The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of Brooklyn and Queens has been around for more than 70 years, so naturally, dedicated individuals have played a role in its success and longevity.
To recognize those individuals, the CYO hosted its first-ever Hall of Fame induction ceremony May 16 at the Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston.
When new CYO Director Rob Caldera took over last July, one of his main goals was to establish a CYO Hall of Fame. With his tireless efforts and those of the CYO staff, this goal was accomplished in less than a year.
The inaugural 15-member class includes former athletes, coaches, athletic directors, league administrators, clergy members and officials.
The following honorees were enshrined for their lifelong dedication to the CYO’s mission:
Msgr. Charles Bermingham was the first director of the diocesan CYO program when it was formed in 1940. His goal was to spread the program beyond just athletics, and he encouraged the participation of girls as well in activities such as dance. Regarded as a “vibrant leadership man,” he was inducted posthumously.
Denis Carroll played basketball and baseball at St. Andrew Avellino, Flushing, in the 1950s and began coaching at Sacred Heart, Bayside, in 1957. He then moved to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Bayside, where he coached several sports until 2011. Since 1988, he has served admirably as parish athletic representative (PAR).
Bob Corrigan has served as the boys’ track coach at St. Joan of Arc, Jackson Heights, for over 40 years. He’s been a member of the CYO track committee for more than a decade, and he has incorporated Christian service activities into his track coaching. Along with 90 CYO track championships, many of his runners went on to earn college scholarships.
Joe Costello started as a CYO coach at St. Mary Winfield, Woodside, in 1970 and a year later began officiating basketball games. He is still officiating basketball, soccer and softball games today. He also served 10 years as CYO director from 1996 to 2006.
Mary Glascock has coached CYO girls’ track at St. Joan of Arc for as long as Bob Corrigan. While the accolades have added up over the years, her coaching approach is characterized by personal care for each of her runners. She’s also served many years on the CYO track committee.
Vincent Harkins swam and played basketball at St. Thomas Aquinas, Flatlands. His experience as a swimmer led him to become a CYO swim official for 47 years starting in 1966. He became PAR at St. Thomas More, Breezy Point, and eventually coached basketball, softball, baseball, soccer and cross-country track. He later became CYO swimming coordinator from 2007 to 2010. He was inducted posthumously.
Eugene and Elsie Kenny were essential to setting the ground work of the CYO sports program at St. Pancras, Glendale, in 1964. Under their direction, St. Pancras became one of the largest CYO parishes in the diocese. Eugene was inducted posthumously, but Elsie is still available for support and guidance at the parish.
Bob Koch began volunteering his time at Sacred Heart, Glendale, in 1963, and he’s still active in the parish’s CYO program today. He coached baseball and basketball before taking over as PAR in the 1970s and 1980s. He continues to serve on the parish’s youth sports committee.
Kevin Mahoney began coaching CYO sports at St. Mary Winfield in 1964 and continued into the late 1990s. He served as PAR for over 20 years before becoming a CYO staff supervisor for the diocese and Catholic Charities. A new sportsmanship award has been named in his honor, and St. Adalbert’s, Elmhurst, and Our Lady of the Snows, North Floral Park, were the first recipients. He was inducted posthumously.
Mike McGovern came to Our Lady of the Snows parish in 1991 looking for a way to get involved in family ministry, so he built a complete CYO program that has enhanced the spirit of the parish. He has served the parish in a variety of roles for 23 years and is a member of the CYO Spiritual Committee. He is a prime example of teaching faith through one’s actions.
Joe Michalowski began playing CYO baseball and basketball at Holy Family, Flushing, in 1959. He then served as a coach and assistant athletic director before becoming a referee. From 1976 to the present day, he has been one of the league’s most respected officials.
John Moran began officiating CYO basketball games in 1970 and continued until the 2007 season. He also served as an umpire for softball games. He enjoyed seeing the kids learn true sportsmanship and just having fun during an athletic contest.
Chris Mullin starred for the CYO basketball team at St. Thomas Aquinas. His basketball talents led him to Power Memorial Academy, Manhattan, Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, St. John’s University, Jamaica, and eventually onto a 16-year NBA career. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
Stanley Swiatocha began playing CYO baseball and basketball at St. Margaret’s, Middle Village, in 1960. Through the years, he served as a basketball coach, as a member of St. Margaret’s sports committee and as a basketball official. For the past 34 years, he has served as PAR at Our Lady of Mercy, Forest Hills.