The Ritan
Volume Eighty-One. Number Two.
A Student Publication of
Saint Rita of Cascia High School
7740 South Western Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60620
In This Issue
Page 2
Ritamen take part in first-ever SAVI.
Photo courtesy of Fr. Rich Young
Page 3
Who is Mrs. Susan Krystof ?
Page 4
Seniors reflect on Rita experience.
Page 5
Where is the Class of 2010 headed?
Page 6
Liam Hopkins elected President.
Photo by Mr. Josh Blaszak
Page 7
Double Championship for Hockey.
Photo by Mr. Mike Patton
Dedicated faculty and
staff celebrate years of
service to Rita
Ms. Linda Marach - 30 Years
Mrs. Sally Deenihan - 25 Years
Mrs. Robyn Kurnat - 25 Years
Mrs. Dorothy Larkin - 25 Years
Mrs. Kitty Turkowski - 25 Years
Ms. Martha Dion - 20 Years
Mr. Chuck Knibbs - 20 Years
Bro. Jerome Sysko, O.S.A. - 15 Years
Sr. Campion Maguire, R.S.M. - 10 Years
Mrs. Maureen Pangrazio - 10 Years
Mrs. Katie Curran - 5 Years
Mr. Dan Konieczy - 5 Years
Mr. John Schmitt - 5 Years
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Rita Family says farewell to
Mrs. Deenihan after 25 Years
By Aamir Walton
Junior Writer
After dedicating exactly a quarter of a century
of her life to the Rita Family, Principal Mrs. Sally
Deenihan announced she will retire at the comple-
tion of the 2009-2010 school year.
Mrs. Deenihan joined the Rita faculty in 1985 and
ever since has committed herself to enhancing the
education at Rita.
“It has been a pleasure working side by side with
her all these years,” said art teacher and Director of
Professional Development Mrs. Robyn Kurnat who
started working at Rita the very same day as Mrs.
Deenihan.
Mrs. Deenihan started off at Rita as a mathematics
teacher, and soon became Chair of the Mathematics
and Science Department and the Assistant Principal Photo courtesy of Institutional Advancement
and Director of Studies. AFTER 25 YEARS of dedicated service to the Rita Family as a Mathematics
teacher and administrator, Mrs. Sally Deenihan will retire at the end of the year.
THREE YEARS AFTER her start Mrs. Deeni- Mrs. Deenihan has been Principal for the past three years.
han increased the course offerings in mathematics by
adding two additional electives for seniors. She also “she was an excellent teacher and it was a privilege to have
altered the science curriculum to offer a greater choice selec- her as my math teacher my freshman year. She was always
tion giving additional opportunities for Ritamen. available for help, never minded, and would never give up on a
Mrs. Deenihan took part in moving the campus from 63rd student,” said history teacher Mr. Tom Berry ’96.
Street to 77th Street, and when the need to incorporate technol- “Mrs. Deenihan is a consummate educator who is truly Au-
ogy into education arose, she chaired the committee that de- gustinian and Catholic in everything she does. Her care for stu-
termined the use of computers in the classrooms. Her efforts dents is second to none,” said President Fr. Tom McCarthy,
led Rita in the transition from having 16 computers one year, O.S.A.’83.
to having three classrooms with 38 computers in each the very In 2002, Mrs. Deenihan became Rita’s Vice President of
next year. Academic Affairs and in 2007 was named Principal, the first-
During the course of her 25 years at Rita, she has powerfully ever-female principal of Rita or any Augustinian high school
contributed as the Chair of the Curriculum Council, Secretary in the country.
of the St. Rita Teachers’ Association, and moderator of the Na- “Teaching is a privilege, teaching at St. Rita has been a great
tional Honor Society, Math Team, and Scholastic Bowl Team. privilege, and being Principal has been the ultimate privilege,”
“I do not have a favorite sport, club, or team, although, the said Mrs. Deenihan.
OF COURSE THE ultimate question was; what will you
hockey team has gotten my attention lately with their success,”
Mrs. Deenihan said. miss most in retirement? Mrs. Deenihan responded with great
All of Mrs. Deenihan’s co-workers that were interviewed pride saying, “I will miss the people of St. Rita. I will miss the
emphasized her incredible leadership and said the school will spirit of cooperation that permeates through the faculty, staff,
miss that the most. and students. I am proud of the excellence that exists in ev-
THAT LEADERSHIP IS evident in all areas of academics erything we do and of the people who are committed to that
at Rita. Nearly 20% of Rita seniors have been named Illinois excellence.”
State Scholars, Rita’s ACT scores continue to surpass the Il- As a teacher, administrator, as well as wife of Brian ’60
linois and National averages, and merit-based college scholar- and mother of Brian ’88, Patrick ’90, and Brendan ’91, Mrs.
ship offerings are rising each year, with a record of over $11.5 Deenihan has worked each day to carry out the mission that
million obtained by the Class of 2010. was started by the Augustinians 105 years ago.
Her teaching personally has affected staff members today, “She also teaches us to strive for excellence in all of our en-
deavors,” said Assistant Principal Mr.
Wes Benak.
“Through it all, every single day I
have been grateful. I have been able to
laugh, smile, and appreciate every single
day,” said Mrs. Deenihan.
ONE FINAL THING Mrs. Deenihan
wants to leave with all Ritamen now and
to come is, “Respect is the key; if one
respects himself he meets all his respon-
sibilities. If he is the best student he can
be and develops his talents to the maxi-
mum, then he eventually will get all the
benefits from that.”
While the announcement of Rita’s
16th Principal was made in April and
Mr. Brendan Conroy will officially take
on the role as of July 1st, Fr. Tom has
repeatedly spoken of Mrs. Deenihan’s
uniqueness in saying, “We are not re-
Photo by Mr. Josh Blaszak placing Mrs. Deenihan, we cannot re-
RITA’S JUNIOR STUDENT Government Officers presented Principal Mrs. Sally Deenihan place her, we are simply getting a new
with a bouquet of flowers and a portrait commemorating her service to the Rita Family. The principal.”
officers thanked Mrs. Deenihan on behalf of the entire student body for her great dedication.
Page 2
NEWS May 27, 2010

Ritamen participate in Values Institute

By Brad Dorng part in a service trip at one of two locations. Half went the lights of the stadium, and on the last evening of the
Sophomore Writer to the Dan Ryan Woods to help clean up trash, and the S.A.V.I. most of the students gathered together in the
other half went to the local P.A.D.S. Shelter where they library where Assistant Athletic Director and Athletic
During the weekend of April 15th-18th, eight Rita stu- helped tidy up. Trainer Mr. Zach Blaszak led the group the karaoke.
dents experienced a life changing event. That weekend Following several group discussions where each The first-ever S.A.V.I. truly proved to be a success.
the eight Augustinian high schools located throughout school was able to hear many ideas from each other, Each school sent forth its participants with a sense of
the United States and Canada gathered on Rita’s cam- each school met in a room and talked for about could how to help strengthen the core values in their schools.
pus to fully explore the three Augustinian core values of be brought back to individual schools that would help Since the S.A.V.I. the eight Ritamen have been meet-
Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas. improve the school. There were many ideas that ran ing one to two days a week to discuss ideas they origi-
Rita sophomores Brad Dorng, Chris Ciciora, Dave through the heads of the eight young Ritamen as they nated at the S.A.V.I. They have truly been trying to put
Ciciora, Nick Dachota, Neil Spore, Shakir Spells, and thought of things that could help better their already their plans into action, hoping to eventually impact the
juniors Loren Lorenz and Aamir Walton where the stu- great school. school. The weekend was one no one will ever forget,
dents who were chosen to be a part of the first annual AFTER MUCH CONSIDERATION, all partici- for it was the weekend where strangers came together
Student Augustinian Values Institute (S.A.V.I.). Many pants came together again and shared what ideas and and became an Augustinian family.
faculty and staff from Rita also participated in this hopes they had and want to implement at their respec- Following the all-school service for the Feast of St.
weekend. tive schools. Rita on Friday, May 21st, the eight Ritamen from the
The weekend consisted of group activities, presenta- The weekend was truly Unitas in nature, as everyone S.A.V.I. presented several of their ideas with the entire
tions, and fun activities. Other than learning about the was bonding and truly having a great time. Participants Rita student body and hope to further implement some
core values and how a student can apply them to their took part in open gym time and a softball game under of their plans in the near future.
everyday lives, the students shared a unique bond with
each other, and truly became an Augustinian family.
ON THE FIRST day everyone was afraid and some
even shy, but everyone quickly came out of their shell.
The students where quickly getting to know each other
by the end of the evening. They played football, softball,
ate, and conversed. Everyone was making fun of each
other’s accents and talking about what their city had to
offer. The first day was a getting to know about each
school and each person. Every school made a presenta-
tion about where and what their school was about.
Each night students took turns leading the group in
prayer and then were told to go bed, however, there was
no set “bed time,” which many students used to their
advantage. Many stayed up late talking simply getting
to know one another.
PARTICIPANTS MADE POSTERS showing how
their school was different from the others. There were
also mixed group discussions and presentations from
some of the teachers present this event.
Experiencing the Chicago culture was another impor-
tant part of the weekend as participants enjoyed a trip
downtown, consisting of time on Navy Pier, a trip to the
Sears/Willis Tower’s sky deck, and other tourist attrac- Photo courtesy of Fr. Rich Young
tions in the Windy City. The meals shared also varied RITA RECENTLY HOSTED the first-ever Student Augustinian Values Institute (S.A.V.I.), which brought students from all
to highlight Chicago favorites. eight schools from throughout the United States and Canada together to further explore the three core values of Veritas, Uni-
On Saturday, all those involved with S.A.V.I. took tas, and Caritas. Eight Rita students participated in the weekend and hope to bring ideas from S.A.V.I. to the campus.

Rita celebrates Feast Day Several Ritamen honored with

Vicariate V Leadership Awards
On Sunday, April 18th, nine stu- There were ten categories of ship, which means they participate
dents from Rita were honored at Youth Ministry for which students in the setting of Liturgical celebra-
the Seventh Annual Archdiocese of throughout the Vicariate were hon- tions, in roles such as Lector or
Chicago Vicariate V Youth Leader- ored. Gallagher and Popek re- Eucharistic Minister. Mulcahy re-
ship Awards Banquet. The event ceived their awards for received ceived his award for Service and
was presided over by Most Rever- their awards for Peer Ministry, Social Justice, which is for teens
end Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S, Gallagher for his role as leader on who have shown commitment and
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago and a Kairos retreat and Popek for his dedication to participation in service
Vicar for Vicariate V. The Youth role as a leader with the Knights of in areas such as soup kitchens or
Leadership Awards are presented Augustine. Hernandez and Walton mission trips. Ruiz was recognized
Photo by Mr. Josh Blaszak to recognize a young person’s ac- were honored for Community Life, for Young Adult Ministry/Jovenes,
STUDENTS RECEIVE BLESSED rose petals during an tive participation in the life of the for building relationships rooted in which includes those young adults
all-school Novena to St. Rita in honor of her Feast Day.
Church through Parish and Catholic Gospel values. who are in leadership positions in
The Ritan is a publication of the students of St. Rita
High School programs. Ladd, Raehl, and Roland received parishes, communities, or diocesan
of Cascia High School, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chi- Six of the students were recog- their awards for Prayer and Wor- youth programs.
cago IL 60620. Phone: 773-925-6600 ext. 6668. Let- nized for their involvement in cam-
ters to the editors can be dropped off at the Mel Schreier pus ministry at Rita and the other
Ritan Office located in the academic wing on the northwest three were honored for active partic-
end of the second floor, submitted via email to jblaszak@stri- ipation in their local parishes. The
tahs.com or given to Mr. Josh Blaszak in the Office of Institu-
tional Advancement.
six honored for contributions made
at St. Rita were seniors Ryan Gal-
Staff Writers: Brad Dorng, Sean Gerich, Cesar Guzman, lagher, Roberto Hernandez , Mark
Austin Kingsley, Jake LePretre, John McNicholas, Charlie Ladd, Kevin Popek, and juniors
Murphy, Bobby Raehl, Craig Sabath, Danny Vaulman, and Ryan Mulcahy, and Aamir Walton.
Aamir Walton Sophomore Robert Raehl was rec-
Copy Editors: Dominick Cavazos, Brian Omastiak, and Ed
ognized for his participation at St.
Roland Symphorosa Parish and freshman
Edward Roland and sophomore Jo-
Photographer: Herbie Johnson seph Ruiz were both honored for Photo courtesy of Campus Ministry
their involvement at St. Walter Par- NINE RITA STUDENTS were recognized at the Vicariate V Leadership Awards
Moderator: Mr. Josh Blaszak ish. for their participation in the Church through parish and school programs.
May 27, 2010
Halo:ODST a great buy while FACULTY PROFILE:
waiting for Reach to release Mrs. Susan Krystof
By Craig Sabath
Sophomore Writer
With Halo: Reach ready for release in late 2010,
Bungie released Halo: ODST to help tide fans
over. In ODST you take the role of an Orbital
Drop Shock Trooper, abbreviated ODST. While
ODST is not a full blown sequel, it provides the
player with a fresh and well paced campaign, an
invigorating firefight mode and three new maps
on multiplayer.
However, after playing as superhuman Master
Chief for three straight installments, searching for
health packs and being bombarded with damage
indicators can be extremely pestering on higher
difficulties. Second, the multiplayer is essentially
recycled from Halo 3. Lastly, Halo: ODST does
nothing to alleviate the aging graphics of Halo.
Nonetheless, Halo: ODST is still a great buy for
fans of the Halo series.
WHILE THE CAMPAIGN is only about 5-7
hours long, it is a largely fresh experience. Bat-
tling Covenant on dimly lit, narrow streets is in
deep contrast with the wide open plains of the
Halo Series, where many of us can end up getting
lost in. Playing as a not-so-super shock trooper
dictates a different approach to the game. After
losing your light overshield, health packs are re-
quired to regenerate health. Also, one cannot dual
wield weapons nor jump as high or fall as deep as
Master Chief.
After playing Halo 3 for hundreds of hours, it
may require some time to get accustomed to. A
main theme of Halo ODST is the loneliness and
disparity of wandering through the streets of
Mombassa, which can easily be ruined by playing
with a friend. Playing alone may generate a very
different experience.
Over 100 Rita Juniors
take part in Beverly
Breast Cancer Walk
107 Rita juniors participated in the Beverly Breast Cancer
Walk on Sunday, May 9, 2010 to support breast cancer re-
search and awareness.
This year, Rita’s Campus Ministry Center has been working
on developing a new way for students to volunteer in com-
munity with one another and the broader Chicago community.
Thus, a Day of Service, where each junior picks an event to
attend was initiated.
Other Junior Days of Service were an Earth Day Celebration
cleaning the Dan Ryan Woods, a library restoration project at
the Donald L. Morrill Library, and Walkin’ It Out for Andrew -
a cancer research walk in memory of Andy Smialek ’08.
NEWS Page 3
The scenery in the campaign is used many times
By Brad Dorng
over, and consequently creates a strong sense of
monotony, though. In addition, the screen flashes
Sophomore Writer
red whenever shot, and can eventually obscure
Many students often
your vision. When your health is low, a beeper
wonder what their teach-
goes off that remains until your health is restored.
ers are like outside of the
Because health packs aren’t always easily found,
classroom, what they enjoy
the beeping can be burned into your memory.
about teaching, and why
When I was playing with a buddy, I found myself
they became a teacher.
purposefully committing suicide to end the beep-
I recently sat down with
ing. The annoying damage indicators don’t kill
chemistry teacher Mrs. Su-
the intense action of campaign mode, but it can be
san Krystof to ask some of
frustrating at times.
FIREFIGHT MODE IS An absolute blast with those questions.
a friend, though. The group of four players share
Q. How long have you been teaching at Saint Rita?
a pool of lives and health packs, meaning that
keeping our buddy alive is as important as keep-
A. I started here in 1975, and took 7 years off for my children,
ing yourself alive. Cooperation is imperative.
so twenty-eight years.
The real fun starts once you have a reliable
group put together. The unrelenting action and
Q. How did it fell to become the first female teacher at Rita
team game play of firefight mode is very similar
when you began?
to the Zombie game play of Call of Duty: World
at War. Because matches can last multiple hours,
A. When I first got the job I didn’t think much of it, but then I
one can easily get bored of one map after a few
realized that sometimes it was a struggle being the only female
matches, which is why there are eight maps to
for a while, but it was also a joy. Today I just feel like a teacher,
choose from, some set in the night and the others
I do not refer to myself as the “first female teacher.”
in the day. The many hours spent in firefight mode
easily compensates for the 6 hour campaign.
Q. Why chemistry?
The multiplayer is essentially a complete copy
of Halo 3. The maps of Halo 3 are included in
A. I can remember my junior year in high school really lik-
addition to the 3 new maps, one of which is a re-
ing chemistry. It was very interesting to learn and experiment
make of a Halo 2 map. The new maps are very
with the subject, and then I knew that was what I was going to
well constructed and as great as ever. However,
teach.
there is nothing to tempt those who have grown
bored of Halo 3’s multiplayer.
Q. Why did you become a teacher?
In essence, there is no better way for a Halo fan
to bide their time until Halo: Reach comes out
A. I was in graduate school for one year and absolutely hated
later this year.
research, and did not want to go into the business world, so I
figured I would become a teacher.
Q. Where did you attend college?
A. I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, then the
University of Wisconsin at Madison, and I went on and re-
ceived my MLS at Dominican University.
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of Rita?
A. I really enjoy being with my friends and traveling. I love
hand work; doing things like embroidery. I love to read books,
and I would consider myself a “Political Junky.”
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. I actually love a good pasta dish, a good steak, or fillet.
I think I am getting too old to eat pizza, but I still love it. A
couple things I do not like are liver and onions, and beans.
Photo courtesy of Campus Ministry
Page 4
CLASS OF 2010 May 27, 2010

Seniors look back at great Rita times

What are some favorite moments from
your time at Rita?
“The football games, homecoming, running, times with
my friends, and the way everyone respected one another
throughout my time.”
- Kevin Favela

“Winning the Prep Bowl Championship.”

- Javier Green

“Dancing to Thriller during Homecoming Week and mak-

ing new friends.”
- LeVar Little

“Playing football on Friday nights under the lights at Doyle

Stadium on Pat Cronin Field.”
- Jake O’Dea

“Playing football, being with my friends, the Football

State Championship freshman year, and great hockey ev-
ery year.” Photo by Mr. Josh Blaszak
- Brendan Garrett SENIORS CELEBRATE FOLLOWING graduation on Sunday, May 16th. The Class of 2010 earned over $11.5
million in scholarships. From left to right: John Starcevich, Mark Payton, Joe Loconte, and Dan Dillon.
“Kairos and Rita beating Mt. Carmel 54-18 this past sea-
son.” What advise would you leave the underclassmen at Rita?
- Kevin Berrigan
“Have fun, it goes by fast.”
- Kevin Popek

“Never back down, never give up, and always try your hardest.”
- Matt Wapinski

“Do good in school and get involved because that is what Rita is all about.”
- Kevin Favela

“Don’t be in such a hurry because everything goes by so quickly.”

- Patrick Leonard

“Don’t take your education for granted. An education will allow you to live a successful
and fulfilling life.”
- Joel Ortiz

“Know your place and listen to your leaders.”

- Mark Ladd

“Succeed at all times in every area that you participate in.”

- Ryan Gallagher

Photo by Mr. Josh Blaszak

TWO SENIORS TIED this year for the Mr. Mustang Award. Both Ro-
berto Hernandez (left) and Dan Dillon were named Mr. Mustang 2010.
The Mr. Mustang Award is given to a senior that is nominated by senior
teachers and then voted on by all members of the graduating class.

What is the funniest thing a teacher said

in class this year?
“When I come back in my second life, I am coming back
as a meaner chemistry teacher.”
- Mrs. Krystof

“Sounds like a terradactyl that got hit by a bus.”

- Mr. Pazin

“Hammy, you can’t pitch and eat nachos at the same

time.”
- Coach Carroll
Photo by Mr. Josh Blaszak
“I’m so indie, I listen to bands that haven’t been started.” SENIORS ENJOY ONE last time together as Rita students at Senior Prom Saturday, May 8th at the Marriott
- Mr. Kellam Downtown. From left to right: Rob Gallik, Joe Campagna, Dan Collins, Dan Connolly, and Henry Capouch.

Congratulations Class of 2010! Over $11.5 Million in Scholarships!

May 27, 2010
CLASS OF 2010 Page 5

What’s next for graduating seniors?

Kyle Adams Western Illinois University Timothy Ladd Saint Xavier University
Mark Aguilar Moraine Valley Community College Nolan LaPorte Junior Hockey
John Allen St. Ambrose University Trent Larson Western Michigan University
Brandon Alvarado Moraine Valley Community College Patrick Leonard Lindenwood University
Anthony Andres Northern Illinois University Levar Little Columbia College
Jorge Barba Calumet College of Saint Joseph Joseph Loconte University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Lane Barlow Undecided Mike Lopez Loyola University
Ivan Barragan CCC, Harold Washington College Martin Martinez North Park University
Michael Basic DePaul University Daniel McAuliffe Evergreen Park EMT School
Matthew Beemsterboer Illinois State University Jack McDonnell Eastern Illinois University
Myles Beristain Kendall College Daniel McGovern Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kevin Berrigan Saint Xavier University Matthew McGowan University of Iowa
Austin Bilotto Indiana University at Bloomington William McGrenera Loyola University
Patrick Boline Loras College Ronald McNamara Northwood University
Jeremie Bradford Lincoln College (Normal) Julian Miller Aurora University
Terrence Brennan University of Iowa Zachary Moore University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Michael Brettman Western Illinois University Matthew Moss Saint Xavier University
Isaiah Brown United States Naval Academy Cody Mroczka University of Missouri
Zachary Bulthuis Illinois State University Matthew Murawski University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Rhys Burnett Moraine Valley Community College Thomas Murphy Western Michigan University
Joseph Cairo University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Blake Neven Eastern Illinois University
Jose Calles Morton College John Nevin University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Joseph Campagna Ferris State University Brendan Nolan Moraine Valley Community College
Sean Capocy Undecided Ryan Nolan Trine University
Henry Capouch Ferris State University Eric Nolen Moraine Valley Community College
Matthew Carlson Calumet College of Saint Joseph Anthony Nudo Western Michigan University
Sterling Carrington Illinois State University John O’Dea Loras Collge
Michael Casas Valparaiso University John O’Leary United States Marine Corps
Michael Chausse United States Marine Corps Joel Ortiz University of Iowa
Christian Chavez Eastern Illinois University Tanner Panozzo Lewis University
Brandyn Cheatham Lewis University Michael Parker United States Marine Corps
Martin Cody Moraine Valley Community College Zachary Patient University of Iowa
Joseph Collaro Christ Hospital EMT Training Mark Payton Arizona State University
Daniel Collins Western Michigan University John Pentek United States Marine Corps
Daniel Connolly Northwood University Joshua Pentek Western Illinois University
Joseph DeBartolo Work Thomas Pentek Moraine Valley Community College
Joshua DePue Moraine Valley Community College Daniel Petrbok Illinois State University
Louis DeSimone Murray State University Kevin Popek Moraine Valley Community College
Daniel Dillon Saint Louis University Tristan Porter College of Dupage
Richard Dolan Eastern Illinois University Christopher Powell Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
John Duffy Moraine Valley Community College Bryan Przepiora University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Walker Dunne Widener University Thomas Qualter Lindenwood University
Chriss Dunson Bradley University Patrick Rafalin Moraine Valley Community College
Patrick Dust Moraine Valley Community College Joshua Rayhill Coe College
Michael Egan University of Alabama Vincent Riggio Trine University
Sean Enright Western Michigan University Thomas Riordan CCC, Richard J. Daley College
Joseph Escamilla Illinois Institute of Art Thomas Roberts Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Brian Falkenberg Western Michigan University Nicolas Robles Saint Xavier University
Kevin Favela University of Illinois at Chicago Matthew Rokita Illinois State University
Ryan Gallagher College of Mount St. Joseph Joseph Ryan Work
Robert Gallik Illinois Wesleyan University Patrick Santschi St. Leo University
Fernando Gamboa University of Illinois at Chicago Sean Scaduto Benedictine University
Ronald Garcia Western Illinois University Steven Scheide Eastern Illinois University
Brendan Garrett Ferris State University Daniel Schergen Marquette University
Bruce Gaston, Jr. Purdue University David Schrader University of Miami
Mark Gbur University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Nicholas Schultz Eastern Illinois University
David Gerald, Jr. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale Nicholas Schumacher Illinois State University
Sean Gerich Norwich University Brendan Scully St. Norbert College
Michael Golden United States Marine Corps John Sheedy Columbia College Chicago
Pedro Gomez Calumet College of Saint Joseph Kyle Sheehan University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Gonzalo Gonzalez United States Marine Corps John Shimkus Moraine Valley Community College
Matthew Goosherst Villanova University Luis Silva Columbia College Chicago
Javier Green Joliet Junior College Carlton Simmons Lewis University
Beau Guinta Arizona State University Christopher Simms Illinois Wesleyan University
Kevin Handler Marquette University Eric Sloyan Moraine Valley Community College
Matthew Hanigan Western Michigan University Scott Smolik United States Marine Corps
Elliot Harris Moraine Valley Community College John Starcevich Villanova University
Roberto Hernandez Saint Louis University Kyle Stearns College of the Holy Cross
Daniel Holubik Kalamazoo Valley Community College Thomas Sujack Texas A & M
Patrick Horan Undecided Adam Suntken Parkland Community College
John Howard Marquette University Connor Taff Moraine Valley Community College
Kyle Jachim Butler University Kimani Thomas Western Illinois University
Curtis Jackson Roosevelt University Kyle Toth University of Iowa
Jesus Jaquez CCC, Richard J. Daley College Luke Turner Western Michigan University
Joseph Jasas DePaul University Edwardo Vazquez Universal Technical Institute
Luke Jennings Moraine Valley Community College Benjamin Velazquez University of Iowa
Zachary Johnson Eastern Illinois University Michael Villa EMT/Superior Ambulance
Thomas Kelly Saint Xavier University Jamie Viramontes University of Iowa
Daniel Kerr Moraine Valley Community College Patrick Walsh Parkland Community College
Raymond Kipp Illinois State University Matthew Wapinski Moraine Valley Community College
Martin Kordas Western Michigan University Clarence Weaver ITT Tech/Orland Park
Matthew Krejczyk Lewis University Kevin Yerkes University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Sean Kurth College of DuPage Anthony Zawaski Illinois State University
Mark Ladd Saint Louis University Joseph Zigulich Illinois State University
Page 6
ACTIVITIES & SPORTS
PRIDE WEEK 2010
Future success
Faculty caps off year with victory over seniors
is the outlook
for Mustang
Water Polo
DURING THE TRADITIONAL end of the year Pride Week events, Team Faculty finished a successful year with a victory over Team
Seniors in softball. The faculty dominated in games held between the two teams this year. Pictured are members from both teams.
2010-2011 Student Government
Election Results
President
Liam Hopkins
Vice President
Dan McGrath
Senior Representatives
Dan Foley
Bobby Gallagher
Ryan McGowan
Aamir Walton
Will Woods’ controversy have long-term effect on career?
By Brad Dorng
Sophomore Writer
Over the last several months the world has seen Tiger
Woods, a sports icon of America, lose almost everything
he had. He has lost his wife, many sponsors, and also his
pride and image of which he use to possess so well, due to
some poor life choices.
It all began in December when Tiger was involved in a
car crash on his property. The incident led Tiger to admit-
ting in having various sexual affairs with women. Tiger’s
wife, Elin Nordegren, a former Swedish model was also
then brought into the eye of the public for allegations of
her own. She was accused of beating Tiger, but these ru-
mors were never proven and even denied by Tiger. Wit-
nesses then spotted Elin not wearing her wedding ring
which she use to, and stated that she does not seem happy
but she seems to be doing fine with her two children, Sa-
mantha and Charlie.
IN DECEMBER, TIGER Woods decided that he would
take an indefinite leave from golf to work on getting his
life under control. Tiger was reported as saying “I need to
focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and
person.”
Mixed emotions go about Tiger’s handling of the situa-
tion, and the affairs he had with numerous women. Some
agree that Tiger was an icon and ruined the image he had
before due to his own decision making. They also agree
that he destroyed the wonderful family that he once had.
Some other people have a different view of the situation
though, as well. Some believe that all of the attention Tiger
is getting is unnecessary, and that many men and women
have affairs like him, asking themselves why is Tiger’s
Photo by Mr. Josh Blaszak
Junior Represenatives
Brendan Duffy
John Johnson
Mike Murphy
Shakir Spells
Sophomore Representives
Liam Forde
Jonathan Holubik
Tim Lynch
Nick Mangan
any different.
Many people are confused about why Tiger left the
P.G.A., because they think that being so good at something
would have helped his situation in the long run. Some oth-
er people think that he was smart in leaving the game of
golf, so that he can get back what he lost.
TIGER’S MANY SPONSORS also have mixed feel-
ings. Some sponsors dropped Woods, because they were
afraid of the backlash they will receive if they associate
themselves with someone who has affairs. Although some
sponsors have dropped him, some said they may take him
back if he cleans up his act and goes back to the profes-
sional and the superior golfer he was. On the contrary,
some other sponsors agree that they are smart for keeping
their deals with Tiger, because they know he can overcome
the many struggles he faces.
On January 16, 2010, only seven weeks after his “car
crash,” in which destroyed his cautiously controlled scan-
dal, some say they saw Tiger Woods coming out of a Sex
Addiction clinic in Mississippi. Woods has also been on an
Africa Safari, to help “get his head straight,” and Tiger has
also said that he has been praying and meditating, trying to
show himself and others that he is truly improving.
On January 19, Tiger Woods made his first public speech
to all those willing to listen. In Pont Vedra Beach, Florida,
Tiger made a very well rehearsed and sincere apology. He
said he was deeply sorry for his irresponsible and selfish
behavior that he engaged in. Tiger also proclaimed that he
and Elin have talked since the incident and that what hap-
pens between them needs to stay between them, but he did
say that Elin said that she cannot forgive him by his words
but by his behavior over time.
Tiger does not understand how he could have done this
May 27, 2010
By Jake LePretre
Freshman Writer
After the loss of several key players, the
2010 Mustang Water Polo team looked to this
season as a rebuilding year.
The season turned out to have several
ups including a winning streak and several
downs. However, the team stayed positive
and looked more at the ups than downs.
Some of the Mustangs’ key wins this year
included their first win at Lockport. Others
were part of their three game winning streak
are against Riverside-Brookfield in overtime
with 2 late clutch blocks by junior deep-
end goalie junior Connor LePretre and also
against Morton when the Mustangs were
down and junior forward Neil Ehmig scored
the goal to tie the game late in the 4th and
then Ehmig went down to score the game
winning goal with .08 seconds left. Ehmig
had a total of 4 goals.
The team’s best overall victory was their
whooping of Mt. Carmel with a score of 22-5.
Coach Chuck Knibbs felt this was a rebuild-
ing year and he said “next year we will have a
lot of three year starters and a lot more expe-
rience in the water and with each other.”
Other key players for Rita include sopho-
more hole-man Mike Hernandez and sopho-
more wing Ryan McMahon. Ehmig and
LePretre both agreed that “we have become
a smarter and stronger team since the begin-
ning of the season.”
The team has struggled at the end of their
season, however the Mustangs gave it their
all. The team is really looking forward to
building in the off-season and next year with
several of the players being three year start-
ers, the Mustangs feel they will have a much
stronger team. They now look forward high
hopes for the future
not only to himself but to all those who have loved and
supported him. Woods did state that Elin did not, nor has
she ever, hit or abused him. He criticized the paparazzi for
following his family around stalking them and trying to
get pictures and their incites to the situation, and he also
said that Elin should not be getting false or negative atten-
tion but she should be praised for all that she is handling.
Tiger also made himself and all those people who either
were at the speech of watched it at home a promise. He
said that he will never ever commit an affair again and that
he was wrong to do in the first case. Woods said that he
was once used as an example or role model, and that he is
ashamed to now be looked down on.
Woods also thanked the P.G.A. for all of their patience
and understanding with the whole situation. After his
apology Tiger hugged his mother and plans on keeping up
with his counseling and getting the help he needs to get
his life back.
DURING HIS STAND up five minute March interview
with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi, Tiger was very defensive when
asked about why his car crashed, and he said that it was
between him and his wife. Not much was stated during
the interview but he did say that he didn’t know he was
in the wrong at first. He admitted that he was not sticking
to his Buddhism beliefs and, forgetting to “meditate,” and
other things his parents had taught him. Woods said that
he could not wait to return to golf and play with all of his
friends again.
Tiger plans to continue attending rehab while playing
golf, even though he has a lot in front of him. Woods is
make his return to the P.G.A. in April at the Masters tour-
nament. Now the world stands by to see what long term
effect the Tiger controversy will truly have on his career.
May 27, 2010
HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS Page 7

Rita makes quite the quest to the Cup

By Sean Gerich
Senior Writer
History has been made this year. The Skating Mus-
tangs became the first team in Rita’s history to win both
the Blackhawks Cup (State Championship) and the
Kennedy Cup (CCHL Title) in the same year.
In the six years that Head Coach Craig Ferguson has
been at Rita, the hockey team has been at its apex, win-
ning three Kennedy Cup titles and the Rita’s second
State Championship.
The squad this year is to be considered a very young
team. Only losing seven players at the end of the sea-
son the team will be in good shape next year. The of-
fense was led by the unit of juniors Mike Tisoncik, Alex
Roman and Mike Ferguson. The defense was anchored
by seniors Henry Capouch, Jack McDonnell and Tanner
Panozzo. Two goalies shared the duties this year, both
of which were seniors, Sean Gerich and Bill McGren-
era.
The team finished the season with a record of 47-
9-7. They were not able to conquer the regular season
title in the Chicago Catholic Hockey League (CCHL).
The Mustangs captured the 3rd seed behind Marist and
Fenwick. By landing the 3rd seed Rita faced off with
their Augustinian brothers at Providence Catholic. The
Mustangs swept them in a three game series with scores
of 6-2 and 5-2.
RITA HAD TO wait to see who they would play in
the semi-finals because Marist and Norte Dame went
to Game 3. The Redhawks would defeat the Dons, Set-
ting up a Southside battle for the finals. Game 1 went
the Mustangs way as they won 6-1. Game 2, however,
would go to Marist. Game 3 was now set. Both teams
laid it all out there. An early goal on the first shot on
goal by a surprise scorer Richie Matyas would give the
Mustangs a 1-0 lead. That’s all they would need as Bill
McGrenera played a lights out game keeping Marist off
the board. Fenwick was waiting to see who would win
Game 3 and who they would face.
For a third year in a row, a Rita versus Fenwick fi-
nal pairing occurred. Game 1 was held at Fenwick, the
rink being a smaller size rink and packed with crazy
Fenwick fans, however, they would not get to the Mus-
tangs. Rita went on the road and came out of Oak Park
with a 3-1 win. It set Fenwick on their heels. Game 2
would be played at SIA in front of many students, fami-
lies and alumni. The game was a battle for both teams.
The game went 0-0 until 1:17 was left in the second
period. On the power play Capouch let a rocket go off
of his stick and past Fenwick goalie.
HAVING A 1-0 lead the Mustangs just didn’t play
defense in the third. They attacked. They got strong
goaltending from Gerich who turned away 17 of 17
shots in the 3rd period. Making three big saves in a row
to keep the game at 1-0 with 1:20 left to play. The Mus-
tangs sealed the victory when Roman netted a empty
netter to make it 2-0. The Mustangs won, earning them
their third consecutive Kennedy Cup and leaving them
to focus on State.
The last two years the Mustangs had made it to the
Tuesday night semi-finals for State but were never
able to win. This year they were determined to make a
change. Given a 5th seed for the team could be seen as
not fair and not right. The opening round had Rita fac-
ing off with the Scouts of Lake Forest. The Mustangs
came out with a win 7-1.
In round two of the 2010 Blackhawk Cup quest the
Mustangs defeated the Naperville Central Redhawks
8-5. Next up, was a team that the Mustangs had al-
ready beaten three times. Up against the Prairie Ridge
Wolves, it would be a battle to the end but a quick goal
in the third period would seal the deal for the Mustangs.
They would make it to that Tuesday semi-final.
The semi-final game was not a easy game. Rita was
matched up versus the number one seed in all of the
state, New Trier Green (NTG). The game featured
many star players in the state. Both goalies were team-
mates on the All- State team. The Mustangs had also
already faced NTG once this year, falling 4-1.
NTG WOULD JUMP out to an early lead but with
1.7 second left senior captain Jack McDonnell put the
puck in off a funny bounce. NTG came out hard in the
second, forcing many pucks to the net. But goalie Ger-
ich had an answer for each shot.
Gerich making some key saves gave Rita the momen-
tum. The offense came from two unexpected sources.
Within 45 seconds freshmen Keith Burchett and Chris
Foley would score to make it a 3-1 lead. At the end of
two the shots on goal were NTG 21 Rita 7 but a 3-1 lead
for Rita. NTG came out with a mission at hand scoring
two goals to tie the game up at 3 in the third period. At
the 5 minute mark Hero Henry (Capouch) snipped the
goalie to give the team a 4-3 lead. Both teams would
play their hearts out for the rest of the time. A clear out
of the zone with six seconds left gave the Mustangs a
W.
The team mobbed goalie Gerich, who had made 35
saves, and were heading to the United Center to play
either Marist or Loyola Gold. Loyola rolled over Marist
winning 6-1, leading to a battle of Northside vs. South-
side on the Westside.

Team captures first State title since 1982

By Sean Gerich
Senior Writer
The last time the Mustangs won the State Championship for hockey the number
one song of the year was “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. The year was 1982.
The Mustangs completed the task this year knocking off Loyola Gold at the United
Center. As you read you saw the road for the Mustangs was a difficult one. The
road for the Ramblers was a road that had many blow outs over two CCHL teams,
Fenwick and Marist. They would not beat this CCHL team. The game was one to
remember as a player.
The memories started in 6th period of school with the all-school pep rally, after
school with the bus trip into the same the loading dock that the NHL players go into,
and entering the locker room of the away NHL team.
EVERYONE WAS IN an unknown place, in awe of the locker room but Head
Coach Craig Ferguson had to remind the team that it was just another game and
nothing different about it. The staff at the United Center was set up just like a Black-
hawks game. It was also the first time that the game was aired live on television on
Comcast.
Hitting the ice in front of the biggest crowd in high school history, 6,800, the nerves
really hit the players. The crowd was about 90 % Rita 10 % Loyola. After the Na-
tional Anthem sung by Jim Cornelison the game was set to begin.
Photo by Mr. Mike Patton
THIS YEAR’S VARSITY Mustang Hockey team made Rita history as the first team to ever
win both the Kennedy Cup Championship and State Championship in the same year.
The game was even at first. The best scoring chance of the period came off the stick
of junior Dan Foley. Foley got pass from line mate sophomore Stan Sojka in the slot
and Foley was robbed by the glove hand of Loyola’s goalie. The unit would come out
and get the scoring started.
Junior Mike Tisoncik hammered home a shot from the left slot at 5:10 of the first
period. Juniors Alex Roman and Mike Ferguson got assists on Tisoncik’s team-lead-
ing 53rd goal. Tisnocik just put the puck on net and it sneaked by Loyola’s goalie.
Tisnocik’s goal gave the Mustangs some much needed room and momentum.
The second period was a period that was a battle the whole period. Both goalies
turned all the shots away to keep the game at 1-0. 17 more minutes, “17 more and the
season is over go out there and give it your all” was the message in the locker room.
Loyola came out in the third firing pucks on net from every angle of the ice. Loyola
scored off a crazy bounce off the United Center boards. They now had all the mo-
mentum. Big saves by senior Sean Gerich and the small plays by the forwards would
swing the momentum back into Rita’s favor.
The thing that pushed completely to Rita’s side was a goal scored by freshman
Chris Foley. Foley had to restore the family name when he was given a chance by a
silky smooth pass by sophomore Joey McDonnell. Foley fired a backhand from the
slot that beat Loyola’s goalie low blocker giving the Mustangs a 2-1 lead with 10:22
left. The United erupted, just if the Blackhawks scored. Again it would a freshman
that gave the Mustangs the lead.
THE MUSTANGS WOULD play a solid defensive game the rest of the night. The
captains seniors Jack McDonnell and Henry Capouch truly lead by example. Seeing
how McDonnell and Capouch played, everyone picked up their game. The Mustangs
capped off the win with an empty net goal with 40 seconds by Roman.
The countdown started 5 4 3 2 1. When the siren rang Gerich was mobbed again by
his teammates. The team knocked off the one and two seed in state.
Coach Ferguson has the pride to say that we won the Kennedy Cup and the State ti-
tle in the same year twice. He won both as a player in 1979 and as a coach in 2010.
Jack McDonnell, Capouch and Gerich were named to the all tournament team.
Goalie Gerich was honored as the MVP of the game making 22 saves.
Captains McDonnell and Capouch got the trophy from the head of AHAI and
brought it back to a well deserved team.
The celebration didn’t stop there. After a police escort back to school from the
United Center, many friends, students, parents, families and alumni were at school to
greet the champions. After talks by President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., Principal
Mrs. Sally Deenihan, the coaching staff, and a few players, the crowd stayed to talk
to the players.
This team did nothing that any Rita Hockey team has ever done. They team won
both a Kennedy Cup and a Blackhawk Cup in the same year.
The senior class leaving has been able to witness many great times in Rita Hockey
history. They have been part of a 3-peat in the Kennedy Cup, a State championship,
two State semi-finals appearances, and many other honors.
On the last day of Pride Week 2010 events, the championship banner to be hung in
the gym was officially unveiled.
Page 8
MUSTANG SPORTS May 27, 2010

Track team putting best efforts forward

By Craig Sabath
Sophomore Writer letes. Echoing Ricky Bobby’s “If you ain’t first, you’re Meter Dash, and Gaston’s solid performances in Shot
last,” motto, he continued, “Coming in second place Put and Discus.
This season, third year Head Track Coach Mr. Tony means we are the first loser in a competition, and this As strong as the current team is, several fresh-
Sosnowski was asked to reflect on the season. mentality has driven our athletes, especially our young- men and sophomore athletes have shown potential to
When asked what’s unique about Rita Track in gen- er athletes, to compete at a very high level. Essentially, be future stars. Most notably, Freshman Aris Irizarry
eral, Coach had much to say, “There are many things we are competing with a chip on our shoulder to prove (Sprints/Jumps), Sophomore Albert Alfano (Distance),
which make teams unique in their own way. However, how good we can be.” Sophomore Jake Golding (Sprints), Sophomore Shakir
our team is special because our team members not only Key losses from last year include Sean Gill, Ahmad Spells (Throws), and Sophomore Cody Leach (Sprints/
are teammates, but they are also friends outside of track Daniels (100-200 Meter Runner, member of state-qual- Jumps).
and field and have formed meaningful relationships that ifying 4*100 relay) and Jordan Sodipo (1 of top Confer- Coach Sosnowski is very optimistic about the future
will carry on past high school. Although track and field ence Throwers). of St. Rita Track saying, “We are optimistic about build-
is an individual based sport, these individuals are all However, current upperclassmen have stepped up and ing the program up to where it should be. We have three
there for each other and pushing each other towards be- have performed more than adequately. Green, Bonds, team goals: individual improvement, winning a confer-
coming better athletes and people.” Davis and senior Joel Ortiz anchor a relay team that has ence championship, and winning a state championship.
Coach Sosnowski expressed a strong sense of pride made it to the State competition on May 28th at Eastern Our team works each day to achieve these goals, and we
in the strength, speed, and leaping capabilities of play- Illinois University. believe we will accomplish them all in time.”
ers such as seniors Bruce Gaston and Javier Green, ju- The team also performed well at the Sectionals com- “It has been a great season and we look forward to
niors Mark Bonds and Anthony Davis, and sophomore petion. Some highlights included Bonds’ 5th place fin- next year. We all hope to send even more down to the
Cody Leach. ish in the 100 Meter Dash, Davis’ placing 3rd in the 200 State competition in the future,” said Shakir Spells.
COACH IS ALSO astounded by the work ethic of
many players. “Several athletes have made significant
strides this season and are putting in their best perfor-
mances at the end of the season.”
Not a surprise considering that nothing less than the
best is expected from each track member by Coach Sos-
nowski. “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.”
This season, we have witnessed that work ethic carry
over into numerous outstanding performances by not
only upperclassmen, but by underclassmen as well.
Some stand-out performances:
Anthony Davis, 200 Meter Dash: 22.64
Mark Bonds, 55 Meter Dash: 6.50
Mark Bonds, Long Jump: 20 feet 4 in.
Javier Green, 55 Meter Dash: 6.55
Bruce Gaston, Shot Put: 50 feet & Discus: 149 feet
Cody Leach, Triple Jump: 43 feet 5 in.
Sophomore Jake Pikowski, High Jump: 6 feet 3 in.
Junior Mitch Saffold, Triple Jump: 42 feet 3 in.
Expect such performances to continue through the Photo by Mr. Mike Patton
RITA’ TRACK TEAM has been putting their best efforts forward, resulting in many successful performances through the
next several years. “Our guys expect to win now and in
course of the season. This weekend the relay team of seniors Javier Green and Joel Ortiz (pictured), and juniors Mark Bonds
the future,” commenting on the difference of Rita ath- and Anthony Davis will travel to compete in the State competition being held at Eastern Illinois University.

Mustang Lacrosse prepares Mustang Baseball marks

for start of postseason play
By Craig Sabath
Sophomore Writer
100th Year Milestone
The 2009-2010 Baseball season marks the 100 were given to past coaches in attendance and three
This year’s lacrosse team has had much hype since it
year anniversary of the sport being played at Rita. jerseys numbers were retired.
began the season. An all-star roster filled with fast players
To mark this special milestone a celebration was The numbers retired were #5 of Nick Etten ’31,
and quick scorers, this team has the talent to push deep
held on Saturday, May 22nd on the Varsity Base- #13 of Ed Farmer ’67, and #18 of Jim Clancy ’74.
into the postseason. Following a tough schedule and a
ball field. Past and present baseball players and The current Mustangs have been having a very
regular season filled with many highs and lows, the Mus-
coaches were present as they were all honored. successful 100th season as they are currently 26-9
tangs now prepare to enter into the playoffs this week.
Special recognition and commemorative plaques heading into postseason play.
This talented team is led by senior Ryan Gallagher, one
of the top players in the state, who unfortunately has been
faced with injuries. Also leading the team are seniors
Walker Dunne and Ryan Nolan. Alex Summerfelt and Ar-
man Castillo are some of the top juniors on the team.

Photo by Mr. Josh Blaszak

SENIOR RYAN GALLAGHER along with senior Walker Dunne Photo by Mr. Josh Blaszak
have helped lead the Mustangs this season. Both were named AS PART OF the 100 Year Anniversary of Rita Baseball, three jerseys were retired and past coaches and players
“Players of the Week” in April for the Catholic Conference. were honored at a special celebration May 22nd. Ed Farmer ’67 addresses the crowd as his number 13 is retired.