April 2008

So close, yet so far.

Br. Patrick Winbush has twice encountered a Pope and both times has been just beyond the outstretched and comforting handshake of the Pontiff.

Br. Patrick, however, has no regrets. How many people can say they’ve been on hand to see two different Popes live and in person?

“It’s just an incredible experience,” said Br. Patrick of his latest encounter viewing his Holiness during Pope Benedict XVI’s recent visit to New York City.

Br. Patrick was originally chosen in November to be part of the Papal staff at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers. One of his duties was supposed to include escorting the Holy Father around the Seminary until his speech before tens of thousands at the youth rally.

The speech on Saturday, April 19, went off without a hitch with an exuberant crowd of youngsters singing and dancing on the expansive lawn behind St. Joseph’s. But Br. Patrick, he was left as an inspired spectator instead of having a hands-on role due to security concerns leading up to the event.

“I was a little disappointed,” Br. Patrick said, “but considering the security issues, it was probably safer that way. Besides, I still got a great view of the Pope.”

Br. Patrick also had a close-up view of the Pontiff 13 years ago when Pope John Paul II visited the metropolitan area. Winbush, at the time, was just a sophomore at St. Patrick’s High School in Elizabeth and was part of the school’s student body that showed up at Newark Airport to greet the Pope.

“Before the Pope got into the limo, he went around shaking hands of the kids through a barrier,” Br. Patrick recalled. “At one point, I was face-to-face with the Pope and was ready to shake his hand and got pushed away.

“Here I am, 13 years later, and I get this opportunity to get involved with another Pope’s visit to New York City. I was very nervous, anxious. I couldn’t even eat because I was so nervous thinking about it...”

Br. Patrick, the Director of Vocations here at Newark Abbey, was also involved in one of the more intimate gatherings with Pope Benedict XVI. He had one of the selected few reserved seats at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City for the Pontiff’s clergy-only mass.

“I really liked the event at St. Patrick’s because it was more intimate with the Pope,” he said. “We were kind of like one – a show of unity at the Cathedral united with our Holy Father.”

He also marveled at the setting in the Cathedral for the Pope’s grand entrance.

“When the doors opened, there was a bright light – almost like God was coming into the cathedral,” said Br. Patrick as a big smile came across his face. “Everybody just went crazy – applauding, yelling and screaming. It was a great, great feeling.”

Br. Patrick feels particularly honored to have been part of something so meaningful and spectacular for those not only in the religious sect, but for everyone who got to see the Pope’s special appeal.

“It’s still sinking in, but I feel spiritually renewed from the experience,” Br. Patrick said. “Listening to the Holy Father’s talks, meeting different people from all over the country – it was just a great feeling and I’m blessed to be part of this historic event.”

--By Ron Jandoli

April 21, 2008

The Gray Bees baseball team ended a five game slide with a victory over St. Anthony on Saturday morning.

Coach Mike DiPiano’s squad unleashed a 13-hit attack and got a solid pitching performance from Rich Fagan on its way to a 10-1 victory.

Fagan (1-1) pitched a complete-game, five-hitter with seven strikeouts and one walk. He also aided his cause at the plate with a two-run homer. Tom Holt (2 RBI), Steve Downar (3 hits) and Austin Koquia each tripled during the onslaught.

St. Benedict’s, after falling to Caldwell, 9-2, in the opening round o the GNT later that afternoon, won again on Monday – this time besting Harrison, 4-3. Charles Perry singled home Fagan in the seventh to give the Gray Bees a 4-2 cushion.

Perry picked up his first victory on the mound by striking out 11 batters and limiting Harrison only three hits. He also scored a run in the fourth on a squeeze bunt by Dan Sheehan as St. Benedict’s ran its record to 4-7.

The track and field team, minus an injured Brandon Jarrett, won an pair of events and placed seventh in the 27-team field at the Morris Hills Relays on Saturday.

St. Benedict’s won the 400- and 1,600-meter relays and finished second in the sprint medley. The team of Kevin Parker, Brian Bucknor, Morgan Mack and Joe McCloud won the 400 in a time of 43.02. Bucknor and Mack were joined by Kevin Branco and Leighton Smith in the 1,600 where they combined to win the gold in 3:22.53.

The sprint medley team of Smith, Mack,McCloud and Jorge Marques ran a 3:37.45 for a runnerup finish.

Jarrett, who suffered an injury at the Arcadia Invitational in California on April 12, hasn’t run for the Gray Bees this spring and isn’t sure about his return to the lineup. His loss has forced coach Marty Hannon Hannon to scratch his distance medley team from this weekend’s Penn Relays.

However, the 4x100-meter relay team will be competing at the Penn Relays on Friday with the 4x400 team schedule to run in the largest track and field event in the U.S on Saturday.

Samardo Samuels once again showcased his talents before a national television audience by participating in the Jordan Brand All-Star Classic Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Samuels, who also played in the McDonald’s All-America Game last month in Milwaukee, scored 16 points for the White team, which dropped a 124-114 decision to the Blue team in the seventh annual Classic. The 6-9, 250-pound Samuels, who is headed to Louisville, was named the national Player of the Year by USA Today on April 23.

April 2008

The arduous road to Atlanta was a more than worthwhile experience when the members of the music department were finally able to get off the buses and stretch their legs.

After spending as much time traveling to the Festivals of Music Competition as it did in its destination in Atlanta, the 65 musicians were all business.

"We spent 35 hours on the road and 37 hours in Atlanta," said Glenn Cassidy, who chaperoned the music department's trek to the capital city of Georgia.

Despite their 20-hour ordeal, the group excelled in the competition, winning numerous awards.

The longer-than-expected journey to Atlanta was originally caused by a foul-up in scheduling. Two buses were supposed to arrive at St. Benedict's on Wednesday at 10 p.m. but when they didn't show up, it was determined that instead of Wednesday, the buses were ordered for 12 hours later on Thursday.

"There was a mix-up on our bus reservation and we were forced to leave later than we had planned," said Peter Holsberg, Chair of the music department.

Each and every musician slept floor in the Radel Library. Mr. Holsberg negotiated with the bus company and they left school grounds at 10:30 a.m. the next morning.

The bus troubles, however, were far from over. An antifreeze leak on one bus and a broken fan belt on the other further delayed the trip.

"We thought we would make it [to Atlanta] by midnight and be able to get some rest before the competition," Mr. Holsberg said. "But the buses took turns breaking down and we did not arrive until twenty hours later."

Arriving at 6:30 a.m., the students were to given two hours to get changed, to eat and to be prepared to perform by 10:30 a.m

The travel disasters made no difference in the performances and, perhaps, made them focus harder on the task at hand. There were six groups that competed against eight other schools. Five groups came in first place and one came in second place.

"Those kids performed like nothing happened," said vocal director of the music department, Russell Marsh.

The group came away with significant awards. In the vocal section, the Junior/Senior Choir earned 1st place superior, the High School Madrigal Choir 2nd place superior, and the Barbershop Quartet 1st place superior. Roger Rose '09 was named Outstanding Soloist. St. Benedict's choir was named Overall Outstanding Choir of the entire competition.

In the instrumental section, the Wind Ensemble received 1st place excellent, the Drumline 1st place superior, and the Jazz Band was named the Best Rhythm Section Overall. Walter Jean-Jacques '09 was named Outstanding Jazz Soloist.

"I was surprised because there were many other great soloists. I was honored," Jean-Jacques said.

Mr. Holsberg was proud of the musicians.

"They overcame adversity and performed at a very high level," he said. "Most importantly, they behaved like gentlemen and represented the school in the best light possible."

After the competition, the group met with alumni at a local restaurant. Saturday, the students enjoyed Olympic Park and visited the Martin Luther King Center, which included Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King and his father were pastors.

"We go to school on King Boulevard but we don't really know much about or pay much attention to Dr. King. The guys got to know a little more about Dr. King," said Mr. Marsh.

The music trip to Atlanta encompassed many things. In the end, it was the camaraderie of the group that enabled it to rise above all the challenges that presented themselves and perform successfully.

"The fact that we are a really close group and spend a lot of time together," said Marsh, "helped us to overcome everything else that was going on."

--By Zack Rosen
The Benedict News

Saxophonist Meader highlights event

April 10, 2008

An entourage of students from the music department is currently in Atlanta participating in the Festivals of Music.

But those same students, under the direction of Peter Holsberg and Russell Marsh, put forth a musical compilation that had a festival-like atmosphere of its own on April 3.

The Fifth Annual Jazz and Gospel Fest at St. Benedict's Colin Auditorium had quite an appeal to it. St. Benedict's, which put forth a typical solid effort from its jazz and vocal ensembles, shared the stage with it peers from Delbarton.

"It's great to have the two schools and the two music programs to come together like this," said Holsberg, Chair of the St. Benedict's Music Department. "It gives the kids a chance to see what other programs do and allows them to interact with each other."

The highlight of program - from the afternoon rehearsal to nighttime performance - was having vocalist and saxophonist Darmon Meader belting out his syncopated rhythms as the guest musician.

Meader is one of the founding members of "New York Voices," a Grammy Award winning vocal quartet renowned for their excellence in jazz and the art of group singing. He has toured the globe, playing the top jazz clubs here and abroad and even winding up in such renowned places as Carnegie Hall.

Meader, however, was "just part" of a school performance at St. Benedict's.

"I really enjoy working with the kids," Meader said. "A lot of what I'm saying is probably very similar to what their teachers will say. But often times, when it comes from somebody else and a fresh voice, it means more. Hopefully, it reinforces what their teachers have been saying every day."

Meader, although a world-class musician who has played with performers such as George Benson, Bobby McFerrin and the Count Basie Orchestra, seemed right at home with the student musicians. He looked as comfortable as an educator during the afternoon rehearsal as he did performing on his sax or singing scats in that night's performance.

"I was really excited and honored to play with Darmon," said junior Christopher Lowe, a drummer with St. Benedict's. "I felt really professional when he would tell me to do something and I was able to do it. It was truly a profound experience for me."

Holsberg, an accomplished musician in his own right, whose lists of accomplishments includes playing with the Temptations, agreed that Meader had a special rapport with the students.

"Darmon has a great spirit and brings an energy that comes from being a clinician all the time," said Holsberg. "He is naturally an easy-going guy his sincerity really shines through. That, combined with his high level of playing, is a potent combination."

Meader is the latest in a list of world-class musicians that Holsberg has lured to Newark since the inception of the Jazz and Gospel Fest in 2004. Previous guests have included Tommy Igoe, Wycliffe Gordon and Chris Vadala.

"We've really tried to bring in role models for the kids," Holsberg said. "Exposing them to well-known artists will hopefully give them the incentive to continue their growth with music."

Notes: The students currently participating in the Festivals of Music in Atlanta will be featured in the Spring Concert, which will take place 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, in Conlin Auditorium.

--By Ron Jandoli

April 8, 2007

The spring sports season kicked off last week and the St. Benedict’s track and field contingent, along with the baseball team, had its fair share of success in the chilly weather. The track and field team received strong performances in its first outing of the outdoor season in the state Prep Relays in Lawrenceville.

Eugene Okparaeke and Mark Harris combined to win a pair of throwing events, while the both medley teams struck gold for St. Benedict's at Kueffel Stadium.

Okparaeke led the field in the shot with a 50-9 while combining with Harris for a 94-10. He also led the discus competition with a 120-9 to team with Harris for their winning distance of 217-9.

The sprint medley team of Kevin Parker, Leighton Smith, Joseph McCloud and Jorge Marques won in a time of 3:42.5. Marques also combined with Morgan Mack, Matt Jensen and Brandon Jarrett to capture the distance medley race in 10:52.1.

St. Benedict’s placed second in the 400-meter (44.2) and the 1,600-meter (3:37.9) relays.

The baseball team opened the season on a positive note, winning two of its first three games.

“Opening Day,” on its new home field at West Side Park, the Gray Bees received a pair of hits and three RBI apiece from Tom Holt and Dan Sheehan. Holt drove in a run with a single while Sheehan had a two-run single and Rich Fagan contributed a two-run double to highlight a seven-run fourth inning.

After committing 14 errors and getting blanked by Rutherford, 15-0, in its second game, coach Mike DiPiano’s club rebounded with an 11-10 verdict over East Orange. Dave Rivera scored the winning run off a passed ball in the bottom of the seventh.

Holt picked up the victory on the mound in relief, allowing only one hit and striking out seven, while aiding his cause at the plate with a pair of triples and three RBI. Fagan and Sheehan combined for six hits, three RBI and three runs scored.

“We are swinging the bats pretty well so far,” said coach DiPiano. “We need, however, to clean up our fielding. It doesn't matter how many runs we score, if we don't catch the ball, we are not going to win games.”

April 2008

Kevin Hall aspires to keep writing a vital part of his future – not only as he enters Boston College in the fall, but long after his undergraduate studies are through.

The St. Benedict’s senior gained a more optimistic view of being able to fulfill his ambition as a novelist when author and alumnus John Van Kirk visited the school for a workshop on Tuesday, April 1.

“It gives me a lot of hope knowing somebody who came from St. Benedict’s has gone on to become a great writer,” said Hall, the editor-in-chief of The Benedict News. “Now I know wanting to be a writer is possible. This gives me a lot of hope.”

Hall, who would like to continue his writing prowess at the school paper or in some literary fashion at BC, was among a host of students from St. Benedict’s who took part in the “Writers in Schools Program” sponsored by the eminent literary magazine, The Hudson Review.

Van Kirk, the guest author of the workshop, whose 1992 worked entitled “Newark Job,” – which was studied by the 20-or-so students involved in the event – is being published in the latest anthology, “Writes of Passage” by The Hudson Review.

Unbeknownst to students and teachers alike when they undertook this assignment back in January, Van Kirk is a 1970 graduate of St. Benedict’s.

“Talk about serendipity,” said Chair of St. Benedict’s English Department David Wolf, who put the whole project together. “We could not have drawn it up any better on the board.”

Van Kirk, whose short story, “Newark Job,” which was first published in The Hudson Review in 1992, helped kick-start his career. As Van Kirk, now a Professor of English at Marshall University, says, “It was a great jumping off point; got me recognized as a writer and allowed me to get where I am today.”

Van Kirk, who was lauded with the prestigious O Henry Award for his fictional account of a young boy in “Newark Job,” was especially surprised by the configuration of St. Benedict’s today as compared to the days of when he was graduated 38 years ago.

“I really can’t believe how much this place has grown,” said Van Kirk, who hasn’t seen the school since his five-year reunion, soon after the school had closed (1972) and re-opened again. “I’m not only impressed that it’s still here, but the way it is thriving is what really impressed me. It’s been a pleasure to come back.”

Van Kirk got reacquainted with his alma mater for the “Writers in Schools Program” with the editor of The Hudson Review, Paula Deitz, and her assistant, Joanna Siegel. Both acknowledged the intellect of the students at St. Benedict’s was what caught their eye.

“I was quite impressed with their preparedness,” said Deitz, whose late husband, Frederick Morgan, founded The Hudson Review in 1947. “Everything that John (Van Kirk) did and the students response was an excellent example of how this program and what we are trying to achieve works.

“The moment I watched the students internalize is what makes it all worthwhile. This was a perfect 10.”

Deitz, who has attended every one of the bi-annual workshops hosted by her quarterly magazine, wants students to gain a sense of their own self. She encourages them to sequester a spot in their own homes or rooms for the books that “have a personal meaning to them.” She thinks this is even more important now than ever.

She stresses that, despite The Hudson Review having a little piece of the market of its own on the web, “You can’t cuddle up to the internet. It’s important to be able to pull something off the book shelf quickly and read from your own personal collection.”

Van Kirk wanted to convey to students the feeling he has about his own writings.

“What I’ve tried to do, and still do, is making it as honest as I can. That’s all I know,” said Van Kirk, who holds a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Maryland. “That’s your job as a writer – get the facts right – whether writing journalism, fiction or non-fiction, you want to get the truthfulness in it. That’s all you can do.”

And writing is what students like Hall desire to do.

--By Ron Jandoli

March 2008

For years, I have been asking Pat Flynn to let me have a little part in one of the Drama Guild productions. I never expected her to and frankly just entertaining the idea was fun enough. But for the spring production of The Comedy of Errors, she needed another woman; three St. Vincent Academy students had auditioned but there were four female roles, including a small one for a “mature” woman. Would I do it? I couldn’t say no.

And so began an experience that was not only the most fun I have had here but also the most rigorous of educational experiences and a true community effort.

The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare’s early and blessedly short farce is, as is all of Shakespeare, demanding for high school students (and even more for high school teachers of a certain age). But Pat never has shied away from challenges. And there were many. Casting was difficult – one student was cast in a major role but had poor grades and had to quit; the next actor had to be rescheduled for surgery and had to leave the cast. Finally two weeks before opening night, Gabe Drouet finished wrestling and agreed to take on the part of Antipholus of Ephesus. Two weeks to memorize those lines!

For the painted set, Fr. Maynard had created elaborate drawings that the students had to paint on the 25 foot flats that they made. Costumes, usually a big expense, were hand-made by librarian Br. Max and chemistry teacher, Dr. Dennis Lansang.

Pat wanted create a feeling of revelry and carnival for the play which takes place in the same Ephesus that St. Paul wrote about – a city filled with witches and sorcerers. Her friends, artists Zach Green and Jamie Stein, helped students create huge papier maché puppets that became part of the action. The crew and some of the cast spent long Saturdays for six weeks making the sets, the puppets and figuring out the lighting.

I mention all this to give to give some small idea of the hours of labor that went into the production; memorization was only the beginning.

If you are not familiar with the story, Egeon, a Syracusan merchant comes to Ephesus in search of his son, Antipholus and his son’s servant, Dromio. He is promptly arrested. Meanwhile, his son and servant arrive in town searching for their long lost twin brother and his servant, also named Antipholus and Dromio. Those two do indeed dwell in Ephesus, but are unaware that they have twin brothers.

Throughout their day-long adventures, each twin is mistaken for the other by wife, sister-in-law, lover, merchants, masters, and servants. Mishap and mayhem ensue until all gather in the town square for the execution of Egeon, where twin meets twin and all are reconciled and reunited.

Opening night, March 6, went more smoothly than the director expected and we had better audiences than usual – kids and adults seem to get the humor and the laughter encouraged us actors. We had been in the theater for weeks and very late into the night in the week before the opening. When the lights went down that night, I saw all the students from a new perspective. These boys and girls became professionals – making their entrances, getting their cues, encouraging each other with thumbs up in the wings. From the youngest, a seventh grader to the oldest, me, we were a company ready to bring our work to the community in the hope that everyone would come away smiling. I certainly did.

--By Noreen Connolly

March 2008

A collaboration of music and art came together to form a common bond on March 16 at New York City’s Lincoln Center.

And it just so happened that St. Benedict’s was right in the middle of the American Symphony Orchestra’s U.S. premiere titled The Destruction of Jerusalem by German composer Ferdinand Hiller.

A group of art and music students from St. Benedict’s, led by teachers Pam Wye-Hunsinger, Peter Holsberg and Russell Marsh, were on hand at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall to showcase their talents and works of art.

“The American Symphony Orchestra’s goal is to broaden the audience for symphonic music by engaging students in projects around the themes of their concert series,” said Wye-Hunsinger.

The art and music students engaged in a multidisciplinary setting. Whereas, the music students from Holsberg class developed a music piece on CD for their audience mulling about in the Grand Promenade at Avery Fisher Hall, the art students made sculptures out of clay molds on the subject matter of the day’s performance by the ASO.

“When we were told we were going to be displaying them in New York, it was kind of intimidating,” said junior Ramaad Williams, who is a member of Mrs. Wye’s Advanced Art Class. “It was like a rollercoaster worrying about getting the project done on time.”

The art and music students – 18 in all – began working on The Destruction of Jerusalemproject in December by starting its research in St. Benedict’s Radel Library. The group, which was aided in its effort by Fr. Maynard, also spent time visiting the Ancient Eastern galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Holsberg, in addition to leading his students in their collaborative force in producing a CD, put together a lecture on the subject of the representation of war and ethnic identities in symphonic music. The students also listened to the compilations of musical pieces he put together that reflected his spoken word.

“This was a very challenging project which required a lot of research,” said Wye-Hunsinger. “My students were, at times in the beginning, wondering why I was doing all this for sculpturing. I think in the end, however, they understood it was being done so they could relate more to the topic in which we were involved.”

“I really didn’t think they were that good until the people (at Lincoln Center) starting saying how much they like them,” said Williams of the sculptures, some of which resembled Babylonian soldiers and the prophet Jeremiah set in the imagery of the Babylonian Towers. “I was so happy afterwards. It made me proud to be part of something like this.”

NOTES: The clay sculptures have yet to be fired in a kiln. But once they are completely finished – Mrs. Wye isn’t sure if they will be painted or left natural – the art students will have their work displayed around campus.

--By Ron Jandoli

March 2008

Brandon Jarrett’s final indoor race ended like his last cross country effort – as one of the top runners in the country.

Jarrett established yet another St. Benedict’s record when he placed fifth in the nation in the two-mile race at the 10th Nike National on Sunday, March 16, at Prince George’s Sports Complex in Landover, Md.

Jarrett, who placed sixth with an astounding effort in the national cross country race in San Diego in December, did just as well showcasing his talents on the national stage on an indoor oval. His clocking of 9:01.63 not only established a school standard, it eclipsed by almost five seconds the Essex County record set in 1967 by Marty Liquori of Essex Catholic.

“What more can I say,” said St. Benedict’s coach Marty Hannon. “Brandon is clearly the best we’ve ever had here. He continues the set the bar higher for anyone else that follows him at St. Benedict’s.”

Jarrett, whose time is listed as No. 4 in New Jersey history, is headed back to California April 12 to join some of the nation’s top 5K runners in the Arcadia Invitational, just outside Los Angeles.

St. Benedict’s top guns clinch victory for NJ All-Stars

Pat Hunter and Bagna Tovuujav followed their All-America efforts at the National Prep Tournament last month by helping an All-Star contingent from New Jersey outlast its counterpart from Pennsylvania, 27-17, Tuesday, March 18, in Easton, Pa.

Tovuujav, at 171 pounds, and Hunter, at 119, won the final two bouts of the evening to help New Jersey clinch the victory over Pennsylvania.

Tovuujav, who won the National Prep title on Feb. 24 to become a three-time All-America, posted a 9-4 verdict over Ben Clymer, who was 47-2 for Northwestern High and had recently won a Pennsylvania state championship.

Hunter, who had a runner-up finish at nationals, was equally impressive. He upended a two-time Pennsylvania state champ, Kegan Handlovic of Easton, 8-7.

The victory by New Jersey had snapped a streak of four straight victories by the Pennsylvania All-Stars. The Keystone State leads the annual series, which dates back to 1981, by an 18-10 margin.

Tovuujav and Hunter will now be heading off to Virginia Beach the weekend of March 28 to compete in the National High School Coaches Association Senior Nationals in Virginia Beach.

Jeff Austin, assistant Network Administrator, Yearbook Adviser, fencing coach and confidant, gave a heart-felt speech at Convocation on Wednesday, Feb. 27. The thought-provoking speech by Austin, a 1996 graduate of St. Benedict’s, was eloquent and something he thought would help the “students take stock in their history and pride in themselves (and) hoped that it would translate into responsibility for their actions and better decision making as they become young men at St. Benedict’s.” Below is the copy of the open letter Austin penned himself and read as Black History Month was coming to a close:

Feb. 27, 2008

Black American insight has offered a unique perspective on life in these United States. Life, as fate would have it, is always longer than you expect and shorter than you think. What I think is important for you, as adolescents, to understand is that most of your lives will be spent as an adult. Your adolescent youth, is a small fraction of the life you will live. I want to take this opportunity to share some Black American insight with you now because I know about a small portion of what awaits you and I believe the rest is completely unpredictable. Many wise men and women, who have lived and died before us, would want you to receive this as guidance.

Frederick Douglas said, "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." I would have neglected my responsibility if I did not see to it that the children that surround me everyday were strong. Strong with the strength I’ve only seen grow in a bud called Malcolm Little that blossomed into Malcolm X. Malcolm said, “If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything.” Truer words were never spoken; particularly since every stance you will ever take in life will be met with the greatest opposition available to meet it. Stand for yourself, your beliefs, your convictions and your fellow man. James Baldwin warns you, "Be careful what you set your heart upon - for it will surely be yours." You can be sure; the person with great knowledge had his heart set on it for some time. In accordance, the most wicked enslaver had his heart set on enslavement. The warning is not meant to scare you but intrigue you. Mr. Baldwin also wrote, "The world is before you and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in." Understand that the world is comprised of people like you, like me, like them and like us. It is a strange canvas and we are all introduced to it with paint and brushes.

Zora Neale Hurston told us, “The present was an egg laid by the past that had the future inside its shell.” Notice, Zora Neale does not, however, make mention of the egg hatching. That is your job, your privilege and your opportunity. One of the few things I am sure await you is opportunity. It isn’t always advertised as such but it’s always there, all the time. It isn’t always easy to spot or even to use. Often the best opportunities are seemingly insurmountable challenges. Booker T. Washington believed, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” Obstacles can be anything and everything. And everything that “is” is the result of an obstacle overcome. So if you want to be anything you have to overcome everything and view any and every obstacle as nothing. Langston Hughes once said, "I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go." You’ll have to test you own metal. Find out what you’re made of. Booker T. also wrote, “Character, not circumstances, makes the man.” Eventually, life will force you to honestly assess your own character. You may avoid it, you may lie to yourself, or life may take long to force the assessment. But eventually, you will have to take a good honest look at yourself. You might discover that it’s time for you to change. James Baldwin wrote, "Most of us are about as eager to be changed as we were to be born, and go through our changes in a similar state of shock." Well, American history is full of change; Black American history is full of change. By this we can deduce that American future, as Black American future, is full of change. Zora Neale said, “It would be against all nature for all the Negroes to be either at the bottom, top, or in between. We will go where the internal drive carries us like everybody else. It is up to the individual.”

The individual is important only because the individuals make up the collective. If the individual thinks like a slave, the collective will be enslaved. If the individual thinks freely, the collective thinks freely. Frederick Douglass said, "I didn't know I was a slave until I found out I couldn't do the things I wanted." In 2008, slavery exists, merely as a state of mind, a way of thinking and a cell to which we have the key cut in our own intellect. Freedom is a place far, far away from ignorance. Ignorance allows us to spawn hatred and rage. Sound mind will be necessary as the world shows you all its sides, both good and bad. The ignorant exist and they will hate you. James Baldwin said, "Hatred, which could destroy so much, never failed to destroy the man who hated, and this was an immutable law." Those who hate you offer you reasons to hate them back, in turn. Booker T. said, “I let no man drag me down so low as to make me hate him.” The ignorant will attempt to offend you. Remember Frederick Douglass’ words, "A gentleman will not insult me, and no man not a gentleman can insult me." Such divisions among us contribute to our collective detriment.

We can not look to leaders to unite us alone; we must want to unite ourselves. Unity is a power that elections will not grant you but unity has the power to determine any election. Martin Luther King said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." The voice of only one may seem virtually silent but the same words spoken by a unified people echo around the globe. Ideally, American democracy means to have us think individually to decide collectively. We are only as strong as our weakest, and whatever hurts my brother hurts me, does it not? Dr. King also said, "Never forget that everything Hitler did in Germany was legal." Never forget that our unity as a people is our shield. Those who wish to make themselves Gods over us are trying to separate themselves from the collective. Zora Neale said, “Gods always behave like the people who make them.” Their separation from us weakens us and allows us to become ignorant and controllable. Sojourner Truth once wrote, “Those are the same stars, and that is the same moon, that look down upon your brothers and sisters, and which they see as they look up to them, though they are ever so far away from us, and each other.”

Those old wise souls want you to live your adult life with the lessons you learn here and now. They don’t speak about your race so much as they speak about your person. So let us be a people our race can be proud of.

--By Jeff Austin '96

Feb. 27, 2008

Many students here at St. Benedict's are encouraged to participate in extracurricular actives.

Those pupils, specifically the ones involved with sports activities, usually have an ending point to their respective seasons.

That, however, is not the case for the members of The Benedict News. For them - whether it's writers on the prowl for the next storyline or editors and layout personnel putting the final pieces together - it's a daily, year-long commitment.

"It's not an easy task to put together the newspaper. It takes a lot of hard work from these kids," said Noreen Connolly, Adviser for The Benedict News. "They work tirelessly in their efforts getting the paper out multiple times throughout the year. The season never ends."

Connolly, who, along with English Department Chair David Wolf, was a presenter Wednesday night when a select few individuals from The Benedict's News and Kayrix were the latest inductees of the St. Benedict's chapter of the Quill and Scroll.

Quill and Scroll is an international high school journalism society that recognizes and encourages both individual and group achievements in journalism. There are over 14,000 high schools in the United States that have established local chapters out of the organization that is based out of the University of Iowa.

"It's done wonderful things for my writing, in terms of cleaning it up and writing sentences as concise as possible to get a point across, " said senior Nick Antunes, who's been on the staff of The Benedicts News for three years now. "It'll be great in college, especially when needless words in an essay are negatively factored into your grade. Journalism makes each and every word count."

Antunes was one of six students inducted into the Quill and Scroll. during a ceremony in Radel Library. The others were Kwasi Agyemang, Tom Holt, Jack Morado and Zack Rosen from The Benedict News and Ratnaventh Gunaratnam from Kayrix.

"Writing for The Benedict News has definitely enhanced my writing ability," said Rosen '08, who's written articles and penned a column, called "Rosen's Rant," for the school newspaper. "I've expanded my vocabulary and learned how to consider an audience when writing - paying attention to every little detail because every word counts. Throughout the year, I've read a lot and written a lot and this has contributed to making me a better writer with a greater knowledge of the English language."

The Ivy League-bound Rosen, who will be headed to the University of Pennsylvania after graduation, is among a few students who juggle sport (basketball) as well as their duties as a journalist on The Benedict News.

"I got interested through my track teammates," said Agyemang, a senior. "They were talking about the stories they were organizing. It sounded interesting, so I wanted to be a part of it."

Whereas students like Aqyemang were introduced to the field by their peers, others are "recruited" by Ms. Connolly, "She pestered me since freshman year to join the paper," Antunes quipped. "I remember walking out of school once when she put her radar on and tracked me down, and suggested to me that I take her Spring and Summer Phase Journalism courses. She then "enrolled" me into the paper and I was glad to do it."

Whether its sport or journalism, receiving an award such as an induction into the Quill and Scroll is a reward for a job well done.

"Quill and Scroll, on the large scale, was a nice way to honor academic achievement through hard work," said Rosen. "I'd like to look at it in this view rather than a ceremony to celebrate journalism. I think the efforts of the guys on the newspaper need to be recognized and Quill and Scroll serves that purpose."

--By Ron Jandoli

Feb. 16, 2008

Patrick Hunter's life-long dream had been to win a New Jersey championship in Atlantic City.

He may just have to "settle" for a national title instead.

Hunter, a senior, who came up just short of obtaining an NJSIAA title last year - losing a one-point decision in the final - is primed for a run in the National Prep Tournament.

The 119-pound senior, who transferred to St. Benedict's this year after a stellar three-year career at South Plainfield where he racked up over 100 victories, won the New Jersey Prep Championship Saturday in Dalton Gym.

"It's a really special thing to win a New Jersey state title," said Hunter. "That was my goal since I was little, but it's unfortunate that I can't now. Maybe I can redeem myself by winning (nationals) and feel just as good. We'll see."

Hunter was the lone Gray Bee wrestler to walk away with a state Prep championship on Saturday. He posted a 9-5 victory over Peddie's All-America Frank Cimato for the second time this year in Saturday's 119-pound final.

The victory was the 150th of Hunter's career and he hopes to add to that total as he aims for the gold medal heading into the Nationals beginning Friday at Lehigh University.

"The Public state tournament is a big deal in New Jersey. Anyone who goes to a public school envisions one day winning a state title in Atlantic City," said St. Benedict's coach Mike DiPiano Jr. "But being here, Patrick has wrestled tougher competition day-in and day-out.

"He will see how big it is at Nationals. And I believe the road he has there will be tougher than any he would have faced in New Jersey."

Hoping to join Hunter atop of the medal podium in Nationals, but with a much stiffer hill to climb, is Bagna Tovuujav. The 171-pound senior lost for the second time this season to Blair's Corey Peltier. He did, however, gain a bit of confidence this time, dropping a 6-4 decision after being pinned in their last meeting at the Beast of the East in December.

"Bagna is upset that he lost, but hopefully he'll get another chance at (Peltier)," said DiPiano. "Bagna should get the No. 2 seed and wouldn't have to meet him again until the final."

Brandon Jarrett continues to amaze nearly every time he steps on the track. This time, it was at the New York City Armory when he established the best time in the nation this season in the 2-mile race.

Jarrett, a senior, who is still undecided between the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard for his college aspirations, accomplished his latest triumph at the National Hall of Fame meet. He turned in a fully automatic time of 9:05.35, which won the race by more than a half lap over his nearest competitor. He even lapped a few runners in the field while posting the third fastest 2-mile time ever recorded by a New Jersey runner.

"I think we were unsure how he was going to do today," St. St. Benedict's coach Marty Hannon said. "But you could tell soon as he started running that he felt good. He just continues to set the bar higher almost every time he runs."

Meanwhile, St. Benedict's did well in the sophomore race, winning the 4X200 (1:37.03) and placing third in the 4X400. The four-man team in both races consisted of Martin Otieno, Nduka Ukponu, Ira Ford Jr. and Jackson Roberts.

Lousivlle-bound Samardo Samuels received a rousing ovation from his future hometown crowd on Saturday night in the Neutral Zone Hoops Showcase at the Louisville Gardens in Kentucky.

Samuels scored the first six points of the game for the Gray Bees and paced his team with 26 points and 15 rebounds during a 56-48 victory over Princeton (Ky.). His future coach at Louisville, Rick Pitino, and a couple of his assistants caught a glimpse of their prize recruit, arriving at the arena with a little over five minutes left in the St. Benedict's game. Pitino had a good reason to be late. His Cardinals had a game earlier Saturday afternoon - a victory over Providence - in Rhode Island.

--By Ron Jandoli

Feb. 10, 2008

It was another fulfilling weekend for the wrestling team - both on and off the mat.

The Gray Bees, bolstered by four champions, picked up its fifth team championship of the season on Saturday in the St. Albans Invitational in Washington, D.C.

The team was also able to take some time away from the gym and visited some of the sites around the Capitol City.

"It's not just about wrestling," said St. Benedict's coach Mike DiPiano's Jr. "We were able to visit the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean and Iwo Jima Memorials, as well as the National Cathedral, Albert Einstein Memorial and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

"Winning the tournament was the icing on the cake of a great weekend!" St. Benedict's bested the 30-team field by racking up 245.5 points to edge Wyoming Seminary of Pennsylvania by 5 1/2 points.

Patrick Hunter highlighted the victory celebration. Last year's NJSIAA tournament runner-up posted a 6-3 verdict over Tyler Spangler of St. Christopher (Va.), who came into the final unbeaten, for the 119-pound crown. Also securing crowns for St. Benedict's were Turtogtokh Luvsandorj (152), Kevin Dufresne (160) and Bagana Tovuujav (171).

The track team backed up last Wednesday's state Prep championship by completing a sweep of the county indoor championships by capturing the title at the Essex County Relay Championships Sunday at Seton Hall University.

The Gray Bees, which won the Essex County Track and Field Championships on Jan. 26, added the Relays title to its resume by totaling 52 points to edge Seton Hall Prep by eight.

Coach Marty Hannon's squad won the 4X800-meter and distance medley relays and added second place efforts in the sprint medley, 4X400 and 4X200 races.

The winning 4X800 team, which consisted of Jorge Marques, Matt Jensen, Kevin Branco and Brandon Jarrett posted a winning time of 8:32.13. Jarrett, an All-America, established a personal best in the 800 with a clocking of 1:58.9 as the anchor.

"We were able to show the strength of our team again. It's just been a great year for us," said Hannon, whose squad will now focus on individual events beginning this weekend at the National Hall of Fame Meet at the Armory in New York before aiming towards the Easterns on Feb. 26.

Feb. 5, 2008

There’s a lesson being taught in a tiny classroom on the second floor of the Lower Division Building here at St. Benedict’s.

It’s not about math or science.

But there is a teacher, and plenty of attention paid to discipline without ever opening a book or lifting a pen or pencil.

The subject being taught – Martial Arts.

The teacher is Marc Riley or sensei as he is better known after his English classes end for the day.

Riley, 47, who has studied martial arts for more than 30 years, is a volunteer instructor at St. Benedict’s. He sandwiches dojo and Shormji-Ryu teachings around a full day of classes and does it with a commitment that has allowed him to earn black belts in few different martial arts disciplines.

“I do this because I truly enjoy passing on what I’ve learned in the last 30 years,” said Riley, who does requires students to maintain at least at 2.0 grade point average to remain eligible for his expert mentoring. “It’s more of a vocation – an extension of my teaching in the classroom.”

Riley, who doesn’t charge a fee for student participation, expects the students to pay in what he calls “sweat equity.” He has training sessions five days a week – three morning sessions before classes begin and two mid-week, afternoon offerings. He expects committed students to attend two or more of these sessions each week.

“The guys want to be here,” said Riley, “and if they put in the time and effort, I’m willing to give back want has been given to me for so many years. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

The current instruction began in September with a host of students. The members that currently venture into the classroom-turned-training site, which also includes stints in the wrestling room, are Jean Lespinasse, Emery Ahoua, Louis Laine, Kevin Remy, Ricky Asemota, Isaiah Cook, Hassan Conway and Ba-Sheim Spellmank. Each has a different reason for getting involved in the art of self-defense.

“Ever since I was little, I got bullied,” said the 16-year-old Lespinasse, a senior at St. Benedict’s. “Getting into this has really helped me with my confidence. Now if something happens, I automatically think of defense and don’t get intimidated.”

Kevin Remy, an eighth grader, already knows the pitfalls of growing up and an urban area and uses the class as a diversion while adding to his physical well being.

“Doing this really keeps me active and off the streets,” he said. “The discipline also helps me with my schoolwork – with studying and concentration.”

Sophomore Emery Ahoua has followed his father and uncle into martial arts training. He likes “the intensity and competition” that comes from Riley’s strict, but enjoyable teachings.

“It helps me pay attention to detail more and makes me more aware of things – makes me think twice before doing something,” said Ahoua, who grew up on the Ivory Coast.

All Riley’s students are currently preparing for their first competition. The group will head to Brooklyn to participate in the Shorinjiryu Winter Regional Karate Tournament 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Imperial Dragon Hombu Dojo in Brooklyn.

“My goal was to introduce this as a Spring Phase project five or six years ago,” said Riley. “As long as time in my schedule allows it and kids are willing to give a commitment, I’ll continue to give my services. Besides, it feels good to give something back and it keeps me healthy.”

--By Ron Jandoli

Feb. 3, 2008

The St. Benedict’s basketball team posted a pair of methodical victories over two Pennsylvania schools during the weekend and now has its focus set clearly on the highly-anticipated showdown with in-state rival, St. Patrick’s.

The Gray Bees beat American Christian, 77-70, on Friday night at Villanova University, getting an enormous effort from Samardo Samuels. The 6-9 big man powered his way to a 27-point, 16-rebound showing on a Big East Court that he may be seeing a lot more of in the next few years.

“It was fun playing on that floor knowing that I’ll be seeing a lot of Big East courts in the future,” said Samuels, who’s signed with Louisville, which is currently in third place in the Big East standings.

Samuels was back at it again on Saturday, the same day Louisville was beating up on Rutgers. The senior joined junior guard Tamir Jackson with 19 points apiece when St. Benedict’s rolled to a 71-54 verdict over Harrisburg in the Battle by the Bay Invitational in Atlantic City.

Jackson buried three 3-pointers and hit for 11 of his 19 points in the first half, while Samuels scored eight of his 19 points in a 34-22 first half showing. The Gray Bees also received strong support from Tristan Thompson (12 points, 7 rebounds) and Greg Echineque, who contributed eight boards and five blocks to go along with his seven points.

Coach Danny Hurley’s club (19-1), the No. 3 team in the nation, now has to find the right remedy against 10th-ranked St. Patrick’s (17-3) 9 p.m. Friday at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway. The Gray Bees, which has had as many as six different starting lineups this season, has beaten St. Patrick’s only once since 1998.

“It's a fine line when you play teams like Oak Hill, Rice, St. Pat's and some of the other big games we play,” said Hurley. “You can't be too up for the game, but you have to be physically and mentally prepared.”

Hurley’s club had its grasp on the No. 1 national ranking a year ago. But the day USA Today came out with the Gray Bees on top for the second straight week, St. Benedict’s lost to its rival from Elizabeth, 66-60. That game drew over 2,500 at Essex County College last Jan. 30. This game should see people come out in droves at the more expansive RAC.

"It's not the Super Bowl. We can't make the kids think this is bigger than it actually is,” Hurley said. “They will be up enough. We just need to have a couple good days of practice and come out prepared. We've had big games this year and this should be no different."

The St. Benedict's Prep track team, fresh off its second straight Essex County Championships a week earlier, got a huge effort from its distance medley relay team at the Ed Poreda Invitational on Saturday in Lawrenceville.

The contingent of Jorge Marques, Brian Bucknor, Matt Jensen and Brandon Jarrett combined for a 10:31.15 clocking, the fastest time in New Jersey this season and No. 4 in the nation.

Marques led off by running 3:17.7 for 1,200 meters, which was followed by Bucknor’s 49.8 in the 400. Jensen ran 2:05.0 for 800, while All-America Jarrett finished the victory with a 4:18.6 in the 1,600. The Gray Bees captured the DM by 17 seconds over runner-up Iona Prep of New York.

Only Warwick Valley of New York (10:24.05), Engineering & Science (10:27.6) of Pennsylvania and Half Hollows (10:30.03) of New York have run faster than St. Benedict's Prep this season.

Coach Marty Hannon’s club now has the state Prep finals to contend with at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Lawrenceville.

The wrestling team finished third in the Newburgh Duals in New York on Saturday while starting in a hole from the outset. The Gray Bees had to forfeit a weight because it doesn’t have a 96-pounder (a class used by New York) and coach Mike DiPiano Jr. was forced to use a jayvee wrestler at heavyweight because his normal big guy, Michael Wray, wasn’t heavy enough to compete in that classification, according to New York standards.

DiPiano’s squad returns to action 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night against Seton Hall Prep on campus in Dalton Gym.

--By Ron Jandoli

January 2008

Don’t judge a book by its cover.

That was the predominant theme that permeated the thoughts of St. Benedict’s and Livingston students at the conclusion of their final day together in the School Swap program.

“There were a lot of preconceived notions about each other from both sides,” said Achille Dossekou, a group leader here at St. Benedict’s. “But at the end, everyone seemed so much alike.”

Dossekou was part of the two-day School Swap curriculum that helped bring together students from the predominantly minority filled, inner-city private school that makes up St. Benedict’s with peers from the mostly white, suburban school from Livingston.

School Swap is part of the American Conference on Diversity’s Youth Leadership Institute, a program that seeks to provide an opportunity for students to discuss their differences and their root causes, as well as finding some unexpected common ground.

Twenty students from Livingston came to Newark during for a daylong visit on Friday, Jan. 25, in the exchange program that first saw St. Benedict’s travel to suburbia back in November.

“I think there was some bridging of the socioeconomic gap – in realizing that students from the two schools do share common interests and can get along,” said Glenn Cassidy, Director of Student Life at St. Benedict’s. “I think the kids got along very well and were open to the process. It's interesting to see how kids from any distinct places get along.”

Livingston students expressed their overall appreciation for the students at St. Benedict’s, but the atmosphere they took in while tagging along with their partners to classes in an urban setting was revealing.

“ Everyone here is friends. They don’t have their cliques,” said one Livingston girl.

Another boy from the visiting school said, “At our school, everyone knows what houses you live in, what cars your parents drive. Around here, everyone wears the same thing and no one seems to care about the socioeconomic status.”

And finally – one from a Livingston girl that drew a laugh from the crowd that attended the workshop at the end of the day in Leahy House – “Food prices here are so much cheaper,” before adding, “It was like a regular school, but not. The boys were all so polite.”

Stephanie Baker, the Director of the CDC at St. Benedict’s, who, along with Cassidy, was a moderator and facilitator of the School Swap for St. Benedict’s, enjoyed watching the camaraderie develop between the students.

“I really think when it was all said and done, they got along great with each other,” Baker said. “The students are keeping in touch and that shows that, despite recognizing some of the social and economic differences, there is a lot that is the same with these kids and I think that’s great.”

Henaz Bhatt runs a number of these School Swap efforts as the Program Manager for the American Conference on Diversity. The uniqueness between St. Benedict’s and Livingston appealed to her.

“This was distinctly different and offered a really rich dialogue that really helped the kids be aware of the differences, but, at the same time, find a lot of common ground,” Bhatt said. “I think that was reflected in their learning at the end.”

Dossekou concurred.

“It was a whole different ballgame than I expected going in and made me realize people with different personalities can get along no matter where they’re from,” he said. “It was a really good experience.”

--By Ron Jandoli

Jan. 25, 2008

Writing is an arduous task in itself for students. But here at St. Benedict’s, all enrollees are required to go beyond the basics.

That’s where teachers such as Dr. Beth Breau and Rich Lorenzo come into play. They develop their young students through analytical thinking and research, which, in turn, leads to writing skills that eventually allow the 10th graders to produce pieces that go from being merely decipherable to one of artistic prose.

The pair of teachers – Dr. Breau in English and Lorenzo in Social Studies – has worked hand-in-hand with a staple of the St. Benedict’s curriculum called Newark Studies. With some prodding and a lot of inspiration by each mentor – along with a passion and enthusiasm from the students themselves – a great number of the pupils have their written works published in Newark InDepth.

For their efforts in the Newark Studies program, both Breau and Lorenzo have recently been recognized as the 2008 recipients of Bob Costas Grant for the Teaching of Writing. Each year the College Board, in conjunction with the National Education Association, recognizes exceptional teachers of grades 6 through 12 for the innovative methods they use to develop their students' writing skills.

Breau and Lorenzo are the first co-winners of the Bob Costas Grant and were lauded as the Middle States representatives. The two were chosen from among 31 applicants who applied for the $3,000 grant. They will be the guests of honor at the College Board’s Middle States Regional Forum being held Feb. 13-15 in Atlantic City.

“Writing is at the root of everything you do in life,” said Lorenzo, a St. Benedict’s graduate, who returned to the school as a teacher two years ago after spending 25 years in the broadcasting industry. “We’re here at St. Benedict’s as a guide to the students and hopefully they grab a hold of the practices we teach and take that with them down the road in life.”

The Newark Studies program is a required interdisciplinary, one-semester course study for sophomores at St. Benedict’s. It’s one that examines crucial issues that affect Newark and its people. The students have tackled a wide variety of inner-city issues, including topics such as AIDS, the Newark riots of ’67, housing, downtown development and race relations to name a few.

The course allows students to improve their writing skills while gaining an understanding of the key issues and ideas around them. It all culminates with the student published magazine called Newark InDepth.

“Honestly, I don’t know of many classes or teachers that have influenced students as much as this class,” said Olaniyi Solebo, a member of the Class of ’08 whose influences with the Newark Studies class inspired him to continue his writings in The Benedict News, the school’s newspaper.

Dr. Breau has been involved in teaching the Newark Studies course among her core curriculum of English at St. Benedict’s for four years. Her background as a professional writer allows her to work intensively with students on their writing, especially during the “Magazine Phase” of the course. Lorenzo works with the students diligently on the topic at hand and gathering content through research and such that ultimately goes into each of the students writings.

Lorenzo said the product from start-to-finish is a sight to behold.

“Most of these kids have no clue when the class begins. They’re like a deer caught in headlights,’’ he said, “but when the final pieces of the puzzle are put together and they see the publication, it’s like Christmas morning for them.

“Being chosen for this grant is satisfying for hard work well done, but, at the same time, flattering. Dr. Breau and I work in tandem, but ultimately it’s about the kids. That’s why we do this.”

--By Ron Jandoli

Jan. 26, 2008

The Brian Doherty Basketball Classic took center stage on campus before a standing room only crowd in Dalton Gym, but the wrestling team also felt right at home on the road in South Jersey.

While the St. Benedict’s basketball teams were busy Saturday splitting games – the varsity team defeating Passaic Tech and the Prep team falling to American Christian (Pa.) – the wrestlers were leaving quite a mark in Burlington County.

Coach Mike DiPiano’s club fashioned a 4-0 mark, including a 35-29 verdict over Newton in the championship match that allowed the Gray Bees to take home the trophy ahead of 15 other teams at the Jack Welch Duals at Moorestown High School.

“We normally don’t wrestle against too many teams from our area in big tournaments like this,” said 145-pounder Ahmad Ismail, who went 3-1 in the two-day tournament. “But I think we showed how good we are the last two days and really made some noise in New Jersey.” The Gray Bees’ wrestlers, the No. 3 seed, opened the tournament beating Bound Brook, 47-25, Friday in the opening round. The team was then housed in the homes of parents from the host school instead of being sequestered in a hotel – a move that allowed a number of the wrestlers to immediately make new friends while gaining a lot of support from the hometown faithful throughout the tournament.

After coming back Saturday morning and disposing of Cherry Hill East, 55-12, in the quarterfinals, coach DiPiano Jr. was apprehensive about the semifinals. Looming was a showdown against second-seeded Haddonfield, a team that had upended perennial state power Paulsboro by 15 points only a week earlier.

Olushola Brown, however, put any doubt his coach may have had to rest in both the semifinals and finals. Sure, the Big Guns – Pat Hunter (125 pounds), Kevin Dufresne (160) and Bagana Tovuujav (171) – were sweeping victories in all for matches. But it was Brown who put the championship in the bank.

The 215-pound Brown wrapped up a perfect tournament himself with a match clinching pin in a 40-34 verdict over Haddonfield before sealing the championship with another fall against top-seeded Newton in the final.

“I didn’t really know how good those teams were before the matches,’’ admitted Brown. “I just went out there and did what my coach told me – go out there and not worry about my opponent and wrestle my match. It was awesome, we were seeded third and took the title.”

Dalton Gym provided the home town crowd a showcase event that drew some of the top basketball powers in the state as well as the nation with the likes of St. Anthony, CBA, American Christian and Passaic Tech joining the two Gray Bees teams.

St. Anthony (14-0), the No. 1 team in the nation, which is coach by Bob Hurley – father of St. Benedict’s coach Danny Hurley – ran roughshod over one of the Shore area’s best in CBA by posting a 90-32 victory. That was the middle game of a triple header and was sandwiched by games featuring both St. Benedict’s squads.

The opening game of the Doherty Classic saw Danny Hurley’s club, ranked No. 3 in the nation, struggled from the field - hitting only 19 of 60 shots (31.7 %) – but still managed to put away a scrappy Passaic Tech team, 59-47.

Tamir Jackson led the way, despite missing on all nine of his three-point attempts, finishing with 17 points. The junior guard, who had to become more active in the scoring department with the absence of Samardo Samules, caused havoc all game with his ability to penetrate. He stepped to the line 15 times, making all but two shots from the free throw line.

Jackson, however, injured his ankle midway through the fourth. He did return but was later seen using a crutch to hobble around.

“It was a tough game all the way around,” said Jackson, who was supposed to have his ankle re-evaluated Monday. “We just didn’t look really good at all. But we got enough stops to win the game.”

Mike Michado chipped in with 12 points, while Greg Echenique was a force defensively, blocking eight shots and pulling down eight rebounds for the Gray Bees (17-1).

The Prep (6-3) team was locked in a 57-57 standoff with American Christian (22-2) with under a minute left, but scored just once the rest of the way before falling, 63-58, in the nightcap. Quaron Pinckney scored 12 points, while Mark Robertson added 11 for the Gray Bees.

--By Ron Jandoli

Jan. 20, 2008

It was a busier than usual weekend for the sports enthusiasts at St. Benedict’s.

Whether it was the wrestling team hosting an all day event, the basketball team traveling from Jersey City to the National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. or the track team flying around the oval in Manhattan, there seemed to be something for everyone who loves extracurricular activities.

The wrestling team hosted the third annual New Jersey Catholic Invitational at Dalton Gym. Don Bosco Prep bested the record 10-team field with 224 points, while St. Benedict’s placed second with 200 points.

The Gray Bees, which captured the team title in the Invitational the first two years, saw Turtogtokh Luvsandorj successfully defend his title at 152 pounds, while Bagna Tovuujav secured his first (171 pounds) championship after placing second the two previous years.

Luvsandorj defeated Brian Dack of Don Bosco, 8-2, in the final. The junior, a reigning National Prep All-America, also defeated Dack in a dual meet earlier this season, 3-0.

Tovuujav, a two-time All-America who placed fourth at this year’s Beast of the East Tournament, rolled through the field, pinning all three opponents in a combined time of 2:39. He pinned Trace McDermott of Don Bosco in 87 seconds in the championship bout.

“Bagna does things that very few wrestlers can do,” said St. Benedict’s coach Mike DiPiano Jr. of his 28-3 senior, who garnered the Outstanding Wrestler Award by being named the Champions’ Champion of the event. “He’s quirky at times, but always conscious of what he’s doing all the time.”

DiPiano, although not thrilled with having only two champions, was especially pleased with the resiliency of his wrestlers. After seeing six of his grapplers lose in the semifinals, five of those – Chris Dowdy (119), Naeem Boucher (130), Quadeer Porter (135), Chris Johnson (189) and Olushola Brown (215) – rebounded with two victories in wrestlebacks to place third. Rob Ranalli (112) and Kevin Dufresne (160) placed second after reaching the finals.

The basketball team had an extremely hectic weekend. Coach Danny Hurley’s club, ranked No. 3 nationally, took down the third-ranked team in New Jersey, Paterson Catholic, by a 57-52 margin Saturday in the Finn Tournament at the Jersey City Armory. The Gray Bees then returned home and quickly boarded a bus for Springfield, Mass. and played Maryland’s DeMatha Catholic in the Hoophall Classic.

Samardo Samuels struck for 24 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks and Tamir Jackson made four 3-pointers and scored 16 points to lead St. Benedict’s against Paterson Catholic (10-3). The outcome would have been much greater if not for the poor foul shooting by the Gray Bees, which hit only 14-of-28 free throws in the fourth quarter and 17 of 45 foul shots for the game.

On Sunday, St. Benedict’s blew out DeMatha, 75-41, in the Hoophall Classic. Samuels scored 22 points, two more than Jackson added. The Gray Bees shot a blistering 17-of-24 in the first half while building a 22-point lead. The Prep team also was at the National Basketball Hall of Fame at Springfield College participating in the Hoophall Classic and beat St. Thomas More of Connecticut, 70-58. UPenn-bound Zach Rosen was all over the place and directed the rout.

The track team competed in the New Balance Games at the 168th Street Armory in New York City on Saturday. The 4x200 relay team, which consists of Brian Bucknor, Joe McCloud, Morgan Mack and Kevin Parker, established New Jersey’s best time for the second time this year. After running a 1:30.85 in the Hispanic Games two weeks ago, the quad bettered that mark with a 1:29.51 Saturday.

The fencing team, without its ace, Marty Williams, came through with another victory on Friday by posting a 16-11 victory over Hun in Princeton. Foil fencer Joe Kessopha, a senior, won three times without a defeat, including the clincher in the 23rd bout, that gave the Gray Bees a 14-9 lead. Freshmen Jerome Ramsey and Tashon Little each went 2-1 in Sabre, as did junior Dylan Knox in Epee.

--By Ron Jandoli

December 2007

Claudio Reyna, widely recognized as the best soccer player America has ever produced, is back at the place where his now decorated career began to take shape.

The 34-year-old Reyna, who was lauded as New Jersey’s Player of the 20th Century for the legacy he built at St. Benedict’s, was officially appointed Dec. 12 as a member of the school’s Board of Trustees.

Reyna was among four newly named members of the 33-seat Board. He was joined by Dr. Bob Lahita ’63, Didier Jean-Baptiste ’86 and Wes Moore.

“St. Benedict’s has been a major part of my life—first as a student here and then carrying on a connection with the school after that,” said Reyna, a 1991 graduate of St. Benedict’s. “Staying in touch with the school was something I always wanted to do. I didn’t necessarily think it would be as part of the board, but that in itself is an honor and it’s something I’d like to do to help St. Benedict’s.”

Reyna, who spent 13 years overseas in Europe playing in some of the top leagues the world has to offer, felt the time was right to devote more time to his alma mater. He returned stateside late last year and joined the Red Bulls in January.

“Because I was abroad, it was difficult at times because of my commitments to get back here,’’ he said. “But of late and now heading toward the end of my career, this, for me, is something I always wants to do. Helping the school out in any way is perfect for me.”

Reyna is closer to home — he currently resides in Bedford, N.Y. with his wife, Danielle, and their two children — than he’s been since leaving St. Benedict’s and heading to the University of Virginia. He led the Cavaliers to three NCAA titles while becoming Soccer America’s NCAA Player of the Century, garnering twice the Missouri Athletic Club’s Player of the Year and the 1993 Hermann Trophy (the equivalent of the Heisman), along with numerous other accolades.

“Number one, he’s one of our most visible alumni and has a great deal to offer,” said St. Benedict’s Headmaster Fr. Edwin Leahy of Reyna’s appointment to the board. “He’s been successful in every aspect—from back to when he was here at St. Benedict’s to everything he has done since. It’s a welcomed addition.”

Reyna’s exploits at St. Benedict’s established him as the best player New Jersey has ever produced. As a member of the Gray Bees, the numbers for the teams he directed were staggering, including going 65-0 while scoring nearly 300 goals. He was named the Parade National Player of the Year award in 1989 and ’90.

“I’m here to tell the story of what the school does for kids and what it did for me,” said Reyna. “I want to try and send a message out to the people who don’t know what we’re doing here in Newark. I believe this school does a lot for the kids in this area and throughout New Jersey and impacts a lot of people lives. I’m looking forward to doing whatever I can.”

--By Ron Jandoli

Pat Hunter and Bagna Tovuujav each placed fourth while a four-man contingent racked up enough points to give St. Benedict’s a respectable 24th-place showing in the prestigious Beast of the East wrestling tournament over the weekend in Delaware.

Hunter, the No. 3 seed at 125 pounds, had three pins and a one-point decision before being upended, 4-0, in the semifinals to eventual champion Chris Villalonga of Blair. Tovuujav also had three falls, including a 16-second pin in the pre-quarterfinals, and a decision before losing in the semifinals as the No. 3 seed at 152 pounds.

Kevin Dufresne (160 pounds) went 4-2 and fell one bout short of placing, highlighted by a 6-5 victory over Don Bosco Prep’s Nick Vetterlein, a Region 2 champion, in the wrestlebacks. Turtogtokh Luvsandorj rounded out St. Benedict’s 65-point effort with a 3-2 showing.

“I am really proud of the way these four guys competed this weekend,” said St. Benedict’s coach Mike DiPiano. “We competed against some of the toughest kids in the nation and fared extremely well.”

The rest of the wrestling team competed in the Northfield Mount Hermon Tournament in Massachusetts and placed second behind the host school. Naeem Boucher (130) and Chris Johnson (189) won titles. Placing second were Chris Dowdy (130), Quadeer Porter (135), Ahmad Ismail (145) and Olushola Brown (215).

The track team opened its indoor season Saturday in the 54th Bishop Loughlin Games at the Armory in New York. The 4x200-meter relay team, which consisted of Brian Bucknor, Joe McCloud, Morgan Mack and Kevin Parker, placed second. They ran a 1:30.85 to establish the top time in New Jersey in the early going.

The Prep basketball team had a rough outing Saturday in the Hoop Group Tip-off Classic at Seton Hall University. The team suffered a 59-49 setback to The Winchendon School of Massachusetts, dropping its record to 2-2 on the year.

December 2007

The community here at St. Benedict’s came together recently to honor a few individuals who have made a difference.

The first Golden Bee recipients were Manny Alvarez, Joseph Sokolowicz and Pam Wye-Hunsinger.

“The Golden Bee is a way to recognize people in the St. Benedict's community who have made significant contributions to the community and to show appreciation for those efforts,” said Dean of Faculty Solomon Fleckman, a member of the Community Recognition Committee.

The Golden Bee recipients were honored at the first Community Recognition gathering at Radel Library. The event, the first in what Fleckman hopes to become a celebration a few times a year, is intended to be an all-community affair that brings together the people who work in the church, the monastery, the Bishop Francis building, the dormitories, the athletic facilities, the food pantry, the classrooms, the performance spaces and all the places where St. Benedict's people live, pray, work, and congregate.

Wye-Hunsinger, Chair of the Art Department, was recognized for all her “energy” and the enthusiasm she brings to the school.

“Pam just exemplifies professionalism,” Fleckman said. “She is one of those special people that go far beyond what is expected of them. She’s on the front lines in so much of what goes on around here.”

Sokolewicz is best known as a math teacher and assistant basketball coach for the last 18 years. But Sokolewicz also is the entry person here at the school – the one who almost single-handedly does all the scheduling for the students and faculty. And he did under severe time constraints this year due to both the wholesale changes in the Summer Phase and scheduling.

“What he endured and being able to get it done was just a tribute to him,” Fleckman said.

St. Benedict’s encompasses two square blocks on 12 acres with 14 buildings. Alvarez is in charge of a diminutive maintenance staff that keeps the school “up and running” while holding down the fort.

“There’s so many people here that work so hard,” Fleckman said. “We just want to step back, take a breath and recognize people who help make St. Benedict’s what it is.”

Note: Along with Fleckman, the Community Recognition Committee includes Hank Cordeiro, Candace Bradsher, Dr. Beth Breau, Mary Hauck and Michael Hahn.

The icy mixed that has blanketed Newark and the surrounding area today has led to the postponement of most activities today, Thursday, Dec. 13.

The Christmas Music Recital, a concert featuring percussion ensembles, wind ensemble, vocal ensemble and chorus as well as the jazz ensemble, which was scheduled for 7 p.m. at Conlin Auditorium has been postponed. The wrestling match against Msgr. Farrell has also been postponed. Practices and meetings for teams and clubs may be held at the discretion of the coach or moderator. Dates for the rescheduled activities will be announced at another time.