U.S. Olympic gymnast and gold medalist Simone Biles says when she travels, she sometimes takes with her a statue of St. Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes, and she also carries a rosary her mother gave her.
Sports
There’s a Red Storm Brewing at Olympics
Watch out Rio de Janeiro! There’s a storm brewing – not a typical storm, but instead a “red storm.” A contingent of former athletes and current coaches from St. John’s University, Jamaica, have made the trip to Rio to participate in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Former Terriers Soccer Star Playing in Pros
Vincent Bezecourt, a 2016 graduate of St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, is currently playing his first season with the New York Red Bulls II of the United Soccer League. He recently scored his first two goals of his professional career in a 5-0 victory over the Harrisburg City Islanders.
Fencing Game ‘On Point’ for Maspeth Parishioner
Bernard Witek, a rising senior at Loyola School, Manhattan, and a parishioner at Holy Cross, Maspeth, runs cross-country and plays baseball during the school year, but in the summer, it’s all fencing all the time.
Local Boys Sign with Tucson Saguaros
Fresh off completing baseball careers at St. Joseph’s College Brooklyn, Brian Luebcke and Tom McKenna signed pro contracts to play this summer with the Tucson Saguaros of the Pecos League.
St. Joe’s College’s New AD Hopes Bears Keep Roaring
Over the past few years, the St. Joseph’s College, Clinton Hill, athletic program has expanded across 14 varsity sports. As the program continues to grow, James Lally has taken over as the new director of athletics and recreation at the Brooklyn Campus.
Local Baseball Product Continues Career in Pros
Right-handed relief pitcher Tom Hackimer, a graduate of St. John’s University, Jamaica, who was named the 2016 Big East Pitcher of the Year, was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in June. He is currently stationed with the Twins’ Class-A affiliate, the Cedar Rapids Kernels.
Piazza About to Join Baseball’s Immortals
New York Mets legend Mike Piazza was enshrined in Baseball’s Hall of Fame, as Jim Mancari recalls his favorite Piazza memories.
Tom Burns to Coach Xaverian’s Varsity
Just a month after longtime Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, varsity basketball coach Jack Alesi announced his retirement, the school has named a successor.
Xaverian’s Jack Alesi Hangs Up Clipboard
After 21 seasons, Xaverian H.S. head varsity basketball coach Jack Alesi announced his retirement. His career includes plenty of accolades, but the relationships are what he will most remember.