The Search For Truth - Roncalli High Schoolthe yearbook staff for the excellent work as well to Yearbook Moderator Julie Albertson. Reveille Yearbook Honored Members of the roncalli

1 UPDATE MAGAZINE Winter 2012

Mission Statement

As a Catholic high school, our pledge is to provide, in concert with parents, parish and community, an educational opportunity which seeks to form Christian leaders in body, mind and spirit.

Guided by prayer and the Gospel values of faith, love and justice, students are challenged to respond to the call of discipleship and to ful-fill their potential as lifelong learners in service to others.

Our end is to make God’s love complete among us.

AdministrationPrESIDENT:

Joseph D. Hollowell Hon'97

PrINcIPAl:charles Weisenbach r‘79

VIcE PrESIDENT for INSTITUTIoNAl ADVANcEMENT:

Terese r. carson

ASSISTANT PrINcIPAl for AcADEMIc AffAIrS:

James Kedra

ASSISTANT PrINcIPAl for STUDENT AcTIVITIES:

Shellie Hartford

DEAN of STUDENTS: Tim Puntarelli Hon'99

GUIDANcE co-DIrEcTorS: Shelly fitzgerald r'91 & lynn Starkey Hon'07

ATHlETIc DIrEcTor: Dave Toner c‘67

BUSINESS MANAGEr: Dave Gervasio r‘85

cHAIrPErSoN - cAMPUS MINISTrY: robert Tully Hon'93

cHAPlAIN: father Jim Wilmoth Hon'11

Update Magazine is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement under the direction of Terese R. Carson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Its intent is to be a vehicle to inform alumni, family and friends of recent and upcoming happenings and achievements at the school, as well as showcase the talents and gifts of its students and alumni.Editor-in-Chief: Kim Slimak Deputy Editor: Gary Armbruster R’81 Design Director: Jay Wetzel R'00 Photos: Jay Wetzel R'00, Kory Marks Inquiries/Correspondence: Fran Davey Roncalli High School, 3300 Prague Road, Indianapolis, IN 46227, 317.787.8277 ext. 238 [email protected]: www.roncalli.org Circulation: 13,500 Email: [email protected]

FOR EDITORIAl INFORMATION, CAll KIM SlIMAK AT (317) 787-8277, ExT. 239

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HelpContinue -R- Tradition

To The Top!

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Goal

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CONTINUING TRADITION






The Continuing -R- Tradition campaign has a goal of $420,000 to raise funds for facility improvements, teacher training, the financial aid endowment and needs-based tuition assistance.

RONCALLI • SACRED HEART CENTRAL • CHARTRAND • KENNEDY MEMORIAL 2

Joe HollowellPresident

One of the things I most love about being Catholic is that our Church has had 2,000 years to reflect on the vast array of moral dilemmas that confront humanity. From stem cell research to nuclear war, from domestic violence to the rights of slaves, from capital punishment to contraception, there has not been an ethical issue that the Church has not expounded upon or backed away from. Living up to that teaching has always been a problem for all human persons (including those in the Church) but I find the teachings to be a great gift in my life.

The history of the Church is very much a history of the search for truth. In John's Gospel Jesus tells us that "you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free". And the Church Jesus established endeavors to help us know that truth clearly no matter how hard it is for us to hear. Much of what the Church has discerned and much of what God has taught us collectively over the past two millennia is contained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This book is a wonderful resource for all of us and is a great gift to those of us who want to know more about our faith.

One of the outcomes of the Second Vatican Council was that the Church, for more than a few decades, wrestled with trying to come to grips with teaching the people of the Church, and in many cases its priests and religious brothers and sisters, what had changed as a result

of Vatican II and what had remained. I was in fifth grade as some of these changes began to take place. As a young man trying to memorize my prayers in Latin so that I could be an altar boy, I remember being ecstatic that we were switching to Mass in English and that the Latin version of the Confetior would no longer be recited. But as I grew older the confusion in our Church and its teachers took hold and the lack of understanding and certainty in the Church and what it taught became a seriously regrettable problem. My Catholic high school religion classes are a perfect example. My memories of these days include making clay animals on retreat, making meaningless collages from pictures cut out of magazines, watching slide shows about the Viet Nam war set to music by the Doors, and participating in an all-school daylong activity called Realization Day. As a result of this confusing catechesis, many of my friends and peers ended up leaving a Catholic Church that they never really learned about. To this day many of them have no idea what they ended up saying “No” to as they walked away from the Church. They had not been properly taught.

In speaking with some of the priests and sisters that were teaching at that time, they tell me that I am describing essentially what took place in all of our Catholic schools around the country. After Vatican II there were simply no text books or standardized guidance as to what was still important and what was not.

People were left to their own devices and the forces of modern culture to adapt as best they could. A soup of confusion followed.

Finally, with the publishing of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1992, an answer to the worldwide uncertainty to the Church’s teaching in the wake of Vatican II, we are all coming slowly but steadily back to the essential nature of the Catholic faith. Next year we will begin phasing in textbooks that are approved by the bishops of this country for our religion classes at Roncalli. It has actually taken this long to get textbooks that are now in total conformity to the teachings of the Catechism. It has been a long, hard, slog to get back to this point and the journey has not always been pretty. As we begin to implement these texts and teachings that more accurately reflect God’s truth I pray that the young people in our charge will come to know Truth and that it will truly set them free.

Please pray for our work and support us as you are able. Thank you!

The Search For Truth


Around Campus

The Roncalli Reveille Yearbook was awarded honorable mention in the Hoosier Star Awards Competition hosted by the Indiana High School Press Association.

Roncalli competed in Division 2 which consisted of schools with an enrollment of 1001-2000 students. There were seven other state finalists in Division 2 and Roncalli finished in the top five in the state.

Additionally, the Reveille, earned its second honor within two weeks time when the book was inducted into Walsworth Publishing Company’s Gallery of Excellence for the second straight year.

The Gallery of Excellence is a showcase of the company’s top yearbooks. Gallery books demonstrate true master of a yearbook’s purpose – to provide thorough coverage of the school year with interesting stories that highlight all types of students using well-written copy, stunning photography and trendy design. Only a small percentage of yearbooks published by Walsworth enter the Gallery each year. Gallery of Excellence yearbooks are used as examples by yearbook sales representatives nationwide.

Congratulations to 2010-11 Reveille Co-editors-in-Chief Grace Alfery and Kate Schutte as well as the yearbook staff for the excellent work as well to Yearbook Moderator Julie Albertson.

Reveille Yearbook Honored

Members of the roncalli reveille Yearbook staff posed for a picture after the book earned multiple honors.

Roncalli would like to thank its 2011 Walkathon Sponsors

Ace Rent A Car, Inc.American Business Machines, INC.

Arbor Lane Kennels Beck Service Center Beech Tree House

Big O Tires - Mooresville & PlainfieldCahill's Lawn & Landscape

Conover Custom Fabrication Dr. David Wolf Family Dentistry

E.M. Electric Company Edison Building Services Inc.

Franciscan Surgery Center Frederick A. Tolle, M.D.

Friend of RoncalliGotta Have It Courier Greenwood Pediatrics

Huntington National Bank Indecon Solutions

Indy South Foot & AnkleJahnke Painting Inc.Jockish Flowers Inc.

Kendrick Regional Center Lynch & Belch, P.C.

Mader Design Mark Gleixner DDS

Norris Choplin & SchroederPeterman Heating & Cooling Inc.

Piazza Produce Premier Surgical

Roncalli Alumni AssociationShackelford Graphics, Inc.South Indy Family Practice

Superior LinenThe Atrium

The Gurnik FamilyThermo King

Thomas E. Quill DDS, Total Exterminating

Trophy House

Students enjoyed a stroll outdoors during Walkathon 2011, an event that raised over $80,000 for tuition assistance.


A large number of Roncalli students were involved in key leadership and participatory positions for NCYC – National Catholic Youth Conference. Senior Chessie LaRosa was one of the featured entertainers at a session and was one of the recording artists of this year’s theme song.

Fellow senior Ana Rollins performed a set of her music during an afternoon session on the Coffee House Stage. Additionally, Brooke Grannan, Andrea Schubach and Joey Wolf were recognized as Youth Animators and were joined by fellow Rebels Bridgett Hammans, Danielle Hughes and Elizabeth Norman.

In reflecting upon the experiences of this year’s NCYC, the following was written by Roncalli student Natalie Butler. The article appears courtesy of the Rebel Review, the Roncalli Student Newspaper.

NCYC before this weekend was just another conference Indianapolis was hosting. It became much more than that for thousands in attendance.

On Wednesday night there was a private concert for the participants only from Indiana. Steve Angrisano, who performed last year at Roncalli and shared his experience with Columbine, engaged through melodic songs and life stories. So many speakers and performers graced us with their lessons and talents. The character trading items were a way to talk to those from different places and learn about their home. Here’s a shout out to the Roncalli Rebels of the 2011 NCYC. There was not a single sitting where at least a dozen Rebels would be animating the crowd or on the screen enjoying the moment.

A short summary of each little piece of NCYC would not do it justice. It would be pointless to not represent the conference for what it was, a deep suggestion for how Catholics should satisfy the Lord’s want for us and live through Him. The mega Mass on the last night was the ultimate. Over 23,000 teens and adults gathered in celebration and in silence for God. 250 priests, 175 seminarians, and 30 deacons also attended as well as those who joined on

the web. The participants got word that 92 different countries were watching NCYC, which includes Vatican City and China.

The incense ascended to the ceiling while the congregation watched in awe. The cross filled with leaves, which had everyday actions of Christianity written on them, beamed in the spot light as a relevant symbol of faith. While the Eucharist was being distributed, everyone kneeled where usually Colts fans would be screaming and cheering. Bishop Coyne throughout NCYC was energetic yet thankful to be a piece of this puzzle. Towards the end of the Mass, Coyne started waving his arms. The stadium followed his example, and when he saw how his movements went viral, he smiled from ear to ear.

God knew 2,000 years ago that every person that attended NCYC was going to be there. That is sheer grace and love that He would place the Roncalli family in a situation that great. The three and a half days may have been physically exhausting, but God’s glory shined through those struggles. There was no stranger on the sidewalks of Indianapolis. Those who work downtown and saw all of the NCYC participants pass by, they could not help but smile. This is something the face of Indianapolis had never experienced before now. Like Father Tony says, “Mmmmm mmmmm mmmmm, [NCYC] sure [was] good!”

Receive Who You Are

lucas oil Stadium was filled for the National catholic Youth conference. Many roncalli students played key roles in the conference.


Glander's Wish is Made

The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Children's Wishing Well Foundation along with Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning granted the wish of Roncalli Sophomore D.J. Glander, who got to meet Manning and his teammates after watching a Colts practice this past fall. D.J. received Peyton’s autograph and got to meet his favorite player Reggie Wayne.

“The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

It is through the magic of an out of this world wish that the Foundation gives a family hope, strength and joy to briefly alleviate the stresses of a serious medical condition.”

D.J. had a wonderful experience. To see more, logon to the following video: http://www.colts.com/media-center/videos/Peyton-Manning-Grants-Wishes-to-Kids/905f6df0-40bc-4d9b-a38b-eeb256e50ad6.

Around Campus

roncalli Sophomore D.J. Glander met with reggie Wayne (left), Peyton Manning (right) and got to hold the lombardi Trophy (center) during his visit to the colts complex, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Roncalli’s Open House welcomed close to 300 prospective future Rebels and their parents in early November. With over 50 booths on display in the gym and in the building, prospective students and their parents were able to discover areas of academics, extracurriculars, athletics, fine arts, service learning and campus ministry. Teachers, faculty, staff, administration and students were available for demonstrations and questions.

Guided by a Roncalli student, guests were able to tour the campus. Junior high students find the tour to be an excellent time to ask RHS students about anything ranging from academics to dress code to discipline to lunch.

The energy in the Roncalli school building was remarkable with the combination of current and future Roncalli Rebels!

Roncalli Opens Its Doors

Prospective students and their families came to roncalli's open House to speak with teachers and get a first hand look at the school.


Fr. Jim wilmotHChaPlain

Very often, people in our lives give us some advice that remains with us for a long time – even for a lifetime. When I was in my senior year of high school, my Mom told me something that has always remained with me. She told me that I should always have a dream. At first, I thought she was talking about making a hole-in-one on a difficult 200 yard par 3. Then I thought maybe she was referring to me running back a kick-off for about 95 yards. Then I realized that both of those were not dreams but impossibilities. What she was talking about was having dreams about life and what one wants to succeed in his/her life.

It seems to me that having dreams is very important for success in life. I suspect that most great accomplishments in life have started with a dream. It seems to me that most visionaries are dreamers. A visionary is someone who sees things as they are and dreams of what they could be. Dr. Martin Luther King stood before thousands of people in Washington, D.C. and shouted, “I have a dream!” I wonder who would have listened and thought much about what he had said if he had shouted, “I have a strategic plan.” Nothing against strategic plans, but I still contend that one has to have some dreams on what one wants to accomplish in life.

According to my Mom’s advice, it seems that our dreams should be our chauffeurs in life, because they can drive us wherever we want to go. Don’t you imagine that Pope John

XXIII had a dream of what our church could be like after Vatican II. He was a true visionary and saw the reality that we needed to “update” (pardon the pun on this magazine) our church in order to involve the laity in many areas of our church. He saw that people of all languages and cultures would be able to be more involved in the liturgy if it were in the local language. He had a dream. What a wonderful dream that was.

I just want to encourage all of us to have dreams. Those dreams come true with work, dedication, commitment and faith in God. I have seen so many success stories in Catholic education throughout my life. It seems to me that some of our greatest and best leaders in the field of education are people who had dreams for the future and worked very hard to achieve those dreams for the young people that we serve. I can imagine that people like St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Mother Theodore Guerin, St. Katherine Drexel, Father Sorin, Bishop Simon Brute’, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini and many others worked very hard to establish the Catholic School system here in the United States and certainly in our State of Indiana, and in our Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Don’t you think they had dreams of how we could best teach the message of Jesus? We are so very fortunate to have our school – Roncalli High School. I want to thank all those who have

worked and dedicated themselves to our school. I thank those who continue to lead our school and also those who give so much of their time, talents and treasures for Roncalli High School. Is all of that a dream? You bet it is! It is a dream that is focused on the message of Jesus. May we continue to set goals for ourselves; dreams we want to accomplish; ideals we want to live by; and make prayer and sacrament the center of those dreams. I want to let you in on a little secret. I had a dream for our school a few years ago– that dream was that in a couple of years we would have a beautiful worship space for prayer, Eucharist and quiet time with the Lord. You kept dreaming with me, and now it has become a reality. We have a new chapel in our school. What a dream come true that is…

May Blessed Pope John Roncalli pray for all of us. May God bless and guide all of our benefactors, alums, administration, faculty, staff and most importantly our students and their parents and families.

Bless your hearts,

Father Jim Wilmoth

A Word With Wilmoth


Around Campus

Sacred Sounds and Christmas Concerts

Groups from both the Roncalli choral and band departments performed at Sacred Sounds in October and the annual Christmas Concert in December.

At Sacred Sounds, the Show Choir sang a mix of old and new - "Ave Verum" by Mozart and a very exciting song called "Let Everything that Hath Breath" which is a gospel-style arrangement of psalm 150. It featured senior soloists Jordan Donica and Chessie LaRosa. Beginning Women's Chorus sang "For the Beauty of the Earth.” Beginning Mixed Chorus sang a very upbeat song called "Joshua" and a nice arrangement of "Amazing Grace." Both beginning choirs have come a long way since the beginning of the year!

For the Christmas Concert, the Advanced Women's Chorus sang "Gesu Bambino" and "Ding Dong Merrily on High," both difficult arrangements. The Show Choir performed "Breath of Heaven" and "Star of Glory," which is an a capella spiritual-type song. Together, Advanced Women's and Show Choir Girls sang "Oh Santa" off of Mariah Carey's newer Christmas album.

Beginning Mixed Choir sang "Do You Hear What I Hear," "Going on a Sleigh Ride" and "Last Christmas," which was recorded by Wham! in the 1980’s, and Beginning Women's performed "Where Are You Christmas" from the Grinch, "Bethlehem Hallelu" and "Santa Baby."

The members of the Rebel Band Ensembles also performed as a part of the two Sacred Sounds Concerts held that Sunday in October. The shows were outstanding and featured so many talented Rebel students!

The Instrumental Christmas Concert performers included the Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Period 8 String Ensemble, Period 8 Rock Ensemble and the Concert Band. There was a nice mix of old classic Christmas Carols, such as "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night", "Silent Night" and Deck the Halls" and newer Christmas standards like "Feliz Navidad" and music from the score of "Home Alone". All of them put the Christmas spirit in everyone's heart with the gift of music!

Roncalli is blessed to have such a thriving Fine Arts department that brings so much joy to the school community!

photo by: Katie Schultz

photo by: Megan Yoder


For the Love of Three Oranges

Roncalli would like to congratulate and commend Mr. Phil Anderson, Mrs. Erin Bohn and the entire cast and crew of this year’s fall play, “The Love of Three Oranges.” Three great crowds enjoyed all performances from Roncalli students, and this year’s play generated many laughs for all in attendance.

Thanks to everyone involved with the production and for their hard work!


The longest running service project, the annual Canned Food Drive and Blood Drive, took place in November. This year once again Roncalli asked all Rebels to donate 70 cans of food or $35 to the Canned Food Drive. The Roncalli community collected over 85,964 cans including money to donate to local food pantries. Specifically, the total amount of donations collected was $26,643. Because of the tremendous success of the Canned Food Drive for so many years, there are a number of local food pantries that do count heavily on the success of Roncalli to assist them in their efforts.

The Canned Food Collection date was Saturday, November 19th. And, on this same day, Roncalli held its annual Blood Drive. All Rebels (parents, students, alumni and friends) were encouraged to give the gift of life by donating blood on this day. The Roncalli community donated over 168 pints of blood and 309 pledges and registrants for bone marrow.

Junior Fred Dowell was Roncalli’s top can collector by a wide margin, collecting 1,141 cans. Next, freshman Megan Choinacky collected 290 cans.

Around Campus

Canned Food Drive

The annual Encore Awards Ceremony, Indianapolis Community Theatres' version of the Tony Awards, was held this fall. Roncalli Theatre Senior Jordan Donica received a nomination for Best Male Vocalist for “The King and I” performed at Footlite Musicals. Roncalli congratulates Jordan for being recognized among the best in Indianapolis community theatre.

roncalli students dropped off cans and boxes of food that they collected. All together, the roncalli community collected over 85,964 cans.

Jordan Donica (left) was nominated for an Encore Award for his performance in the Indianapolis community Theatres' "The King and I."

Encore for Donica


Roncalli's FeastTuesday, October 11th was the Feast Day of Roncalli’s namesake, Blessed Pope John XXIII. Roncalli is indeed blessed to be named for such a kind, loving and welcoming servant of the Lord. His feast date was established by the Catholic Church to coincide with the anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

A special Mass to commemorate the life, legacy and spirit of Blessed Pope John XXIII was held at Roncalli that evening in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart.

Students and faculty held a Mass to celebrate the feast of Blessed Pope John XXIII.

Juniors David Page and Joey Wolf were recently selected to attend the 2011 Richard G. Lugar Symposium for

Tomorrow’s Leaders. David and Joey were selected based on their

outstanding leadership and service. Each year the Lugar Symposium is held to bring together leaders from high schools across Indiana. They attended the symposium along with nearly 500 other students from around the state.

Students attend two mini sessions on the following topics: Civility, Energy Security, Indiana’s International Economy, Issues in Modern Agriculture, Media Responsibility, The Effect of Terrorism of Personal Liberty and U.S. Leadership in the World.

Lugar Symposium

Juniors Joey Wolf (left) and David Page (right) attended the 2011 lugar Symposium.

Marching to Gold

The Roncalli Marching Band competed in the ISSMA Festival Marching Band Competition in early October at Franklin Community High School. The marching Rebels earned the highest rating of Gold. They performed A Touch of Bublé: featuring "It Had Better Be Tonight", "Fever", and "Everything". Drum majors featured were Bryan Rainey and Jimmy Henke.

roncalli's Marching Band Earned a Gold rating at the ISSMA festival Marching Band competition.


Football

The Roncalli Football team finished a wonderful 2011 season with several outstanding victories. Highlights of the season included shutting out Franklin Central 23-0, an impressive 28-6 Homecoming victory over Brebeuf, a 33-21 win over 5A state-ranked Decatur Central at Lucas Oil Stadium, a 24-7 win over previously unbeaten and #2 ranked East Central on Senior Night, and a 35-7 sectional victory over Plainfield. The victory at Plainfield, which is Coach Bruce Scifres' alma mater, was his 200th win as the head coach at Roncalli. With this fete, he joins a relatively small group of other Indiana coaches who have won 200 games at one school. The following week, the Rebels lost a heart-breaker, 20-13 to 4A #1 ranked Cathedral. The score was tied, 13-13, with about three minutes to play when the Irish hit a long pass for the winning score. In Cathedral's other four tournament games heading into the 4A state game, they outscored their opponents by an average score of 49-8. Obviously, many Roncalli supporters feel that the 4A State Championship game was played against the Rebels in the second game of the tournament. Coach Scifres had this to say about the 2011 team: "This team stumbled a couple times early in the season. But by the second half of the season, without question, this became one of the best high school football teams I have ever been associated with. I have never seen a Roncalli defense be more physical or more dominating than this group was as the season progressed. I firmly believe that this team was on par with any of the previous State Championship teams Roncalli has had. They were one or two big plays away from playing for a state championship!" He also added, "This group of seniors were awesome. I have always believed that we must have three ingredients to have a great team. These are: depth of talent, great team chemistry and players who play with passion. Because of the great leadership provided by these seniors, this team had a healthy dose of all three. We will miss this senior group tremendously! It was a real honor to be a part of this team and this great season!"

The roncalli football Team finished the season with several great wins.

Boys' Soccer

The members of the Boys' Soccer Team claimed another Sectional Championship defeating Perry Meridian in the championship game in an exciting penalty kick shootout - the school's sixth consecutive sectional win and seventh overall. The Rebels continued to Regionals but ended their season with a 11-6-1 record. Several players were named to Academic All State including: John Teney, Warren Schalk, Evan Anttonen, Kyle Kedra, Eric Cunningham, Joe Nagy, Nick Littrell and Ben McSwain. Trevor Huddleston received the Mental Attitude Award, and Josh Brockman was named to the 1st Team All District and Team MVP.

The Boys' Soccer Team captured the school's sixth consecutive Sectional title.

Girls' Cross Country

The Girls' Cross Country Team completed their season with several highlights, including a team season record of 100-56, a 10th place finish at County, 4th at Sectionals and 6th at Regionals. Abby Pongracz and Mary Kate Allen, in the Marion County Tournament, both ran one of their best races to place 27th and 64th. Abby led the way in Sectionals placing 13th and earning All-Sectional honors. The team wrapped up their season with a hard fought 6th place finish at the IHSAA Regional Championship. Abby had a 19th place finish, just missing an individual qualifying birth to Semi-State. Kaleigh Wilham placed 34th, Kenzie Quinn 42nd, Mary Kate Allen 47th, Kaitie Schultheis 51st, Jessica Irmer 52nd and Cassie Schultheis 56th.

The Girls' cross country Team finished 4th in Sectionals and 6th at regionals.


The Ladies finish off another great year - Marion County Champs, Sectional Champs and 3rd at State! Both Anna Gleixner and Abbey Gleixner were selected to the All-State Team. Coleen Gaughan was selected to Academic All-State. Anna was medalist at County with a 68 and Sectionals with a school record of 66. Abbey finished in 6th place at State, and Anna, Abbey, Coleen, Catherine Gaughan and Julie Traina earned All-County accolades. Catherine had a career best 75 at Sectionals as well as a personal best 9 hole score of 34. Julie also shot 75 at Sectionals and tied Catherine for 2nd individual. Anna was selected as team MVP. Abbey was selected for the Mental Attitude Award. Senior Stephanie Meyer won the Spirit Award for the golf team. The seniors are a part of the only team to achieve a state podium finish each of their four years

at Roncalli. Anna, Julie and Senior Lauren Roehling were selected Academic All-Sate Honorable Mention. Additionally, Anna, Julie, Catherine and Coleen earned All-County each of their four years as Roncalli Rebels.

Girls' Golf

Girls' Volleyball

The Lady Rebel Volleyball Team finished the season with a runner-up spot in Regionals against New Castle and the school's 24th Sectional Championship by defeating Tech, Cathedral and Lawrence North. The Rebels were led this season by the senior group of Hannah Bauer, Casey Corsaro, Sofia Gillum, Courtney Halter and Karsey King. In action throughout the season, the ladies posted wins over Shelbyville, North Central, Warren Central, Cardinal Ritter, Martinsville, Bishop Chatard and Brebeuf.At County, the ladies took the runner-up spot and beat Lawrence North and Brebeuf but fell to Perry Meridian. Hannah Bauer was named to All-County, Senior All-Star and 2nd Team All-State. Bailey Schnell was named All-County, and Karsey King was named Senior All-Star.

The Girls' Volleyball Team won the school's 24th Sectional championship.

The Girls' Golf Team won the Marion county championship and finished 3rd in the State.

Girls' Soccer

The Lady Rebels' 2011 season concluded with a final record of six wins, seven losses and two draws. The regular season posted wins over Franklin Central, Franklin Community, Plainfield, Vincennes Lincoln, Southport and Heritage Christian. Making ISCA All Academic included Erin Darland, Jennifer Hillman, Kate DeMoss, Kimmy Merkel, Mackenzie Harrington, Megan Utterback and Olivia Curtis. Kate DeMoss was also named to Academic All State.

The Girls' Soccer Team finished the season with a 6-7-2 record.


The following Roncalli athletes have signed to play a collegiate sport next year: Athletic Signings

The Boys' Cross Country Season included team highlights of placing 10th at County, 4th at both Sectionals and Regionals and a 19th place finish at Semi-State. The Rebels finished 2 points behind 3rd place Greenfield Central at Sectionals. Daniel Buergler earned All-Sectional honors with his 15th place finish. Alex Alfery placed 17th, James Perry 21st, Andy Bauer 22nd and Nick Ader 24th. The team used a good team effort to advance out of the Rushville Regional and on to the Carmel Semi-State. Daniel Buergler paced the Rebels by placing 19th and was followed into the chute by Alex Alfery, who had a monster kick, in 24th, James Perry in 32nd, Andy Bauer in 34th and Nathan Schoettle in 38th. The Rebels 6th and 7th runners were Walter Dearing in 47th and Nick Ader in 52nd. The boys ended the season at the Carmel Semi-State. The team competed hard and had a good end to a successful season. Daniel Buergler and Nick Ader led the Rebels with their best races of the season. Freshmen Nathan Schoettle also turned in a solid performance.

Boys' Cross Country

The Boys' cross country Team placed 4th at both Sectionals and regionals.

The Roncalli Boys' Tennis Team finished the season with an 8-8 record. The team was led by junior Joe Wolf at #1 singles. Wolf was also voted the team's Most Valuable Player. Senior Paul Johnson was a vocal leader and really helped up the intensity of the team over the course of the season. Juniors Christian Alspach, Mark Johnson, David Saling, Marcus Swift and Frederick Dowell all contributed to the team's success as well as sophomore Jack Glander. Dowell was also named the Team's Mental Attitude Award Winner.

Boys' Tennis

The Boys' Tennis Team finished the year at 8-8.

Nick Wright - Bellarmine University - Baseball

colin Hawk - University of cincinnati - Baseball

ryan Weber - Youngstown State University - Basketball

David Heckman - lewis University - Basketball

Katie Brewer - Butler University - Basketball

Macey Speer - University of Indianapolis - Tennis


terese CarsonViCe President For institutional adVanCement

Many times at Roncalli, we have discussed the notion of planning and saving for our future and for the future of our students and families. It is something that seems to surface in conversation more and more as the facilities at Roncalli have become sufficient to adequately meet the needs of our community. There will always be facility upgrades or replacements to be addressed, but investing in our future in a more permanent fashion is also something to be addressed as a school community.

IT’S ALL ABOUT ENDOWMENT.

An endowment is defined as an ‘account’ with funds or property donated to an institution as a source of income. Basically, an endowment can be correlated to a permanent savings

account, where only the interest earned from the investment can be used or spent. Roncalli has several endowments at the school which are managed by the Catholic Community Foundation. Many provide scholarships to students, some provide income to maintain our facilities and some provide income for our tuition assistance program. There is much potential for growth in our endowments at Roncalli.

As the school moves toward another planning process for our future, I believe that enhancing our endowment to provide additional funds for tuition assistance will become a priority. The more that we are able to grow our school’s endowment, we will see an increase in the interest

earned to provide more and more tuition assistance for our families, and our future families and students. The need for tuition assistance at Roncalli has never been greater. The Future Foundations Program and the Annual Fund, are both already adding additional funds to the endowment each year. It is the notion of saving, and investing in our future.

It is my hope and prayer that as you hear and learn more about our endowment and the possibilities it brings for securing our future and providing for generations to come, that you will consider investing in Roncalli and the promise that it holds. God Bless!

Advancement Angle

Planning for our Future


The Archdiocese of Indianapolis recently earned, thanks to the great leadership and the hard work of many, many teachers in our schools, a very distinctive honor! The college board recognized the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for the increased number of students who are taking AP classes and for the high marks that students are earning.

As listed on the 2nd Annual AP District Honor Roll, which consists of the 367 U.S. public school districts, schools in our Archdiocese, along with only 12 others in the State of Indiana, simultaneously achieved increases in access to AP® courses for a broader number of students and also maintained or improved the rate at which their AP students earned scores of 3 or higher on an AP Exam.

Kathy Mears, Assistant Superintendent for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis commented, “We extend our thanks and congratulations to everyone in our schools! You are the best! Thank you!!”

Archdiocese Makes Honor Roll

(from left to right) David Saylor, Haley craig, Kate DeMoss, rachel law, Bryan rainey, Alyssa loebig and Amy Hemmelgarn all earned

the distinction of "AP Scholar" this year.

Grandparents filled the Roncalli building on a rainy day in October, as Grandparents Day included Mass with the entire student body, and then grandparents were welcomed into the various classrooms to participate in class with their grandchildren. The day concluded with a nice catered luncheon thanks to Five-Star Catering at Primo West.

Grandparents are always so very much appreciative of their experience and were really glad to be at Roncalli for part of the day.

Just a reminder to fill those Grandparent Day glass jars received, as Roncalli collects about $8,000 each year just from the coins in the jars!

Grandparents enjoyed joining their grandchildren in the classroom on Grandparents Day. other activities included a special Mass and a lunch for the guests.

Grandparents Day

Around Campus


Scifres Nabs 200Head Football Coach Bruce Scifres achieved the 200th win of his career on October 21st against Plainfield, his alma mater. Scifres is 200-70 in 22 seasons with the Rebels.

roncalli Head football coach Bruce Scifres (center) along with his wife Jackie (left), were presented with a plaque by President Joe Hollowell (right) to commemorate career victory number 200 for the coach.

The Brain Game Team began their competition on November 16th competing against the Beech Grove Hornets. The Rebel Brain Game Team included: Alex Blankenberger, Mary Oelker, James Parkinson, Matt Knierman, Sarah Eastes, Thomas Shulse and Mitchell Carroll. The team unfortunately fell in the next round.

The Brain Game Team defeated Beech Grove before falling in the second round.

Brain Game Perfect ScoresRoncalli would like to congratulate two students - Senior Joe Penno scored a perfect 36 on the Reading portion of the September ACT and Senior Mikaela Bielawski scored a perfect 36 on the English portion of the ACT this past October. This marks her second perfect score as she recorded a 36 on the Reading portion last April. Way to go Joe and Mikaela!

Senior Mikaela Bielawski (left) scored a perfect 36 on the English portion of the AcT and senior Joe Penno

earned a perfect score on the reading portion.

Spell State

The Spell Bowl Team, coached by Susan Reuber, claimed the title of highest scoring team at the Regional Competition and earned a spot in the 2011 Indiana Spell Bowl State Finals. Rebel spellers included: Camille Natividad, Elizabeth Norman, Kayla Streicher, Rachel Law, Mikaela Bielawski, Amanda McClellan, Clare Schutte, Kaitlyn Eckstein, Mary Oelker and Barbara Kratsios.

Amanda McClellan was the only perfect speller from amongst all of the teams at the Regional Competition.

The Spell Bowl Team was the highest scoring team in their region, which earned them a spot at the State finals.


I am a lifelong Notre Dame fan. Both my Grandfathers were big Notre Dame fans and my brother, Marty, graduated from the University in 1975. I remember my first trip to South Bend vividly when we took Marty to Notre Dame his freshmen year in the fall of 1971. In 1973, my dad took the family to New Orleans to see Notre Dame play and beat a Bear Bryant led Alabama team for the college football National Championship in the Sugar Bowl, 24-23. I remember where I was when Notre Dame defeated UCLA after the Bruins had won 88 straight college basketball games. I disliked UCLA’s Bill Walton…a lot! So it was with much excitement this past fall when I loaded up my family and headed for South Bend to see ND play Navy on what was my kids’ first trip to Notre Dame. We saw most of the campus highlights; the Grotto, Touchdown Jesus, Rockne Stadium, the bookstore, The “Band of the Fighting Irish” march out across campus and, of course, the Golden Dome. I am not sure how you compact my 40 plus years visiting the campus into one afternoon, but I wanted my kids to see everything. Of course, we couldn’t see everything. It just wasn’t possible and some of the Notre Dame experience will be left to my kids on future fall Saturdays. I have introduced them to a special place but they will have to decide if it holds any great significance to them down the road. Ironically, probably the highlight of the day was something that didn’t even take place on the field of play or on the campus grounds, but high above it. Navy pilot and Roncalli graduate, Steve Eckhart R’99, was one of the Navy pilots involved in the pregame flyover.

We were on the way to South Bend when I received a message from Chuck Weisenbach R'79, Roncalli’s principal. Chuck mentioned that Roncalli alumni and Navy Lieutenant, Steve Eckhart would be piloting one of the F-18’s flying over Notre Dame stadium during the pregame ceremony. See page 29 for a picture of the flyover at Notre Dame and read how Steve made it back to the sidelines to watch the game after landing his F-18 in nearby Peru, Indiana.

Ashly Fisher R’11 is a recent Roncalli graduate who has overcome a lifetime of obstacles during her relatively young 19 years. She is an inspiring person who continues to overcome all odds and is enjoying her first semester at Hanover College, meeting new friends and acclimating herself to college life. Like most college freshmen though, Ashly has found the college experience a challenge but if her past is any indication, she will fight and see success in the future. Read about her story on page 24.

Career Fair this year at Roncalli was on November 4, 2011. We had the privilege of having many esteemed alumni come back and share their professional work experience with our students. The day allows current RHS students to explore occupations and how the students might get involved in a particular career field. If any alumni or friends of Roncalli would like to be considered for Career Fair next year, please let us

know. See page 23 for information on this year’s event.

The Roncalli Alumni Association took two busses and 98 people to Chicago on December 3. See the story on page 23. This has become a Holiday tradition for my oldest daughter, Rachel and my wife, Darla, and I. I am not a big shopper (understatement meter – 10) but I have come to enjoy the day as an opportunity to spend time with Rachel and her mom. We don’t often get the chance to devote time with Rachel because she is a college student and she has two younger sisters, but it fits in with what I enjoy during the Holidays and that is, family time. It’s been over a year since my dad died and I know how much he enjoyed being surrounded by his family. I definitely inherited “Love of family” from my dad so the alumni trip is a favorite of mine. I sincerely hope everyone in the Roncalli community had a wonderful Christmas Season and a Happy New Year!

“We’ll Fight Ahead,”

Gary Armbruster R'81

Gary armbruster r'81direCtor of alumni serviCes

Bruster's Bits


Sacred Heart Spartans Reunite

The Sacred Heart Central Class of 1961 reunited on the weekend of September 16, 2011 to celebrate their 50th Class Reunion. The weekend celebration began at the Southside K of C on Friday night with hor d’oeuvres, cocktails and lots of great memories. A formal dinner at the Atrium on

Saturday night concluded the festivities. Jan (Beck) O’Brien SHC’61 said, “We all had a great time. It was well worth the effort to try and find everyone and we look forward to meeting each month for lunch.” The reunion committee wanted to thank the entire Class of 1961 for contributing to the Memory Book.

The Sacred Heart central class of 1961 gathered together to celebrate their 50th reunion.

Class of ’81 Celebrates Thirty Year Reunion at Ice HouseSeptember 24 was the date to remember for the Class of 1981 when they

celebrated their 30 year reunion. Eighty-four classmates enjoyed great food, awesome friendships, hugs and kisses, pictures flashing everywhere, and laughter, reminiscing about the past 30 years.

The class sends a special thank you to Fr. Joe Feltz R’81 for celebrating Mass in Roncalli’s Chapel of the Sacred Heart in memory of the Class of 1981 classmates who have passed away. Thank you also to Joy and Scott Staggs R’80 who own the Ice House for hosting the event and a huge thank you to Betty (Stumpf) Moon R’81 for planning the reunion.

Betty mentioned, “Thank you 1981ers for all the friendship and CLASS you show,everyday!

I think many of us never wanted the night to end...but come on, we're all almost 50!!!”

The class of 1981 takes a moment to pose with classmates at their 30 year reunion at the Ice House

hosted by Joy and Scott Staggs r’80.

Alumni Events


On November 4, 2011 several Roncalli alumni and friends of the school joined together with present students to offer them career advice. The question was asked of each student, "What do you plan to do after high school?" and "What are your interests?" The visiting business professionals presented students with procedures to develop their networking skills and helped the Roncalli students gather information about careers that might be a match for their talents. Career Fair gives students information regarding educational requirements, possible career options and ways to branch into other areas. It also provides students an opportunity to learn more about the careers they might have already identified as possibilities and how many different paths a student may follow, given a certain field of study.

Next year, Career Fair is on Friday, November 9, 2012 from 8:00 to 11:00 AM. The Guidance Office is looking for interested alumni or friends of Roncalli to participate. The following business areas are either new for next year or we are searching for additional business professionals to offer their expertise: Internet Marketing, Veterinary Medicine, Speech Therapy, Marketing / Advertising, Occupational Therapy, Sports Management or Marketing, Psychology, Event Management, Special Education, Restaurant Management / Culinary Field, Entrepreneurship, Communications, Fine

Arts related careers, Public Relations and Outdoor careers. Please email Kathy Heath in the Guidance Office for more information at [email protected].

Alumni Events

Ninety-eight hearty, holiday shoppers departed Roncalli’s Circle to celebrate the Christmas Season with friends and family on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. For many in the group it has become a Holiday tradition to travel north with the Alumni Association but for many others it was a return to the Windy City after a long absence. Bonnie (Burns) Schott SHC’68 mentioned, “Going to Chicago is something that I have always wanted to do once, and I got to do it with my fun friends.”

The Theater District was the destination for some, visiting the Chicago Theater for the production, “A Christmas Story – The Musical.” Many of the group enjoyed the traditional festive Christmas decorations on State Street in all its holiday glory while others enjoyed some of Chicago’s finest culinary establishments. Amber (Deckard) Schiefflebein R’90, Kim Wyciskalla Schaefer R’90 and Rachel Brown made the trip for the first time and all said, “We had a great time!” Proceeds from this year’s trip help fund academic awards for Roncalli students.

Rebel Group Celebrates the Christmas Season in Chicago

Mike Barrett r’89 of the Indianapolis fire Department, assists senior, Stephanie Meyer with fire-fighting gear at this year’s career fair.

Roncalli Business Professionals Offer Guidance at Career Fair

roncalli alumni and friends board busses headed for chicago. Holiday shoppers spent the day on the Magnificent Mile enjoying the Windy city in all her christmas glory.


The following story was written by Indianapolis Star reporter, Scott Elliott.

Ashly Fisher R’11 has seen a lot of heartbreak and hard times in her young life, but she survived and made it this fall to Hanover College thanks to a handful of people who looked out for her.

Add to that list a man she's never even met, a Hoosier who offered to pay her way through school after reading about her story in The Star last May.

Ashly was 7 years old on April 11, 2001 when her mother, Kim Hester, was shot and killed after her boyfriend got into a confrontation with a neighbor in Anderson, Indiana.

Ashly, who held a towel to her mother's wound as she lay dying in their apartment, helplessly watched her family disintegrate in the aftermath. She soon was removed from the care of her mom's abusive boyfriend. She never saw her beloved younger half-sister and half-brother again.

Ashly was sent to Texas to live with relatives. When that family moved to Arkansas after her junior year of high school, she was left without a place to stay. Her great uncle and aunt in Indianapolis, Denny and Mary Rusher, invited her to move in with them and sent her to Roncalli High School for her senior year.

Despite all the turmoil in her personal life, Ashly always maintained high grades. In Texas, she forged a friendship with Melinda Horn, her mother's high school best friend, who nurtured her interests in reading and learning.

A story about Ashly appeared in The Star as part of a series about Indianapolis-area graduating seniors who excelled in extraordinary ways.

The story caught the eye of a reader in northern Indiana who was moved by her tenacity and her interest in Hanover College, his alma mater.

The reader, who has asked not to be named because he does not want publicity, wanted to ensure Ashly could attend the college.

"Something caught me about the story," he said. "Here was someone going against the odds and was deserving of a helping hand."

He contacted the newspaper and Ashly's Roncalli guidance counselor, Autumn Currens, who connected him with the Rushers. Most of Ashly's college costs are covered by scholarships and grants but The Star reader paid the balance of her bill for the fall and bought her books. He plans to continue to support her education and is pleased she is sharing in the experience he had at Hanover College.

"From my standpoint," he said, "if I hadn't come up at some place like Hanover College I never would have gotten through college and enjoyed the success that I've had."

Ashly is doing well. She's taking an introductory course in anthropology this fall, which has cemented her plan to major in that subject. She's happy at Hanover.

Returning to Indiana has caused her to reflect on the meaning of her chaotic life experiences. She wonders, for example, if her interest in anthropology -- the study of cultures --might be fueled by a need to understand what "normal life" is for other people. She also thinks it's not a coincidence that her favorite television show is "Bones," the story of a brainy scientist who solves murders.

In an essay for a Kiwanis Club scholarship, Ashly pondered her harrowing path.

"I know that even though I have not had a great life, there are many who have had worse," she wrote. "I learned that I never want to be a person who slips through the cracks of society, and I want to make a difference in as many lives as I can."

One Star reader made a difference in Ashly's life.

Fisher Continues to Defy Odds

Ashly fisher r’11 enjoyed volunteering at a day-care center her senior year at roncalli High School.


Amanda (Moran) Larson R’98 and her husband, Corey, are young entrepreneurs who were looking for an opportunity to expand their enterprising quest for adventure in an industry where they could generate excitement and provide a much needed void on the southside. The two approached their family with a goal to open an upscale gourmet burger restaurant with the primary idea that the restaurant would give great customer service, generous portions of quality food, affordable pricing and an ability to create an atmosphere that is enjoyable, relaxing, clean and ultimately, unforgettable. The food would include the best quality angus beef burgers, chicken breasts, white and wheat buns, gourmet salads, turkey burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, french fries and more! Consider the goal – Achieved!

On October 14, 2010, Teddy’s Burger Joint opened its doors for business with Amanda and Corey leading the way as family members Stephanie (Moran) Alford R’01, Michael Moran R’03, Steve Moran R’75, and friend of the family, Angie (Wetsel) Green R’99 joined the team. Even the restaurants name has a family connection. Teddy was the nickname of Grandpa Moran. The leadership team is proud to have recently celebrated Teddy’s one year anniversary and continues to explore new menu items and ways to enhance an already exceptional dining experience as some of the following reviews attest.

“Highly recommend the cajun burger and onion rings. Yum! My 4-year old loved the chocolate cupcake, playroom and sandbox. We will definitely go back again.”

“Cool place, great burger. We can’t wait to get back for another one!”

“I went to Teddy's Burger Joint for the first time tonight. After reading so many reviews I thought I would give it a try. I was not disappointed! I had the tenderloin, and it was one of the best I've had. The portions were very large, and we thought the chipotle mayonnaise was delicious. Loved the atmosphere...will most definitely be back and recommend!”

Teddy’s is a unique dining experience compared to the “look a like” chain restaurants with an eye on neighborhood involvement and giving back to the community it serves. Stephanie Alford mentioned, “We have tried very hard to be a good partner in the community by hosting several benefit events including a very successful fundraiser for another Rebel, Michelle Eckhart R’94 last summer. We have also worked with some area school groups to help them raise money for items not funded by the schools.” Teddy’s also reaches out to area musicians by offering live music a couple nights a week.

Teddy’s Burger Joint has something on the menu for everyone, is family friendly and believes it has the recipe for more success by following its motto, “Burgers and Happiness!” Plans are in place to open a second Teddy’s during the summer of 2012 near the intersection of State Road 135 and Stones Crossing Road.

Teddy’s is located near US 37 South and Southport Road at 2222 W. Southport Road. They can also be found at www.teddysburgerjoint.com and specials are available at www.dinnerbid.com.

Rebel Alumni Celebrate "Burgers and Happiness"

Teddy’s Burger Joint is celebrating its one year anniversary at the location on Southport road and US 31 South. Mike Moran r’03, Jane Moran and Stephanie (Moran) Alford r’01 prepare the restaurant for the busy lunch crowd.


Alumni Events

Taste of Roncalli Makes ReturnA“taste” was what it was all about at this year’s Taste of Roncalli hosted by Valle Vista Golf and Conference Center. Over 20 vendors participated by showcasing a wide selection of menu items providing guests with an afternoon of fantastic food and refreshing beverages.

All proceeds from Taste of Roncalli assist in the funding of academic awards for Roncalli students. Sixty percent of the 2011 graduating class received Indiana Academic Honors Diplomas. The 2011 graduating class also earned more than $15.5 million in college scholarships. Thank you to our vendors and our corporate sponsors for making this year’s Taste of Roncalli a success and generously assisting Roncalli with the resources to acknowledge our many talented students!

Mary Jaffe enjoys some delicious pasta served up by Gus rojas from five Star catering at Primo West at this year’s Taste of roncalli.

27 UPDATE MAGAZINE Winter 201227 UPDATE MAGAZINE Fall 201027 UPDATE MAGAZINE Winter 2012

Jason Jaffe R’94 and wife Krista announced the birth of their second daughter, charlotte caroline Jaffe. “charlie” was born August 16, 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 21 inches long at St. francis South. Big sister Alex was thrilled with the new arrival and has been a big help to mommy and daddy in little sis’ first few months.

J a s o n J a f f e

Megan (Tinder) Keever R’00 and her husband, Edward, are the proud new parents of Shaughnessy Edward Keever, born November 20, 2011. The couple married on November 26, 2010. Megan is the Annual fund coordinator for the Indianapolis Bar foundation and has been there for five years. Megan is the daughter of Ed C’67 (pictured) and Kathy Tinder Hon’98.

M e g a n ( T i n d e r ) K e e v e r

Nick R’96 and Jamie (Young) Quinlin R’96 welcomed their third child, Ella rose, into the world on february 12, 2011. She follows two older brothers, Alec 7 and Evan 5, who both attend St. roch School. Jamie is currently an Hr/office Manager at Zone Solutions, Nick is a machinist at Quinlin Automotive.

n i c K a n d J a M i e ( Y o u n g ) Q u i n l a n

1 9 8 6Tina (Schaefer) Page R’86 graduated last April from Indiana Wesleyan University with a MA in counseling. She currently works as a counselor for Holy cross central School in Indianapolis.

David Neu R’86 was recognized in May 2011 as one of the Top 25 individual rE/MAX real estate agents out of 900 in the State of Indiana for that month and in the Top 100 for the year.

1 9 8 9Olas A. (Chip) Hubbs R’89 reports, “We have four kids, Abbey 12, Gracie 10, Peyton 7, and Haley 4. My wife Staci and I have been married for 14 years. We don’t return to Indy much, but I’d like to stop by sometime and see all of the changes. I doubt I would even recognize roncalli too much with all the positive changes that seem to have taken place.”

William Hohlt R’89 has been working with the city of carmel Building Department for over ten years and took the position of Deputy Building commissioner in 2006. He and his wife, Julie, will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary in 2012. William says, “We live in carmel with our 2 children, Kindle (7) and William III (3). I enjoy coaching my daughters softball team and I am also a softball commissioner for the carmel Dad's club where she plays. I also enjoy spending time working outside as time allows.”

1 9 9 3 Greg Wegesin R’93 is a Project Director at the center for Urban and Multicultural Education (cUME), which is the research and evaluation center for the Indiana University School of Education. one of the projects I am currently working on is a partnership between cUME, IU's center for Social Studies and International Education, and the US Embassy's in Turkey and Armenia. It is aimed at examining teacher pedagogy and cultural education in Turkey and Armenia. To do so we had 50 teachers (25 from Turkey and 25 from Armenia) come to Bloomington this past summer for a six week teacher institute where we taught them inquiry based instructional strategies grounded in civic and english education. In an effort to see how these strategies have transferred into the classrooms, our research team will be spending two weeks in both countries visiting classrooms and following up with teachers. I forgot to mention that the overarching goal of the institute (keeping in mind the relationship between the two countries) was to get the teachers to collaborate with their colleagues from the opposite country in planning and executing cross-cultural lessons via Skype, distance learning, etc. with their students. We are exploring the possibility of doing a similar project with teachers from Israel and Palestine.


1 9 9 4 Andy Kocher R’94 and his wife, Jen welcomed charles Andrew Kocher into the world on August 19, 2011. charlie weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 21 inches long. Andy is the Executive Director of Development at the University of Indianapolis while Jen is a roncalli cheerleading coach.

Dr. Christopher Browning D.D.S. R’94 recently opened a new office location, VisionQuest Eyecare, at 1160 North State road 135 in Greenwood. Some of the new amenities at the new location include: quick state of the art on-site manufacturing of eyeglasses, a children’s area, coffee bar and expanded contact lens fitting area.

1 9 9 5Brian and Erin (Schafer) R '95 Egan, welcomed colin Nicholas Eagan on November 7, 2011 weighing 7 lbs. 10 oz. and 19.5 inches long. He has two older siblings, a sister Taylor, 7 and a brother frankie 4 years. Everyone is doing well.

2 0 0 0Scott Rizzi R’00 is employed at Schaefer Technology. Scott worked for Schaefer all through high school and college and is the only job he’s ever had.

2 0 0 0Greg R’00 and laura Armbruster announced the arrival of Stephen robert Armbruster on october 25, 2011. Weighing in at 7lbs 9oz and 22 inches long, Greg has young Stephen working in the weight room already preparing for practice as a future rebel lineman. laura teaches in the Math department at roncalli and also coaches the freshman softball team. Greg coaches varsity football at roncalli.

2 0 0 1Krystal Cole R’01 a certified physician’s assistant, has joined Plastic & reconstructive Surgeons with St. francis Medical Group. Krystal most recently was employed by center for Dermatology & Skin cancer, Downers Grove, Ill. In addition to her dermatology experience, she has clinical interests in family practice, geriatrics, general and orthopedic surgery and other specialties. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Indiana University and earned a master’s of science in physician assistant studies at Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, calif. While in california, she completed preceptorships in dermatology, cosmetic surgery and urgent care.

2 0 0 2Megan (Pfarr) Chamblee R'02, husband Stephen, and big sister Monica Noelle welcomed rebecca Therese on August 31, 2011. Megan is a physical therapist specializing in wound care at IU and Methodist hospitals.

2 0 0 5Matt Pfarr R'05 and Erik Pfarr R'08 will both be moving to okinawa next year for their Air force duties. We are proud of them and grateful for their service.

2 0 0 7Liz Venatta R’07 is doing mission work with a Jesuit community in Kansas.

2 0 0 8Elissa Mason R’08 recently completed her senior season running cross country at the University of Dayton. This year has been incredible for her (and not just because she is engaged to Zach Sander R’06). The season started with Elissa winning the flyer 5k at UD. She was named A-10 performer of the week. She placed 3rd at the All ohio championships (47 teams in the field) and placed 8th at the National catholic Invite at Notre Dame (33 team field). Elissa placed 4th at the Atlantic-10 championship to once again earn All-conference honors and finally, she placed 21st at NcAA regionals.

Megan Bellamy R’08 is the newly elected president of the Kentucky Gamma chapter of Pi Beta Phi at Eastern Kentucky University.

Alumni Notes


2 0 0 8Bryan Elliott R’08, Wabash college offensive lineman was named to the All-North central collegiate conference first team.

2 0 0 9Eric Gasper R’09 is studying in Japan at the University of Tokyo for the 2011/2012 school year. Eric, a Junior at DePauw University in Greencastle, is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Japanese. He was nominated by advisers at DePauw to apply for this prestigious program. He was accepted based on his scholastic efforts and recommendations from school faculty. only 20 students from the United States were accepted into the program this year.

Weston Kitley R’09, Wabash college offensive lineman was named to the All-North central collegiate conference first team.

2 0 1 0Marie Kegley R’10 has been selected by Saint Joseph’s college as its “realizing the Dream” recipient. The project has been designed to recognize the first - year achievements of first-generation college students – those whose parents did not have the opportunity to pursue and complete formal education beyond high school. She has identified Angie Toner Hon’10 as the educator who was most influential in her decision to attend college. congratulations Marie and Angie!

2 0 1 1Jackson Stevens R’11 took top individual honors at the inaugural Wabash college fall Golf classic, which also earned him the North coast Athletic conference Male Golfer of the Week Award. Stevens took medalist honors after finishing with a two-day total of 150 strokes at the nearby crawfordsville country club. His final round 72 was the best score of the weekend by any of the 42 golfers participaing in the event.

roncalli and Naval Academy graduate, Lieutenant Stephen P. Eckhart R'99 was one of the Navy pilots participating in the pregame flyover before the Notre Dame - Navy game on october 29, 2011. Steve and fellow Navy pilot, Brandon Gasser, a Notre Dame graduate flew their f-18s from Grissom Air force Base in Peru, Indiana to South Bend. The two pilots were then in a holding pattern circling at 10,000 feet waiting to be radioed to Notre Dame Stadium. Steve said, “Typically they want us directly over the stadium during the last four words of the National Anthem – Home of the Brave.” This was Steve’s third flyover. The other two were before a Green Bay Packer’s game in 2007 and then again in December, 2008 before the Naval Academy Bowl Game in Washington D.c. After the flyover at Notre Dame, the two pilots made the 20 minute flight back to Grissom, were picked up by South Bend police and were given a police escort back to South Bend where they watched the game from the sidelines. Steve said, “The most exciting part of the day for us was the police escort to the game.” The two pilots were also publicly recognized at the Notre Dame pep rally on friday night. Steve and his wife, Angie (Agresta) Eckhart R’99 are stationed at the Navy Air Station, oceana, in Virginia Beach, Va. They have two children, Maria – 6 and Sam – 3 and will be moving to Atsugi, Japan this summer where Steve will continue operation Training.

Mike Tinder R’94 married Dr. Jennifer Howell M.D. in New York city on July 10, 2011. Mike is the son of Ed C’67 and Kathy Tinder Hon'98. Kathy has taught family and consumer Science at roncalli for over 35 years.

M i K e T i n d e r

Matt Horan R’07 married Jayette Patterson on october 15, 2011. rebels in the wedding were Rachel Horan R'09, Mike Horan R'12, Joey Newton R'03 and Andy Herbertz R'84. Stephanie Newton R'03 and Tracey Horan R'06 presented the scripture readings. The proud parents of the groom are Joe Horan and Eileen (Herbertz) Horan R'77.

M a T T H o r a n

s T e p H e n e c K H a r T



CHuCk weisenbaCH r'79PrinCiPal

Without a doubt the single biggest change in high school athletics during the past 20 years has been the proliferation of out of season competition through the likes of club teams, travel teams and AAU teams. The following are some of my reflections from the principal’s perspective as it relates to out of season athletic competition.

Family Time

(+) How could one argue with a mom and dad and their family spending time together!! This has been a real positive to out of season competitions. The weekend long tournaments have left many families with a life time of good memories.

(—) I lost track years ago as to how many times I heard the story of the mom heading to Ft. Wayne for the weekend with one child for his/her tournament while dad was traveling to Evansville with another child for his/her tournament. Of course, the younger sibling(s) not yet involved in out of season competition get the joy of watching countless tournament games all weekend. The bright side is lots of sno—cones and laffy—taffy!

Skill Improvement

(+) In some sports it is my opinion that out of season competition has resulted in more athletes having an increased level of skill development than their peers did prior to out of season competition. Soccer, softball and baseball stick out for me as sports where today’s high school athletes have better skills than in years past.

(—) In some sports it is my opinion that the out of season competition has resulted in kids playing games, games and more games and never spending any time working on their own to improve their skills. Basketball sticks out most in this regard. There are far fewer fundamentally sound players today. There are far fewer straight up “pure” shooters than there use to be. Quite simply, very few kids are shooting 100—200 jump shots and 100—200 free throws a day! They are too busy playing games, games and more games!

Overall athleticism

(+) Having young people out on a court, field or diamond and not in front of their play station with a bag of chips cannot help but be a good thing!! The physical conditioning and overall benefits of athletic competition have resulted in more young people with a higher level of athleticism.

(—) The proliferation of out of season competition has led to a dramatic increase in sports specialization (high school athletes playing only one sport in high school). There is a substantial amount of documentation from highly qualified medical sources that the year round use of the same muscles that is found in sports specialization has led to an alarming increase in serious injuries to young athletes, many of which hamper their short—term and long—term futures in that sport.

Additionally, while some athletes have seen their overall athleticism improve through their participation in out of season competition, I feel far more have simply improved a specific athletic skill while their overall athleticism has dropped. Whether the trade off benefited the student—athlete and/or their team is always up for debate.

Exposure to multiple coaches/coaching styles

(+) A young athlete having access to the wisdom and knowledge of multiple coaches is a good thing. Having the opportunity to play under coaches with different styles and different personalities is typically a good thing. The student—athlete can then take what is best from each of the coaches and hopefully use that to make themselves a better player, a better athlete and a better person.

(—) The downside to playing for different coaches with your club or travel team is that it has led to an increase in the number of conflicting messages the student—athlete receives as well as the number of conflicting messages the student—athlete’s parents receive. This quite often has put the student—athlete’s high school coach at a real disadvantage in trying to not only coach that specific student—athlete but also coach them within the larger scope of their team.

Knowledge of the game/savvy

(+) To be brutally honest, I cannot think of a single positive in this area as it relates to out of season competition.

(—) Games, games and more games – One would think that it would happen quite naturally that after a player participated in countless out of season competitions their knowledge of the game or what I call their “savvy” to the game would increase. Sadly, that is not the case. In fact, I would state unequivocally that the “savvy” of today’s high school athlete, regardless of the sport,

is noticeably lower than what was seen in a high school athlete 15 years ago.

Games, games and more games

(+) Competition in my mind is inherently good, especially for a young person as it is a great tool for building life skills. As mentioned earlier, it also beats the heck out of the same kids sitting around and playing video games for hours upon hours.

(—) Two really discernible and devastating effects have come about through the non—stop nature of out of season competition. First, many of today’s high school athletes no longer seem to have a healthy level of the competitive trait of “hating to lose.” It has been lost amidst the 30—100 out of season games they have played in annually through middle school and high school. They don’t have time to process and learn from the pain of a loss because they have another game two hours later and another game two hours after that!

The single most devastating impact of out of season competition has been the incredible level of burn out witnessed in high school athletes. The youthful, teenage zeal that one expects to see in most high school athletes has been exchanged for a student—athlete that seems to fluctuate somewhere between moderately enjoying their high school athletic experience to one that simply cannot wait until it’s over.

It is very painful to watch a talented high school athlete go through the motions of a game and a season due to the fact they have lost their love for the sport due to burn out.

There you have it! I have tried to give you my unbiased take on the pros and cons on out of season competition from a principal’s perspective. I close by saying that I am a strong advocate for out of season competition. It simply must be done like most other good things in life – with moderation! If done in moderation most of the negatives of out of season competition would become positives; thus creating a real win—win situation.

The Last Word

Reflections On Out Of Season Competition

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