Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Indiana's First State Volleyball Championship Team
This past Tuesday, we honored members of Saint Joe's 1972 State Championship volleyball team.
The team, under the direction of Coach Glorianne Mather, became the first IHSAA-sanctioned State Champions in volleyball and the first IHSAA-sanctioned team State Champions in school history.
A large part of the reason the team was able to compete and win was due to the passage of Title IX which provides equal educational opportunities regardless of sex. The ceremony held Tuesday recognized that momentous law as well.
Alumnae Dr. Esther “Sissy” Walsh Bouchard '75, Gail Flowers Pope '74, Laurie Fredlake Lubs '74, Gwen Mayfield DeMaegd '75, Connie Ciesielki Jelinski '74 and Marianne Lies
Wantuch '73 reminisced with one another, sharing stories about their student days and uniform colors. Marianne wore a small medallion pendant that each player was awarded after winning the championship (pictured above). The medal is admittedly much smaller than what student-athletes are awarded today. Members also met with current players to talk about how much the game has changed in the last 50 years and bonded over a love of the sport.
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Class of '67 Reunites
for 55th Reunion
A Saint Joe football game, a golf outing, a tour of downtown South Bend and lively social gatherings marked the 55 year reunion of the Saint Joe Class of 1967 on the September 23-24 weekend.
Approximately 35 classmates attended the Friday night festivities at CJ’s Pub and joined an additional dozen for a Saturday dinner at the Erskine Golf Course Clubhouse.
A highlight of the weekend was former football players Larry Zima and Paul Czosnowski joined the current Saint Joe captains at midfield for the ceremonial coin toss prior to the football game versus Elkhart.
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Other Upcoming Reunions
Classmates interested in organizing a class reunion may contact the Alumni Office at (574) 234-2904, ext. 5, or email Alumni Coordinator Henry Chandler at hchandler@saintjoehigh.com to get started.
Class of 1973
50 Year Reunion – July 14-15, 2023
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Alumni Memorial Mass Coming Up November 3
The next Alumni Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 3, at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Saint Joseph in the school. Alumni who have passed away since the last Mass will be especially remembered.
If you plan to attend, please park in the Notre Dame Avenue lot and enter Door A. If you have any questions, please contact Henry Chandler, Alumni Coordinator, at (574) 234-2904, ext. 5 or via email at hchandler@saintjoehigh.com.
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Introducing the
Reed A. Oei Memorial Scholarship
Established to honor the memory of the late Reed Oei '17, the award will be granted annually to a graduating Saint Joe senior who intends to major in math or computer science at the collegiate level.
While at Saint Joe, Reed loved mathematics and Quiz Bowl. He took every math course offered, including independent study beyond calculus. Reed enjoyed participating in all the math contests offered, and was the top student in his class for every year of the Indiana Mathematics League contest. Reed was also a top player for Quiz Bowl, specializing in math and science. As a senior, he captained the team to 58 wins, an undefeated season in the league, and a state championship.
The scholarship offered in Reed's memory will provide financial support to students like him for years to come, ensuring that his legacy endures. You can make a contribution here.
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Saint Joe Alumni Making Moves
Paul Byszewski,'14 piloted the flyover during the Chicago Bears game on Sept. 25 against the Houston Texans. Paul currently serves in the United States Air Force.
Ella Scott '22 was named to the 2021-22 United Soccer Coaches High School Girls Scholar Region team. Ella was one of three players in Indiana to achieve this distinction and, while at Saint Joe, she served as captain of the Girl's Soccer team her senior year.
And a small correction from the last newsletter, Heidi Beidinger '84 is a candidate for Indiana District 5 state representative.
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Alumna Joan Nowak '71 Inducted into Hall of Fame |
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After more than five decades of dedication to officiating volleyball, alumna Joan Nowak '71 will be inducted into the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association (ICGSA) Volleyball Hall of Fame come November 4 at the Indiana High School Vollleyball Coaches Association (IHSVCA) State Banquet.
"Volleyball is my sport," she told the South Bend Tribune in an interview about her induction. "I caught the bug early. It's been about the friendships I've made all these years. ... I just love the game and I love reffing. I love the energy of the kids."
Joan officiates an average of four high school matches a week during the season and is planning to retire this year as she looks forward to watching and supporting her grandchildren who are also active in the sport.
"I really want to be able to watch them play," she said. "I've missed a lot of their matches officiating and that family time is important to me."
Congratulations to Joan on a fantastic career and an even better retirement!
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If you or an alumnus you know is not receiving communications from Saint Joseph High School — we can fix that! We want to make sure everyone receives this monthly newsletter, Focus magazine, and any other news. Please contact alumni coordinator Henry Chandler to receive communications.
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