#LasallianLife
Champions
November 03, 2023
Throughout this past fall, our athletic teams have experienced tremendous success. Our boys golf team started off our fall athletic achievements by winning a Sectional Championship. A few days later, our girls tennis team won a League Championship. Earlier this week, our boys soccer team complemented an undefeated regular season with a Sectional Championship. They are ranked #3 in the most recent NYS rankings. This past Wednesday, senior Ella Zaryski won an individual sectional title in the girls swimming 200 meter freestyle. Finally, our football team, currently ranked #8 in the largest class of NYS, completed an undefeated season and now plays this Friday evening in the semifinal round of the Section 3 Championships. Several other individuals and teams completed outstanding seasons or have upcoming championships.
In addition to these remarkable accomplishments, another team left an unwavering impression on me this past week - our girls soccer team. Our girls had an exceptional season and battled valiantly in the Sectional Championship against Marcellus. Despite their extraordinary effort, the game ended in defeat, 2-0.
I will let you in on one of my secrets… I typically stick around after a loss. You will usually see me purposefully standing, clapping and then making my way to the field to congratulate the players. On my way, I intently observe the reaction of the players, coaches, and parents. Specifically, I am gauging, how do we handle disappointment, challenges, discouragement, or defeat? Though they are less glorious lessons, they are qualities that we seek to instill in our young people.
Disappointments at a young age can sometimes lead to anger, isolation, or desolation. Or, challenges can lead us to a deeper understanding of God’s blessings and graces in our lives. They lead us to become closer to the version of ourselves that God created us to be. We cannot avoid challenges and disappointments but we can accompany young people as they learn to navigate these experiences with faith, grace, love, and resilience. Lessons that extend far beyond their years at CBA.
It is easy to be a good teammate when the team is winning. It is easy to cheer positively when the score is in our favor. It is more challenging to reflect love and grace when the score of the game, or the score in life, does not tilt our way.
As the final horn marked the end of the game, I was moved with immense pride as our girls graciously congratulated Marcellus, then slowly returned to our sideline, arm in arm with friends and teammates. Linked together as a team, they made their way to the front of the bleachers and, brushing away tears of disappointment, waved, smiled, and thanked their friends and family members. As my gaze turned to the bleachers, I witnessed every parent standing, clapping, and encouraging our young athletes - reinforcing our shared values.
Grace during times of disappointment does not reflect a lack of heart. Instead, it reflects the strongest kind of heart - a commitment to grace in spite of the disappointment.
Tears may have reflected the sadness of a season coming to a close. Yet, they also reflected an acknowledgement of the blessings of friendships and love from their teammates, friends, and family members. It was very clear to me at that moment that God was smiling down proudly as our girls reflected the people that he created them to be.
In my opinion, the girls are the greatest form of champions.
Congratulations to Coach Marcello Vitale and to team members:
Mia Arcuri '25, Nevaeh Bacheyie '27, Rebecca Bielass '24, Alli Boulé '25, Francesca Canzano '27, Maddy Crysler '25, Emily Dalton '26, Kendall Donegan '25, Sakura Dotterer '25, Ciara Duggan '28, Kathryn Heyboer '24, Emma Hill '26, Olivia Jones '28, Cara Macaluso '26, Margaret Melvin '24, Carly Morgia '25, Mairenn Murphy '24, Meryl Murphy '27, Kate Radford '26, Abby Uryniak '24, Charli Walma '25, Katherine Williamson '26, and Lauren Zollo '24!
Go Brothers! We are proud of you!
Sincerely,
Mr. Matthew Keough
President, Christian Brothers Academy
