street grade school. Th e St.
Raphael students were taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph
of Baden.
By 1969, St. Kieran’s reassigned
the use of the school buildings. Th e
Carnegie Street school was now for
grades 1-5 and the Annex was for
grades 6-8. Th e Annex was permanently
closed at the conclusion of the
1971-72 school year. All grades were
now using the Carnegie Street school
plus classroom space in the convent
and the church hall. Th e Annex was
later demolished.
Th e fi rst teachers were the Sisters of Charity from
Seton Hill in Greensburg. Th ey taught at St. Kieran’s from
1888 until the grade school closed in 1989. When the sisters
wore their traditional habit, if they
didn’t clutch their long prayer beads
when walking, the sounds of the swaying
beads alerted you to their presence.
Otherwise, look out. A sister could
provide an impromptu surprise.
Th e fi rst lay teacher was Mrs.
Bittner, hired in 1952. She was a
lifelong parishioner, our grandmother,
and taught many students during her
20-year career, including a grandson.
Tom was her son.
Bro. Raymond F. Bronowicz, FSC, '47 and Bro. Lawrence
Monroe, FSC, '56 are among the many St. Kieran
graduates who attended Central.
Th e young men, most of whom would eventually
fi nd their way to Central, served as altar boys and safety
patrol boys, worked part-time jobs, played baseball for
10th Ward, fi shed/swam in the
Allegheny River, played basketball
for St. Kieran’s at the St. Mary’s
46th Street Lyceum, and football
for the Morningside Bulldogs.
You could always fi nd someone
at McCleary Field, the Duncan
Street playground, Sunnyside, the
Annex, McCandless Community
Center, Butler Street basketball
court or just playing on a neighborhood
street.
Th e neighborhood baseball
season always began on a Sunday
with the little league parade along
Butler Street from Stanton Ave. to Atlantic Field at
57th Street. Th e annual school picnic was at West
View Park.
St. Kieran’s celebrated its Centennial Anniversary
in 1987. Lawrenceville’s 10th
Ward and St. Kieran’s have experienced
signifi cant changes over the
years. Th e mills no longer exist
and businesses have closed. Th e
school was demolished in 1997
and has become a parking lot. Th e
Annex has been replaced with a
private home. Th e parish name
was changed to St. Matthew in
1993. Despite this, the convent and rectory remains
as constructed in 1896 along Carnegie Street, and the
church remains on 53rd Street.
Th e 10AM Mass celebrated on Sunday June
3, 2012 was the offi cial closing
of what many only know as St.
Kieran’s. It was a well attended,
spirited Mass where parishioners
said their fi nal good-bye to the
institution that richly served the
neighborhood for 125 years. Th e
reception following the Mass in
the Church Hall was a combination
of a homecoming, reacquainting
with friends and family, and
a fi nal gathering for the parishioners of St. Kieran’s.
Lawrenceville’s 10th Ward residents are now members
of St. Raphael Parish.
Th ings certainly do change as time advances
forward, but the fond memories live forever.
Special Features Features Special Features Features Special Features
15

16
16

Central Crew Purchases Rowing Machines
Recently, the Central Catholic Rowing Team purchased 21 ergometers
(or “ergs”- indoor rowing machines) from Princeton University, after a year of
hard work and fundraising . Th ese machines are the main form of conditioning
for rowers and will be used throughout the winter season. Th e ergs are also
being used in Mr. Bob Anderson’s and Mr. John Stone’s gym classes, giving
everyone at Central a chance to get fi t and try rowing. Central Catholic Crew
now
holds its
practices
in the
morning
and
afternoon
at Central, making use of the foyer in the gym. Th e change
in scenery from the boathouse to the campus allows for more
visibility with the student body and the easy access to the machines
is a huge step towards achieving the program’s ultimate
goal: a national championship. Th e coaches and boys are very
thankful for the generosity and cooperation of the administration
for making this transition a success.
National Merit
Semi-Finalists
AJ Nestler, '13 &
Adam Johnson, '13
National Merit Commended Students
First Row: Pat Skeba '13, Andrew Haky '13, Craig Hackett '13 Second
Row: John Rossi '13, Joe Monahan '13, Joe Hudak '13, Alex Senchak '13
Th ird Row: Jason Beiriger
'13, Adam Johnson '13, A.J.
Nestler '13, Dan Mosley '13
Brett Rogers, '14 -
WPIAL Golf
champion
17

18
18
Row 1: Ed Opalko, Tyler DeJames, Aiden DeRoy, Tim Beyer,
Evan Craska, Declan Berardi, Bernard Murray ‘61, Matt Carnevali,
Steven Carnevali ‘87, Stephen McDonnell, Rege Wessell ‘44, Josh Frey.
Row 2: Ed Opalko ‘83, John DeJames ‘83, Greg DeRoy ‘82, Luke Deasy,
Dan Beyer ‘58, Bill Deasy ‘84, Tony DiGioia ‘52, Rich Craska,
Joseph DalDosso, Bart DalDosso ‘81, Mike Newell ‘85, Connor Newell,
Th omas McDonnell.
Row 3: Tony Lapiano, Armand Lapiano, William Deasy ‘47,
John Gloninger, Leonardo Capone, Th omas Capone ‘71, James Buckley,
James Buckley ‘73.
Row 4: Harry Knipp ‘52, Troy Lampenfeld, Frank Vozza ‘83,
Trevor Vozza, David Gloninger, Robert DeVito, Louis DeVito ‘49,
Marc DeVito, David Cunningham ‘74, Drew Cunningham.
Row 5: Josh Schmitt, Terry Totten ‘76, Dan Lamanna, Lou Lamanna ‘79,
Brother Patrick Duff y, Brother Robert Schaefer, Brother V. Kenneth ‘69,
Jonathan DeVito, Maroon DeVito ‘74, Louis DeVito ‘80.

Row 1: Th omas Ayoob, Th omas Ayoob ‘83,
Jeff Zigmond ‘88, Michael Zigmond.
Row 2: Anthony Diulus, Anthony Diulus ‘78,
Jeff Dean ‘79, Jayson Dean.
19

20
20
Alumnus Serves as
Alumnus Serves as
Lasallian Volunteer
By John Joyce '08
I fi rst learned about the Lasallian Volunteer program
during my junior at Central year. I had taken a trip to Philadelphia
with a half dozen other students in Central’s human
rights group, CCHRIST (the Central Catholic Human
Rights Initiative for Societal Transformation). We stayed at
a Brothers’ community, where a few Lasallian Volunteers
lived, and visited other volunteers at the San Miguel School
in Camden, New Jersey; at both sites and learned a little
about the service of the LVs.
Th e next year, Jim Ruck (a former teacher at Central
and Director of Development for the LV program) and
Zac Ufnar (a then-LV and current Director of Recruitment
for the LVs) came to CCHS to present the program to the
senior class. So in a very literal sense, Central introduced
me to the program in these ways. But Central also prepared
me to begin a year of service as a Lasallian Volunteer in a
number of other ways.
First, I was active in Campus Ministry and my involvement
instilled in me a commitment to service. Second, the
example of the Brothers and their worldwide commitment
to the education of children has inspired me as a human being
and citizen of the world. And fi nally, by the end of college,
I had decided that I wanted to pursue teaching, largely
because of looking back on the best teachers I had worked
with, their impact, and who they had helped me to become.
Joining the Lasallian Volunteers simply made sense. I feel
it is a way to contribute in a concrete and tangible way to
the Lasallian mission of serving children, particularly those
living in conditions of poverty.
Th e most challenging aspect of my year has by far been
the service in which I am engaged—teaching 6th, 7th and
8th graders Math, Social Studies and Science. Th e school
days are long—we begin the morning at 8:15 and are typically
dismissed at 4:30. On top of that, preparing lessons,
tutoring, and attending school functions make the days
long and challenging. Having never taught in a classroom
before, I have the added obstacle of simply getting used to
being a teacher, managing a classroom, connecting with
students, and
helping them do
their best.
After spending
the last
nineteen years of
my life being a
student, making
this transition
has certainly
been an undertaking
in my own personal growth. However, the support of
my co-workers, the Brothers with whom I live, and the Lasallian
Volunteer program have made my year of service possible and
enjoyable. I look forward to the eff ect that this year will have on
my future life, both personally and professionally.
But it is because we are part of a global community of Lasallians—both
students and educators—I fi nd it important to give
back in some signifi cant way.
At Central we do that in a number of ways, perhaps most tangibly
by the Lenten Mission Drive (which, during the 2011-2012
year, raised enough money to buy two windmills for the community
and school here in Browning to help us generate electricity).
Central Catholic and De La Salle Blackfeet School have a special
relationship. CCHS has sent immersion groups to DLSBS for the
last four years, and has raised tens of thousands of dollars to help the
school support green energy and maintain low energy costs.
A special relationship is also shared between Central and the
Lasallian Volunteer program. Th e two have shared staff , students
and volunteers, and members of the Central community continue
to support the program. Th eir generosity is both necessary and
appreciated. While I am only the second CCHS alum to serve as
an LV, I am certain that I will not be the last.

Hockey Gets “Inline” By Dana Ceraso
Th e Inline Hockey team
has been a Varsity club sport at
CCHS since the 2002 –
2003 season. We compete in
the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Inter Roller Hockey League,
(PIRHL), which is sponsored by the Amateur Athletic
Union, (AAU). Currently, there is one varsity team and
one junior varsity team. Inline Hockey is played with four
skaters and a goalie for each team, has limited checking
allowed, and no icing or off sides restrictions. Th is results
in a free fl owing, high scoring game requiring all players to
contribute both off ensively and defensively.
Central is proud to have won fi ve championships in its
brief history, including both varsity and JV teams! It is a
compliment to the players’ commitment to the sport and
their willingness to play as a team. Two of the graduates
have moved on to achieve National Championships in
college.
Th e season begins early in the school year and consists of a
preseason tournament, 18 regular season games, and playoff s.
Players show their dedication to their sport
both on and off the rink with regular weekly
practices as well as off -rink conditioning after
school.
Last season, two of the Varsity players,
David Stragar ’13, and Taylor Kirchner ’14
dominated the V2 division in most goals scored
by a single player. Th is same Varsity team went
on to the V2 division Championship games
competing through the last game of that series,
ending the season in a 23-5-1 record.
Additionally, Wyatt Gasparik (’12) Varsity
Team Captain last season, garnered one of
three coveted PIRHL scholarships last season
for his academic achievements. To date, Inline
has never had an academically ineligible player.
“Tradition never graduates” is a philosophy held sacred
with Inline, as many of the alumni return on a regular
basis to assist coaching and pass on their skills and knowledge.
Among them, Mike Rieker ‘04, Mike Sebastian ’06,
Tom Michel ’06, Alex Sebastian ’08, Ed Lyle ’12, and Ben
Joyce ’12 have been notable in their continued time and
commitment to the team post-graduation.
Th e team always looks forward to the Holiday Alumni
Game, scheduled each year at Christmas, when Inline
graduates return to see if they can still compete with their
younger Viking replacements!
Inline is a rapidly growing sport requiring both skill
and physical fi tness not common to all. Many new players
join every season, and look forward to many years at
Central Catholic!
Tom Ceraso drives puck towards net.
21

22
22
A Spe cial Place
Zack Javorsky ‘14
Zack Javorsky ‘14 helps students.
As we
began this experience at De La salle Blackfeet School
(DLSBS) fi
ve days ago, Brother Ray told us, "You may not realize it
now, but there is something special about this place and by the end
of this week you will come to love this place." As I sat there listening,
I thought to myself: how could anyone come to love a place affl icted
by by poverty, unemployment, drugs and alcohol? However, when I
met the students of my class on Monday morning, I realized exactly
why everyone was willing to make profound sacrifi ces.
As the children came in that fi rst morning, I began to see where
Brother Ray was coming from. Th ey were ambitious and willing
to try to do the classroom assignments. As I worked with them, I
began to see they were all very intelligent. Th ey simply lacked some
basic skills. Th is lack of skills made them get a lot of answers wrong,
and this gets the students down on themselves. Th e teachers, who
are mainly volunteers, were wonderful at giving the kids instruction
and rebuilding the confi dence that had been harmed. I got the impression
from the kids that this motivation was rare on the reservation,
and they cherished even the smallest compliments. I tried to
give them compliments throughout the week, and I soon saw my
bond with the children grow exponentially.
As I prepare to spend my fi nal day with the children, I see
why DLSBS is such an amazing place and why so many people
are willing to work countless hours to ensure the students succeed.
Th e needs of the children surpasses any of the concerns
that I had coming in and all the negatives on the reservation. Th e
children are a bright spot in a dark place. Th ey are the sole reason
that we come on these immersion trips and their personalities
and friendliness are why we take a personal interest in their
success.Th e immersion experience has made me a better person,
one more willing to accept people for who they are. Now I am
more able to focus on the good in people and not the bad. Th is
experience in the shadows of the scenic Montana mountains has
changed my life forever.

Jeff Folino ‘75
Director of
Constituent Relations
A message
from
Constituent Relations
I wish I had kept count of the number of alumni who walked through the
Quadrangle and glanced up at the building and shook their heads caught in a moment
of nostalgia, and the number of friends of Central that would look at the Towers with a
sense of awe. We know that we can go home again. I have watched them walk through the doors that have opened up for 85
years and absorbed young men of this city and graduated them into men of crisp poise and strong intelligence. It is hard to
resist feeling immense pride for having gone through Central and being counted among them.
And when they return, after time had inevitably separated them, the closer they get and the more they believe in Central
and its importance to every generation of young men. And the more they experience the overwhelming desire to preserve its
tradition and Mystique.
It is that past that gave us our present. What else do we have as graduates but our four years here? A memory that
sometimes makes the mundane tolerable because of the close ties we have for one another, the school, the faculty and the
tradition that only we experienced. It is a proud moment for all of us to recall those memories.
Our graduates are impressive. And I am not talking of those who rose to go beyond the common. Th ey may, at times,
speak in platitudes – stay in school, graduate, …. But those bromides seem to take on an added dimension because they come
from a graduate of Central Catholic. Th ey have renewed power because they are now spoken by men with the authority of
success. By men who came from the neighborhoods of working class people, who had pride in who and what they were. To
hear the alumni speak is refreshing, even moving, because we live in a time when so many speak of how bad times are.
But they speak of the Central today with a renewed energy. Th at they know Central today has changed and they inquire
about the changes with excitement. Th ey don’t brag their times were better. Th ey know that the opportunities the young men
face today are greater than what awaited them. Th ey do not whine about the timing of their lives. Instead they cheer for the
Central of today that they helped to create. Th ese were all tough kids in some way shape or form that don’t have to talk about
their tough times because, inside the building on Fifth Avenue, they were given the skills to play the cards they were dealt.
We brought the lessons from our parents about hard work into Central, and we were shaped by them and they were even
more cultivated here by being pushed to work even harder. To want to make sure today’s Central students work hard? It is
not about living in past glory but about being shaped by the past
I know that there are many paths to success. But a Central graduate seems to employ two lessons learned from their past
while they walked from class to class at Central – spectators don’t win contests and the reason some dogs are so feared has
nothing to do with the power of their jaws … it all comes down to one essential quality: they don’t quit. So, yes, in one very
real sense, we do live in the past; we were shaped by what we learned at Central. But look at the distinction it provides for the
young men of Central Catholic today. As it did for all of us.
jfolino@centralcatholichs.com
23

24
The 2012
Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner
Westin Convention Center Hotel
Left to right: Tom Savini ‘64, Ron Petnuch ‘79, Lawrence O’Toole ‘68, Joe Emanuele ‘67, Michael Bartley ‘80, Sean McDonald ‘78, Don Schenck ‘73, James Flynn ‘51, Mike McSorley ‘91, Jay Hammond, Frank McSteen ‘63
Th e Central Catholic
Hall of Fame ring.

Joseph Bathanti ’71 Named Poet Laureate
"I can't imagine a better place in the United States to be a writer
than North Carolina," Bathanti says. "Th ere
is no place richer in literature and no place that
has celebrated writers in quite the same way as
our state does." — Joseph Bathanti
Award winning poet, professor and advocate
for literacy, Joseph Bathanti, of Vilas, has
been named North Carolina's Poet Laureate by
Governor Bev Perdue.
"Joseph Bathanti is an award-winning poet
and novelist with a robust commitment to
social causes. He fi rst came to North Carolina
to work in the VISTA program and has taught
writing workshops in prisons for 35 years,"
Perdue said. "As North Carolina's new Poet
Laureate he plans to work with veterans to
share their stories through poetry — a valuable
and generous project."
North Carolina's seventh poet laureate, Bathanti was installed
during a public celebration on September 20, 2012 at the
State Capitol. "Joseph Bathanti brings a deep appreciation of our
state's diverse communities, geographies and traditions to his
new role as an ambassador of North Carolina literature," said
Department of Cultural Resources Secretary Linda A. Carlisle.
"His appointment as Poet Laureate is a wonderful new chapter
in North Carolina's rich literary history."
Bathanti is a professor of creative writing
at Appalachian State University where
he is also Director of Writing in the Field
and Writer-in-Residence in the University's
Watauga Global Community. He has taught
writing workshops in prisons for 35 years
and is former chair of the N.C. Writers'
Network Prison project.
Bathanti's books of poetry include
Th is Metal, Restoring Sacred Art, Land of
Amnesia, Anson County, Th e Feast of All
Saints and Communion Partners. He has
published two novels, Coventry and East
Liberty along with a book of short stories,
Th e High Heart.
Th e North Carolina Poet Laureate is
one of the state's longest running and most important ways that
we celebrate and share our state literary heritage with citizens,"
said Wayne Martin, Executive Director, N.C. Arts Council.
"Joseph's work is accessible because he writes about topics that
touch all of us: family, home and personal experiences."
25

26
85th Year of Central Catholic
Central Catholic students attending Day of Proclamation in City of Pittsburgh Council Chambers
Celebrating 85th year of Central Catholic in the city.
First Row: Brian Denham ’13, Phillip DeRenzo ’13, Bill Butterfi eld ’14, Erich Denk ’13, Corey O’Connor ’02.
Second Row: Councilman Rev. Ricky Burgess ’75, Peter Belechack ’13, Kevin Costello ’15, Zach Blank ’13, Dan Mosely ’13,
Brother Patrick Duff y, FSC, President.

Sciullo-Lombardozzi Golf Invitational
Goes to the Dogs (and Central Catholic)
By Rick DeCarlo '84
Hundreds of friends and family members gathered for
the fourth annual Paul J. Sciullo II – Nino Lombardozzi Golf
Invitational on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 3 Lakes Golf Course in
Penn Hills. Th e fundraising event is held in memory of Bloomfi
eld natives and Central Catholic graduates Paul Sciullo '91, one
of three Pittsburgh police offi cers killed on April 4, 2009, and
Nino Lombardozzi '89 of Lombardozzi’s Restaurant, who died
unexpectedly in December 2008 with a new wife and baby on
the way. Both men were in their 30s.
As a continuing tribute to Paul and Nino, golf committee
members earmarked $5,000 from the proceeds for a Central
Catholic High School Tuition Assistance Fund established in
their names. Th e endowment continues to grow benefi ting Central
each year bringing the four year total to over $30,000.
Another event highlight was a visit from City of Pittsburgh
police offi cer Tony Yauch, K-9 partner of “Rizzo,” the police
dog named for Offi cer Sciullo and awarded to Zone 5 a year
ago thanks to funding from the golf invitational. Offi cer Yauch
made remarks about the training of the dog over the last year,
his success in the fi eld and how proud he was to have Rizzo as
his partner. Golf committee members and Bloomfi eld residents
Steve Bruno, Jr. and Rick DeCarlo '84, along with Lot 17 owner
Dave Namistek, attended Rizzo’s graduation with the Sciullo
family in April.
According to Offi cer Yauch, he was overwhelmed by the
friendship, love and camaraderie he felt in the room from all of
the Bloomfi eld community who gathered there that day in Paul
and Nino’s memory.
Paul Sciullo Sr., Rizzo the dog, Offi cer Tony Yauch
Brother Patrick Duff y, FSC, President receives $6,000
check from Rick DeCarlo '84
27

28
LETTERMEN'S CLUB 20TH
GOLF OUTING!
By Kevin Shields '79
It is hard to believe that the Central
Catholic C Lettermen’s Club Annual Golf
Outing had its 20th anniversary on September 24, 2012, at the
Edgewood Country Club. On a rather brisk, chilly morning, 100
golfers took to the links to enjoy a warmer and sunny afternoon
of fun and camaraderie.
After a grilled lunch provided by Buff alo Blues Restaurant,
owned by Mike DiFiore ’82, the players hit their best (or not so
best) shots of the day.
Th e Outing was played in the honor of Greg Deet ’94, who
passed away earlier this year after battling an illness. Greg, along
with his family, always participated in the Outings and was a
great friend and supporter of Central Catholic Athletics. Th e
Club also paid homage to its dear friend and supporter, Brother
Richard Grzeskiewicz ’62, who also passed away earlier this year.
When all of the playing was complete, the team of Max Beier
’92, Geno DiSilvio ’04, Terry Rice ’00 and James Church won
the Callaway Division of the shamble format. DiSilvio also
won the Longest Drive on Hole #18. Dick Hay, Neil Rosen,
Jim McBride, and Ben Rathfon won the Gross Division. Rathfon
also took the honors of winning the ever-popular putting
contest and won a Dan Marino '79 autographed jersey.
Other Central Alums who took fi rst place in other
contests were Ed Faas ’93, who won the Closest to the Pin on
Hole #12 and Roddy “the Rocket” Delaney ’81, who won the
Longest Putt on Hole #9.
At the conclusion of the putting contest, everybody gathered
in the ballroom to enjoy a delicious buff et dinner. Cen-
C
tral Catholic’s new President, Brother Patrick
Duff y gave the blessing. Participants also had
taken chances on items from a Silent Auction, a Chinese Auction
and a 50/50 raffl e. Th e 50/50 was won by Denis Deet ’78,
who generously donated his winnings back to the Club.
“For the twentieth straight year, Lettermen across all generations
gathered to support our school, our students and our
athletic teams,” Lettermen’s Club Board of Directors President
Rob Lovett ’94 said. “Th e Club can’t thank our members and
friends enough for their generosity.”
Are you interested in getting involved with the Lettermen’s
Club and are still not a member? Please join us by visiting the
website at www.lettermensclub.com or emailing membership@
lettermensclub.com. Your support is sincerely appreciated.
Pat Knipp '89, Jon Amodeo '89, Gary Scalise '89, Jay Wytiaz '89
Send your form to:
Lettermen's Club, Chuck Crummie,
4720 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Jimbo Lamanna '84

2012
Reunions
’50
Class of
All classes ending in “3” and “8” should begin planning their reunions. For more information
concerning reunions, contact Jeff Folino, Director of Constituent Relations, at 412-208-3488 or by
e-mail at jfolino@centralcatholichs.com.
29 2

30
2012
Reunions
Class of
Class of
’52
’62

2012
Reunions
’87
Class of
Class of
’72
31 3

32
32
Little Sisters of the Poor
By Kathleen Bowser, Little Sisters of the Poor, Development Director
Once again the students of Central Catholic answered
the call to help the Little Sisters of the Poor Home on
Pittsburgh’s North Side with their annual canned goods
collection. Central’s goal to collect 9,000 cans was surpassed!
Approximately two thirds of all canned goods
collected during the Sisters’ drive were donated by Central
students. In fact, a moving truck was needed just to transport
the cans to the Sisters’ facility. With the generous
support from Central, the Home’s cupboards are stocked
with a supply to help feed their nearly 100 elderly poor
Residents for the next six months. Th e Little Sisters of the
Poor are grateful for the students of Central Catholic who
organized, donated, delivered and sorted the thousands of
canned goods this past November.
Robert P. O’Connor ‘43
Patrick O’Connor, as he was known in his professional life,
in many ways was one of Central Catholic’s most famous alumni
that few had ever heard of. Patrick O’Connor was born in Braddock,
the eldest of fi ve, on August 26, 1925. His father was the
soccer coach at Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon).
He was a writer, editor, theatre and dance critic, publisher,
television producer, poet, and theatre director. He found and
published Eric Segal’s Love Story to great success. And also the
likes of Anne Tyler, E.F. Benson, P. D. James, Dorothy Richardson,
Doris Lessing, Margaret Atwood, Margaret Drabble,
Margaret Lawrence, and Anne Beattie. He was the fi rst person
to publish the now legendary Edwin Denby in book form. And
for a few years he was Ayn Rand’s editor. At the other end of the
spectrum, Patrick edited Father Andrew Greeley, the Chicagobased
priest who wrote best-selling novels. He launched many
careers, including those of Leonard Maltin and Michael Medvedev
and he mentored Hilton Als, now a staff writer and theatre
critic at the New Yorker and professor at Columbia University.
He had on-going correspondence with a wide range of artists,
writers and academics.
Patrick had attended Catholic University where he and
classmate, the actor Philip Bosco, became life-long friends along
with the likes of Sada Th ompson and where he studied with
New York Times critic Walter Kerr. With his Catholic University
friends, he ran a theatre troupe in Rochester (Olympia Dukakis
was the box offi ce treasurer), eventually coming to New York
where he had a variety of jobs, including that of assistant to a
theatrical agent. He was also the editor-in-chief of Washington
Square Press, Pinnacle Books, Curtis Books, New American
Library, Warner Books and Popular Library.
Patrick’s fi rst book, No Poem for Fritz (1978) was all poetry.
His second, Don’t Look Back: A Memoir (1993) described oftenhysterical
encounters with Marlene Dietrich, Boris Karloff , Ray
Charles and Andy Warhol, among others. His third, which will
be issued posthumously, is another collection of short pieces.
And he wrote the best-seller “Monkees Go Mod,” about Th e
Monkees rock group. It sold more the 1 million copies. And he
enjoyed contributing short pieces to Th e Quadrangle and to the
Central Writer’s Collection.
Patrick was a founding member of the Dance Critics Association
and also served as its president and conference coordinator.
Whenever a dance book was published, he would insist
that he be sent a copy and a second one be sent to the Patrick
O’Connor Dance Library in Israel.
Patrick taught a summer course at Harvard in book publishing;
he also taught at the University of Colorado/Boulder.
During World War II, he was assigned to the Oregon National
Guard in the South Pacifi c. Patrick passed away on October
13, 2012 in Houston, Texas after a bout with pneumonia.

In Memoriam
1936
Francis A. Smith
1937
James M. Walsh
1940
William J. Hughes
Regis M. Naughton
1942
Leonard Grochalski
1943
Robert P. O’Connor
1944
Alfred B. Rudolph
1945
George W. Shanahan
Wayne G. Messer
James Clancey
Please remember in your prayers
these recently deceased members of
the Central Catholic community.
1946
John M. Dougherty
Edward Walsh
Jerome F. Fox
1949
William G. Hughes
J. Richard Dahm
James McCarren
1950
Joseph Connelly
James J. Degnan
Paul J. Giegerich
1951
Robert Dayton
Victor Scarpello
1952
Robert Moore
Ronald Boyle
1954
Joseph G. Piroch
1956
Th omas E. Gralewski
Matthew A. Arena
1958
James T. Shield
1960
Arthur Miller
1962
John R. Shimmel
1972
James McGinley
1877
Maurice A. Wimbish
1988
Stephen J. Zera
1994
Gregory J. Deet
33

34
34
News from the Central
1950’S
JIM BYRNE ’53 was recently awarded the 30th annual
Distinguished Alumni Award from the Duquesne University
School of Business. He currently heads Duquesne’s
Beard Institute, which oversees issues of business ethics,
sustainability and responsible fi nancial management.
Byrne joined Duquesne after a career in the technology
sector, serving as a senior administrative offi cer in several
corporations, as well as a board member of corporations
around the world. Lennox International, on whose board
he served, joined with the Donahue Graduate School of
Business at Duquesne this year to create the James J, Byrne
award for Responsible Leadership to be awarded each year
by Duquesne.
1960’S
"SPAGHETTI
RICH" SESTILI ’62
- is the Adjutant and
PR Director for Disabled American Veterans in Marietta
Georgia. Th ere are 1,050 members in his chapter. He is
pictured (with microphone) receiving $7,500 check Aero
Club to help Disabled Veterans.
1970’S
JIM JOHNS, AKA CRAZ '70. My wife, Jan Necessary
and I have a picnic every 4th of July for past 19 years. It
started as a reunion of friends from Central. Th ey keep
coming back! Th ose in the picture seated left to right:
Jeff Nicely '70, Zac Johns '07, Bern Bernacki '70,Peter
Hart '70. Back row: Jim Johns AKA Craz '70,and Joe
Kirchner '70. Usually Mike Sherry '70, Ed Seserko '70,
Bob Istone '73, Mike Sandor '79 and Jim Scheurmann
'70 and their familes are present too. Ed Seserko always
implores me to have a mystery guest. So Any class
mates of '70 are welcome! Let us know.
Family
TOM “TC” CERVONE, ‘71 - Changed jobs here in
Knoxville, TN. I’ve attached a blog from the P.R. Firm here
in town with whom we partner. Was offi cially introduced to
the East Tennessee community this past spring as the new
Executive Director (fi rst ever) for the Th e Tennessee Th eatre,
the State Th eatre of Tennessee
1980’S
JACK FITZPATRICK ’84 Has lived in Williamsburg, VA
since graduation from Penn State in '88 and retired from the
James City Police Department--currently the Criminal Justice
Planner for the four counties and two cities in this region.
Wife, son (14), and two dogs--life IS good.
TED KERR ‘89, President/CEO, AIF® of Touchstone
Capital, has led the 12-year-old company since it was
founded in 2000. Since that time, it has grown its revenues
over 500%. Touchstone Capital was named the Fastest
Growing Private Financial Company in Pittsburgh.
Touchstone Capital, Inc. is an independent fi nancial advisory
fi rm in 20 states and the District of Columbia.

1990’S
RICHARD PRUSZYSNKI, ’97 is the Lacrosse Coach
for Marquette High School in Milwaukee, WI. He has not
only won Wisconsin's "Coach of the Year", but has brought
the team to a state championship during his tenure at
Marquette High School. He was also chosen to be one of
the Coaches for All Americans High School Lacrosse RISE
games, in Florida. Richard was introduced to the game
of lacrosse at Central and continues to love the game.
He will be coaching and leading 25 top star players from
the USA and hopeful that he we lead them to another
championship game this week.
2000’S
ANTHONY SCOLIERI ‘02 was named the new head
coach of Hampton High School, he's leading the only
program across the PIHL that is playing up in a new
classifi cation as compared to last season. Th is season,
the task of winning a section becomes markedly tougher.
Hampton was inserted in Section 4-AA.
2012
Reunions
’67
Class of
NOAH HAIBACH ‘08, has been awarded a Boren
Scholarship to study in Turkey during the 2012-2013
academic year. Noah Haibach is currently an undergraduate
student in math/economics at the University of Pittsburgh.
He will study Turkish at Bogazici University in Istanbul.
Th e Boren Scholarships and Fellowships are sponsored
by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), a
major federal initiative designed to build a broader an more
qualifi ed pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and
international skills. In exchange for funding, Boren award
recipients agree to work in the federal government for a
period of at least one year.
2010’S
COLIN SEIGFREID
’10 was Named Scholar-
Athlete of the Year and
Academic All-Patriot
League Team at American
University. Colin is a
junior on the soccer team.
35

Central Catholic High School
4720 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2952
PARENTS:
If your son has moved from your home,
please notify the Offi ce of Advancement and Constituent Relations at
412.208.3488 or jfolino@centralcatholichs.com of his current address.
Th e event is at the Westin Convention Center Hotel.
Non Pr Profi ofi fi t Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Pittsburgh, PA
Permit No. 11
Th e success of the Auction is due in part to the corporations and businesses that generously provide sponsorship.
Central Catholic would welcome and greatly appreciate the participation of your business affi liate. For more information
and a sponsorship brochure, please call Vicky Giuliani at 412.208.3443 or email vgiuliani@centralcatholichs.com.