School winds down, football looks ahead

Coach Tony Verducci and his staff welcomed new and returning players to the program this past weekend. The staff fitted students with state-of-art helmets, accepted team wear orders, and finalized plans for the High School Football Clinic held from June 14-18 on our own Fannon Field. Almost two-thirds of our incoming freshmen begin their Bishop Ireton football experience without having spent time in “organized” youth football programs. Bishop Ireton’s freshman/sophomore team mission focuses on instilling a love of the game, teaching football fundamentals, and preparing young men to compete at the varsity level. New students (incoming freshmen or transfers) should contact Coach Verducci for more information at Verducca@bishopireton.org.

One of the strength of the Cardinal football program is its multi-sport athletes. Football players were well represented at the 9^th Annual Varsity Athletic Awards Banquet, garnering honors for their contributions on the gridiron and in other sports. Dom Puglise, a team captain, was the BI male MVP based on his success in both football and lacrosse. Dom was an all-state football player, National Football Foundation scholar-athlete, and all-WCAC lacrosse player. The school’s male Cardinal Award winner was Kevin Galloway, an outstanding inside linebacker, accomplished wrestler, and talented middie on the BI lacrosse team.

Doug Vines was honored as the football team MVP for his exploits as a running back, defensive back, and kick returner. Doug was a first team all-state selection and the team’s leading rusher, receiver, and scorer last year. Jacob Manley was the team Cardinal Award winner, honored for his leadership, effort, and contributions. Jacob was also honored as the wrestling team’s Cardinal Award winner and as the Class of 2010’s outstanding scholar-athlete.

Dom Puglise was also honored as the lacrosse team’s MVP, sharing the stage with football teammate Tommy Kestermann, who was the school’s Spirit Award winner and lax team Cardinal Award winner. John Sullivan, who excelled as an offensive lineman in the fall, was recognized as the Cardinal Award winner for the Swim & Dive team during the winter. Mark Holmes, a speedy wide-receiver, won the Track team’s MVP award as a standout sprinter. Brad Thomas, the team’s center, put enough drives in the center of the fairway to be selected as the Golf team’s Cardinal Award winner. Brendan Rizkallah, who transferred to Bishop Ireton for his senior year, played football and was honored as the Baseball team’s Cardinal Award winner.

The Bishop Ireton football team coaching staff extends its sincere appreciation and congratulations to our Class of 2010 athletes and looks forward to its first opportunity to work with the Classes of 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 during the June Clinic. Registration materials are available in the Summer Camps Brochure on the school website.