The Ritan
Volume Eighty. Number Four.
A Student Publication of
Saint Rita of Casica High School
7740 South Western Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60620
In This Issue
Page 2
Band tours and performs in Italy.
Photo courtesy of Ms. Jodi McLawhorn
Page 3
Where is the Class of 2009 headed?
Page 4
Microsoft ready to launch Windows 7.
Page 5
Seniors reflect on Rita experience.
Page 6
Mustang Volleyball wins Tournament.
Photo courtesy of Institutional Advancement
Page 7
Track members are State Qualifiers.
Photo courtesy of Institutional Advancement
Dedicated faculty and
staff celebrate years of
service to Rita
Fr. Walter McNicholas, OSA - 40 Years
Ms. Letitia Olinger - 25 Years
Fr. Jerry Van Overbeek, OSA - 20 Years
Mr. Wes Benek - 15 Years
Fr. Tom McCarthy, OSA - 15 Years
Mr. Paul Harrington - 10 Years
Mrs. Jodi McLawhorn - 10 Years
Mr. Joe Partacz - 10 Years
Mr. Brendan Coughlan - 5 Years
Mr. Tony Miranda - 5 Years
Mr. Jerry Pazin - 5 Years
Mrs. Katie Palmer - 5 Years
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Ritamen travel to Australia
By Dan Moore
Editor-In-Chief
Rita’s International Exchange Program recently concluded its
second annual cultural exchange with several students traveling
to Australia to live with the young men who had visited Rita this
past October.
Sophomores Dan McGrath and Alex Summerfelt, along with
juniors Pat Boline, Vince Riggio, and Kyle Toth, traveled to Syd-
ney, Australia under the supervision of Mathematics teacher Mr.
Josh Blaszak. Rita’s International Exchange Program Director,
Mrs. Jodi McLawhorn, coordinated the voyage.
After a send off and blessing from Rita’s President Fr. Tom Mc-
Carthy, OSA; Rita’s Principal Mrs. Sally Deenihan; and the par-
ticipants families, the Australian envoy departed from Chicago on
Saturday, April 4th on a flight to Los Angeles. From there, they
arrived in Sydney on Monday, April 6th.
THE RITA STUDENTS spent three days shadowing their
hosting peers at the cooperating exchange school, St. Augustine’s
College, which is also an Augustinian school.
The participants arrived just as St. Augustine’s was finishing its
first term of classes. In Australia, the schools run on a different
schedule of academic terms than the United States. Just as schools
in the United States typically have a long vacation in the summer
(June through August) and other shorter periods of time off during
the year, Australian schools have a long break during their sum-
mer season. However, the summer season in Australia is during
the months of December and January.
As the Ritamen shadowed their hosts, they were able to sit in
on some classes and attend their Annual Easter Liturgy and Easter
Road Race (a relay competition between grade levels).
Once the school went “on holiday” for two weeks, Rita’s stu-
dents had the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in
Australian culture.
The group attended the “Annual Royal Easter Show,” an event
that was originated in order to bring the country to the city. Tra-
ditional rural activities (such as wood chopping and livestock dis-
plays) are combined with a carnival of sorts at this event.
The event also allowed the group to experience the Austra-
lian excitement surrounding famous “Easter Show Bags.” These
popular bags are sacks filled with hodgepodge objects that can be
purchased for various prices.
THERE WERE MANY highlights of the experience. The
beach life and surfing is one of the most popular aspects of the
Australia culture. Rita’s students became immersed in this beach
culture with frequent beach outings and some of the young men
even partook in surf school and hit the waves numerous times.
Very similar to the way time is spent by the Rita students while
at home in the United States, sports were very much a part of their
cultural experience. However, as baseball, volleyball, lacrosse
and other popular American sports were taking place in Chicago,
the Rita students were learning the basics of rugby and the Austra-
lian Football League.
Two major types of rugby are played in Australia, rugby league
and rugby union – each with its own unique set of rules and plays.
Rita’s students had the chance to begin understanding the types of
rugby played, but also had the opportunity to see the Manly Sea
Eagles, one of the professional teams, play.
A couple of the participants, their hosts, and Mr. Blaszak were
also given the chance to see the Sydney Swans play Australian
Football. Australian football, while played with a type of rugby
Photo courtesy of Mr. Josh Blaszak tural exchanges,” he said.
SOPHOMORE ALEX SUMMERFELT attempts to get close to a couple kangaroos. For personal reflections from some of the students
Seeing kangaroos was only part of the culture experience the students received.
Photo courtesy of Mr. Josh Blaszak
STANDING OUTSIDE ST. Augustine’s College in Sydney, Aus-
tralia are (front left to right) junior Vince Riggio, Mathematics
teacher Mr. Josh Blaszak, juniors Kyle Toth and Pat Boline, (back
left to right) sophomores Alex Summerfelt and Dan McGrath.
ball, is an different from rugby and is also nothing like American
football.
VISITS TO SYDNEY Wildlife World, and the Sydney Aquar-
ium gave Rita’s students the chance to learn about and see the
famous creatures of Australia. The students saw Koalas, Kanga-
roos, and sharks, but also realized some of the most deadliest of
wildlife, including snakes and birds, are native to Australia.
McGrath, Summerfelt, and Mr. Blaszak were able to get an up-
close view of kangaroos when they were treated by their hosts to
golf. While on the golf course groups of kangaroos came bouncing
along. All three were able to get within feet of the kangaroos.
Other highlights of the exchange include: swimming with
sharks on Australia’s Gold Coast, learning to play snooker (a form
of billiards) and lawn bowling (a popular Australian activity), and
visits to other landmarks such as the famous Bondi Beach, the
AMP Tower observatory deck overlooking the city of Sydney, and
“the Gap” cliffside.
Eager to learn all they could about the Australian culture, the
students also made a strong effort to try Australian cuisine. The
Rita students ate several different entrees and deserts native to the
country including kangaroo. However, the Rita students also had
to make a few trips to the local McDonald’s (“Mackers” as many
in Australia call it) to compare the menu.
A CLOSING DINNER was held two nights before the Rita
participants departed, where they gathered together with their ex-
change hosts and Mr. Gary Coultier, the Executive Officer of the
International Students Program at St. Augustine’s College.
The evening commemorated a successful conclusion to the
first ever exchange between Rita and St. Augustine’s. During the
dinner, St. Augustine’s College presented Rita with
a framed blue gum leaf (a favorite of Koala bears)
imprinted with the Australian flag as a token of their
gratitude toward Rita and the participants.
After 30 plus hours of traveling, Rita’s exchange
participants returned to the United States on Saturday,
April 25th.
“Overall, we all had a wonderful experience and I
was very pleased by what took place during our three
week visit,” said Mr. Blaszak.
“The young men and I learned so much about the
Australian culture. We took part in many experiences
that were once in a lifetime opportunities for us. I hope
these Rita students share their new found knowledge
with their classmates. I also hope other Rita students
will try to make an attempt to take part in future cul-
who traveled to Australia please see page 2.
Page 2
NEWS May 28, 2009

Community celebrates feast of St. Rita

By Robert Carroll
Sophomore Writer
This past Friday, May 22nd, marked the
celebration of Rita’s own patroness saint,
St. Rita of Cascia.
As the students, faculty, and staff prepare
for the end of another successful year, the
entire Rita family took time to turn atten-
tion toward St. Rita is a special way.
Those from the Rita community and sur-
rounding areas gathered to offer up prayers
as part of a nine day novena, asking St.
Rita for guidance, strength, and her inter-
cession.
Some prayed and will continue to St. Rita
for her intercession in what may be though
of as desperate cases, as St. Rita is know to
be the patroness of impossible causes.
DURING THE FEAST day observance
the entire school community gathered in
the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel for a
novena service, where each student, facul-
ty, and staff members were presented with
rose petals, a symbol of St. Rita.
The following is a brief history of the life
and legacy of St. Rita of Cascia. Rita Lotti
was born in 1381 in Roccaporena, Italy.
Marrying at twelve years old, Rita had
long dreamed of becoming a nun, but she
had already been promised in marriage to
Paolo Mancini. With Paolo, Rita bore two
THE AUGUSTINIANS OF the Rita community preside over a special St. Rita Feast
Day novena. This service was one of many observances of Rita’s own patroness saint.
sons.
One day Paolo, while on his way home
from work, was ambushed and killed. Rita
feared that her sons would seek revenge for
their father’s murder. Therefore, before the
sons were able carry out their vendetta, Rita
prayed to God to not allow any more kill-
ing. Her sons then died a short time later
from natural causes, preventing them from
taking part in the murderous violence.
In 1407, at the age of 36, Rita became an
Photo by Al Smith
Augustinian nun at the Santa Maria Madd-
alena motherhouse in Cascia. However,
when Rita first went to the convent she was
denied a habit three times because of her
connection to the hostility that existed in
Cascia.
THROUGH THE intercession of three
patron saints and her persistence, Rita was
eventually allowed into the Augustinian
order following her success in bringing
about piece between the opposing parties
in Cascia.
Later in life, a wound appeared on her
forehead as if she was pierced by a thorn
from the crown Christ bore on his passion.
This external sign of stigmatization more
closely connected Rita to the suffering of
Jesus, a desire she had.
Laypeople who came to the convent were
invited to talk to Rita for counseling. When
a nun fell ill, Rita was there to take care of
them. Rita died of tuberculosis in 1457.
Before her death, however, Rita made
a request for a rose. While this may not
immediately appear a difficult task, it was
January and to the woman she asked, the
request seemed impossible. As the woman
returned home, though, she encountered
a single rose exactly where Rita had told
her it would be. Thus, the rose has become
symbolic of St. Rita.
Rita was beatified in 1626 and in 1900
was canonized as St. Rita of Cascia.
Spanish, South American, Filipino, Irish,
and American groups still remember her
name in popularity. Italian groups are the
most committed, and even high school
communities such as our own are very de-
vout. In 1946, a basilica was built in Cas-
cia with a hospital, school, and orphanage.
Further information on St. Rita’s life and
legacy can be found at www.stritahs.com
by clicking on the spirituality tab.

Band performs Students reflect on Australia

in Italy during By Dan McGrath
Sophomore Participant
the rooms had SMART Boards, and the library was
very up-to-date with technology. They even had a
Mac Lab for those who are more comfortable with
My experience in Australia was definitely once in Mac computers.

Easter break a lifetime, and I learned so much in my three weeks

By Dan Moore
Editor-In-Chief
During Easter vacation, Rita’s Mustang Band embarked on a jour-
ney to our patroness St. Rita of Cascia’s native Italy. This is the sec-
ond time the band has taken this trip, which originated four years ago
as a part of the school’s centennial celebration.
The Mustangs first arrived in Venice, and later traveled to Flor-
ence, Piza, and Lucca. From there, the band came to the town of
Cascia.
WHILE IN CASCIA, the band had the privilege of performing
for the nuns in the Augustinian convent where St. Rita herself once
served. The band then visited Montecatini, Montefalco, and Rome,
where they concluded their trip.
The entire band, accompanied by family, friends to Rita, and the
likes of Rita President Fr. Tom McCarthy, Band Director Ms. Cindy
Gradek, and Assistant Band Director Mrs. Jodi McLawhorn, partici-
pated in this nine-day excursion. They gave a total of three perfor-
mances and also engaged in a religious retreat-type experience.
Photo courtesy of Mrs. Jodi McLawhorn
THE MUSTANG BAND gathers with their families, Rita faculty and
staff, as well as friends of Rita on the roof of St. Monica’s in Rome, Italy.
The roof overlooks St. Peter’s Basilica and was one stop on their trip.
there.
The Australian culture had extreme differences but
also had extreme similarities. The food for one, was
relatively the same but I was able to try many new
things such as kangaroo.
I noticed that the way many people dressed was
also different from the United States. Some people
tended to dress in what I would consider 80s style
clothing. They wore bright colors and would rarely
wear socks with shoes.
Places are also very lenient when it comes to a dress
code. If you were to walk into a store or restaurant
without shoes or a shirt, you would not be denied
service. At times it almost appeared as though they
encouraged a relax dress code.
The athletic culture is also different from the one
found in the United States. For one they do not play
all the same sports. They also do not make as big of
a deal about them, except for rugby which they are
very passionate about. When it comes to other sports
they do not seem to be overly passionate.
The beach was the place to be and transportation
revolved a lot around water. People ride water taxis,
ferries, and many roads run along the shore.
I was glad I was able to learn what I did, and it
truly was a trip of a lifetime. I would not have done
anything different.
By Pat Boline
Junior Participant
My trip to Australia was one I will never forget.
Before going to Australia I barely knew anything
about the country, and now I know a lot about it.
One thing that I found most interesting was how
similar it was to the United States. I noticed that the
media industry is practically the same. I saw many
stores that we have over here, and I saw many of the
same commercials on TV.
I was able to learn a lot about the education system
in Australia, and I was impressed by what I was able
to see of St. Augustine’s College.
It was not entirely different from Rita, but there
were many things I liked. They have their lockers
outside, which I found interesting. In my opinion,
their classrooms were not as nice as they are at Rita,
but they had great technology in the school. Most of
One other difference I noticed was that each day
students would attend a different set of classes. The
time that each class met for was longer though.
The people were also very welcoming in Austra-
lia, especially those we stayed with. The families I
stayed with were very nice and were great to me the
entire trip. They truly made me feel right at home.
If other Rita students get a chance to have take part
in an opportunity like this I recommend they do.
By Kyle Toth
Junior Participant
I would have to say from day one, I never expected
the trip to be as fun and educational as it was.
When we first arrived in Australia it was very weird.
It was almost as though we were still in the United
States. However, once we made it to the front of the
airport we were greeted by our Australian hosts.
We all started talking, and it was as if we had just
seen them yesterday. The first thing that made me
realize that I was in Australia was driving on the left
side of the road, then many other signs of Australia
started to follow.
When we arrived we went straight to school, where
I noticed several differences. It appears a little more
relaxed. Students had recess periods and are able to
use that time to relax or use computers.
The first day I was there as soon as I left school I
went straight to the beach. I wanted to see the oceans
that the Australians get to see everyday. It is simply
put a completely different lifestyle than ours.
The thing I made sure I did everyday was surfing.
It was something I wanted to do and it was fun.
During my second week I was able to travel North
to Yamba Beach. It is known as the best surfing spot
in Australia. I spent the week there with my host
family and it was probably one of the best weeks. I
did a lot of surfing, and experience so much of the
life that comes with being a teenager in Australia.
I was invited by my host family to return in the fu-
ture and believe that I am going to. I miss Australia
already and it is now where I believe I am going to
move when I get older.
It was a trip well worth going on. I learned a lot,
made many friends, and had some unbelievable ad-
ventures.
May 28, 2009
SENIOR DECISIONS Page 3

What’s next for graduating seniors?

Brian Allen University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Kellen Kodis Fontbonne University
Julio Alvarez Morton College Justin Kopale Wright State University
Colin Anderson Western Illinois University Philip Koutras Western Michigan University
Alec Antonelli Junior Hockey Thomas Kramer Moraine Valley Community College
Nicholas Ardolino Western Illinois University Daniel Lachajewski Parkland College
Kevin Austin Eastern Illinois University Eddie Lewis III Illinois State University
Edward Balling Moraine Valley Community College John Loranger Western Illinois University
Luke Bentley Manchester College Daniel Lynn Richard J. Daley College
Jonathan Beristain Bradley University Patrick Maikisch Marquette University
Timothy Beyer Saint Xavier University Martin Malone University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Ryan Bischoff Western Illinois University David Marciano Eastern Illinois University
John Bisiules St. Ambrose University Scott Marinier Central Michigan University
Matthew Bokoski Moraine Valley Community College Michael Martin Kirkwood Community College
Brian Boyd Saint Louis University Gilberto Martinez University of Michigan
Tommy Boyd, Jr. United States Navy Patrick McCarthy University of Dayton
Mark Bozyk University of Illinois at Chicago Kevin McCormack University of Dayton
Sean Buckley Western Michigan University Joseph McCormick Moraine Valley Community College
Angelo Burrage Illinois State University Matthew McGeever Saint Xavier University
Joseph Cahill John Carroll University Daniel McLaughlin, Jr. Quincy University
Eric Campbell College of DuPage Timothy McNicholas St. Ambrose University
Ryan Carroll Western Illinois University Bryant Mikutis Benedictine University
Daniel Castro Northeastern Illinois University Randall Miller Truman State University
Christopher Chaney Southern Nazarene University Brandon Mlodzinski Moraine Valley Community College
Kurt Christensen United States Army Jack Montag University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Daniel Ciaglia University of Iowa Daniel Moore University of Chicago
Christopher Cimoch, Jr. Moraine Valley Community College Chet Mosby United States National Guard
Joshua Clemens University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Matthew Munizzi Saint Xavier University
Jack Cloonan Moraine Valley Community College Kevin Murphy University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Mitchell Condon Lindenwood University Mark Murray Western Illinois University
John Connery University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Jacob Nelson Moraine Valley Community College
James Crist University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Nicholas Nesis Western Illinois University
Brandon Cross Barton County Community College Michael Newton Northern Illinois University
Lawrence Damico III Cardinal Stritch University Thomas O'Connor University of Iowa
Ahmad Daniels Columbia College Chicago John O'Connor III University of Iowa
John Delaney Parkland College Anthony Olivo Merrimack College
Ryan Demming Western Illinois University Maurice Onayemi Northern Illinois University
Erick Diaz Judson University Daniel O'Neill Merrimack College
Joseph DiDominicis Western Illinois University Bradul Ortiz Morraine Valley Community College
Dylan Dineen Parkland College Tommy Owens III Northern Illinois University
Daniel Dispensa Western Illinois University Curtis Pettit Northern Michigan University
Kyle Donahue Saint Louis University Thomas Phillips United States Marine Corps
Matthew Downes Morraine Valley Community College Nicolas Piccirillo University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Michael Dunn Moraine Valley Community College Jacob Picek Junior College
William Ensworth III St. Ambrose University Michael Platt Moraine Valley Community College
Augustine Esterhammer-Fic Community College Gerald Ponio, Jr. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Nicholas Etheridge Community College Marcell Portwood Richard J. Daley College
Robert Falkenberg Illinois State University Richard Qualter, Jr. Lindenwood University
David Fashingbauer Loyola University James Quinn Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Daniel Fitzgerald Norwich University Benjamin Richardson University of Chicago
Paul Flores University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Erik Rickert Benedictine University
Brian Foran Moraine Valley Community College Christian Ritchie United State Air Force
Alan Ford, Jr. United States Marine Corps Manuel Rodriguez Undecided
Lawrence Garrett Southern Nazarene University Thomas Rohan University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Sean Gill Saint Xavier University Joshua Rose University of Colorado - Boulder
Daniel Golden Kirkwood Community College Daniel Ryan, Jr. University of Hawaii - Hilo
John Goldrick University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Andrew Soderlund Morraine Valley Community College
Kenneth Gooday DePaul University Jordan Sodipo St. Ambrose University
Kurt Granados DePaul University Jose Soto Northeastern Illinois University
Matthew Habisohn Lewis University Elliot Stelter Morton College
Michael Hall University of Miami Seamus Stephens University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Theodore Haras Miami University James Stirn Morraine Valley Community College
Daniel Harney University of St. Thomas Matthew Storino Indiana University - Bloomington
Martin Healy Moraine Valley Community College David Straple Villanova University
Thomas Henderson University of New Mexico Brendan Sullivan Kirkwood Community College
Hector Hernandez Richard J. Daley College Michael Vanderham Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville
Frank Herrera Loras College Adam Vargas University of Notre Dame
Warren Higginbothan II Joliet Junior College Raymond Venegas Richard J. Daley College
Adam Hodorowich Morraine Valley Community College Michael Villanueva Undecided
Patrick Hogan University of Connecticut Daniel Villasenor Illinois State University
Martin Hopkins University of Iowa Alexander Vitkauskas Carthage College Redmen
David Huang University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Damon Waddy Northern Illinois University
Musa Isa Moraine Valley Community College Jamere Walton Illinois State University
Kevin Jachim Undecided Michael Welch Morraine Valley Community College
Khalil Jamal University of Illinois at Springfield Kyel White Marquette University
Antanas Janavicius Valparaiso University Jonathan Wilkes St. Louis University
William Jewers Moraine Valley Community College Andrew Wilson Western Michigan University
Andrew Kats St. Ambrose University Niko Wojnicki Illinois State University
Thomas Keating Illinois State University Bart Wolski Undecided
Michael Kennedy Providence College Alexander Wong Benedictine University
Kevin Kiehn St. Norbert College Manuel Yu III Quincy University
Michael Kinney Saint Louis University Alexander Zemke Carthage College
Martin Kirkel Parkland College Joseph Zuklic Moraine Valley Community College

Congratulations St. Rita Class of 2009!

Page 4
STUDENT VIEWS May 28, 2009

Editorial Out with the troublesome Vista...

Are people turning
to simpler things?
With the current state of the economy, people are
going back to the simpler things in life. Man by very
nature is a creature who plans. We dream for a future
that is ideal and plan a way to achieve it.
With the world as it is, it is becoming difficult to
plan for anything. Everything is just too volatile now
to have a sure thing.
JUST RECENTLY I found out that Bank of Amer-
ica is about to go bankrupt. America’s bank is unable
to pay for its debts. How?
Did the investors of the banks lose it all to bookies
when Mine That Bird won the Kentucky Derby? I
mean, where did all of the money go, and more im-
portantly, what will be liquidated if they file for bank-
ruptcy? Does this mean they will sell off the MLB or
the New England Patriots to pay off their debt?
This was bad news for me. Granted, my money
is insured up to $100,000, which I’m nowhere near.
Thankfully, the government can easily back the $1400
I have saved for 17 years. However, I began to think.
Can the government back the hundreds of thousands
in the banks when one of the banks fails?
That’s when I realized that these aren’t questions I
should be pondering. I should just live my life and do
my best to make the situation the best. Other Ameri-
cans I believe are doing the same thing.
MOVIE SALES ARE going to rise as people try
Microsoft readies Windows 7
By Marty Malone
Editor-in-Chief
Windows Vista has been just about as popular as Presi-
dent Richard Nixon’s decision to invade Cambodia.
Ever since Vista has been released to the main stream,
it has received less than stellar reviews – most notably the
popular “Mac vs. PC” commercials by Apple Inc. These
commercials not only got the public thinking Windows
Vista was a failure as an operating system, but that Apple’s
Mac operating system, OSX, was a much better choice for
users.
TO SAY THE least, things were not looking good for
Vista. People were thus losing faith in Microsoft, and the
company knew it needed to do something drastic. Wel-
come the development and introduction of Windows 7.
Windows 7, Microsoft’s successor to Windows Vista, is
everything Vista should have been – and more. And all
of these changes are not in fact credited to the minds at
Microsoft.
Back in January, Microsoft began giving away beta – or
test – copies of its new Windows 7 software to users for
free. This may seem like a silly idea, but Microsoft knew
it couldn’t afford another failure like Vista, so their idea
was to give away free temporary copies of Windows 7 in
order to gain feedback from future users of the final ver-
sion.
This plan worked for the company. Microsoft reported
that over 2,000 bugs in the Windows 7 software code were
fixed – all thanks to the feedback of the nearly 2.5 million
beta testers.
Apart from new minor stability features, Microsoft has
worked hard to incorporate as many new features as pos-
sible into Windows 7 without adding too much bulk. This
is good news for netbook users. Microsoft is adamant on
making Windows 7 the number one choice for users who
buy netbooks, which are the fastest growing sector in com-
puter sales.
NEW KEY FEATURES that are sure to entice new cus-
tomers are Remote Media Sharing, which lets users share
all of their music, photos, and videos to any computer in
the world – granted it has an internet access and the proper
user ID and password.
The new version also has a virtual Windows XP mode
which allows users to open up any program in a virtual
Windows XP operating system, all on the same Windows
7 machine.
Microsoft has also made strides to make vast improve-
ments in networking and battery life for laptops.
It is clear that many see Windows 7 as a big band-aid for
many of Vista’s problems. Frustrated Vista users can only
hope that Microsoft will be cutting them a deal on the price
to upgrade to Windows 7 from Vista.
If you’re looking to get a sneak peak of all that Win-
dows 7 has to offer, you could look online at all of the
walk-through videos and read the countless articles about
all its new features – or you could download the Windows
7 release candidate today from microsoft.com.

Obama looks to the future,

escapism and become enraptured in a story that isn’t
their own, if only for a couple of hours.
Currently, I have read the amount of affairs has
begun to increase. The website MarriedAndLooking
has seen an increase of 25% of membership in the past
six months.
Statistically, sales of condoms have increased by
5% in the fourth quarter of last year. Jim Daniels,
the marketing Vice President of Trojan suggests, “the
sales increases may be due to U.S. residents finding
cheaper modes of entertainment during the economic
crisis.”
Due to the costs that are involved with divorce,
some people are not divorcing rather they are stay-
ing together. They are agreeing to lead separate lives
under the same roof.
PEOPLE ARE SIMPLY looking for ways to live
in the present, to seize the moment and couldn’t care
less about the future.
What’s the point of all of this? To be honest, there
is no real point.
What’s trying to be said is that humans will revert
back to their instincts, to what’s easier to do, and start
looking at the small things that brings a smile to their
face. It takes a crisis to realize what is truly good in
your life.
Please note, the editorial is a written view of one St. Rita
High School student. It does not necessarily reflect the
views of others at St. Rita or the school as an institution.
The Ritan is a publication of the students of St. Rita
of Cascia High School, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago
IL 60620. Phone: 773-925-6600 ext. 6668. Letters
to the editors can be dropped off at the Mel Schreier
Ritan Office located in the academic wing on the
northwest end of the second floor, submitted via email
to jblaszak@stritahs.com or given to Mr. Josh Blaszak
in Room 206.
Editors-in-Chief: Marty Malone and Dan Moore
Political Editor: Adam Vargas
Assistant Editor: Dave Schrader
Staff Writers: Luke Bentley, Brian Boyd, Bob Carroll,
Brad Dorng, Cesar Morales, Bobby Raehl,
Craig Sabath, and Kyel White
Photographers: David Huang and Al Smith
Artists: Matt Gooseherst
Moderator: Mr. Josh Blaszak
but has much work ahead
By Adam Vargas
Political Editor
President Franklin D. Roosevelt
was elected into office in 1932, the
time when the Stock Market Crash of
1929 and Great Depression were crip-
pling millions of Americans around
the country. Voices cried for change
and made themselves heard with a
dramatic shift in Congress in favor of
the Democrats.
With the majority on his side, plus
the obvious need for some govern-
ment action, FDR managed to have
every bill he proposed pass during
the first few months of office, known
by historians as the First Hundred
Days. Such legislation included the
Emergency Bank Act (which led to
citizens again keeping their money in
banks) and the Public Works Admin-
istration (which created jobs for the
unemployed).
Despite President Barack Obama
clearly not having as easy a time as
President Roosevelt had with pass-
ing legislation, the Democratic suc-
cess of the 2008 elections along with
the economic struggles recent times
have seen have brought about many
onlookers interested in seeing how
President Obama’s first hundred days
would play out.
AS MANY EXPECTED, President
Obama hit the ground running. Dur-
ing his first week in office he signed
an executive order to close Guan-
tanamo Bay, a detention facility for
high-priority criminals that has been
criticized for years concerning pris-
oner treatment and torture measures,
within a year. He also signed an order
banning crude interrogation mea-
sures on any United States “terror”
detainee, making it clear that tactics
such as waterboarding are illegal and
unacceptable.
At present time: clearing out Guan-
tanamo has hit two snags in the road as
(1) the United States has been unable
to find proper facilities to relocate the
prisoners (Europe and U.S. prisons
have both rejected the request) and
(2) Obama’s administration has real-
ized that the camp lacks proper filing
of detainee evidence – a problem that
could take months to fix.
Concerning foreign affairs, Presi-
dent Obama announced on February
18th that 17,000 additional troops
would be placed in Afghanistan,
where, in keeping with his presiden-
tial campaign, he stated military focus
should be.
ON FEBRUARY 27th, President
Obama discussed with Marines an exit
strategy from Iraq that would have all
combat brigades out of the country by
the end of August 2010.
At present time: the White House
is still sticking by their return date
of August 31, 2010. While it looks
good on paper, it would look better if
it happened. Here’s to hoping com-
plications don’t arise.
Then there’s the economy. While
many were hoping President George
W. Bush’s exit from the White House
would mean a fast revival of the stock
market, the Dow Jones instead fell
332 points on Inauguration Day.
To those moaning and groaning
– and ignoring President Obama’s
call for patience and confidence – I
say enjoy drinking from a glass half
empty.
While his $825 billion stimulus
package has come under criticism (it
doesn’t help when major C.E.O.s are
more concerned about their private
jets’ gas tanks approaching empty
than actually fixing their companies
struggles), I think there’s been a dra-
matic positive shift these past few
months in the people’s confidence
towards the economy.
Efforts are clearly being made to
save what is still afloat and cut losses
as major car brands like Hummer,
Pontiac, and Saturn all take begin to
shut their doors forever.
In fact, considering that the econ-
omy was shown to be the most impor-
tant issue on the voter’s mind during
the 2008 presidential election, it’s
fairly interesting to note that President
Obama’s hundred days Gallup poll
said that 56% of Americans said he
has done an excellent/good job thus
far (in contrast to 20% saying he has
done a poor / terrible job).
At present time: the Dow Jones
dropped 62 points, settling at 8,268.64
points. That’s a slight improvement
over Inauguration Day’s 7,949.09
point settling. Expect the numbers to
rise, slowly but surely.
SO, WHILE THE country wasn’t
in as bad of conditions as it was when
President Roosevelt was elected into
office some 77 years ago, it was
heading in the wrong direction before
President Obama was elected last No-
vember.
However, if you listen closely to
any of his speeches concerning to-
day’s conditions, President Obama
will remind you that he thinks we
are in some of the toughest times in
American history.
It’s critical that we, both young and
old, do our parts to ensure the con-
tinued success of our country and
safety of future generations in other
matters – let the economy ride itself
out. It won’t happen overnight, but
if you peer your eyes closely into the
distance – yeah, that’s the light at the
end of the tunnel.
May 28, 2009
SENIOR REFLECTIONS
Senior Vargas passes on advice as he leaves
By Adam Vargas
Political Editor
I was talking with my mom about Rita after graduation
yesterday and we came to discussing how exciting it is
that my brother, Peter, will be attending the school next
year.
It truly is exciting for a great reason: I believe Rita is the
greatest high school one will ever find. At Rita a students
is going to get a great education, an amazing strengthen-
ing of his faith, and yes, even an excellent sporting career
– but here’s the catch: you have to want them.
I feel so strongly that if you take out all that you can
from your experiences at Rita you’ll be nothing but happy
and successful in life. Yes, what you can get here is that
good. Because of this, I wanted to make a few tips to my
Rita brothers to ensure that they use their time at Rita to
the fullest.
TO THE INCOMING FRESHMEN: Grammar school
was definitely a great place to find out who you are – and
you’ll have more of the same at Rita. However, the simi-
larities between grammar school and high school don’t
go on for very long and you’ll have to do some adjusting.
I hope these tips help you to look forward to Rita and all
that comes with the school.
(1) Never, give up. I can remember how nervous I was
for my freshmen orientation. I’m sure you will be ner-
vous too. It’s a big leap from grammar school to high
school and no one knows ahead of time what to expect.
Don’t let those nerves get the best of you, and don’t be
afraid to make mistakes!
During the entrance exams I completely finished the
Mathematics section before I realized I had filled all the
bubbles in under the Reading section. Then I managed to
be late for orientation and had to walk into the chapel by
myself with Fr. Tom’s eyes staring right at me. I was also
under the impression that orientation ended after lunch
that day – so I left school two hours before I was supposed
to. Next, I was accidentally late for my first official day
of classes. Needless to say, I was off to a terrible start.
I was sure I had already developed a reputation among
teachers for being a bad apple. I was wrong. My Latin
teacher, Mr. Rohn, allowed me into class and told me to
not be late again. And so I wasn’t late again. In fact, after
four years I was never again in trouble for being late. You
can’t let bad starts define you in a school that you are at
for four years. So please, don’t ever get frustrated or give
up. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s those that overcome
their mistakes that are successful.
(2) Don’t be a 2:17 man. I remember when Mr. Quinn
came to my grammar school in 8th grade. He gave a great
speech about how great Rita is. One of the quotes that still
sticks with me is him reminding us to not be “2:07 men”
(yeah, Rita used to get out a few minutes earlier). The
advice could not be better.
Let me explain: Rita has so many great extra-curricular
activities constantly going on after school, be it sports or
clubs, which no one should be running for their car at
2:17 to race home. Stay! Be involved! Get to know your
classmates through common interests. You can’t get to
know others and they can’t get to know you if you are a
2:17 man.
(3) Trust in your teachers. I’m still thankful Mr. Rohn
didn’t send me down to the dean that first day. The fact is
every teacher at Rita wants you to succeed, and as much
as it may seem like it from time to time, they are not actu-
ally out to get you.
Actually, when they are being hard on you – that’s just
them trying to get you to reach your potential. Many
teachers are alumni from Rita, and others have had their
kids go to here. That should be a clear indication of how
Editor-In-Chief:
Joining the Rita
family was my
best decision yet
much they believe in the message being given at our
school. So, don’t be afraid to let them get to know you.
Raise your hand during class, go to them after school
for questions, and show you care. They’re going to know
your names soon enough anyways, so wouldn’t you rather
they learn it in a positive light?
(4) Be open to letting your faith grow as well. I wasn’t
considering Rita at all until I went on a retreat here my
8th grade year. Then suddenly the school was the front-
runner. You’re lucky enough to have one of the most
beautiful chapels around, and you’re going to use it a lot.
You’re going to pray before every class and then at the
end of the day. You’re going to go on some of the best re-
treats a Catholic school could give, Kairos being the best
experience of your young life (go on Kairos your senior
year!). You’re going to do all of these things and none
of it will mean anything at all if you don’t let it. Open up
your mind and soul, and experience God.
(4) Be yourself and try your best. When I got into my
car the morning of the high school entrance exams, I still
couldn’t decide where I wanted to go. All my friends
seemed to be going to Marist, but Rita seemed like the
school that fit me.
At Rita, you won’t have to worry about distractions.
There are no girls to try to impress, no upperclassmen out
to get you, and that goofball from grammar school that
always got you in trouble probably didn’t make it in. It’s
just you and the road to success. Now take with you the
friends you’ll make at Rita, the great teachers there to help
you, and God.
TO THE INCOMING SOPHOMORES: Remember
how nervous you were when you walked through those
doors as freshmen? Well, now that’s all behind you and
suddenly there are these little guys ready to take your
place. I’m sure you remember how relieved you were to
find out that the older guys had no plans of bothering you.
Be sure to return the favor as you continue to climb the
ladder of high school.
Also, I’d like to remind you that high school is four
years long. Sooner than you know it, your college choices
will be looking at semester grades for eight semesters. So,
I’m sure many of you are still mentally exhausted from
giving freshmen year your all, but now is not the time to
relax. Trust me; sophomore year is filled with a lot of fun
Congratulations!
Rita Class of 2009
receives over
$10, 000,000
in scholarship offers
By Marty Malone
Editor-In-Chief
Looking back, I really didn’t even choose to come
to Rita. I actually live a lot closer to St. Laurence.
But my older brother went there and he didn’t like it
– so when he chose to come to Rita for his junior and
senior years, it was sort of a given that I would come
here too.
The only bit of “research” I did on Rita was come
here for a Columbus Day shadow day – which didn’t
really give me a real sense of the school.
However, if anyone ever asked me what the best de-
Page 5
to keep you going strong, so keep up the good work.
TO THE INCOMING JUNIORS: Becoming upper-
classmen means more than just getting your junior rings
and some neat electives. Classes this year are structured
to help you get the highest score possible on the ACT.
Because of this, you’ll find that some of your classes are
pretty difficult. Keep up with your work and you’re due
to be amazed come time for that ACT score to come in the
mail. I personally knew very little about grammar before
coming to Rita. And then suddenly, after taking my junior
year English class with Mr. Nee, I was able to manage a
34 on the English portion of the ACT.
Visit colleges, consider majors, and work hard on your
applications. Don’t worry about money issues. There’s
no way I’d be able to afford a Notre Dame education on
my own, but thanks to all that Rita gave me, I’m going to
the great university taken care of completely by scholar-
ships.
Listen closely: colleges know about Rita. If you man-
age good grades from this school then they know you’re
ready for the next level of education, and they’ll want you
at their schools.
TO THE INCOMING SENIORS: Maybe it has to
do with the ACT, maybe it has to do with the amount of
electives you can take senior year, I’m not quite sure. It
seems, though, that there’s a belief that your junior year
is the hardest and that senior year is a walk in the park.
I don’t want to throw you into panic mode, but I have to
admit that my senior year was by far the hardest. Those
AP classes can be brutal when they want to be. Just know
that you’re getting started on your freshmen year of col-
lege ahead of schedule. I’m sure that next year won’t be
nearly as rude of an awakening for me because I chose not
to dilly-dally my last year of high school.
Look back upon the last three years. Doesn’t it seem
like they’ve flown by? Well, now multiply that speed by
three to put your last year into perspective. Before you
know it you’re going to be reminiscing on all the great
times you had at Rita and already missing the comfort and
joy that came with every day. I’m not sure what I’ll end
up doing in life. Maybe I’ll come back and teach students
at this beautiful high school – who knows? All I know is
that I have Rita to thank for whatever successes I have in
life. I pray that the same holds true for you.
cision I’ve ever made in my life up to this point was, I
would answer – without a doubt – that it was to come
to St. Rita of Cascia High School.
ACTUALLY, TO COME to St. Rita…” doesn’t do
our school justice. I’m sure there are some other high
school newspapers that may be publishing some sort
of senior reflection pieces where the senior writer says
that their best decision yet was “to come to X High
School.”
When you’re dealing with Rita though, you are deal-
ing with a family. So to correct myself, joining the St.
Rita of Cascia High School family was the best deci-
sion I have made in my life so far.

Page 6
MUSTANG SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Volleyball wins Catholic League Tournament
By Brian Boyd
Senior Writer
The Mustang Varsity Volleyball team hasn’t been too fa-
miliar with having a target on their backs. Judging from
this season, they have adjusted quickly.
Ranked 40th in ESPN Rise’s ranking of the top 100 high
school volleyball teams in the nation, preseason, the Mus-
tangs have high hopes heading into the playoffs.
Despite an opening loss to Providence, the players and
coaches have recuperated and look to be finishing strong.
Led by seniors Pat Hogan, Colin Andersen, John Bisi-
ules, Mike Newton, Andy Kats, Dave Fashingbauer, and
Nick Ardolino, the Mustangs feel like they can play with
anyone.
IN THEIR FIRST tournament of the year, the Marist
Invitational, the Mustangs had a solid showing, going 4-1
and finishing fifth in the tough tournament.
The Mustangs then proceeded to defeat Chicago Catho-
lic League nemesis Br. Rice handily in two sets
Out of all the triumphs of the regular season, though, two
in particular stand out in the players’ eyes. The Mustangs
defeated Sandburg, who was ranked 11th in the nation in
the preseason, and also took fourth at the Tiger Classic, a
tournament regarded by many as one of the toughest in
the state.
THESE HUGE PERFORMANCES are a testament to
the resilience of the team, which was often beleaguered
by injuries.
“We really have a lot of talent on the time, but we didn’t
start jelling until late in the season due to injuries,” said
Andy Kats, an integral part of the lineup.
“All of us play really well when healthy,” he said.
With the state playoffs looming on the horizon, the
Mustangs will settle for nothing less than a good showing
downstate.
Taking an 18-8 record into the CCL tourney, the Mus-
tangs know they’re in for a challenge. With teams such as
Providence, Loyola, and Br. Rice in the tournament, they
will undoubtedly have to bring their A game.
The playoffs prove to be just as tough although the team
May 28, 2009
is confident.
“I feel that our team has a great shot of making it to state,
as long
as we keep our heads on straight for the regional and
sectional games,” said Mike Newton.
“With our senior leadership and underclassmen such
as Tanner [Pannozo] and Joe Biros playing so well, we
should do great,” he said.
Although the road may be formidable, the Mustangs are
poised for a run in the state playoffs. Rita is going after its
10th consecutive regional title.
THE MUSTANGS ARE already fulfilling one their
playoff goals. This past weekend the Mustangs won the
CCL Tournament for the first time. At the time of this
writing, the Mustangs are moving on to state competition
where they hope to be successful as well.
Rita Volleyball will also not be the end of the road for
several senior players, John Bisiules and Andrew Kats re-
cently signed letters of intent to play at St. Ambrose Uni-
versity.

Photo courtesy of Institutional Advancement Photo courtesy of Institutional Advancement

THE MUSTANGS WORK to block the opponent. Rita’s Varsity Volleyball team recently SENIOR DAVE FASHINGBAUER spikes the ball. Fashingbauer has been a key senior in
won the Chicago Catholic League Tournament. They now look on to the state playoffs. gaining success for the Mustangs. The team hopes to retain success with its underclassmen.

Ritamen help serve homeless Videogames lead to

volunteering at local P.A.D.S. play and socializing
By Brad Dorng
Freshman Writer
Founded in 1993 by Sr. Therese DelGenio,
P.A.D.S. (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) is a
homeless shelter offering nutritious meals and an
environment that nurtures mutual respect and per-
sonal dignity.
Through counseling, mentoring, and case manage-
ment homeless men and women are encouraged to
visit the shelter in order to a make and meet a goal
towards a better and healthier lifestyle.
FOR THE PAST several years, Rita students,
accompanied by various faculty and staff mem-
bers, support the shelter every Wednesday evening.
These individuals help serve dinner, distribute cloth-
ing, and most importantly socialize and deliver hope
to those in need.
P.A.D.S. provides food, clothing, and some time
for shelter during the day, a service especially vi-
tal when the homeless simply need to get inside for
some warmth or dry conditions. Those who visit
P.A.D.S. also get to meet new people or get a check-
up from a doctor from time to time.
So many of the hundreds of Rita students who
have gone to the shelter remark that it was an amaz-
ing experience, and not only a service opportunity,
but also a learning experience.
Augustinian Volunteer, Mr. Joe Toomey, described
his trips to P.A.D.S. in words such as “eye-opening,
rewarding, and a great time.”
He is happy to visit P.A.D.S and help, but is also
saddened when he sees the same people he helped,
on the street corner when the shelter closes.
“We are so fortunate to be riding in a warm car,
and can look forward to going home to a warm and
cozy house, when they don’t know what direction to
start heading,” said Mr. Toomey.
“East, West, North, and South, these great people
try to search for a safe place to sleep, we truly don’t
know how lucky we are,” he said.
The aid that is provided to the homeless is greatly
appreciated, especially aid given by Rita students
such as sophomore Connor Wilson.
Wilson spoke of his visit to the P.A.D.S. saying,
“it was a great experience. It makes you feel good
inside, helping other people.”
“AT FIRST YOU are nervous around all these
people, but then half way through your time there,
you are sitting at a table finding out about the life of
the homeless,” he said.
Sr. Therese and other volunteers are always look-
ing for more help from people donating their old
clothes, blankets, and most of all their time.
Cooks and local churches and organizations help
to provide meals, and volunteers are always present
to ensure the homeless have a positive experience
while at the shelter.
Overall, the Rita students and faculty have been
very pleased with their experiences at P.A.D.S. and
they look forward to continuing to be of service in
the years ahead.
for Mustang students
By David Schrader
Assistant Editor
Rita’s video game club has had a busy year. Members met every
other Wednesday to play and socialize with one another.
During the first semester, there was a Halo 3 tournament. Halo 3
is a video game for the Xbox 360. For the tournament, competitors
played with a partner in two-on-two split-screen combat.
The winners of this tournament were juniors Sterling Carrington
and Kyle Toth. Those who chose to compete each paid an entry
fee, which allowed the winning pair to take home half of an $80 pot
with the other half being donated to the Augustinian Missions.
DURING THE SECOND semester, there was an NBA 2K9
tournament. Here participants chose an NBA team to play as for
the entirety of the tournament. Once a team was chosen no other
person was allowed to play as that team. Matches were one-on-one
affairs. The winner of this tournament was sophomore Marshawn
Tobin.
For the last meeting of the year, a decidedly old-school feel was
present. Students dug out their Nintendo 64s from the closet and
competed in such classics as 007 Goldeneye and Starfox 64.
Tournament play was only part of what the club was about this
year. Being able to just bring in games and spend time with one
another was a huge focus of the club. Next year looks to continue
this trend with more participants, more games, and more TVs to
play them on.
May 28, 2009
MUSTANG SPORTS Page 7

Successful season for track and field

By Craig Sabbath
Freshman Writer
The Mustang Track team is wrapping up
its second season under Head Coach Tony
Sosnowski.
Following the season, Coach Sosnowski
expressed a strong sense of pride in the
strength, speed, and leaping capabilities
that was exhibited by players such as junior
Bruce Gaston, sophomore Mark Bonds, and
freshmen Tony Hicks and Cody Leach.
Coach Sosnowski was also astounded by
the work ethic of many players.
“Several athletes have made significant
strides this season and put their best per-
formances in at the end of the season,” said
Coach Sosnowski.
This does not come as a surprise, howev-
er, considering Coach Sosnowski expected
nothing less than the best from each track
member.
“REGARDLESS OF HOW you finish
in a particular event or how you perform
in practice on any given day, you have to
get back up the next day and make yourself
better. If you can’t do that, then you don’t
belong on track and field. If you can do
that, then the opportunities for your future
are endless,” said Coach Sosnowski.
This season, the Mustangs’ work ethic
was witnessed in the numerous outstand-
ing performances made not only by up-
perclassmen, but also by sophomores and
freshmen.
The freshmen/sophomore Mustangs
closed out their season moving up from
twelfth place a year ago to a fourth place
finish in the Chicago Catholic League.
Mark Bonds was the CCL Champion in
the long jump at 20 feet and 3 inches. The
four by 100 meter relay team of sopho-
mores Anthony Davis, Marshawn Tobin,
Mark Bonds, and freshman Derri Person
ran a near-meet record 44.10 seconds.
The Mustangs also received solid perfor-
mances in several other events.
The four by 800 relay team of sopho-
mores Mike Bocardo, Aamir Walton,
freshmen Mark Murphy, and Albert Alfano
placed fourth.
Mark Bonds placed second in the 100
and 200 meter dashes.
Anthony Davis placed fifth in the 200
meter dash, and he was part of the four
by 200 meter relay team with Marshawn
Tobin, Derri Person, and Cody Leach that
finished in third place.
Marshawn Tobin placed in the 100 me-
ter dash and took home fourth in the long
jump. Freshman Tony Hicks took second
in the triple jump, seventh in the 110 hur-
dles, and third in the high jump.
Cody Leach also placed in the triple
jump with a fourth place finish. Jack Shea-
han placed sixth in the shot put.
Photo courtesy of Institutional Advancement
The four by 400 relay team of sopho-
RITA’S TRACK AND field team is currently wrapping up its second season under
more Jack Leiser, Aamir Walton, freshmen Coach Tony Sosnowski. Several Mustangs are state qualifiers, including: the four by
Raymond Farris, and Jake Golding placed 100 meter relay team of sophomores Anthony Davis, Ahmad Daniels, Mark Bonds,
seventh. Mitch Saffold took home sixth in and junior Javier Green. Junior Bruce Gaston also qualified in the shot put and discus.
the long and triple jump.
The Varsity Mustangs also had a suc- ing on the difference of St. Rita athletes. Team. Freshmen Cody Leach and Tony
cessful finish to their regular season. They Echoing Ricky Bobby’s “If you ain’t Hicks are also potential state qualifiers in
competed at a high level and had several first, you’re last,” motto, he continued, another year.
elite performances. “Coming in second place means we are the “FOR THE DISTANCE runners, fresh-
The four by 100 meter relay team of An- first loser in a competition, and this mental- men Albert Alfano and Mark Murphy,
thony Davis, junior Javier Green, Ahmad ity has driven our athletes, especially our along with sophomore Mike Bocardo, will
Daniels, and Mark Bonds were victorious younger athletes, to compete at a very high form the core of our distance team.
winning the CCL Championship with a level. Essentially, we are competing with “Sophomore Jack Sheahan should be
time of 43.46 seconds. a chip on our shoulder to prove how good a threat in both the shot put and discus
Mark Bonds won another Champion- we can be.” on varsity. Sophomores Jack Leiser and
ship by running an 11.01 second 100 meter Although the Mustangs are losing a few Aamir Walton will lead the 400 Meter
dash. seniors, the team is retaining a large num- runners. Plus, sophomore Mitch Saffold
TONY HICKS AND CODY Leach ber of underclassmen. should also make some big contributions
each placed fourth and fifth respectively “Several of our key varsity athletes come in the long and triple jump.”
in the triple jump, with Hicks also placing from the Frosh/Soph Team and will make As the season approaches an end, the
fifth in the high jump. huge contributions in the future,” Coach Mustangs are still succeeding. The follow-
The Mustangs hope for continued suc- Sosnowski remarked. ing are state qualifiers in the four by 100
cessful performances over the next several Optimistic about the future, he contin- meter relay: Anthony Davis, Javier Green,
years. ued, “Sophomores Mark Bonds, Anthony Ahmad Daniels, and Mark Bonds. Bruce
“Our guys expect to win now and in the Davis, Javier Green, and Marshawn Tobin Gaston also qualified in the shot put and
future,” said Coach Sosnowski comment- already are part of a top four by 100 Relay discus.

Lacrosse plays hard under new coach Water Polo

By Cesar Morales a great advantage, and the offense is quick with good shooting

Freshman Writer skills. This is likely due to the team’s successful practices.
A GREAT GAME this year was played against Vernon
Under the leadership of new Head Coach Brian Gilbert, the Hills, whom the Mustangs beat 11-6. Rita had a strong ef-
lacrosse team has been doing a tremendous job ever since the fort from junior Ryan Gallagher and senior Alex Zemke, and
season began. As the season winds down the team is looking played well as a team to beat Vernon Hills in a close game.
toward a successful finish. There was a wonderful play when sophomore Arman Cas-
Thanks to the Mustangs’ strong, physical defense and tillo had an excellent face-off and quickly passed the ball
quick offense, they have come up victorious against many to Zemke, and then Zemke passed the ball to Gallagher to
opponents including: Taft 14-0, Sandburg 10-4, and Wheaton score.
North 8-6, and Mather 18-1. At the time of this writing, the Key players for the Mustangs are really helping to bring
Mustangs record stands at 11-5 with losses to schools such as home the wins. These include Gallagher and Zemke, as well
Lyons Township 12-1 and Marian Catholic 11-3. as juniors Ryan Nolan and Walker Dunne.
Rita’s defenders are stronger and bigger, which gives them On offense, Gallagher is #2 in the state with 46 goals and 28
assists. Zemke is #1 with 47
goals and 30 assists. On de-
fense, Dunne has 80 ground-
balls and Nolan has 72.
Another important player
is Castillo, who is leading the
team in face-offs.
The defense is playing
tough and the team has had
a couple of shutouts. There
have also been many great
plays by the goalie, junior
Bryan Przepiora.
The Mustangs have consis-
tently looked strong with the
defense always ready to go.
The biggest match-up for Rita
will come in their last home
game, which is against #1
ranked St. Ignatius.
When asked about the team,
Coach Gilbert said, “The team
Photo courtesy of Institutional Advancement is looking strong. They have
JUNIOR WALKER DUNNE, center, looks to help the Mustangs on their quest to win the La- a chance at the Metro League
crosse Cup. The Mustangs have had a successful season under new Head Coach Brian Gilbert.
Lacrosse Cup this year.”
looks ahead
By Brian Boyd
Senior Writer
Returning only two starters from a solid varsity
squad last year, Rita’s Water Polo team, led by se-
nior Mitch Condon, knew they were going to be in
for a tumultuous journey.
The Mustangs finished with a 4-20 record, losing
to Br. Rice in the first round of the state playoffs.
The sub-500 record does not indicate the persever-
ance, toughness, and talent this team possesses,
though.
THE EMERGENCE OF key players such as
sophomore Connor LePretre added to the team’s
potential. Aided by assistant coach Terry Shlayer,
a Rita grad and former goalie, young players made
great strides.
Despite the losing record, the Mustangs did play
well against top-tier competition.
Against St. Patrick in the Chicago Catholic
League tournament, the Mustangs played their best
first half of the year, with Mitch Condon scoring 5
goals in the first quarter. At home, against number
11 ranked Loyola, the Mustangs had a good show-
ing as well.
The team looks to rebuild and have a successful
season next year.
“This year was strictly a rebuilding year,” said
Mitch Condon, “The three seniors that are on the
team tried their best to help the young players be-
come better. It was a fun season even without a lot
of success.”
Page 8
MUSTANG BASEBALL May 28, 2009

Varsity Mustangs living up to expectations

By Luke Bentley
Senior Writer
It’s hard for people not to have high
expectations of a team that begins the
season ranked number one by three top
newspapers and ranked 20th in the nation
by Baseball America Magazine.
The Varsity Mustangs Baseball team has
definitely lived up to these expectations.
Once again Rita has had a very successful
start to its season.
The Mustangs started off the season in
fine fashion with a victory over Oak Lawn
12-1. They looked great the next five
games defeating Joliet Catholic, Richards,
Bloomington, and Simeon.
NEXT UP, THE Mustangs took on a
very underrated Whitney Young team.
The Dolphins jumped out to an early 4-0
start in the first inning and the Mustangs
couldn’t catch up. Even with the help from
senior Angelo Burrage’s grand slam, the
Mustangs fell 7-6 to Young and received
their first loss.
After the loss, Rita got back on the win-
ning track with nine straight victories. The
Mustangs took on a tough Lincoln-Way
Central team 5-3, then Kimberly High
School from Kimberly, Wisconsin.
With a stud ace on the mound, Kimberly
kept Rita’s hits to a minimum. In the sev-
enth inning though, senior Kevin Jachim
knocked in the winning run with a single
to give the Mustangs a 3-2 win.
No more than 30 minutes later, the
JUNIOR SHANE CONLON is about to trip up an unsuspecting batter with a nasty change-up. While
on the mound, Conlon and his great efforts have helped achieve successful wins for the Mustangs. Mustangs continued to battle
Mustangs took on rival St Laurence and
came out on top 4-3, but it took an extra
inning to do so. Junior Kyle Stearns hit a
line drive single over second base to give
the Mustangs a victory.
Things kept looking up when the
Swinging Mustangs beat Oak Forest 13-3.
They then beat Marist 6-4 at Standard
Bank Stadium, home of the Windy City
Thunderbolts. The runs kept coming in
abundance when they beat Stagg 12-2, St.
Ignatius 11-1, St. Joseph’s 7-4, and Reavis
16-0.
The Mustangs hit a bit of a dry spell,
though, when they played St. Ignatius for
the second time. The Wolfpack blanked
the Mustangs 10-0 and gave them their
second loss and first loss in the Chicago
Catholic League.
Rita didn’t take long to get over it though,
when they beat rival Mt. Carmel 10-0.
The Mustangs jumped on the Caravan
early with the help of senior pitcher Scott
Marinier, who shut out Mt. Carmel through
five innings, and sophomore Dan Potempa
who hit a three-run home run.
WHEN THE MUSTANGS faced Mt.
Carmel for a second time, they were pre-
pared for a different Mt. Carmel team.
They were correct as the Caravan came out Photo by David Huang
swinging in game two. They had the lead JUNIOR MARK PAYTON lays down a bunt as he works to help the Mustangs advance.
over the Mustangs 9-7 going into the top So far Rita’s Varsity Mustangs have had success and lived up to many preseason expec-
of the seventh. The Mustangs rallied for a tations. The team looks forward to continued success as they begin their playoff run.
four-run inning and came out on top 11-9.
“We tried to give it away, we lost the effort from Shane Conlon, we were able to with their Catholic foes. They traveled
edge, but we played well and with a great win a tough CCL game on the road,” said to Loyola and beat the Ramblers 11-1.
Head Coach Mike Zunica. Then they toped DeLaSalle 15-5. In their
Things got a little easier as they second game with Loyola, the Mustangs
played in two CCL crossover battled back from a 3-0 deficit and came
games beating Seton 7-0 by for- out on top 6-3.
feit and Hales-Franciscan 28-0. Hungry for that elusive CCL title, the
Next up, the Mustangs took on Mustangs took on Fenwick in a double-
DeLaSalle, where they won 5-2 header and were victorious 5-1 and 2-1.
in an exciting game. Rita also beat Bishop MacNamara 7-1
When things seemed to be before losing to the Br. Rice Crusaders
going so well, Rita had tough 10-6. Only a few days later, the Mustangs
luck on the road in a double- took on the Crusaders to take back a win
header at Providence. They won of 4-0.
the first game 7-2 behind junior Marinier pitched all seven innings in
pitcher Shane Conlon on the hill. the second Br. Rice game and is now 9-0.
The second game wasn’t so easy, He had 10 strikeouts and allowed only
though. four hits. Shane Conlon and seniors Dan
THE CELTICS CAME out Dispensa and Angelo Burrage all had solo
swinging as they led 10-0 at the homeruns in the first inning.
end of the fourth inning. The “We are really coming along. We get
Mustangs didn’t give up though. better everyday. I love the make-up of our
They climbed back and were team and we have a great group of guys. I
down 10-4 going into the bottom am really looking forward to the playoffs,”
of the seventh. With a grand slam said Coach Zunica.
from Dan Potempa, the Mustangs Coach Zunica went on to comment on
were within one run from the the future of the season saying, “I hope
Celtics. They couldn’t climb we continue to get better. We want do
all the way back, however, and whatever it takes to win a state champion-
despite a valiant effort came up ship.”
Photo by David Huang short 10-9. The Mustangs finished their regular sea-
In the thick of CCL play, the son play on Monday with a victory over
Benet and are currently in the playoffs.

Future looks bright for freshmen players

By Bobby Raehl
Freshman Writer
Much hype led up to the 2009 Freshmen Mustang Base-
ball Season, and so far the team has done little to disap-
point. With a winning record, the freshmen have experi-
enced great success through their efforts.
The Mustangs have been relying heavily on the pitching
of Eddie DeLaRiva; Evan Bloomfield; and Jack Konrath,
the fielding speed of Mike Zunica; TJ Andrews; and Luke
Oosterbaan, and the hitting of players such as Will McNa-
mera; Max Kuracar; Billy Pink; and TJ Verdun.
IN THE FIRST game of the season, the Mustangs
faced tough competition against Br. Rice. The Rita fresh-
men were eager and ready to be victorious over the Cru-
saders once and for all.
So far this year the Mustangs had gone 1-1 against Br.
Rice, losing in football but winning in basketball for their
freshmen-level match-ups. Rita ended up having no trou-
ble putting away the Crusaders 7-4.
THE SEASON CONTINUED looking good as the
young Mustangs went on to defeat other teams, including
St. Laurence, Oak Lawn, St. Ignatius, Stagg, and DeLa-
Salle. After crushing Marist 11-1, Rita stood undefeated.
However, the Mustangs faced their first loss of the sea-
son when they went up against Fenwick. Great pitching
gave Fenwick a 5-0 win over Rita.
After facing the first loss of their season, the Mustangs
quickly rebounded to get back into a winning routine.
While there have been two additional losses for the Mus-
tangs this season, they have been winning overall. The
freshmen B team has also been posting a winning record.
“We have great chemistry as a team,” said Jack Kon-
rath.
“I think we have a good shot at winning the confer-
ence,” he went on to add.
As the season winds down the freshmen appear de-
termined to win their conference championship. This
determination and the skills these freshmen have been
demonstrating gives a great outlook as to what the future
may hold as these players advance to the sophomore and
varsity levels.