“The respect and the values that have been instilled by the staff and the school are something that you hope every kid would have.”
County Legislator Linda Ervin and Jonathan Stackhouse.
Second row: Sidney Vallery, Nolan Bower, Tim O’Shea, Joe Darwish, Andrew Romagnoli, Mark Friske, County Legislator Dan Liedka, Tim Corapi, Keegan O’Hern and J.R. Zazzara Third row: John “Buddy” Wleklinski, Director of Athletics, Coach Joe Casamento, Gideon Dixon, Alex Drescher, Deshawn Salter, Tim Corapi, Sean Stark, Colin McGraw,Andrew Ziemba, Andrew Goodwin, Aaron Donalson, Kellen Sherwin and Brad Van Patten
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Onondaga County Legislature acknowledged the accomplishments of the Christian Brothers Academy football team over the past several years. County Legislators Linda Ervin and Dan Liedka spoke on behalf of the Legislature. A citation was also read.
“The CBA athletic philosophy emphasizes important lifelong lessons that transcend the playing field, and student athletes learn self-discipline, teamwork, commitment, and sportsmanship through participation in sports, in addition to developing self-confidence, celebrating success and overcoming adversity,” read a line in the citation.
The team has won four consecutive division championships, has advanced to the sectional championship game for five straight years and has won the title the last two. In the last four years, the Brothers have compiled a 38 – 5 overall record and have not lost a regular season game to a Section III opponent.
“This is a team and a school that requires notice,” said Ervin. “Private schools make a difference…certainly this one does. We are all so very proud of you.”
Liedka has had the opportunity to watch the team first hand. He is a sports broadcaster for Time Warner Cable.
“When you see these boys get off the bus, it makes you stop and pause,” Liedka remarked. “The respect and the values that have been instilled by the staff and the school are something that you hope every kid would have. They are great role models. CBA does a great job preparing these kids to be future leaders.”
Twenty-one seniors represented the team at the presentation.
Head coach Joe Casamento thanked the Onondaga County Legislator.
“I miss these kids already,” Casamento said. “They have been a joy to coach these past four years. I know they will be great leaders and maybe someday sitting in your seats.”