CYO Hall Of Fame Member Biographies

Maureen Gorman, Female Player, Sts. Peter/ St. Mary’s

In the 1970’s Maureen starred for St. Mary’s and St. Peter and Paul, prior to their closing, and was selected to several All Star teams and was part of many championships. Her basketball success continued on the High School level at Hun School where she was a four year Varsity player and three year Captain. Mo was the first female 1,000 point score in The Hun School history. She was selected All- Prep and All Area three years. In 1996 she was inducted into The Hun School Hall of Fame. Mo continued her basketball playing days at Ursinus College where she was once again a four year Varsity starter, and in 1984 was the Team Captain and selected to the All-Conference Team. Mo began her coaching career in 1985 as the Head Women’s Basketball and Tennis Coach at Widener University where she served until 1999. Mo graduated from Ursinus with  B.S. in Health Physical Education, and later from Widener University with a BSN. Currently, Mo is an RN at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. She received a Clinical Leadership Award at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center as a Clinical IV. She resides in Philadelphia.

Ashley Graham, Female Player, Holy Angels/ Blessed Sacrament

Ashley played in the CYO from 1995-2000 for Blessed Sacrament, prior to its closing, and then for Holy Angles. Ashley dominated her playing days, as evidenced by her Small School Division M.V.P. Award during the 1998-1999 season, and her 1999-2000 CYO Athlete of the Year Award. Ashley recorded over 1,000 CYO points, and then duplicated the feat as a High School star at McCorristin. Ashley has won countless other Trenton PAL, and City of Trenton Basketball Awards over the years. In addition, Ashley holds the CYO Track & Field Mett Shot Put record of 36’-1” and placed fifth in the 2003 Parochial B State Track &Field Championship. At McCorristin, Ashley was a four year starter and letter winner, a three time Varsity M.VP., four time ESCIT All-Tournament Team member, an All CVC, All Area, All Suburban, and All Burlington selection, and the school’s Female Athlete of the Year during 2003-2004. Recently, Ashley earned a B.S degree from Lock Haven University. She currently resides in Trenton.

Tom Hardiman, Male Player, St. Anthony’s

Tome played at St. Anthony’s from 1958-1961 winning a playoff and regular season championship, a league MVP Award, and was selected to three All Star team. He had the opportunity to return to the CYO as an assistant coach at St. Raphael’s from 1999-2001 where he helped guide his son’s team to three CYO Championships. Hardiman’s basketball success continued at Cathedral where he was named to the 1965 All City first team and to the Parochial Division, All State second team. Tom’s basketball career counted once again in college where he played at Canisius for four years. After college, Tom became a member of the U.S. Olympic Handball Team in 1974, in Team Handball. Tom’s focus once again shifted to the Special Olympic where he became a dedicated director, with the 1976 New Jersey games being named in his honor as an Outstanding Contributor. Currently, Tom reside in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife Maryann; they have three children Katie, Brain, and Michael, who is a basketball player at Davison I University of North Carolina Greensboro. Tom is the Director of A network of Pastors/ Leaders in USA and Abroad.

Chris Kelly, Male Player, St. Francis

Chris was a star in the early 1970’s for St. Francis, where he played for five years. During this time he was a CYO All Star, prolific scorer and the Notre Dame Sending School M.VP. during his 8^th grade season. His basketball success continued at Hopewell Valley High School where he became a 1,000 point scorer, the 1978 team M.VP., and a two time All-County selection, mainly because of his 21.5 points per game average, which led the County. Chis continued his basketball playing says at then Trenton State College. In 2003 Kelly was inducted into the Hopewell Valley School of Fame. In addition to his basketball success, he was quite a basketball player as well, leading his Hopewell team to the 1977 State Championship. Chris has given back to the community as a volunteer coach over the years; instructing many youth on what he has learned as player. He has coached AAU and Trento PAL basketball and Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. Chris has also been involved as a basketball official for the last 14 years, working in the CYO, as well as many State Tournament and Prime Time Shootout games. Recently, Chris and his son Peter became the first father and son combination in the Mercer County 1,000 points club when Peter accomplished the feat at Nottingham High. Currently Chris resides in Hamilton with his wife Lori, daughter Lauren and Peter. He is a sales manager for Ritchie & Page distributing Company.

Jen Hutchinson-Piotrowski, Female Player, Incarnation

Jen played for Incarnation from 1986-1992, starting in third grade. While at Incarnation Jen was named League MVP, was selected to several All Star Teams, and led Incarnation to the Playoff Championship. Jen went on to star at Notre Dame High School where she holds the school scoring record with 1,699 points. Jen led Notre Dame to two State Championship and received several accolades along the way including being selected as a two time first team All-State selection, an Honorable Mention All American, a two time CVC Player of the Year, and the Trentonian Player of the Decade. Jen went on to star at The College of New Jersey where the success continued. She was selected to the NJAC First Team two years in a row, was named to the 1999-2000 ECAC All Star Team, was the NJAC Player of the Year, and was the Lions team MVP3 times. Jen is the third highest score in TCNJ history. Jen graduated from TCNJ with a degree in Elementary Education. Currently, Jen resides in Ewing with her husband Arthur and her son Artie, and is expecting another child in the spring. Jen is a first grade teacher in Burlington City.

Jaime McCormack, Female Player, Holy Angles

Jamie played for Holy Angels from 1994-1997 and was the league MVP twice. During those four years Jamie led her team to three CYO Championship. She moved on to Hamilton West where she became the All Time leading scorer in team history with 1,327 points. She also was a star on the 1999 Hamilton West Central Jersey Group III Softball team. Jamie attended Rowen University and played basketball where her success continued. In three years of play she accumulated 1000 points at Rowan and in 2005 was a WBCA Kodak All- American and the NJAC Player of the Year and the NJAC Woman Athlete of the Year. Currently, Jamie is a Health and Physical Education Teacher in Lawrence Township and is as assistant coach for the Girls Varsity Team and the Head Coach of the Girls Freshman Team.

Erin Walton, Female Player, St. Mary’s – Bordentown

Currently a student at Elizabethtown College and star on their basketball team, Erin has quite a basketball resume to date. Staring on St. Mary’s basketball team in the late 90’s Erin lead the squad to consecutive 18-0 seasons and Championships. During the 1999-2000 season she was names regular season and playoff MVP. Erin was also the 1999 Notre Dame Sending School Tournament MVP and the Immaculate Conception Christmas Tournament. Erin moved on to Northern Burlington Regional High School and was part of the 2002-2003 Group III State Championship team. While at Northern Burlington she was names All County, South Jersey and holds the school record for points scored with 1,400. She led Northern Burlington to two ESCIT Championships and was named to four ESCIT All Tournament teams. Erin is in her junior year at Elizabethtown and has already been names to the All-Conference Team and was MVP of the Rowan University Tournament Tip-Off in 2006. Erin is averaging over 16 points pre games and is closing in on 1000 points for her career at Elizabethtown. She is studying Special Education and Elementary Education and has a current GPA of 3.5   

Mike Drangula, Male Coach, St. Stanislaus

Mike coached CYO Basketball for 28 years, 20 seasons with St. Stan’s, 3 at St. Antony’s and 5 for Immaculate. Mike’s coaching success is legendary with cover 350 wins, winning streaks of 54 and 43 fames, 7 Playoff Championship appearances and 3 Championship Title. In addition, Mike les his teams to 10 Small School Division Championship and countless Tournament Championship over the years. Mike produced several high quality basketball stars over his career, most notably, fellow inductee Margaret Doyle Warren and Candice Crusen-Piotrowski (CYO Basketball Hall of Fame Class 2004). Mike was as dedicated as they get to coaching and the girls on his teams. His passion crossed over to several other leagues including the Trenton PAL and Ewing Township Recreational leagues. His success was duplicated in the PAL where he guided his girls to 133 Championships, and over 200 wins which include a 59 games winning streak. Mike was passionate to wonder softball as well where he coached and how many participants’ lives he touched over 28 years, and the countless hours he devoted, all of which were as a volunteer. Currently, Mike resides in Hamilton and is retired from the New Jersey Department of Transportation after 38 and a half years as a Supervising Engineer. His family consists of his children Karen Garrett, Michael C. Drangula, and Candice Piatkowski, and older sister Diane, two granddaughters, Kehri Garrett & Alexis Piatkowski and his mother Elizabeth (95 wonderful years old).

David Fesko, Male Player, St. Mary’s

David Fesko played for St. Mary’s from 1960-1965, alongside fellow Hall of Fame inductee, and brother Paul. David was part of the 1962-1963 19-0, first ever St. Mary’s CYO Championship team. This team has the distinction of being ranked as one of the top grade school team in the State from officials from South Amboy, Asbury, and Trenton. David was also part of the St. Mary’s Diocesan Championship teams from 1963-64 and 1964-65,and at the same time a CYO All Star selection. Davis continued basketball at Cathedral where he became an All-County selection. From there he played in college at Mercer County from 1969-1971 and at Middle Tennessee State University from 1971-1973. David received a B.S. degree from Middle Tennessee State in 1973. David is retired from the State of New Jersey, Office of Information Technology. He resides in Morrisville, Pa. with his wife Marilyn and so Jeffrey.

Paul Fesko, Male Player, St. Mary’s

Paul played for St. Mary’s from 1959-1964 alongside, his brother , and fellow Hall of Fame inductee, Davis. Paul was a key part to the successful St. Mary’s team that won the 1963 Diocesan Tournament Championship as well as the 1962-1963 CYO League Championship, the school’s first ever, with a 19-0 record. Paul and four of his starting teammates from the unbeaten squad in 1962-63 were ranked as one of the top grade school teams in the State from officials from South Amboy, Asbury, and Trenton. In High School, at Cathedral, Paul’s success continued where he was part of the 1967 Parochial State Championship team, and Paul was named first team All Mercer County in 1968. After graduation, Paul attended Creighton University where he played basketball. Fesko graduated from Creighton University in 1972 with B.A. degree in History and English. Paul resides in Fairfax, Virginia with his wife Debby and sin Kevin. He is retired from International Montory Fund.

Joanne Ranke Franks, Female Player, St. Hedwig’s

Joanne played for St. Hedwig’s from 1975-1979 for legendary, and Hall of Fame coach Joyce Walters. Joanne was part of several successful and championship teams during this time and played on many CYO All Star teams. Joanne was always known as a prolific scorer. Her basketball success continued at Notre Dame High School where she became a 1,000 point career score and a three time All-County selection. Joanna led her Notre Dame teams to three straight Colonial Valley Conference and Mercer County Tournament Championship. In addition, Joanna was part of two Central Jersey Championships at Notre Dame. Joanne was quite a soccer star as well, leading Notre Dame to the 1982 County, South Jersey, and State Championship. Currently, Joanne is still involved with soccer at Notre Dame as an assistant coach, and is a faculty assistant in the school. She resides in Lawrenceville with her husband Paul and their daughter Kelli. Joanne is involved with the Lady’s Auxiliary for Post 414and a member of the Trenton Polish American Democratic Society.

Ann Ermi-DeMille, Female Player, St. Raphael’s

Ann was a CYO star at St. Raphael’s from 1972- 1975 where she played for Hall of Fame coach Rose Astore, leading her team to league and playoff championships. Ann continued her playing career at St. Anthony’s High School where she was an All CVC selection in 1979, leading her team to the Group II State Championship. From there Ann stated at LaSalle University, and in 1983 she led her led to an ECC Championship. While at LaSalle Ann was Team Co-Captain and was part of the first LaSalle Women’s team to compete in an NCAA Tournament. She graduated from LaSalle with a B.A. in English. Ann has been a very successful High School Girl’s Coach at Notre Dame High School guising them to the 1994-1995 and 1995-1996 Parochial A Championship. Notre Dame has also won 5 Mercer County Tournament Championship and numerous Colonial Valley Conference Championships under Ann’s direction.  In addition, she received the Golden Wave Club Special Achievement Award in 1995 and 1996, the Rev. Clarence O’Shea Award in 2001, and was inducted into the Trenton Select Committee in 1996. Currently Ann teaches at Notre Dame High School and is the Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Coach and Basketball Coach. She resides in Bordentown with her husband Lou and five sons, Michael, Matthew, Kevin, Christopher, and Nicholas.   

Beth Ardery- Fitzpatrick, Female Player, St. Raphael’s

Beth was a star for St. Raphael’s in the early 80’s receiving the 1983 League MVP Award. In addition Beth was selected to several All Star teams and led St. Raphael’s to two Championship games. Her basketball career continued at Notre Dame High School where she was part of numerous Conference an d Tournament Championship teams. Along the way she was selected to the All CVC team and awarded MVP of their Christmas Tournament. Beth’s education and basketball success continued at Trenton State College. As a sophomore she was names Team Captain and received All Tournament Team honors and was a NJAC Athlete of the Week. Beth graduated from TSC with a B.S. degree. Beth’s involvement in basketball continued on the coaching level where she has been very successful with several programs. Her Hopewell Valley team _1992-1992) was turned around from 1 win team in 1991 to a 16 win season and a second round State Tournament berth. Her West Windsor South team (1999-2004) won the 2000 CVC Title and recorded a school record 22 wins. In addition Beth coached at Hightstown High School and has been very active working with the Special Olympics. Currently. Beth is a Physical Education Teacher at West Windsor Plainsboro South. She resides in Bordentown with her husband Sean and their three children, Devon, Drew, and Bryann

Lauren Kokotajlo- Grace, Female Player, Incarnation

Lauren played CYO basketball for four years for Incarnation and St. Greg’s winning a Championship with Incarnation in the early 90’s. From there she attended The Peddie School and played for three Prep A State Championship teams from 1997-1999. While at Peddie she was a 1,000 point scorer and a four time All Prep selection, and the 1999 All Area Player of the Year. Lauren was also a two year captain of the basketball and soccer team at Peddie. Lauren enrolled at Mount Saint Mary’s University, receiving a basketball scholarship, and the success continued. Lauren was named to the Northeast Conference. All Rookie Team, was a four time Northeast Conference Academic Honor Roll, and led Mouth St. Mary’s to a NEC First place finish in 29901. Lauren received a B.S from Mount Saint Mary’s in 2003 and is currently furthering her education at Drexel University. She resides in New Cumberland, Pa. with her husband Jason and is a Financial Planning Analyst with the Hershey Company. Lauren is coaching a sixth grade CYO girls’ basketball team for St. Theresa’s in Harrisburg, Pa.

Doug Hice, Male Player, Immaculate

The late Doug Hice was a star at Immaculate from 1957- 59 where he was an All Star several times, and learned to play basketball that would lead him to much success. From the CYO Doug went on to star at Trenton Catholic and Cathedral where he was part of an undefeated freshman team and then part of a Parochial A State Champion. Doug’s High School honors include being names to All City, Area, ESCIT and All State. He was also cited by Parade Magazine and The Newark Star Leeder as an All American and as the New Jersey High School Athlete of the Year by the Kent A.A. Doug scored 1,135 points in High School, and 590 which were as a Senior. Doug received a full Athletic Scholarship to play Basketball at Boston College under Coach Bob Cousy. He received a B.S. from Boston College  in 1967. Doug coached Varsity Basketball and taught at St. Anthony’s High School after graduating from BC. From there he went on to work for NJ Department of Health, Division of Addiction Services as Chief of Operations. Doug also played semi-pro basketball for The Trenton Colonials. Doug is survived by his wife Pat, daughters Dana and Daria , and granddaughters Cassidy and Anderson.

Thomas Kaczor, Male Player, Immaculate

Tom played for Immaculate from 1956-57 and was part of an undefeated Immaculate team that won an astounding 63 straight games. Tome led the league in scoring during this stretch. Tom’s basketball career continued at Trenton Catholic and Bishop Egan where he was selected as an All Area player . tom attended Temple University where he was part of the 1964 MAC Championship team, and then Tarkio College in Missouri where he led the team in scoring in 1966 with over 25 points a game. From there Tom became a very successful coach at Holy Ghost Prep and led them to Penn State titles in 1972 and 1974. Currently Tom resides in Langhorne, Pa. with his wife Jill and is President of Kaczor Realty in Levittown, Pa. Tom and his wife have three children and 9 grandchildren.

Christina Campion, Female Player, St. Greg’s

Christina played grammar school basketball for St. Gregory the Great from 1997-1999. In 7th grade, Christina led her team to the League Championship and was names MVP. In 8th grade, she led her team to the championship of the Immaculate Conception Turkey shootout, Mercer County CYO Christmas Tournament and the Notre Dame Sending School Tournament. St. Greg’s was also the season and playoff champions. During her varsity years at St. Greg’s Linda scored 1,000 points. Linda has a very successful AAU career guiding her team to NJ State Championship honors from 1997 to 2001 and to the 11 years old National Championship. Linda went on to excel at the Peddie School from 200-2003 leading her teams to several championship and earning many individual awards such as 2nd team AP All State, First Team All-State Prep, Outstanding Player Award from Peddie, and was selected as a 100 McDonald’s High School All American. Linda is currently a sophomore at the University of Richmond. In her freshman year, she started all 33 games averaging 30.2 minutes per game. She holds the highest rebounding average, 7 per games, for college freshman and was names to the Atlantic 10 Conference All Rookie Team.

Candice Crusen Piatkowski, Female Player, St. Stan’s

Candice Played CYO basketball for Stanislaus Grammar School from 1986-1989 when she led her teams to Championships in 1988 and 1989 and was chosen as the season MVP. Candice was a great player and lead her AAU team to the NJ State Championship in 1986, 87 and 88 and to 3rd in the nation in 1988. Candice went on to star at McCorristin High School where she earned All-Colonial Valley Conference and All-County honors in 1966. She was also selected to the King Cotton All-Tournament team in 1997. She went on to played basketball at St. Francis College of NY where she earned a BS in psychology. She is currently a Court Officer for the Intensive Supervision Program for the NJ State Administrative Offices of the Courts. Candice has many fond memories of her playing days at the CYO, but nothing was better than beating St. Hedwig’s for the 1988 Championship. She recalls that Beth Ryfinski was one of her toughest opponents and her favorite coach was none other than her dad, Mike Drangula.

Linda Cyborski- Weise, Female Player, St. Raphael’s

Linda played grammar school basketball from 1982-1984 at St. Raphael’s . she led her team in 1984 to a record of 30-1 and a first place finish in the large school division. Diane was recognized for her efforts by being named MVP of the CYO season and the playoff in 1984. Linda played at McCorristin High School and was named to the first team all CVC in her sophomore, junior and senior years. She scored over 1,00 points and was named athlete of the year and scholar athlete of the year in 1988. She received a full scholarship to the University of Delaware and led her team to an East Coast Conference Championship in 1989,1990 and 1991. She was named to the all ECC, 2nd team in 1991 and was also named Scholar Athlete that year. She led the NCAA in free-throw percentage in 1991 with a 93.7% and was featured in Sports Illustrated “Faces in the Crowd” for that accomplishment. Linda earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and Athletic Training from the University of Delaware. She is currently the Hamilton West Girls Varsity Basketball Coach. She was honored as Coash of the year in 2003 and reached 100 wins in 2004 Linda is married to Rich and has three children, Ryan, who is 41/2, RJ, who is 3, and Dante, who is 2 months old.

Renee Keister- Balke, Female Player, St. Anthony’s

Renee’ was a star at St Anthony’s under legendary Hall of Fame coach, Joe O’Gorman. In three Varsity years from 1979-1982 she scored over 1,000 points winning the regular season and playoff Championships in 1981 and 1982 leading the league in scoring both years while being named back-to-back League MVP. Also, won the 1982 St. Raphael’s Tournament Championship and was named MVP.

Renee’ continued her basketball career at McCorristin High School where she was a 1,000-point scorer after two years. Was 2^nd team All-CVC and All-County as a Freshman, and 1^st team All-CVC and All-County her Sophomore year while also leading the County in Scoring. In 1983 Renee’ led McCorristin to the Spartan Tip Off Championship where she was on All-Tournament Team.  Renee also received All CVC and County recognition for soccer in her only year playing as a Freshman. In addition, Renee’ was a three time NJ Junior Olympics AAU State Champion. In 1983 was selected NJ State Tournament MVP after scoring 32 points in the Championship game, and moving on to the Nationals where her team placed 5^th in the Nation and she was an All-American selection.

Renee’ was being recruited by many Colleges including Stanford University during her sophomore year, but an accident in her home left her paralyzed. However, that did not stop Renee’, who went on to graduate High School, earn her BS in Psychology from St Andrews University in NC and an MA in Counseling from Rider University.

In 1993 the ‘Renee’ Keister Award’ was established for Girls basketball in Mercer County, which many of our CYO Hall of Famers have received. And in 2013 Renee’ was named as one of TCA/McCorristin’s ‘50 Golden Iron Mikes’. Renee resides in Yardville and is retired after 26 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State. She is married to Pete and has twins, Madison and Maguire who are currently playing collegiate sports.    

Kate Larkin, Female Player, St. Anthony’s

Kate Larkin played basketball for St. Anthony’s from 1973-1976. It was during this time that she began what would turn out to be a brilliant basketball career. During the 1975-76 season Kate’s St. Anthony’s team finished 35-0 and she was the league MVP. Kate was also a three time CYO All Star while playing for St. Anthony’s Kate attended St. Anthony’s high school from 1976 to 1980 and her basketball brilliance continued. She was part of two State Championship teams in 1979 and 1980. During both of these seasons she was an All-State selection, and in 1980 she was an All- American. Kate is the all-time leading scorer in Mercer County basketball history for females with 2,745 points. Kate continued her basketball career at Old Dominion University and LaSalle. She received her B.S. from LaSalle in Computer Science and her M.B.A from Widener University in Finance. Currently Kate resides in Decatur, Georgia and is employed with Bristol Myers Squibb.

Diane Olech, Female Player, St. Hedwig’s

Diane played CYO Basketball for the St. Hedwig’s grammar school team from 1970-1973. She led her team to championships in 1973. She was honored with several MVP and Sportsmanship awards for the County and the Diocese. Diane recalls one special game in 8th grade when she scored 26 of her team’s 27 points. She went on to excel at Notre Dame High School from 1973-1977 leading her teams to the Mercer County Championships in her Freshman, Sophomore and Junior years and to the Colonial Valley Championship in her Senior year. Diane’s team, senior year, went undefeated and won the Hamilton Civitan Christmas Tournament. She was named player of the year by the Trenton Times Newspaper and was named to the all areas and all CVC first reams by the Trenton Times and Trentonian Newspapers. Diane holds the scoring record at Notre Dame and received several awards including all Mercer County and CVC First team honors and hold the record for number of goals scored in a season. Diane earned a B.A. in Mathematics from Rider University and currently working at as Administrative Assistant at Schragger/Schragger Law Firm.

Mary Tuffy Pucciarelli, Female Player, St. Raphael’s

Mary played for the S. Raphael’s Grammar School team from 1970-1973 and for the high school team from 1973-1977. She led her team to several league and playoff championships and won MVP awards in both grammar school and high school. Mary also played high school basketball for Villa Victoria Academy where she received an “Athlete of the Year Award”. Mary went on to college at Montclair State and excelled in basketball. She led her team to the Division I AIAW (the premier organization prior to the NCAA) Final Four in 1978 and finished 3rd in the County. Her Montclair State teams were nationally ranked the four years she played. Mary also played tennis for Montclair and won several tournament championships. She also coached tennis at Notre Dame High School and Mercer County Community College. Mary was also a certified basketball official with IAABO Board #193 and in addition to being selected to work several state tournament games, she was the first female in Mercer County to officiate a varsity boy’s games, Trenton Central Central vs. Steinert. Mary earned a BS at Montclair and an MBA in Finance from Rider University. She has been as successful in her business career as she was in her athletic careers and is currently a Vice President of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers. She is married to Michael and has a son Sean and daughter Erin. She is currently active in the St. Gregory PTA and on the PreCane Team. She is also a volunteer with the Children’s Home Society.

Maureen “ Mo” Van Horn, Female Player, Immaculate Conception

Mo played for the Immaculate Conception Grammar School team from 1976 to 1970 and from the High School Team from 1970 to 1974 and was the best player in the league, if not the County. Mo led the Immaculate teams to the League Championship each year and the Diocesan Tournament Championship in 1974 when she was designated the MVP. In addition to playing for the Immaculate High School team, Mo played for the Hun School high school team. At that time a female athlete was able to play CYO ball in addition to playing for an independent high school team. Actually the Immaculate high school team was the best team in the County including all the high school teams. For her outstanding contributions at the Hun School, she received the John R. Scott Memorial Award for scholar athletes and was also inducted into the Hun School Athletics’ Hall of Fame. She also received the Joint Effort HS ALL- American Basketball Classic Image Award. Mo went on to play outstanding basketball for 4 years at Trenton State College and earned a BS and Masters in Health and Physical Education. Mo was the first female basketball official certified by IAABO Board #193 and she officiated at the CYO from 1975 to 1984. She received the Mincey Manczak Referee Award. Currently, Mo teachers Health, Phys Ed and Driver’s Ed AT Trenton Central High School. She has been the boy’s Freshman Basketball coach for the past nine years, racking up a record of 204 wins with only 9 loess.

Vince Lanzi, Male Coach, St Raphael’s

Vince stated his affiliation with the CYO as a player from 1956-59 with St. Joachim’s. He later made his name as a coach with St. Joachim’s for three years and then with St. Raphael’s for 20 years .Vince was named the 2000-2001 CYO Volunteer Coach of the year. Vince coached many successful players and teams for the CYO. At St. Raphael’s he guided two Junior Varsity team to Division Championships, one of which was undefeated. He also coached four Varsity teams to Division Championship and three consecutive Playoff Championship in a row. Vince guided St. Raphael’s to 55-3 record during the last three years that he coached and was undefeated in CYO regular season and playoffs on 1999-2000. Vince graduated from Trenton Catholic in 1959 and is currently retired. He lives in Hamilton with his wife Kathleen and has three children; Debi, Kathy, and Tricia, and seven grandchildren Nicole, Tyler, Kenny, Dylan , Jake, Zak, and Anthony. Certainly the CYO is a better organization today due to the dedication of Vince Lanzi.

Nick Massari, Male Referee

Nick played CYO basketball from 1966-1969 for St. Joachim’s, winning the 1969 League Sportsmanship Award. His basketball career continued at Cathedral and St. Anthony’s High Schools where he received the 1970 Freshman MVP for Cathedral and later the 1973 Most Improved player for St. Anthony’s. nick made his name in the CYO as a long time official. He is a 28 years veteran of basketball officiating and was the Vice- President for IAABO Board 193 for 10 years, as well as the IAABO Cadet Supervisor for 8 years. Nick received the IAABO Board 193 Joe Louge Referee Award. In addition to his officiating and playing basketball, Nick has been actively involved in the community. Nick has spent several years involved as a Coash with Chambersburg Little League, St. Raphael’s, Hamilton Babe Ruth League, where he has guided many teams to District, State and Regional Championship. Nick was also the President of the Hamilton High West Baseball Booster Club. Currently, Nick is employed as an Administrative Analyst for the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Nick lives in Hamilton with his wife Cathie and son, Nick.

Sandra Valenza- Oropel, Coach, Immaculate

Sandy is considered a pioneer in CYO Girls’ Basketball and for Immaculate Conception, as she organized the first girls’ grammar school basketball team at Immaculate in 1965 and the high school team in 1966, and assisted with the organization of the CYO Girls’ Basketball Program. Sandy coached the Grammar School team from 1965 to 1968 and the High School team from 1968-1976. The High School team compiled a winning record every year she coached and won many league and Diocesan Championships. Sandy’s most successful season was 1973074 when the team was undefeated at 16-0. Certainly, the storied history of CYO Girls’ Basketball and the Immaculate Conception Basketball Program would not be what it is today without Sandra- Valenza Oropel. Sandy was hired as the first Women’s Basketball and Softball Coach for Mercer County Community College in 1976. She has organized several Women’s leagues in Mercer County including softball, basketball, and field hockey, serving not only as a coach but as an administrator in many cases. Sandy has been a certified high school basketball official since 1973 with the NJSIAA and a member of IAABO since 1976. Currently, Sandy is an Observation Supervisor, and since 1994 has been an Evaluator of Officials at Princeton University for all Ivy League Women’s Basketball games. Sandy organized the first Statewide Board of NJ College Basketball Officials and served as President from 1978-1985. Sandy currently serves as the President of the Cathedral High School Alumni Association, and is a member of the CYO Board of Trustees. Without question the state of the CTO, youth and women’s spots in Mercer County, and the IAABO Board would not be where they are today if it were not for Sandy.

Brian Sakowski, Male Player, St. Raphael’s

Brain was a star in the CYO for St. Raphael’s in the late 1990’s and early 2000, leading St. Raphael’s to bask to back championships when he was in 7th and 8th grade. During his 8th grade year Brian led St. Raphael’s to an 18-0 record and was named the regular season and playoff MVP. Brain’s record during his 7th and 8th grade seasons for St. Raphael’s, including Tournaments was an incredible 62-4. Brian went on to star at McCorristin High School where he scored 1,133 points and received the Jack Cryan for outstanding team player in Mercer County during his senior year. While at McCorristin Brian was Team Captain and MVP during his Junior and Senior years and was named to the All Davis Team and All ESCIT Team three time the All Burlington twice, and to the All Suburban and All AREA Team once. Brian participated on two ESCIT Championship teams and was part of three Divisional Championship teams. Currently, Brian lives in Hamilton with his family and studding to be a carpenter.

Bill Schuler, Male Player, Our Lady of Sorrows

Bill starred for Our Lady of Sorrows in the late 60’s and early 70’s, leading them to a 25-0 Championship season during the 1969-1970. Along the way Bill was selected to several CYO All Star Teams and received numerous awards . he continued his brilliant basketball career at Notre Dame High School where the awards continued. Bill was selected to the All Mercer County Team, Received several High School MVP Awards, and several player of the Week Awards for his greatness. Bill’s education continued at the University of Dayton where he received a B.S. in Accounting. Currently, Bill resides in Allentown with his wife Maryanne and children Michelle, Christina, and Billy. He is owner of Schuler Associates which is located in Hamilton.

Pete Larkin, Male Player, St. Vincent DePaul

Pete played for St. Vincent DePaul starting in 1962 on the Grammar School level through 1974 in the Summer High School league. During the 1964-1975 season Pate led his team to a perfect 17-0 record and the Small School Championship, as well as the 1973-1974 Summer League Championship. Pete earned many MVP awards during his CYO years. He came back to the CYO in the 2003-2004 season as a coach for St. Vincent DePaul’s first ever girls team. Pete coached the team to the 2004 CYO Small School Championship. Larkin has always been very proud to be part of the CYO.  Pete’s basketball success continued to Steinert High School where he received the Jack Cryan Award in 1974 and was named the Knights of Columbus and Mercer County Player of the Year. He was also named to the First Team All County and All Area Team. Recently, Pete was inducted into the Steinert High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Pete’s basketball career continued at the University of Bridgeport where he led his team to two elite 8 Division II appearances. He remained at Bridgeport for two years as an assistant coach and helped them gain a Final Four berth. Pete received a B.S. from the University of Bridgeport. Currently, Pete resides in Yardville with his wife Judy and their two daughters, Caitlin and Ryan. He is employed as an investigator of the State of New Jersey Division of Taxation.

Erin Devaney, Female Player, Incarnation

Erin played CYO Basketball for Incarnation from 1992-1996. During this time she was a league star, specifically her 7^th and 8^th grade years, 1995 and 1996, winning back to back league MVP Awards, participating in the CYO All Star Games, and most importantly, leading Incarnation to two Large School Championships. Erin continued her basketball career at Ewing High where she once again starred as a member of the 1997,1999, and 2000 Central Jersey Group III Champions, and on the 1999 Group III State Championship team. In 2000, Erin was named first team All CVC by the Trentonian and Trenton Times, and the recipient of the Renee Keister Award.  During her college days at Muhlenberg, Erin was awarded the2003 Lehigh Valley Small Colleges Player of the Month, and was named to the Scotty Wood All-Tournament Team. Erin participated in golf at Muhlenberg as well, where she was part of the 2001 Centennial Conference Championship Team. Erin graduated with a B.A. Degree from Muhlenberg in History. Currently, Erin resides in Yardley with her husband Michael. She teaches at Montgomery High School, and coaches the girls’ Junior Varsity basketball team.

Anka Sivak , Special Contributor

An organization, but specifically a basketball program, as tradition rich as the Mercer County CYO has doesn’t just get there or happen without the help, guidance, support, and dedication, without “Special” people like Anka Sivak. A Special Contributor to the CYO Basketball Program is exactly what she was, therefore earning her as one of the first two to be inducted into the CYO Basketball Hall of Fame as a “Special Contributor.” Anka was CYO Athletic Director for 17 years from 1975-1992, and has the distinction, by far, of scheduling, supervising, and planning more games and seasons of CYO basketball than any other person, and probably only second to Mincy in being present for them. Anka must have been doing something right to stay in that position as long as she did during as era when CYO basketball thrived week in and week out. She was directly responsible for it maintaining its peak during her 17 years because of her commitment to the program and ability to run successfully, for such a long stretch. A CYO Athletic Director is a very busy person during basketball season, spending countless hours in gymnasiums over the season, ensuring that every game and every aspect of every game is done correctly. A CYO Athletic Director is also a very unique position as well. It takes a “Special” person to handle 60 plus fiery, competitive, and committed coaches from what at her time were about 20 different parishes, without and biases, and still being able to maintain balance and fairness. All this, and still many, many other duties and responsibilities that needed to be done on a daily basis to serve the entire organization, not just the basketball program. Anka Sivak is, and will always be a very “special” person to the CYO, and our basketball program, without whom we would not be here today. Currently , Anka resides in Hamilton and in employed as an Activity Director at Rose Hill Assisted Living Facility.

Carl Thiel, Special Contributor

Carl has been actively involved in CYO basketball for 50 years, from 1956-2006, from its near inception, until his recent re-location from Mercer County to Rock Hill, South Carolina. Even today, Carl is considered an adviser to the Program and Organization, and all this makes him an inductee as a Special Contributor. Carl’s playing career started in 1956 as a member of the IMMACULATE Conception team which was followed by his coaching association for Sacred Heart in 1963. A stop as coach at Holy Cross served as official to CYO basketball games from 1970-2005. His 50 years of service to the organization, association with several participating teams in the organization, the multiple roles in which he served the organization makes Carl one of the most “special” people too came through the organization. There’s no question that the CYO would not be in the state that it is today, and have has the success it’s had in all of its different eras if it was not for Carl Thiel. Carl Thiel cared about the CYO at every stop he made within organization. He always offered wise, honest advice and put in long and hard hours. As mentioned, Carl now resides in Rock, Hill, SC with his wife Jane. He recently retired from his position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer from NJ Veterans Home. Carl has three children; Jennifer Estes, Heather Thiel, and Marybeth Thiel, as well as two grandchildren; Forest and Marley.

Margaret Doyle, Female Player, St. Stanislaus

Margaret played CYO basketball for St. Stan’s from 1984-1989. She was part of a great era at St. Stan’s and star on one of the greatest teams (coached by fellow inductee Mike Drangula) in CYO history during the 1988-1989 season, when she was an 8^th grader. Margaret’s 8^th grade team was a perfect 31-0 and she was an All-Star, and the playoff MVP. In addition to the perfect  1988-1989 season, Margaret was very successful throughout her entire playing days at the CYO as she won the 1988 regular season MVP as a 7^th grader, leading her squad to the regular season and playoff championships. She was also a three time CYO All-Star. Her success on their Grammar School level crossed over to the Trenton PAL where she was part of three straight Championship team and on the Tournament Championship’s. Margaret’s basketball success continued in High School at McCorristin where she was part of the 1992-1993 CVC Championships and twice  a 1993 High School Player of the Week, and the 1993 Female playing days in college at St. Francis, in New York. Currently, Margaret resides in Hamilton with her husband Harry and their daughter Isabella. She employed by Federal Express.

Kelly Williams, Male Player, Our Lady of Divine Sheperd

Kelly played at Our Lady of Divine Sheperd from 1980-1984, and was a star on the 1982-1983 CYO Championship Team, and 1983-1984 league runner-ups. His basketball success continued big time in High School at Ewing High and College, at then, Trenton State College. As a sophomore Kelly was instrumental in leading his Ewing High team to the 1986 State Championship. As a Junior and Senior he was team Captain and selected to the All-State team, and as a Senior represented Ewing in the New Jersey North/South All Star Game and was recognized in Sports folio High School Magazine as one of the top 50 players in the State. Kelly finished his career at Ewing as the second all-time leading scorer in Boys Basketball history with 1,218 points, and was inducted into the Ewing High School Hall of Fame earlier this year. At Trenton State College, from 1989-1993 Kelly was a four year state and three year Captain. He was a two time all conference player with 937 career points. Kelly played professionally for the Trenton Flames in 1994. Kelly was named Head Coach at Mercer County Community College in 1999, where he coached for nine years and won over 150 games and led his team to six Garden State Athletic Conference Championships, three Region XIX Finals appearances, and one District IX appearance. Kelly was named Head Men’s Basketball Coach at The College of New Jersey earlier this year. Currently Kelly is Assistant Director of Admissions at TCNJ. He resides in Princeton with his wife Charmain, and sons Jordan and Jared.

Rose Astore, Female Coach, St. Raphael’s

The late Rose Astore coached at St. Raphael’s for 10 years compiling an incredible 107-16 record. Rose was the 1972-1973 St. Raphael’s Coach of the Year, the 1976 and 1978 CYO Female Coach of the Year. During the 1977-1978 season her team was a perfect 23-0 winning the regular season and playoff championships and during the 1978-1979 season her team was 28-2 winning the division title and three tournament. Rose coached softball as St. Raphael’s for six season, compiling a 85-6 record, and winning the CYO Softball Championship 4 times. In addition, Rose was instrumental in the building of the St. Raphael’s Parish Center in 1973. Rose taught physical education at St. Raphael’s for many years. Her involvement in the community was much more than with the CYO, as she was active with Hamilton Recreation and Hamilton PAL as well as with McCorristin High School. Surely, the CYO is a better organization today, and where it is because of the dedication and love of Rose Astore.

Art Bobik, Male Player, St. Mary’s

Art was a star at St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Trenton for 7 years, leading them to several Championships. During his 6^th and 8^th grade years Art led St. Mary’s to the CYO and Stat Diocesan Championship, and an undefeated team during his 8^th grade season. Art went on to play for Cathedral where he won another State Championship during his 10^th grade season and won the South Jersey Sectional Championship in 11^th grade. He was named 1^st Team All County and All Parochial and third Team All State as a senior. Art went on to play basketball at New Mexico State University and Trenton State College, where he was Team Captain. He received a B.S. from Treon State College in Physical and Health Education. Currently Art is a teacher at Florence High School and resides in Tabernacle with his wife Michele. Art has been as successful as a coach as he was a player if not more at Florence High School. He was a 28 year Varsity Basketball coach at Florence where he led his team to 4 South Jersey Championships, 1 Central Jersey Championship, and 3 State Championships. He was named the Coach of the Year by the Trenton Times 3 times, and 5 times by the Burlington County Times. Art received the Golden Wave Father Clarence O’Shea Award and the Achievement Award, and has been inducted into the NJSIAA Coaching Hall of Fame.

Steve Brown, Male Player, Sacred Heart

Steve played CYO Basketball, amazingly, from 1971-1979, with St. Francis, but most notably with Sacred Heart. Steve won three CYO Championship during this time, helping St. Francis to the 1974-75 title and then leading Sacred Heart to the 1977-78, and 78-79 Championship, Steve was the MVP during both the 77-78 and 78-79 season, and the 78-79 league one vs. one Champion. At Sacred Heart, Steve played under Hall of Fame Coach, Harold Hall. Steve continued his basketball career at McCorristin where he starred for several seasons, leading the Iron Mikes to the 1982 Parochial A Championship, earning Tournament MVP honors, and was McCorristin’s Team MVP in 1982 and 1983. Steve also reached the prestigious 1,000 points mark while playing at McCorristin. In addition to Basketball, Steve was holds the 200M CVC record. From high school Steve went on to play for Rutgers University, and was the 1986 Team MVP and was a 1986-1987 Scholar Athlete at Rutgers . after graduating from Rutgers Steve attended Central Michigan University where he received a Master of Science in Administration. Steve currently resides in Newark, Delaware with his wife, Tawana, and three children, Stephen, T.J., and Kennedy. He is an Air Traffic Controller at Philadelphia International Airport.

Bryan Caver, Male Player, St. James

Bryan’s organized basketball career that led him to greatness stared at the CYO with his very first point scored taking place there. The CYO sent Bryan to much basketball success. From the CYO he went on to star at McCorristin, winning back to back Parochial A State Championships. Bryan earned First Team All-State honors and was a McDonald’s All American. From McCorristin Bryan went on to star at Seton Hall University, where he is the only player in Seton Hall history to go to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments. While at Seton Hall Bryan lead the Pirates to three Big East Championships where he earned a Gold Medal and was nominated as the Best Player in the 19 and under Division. Currently, Bryan is Vice-President of 94 Ft. Inc., a local Basketball Service company run by Greg Grant. He resides in Morrisville with his wife Alisa and children, Jabrell and Ciara.

Shelly Walters, Female Player, St. Hedwig’s

Shelly starred for St. Hedwig’s Varsity squad for five years where she led them to several league and playoff championships. Shelly received numerous CYO MVP and Sportsmanship Awards as well as being selected to two All Star Teams, and received the St. Hedwig’s Outstanding Athlete Award. Shelly went on to play for Ewing High and was the first female to score 1,000 points at Ewing, doing so in three years. She was selected to the North/South All Star Team, was named the Athlete of the Year in Mercer County, the Ewing High Basketball Team MVP, and selected to the All-Conference and All Area Team. Shelly’s basketball success continued at Trenton State College where she once again was a 1,000 point score. At TSC she was team captain, participated in the Conference All Star Game, was MVP of the Christmas Tournament, and led her team to the NCAA Tournament round of 8. She graduated from TSC with  BS in Education. Currently, Shelly coaches the Ewing High Boys Varsity team. She coached the Girls at Ewing for 14 years, guiding them to a State Championship in 1999. Under her direction Ewing girls won several Central Jersey Championships, County and Conference Championships, and shelly was named Coach of the Year numerous times, as well as the Coach of the Year by the Newark Star Ledger. Shelly resides in Ewing with her Husband John (a former CYO star himself at Blessed Sacrament), and three sons Kevin, Keith, and Kasey. She is a teacher at Ewing High School. Shelly is very active in youth soccer, basketball, and baseball in Ewing Township, and serves on the Ewing Recreation Commission.

Roy Brooks, Player, St. Anthony’s

Roy played CYO Basketball from 1973-1975 at St. Anthony’s for fellow Hall of Fame Coach Inductee, Andy Kusnirik. In 1974 his St. Anthony’s team won the Sending School Tournament. Brooks was dangerous scorer throughout his basketball career, and it stared in the CYO when he would routinely drop 50 plus in a game and bring taken out before the finish. At. St. Antony’s High, Roy led his team to the 1978 Parochial A South Jersey and CVC Title. In 1979 he was the Athlete of the Year, and named an All-American, IN addition to All County and All State in basketball, and was second team All-State selection in soccer, as a goalie. Roy is in the Mercer County High School Basketball 1,000 point club and was at one time the all-time leading scorer in St. Anthony’s history. Roy continued his basketball career at Seton Hall University where he received the Pirate of the Week Award his Freshman year. He graduated from Seton Hall in 1983 with B.S. in Business Management and Industrial Relations. Currently, Roy resides in Hamilton with his son Roy III. And is employed as a Senior Corrections Officer of New Jersey State Prisons. Roy is highly involved in the community as a coach for the Trenton YMCA and Trenton OAL, participates in the ride for cancer, diabetes, and homeless children.

Joseph Celinski, Male Player, St. Raphael’s

Joe played four years at St. Raphael’s in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. During this time Joe was always known as a prolific scorer, which helped lead his team to his 8^th grade CYO Championship, and his 7^th and 8^th seasons All Star teams. In addition, Joe won the league Sportsmanship Award when he was in 8^th grade. Joe continued his basketball career at St. ANTHONY’S where he became the school’s Freshman M.V.P in 1973 and the Varsity M.VP. in 1977, while becoming an All-County selection as well. Joe was also a very successful soccer and track& field star at St. Anthony’s. He was a two time Track & Field All-County selection and an All County, and second tram All State soccer selection, leading him to be named the St. Anthony’s 1997 Athlete of the Year. Joe continued his basketball career at Stockton State College, where he played for CYO Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Nick Werkman (class of 2004). Joe was team captain during his senior year. Currently Joe resides in Hamilton with his wife Patricia and their children Jenna, Joey, and Nicholas Joe IS EMPLOYED FOR THE Hamilton Township Board of Education and coach’s basketball and Track & Field at Hamilton High West.

Carl Chianese, Male Referee

Carl refereed basketball for 45 years, stating with the Trenton P.A.L. before his CYO days stared in the early 1960’s. carl continued with the CYO until the mid-1990’s, totaling 35 years of service to the CYO, and countless of games refereed, earning him the distinction of a CYO Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee in the Referee Division. All during his CYO time Carl was a member of IAABO Board 193, where he was a top, local high school official, and assigned to many State Tournament and high profile games. Chianese was a member of the Trenton Catholic Basketball team from 1948-1952 and earned All City honors twice. Baseball however, was Carl’s top sport. After four years on the Trenton Catholic team where he was a four time All City selection Chianese signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Athletics. Carl played three years in their Minor League system and was his team’s MVP. During the 1952 season. Carl is currently retired from the City of Trenton Parks and Recreation Department and now resided in Myrtle Beach South Carolina with his wife, Sharelle. Carl and Sharelle have two sons, Carl and Chris, both of whom are former CYO players, coaches, and referees, a daughter Melanie, and four grandchildren.

James Chiorello, Male Player, Immaculate

A three year CYO star at Immaculate, in the very early days at the CYO from 1953-1955, Jim Chiorello’s accomplishments and talents haven’t been forgotten. His greatest accomplishments were that of team co- captain ,CYO Southern Davison, Playoff, Diocesan Tournament, and ALL Star game MVP. His 8^th grade team was a perfect 22-0 and won the Southern Division, Playoff, and Dioceasan  Tournament Championships. Jim played CYO basketball for legendary coach Jim Davidson, and alongside CYO Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Class of 2004, Nick Werkman. In High School at Trenton Catholic, Chiorello played for Father Clarence O’Shea and was part of the 1960 State Championship team, and was chosen an All- Star along with his brother, Ken. Jim was a member of the undefeated Freshman and Junior Varsity at Trenton Catholic prior to his Varsity status. Currently , Jim is retired and resides in Hamilton with his wife Vilma. They have five children; Jim, Diane, Janet, Clarissa, and Amanda.

John Clancy Jr., Male Coach, Immaculate/ St. Joseph’s

John was a longtime and dedicated CYO coach for Immaculate and St. Joseph’s. John instructed, and touch the lives of thousands  of youth in Mercer County over the years through his CYO days and through the numerous other organization he volunteered with. John coach for many years with the Trenton PAL and Recreation Department. In addition, John coached the God Squad Basketball Team, which was a team made up of priests, nuns, and laymen from the Diocese of Trenton, and games were played as fundraisers. John’s coaching success stretched into the High School level where he coached St. Anthony’s to the Mercer County Basketball Championship in 1965 and Notre Dame to the 1968 Mercer County Coach of the Year. Over the years Clancy has coached seven CYO Basketball Hall of Fame inductees; Dave Potash, Tom Hardiman, Nick Werkman, Jack Adams, Doug Hice, Al Tezsla, and Mike Fahey; he must have been doing something right! John was awarded the prestigious Good Guy Award in 1999 from the Golden Wave Club. He is retired from the United States Postal Service after 36 years of service, and resides in Trenton with his wife Dorothy; they have two children ; John and Donna.

Mary Kondash, Special Contributor

The late Mary Kondash played a valuable role in the CYO Basketball Program for 22 years, from 1987-2009. During this time she worked thousands of games at the CYO from gate keeper to timekeeper to site supervisor and many things in between. Many was the best friend of every CYO Athletic Directors she worked with for all that she did behind the scenes. As Athletic Directors came and went (10 in total during Mary’s time),Mary was the steady person in the basketball program who often times trained the AD until they knew their role and then served as a loyal assistant. She stood behind the counter and greeted thousands of spectators with a smile during her shifts. She got to know many of them by name, striking up conversations, developing friendships, and making all who entered the CYO feel comfortable. The CYO lost a great friend on December 21, 2009 and the Basketball Program lost a great employee. We all still miss Mary; she did so much and had a heart of gold. She truly loved and cared for the CYO, her family , he co-workers and their families, and the children that the CYO saved and their families. Mary wore many hats at the CYO. In addition to basketball she worked in the After School Program, Teen Program, Day Camp, Pre-School, Office, and was eventually promoted to Food Manger. The CYO has moved forward but has not and will never forget Mary. Mary is survived by her father , Andy, and inductee tonight in the Referee Division , Mom- Patricia, sisters Michelle and Linda, brother Fred and sister-in-law Tracy, and nieces and nephews Fred, Jessica, Alayan and Noah.

Robyn Korchick Lucchesi , Female Player, St. Stanislaus

Robyn was a four years star at St. Stan’s in the early 1980’s playing for legendary CYO Hall of Fame coach, Mike Dranfula. During this time Robyn led St. Stan’s to the 1983 Small School Division Championship and was named MVP! Robyn’s greatest CYO memory was winning the Knights of Columbus Crown by sinking two free throws to win the Championship and being named tournament MVP! Foul shooting was always a strength of Robyn’s as she was the Hamilton Elks Regional Runner Up. Lucchesi went on to attend McCorristin High Scholl where she received the Army Award for 4 years of perfect attendance. Her athletic and academic success continued as well, she was named the 1987 MAcCorristin Scholar-Athlete of the year during her senior season and was a Mercer Locker Room Player of the Week. Robyn was named 2nd Team All-State, 1th Team All CVC and led the Iron Mikes to the 1987 Mercer County and Georgian Court Tournament Titles and the Parochial ‘A’ Championship. Robyn continued her athletic and academic career at Trenton State College and led her team to the NCAA Division III Sweet 16. She received he B.S. from TSC and gradated with high honors, mago cum lauda! Her TSC Sweet 16 team was inducted into the TCNJ Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. Robyn is a teacher at Reynolds Middle School and resides in Hamilton with her husband Frank, son Frank Jr., and daughter Gianna. She coaches CYO basketball for St. Greg’s girls JV team, and led them to the 2012 Diocesan finals.

Mike ‘Spider’ Maguire, Male Player, St. Paul’s

Mike was a star basketball player at St. Paul’s of Princeton for seven years from 1960-1966. During this time Mike was named Southern Division MVP in 1966; he was selected to the All Star Team in 1965 and 1966 and led St. Paul’s with 29 points to win the Championship game in 1966 against the powerful Blessed Sacrament team. Spider went on to start at The Hun School where he scored 1,224 points in his four year career. He was named All State Prep School First Team in 1969 and 1970 and was The Hun School MVP in 1970! Maguire won the 1669 Hightstown High School Christmas Tournament MVP. Mike was also named All State Prep School First Team in 1970 for football and baseball. Her went on to play college hoops at Susquehanna University. Maguire has been involved in the community caching St. Paul’s boys basketball team in 1975 and 1976 and St. Greg’s girls basketball team from 1984-1994 guiding them to a 1994 Championship! He also coaches many girls AAU basketball teams that traveled the Eastern seaboard. Many of his players were players from our own Mercer County CYO. Additionally, Mike was a member of the Princeton Fraternal of Elks since 1974 and President and Exalted Ruler from 1981-1982. During this time Mike helped raise many thousands of dollars for various charities. One year her and his committee donated 25,000 for the Sunshine Foundation which helped send two airplane full of children to Disney World for a day. Mike went on the trip caring for two children and said that it was one of the most rewarding days of his life. Currently, Mike resides in Hamilton Township with his wife of 38 years, Fran, has two daughters, Michelle and Erin, two son-in-law’s, Matt and Chip, and four grandchildren Michael, Rian, Matthew, and Kamryn. Spider is Vice President of Donald C. Ronder Mechanical Contacting Company.

Sandy Mahon Terry, Female Player, Our Lady of Sorrows

Sandy was a star at OLS in the late 1970’s leading her team to many victories cultivating her skills for the future. In 1978 Sandy received the League Sportsmanship Award! Mahon continued her hoops career at Notre Dame where she led the Irish to the 1982 Mercer County Tournament Championship. She was named to the All Mercer second team in 1982! Her athletic and education career went to the next level at Trenton State College and the success continued. Sandy was a member of the Lady Lions team that won the 1984 NCAA Division III Eastern Regional Championship. Sandy graduated with a B.S. degree from TSC. Sandy is currently employed as a Family Division Manager for Mercer County Superior Court. She resides in Hamilton with her husband, John, daughter Jamie, and son John.

Bob Malloy, Male Special Contributor

Consider for a moment where the CYO Basketball Program might be without Bob Malloy? Malloy was Monsignor Toomey’s first hire and went on to serve as the first of 17 Athletic Directors over the last 60 years! If not for Bod Malloy, the right person at the right time as the be here today? Bob administered the league for even years, from 1962-1969 (third longest period behind Anka Sivak and current Athletic Director Quincy Walzer) working thousands of games. Its wasn’t the number of games that Bob worked which was so important yet the time frame in which he worked. Malloy laid the ground work and shaped the program for what would follow for the next 60 years. If not for his ability to mold the program and become a trailblazer for the next 16 Athletic Directors to follow, the league may not have survived 60 years! Bob resides in Columbus with his wife, Marie. He attended Mercer County Community College and Trenton State College.

Anthony Nitti, Male Player, St. James

Anthony was a star at St. James from 1956-1960, leading them to the 1960 Championship when he averaged 18 points a games, and a 30-1 record! Many will argue that the 1959-1960 St. James team was the greatest CYO team ever! Nitti was League MVP in 1960 on his championship team. His St. James team’s only loss that year was at the Asbury Park Convention Center versus Cape May’s Star of the Sea School in a Christmas Tournament . Anthony recalls the early says of CYO basketball, as his greatest memory is playing a game at the Junior 2 center court against an unbeaten Immaculate team in 1960 in front of a standing room only crown that St. James went on to win! Anthony went on to play at Cathedral and was a member of the 1963 State Championship team during his Junior Year. During his high School days, Nitti battled Power Memorial from New York and the Legend, Kareem Abual Jabbar, formerly known as Lew Alcindor on a few occasions. Anthony resides in Pennington and had two sons, Anthony and Chris, and three grandchildren Victoria, Brennan, Frankie. His brother Carmen was inducted into the CYO Baseball Hall of Fame, Player Division, and Inaugural Class of 2004.

Ami Opalski, Female Player, Holy Angels

Ami starred at Holy Angels from 1989-1992. During her time at Holy Angels, Ami scored 750 points! Ami Opalski was part of many successful teams at holy Angels, and was a regular selection to the CYO All Star team. Ami continued her basketball career at Hamilton West, one again playing on many successful team. During her time with the Hornets, Opalski received the County Player of the Week Award. Ami continued her education at Rowan University where she received a B.A. in Health and Exercise Science with a specialization in Athletic Training. Currently, Ami is employed at Somerville High School as their Head Athletic Trainer. She resides in Hamilton and has a dog, Willow. Her family consists of her parents Debbie and Dave Blackwell, Jeff and Maria Opalski, and brothers Jeff, Steven, and Eli.

Noel Powell, Male Player, Sacred Heart

Noel was a star at Sacred Heart from 1980-1983, playing for legendary CYO Hall of Fame coach, Harold Hall. During this time, Noel received several awards including the Holy Cross Tournament Sportsmanship Award, McCorristin Tournament MVP, and the 1983 CYO MVP! Noel recalls receiving well wishes via telegram from legendary Helen Boehm prior to a big CYO game and a handwritten note from former Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer after a great season! Powell went on to play high school ball at Solebury Prep, St. Peter’s, and McCorristin. He was a 1,000 point score at McCorristin. Noel was a National Award Winner from US Achievement Academy, honorable mention All-County, and was selected to participate in the Garden State Games. Powell went on to play college hoops at Coppin State and Trenton State College. Noel resides in Willingboro with his wife, Jennifer. They have four children, Noel III, Myles, Madison, and Gavin. Noel has been employed by AMTRAK for the last 23 years. During this time Noel was fortunate enough to work a shift in which President Barack Obama was a rifer on a political tour. The question came up and the discussion was had, who would win a one on one game, Noel or the President?

Tracy Quinn, Female Player, St. Raphael’s

Tracy was a star at St. Raphael’s in the mid to late 1970’s playing for legendary and Hall of Fame coach, Rose Astore. During the time, Tracy led St. Rapharl’s to numerous league and tournament championship where she received several MVP awards and All Tournament acknowledgements. Of all of the awards, championship, and accolades, Quinn’s greatest CYO memory was playing in front of loud, standing room only crowds during big games. Tracy would go on to play many big games throughout her basketball career. After her days at St. Raphael’s, she starred for Hamilton West where she led the Hornets to a 1983 Group IV State Championship capturing the tournament MVP! Tracy became the first female to score 1,000 points in Hamilton Public School history. From there she received a full scholarship to play basketball at Holy Cross College and appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 1985. Tracy was named MAAC Player of the Year in 1987 and once again reached 1,000 point plateau at Holy Cross before graduating in 1987. Tracy later continued her education at Rider University receiving her Masters of Educational Administration in 2005. She is employed as a teacher at Steinert High School. Tracy resides in Hamilton with her daughter, Shaye.

Frank Adams, Coach, St. Mary’s

The late Frank Adams was the longtime coach of the St. Mary’s Assumption boys’ varsity basketball team. His teams, nicknamed “The Greeks”, were always well coached, disciplined, fundamentally sound, and well prepared for each opponent. His three hour practice sessions every Monday and Thursday night were intense for the young players. Coach Adams led many of his teams to championships and even in the few “off years”, they were always extremely competitive year in and year out. There were legendary battles between St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart especially during the Al and Ron Payton era. The St. Mary’s teams were long considered to be the main feeder program for many championship teams at Cathedral High School, where there was a natural connection with long time head, Joe Holsman (a St. Mary’s product himself.) Frank Adams was also an Assistant Coach at Cathedral. The St. Mary’s graduates who went on to tremendous careers at Cathedral include the Adams brother, Jack and Jim(Frank’s nephews), the Bobiks, the Feskos, and so many others-many of whom are CYO Hall of Famers! The full court press was properly taught to the young players at St. Mary’s which became one of their trademarks. By the time were at Cathedral, there players had perfected this defense. Coach Adams was ahead of his time in many ways. Today “ travel teams” are very popular. In the 1960’s and 70’s the St. Mary’s grammar school teams were competing in various tournaments (and winning many championships) all across North Jersey and the Philly area. The referees at many of their “road games” (as well as uncountable” CYO home games) was the late Mincey Manczak, another CYO Hall Famer! Frank Adams, who the long-time owner/operator of their Citgo Gas Station at Cass and Grand Streets in Trenton, is survived by his wife, Opal , sons Frank Jr. and Jeff, and his grandchildren.


Ralph Cray Sr., Male Coach, Incarnation

The late Ralph Cray was a legendary CYO coach for 25 years at Incarnation coaching both the boys Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. During this time, Ralph coaches four teams to undefeated seasons, which makes his tenure legendary. Adding to his legacy was the coaching he did at the Trenton PAL, and the success he had in that program. Cray combined his PAL and CYO teams into a travel team known as Ralph’s Raiders. These teams traveled and dominated locally, often playing preliminary games at local colleges and prep schools, giving his players an opportunity of playing “big time!” The Raiders traveled to places like California, Louisiana, Kinase City, Indianapolis, and Iowa, with one trip taking a 4th place finish for the entire county! Betide every good man is a good woman , and this was the case with Ralph’s wife, the late Annamarie Cray. Annamarie was dedicated to her husband’s teams. She attended every game and kept score in support of her husband, the CYO, and it players. Annamarie helped Ralph with his strategy against his opponents and gave her heart and soul to her husband as he gave to his coaching. Cray coached at the Trenton PAL for 20 years and for Ewing Little League for 27 years. He retired from General Motors after 30 years of service. He is survived but his children Karen Horton ,Ralph Cray, Mark Cray, and Linda Cray-Adens, and grandson Christian Adens. Ralph also had a deceased son, Ronald Cray.

Jennifer Hanlon-Lombardo ,Female Player, St. Stanislaus

Jenn was a star at St. Stan’s from 1987-1991 playing under legendary, and Hall of Fame coach, Mike Drangula. During this time Hanlon led St. Stan’s to several championships including five tournament championships, four CYO small School Division Championships, and two CYO Playoff Championships. Jenn was selected to three CYO All Teams, five tournament MVP’S, and a CYO Playoff MVP! Hanlon continued her basketball career at Note Dame where she was member of the 1995 Parochial “A” State Championship team which was ranked second in the State. During this season Jenn received the “ Coaches Award” She continued her education and basketball career at Alvernia College. In 1998 Jenn led Alvernia to the 1998 Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Championship. She graduated with a B.S. Degree in Arts History. Currently Jenn resides in Trenton with her husband, Joe and daughter, Isabella. She is employed as a Principal Clerk with the NEW Jersey State Police.

Jules “Skip: Harlicka , Male Player, St. Hedwig’s

Skip stated his illustrious basketball career at the CYO playing for St. Hedwig’s . He continued his career at Notre Dame where he was named an ALL-City, ALL –State, and All American player! Upon graduation in 1964, Harlicka accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of South Carolina. Skip led the Gamecocks in scoring his three varsity seasons( 1965-68_with a 17.5 career average, including 21.8 as a Senior All-ACC and Chuck Taylor Converse All American. Skip ranks sixth in Gamecocks history in career scoring average, totaling 1,209 career points. He twice made the Aflac Tournament team and played a key role in Carolina’s rise to the top of the ACC. His talents made him a 1968 first round draft choice(13th overall pick)of the Atlanta Hawks, and the first ever draft choice of the Hawks, and played one NBA season, averaging 4.1 points per games, and was part of Atlantis’s Conference finalist team. All of Skip’s accomplishments have gained him induction into the University of South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1997, the Notre Dame High School Hall of Fame in 2007, and the South Carolina Stare Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009, and now the CYO Basketball Hall of Fame! Harlicka received his college degree in Business Administration, Banking and Finance. He is self-employed in the Investment, Banking, and Real Estate field for the last 40 years. Skip resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, has a son Todd, and two granddaughters, Avery and Chloe. He is a Committee Member for the Charleston Classic Basketball Tournament.

Mike Kasian, Male Player, Holy Angels

Mike played for Holy Angels from 1967-1969. He was star on the 68-69 team and had a special season. During this time Mike led Holy Angels to the St. Anthony’s Sending School Tournament Championship and winning MVP and the CYO Northern Division Championship and once again winning the MVP! Kasian continued his basketball career at St. Anthony’s High School where he was three year Varsity starter. Mike continued playing and starring in many adult recreational basketball leagues for many years into the early part of the 2000’s. He won many all-league honors and a few MVP awards. In the Wetzel league, he had a stretch where he made 16 straight all league teams, won two league championships, and an MVP Award. Kasian has also been very involved in the community where he coached his children and over an estimated 600 other children for 17 straight year in Hamilton YMCA, Hamilton PAL, HGSA, Nottingham Little League, OLS, and AAU teams.
Mike is proud to have the distinct honor of being inducted into the CYO Basketball Hall of Fame along with his daughter, Nicole. Kasian graduated from TSC in 1977 with a B.S. degree. He retired in 2001 from DYFS after 33 years of service as a Social Worker and Litigation Supervisor. Mike helped thousands of children throughout his career ensuring their safety, permanency, and well-being. He is currently enjoying substitute teaching in the Hamilton Schools. Mike resides in Hamilton with his wife Laurie and children Nicole and Kevin.

Nicole Kasian, Female Player, Our Lady of Sorrows

Nicole was a star at OLS during the mid to late 90’s playing for legendary coach, John Tandy. During this time Nicole led OLS to many victories and championships, most importantly the 1999 Large School Championship1 Nicole was the 1999 CYO MVP and named to the CYO Christmas Classic All-Tournament Team in 1998 and 1999. Of all of the awards, championships, and accolades, Kasian’s greatest CYO memories was being part of a team and bonding with teammates. Nicole continued her athletic and academic career at Steinert High School. Kasian was named the 2004 Steinert Scholar-Athlete winner! She received a Hamilton PAL and Trenton PAL scholarship, Trenton Select’s Gil Rossi Memorial Scholarship, and “Ed the Fan”(Steinert) School SPIRIT Award. She was 3rd Team All CVC Basketball After her Senior Year at Stenert and 2nd Team All CVC in Fired Hockey after the 2003 season. Nicole continued her academic at TCNJ, where she graduated in 2008. Nicole comes from an athletic family and is honored to be inducted into the Class of 2012 with her father, Mike, a basketball standout from Holy Angels. KASIAN worked at Steinert High Scholl and is a Social Studies Teacher, the school’s freshman field hockey coach, and student Government Advisor. She resides in Hamilton, and is engaged to be married next summer to Dan Caruso, the Steinert head football Coach.

Andrew “ Drew” Kennedy, Male Player, Cathedral

Drew was a star at Cathedral from 1987-1990 playing under legendary, and Hall of Fame coach, Jim Dill. During this time Andrew led Cathedral to CYO Championships in 1988 and 1990 and a championship appearance in 1989! Kennedy was named Cathedral’s sixth man on the 1988 team and the MVP in 1989 and 1990. Of all of the Championships and awards, Drew’s greatest CYO memories remain the friendship he built and the life lessons he learned from coach Dill. Drew went on to McCorristin High and The Hun School where he helped lead the Raiders to a Prep “A” Championship. Mr. Kennedy continued his education and basketball career at Rowan University. As a Freshman he was the starting point guard and an integral part of their NCAA Division III Final Four berth in 1995. He later transferred to Philadelphia College of Pharmacy where he became a 3 year starter and a 1,000 point scorer. Drew graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy with a B.S. in Pharmacy and a Master’s in Business Administration.

George Kinczel, Male Coach, St. Stephen’s

George was a successful CYO coach for 12 years! At St. Stephen’s , he was the 1964f Coach of the Year after leading his team to a Championship with 44-41 finals win over St. Mary’s. Kinczel also led St. Stephen’s to a 1963 third place finish and a 1968 second place finish. From there, George became involved with St. Greg’s and was their school’s first coach in 1971. Of all of his coaching success his greatest CYO memory was teaching basketball to young kids. George was quite a player also playing two years at St. Stephen’s and then on to the powerful Trenton Catholic. George was an ALL City, two time, first selection and named MVP and first team All-Tournament for the 1956 ESCIT in Newport, Rhode Island. George went on to play college hoops at St. Francis Prep and Trenton Junior College. The awards continued as he was named All State to NJJCC and Honorable Mention Region XX. George resides in Hamilton with his wife Maryann and has three children, Thomas, Linda, and George Jr.

Andrew Kondash, Male Referee

After being persuaded by Mincey Manczak to take the referee test in 1978, Andy was a regular at the CYO for 27 years, doing thousands of games until his retirement in 2005. He was regularity scheduled for the first games of the day on Saturday, and normally worked the boys and girls finals! Andy’s basketball officiating career stretched beyond the CYO. He was one of the most well respected officials in his prime and often found himself assigned to many State Tournament playoff games. Towards the end of his career, Andy became an evaluator for the officiating board. Kondash also spent several year scorekeeping games at the CYO. Prior to referring, Andy was a player and coach. His playing days stated at St. Francis in the CYO High School league at Junior 2 where he played in the Monday Night league. From there he took up coaching and found himself at Cathedral for 2 years. In his first year, his team was 0-17 but the Dash quickly turned thing around and led them to the Small School Championship the next year only to lose to powerful and Andy coached for many years at Sacred Heart with the late Trenton Mayor, Arthur Holland, while his four children attended and graduated from Sacred Heart School. Kondash graduated from Cathedral High School. He worked for the State of New Jersey, Department of Transportation for 35 years as a Principal Traffic Investigator. Andy resides in Hamilton and he and his wife Patricia have four children, Fred, Michelle, Linda, and Mary, and four grandchildren Jessica, Fred, Alayna, and Noah . Andy has the honor of being inducted into this class along with his late daughter, Mary who is being inducted as a Special Contributor after working for the CYO for 22 years

John Samonsky, Male Player, St. Joe’s

John Samonsky played in the inaugural CYO Basketball league in the 1955-53 season with St. Joe’s and prior to that played in the Trenton Parochial League which preceded the CYO. Samonsky came into the league with a bang and led St. Joe’s to an undefeated season, winning the Northern Division and playoffs versus the Southern Division. He was named the first ever CYO MVP and selected to the All Star Team. John went on to star at Trenton Catholic where he led is freshman team to a undefeated season and then follows with a City and County Championship as a Sophomore and Junior. In his Senior year he guided his team to a 25-0 record winning the ESCIT, City County , and State Championships and his team was voted the top Catholic High School by the Chicago World! In three Varsity season he scored over 1,000 points (prior to the three point shot). Samonsky received numerous County, City, and State awards from Sophomore to Senior year most notably second team Catholic All American by the Chicago World, State MVP in 1957 by the sportswriters of NJ, first team all-state and ESCIT, and top class athlete four years in a row at Trenton Catholic. Smonsky received over 25 college scholarships, Choosing Fordham, and participating in the NIT two times while there. Samonsky resides in Bluffton, South Carolina with his wife Andrea. They have three children; Jay, Jim, and Elaine, and ten grandchildren.

John Tandy, Male Coach, OLS

John Tandy was a longtime, successful Girls Varsity basketball coach at OLS winning many Large School and League Championships. From 1985-2003 he was a fixture with the OLS girls program, sending many on to be stars on the high school level. Each year John and his assistant coaches were instrumental in planning and carrying out the start of the CYO basketball season with the Opening Day Mass. Tandy graduated from Mercer Country Community College with a degree in Business. He is retired from DEPTCOR after 26 years of service. In addition to all of his selflessness and dedication to the youth as a volunteer coach for the CYO, Tandy played an even bigger role as a longtime member of their Board of Trustees helping to establish policies and keep the organization heading in the right direction. After 62 years the CYO is in a great place with help of John Tandy. John resides in Hamilton with his wife Cheryl of 46 years and they have two children, Christopher and wife Marcie, daughter, Jennifer, and volunteer baseball coach at HTRBA , and 18 years as a baseball coach at Hamilton touches the lives of several hundred youth in Hamilton Township.

John Wandishin, Male Special Contributor, St. Paul’s

John was deeply involved with the St. Paul’s Athletic Program from 1999 to 2008 as Board Member, Coach, and Athletic Director, and was awarded the CYO Volunteer Coach of the Year for the 2004-2005season. During John’s tenure the St. Paul’s program thrived with multiple, spirited teams on most levels. When John started with the CYO at a time when school and parish closing and mergers began and team numbers decreased overall, but spiked at St. Paul’s (22 teams ,70 volunteers, and 250 participants)just when the CYO needed a boost. Wandishin coached the girl’s team for 9 years, Track &Field Team for 3 years and was the Parish Athletic Director for 7 years. His 2001-2002 Girl’s Junior Varsity team was 17-2 and league champions! He was a CYO player himself at Incarnation where he began a successful playing career. At Ewing High School John was a second team All-County Outstanding Basketball Athlete of the Year. Ewing High named him their Scholar Athlete and Basketball Player of the Year. After graduating from Ewing High John continued his education at The College of New Jersey where he earned a BS in Business Administration and then an MBA in Marketing from Seton Hall University. John has been awarded the Princeton Knights of Colobus Father Michael Farren Christian Service Award in 2008 and The College of New Jersey Alumni Service Award Recipient in 2000. He served on the TCNJ Board of Trustees from 1985-1993 and is the Board Chairperson for the St. Paul School Board. Wasndishin resides in Monmouth Junction and is Vice-President of Marking for Brother International Corporation. He and his wife Denise have two daughters, Ashley and Jenna (both St. Paul graduates and athletes). John wants to thank all the dedicated coaches and volunteers that supported the SPS sport program and in particular Monsignor Nolan for all of his support of the St. Paul Athletic Program during his tenure. The CYO is very thankful to have John Wandishin as a Special Contributor to their Basketball and Track programs.

Peter Yull , Male Coach, Blessed Sacrament

Peter Yull coached the Blesses Sacrament boys basketball team from 1984 thru 1999 when the school closed, and then Cathedral for the 1999-2000 season. During these years Blessed Sacrament teams thrived with success and participation. Yull often times guided his team dep into the playoffs and sent his graduates onto have highly accomplished high school basketball careers. In addition to his time at Blessed Sacrament Peter coaches many of the same players in Trenton Recreation leagues and a CYO High School team that finished second in the State CYO Tournament. Additionally, Yull coaches his Army team in Basketball and soccer, as well as boys and girls soccer at Blessed Sacrament. He was a coach who was dedicated and selfless. He Felt it was important to provide students with the opportunity to learn, participate and be coached in team concepts and sports. Peter graduated from Bishop DuBois High School in New York City and then continued his education at Gonzaga University where he earned a BS and Central Michigan University where he earned an MA. Yull was a regular in the CYO Benefit Basketball games featuring CYO coaches vs. the Eagles, Giants, and Jets, and helped raise money for the CYO through these games. He had fond memories of the Blessed Sacrament Father- Son basketball games. Peter resides in Trenton with his wife of 44 years, Eliz They have two daughters, Nicole and Rebecca, and six grandchildren. Yull is retired from the State of NJ working 10 years at DYFS and for the Department of Transportation for 22 years. Peter is a former Board Member for the Mercer County Improvement Authority was a member of the Trenton Board of Education, and currently serves as the President of the City of Trenton Planning Board.  

Bob Kelliher, Special Contributor

When it comes to the CYO basketball program Bod Kelliher has done it all. A star player growing  for St. Anthony’s , he did it. A selfless, dedicated volunteer, coach, instructing young men growing up, he did that too, for many years at St. Anthony’s. An official, working hundreds of games for the organization, and considered one of the best, he did that for many years. Kelliher’s involvement with the CYO spanned decades, and toughed on all aspects of the basketball league, which has earned him the distinction of the CYO Basketball Hall of Fame, as a Special Contributor!  In addition to working CYO games for many years Bob was also on the Mercer County High School basketball scene as a top referee on IAABO Board 193.Kellihers involvement with the CYO reached beyond basketball, as he was a part-time employee of the CYO as a Camp Counselor for many Summers at the CYO Day Camp in Yardville, while in high school. Kelliher retired from the State of New Jersey, Division of Taxation after 25. Dedicated top his County, Bob was in the US Army Reserves for over 30 years, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was also a member of the Colonial Volunteer Fire CO. for over 40 years. Bob left us too early but won’t be forgotten. He left a Special mark on the CYO with wat was almost a lifetime affiliation. Bob is survived by wife Nancy, and children Robert, Michael, William, Lawrence, and grandchildren Nicole, Nate, Matthew, Daniel, Madison, Mia, and Billy.

Frank Konstantynowicz, Player St. Hedwig’s

The late Frankie K. was a star at St. Hedwig’s in the early 1970’s. He was a regular on the All Star team and led St. Hedwig’s to many championship. Frank continued his basketball career at Princeton Day School where he was team MVP in 1976 and was the team’s co-captain the eye of former NBA star, Satch Sander, who recruited Frank to Harvard. Konstantynowicz played four years and Harvard, and was a key member1980 Crimson squad which finished an all-time school best with 23 wins, 4 losses. Frank graduated from the prestigious University in 1980. Frank retuned to PDS where he was a Physical Education teacher and coach for five years. He was as much for an inspirational coach as he was a player, as he directed PDS to the 1984 State Title. From, there he went to Washington and Jefferson College to coach their men’s basketball team. Konstantynowicz faced an untimely death in 1996, but is still remembered fondly for his basketball success at the CYO and Mercer County. He is also remembered as an exceptional human being that brought a smile to everyone’s face and his powerful faith in God that he embodied. The Frankie K. award is award is presented annually to a player from PDS and is considered highest basketball honor at the school.

Frantz Massenat, Male Player, Incarnation

Frantz began his CYO career in 2001 with Incarnation, where he learned the skill to make him a Professional basketball player. Currently, Massenat plays for Mitteldeutscher  Basketball Club out of the Central German Basketball League. Massenat recalls winning the Freshman League Championship and was selected to several CYO All Star Teams, earned regular season and playoff MVP award, and was named the 2005-2006 Mr. CYO Basketball. Massenat continued  his basketball career at Trenton Academy. In 2010 he led the Iron Mikes to their first ever NJSIAA Tournament of Championship title. During this season he was named the team MVP and was a second team All-State selection. Frantz continued his academic and athletic career at Drexel University where he started every game for four years and finished sixth on the school’s all-time scoring list. In 2012 he led the Dragons to the Colonial Athletic Association Championship and was named first team All-Conference two times.  In 2014 Massenat was offered a spot on the Washington Wizards Summer League team but declined when he signed a one year contract with Mitteldeutscher. Frantz graduated from Drexel with a degree in Communication.

Eileen McManimon , Female Coach, Incarnation

Eileen has coached girls’ basketball at Incarnation for close to 40 years, as well as softball and soccer, and has serves as the Parish Athletic Director. McManimon has won countless championship and sent scores of girls onto successful basketball careers on the high school level. From all of that, what she recalls the most from 40 years with the CYO is the good memories, fun times, and lifelong friendships that she made. Before she went into coaching, McManimon made a name for herself as a three-sport star at Notre Dame High School. She played field hockey, basketball , and softball for four years , and then moved onto Immaculate College in Washington, D.C., where she played field hockey, volleyball, and basketball. After graduating from Immaculate, Eileen became involved with the Ewing Girls soccer, Basketball, and Softball Associations. She coached for many years and held Board positions with all three organizations. McManimon was appointed to the Ewing Recreation Commission in the late 1980’s and served for a decade. McManimon was inducted into the Trenton Select Committee in 2006 and the Notre Dame High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. Eileen resides in Lawrence, and is an Administrative Assistant for the Attorney General’s office as a legal secretary. She has favorably countless youth in Mercer County over the last 40 years and the CYO has been so lucky to have her.

Danielle Mitala- Bottoni, Female Player, Immaculate

Danielle was a star at Immaculate from 1968-1989 playing under Hall of Fame coach Bob Bucchi.  During this time Danielle was a regular on the All Star Team and lead Immaculate to many championship. 1989 was a personal best for Mitala-Bottoni as she was named MVP for the St.  Casimir’s Christmas Tournament, Notre Dame Sending School Tournament, Knights of Columbus Tournament, CYO Small School Division and Playoff, and won the Nicholas Abbot Athletic/Scholastic Scholarship. Danielle continued her academic and athletic career at McCorristin High School where she was a Varsity four letter winner in Basketball, and lettered soccer, softball, and tennis. She was a member of four CVC basketball championships and two time all, CVC selection. In 1994 she was awarded the prestigious Renee Keister Award, named the McCorristin High School Athlete and Scholar/ Athlete of the year, and the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton Outstanding Student. Danielle went on to Drew University where she received a BA degree and played on their basketball team. Currently Mitala- Bottoni reside in Robbinsville with her husband John. They own Bottoni Jewelers and have three children; Sophia, Gabriella, and Santino . Danielle coaches cheerleading and basketball in Robbinsville.   

Roberto Hernandez ,Male Player, Sacred Heart

Roberto was a star at Sacred Heart from 1968-1971, earning the league MVP award, multiple All Star game selections, and leading Sacred Heart to a Division Championship! Hernandez continued his basketball career at Notre Dame High School leading his freshman team in scoring, and then onto the courts at Trenton State College. Roberto was a member of the 1967 Puerto Rican National Basketball Team. Hernandez recognizes fellow Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Didun, as his toughest opponent. Roberto graduated from Trenton State College with a BA degree. He continued his education with Rutgers School of Drug and Alcohol and is currently a certified social worker by the State of NEW Jersey. He is a graduate and fellow of the Leadership Trenton class 2002. Hernandez offers over 25 years of service to the community. He is Division Director of Catholic Charities, and in 1999 with their support he founded El Centro, with the emphasis to provide the community with social services , education, and support. Since then, over 6000 families have received series and helps in breaking the isolation that many Latinos have experienced due to the great Latino migration. Additionally, he was instrumental in the development and creation of Anchor House, a shelter for runaway youth. Roberto reside in Hamilton with his wife Aida and three sons Carlos, Alex, and Roberto Jr. In March of 2014 he received the Thomas H. Keane Outstanding Community Alumni Award. Hernandez is especially thankful to the work the late CYO Founder and Sacred Heart Pastor; Monsignor Leonard Toomey did in molding his character. He is a former member of the CYO Board of Trustees.

Joe Holsman, Male Coach, St. Mary’s

The late Joe Holsman was a legendary basketball coach and mainstay at St. Mary’s . Throughout his CYO career Joe won countless championship and tournaments and taught hunreds of yound men basketball skills. More important than teaching them how to play the game, he taught them values and education and always put that ahead of basketball. He was the definition of a role model to all that he coached. A good coach always has a good assistant, and Joe’s top assistant was always his wife, the late Phyllis. The Holsman family life revolved around basketball and behind the scenes Phyllis was involved as Joe and made so much of it happen to aloe Joe to coach his boys. Joe and Phyllis have three daughters; Judy, Terry and Gayle (named after the Cathedral Geals where Joe was the JV and Varsity coach at the Hight School!), a son Joe Jr., five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Joe dedicated so much of his life to basketball. He loved the sport and loved teaching his players to be the best that they can be. He won a lot, and taught kids to be proud to win and to win graciously, but to always play hard and lose with pride too. Holsman graduated from Trenton Catholic High School and attended Julliard School of Music. He was part of the “Chis Matthews Quartet” as a saxophone player and singer. Joe was employed by the State of New Jersey, Department of Transportation. He is the brother of CYO hall of Fame inductee, George Holsman.  

Kelly Hutchinson, Female Player, Holy Angels

Kelly was a CYO star at Holy Angels in the early 1990’s , was names to many All Star teams, and guided her teams to countless victories. Her legacy was left during her 8^th grade season when she led Holy Angels to the CYO regular season and playoff championships with a 23-0 record, and was named regular season and playoff MVP! Kelly was also a star on a Trenton AAU team that won three consecutive NJ State Championships in 1992-1994. Hutchinson went on to star at Notre Dame High School where she was a four year letter winner, a member of back to back Parochial ‘A’ State, and Mercer County Championship TEAMS, AND AN All-County selection! Kelly continued her education at Stonehill College where she earned a BA in Psychology and was Captain of the rugby team. Hutchinson has been very active in coaching; she spent 7 years as an Assistant Varsity coach at Lawrenceville Prep, and two years as the head Varsity Coash at her alma mater, Notre Dame. She has spent the last few years as a volunteer basketball Coash for the Lambertville Basketball Association. Kelly resides in Lambertville is employed by the NJ Juvenile Justice Commission in Human Resources, and is a private tutor for the Princeton Review. Kelly’s family includes parents Jack and Maryann, sister, Lindsay, and brother, Matthew.

David Jacobus, Male Referee

Dave’s affiliation with the CYO began in 1953 when he was a member of the St. Hedwig’s basketball team, and went on to be a rare star player, coach, and top notch official. Jacobus would continue his CYO affiliation where he was most remembered as a referee which continued until the early 1990’s. Dave worked countless CYO games over a 25 year period that earned him the distinction of the CYO Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee in the Referee Division. Jacobus was also a member of the IAABO Board 193 for 20 years, where he was also a top, local high school official, assigns to many big games and State Tournaments. After his playing days were done at St. Hedwig’s Dave and his assistant coach (Brother Bob) guided St. Hedwig’s Boys Varity to the 1957-58 CYO Playoff Championship. He also coached Trenton Catholic Boy’s freshmen baseball, Pemberton Junior High Boys basketball and baseball, Belvederes High Boys Varsity basketball, and Belvidere Middle School girls to an undefeated season in 1988-89.  Jacobus attended Trenton Catholic and was a second team ALL-City football player and then Trenton Junior College and was a member of their basketball team, and graduated with an AA degree and then graduated from LaSalle with a BA degree. Dave is a retired teacher beginning his teaching career in 1959 at Trenton Catholic and then put in 25 years in the Pemberton School district. He resides in Pawley’s Island, South Carolina with his wife, Ronne and has daughters, Darlene and Cynthia. Jacobus is the Founder of Tri-Community concerned Home-owners Association.     

Reggie Coleman, Male Player, Cathedral

Reggie was a star at Cathedral from 1985-1987 playing under legendary and fellow Hall of Fame coach James Dill.  During these years Reggie won team MVP and Sportsmanship Awards and led Cathedral to winning seasons, deep playoff runs, and a regular in the All Star game. Coleman  continued his basketball career at McCorristin Catholic where he led the Iron Mikes to State and ESCIT Championship in 1989 and 1990. After graduating from McCorristin  Reggie continued his academic and athletic career at Upsala College. Coleman was names second team All-Conference and team MVP in 1994 and 1995. He graduated in 1995 with a BA in Communications. Reggie retuned to the CYO in 2002 to coach Sacred Heart School , and has also coached at Martin House and Boys and Girls Club Basketball leagues. Reggie has been employed at the Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County since 1998 and is currently their Executive Director. Coleman is the recipient of the NAACP Award and was names the Garden State Professional of the Year. He resides in Hamilton with his wife Victoria and children Reggie and Devin.

Arielle Collins, Female Player, St. Anthony’s/ St. Greg’s

Arielle was a CYO star staring in the third grade on the Junior Varsity level for St. Greg’s. From the very beginning of her CYO basketball career in third grade, watching this little girl control the game on the CYO court everyone knew she would be something special. Over her six season with St. Greg’s and St. Anthony she proved to be a very special layer, and was recognized for scoring over 1500 points with her two teams, and was a regular All Star, and led her teams to championship, the playoffs ,and won MVP awards along the way. Collins special play continued in High School at Steinert and The Hun School. Arielle currently the All Time scoring leading for the Spartans with 1,732 points and average of 21.6 per game during her senior season. She is a three time Steinert team MVP and was a first team All- Areas and fourth team ALL-State selection her Senior year. Collins received the prestigious Renee Keister award in 2008 and named Trenton Time Athlete of the year in 2008 as equaled he basketball success with soccer accomplishments at Steinet. At Hun, Arielle lead the Raiders to the State Tournament and was names First Team All Mid-Atlantic Prep  League and First Team All-Prep by the Trentonian.  Arielle continued her career at Fordham University where she led the Rams to their best record in 35 years with a mark of 26-9 in 1979. Collins ranks 12 in school history in steals and third in steals in a single season. She lead Fordham to the Atlantic 10 Championship game and Elite 8 of the WNIT, and was names Atlantic 10 Conference Defensive Team and The Fordham University Block F Award MVP! Arielle graduated from Fordham with s degree in a Communications and Business. Collins resides in Hamilton and is an Assistant Buyer for Burlington Stores. Her family consists of mother Donna, father James ,and brothers Michael, James, Nicholas, and Edward.  

Julian Diaz, Male Player, OLS

Julian was a star at Our Lady of Sorrows leading them to the 2002 Junior Varsity and the 2004 Varsity CYO Playoff Championship, and the 2004 Diocesan Tournament Championship. Diaz was names CYO regular season and playoff MVP two times, Turkey Shoot MVP, and the Diocesan Tournament MVP! Julian was names the CYO Male Athlete of the Year in 2004. Julian continued  a brilliant athletic career at Notre Dame High School where he was part of the 2005 ESCIT Championship team, a two time ESCIT All Tournament selection, a two time first team all-conference selection, a first team all-area selection, and the 2007 Conference Player of the Year. Diaz was awarded the prestigious Jack Cryan Memorial Award. He was a 1000 point scorer at ND. Diaz continued his academic and athletic career at Villanova University through a baseball scholarship graduating with a BS degree and was named to the Big East All-academic team for 2011-2012. Julian resides in Hamilton and is employed as a Sales Representative for Enterprise Holdings.

Charlie Didun, Male Player, St. Mary’s

Charlie Didun started his remarkable CYO basketball career in the third grade and played all six years under Hall of Fame coach Frank Adams. Didun’s St. Mary’s won the 1964 CYO Championship and Charlie was a regular on the All Star team. In addition to being a star Charlie played the game the right way evidenced by his Hamilton PAL Sportsmanship award! His basketball success continued at St. Anthony’s where he was a two time Year. In the Fall of 2013 Charlie was named St. Anthony’s Top 50 Athletes. Charlie recognizes fellow Hall of Fame inductee Bob Hernandez  as his toughest CYO opponent. Didun graduated from Mercer County Community College and Trenton State College. He is a Sales and marketing Consultant for R&R Marketing, and resides in Pennington with wife, Lisa. They have two children, Christopher and Jennifer, who were both three sport starts at Hopewell Valley High, Learning their skills from coach dad. In 1998 Charlie founded the Hopewell Valley pop Warner Football League.

Colleen Flynn Pirrmann, Female Player, Blessed Sacrament

Colleen was a star at Blessed Sacrament in the late 70’s and early 80’s leading Blessed Sacrament to the 1980 league championship and was selected to the All Star team. Colleen has fond memories of the CYO gym atmosphere and recalls always looking forward to playing there on Saturdays mornings, especially against Hall of Fame inductees Tracy Quinn, Patty Heemlinger, and Kim Lacken.

Colleen continued her athletic career at Notre Dame High School where she led the Irish basketball team to the CVC and Mercer County Championship, and state runner up. Pirrmann was selected to the 1984 All Mercer, CVC, and Sate teams and was the recipient of the prestigious Father Clarence O’Shea award. She also starred on the 1984 Notre Dame soccer state championship team. Colleen continued he academic and athletic career at Hofstra University where she was named to the Northeast Conference All Freshman team and the 1987 team MVP. She graduated from Hofstra with a BS in Finance. Pirrmann resides in Dblin, Ohio with her husband Bryan. They have three children; Patrick, John, and Maurs. She is a loan specialist at the Middlefield Banking Co. Colleen has given back to the community as a basketball coach with several leagues in Franklin County, Ohio, Including being a CYO coach

Paul Galayda, Male Referee

Paul was a CYO basketball  official for over 25 years, and was persuaded like many others to get into officiating by Mr. CYO, John “Mincey” Manczak. Galayda has done thousands of CYO games until his retirement in 1995. A member of IAABO Board 193, Paul was also a very successful High School official! Paul left his legacy at the CYO as an official that called the game the right way, taught player as he officiated them, and was a no nonsense, well respected referee with all of the coaches. If Paul was court it was a big game and the bleachers where full with spectators. Paul attended Sacred Heart College and received an Associate degree. He is retired from Mercer County Corrections Department as a Captain after 30 years of service. Galayda resides in Hamilton with wife, Cynthia; they have two children Judy and Julia.

Vince Peroni, Male Coach, St. Rapahel’s

Vice Peroni coached St. Raphael’s basketball from 1982-2009 winning eight regular season championship, seven playoff championship, had four undefeated season, and an appearance in the 2008 Diocesan Championship games! Quite a resume, but most of the time Vince wasn’t just a coach, he was the St. Raphael’s Parish Athletic Director from 1989-2010. Peroni has put in countless hours serving the children of the St. Raphael’s and the CYO. During his time as Athletic Director, Vince instituted a no cut policy to make sure every child had an opportunity to play. Peroni stared the Freshmen Basketball League in 1994 to give 3-4 grades an opportunity to play before the Junior Varsity Division began, and he was a member of the Diocesan Athletic Council from 2003-2009, during a time when the Diocesan Tournament of Championship was re-established. Peroni graduated from Allentown College of St. Francis DeSales with a B.A. degree. He is a member of the IAABO Board 193 since 2011, and is a regular to CYO games. Additionally, Vince is a member of the Our Lady of Sorrows School Board and Parish Council and is a volunteer official of the New Jersey
Special Olympics. Vince is retired from the State of New Jersey, Office of Information Technology after 41 years of service. He resides in Hamilton with his wife Trina; they have three children, Karla, Matt, and Alyssa. Some of his greatest memories were watching his children play CYO Basketball!

Charles J. Pihokken, Male Coach, Immaculate

Charles is being inducted into the CYO Basketball Hall of Fame as a Special Contributor for his efforts at Immaculate Conception where he served as the Parish Athletic Director from 1963-1998! For 35 years he volunteered countless hours for the parish and children that participated in the Athletic Program, including basketball, softball, and cheerleading. Pihokken made sure that the kids came first and was constantly fundraising for them. He made sure that the uniforms were replaced for his team every five years, and IC was one of the only teams to have and away uniforms. Charles made Immaculate Conception one of the best programs, around, and the CYO stronger, and more storied for it! PIHOKKEN was all about the kids and this is evidenced by the Pee Wee Basketball Program the he started in 1963 at the Immaculate Parish Center. This league was for 3-8 grades that did not make the CYO Varsity Team. Over time the league grew and added a Cheerleading component, and girls’ basketball division called the Pinney League, and then outgrew the Parish Center and moved operations to the Trenton Catholic Gym, and renaming it the Minor League. Charles never turned away a child for not being able to play the registration fee, he just worked harder to fundraise and find a way to make it work.
Charles passed away in November 2009. He was married to his wife Anne for 59 years. They had Three children, Charles, Thomas, and Beth (all of whom were volunteer coaches at Immaculate), six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Some of Pihokken’s greatest memories were watching his children and grandchildren play CYO Basketball and Cheer.

Vine Radice, Male Coach, St. Joachim’s

Vince Radice coached basketball at St. Joachim’s from 1970-1998 when the school closed, and then from 2008 to present day at Our Lady Sorrow/ St. Anthony’s fir a total of 36 years of volunteer service to the CYO! Truly a remarkable tenure, and without doubt a reason the CYO basketball has had such a successful run. Radice led his team to a 17-0 season in 1978, winning the regular season and playoff championship and was named CYO Coach of the year. He also won the very competitive and talented Lower Bucks County Tournament in 1978. Vince also coached football at St. Anthony’s High School from 1969-1978 and freshmen basketball at then McCorristin High under John Castaldo. Vince followed his very successful coaching career into a referring career as he became a member of IAABO Board 193 from 1998-2008.Vince graduated from Trenton Central High and then the Trenton Police Academy in 1971 and worked for 30 years. He received the Fermi Federation Award for Community Policing. Currently Vince is employed as Paraprofessional at Hamilton West and a member of Our Lady of Angels Parish. Radice Follows all of the local youth basketball in Hamilton Township and beyond, specifically his nephew Joe, the Varsity basketball coach at Steinert, and has another nephew Cory who was a member of the 2006 Steinert baseball State Championship team.

Kelly Roche Female Player, St. Greg’s

Kelly was a star player at St. Greg’s from 1988-1991 playing under Hall of Fame coach, Mike Maguie. During her 7th grade year Kelly lead her team to the CYO Championship. She was a three time All Star, team captain, and during her 8th grade season she was league MVP! CYO memories the Kelly will always cherish was playing with her sister, Kerry and Katie, only to be able to be told apart by their knee pads! Roche went on to star at Steinert where she was a starter on the Varsity team as a freshmen, eventually being named team MVP, Captain, and being selected to the All County team. From there Kelly went on The College of St. Rose in Albany, NY where she earned her B.A., and she is currently pursuing an A.S. in Nursing at Mercer County Community College. Currently, Kelly is a Captain on Trenton EMS Squad. She reside in Hamilton with her boyfriend of six years, Eric Thomson, and her three children, Danika, Jadyn, and Jamie.

Bill Ryan, Male Special Contributer

Bill Ryan was a ubiquitous presence on the Trenton Sports scene in the years immediately following World War ll. Fast talking, energetic, enthusiastic, imaginative. He was all of these things, and he could organize. He was a combination promoter and PR man, and one of the thing he did was help get the great Trenton Parochial Basketball League, the forerunner of the CYO of today, off the ground. The Parochial League was the feeder for Father Clarence O’shea’s great Trenton Catholic team of the 50s. The Parochial League immediately became Trenton sports staple. Both the Trentonian and Trenton Times ran the box scores from the Sunday games at Junior Two. Bill Ryan died prematurely at age 39 in 1957. Here is what the great Joe Logue wrote in the Trentonian: “Those of us who cover the spots beat were constantly aware of the former Cathedral High and Rider Collage graduate. If the idea appealed to him, there was no containing his enthusiasm. Days and nights blended into selfless hours as the energetic fellow rushed from placed to place, pursuing the climax of another promotional dream. They always big-they were always good.” And we are here today because of just such a good idea.

Beth Ryfinski-lo Female Player, Holy Cross

Beth was a star at Holy Cross from 1986-1989, appearing on several All Star teams, and winning the Large School MVP in 1989. She went on to Notre Dame High School where she received numerous award and titles including Mercer County Tournament and CVC Championship, All County and Area First Selection in 1993, and the prestigious Renee Keister Award Recipient! Ryfinski Continues her Basketball career and education at Wagner College where she was a member of the basketball team for one season before suffering a back injury. Beth received her B.S. in Biology at Wagner. Since Graduating from college, Beth has continued to be involved in basketball spending time on the IAABO Board 193 and coaching, at McCorristin and Notre High School, and AAU Basketball for five years. Beth resides in Ewing with her husband David and their children Lianna and Sophia. She is employed as an EHR Trainer at Eden Autism, and member of the St. Ann’s school PTA

Christine Salinas Female Player, St. Stan’s / Holy Angels

Christine was a star player at St. Stan’s under Hall of Fame coach Mike Drangula for five years before transferring to Holy Angels for her 8th grade season after St. Stan’s school closed. A several time All Star selection, Salinas was named the 1996 CYO Sportsmanship Award winner and then in 1997 lead Holy Angels to the CYO Championship! Christine continued her basketball career at Notre Dame High School and then The Peddie School where she was a two time MAPL Champion in 2003 and 2004, and finally at Canisius College. Salinas received her B.A. degree from Canisius in Psychology followed by her M.S. and Doctorate on Psychology at Florida Institute of Technology. She completed her Neuropsychology Residency at Emory University Medical School and her Fellowship Neuropsycholoy at Florida Hospital . Christine took her passion for sports to concussion prevention, and conducted her dissertation on youth soccer players; worked at Boston Children’s Epilepsy/ Harvard before developing her neuropsychology practice. Currently the Director &Clinical Neuropsychologist at Space Coast Neuropsychology Center in Melbourne Beach , Florida Christine is married to Greg Hyland and they have a two year old son , Andrew.

Monica Staniec Female Player, St. Hedwig’s

Monica was a CYO star from 1989-1993 playing under legendary Hall of Fame coach, Joyce Walters. During this time Stainiec was a regular on the All Star Team and a league MVP! Monica went on to continue her illustrious basketball career at Notre Dame High School where she became a 1,000 point scorer, a four year, First Team ALL CVC selection, a member of the ’94-’95 and ’95-’96 State Championship team, All State selection during the ’96-’97 season, and part of the Mercer County Tournament ’97 Championship team where she was named Tournament MVP! Additionally, Monica was a member of the Notre Dame Tennis team and was the team MVP. Monica received he B.S.B.A in Marking/Finance from Northeastern University and M.S in Sports Management from Cal State Long Beach. Staniec is an Event Specialist at Abby Rose Design and also serves as Entertainment Chair for the Pancreatic Cancer Network in Philadelphia. Monica reside in Philadelphia and her free time she trains for marathons and triathlons.

Dianne Trail Female Coach,

DiAnne, Trail began coaching as an assistant with John Bartlomei at St. Raphael’s Parish during the 1979-80 basketball season. That year the undefeated team won the division and League Championship. When John retired, DiAnne continued to coach there for nine more years. Then, DiAnne took some time off from coaching to raise her sons: Christopher , Ryan and Robert. Eventually, she missed coaching basketball so much that in 2009 she came back to coach at St. Gregory’s for four year. She was successful there as well with an undefeated season and league championship in 2010-11. In addition to her basketball coaching career, DiAnne was athletic director at both St. Raphael’s and St. Gregory’s parishes Softball was another area in which DiAnna excelled. Many championships where won by her softball teams as well. Finally, DiAnne enjoyed coaching volleyball into lot no longer was offered at the CYO. Throughout the years, many well-known high school and college player were on her roster. These players went on to have stellar sports careers. Some of them even coach today. She is most proud of the fact that many of her former players have given back to the community. For example, Debbie Zsenak Hart coached at St. Gregory the Great Academy and Linda Cyborski Weise currently coaches at Allentown High School. DiaAnne never focused much on the records of her teams, but rather on how her players performed. She always stressed following the game plan and participating as a team player. Whether championship or not, DiAnne saw the potential in each and every player that she nurtured. DiAnne believed that he players she mentored have brought many blessing to her life. These children were fortunate to have DiAnne share her love of spores with them. Mrs. Trail is a graduate of Bethany College in West Virginia. She was a teacher at St. Raphael School, Program Director at St. Gregory the Great Parish, and presently a teacher at St. Gregory the Great Academy. She lives in Hamilton with her husband David and her sons.

Susan Antosiewicz – Iorio, Female Player, St. Stan’s

Susan was a star at St. Stan’s from 1988-1991 under the legendary CYO Hall of Fame coach, Mike Drangula. She and her team had incredible success going unbeaten during the ’88-‘89 Season and only one loss during the ’90-’91 season, both seasons winning the CYO Championship! Sue won the CYO league and district foul shooting contest in 1988 and 1989 and was selected to Susan’s athletic success continued at Hamilton West where she was the first person to earn 12 Varsity letters and a starter all four year in three sports (basketball, soccer, and softball). She received placement on all CVC teams for each spot , and was the 1992-1993 Hornets team MVP, Spartans Christmas Classic All-Tournament Team, and All Area Honorable Mention. All of the success she had at Hamilton earned her a 2013 Hamilton High West Athlete, she was a great student too, and was awarded as the 1995 NJSIAA Scholar/ Athlete Recipient! Sue graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is employed as a Per-School Teacher in Pemberton Township. Susan resides in Hamilton with her two children Ava and Joev.

Bart F. Carr, Male Player, St. Anthony’s

Bart Carr was a star player at St. Anthony’s under coach Jack Tohill from 1957-59. Car was a member of the 1958 CYO Championship Team and a First Team All Star selection in 1959. Bart continued his basketball career at Notre Dame High School where his talents earned him First Team All-City/All County and Third Team All-State honors. Later he received a four year basketball scholarship to Division One, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY. After receiving a degree in Political Science/ Economics he then received a Graduate Assistant Scholarship to coach the men’s freshman basketball team at Trenton State College where he earned his Master’s in Education in 1969. After serving a s a U S A RMY Caption, he worked in the financial services industry his entire career, the last twenty as Senior Partner, Carr Thaxton Financial Group an investment and planning firm in Lexington, Massachusetts. Bart is a Past President of the Lexington Rotary Club and Founder of the Boston School District to help bring Bart resides in Waltham Massachusetts with his wife Diane. They have three children and two grandchildren.


Carl Chianese Immaculate, Male Coach

Carl enters the Hall of Fame with his brother Chris, joining their Father, Carl Sr. Of all of his CYO memories over 50 plus year, officiating with his father at the CYO and being inducted with his brother to join their father are at the very top of the list. Chianese is entering his 28th year officiating High School basketball and was on the CYO scene for 10 year! Carl played at Immaculate for four years and a CYO All Star in 1970, representing the CYO in the First Little Lads Tournament and was named the First “Mr.Little Lads” and won the Tournament Championship . He began his coaching career at the age of 17, for Immaculate, and was with the Boys Junior Varsity team for 17 years. He guided his JV Boys to a League Championship and the Varsity to Division title. Chianese graduated from St. Anthony’s High School and is employed by the Hamilton Township Board of Education. Carl resides in Hamilton with his wife Debbie and they have two sons, Dan and David.


Chris Chianese, Male Referee

Chris is being inducted along with his brother , Carl and comes from a lifetime of involvement and history with the CYO, dating back to when he would attend games with his Hall of Fame father, Carl Sr. As a player on the Immaculate Conception team in the late 70’s, Chris earned the 1979 league Sportsmanship Award! He continued his playing career at McCorristin High and was a member if their 1982 Stare Championship team. Chris converted to coaching at a young age and guided his Immaculate team to three League Championship between 1984-1991. Chianese than became an official and a member of IAABO Board 193 where he has been a member for the last 25 years and a stand out CYO referee, as well as assigned to countless State Tournament games. Chris has worked his way up the Board 193 chain holding several Executive Board position, and now is the Board President! Chris played baseball at Mercer County Community College and Rider College, graduating from both as well as Rutgers University where he earned his Master’s Degree. Chianese is employed as Director of New Jersey Department of Treasury, Property Management Construction. He reside in Hamilton with his wife Toni, and has two daughters, Cassandra and Alexa.


Jack Gallagher St. Anthony’s, Male Player

Jack started his distinguished basketball career at St. Anthony’s where he was a star and an All Star during the 1960-61season.Gallagher went on to St. Anthony High where he was a member of the first basketball team in school history. He became an All County selection, Team Captain and MVP, and a member of the All Trenton Diocesan Team. Jack received a scholarship to play college basketball at the University of Massachusetts where he was names to the All Yankee Conference Defensive Team and help win three Yankee Conference Championships. One of Jack’s teammates at UMASS was the legendary Dr. J. Julius Erving. Gallagher has given back to the community over the years, specifically playing an integral part in the construction of two indoor training facilities at Nottingham Little League and Hamilton Girls Softball Association, both of which bear his mane. He was a founding member of the Hamilton Girls Softball Association. Jack helped coach State Championship AAU 14 year old basketball teams and in two AAU National Tournaments and served as freshman and varsity basketball coach at St. Anthony’s High. Jack received his B.B.A. from U Mass and M.A.T from Trenton State Collage. He is retired from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture as Assistant Secretary of two daughters, Megan and Amy, and four grandchildren, Jack, Reagan, Ellie, and Liam.


Larry Ivan, MALE Referee

Larry Ivan was regular at the CYO for over 25 years where he officiated thousands of games. He was regularly scheduled for the first game of the day on Saturdays and Sundays, and normally works the boys and girls finals! As a CYO basketball player who their favorite referee was, most will tell you Larry Ivan. Ivan had a way about him, and a unique style of officiating that made an impact, and left a positive impression with player. Larry’s refereeing style and longevity, and dedication to the CYO earned him the distinction of CYO Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee in the Referee Division. Larry has been an official of the IAABO Board for the last 51 years and has held both President and Vice- Princeton Recreation Department Hall of Fame. He was awarded the Jim Floyd Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Princeton Community. He also received a 50 years of Service Award from IAABO Central Jersey Basketball and earlier this year the New Jersey Track & Field Association Jay Dakelman Lifetime Achievement Award. Ivan graduated from Rahway High School where he competed in basketball and Track &Field ,receiving a scholarship to Oklahoma from1954-1958 and after that for the Eastern Professional Basketball league for 8 years. Following that he taught Social Studies and Physical Education at Princeton Regional School for 42 years. He managed Princeton Community pool for over 50 years, and worked over 40 years with the Princeton Recreation Summer Basketball League. Larry officiated High School Track & Field for 45 years and is the Past President and Vice- President of that Board. Larry resides in Princeton, with his wife, Bette. They have three daughters, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.


Frank Korchick, SR. St. Stan’s, Male Player

Franck Korchick Sr. was a star at St. Stan’s from 4th through his 8th grade season on 1959. Korchick was not only a point guard star, and two year co-caption, perennial All Star, but he had the reputation as being one of the most feared players in the CYO league! Franck went on to play at Trenton Catholic where he was nominated outstanding athlete at TC. Franck was married to Sandra Maniewicz in 1966 and they had two children a son Franck Jr. and daughter, Robyn. Franck Jr. is a retired Detective Sergeant at the Trenton Police force and Robyn is a middle school teacher and former CYO coach, and a 2014 CYO Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee! Korchik’s granddaughter, Gianna, followed in the footsteps of her grandfather and mother, as she also quite and athlete, and is being honored tonight as the 2014-2015 Ms. CYO Basketball Award winner. Franck enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Leahy. Korchick continued his affiliation with St. Stan’s and the CYO when he returned to couch for many years, and was able to coach Franck Jr. Korchick was take from us too early at the age of 37 when he died from cancer. His legacy, and “feared” reputation will remain with the CYO forever!


Jeffrey Migliaccio, St. Joachim’s, Male Player

Jeff was a star at St. Joachim’s in the 1970’s and has the honor of being inducted into the CYO Hall of Fame with his longtime coach, Vince Radice. Migliaccio was a steady pick on the All Star Team while playing for the CYO and made a run at the Championship in 7th grade, but falling on OLS in the finals. Jeff went on to star at St. Anthony’s High where he led team to the 1978 South Jersey Parochial A Championship and was named the prestigious Jack Cryan Award recipient. Jeff was also a successful baseball player at St. Anthony’s where he was part of the 1977 South Jersey Parochial A Championship team and a member of the 1978 Trenton Schroths American Legion Stare Championship team! Migliaccio than turned to coaching, and as an assistant with St. Anthony High helped his alam mater win the 1982-1983 South Jersey Parochial A State Championship. Jeff thanks his mother, Lucille for always reminding him to be a good sport at all time because she said that it would take him a long way in life. Currently employed at the Mercer County Park Commission, Jeff was Director of Operations at Waterfront Park and head Groundskeeper and won two Head Groundkeeper Awaards for AA baseball. Jeff resides in Hamilton with his wife, Lisa , and they have two children , Tara and Jeff, a grandson Lorenzo, and a granddaughter , Giada!

Bob Bucchi, Coach – Immaculate

Bob Bucchi coached the Immaculate Conception girls Varsity basketball team from 1983-2004.  Year after year, Bob’s Immaculate teams were at the top of the standings, claiming CYO Championships in 1991 and 1998.  Bob was always one of the most respected coaches by his peers, referees, players, and parents of players throughout his 21 year career.  His approach was always honest, fair, and for the right reasons.

When basketball season was over, Bucchi continued his volunteer efforts with the softball team at Immaculate where he guided them to 10 titles, including six straight.  Bob was involved with the Trenton PAL league too, where he coached multiple girls’ championship teams.  Bob was awarded he 2001 Trenton PAL Service Man of the Year Award.  Bob is a member of the Trenton PAL Board of Governors and the Mercer County CYO Athletic Council.  Now that his coaching career is over, he has turned his attention to officiating and is a member of the IAABO Board # 193.

Hank Casey, Coach – Blessed Sacrament

Francis “Hank” Casey coached both the boys and girls teams at Blessed Sacrament from the mid 1960’s until 1979.  He served as the head girls coach from 1970-1979, and from 1970-1974 as the boys assistant.  Needless to say Hank was a very busy man in the early part of the 1970’s volunteering his free time to teach the game of basketball, but probably every minute worthwhile with the Blessed Sacrament 1974, 15-0 girls’ team that won the CYO Championship which included his daughter, Katie.  During Hank’s time Blessed Sacrament, and after his departure, the Blessed Sacrament boys and girls consistently produced highly talented and competitive teams, much due to the knowledge, commitment, and instruction of Hank Casey.

Hank attended Blessed Sacrament Grammar School, followed by St. Joe’s Prep High School in Philadelphia where he participated on the basketball team, then collegiately at national power, Georgetown University.  Hank played on the team at Georgetown that played the first game at McDonough Arena.  Hank also attended Trenton State College.

Jim Dill, Coach – St. Joseph’s / Cathedral

James began his CYO career as a player at St. Joseph’s from 1955 -1957.  He is most remembered as a coach at St. Joseph’s and Cathedra.  Jim was a three time CYO Coach of the Year, 1982, 1989, and 1990, winning several CYO championships, three Holy Cross Christmas Tournaments, two Notre Dame Sending School Tournaments, and two Willingboro Tournaments.  His greatest moment came during the 1987-1988 season when Cathedral finished undefeated, winning five separate championships.

Jim’s Cathedral Crusaders were one of the most dominant Grammar School teams in the mid to late 1980’s; often times playing high school Junior Varsity teams for better competition.  Jim coached the likes of Deon Hames, Andrew Kennedy, and Rashawn Glenn, and was instrumental in their development and success.

Jim attended Notre Dame High School where he was a member of the 1960 and 1961 State Championship soccer teams.  From there he attended Trenton Junior College and was a member of the 1963 National Championship soccer team.  He was named first team ALL American JUCO Soccer in 1963.  He was inducted into the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame and the Mercer County Community College Soccer Hall of Fame.

Joe O’Gorman, Referee

Joe’s involvement with the CYO covered two decades as a successful coach and top official.  Coaching the Girls Varsity teams at St. Anthony’s for six years Joe guided his girls to two CYO Championships and coaches several of the leagues top players and future High School stars.  However, O’Gorman is most remembered as one of the top referees of his time, with countless games worked, and a no nonsense approach that earned him the distinction of the CYO Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee in the Referee Division.  During Joe’s CYO time he was a member of IAABO Board 193 for 15 years, where he was a top, local high school official, assigned to many high profile games.

Since retiring from coaching and officiating, O’Gorman is no stranger to basketball, and all sports in Mercer County.  For the last 25 years, he has reported the stories to us as a Sports Writer for the “Trentonian” newspaper.  Over the years, Joe has covered all of the top, local stars, big games, and brought important information to all the sports fans from New York to Philly.  Currently, Joe covers high school field hockey, the local colleges, including Princeton University and the College of New Jersey’s Men’s and Women’s basketball teams, and does a weekly column on NASCAR.  He was voted the College Writer of the Year in 2004 by the College Sports Information Directors.  Joe is a former part-time employee of the CYO, a Camp Counselor for four Summers at the CYO Day Camp in Yardville while in high school.

Jack Cryan, Male Player – St. Joseph’s

A CYO star in the late 1950’s Jack led his St. Joe’s team to the league title during his 7^th grade year in 1957.  To this day, Cryan remains one of Mercer County’s greatest high school stars, beginning his athletic success at the CYO.  Jack was the first multi sport star at Notre Dame High School where he received All City honors in basketball, soccer, and baseball.

Jack continued his education at Rider University where he once again was an athletic star.  Cryan was a three year starter in basketball and soccer, being named a Little All-American basketball player and to NJ All State team in basketball in 1966.  Jack led the entire nation in free throw shooting percentage in the same year with an average of 91.6%.  After Jack graduated from Rider in 1966 he continued his hoops career for the Sunbury Mercuries of the Eastern Professional League.

In 1971, at the age of 27, Jack died after being stricken with cancer.  Today his memory lives on through the prestigious Jack Cryan Memorial Award which was created 40 years ago by many of Jack’s friends, and is the most coveted in Mercer County basketball.  The award is synonymous with boy’s basketball excellence and is awarded to a senior who displays outstanding sportsmanship, is a team leader, and a gentleman on and off the court, just as Jack was.

Donald Ellison, Male Player – Our Lady of Divine Shepherd

Donald starred at Our Lady of Divine Shepherd in the mid to late 1970’s with his brother Willie, a Co-Hall of Fame Inductee.  Together they received All Star recognition and led OLDS to regular season and playoff championships.  He and his brother Willie led the Greater Trenton AAU team to a State Championship at the age of 15 and later went on to the National AAU Tournament in Conway, Arkansas.  Donald continued his basketball career at both McCorristin and Trenton High.

As a Junior on the 1982-83 McCorristin team Ellison helped lead his squad to a 27-3 record and to the NJSIAA Parochial ‘A’ Championship.  As a Senior at Trenton High he once again helped lead his team deep into the State Tournament where the Tornadoes were the State Final Runner-Ups.  His basketball career continued at Stockton State College where he became the school’s all time leading scorer and rebounder.  His 1986-87 team made the Division 3 Final Four, and Donald was named to the Final Four All Tournament Team.  He graduated from Stockton with a B.A. in Criminal Justice.  Donald remains active in basketball today as a referee with IAABO Board 193, where he has been a member for the last 20 years, and currently serves on their Executive Board.  Ellison continues to work the top games year in and year out in Mercer County and has been assigned to a Boy’s State Championship and to a Tournament of Champions Semi-Final game.

Brian Bigos, Male Player – Our Lady of Sorrows

Brian was a CYO star at Our Lady of Sorrows from 1988-1993, leading his team to the 1993 League Championship.  Bigos was named league MVP in 1993, his 8^th grade season.  Brian went on to star at Steinert High where he received All County and All Area recognition in 1995, 1996, and 1997.  In 1997 Brian led the Spartans to the Central Jersey Group IV State Championship, being named first team All State in Group IV and County player of the year.

Brian set the Steinert High scoring record in 1997 with 1,408 points, which puts him as the 8^th leading scorer all time in Mercer County.  Brian’s talents, accolades, and leadership earned him to the All Mercer County Decade Team for 1990-2000.  Bigos continued his hoops career end education at Rider University and Bryant College.  While at Rider, Bigos and the Broncs participated in the NIT (National Invitational Tournament).  At Bryant, Bigos was named to the 2001 All Tournament Team for the Albany Holiday Basketball Tournament and led the team in three point field goal percentage.  Brian received a B.S. in Finance from Bryant.

William Ellison, Male Player – Our Lady of Divine Shepherd

Willie starred at Our Lady of Divine Shepherd in the mid 1970’s with his brother Donald, a CO-Hall of Fame Inductee.  Together they received All Star recognition led OLDS to a regular season and playoff championship.  He and his brother Donald led the Greater Trenton AAU team to s State Championship at the age of 15 and later went on to the National AAU Tournament in Conway, Arkansas.

Willie continued his basketball career at McCoristin High School where he became a star.  Ellison was named Team MVP and the Jack Cryan Award winner in 1982, his senior season.  Willie became a 1,000 point scorer at McCorristin and was awarded several honors including: the first team ALL Colonial Valley Conference, first team All Parochial ‘A’, first team All Area, first team NJSIAA All Tournament team, Knights of Columbus Award winner and to the All State Team, along the way his team complied a 27-3 record and became the NJSIAA Parochial ‘A’ Champions.  Willie participated in the Mercer County All Star game and in the NJ All Star game.  Ellison continued his education and basketball career at Stockton State College, where he received a B.A. in Marketing and Business.

Fred Falchi, Male Player – Immaculate

Fred Falchi is a man with a lifetime of basketball achievements from his start with the CYO in 1972 and still on going.  A three year Varsity player at Immaculate Conception under Jerry Howell Sr., and Jerry Howell Jr., Fred was the 1975 CYO MVP.  He moved onto Pennington Prep High School where he was a freshman he received the Most Team Spirit Award.  During his Junior and Senior seasons, Fred was voted Team MVP, and was named to the Trenton Times and Trentonian’s All Prep first team in 1978 and 1979.

Fred gave back to Immaculate starting in 1982 where he coached on the JV and Varsity level until 1992.  This was followed by a four year stop as assistant coach at Notre Dame High School, which then led to his current coaching job at McCorristin (now Trenton Catholic Academy) starting in 1998.  For the last 12 years Fred has been the head Boy’s Varsity Coach compiling a 235-89 record.  Falchi has had many successful teams and accolades over the last 12 years including several top 25 State, Regional, and National rankings, being a 5 time Trenton Times and Trentonian Coach of the Year, 10 time CVC and Burlington League champ, 6 time South Jersey Parochial B Champion, and a solo Parochial B State Championship, but Fred brought a whole new level of success and accolades to Trenton Catholic Academy and Mercer County basketball in 2010.  Falchi guided his Iron Mikes to a 2010 Tournament of Champions victory, becoming the only boys’ team in Mercer County to ever win the TOC.  For his efforts, Fred was named the NJ State High School Coach of the Year.  Through all of this, Fred still recalls his playing days at the CYO in front of standing room only crowds as his greatest basketball memory.

Terry Morawski, Male Player – Holy Cross

Terry was a star at Holy Cross in the late 1950’s, leading them to back-to-back CYO Championships during his 7^th and 8^th grade years.  Terry was a three time CYO All Star and named league MVP after his 8^th grade season. 

Morawski played at Trenton Catholic Boys High from 1959-1962, and then when Trenton Catholic closed he went to Cathedral.  Terry was a 6’-5” center and played for legendary coach Father Clarence O’Shea.  Terry contributed as a freshman and sophomore for Trenton Catholic, but it was during his junior season, the last for TC, that he led the Golden Wave to a 24-2 record.  They won 22 straight before falling to Bishop Eustace in the South Jersey Parochial A title game.  Morawski again led TC into the famous ESCIT in Newport, Rhode Island, which featured the top Catholic schools in the Northeast.  TC made the finals but lost to DeMatha of Washington, 58-56 on a buzzer beater.  Terry made All-County averaging 16.2 points per game.

Kevin Tylus, Male Player – St. Paul’s

Kevin played at St. Paul’s for four years on the Grammar School level and for two years in the High School Summer League.  These were Kevin’s formative years, which led to becoming a top notch high school and college player.  Kevin was the Grammar School MVP in eight grade in 1969, having scored 1,194 points over four seasons, and the High School Summer league MVP in 1972.  Behind his leadership and skill, St. Paul’s won three Grammar School championships in four seasons and retired the Bishop Ahr trophy.  Tylus returned to the CYO in 1996 as a coach at St. Greg’s where he helped direct their boys’ team, which included his son Kevin, to a Junior Varsity Championship.

Kevin became a top player at The Hun School, which won the Penn-Jersey Prep Championship, with Kevin receiving All Prep and All Area recognition.  He was also a member of Hun’s State Championship baseball team and was named All Prep in soccer.  Prior to college, Kevin was All State in basketball and baseball as a Post Graduate at Fork Union Academy in Virginia.  At Gettysburg College, Kevin helped them advance to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament during the 1974-1975 season, led the team in free throw shooting and had a personal best 20 point against Rutgers.

Kevin’s accomplishments stretch from the playing fields to the community, where he has been honored by America Red Cross of Central NJ, the Central NJ Boy Scouts as a “Spirit of America” awardees, the Boys and Girls Club of Trenton, the Community YMCA as a “Distinguished Citizen”, and by The Hun School as a “Distinguished Alumnus” and “Athletic Hall of Fame” inductee.  Kevin credits values learned through the CYO for his interest in serving on several community and business Boards.

Cindy Astore, Female Player – St. Raphael’s

Cindy played CYO Basketball for five years at St. Raphael’s under Hall of Fame coach, and Mother, Rose Astore.  Cindy was a member of three CYO Basketball championships and a three time league MVP from 1974-1976.  Astore was also a member of the 1976 CYO softball championship team and the 1976 league MVP.

She continued her athletic career at Hamilton West where she earned nine Varsity letters.  She was a 1980 All County basketball selection, leading the County in assists, and an All County Soccer selection.  Her athletic success at West earned her an induction into the Hornets Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.  Today, Cindy is the head girl’s freshman and Junior Varsity basketball coach at Steinert, and the Assistant Varsity coach, where she has been for the last 13 years.  She has had much success on the high school level as a coach guiding three teams to undefeated seasons.  Astore also serves as the head freshman softball coach and the Assistant Varsity Coach at Steinert.

Nicole Brown, Female Player – St. Anthony’s

Nicole was a five year star at St. Anthony’s under fellow Hall of Fame coach Mike Drangula.  During this time she was a three time Large School Division All Star and led her team to a ‘B’ Division Playoff Championship, in 1997.  Brown was named to numerous Tournament All Star Teams including the Immaculate Conception Turkey Shoot Tournament.  One of her finest moments was when she scored 39 points against Blessed Sacrament in a 59-54 win.  Despite her small stature in grammar school, Nicole had a big heart, and was a great team leader.  Nicole received the league’s Sportsmanship Award during her 8^th grade season.

Nicole continued her basketball success at Steinert High School.  She was named to the third team All CVC as a Sophomore, to the second team as a Junior, and to the first team as a Senior.  Nicole continued her education and athletics at Mercer County Community College.  She led her team to back-to-back Region 19 Division II Championships in 2004 and 2005, and was named Tournament MVP in 2004.  Brown played basketball in Italy for a two week tour through MCCC in 2006.

Caren Castaldo, Female Player – Our Lady of Sorrows

Caren was a star at Our Lady of Sorrows for three years in the early 1970’s, leading them to a double overtime, buzzer beating , Playoff Championship, which she still considers her greatest basketball moment.

Castaldo moved on to Notre Dame High where she was once again a basketball star.  She was a two time ALL County selection and an All State selection during her Senior year.  Caren continued her education and basketball career at Monmouth College.  She received a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Monmouth and her M.A. in Student Personnel Services, Substance Awareness Coordinator, from The College of New Jersey.

Sandy Walker, Female Player – St. Stanislaus

Sandy was a rare six year Varsity player for the powerful St. Stan's from 1985-1991 for Hall of Fame Coach Mike Drangula.  During her six years St. Stan’s won first place season championships in 1988, 1989, and 1991.  Walker was named MVP of the playoffs in the 1990 and the league MVP during her 8^th grade season in 1991, which she calls her greatest CYO basketball memory.

Sandy continued her basketball excellence at McCorristin Catholic High School where she became a four year starter and four time letter winner.  Sandy also starred on the softball team where she received four Varsity letters and on the tennis team where she received two Varsity letters.  During her Senior year she was named Female Athlete of the Year at McCorristin.  Sandy received several All County accolades in basketball.  Sandy was invited to participate in the 1994 and 1995 Olympic Trials for the USA Women’s Olympic Basketball Team for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.  Sandy attended Philadelphia University where she received her B.S. in 1999 and the University of Tampa where she earned her Executive MBA in 2009.  She was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society, a business honor society recognizing outstanding students of business, in 2009; she was among the top 20% of all graduating MBA students throughout the world to qualify.

Patty Hemlinger – Jewell, Female Player – St. Raphael’s

Patty was a star at St. Raphael’s during the 1978-1979 season, playing under John Bartolmei and Hall of Fame Coach Rose Astore.  Patty led St. Raphael’s to several championships during this season, achieving many personal accolades, while being defeated only one time.  St. Raphael’s won the regular season and playoff championship Patty was named the league MVP.  In addition, she led her team to the Knights of Columbus, St. Raphael’s Invitational, and St. Anthony’s tournament championships, once again being named MVP in the St. Anthony’s tournament and Co-MVP in the St. Raphael’s tournament.

Patty went on to star at Hamilton High West where she led the Hornets to the 1982-1983 Mercer County Championship and Group III State Championship.  At West she became a 1,000 point scorer and received All American and All Mercer awards.  Patty was a soccer and track & field star at Hamilton too, setting a School and County record in the javelin throw.  She was named to the 1982 and 1983 All Mercer Track team and All County and All State soccer in 1981 and 1982.  She was inducted into the Hamilton High West Hall of Fame in 2000.

Rose Agabiti, Special Contributor

The CYO Basketball Hall of Fame is comprised of the best players, coaches, and referees to come through the program over its 57 year period.  The CYO Grammar School basketball league is considered the top youth basketball league in New Jersey and beyond.  The same can be said for the CYO Cheerleading Program, but it wasn’t always the case, not until Rose Agabiti came around.  Rose didn’t invent Cheerleading but she is considered an innovator of Cheerleading in Mercer County and the CYO.  Rose turned halftime cheerleading into a traveling sport, and added to the history, personality, and atmosphere on South Broad St. and throughout Mercer County.  Rose Agabiti is considered a “special” person for her contributions to the Cheerleading Program. Basketball and Cheerleading go hand and hand, and without Rose and her contributions, the Cheer Program wouldn’t have taken off with success.

Rose spent 11 years as the Head Cheerleading Coach at St. Joachim’s from 1964-1975.  She was voted Mercer County Coach of the Year in 1973.  Rose practiced her girls a few times a week and led them onto the court at halftime of each game.  What she did during halftime of basketball games was special, but what she did for the sport and the competition of the sport locally was more important.  Rose is considered a pioneer for Cheerleading in Mercer County; she had the foresight to turn halftime basketball game cheerleading into a County sport and led thousands of girls to competitions week after week.  Today it is a National competition that fills arenas and Rose bridged the gap locally, and through the CYO.  Rose had a vision to bring more competition to Mercer County, to set up cheer competitions at schools and parishes giving the cheerleaders a time to shine other than halftime of basketball games; and to focus on the individual performer, “Ms. Yell” as its known, and to make cheerleading a traveling sport.  Rose organized bake sales, car washes, and fundraising platforms to allow her dreams to be fulfilled.  She truly blazed the path for the young ladies and volunteer coaches that exist today.

Her efforts were rewarded during her last year when she coached St. Joachim’s to eight straight team first place tournaments including the Garden State Cheerleading Tournament at the Convention Hall in Asbury Park, missing a perfect score by one point, and a State Miss Yell winner in Lola Rossi, Lisa Strippoli, and Virginia Minelli in Bayonne.  Rose coached numerous young ladies that went on to star as cheerleaders on the high school and college ranks.  She was more than a coach to these young ladies, serving as a mentor and guidance counselor to them as well.  Rose helped to make a good program in basketball become a great program by becoming its partner.

Scott Bollwage, Special Contributor

Organizations such as the CYO, and programs inside of the organization, and in this case the Athletic Program (that have stood the test of time for over 57 years) don’t just happen without the help, guidance, support, and dedication of “Special” people like Scott Bollwage.  Scott served as CYO Athletic Director from 1975-1980; during this era CYO basketball thrived.  A CYO Athletic Director is a very busy person during the basketball season, spending countless hours in gymnasiums over the course of the season, ensuring that every game and every aspect of every game is done correctly.  A CYO Athletic Director is also a very unique person s well.  It takes a “Special” person to handle 60 plus fiery, competitive, and committed coaches from what at his time were more than 20 different parishes, without any biases, and still being able to maintain balance and fairness.  All this, and still many, many other duties and responsibilities that needed to be done on a daily basis to serve the entire organization, not just the basketball program.

Scott continued to serve the CYO after his days as Athletic Director when he was appointed to serve as a volunteer member of the Board of Trustees in the late 1990’s.  Scott helped to set policies, represent and ensure the highest of standards of the Organization, and help point it in the right direction during a transition and expansion period.  Scott Bollwage is, and will always be a very “special” person to the CYO, and out basketball program.

Harold Hall, Coach – Sacred Heart

Harold Hall coached the Sacred Heart basketball teams for 21 years, giving guidance and instruction to many great basketball players. Two p-layers that were fortunate enough to cross paths with Harold Hall are Ron Payton and Mark Bass, here tonight as inductees into the player division.  It is no coincidence that he was one of the first coaches to mold these men into Division I basketball players they became.  During his time at Sacred Heart Coach Hall’s teams won numerous CYO division championships and tournaments.

In addition to being a Hall of Fame Coach, Harold was a pretty good player at Trenton Catholic.  He was named to the All City first team in 1954.  After his days at Trenton Catholic he attended Rider College and received a degree in Criminal Justice.

Harold is retired from the Trenton Police Department after 30 years of service and is presently employed by the Attorney General, Office of insurance Fraud Prosecutor.

Judge David Schroth, Coach – Blessed Sacrament School

The late David J. Schroth coached Blessed Sacrament School’s basketball team for 14 years from approximately 1960 through 1974.  During that time, in addition to winning CYO Championships, he coached some of the area’s top players.  A few of his players over those years included Rick Barrett, who was All-County at Ewing High School and played college basketball at Cincinnati, where he attended on a full scholarship.  His brother, Michael, won a Pennsylvania State Championship at Holy Ghost Prep, was All-County (Bucks) and played for Lafayette.  Chad Barrett played basketball for Ewing High and was an All-County soccer player.  Bob Rich and Tom Reba were standouts on Cathedral’s teams with fellow Honoree, Jack Adams.  Bill Cahill went on to stand out on the prep scene at the Lawrenceville High School.  Bill Rigot starred at Princeton Day School earning All Prep School honors and Tom Ungrady went on to play for Notre Dame High School.

Schroth brought the box and one, triangle and two, full court and half court presses and a myriad of other defenses to the CYO as well as a love for the fast break.

Dave Schroth himself played for Blessed Sacrament and starred at St. Joe’s Prep in Philadelphia where he played against Wilt Chamberlain.  He was first team All-Catholic.  Schroth is a graduate of Fordham University and Fordham Law School where he received his Juris Doctor.  At Fordham, he played Freshman Basketball and was the starting goalie on the Varsity Soccer Team.

Schroth is former President of Trenton’s City Council, Presiding Judge of The Trenton Municipal Court and Judge of The New Jersey Superior Court for fifteen years and a member of the Board of the CYO.

Joyce Walters, Coach – St. Hedwig’s

Joyce coached the St. Hedwig’s grammar school team in the CYO for 30 years and was honored with a plaque by the CYO upon her retirement from coaching.

During those years, Joyce coached several championship teams and her teams made the playoffs in all but two of her 30 years.  Her greatest memory was her undefeated team that won the division and the playoffs.

Her influence on her players is exemplified by having four of her players go on to high school and score over 1,000 points during their careers: Diane Olech, Joanne Ranke Franks; Monica Stanzec and her daughter Shelly Walters Dearden.  Shelly also scored 1,000 points in college and with her mother as a role model, had gone on to coaching excellence in her own right coaching the women’s team at Ewing High for many years and this year was appointed Head Coach of the Boy’s team, the first female to coach a boys varsity team in Mercer County.

Joyce was honored by the CYO as Coach of the Year on several occasions; she was inducted into the Trenton Softball Hall of Fame and also into the Ewing High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

George Holsman – Referee

George Holsman was a CYO Basketball official for nearly 30 years.  He began officiating games in the early 1960’s when CYO games were played at the Junior 2 gym.  George stopped blowing his whistle in 1990.  For many of those years, George Holsman and Mincey Manczak were the CYO’s dynamic duo-working the first three games together each Sunday morning.

George was also a great basketball player for St. Mary’s School in the late 1940’s, then played for championship Trenton Catholic teams, (City and ESCIT champs).  In addition, Holsman was MVP of the Eastern Service League during his years in the U.S. Navy.

Looking back on his CYO referee days, George recalls Henry Jingoli as his favorite coach.  His best memories were watching the CYO youth progress through High School, (through a “referee’s eyes”), as athletes and young Catholic men.

John “Mincey” Manczak – Referee

Known to many as “Mr. CYO Basketball”, John “Mincey” Manczak devoted nearly 50 years to the CYO as the premiere basketball referee in the area.  Even during the years when Mincey was officiating High School State Championships games in Atlantic City, he could still be found working CYO games on Sundays.  When Mincey’s legs gave out, he became the CYO’s most dependable basketball time-keeper, literally until the day he died in 1996.

Mincey was a stellar athlete during his playing days in both basketball and baseball.  In fact, he played minor league baseball with The Trenton Senators before World War II.  Manczak always enjoyed telling stories of his baseball barnstorming days enduring long bus rides to games in West Virginia and elsewhere.  One of Manczak’s favorite lines as a ref was: “When you step over the line, you’re mine!”  Although he could come across as loud and abrasive at times, (especially when coaches or players needed to be controlled), those who knew Mincey well, knew him as a great man.  He loved basketball, the kids, and the CYO.

In his “other job”, Mincey was employed for more than 30 years with the CITY of Trenton Shade Tree Division-retiring in 1981. At that time, Mincey became a very competitive golfer – a true athlete, excelling at any game he tried!

Dave Potash – Referee

David Potash served as an IAABO official for 34 years including 23 as a CYO referee.  His mentor was non other than Mincey Manczak.  During his officiating career, Dave received the “John Manczak Award’ from the CYO as well as the “Joe Logue Award” from IAABO Chapter # 193

As with many referees, Dave Potash was first an outstanding basketball player himself starting with his CYO All Star days at Immaculate Conception in the late 1950’s.  He recalls playing against St. James in front of a packed house at Junior 2 when Mincey called him “Bug Legs”!  Dave went on to be All-City and All-Diocese during his career at St. Anthony’s High School, then played at Trenton Junior College and the University of Corpus Christi in Texas.

Dave Potash retired after 34 years of teaching in the Trenton Public Schools.  For 25 of those years, Dave was both the Director of the Wetzel Summer Adult Basketball League and the Hamilton Hoops Summer League.

Jack Adams, Player – St. Mary’s

Jack Adams played CYO Basketball for St. Mary’s from 1959-1963.  He has quite a resume from these years, including being a two time CYO Southern Division Most Valuable Player.  His 1962-63 St. Mary’s team finished 19-0 and gave St. Mary’s their first ever full league championship.  Jack was a two year co-captain and the team’s leading scorer for two straight seasons, and was a two time starting All Star.  Jack holds seven separate CYO league and tournaments awards to his two MVP awards.

Jack and four of his starting teammates from the unbeaten squad in 1962-63 were ranked as one of the top grade school teams in the State from officials from South Amboy, Asbury Park, and Trenton.

From St. Mary’s Jack went to Cathedral High School where he was a star basketball player as well.  Jack led Cathedral to the 1966-67 Parochial State Championship and is one of the greatest scorers in Cathedral and Mercer County High School history with 1099 points.  Jack continued his academic and athletic career at Holy Cross College.  He received an A.B. from Holy Cross in English and his Law Degree from The University of Miami.

Mark Bass, Male Player – Sacred Heart

Mark Bass played CYO Basketball for Sacred Heart, where he started what would be a great playing career from Grammar School to Division I college hoops.  Under the guidance of Hall of Fame Coach, Harold Hall, Mark won numerous individual awards including two MVP Awards in 1986 in the Notre Dame and Holy Cross tournaments and the CYO Large School Division MVP in 1987.  His Sacred Heart teams won the Small School Division Championships in the 1984 and were Large School Division Champs in 1985, 86, and 87.

In 1987Mark enrolled at McCorristin Catholic High School in Hamilton where he was a four year letterman and led McCorristin to back to back Parochial ‘A’ State Championships in 1989 and 1990.  At the end of his Senior year Mark was named Player of the Year and set all time scoring record at McCorristin with 1,482 points.  After graduating from McCorristin, Mark went on to Maine Central Institute, helping the squad to a 27-1 record.

In 1992 Mark accepted a scholarship to St. Joseph’s University where he was a fiery leader on the court making the 1992-1993 All Freshman Team.  His Senior year he led the Hawks to the NIT finals averaging 14.3 points per game while connecting on a then school record 91 three pointers.  A second team all Big 5 selection, he connected on 225 three-pointers over his four year career.  He also served as a team captain his Junior and Senior years at SJU. As a freshman Mark led the A-10 conference in free throw percentage (86.9%) and led in three point percentage as a Junior (.423).  Mark graduated in 1996 with a degree in Marketing from St. Joe’s and is also a member of the University’s Hall of Fame.

Lou Bucchere, Male Player – Our Lady of Sorrows

Lou Bucchere played CYO basketball for OLS from 1980-82.  During this time his teams were very successful, winning the 1981 NDHS Sending Tournament, the 1981 CYO Northern Division, and were the 1981 CYO Playoff Runner-Ups.  Lou was a member of the 1982 CYO Large School All Star Team, and was a member of a few other successful youth basketball teams, including the 1981 National Little Lads Runner-Ups, and the 1981 New Jersey State AAU Champions.

From OLS Lou took his basketball career to NDHS.  During his Senior year he was named to the All Mercer Basketball Team and was selected as the prestigious Jack Cryan Award Winner.  In addition to basketball at ND Lou was a successful soccer player, and was named to the 1985 Hibernian Senior “Soccer 11” team.

After graduating from ND Lou continued his education and athletic career at Division I Drexel University, participating on the soccer and basketball teams.  His next stop was TSC, and was a very memorable one not only for him but for the entire Mercer County Basketball Community.  The team took the basketball fans for an unforgettable ride in 1989 finishing 30-1 and was the NCAA Division III National Runner Ups.  Lu served as captain on the 1989-90 TSC team, and was named Mr. Hustle in the Lennox Invitational Tournament.  Lou and his 1989 team were inducted into the TCNJ Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 as a team of “distinction”.  Lou has served as a coach with McCorristin High School where they were CVC and Parochial A State Champions, and with Rider University where they were Northeast Conference Champions and made an appearance in the NCAA Division I Tournament.

John Bucci, Male Player – St. Joachim’s

John Bucci was a star on St. Joachim’s basketball team for three years in the mid 70’s, graduating from 8^th grade in 1975.  John then became a basketball star at St. Anthony’s High School, receiving several honors throughout his high school career.

As a Junior on the St. Anthony’s basketball team John made second team All Mercer-County during a year in which the Iron Mikes were South Jersey Parochial ‘A’ Champions.  During his Senior year the individual awards and team championships continued.  John was named MVP of the Irish Invitational, and put his name on the St. Anthony’s 1000 point list, finishing his High Scholl career with 1,025 points.  John was selected to the All Mercer-County Basketball first team as a senior in 1979, and was named the Mercer County Basketball Athlete of the Year.  In addition to that, John made the All Parochial State first team, and was third team of the All-State Team.

Jason Malloy, Male Player – Holy Cross

Jason Malloy played Grammar School Basketball for Holy Cross from 1996 through 1999.  It was during this time that he was selected to many All Star games and received the 1998-99 regular season sportsmanship award.  Jason was always a scoring threat for Holy Cross, but never more dangerous then the 54 points he put up in a 60-58 double OT playoff victory.

Jason continued playing basketball at Hamilton West.  He led Hamilton to the 2002-2003 CVC Valley Division Championship and was named first team all CVC that year.  Jason was awarded the prestigious Jack Cryan Award after his senior year and ranks second on the Hamilton West scoring list with 1,276 points.

In addition to his accomplishments at Holy Cross and Hamilton, Jason was a member of the Central Jersey AAU NJ State Champions.  Jason was also part of a District 12 Championship team with Sunnybrae Little League in 1995.

James Nemeth, Male Player – St. Stephen’s

James Nemeth played CYO basketball for St. Stephen’s for most of the decade of the 60’s.  The eight years he played, from 1960-61 season through the 1967-68 season is a CYO record.  James was talented enough to play for St. Stephen’s starting in first grade.  By the time he was an 8^th grader he was league MVP, and the highlight of the year was a 53 point effort against his toughest opponent, St. Mary’s.  James continued his basketball playing days in high school for Cathedral.

Currently, James is in his 23^rd year of services with the Trenton Police Department and holds the rank of Detective Lieutenant.  His responsibilities include overseeing Police Academy Training of new recruit classes and in service trainings.

Carmen Nitti, Male Player – St. James

Carmen Nitti starred in the CYO basketball league for St. James from 1957-1962.  He was selected to the All Star team as a 7^th and 8^th grader, and played for an undefeated team as a 6^th grader.  Carmen played his high school basketball at Cathedral, was the MVP of the 1966 squad, and was named to the All Parochial first team.  Carmen was a successful baseball player for Cathedral as well; making All-Parochial first team in baseball too.

Carmen has received degrees from MCCC and a B.S. from Murray State University, and his graduate degree from TSC.  From there he started a very successful coaching career at St. Anthony’s from 1976-1982.  The highlight of these years was a 1982 State Championship with a 27-3 record.  Carmen holds an impressive coaching record of 128-60 during this time, and was a 4 time Coach of the Year Award Winner and guided St. Anthony’s to 5 conference championships.

Brian O’Reilly, Male Player – Our Lady of Sorrows

Brian O’Reilly was a star at OLS in the late 70’s and early 80’s.  He led OLS to several championships during this time, including the 1981 CYO Northern Division championship, the 1981 NDHS Sending School Championship, the 1980 St. Raphael’s Tournament championship, and the 1980 CYO championship.  In addition to this he was part of the 1980 AAU State Championship.

His basketball career continued at NDHS where he was selected to the All Mercer County first team and was awarded the prestigious Jack Cryan winner.  Brian was a star on the ND soccer and baseball teams too.  He was selected to the All Mercer County baseball and soccer teams and to the All State soccer team.  During his playing days at ND, Brian participated on 7 scholastic state championship teams.

Brian continued his academic and athletics at Lafayette College.  He was a 4 year letter winner on the soccer team at Lafayette and captain during the 1988-89 season.  He was selected to the All ECL soccer team during the 1988-89 season and was named a Regional All American.

Ron Payton, Male Player – Sacred Heart

Two ways to put Ron Payton’s basketball career in perspective would be easy.  Ron is the all time leading scorer in Mercer County High School Basketball history with 2,674 points.  Also, he spent his college days at Syracuse University playing for a perennial National power, and legendary coach, Jim Boehim.

Ron played at Sacred Heart from 1970-74 for a CYO Basketball Hall of Fame coach, Harold Hall, his 8^th grade team finished 33-1.  From Sacred Heart he went to Hun where he was named all Mercer County, All State, and All American.  His 1977 and 1978 Hun teams were State Champions.  The honors continued at Syracuse where he was Big East ESPN Collegiate Player of the Week in 1982 as well as the Big East Player of the Week.

Ron received a B.S. degree from Syracuse and is currently a teacher and business owner, living in Burlington, NJ with his children Taj, Corye, Melanie, and Melissa.  Ron serves on the Board of Directors for the NAACP and the Boys and Girls Club in Binghamton, NY.

Jack Rafferty, Male Player – Holy Angels

Before being a great Mayor for Hamilton Township, Jack Rafferty was a great CYO basketball player for Holy Angels in the mid 50’s.  It was during this time that he participated on dozens of championship teams as part of Holy Angels with the CYO and the Trenton Parochial League, Hamilton Township Recreation, and the Trenton YMCA.  Jack continued his basketball career with Trenton Catholic High School and then with Trenton Junior College.  During his time with Trenton Junior College he was team captain.

While attending Trenton Junior College Jack received his A.A. degree before his education continued at LaSalle College where he earned his B.A. degree.  Jack then enrolled at the University Of Kentucky College Of Law where he earned his J.D. In 1970 he was elected to Hamilton Township Governing Body and served in this position until 1976 when he was elected as the first full-time Mayor of Hamilton Township.  Jack served Hamilton as Mayor for 24 years leading the Township through many new and exciting times and successful projects.  His success and foresight as Mayor over 24 years makes Hamilton a wonderful, safe, and beautiful place to live.

Nick Werkman, Male Player – Immaculate

Nick “The Quick” Werkman played for Immaculate Conception Grammar School from 1954-56.  His 1956 team was a perfect 33-0 winning the CYO regular season and playoff championships and the Grammar School Diocese and State Championships.

Nick’s basketball days continued at Trenton Catholic where he was a three time State Champion with the Golden Waves and was named to first team All State.  In addition, Nick was the MVP of the NJ/NY ALL Star Game, MVP of the Newport, Rhode Island Tournament twice, and first team All ESCIT twice.  Another High School award was the High School Athlete of the Year from the Kent Association.

Nick went from Trenton Catholic to Division I Seton Hall University on a full basketball scholarship.  It was here that he became the second leading scorer in Seton Hall history with 2273 points, averaging 32 points per game, was All American in 1962,63, and 64 and was the nations leading scorer in 1963, second leading scorer in the nation in 64, and the third leading scorer in the nation in 62.  Nick was named the NJ Sports Writers Collegiate Athlete of the Year, the Collegiate Player of the Year, and the Metropolitan Sportswriter Player of the Year in 1964.  Nick was inducted into the Seton Hall University Hall of Fame and the NJ Collegiate Hall of Fame.  After graduating from Seton Hall with a B.A. degree the Boston Celtics drafted Nick and he played with them in 1964-65.  Nick also earned his M.A. from Seton Hall.

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