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A Few Thoughts on Vocation and Education
By Dr. Ernest Morrell
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"Ask the courageous questions: What is God calling me to do? If money, fame, and fortune were not at stake what would I most want to do with my life? What are my gifts?" - Dr. Ernest Morrell
The following was taken from a presentation given to current ACE Teaching Fellows by Dr. Ernest Morrell at the 2017 December Retreat.
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. John 1: 35-39
Why was it so easy for these first disciples to follow Christ? How were these men and women able to give up everything and follow an unknown Carpenter's son? Many of these disciples were very young; some had families. All of them presumably had other destinies in mind when they met the Teacher. What led them to these life-altering, world-altering decisions?
One of my core beliefs is that discerning isn't nearly as hard as finding or cultivating the will to discern. My 17-year-old is convinced that it wouldn't have been difficult for the Magi to follow the star of David. Making the decision to follow the star, however, would have taken tremendous courage.
We generally do not ask ourselves questions that we don't want to know the answers to. The answers are often more obvious than we realize; that is why they are so difficult to face. While some of us are technically closer to a more formal discernment this is something that we all do. Even those in their first year of teaching have undoubtedly seen enough of schools, and the world, to be contemplating what you would like to do with yourselves personally, professionally, and spiritually over the next 75 to 80 years. It is your will to discern that has led you to pathways such as ACE.
I encourage you to develop the will and the courage to continue to discern, and that will serve you well. Ask the courageous questions: What is God calling me to do? If money, fame, and fortune were not at stake what would I most want to do with my life? What are my gifts? To whom much is given, much is required: What is required of me? How can I be of help?
How can I serve? And what is at stake if I refuse?
Christ understands that our natural tendencies are to see ourselves as weak, as powerless, and unlovable. We have to be reminded that we matter. That the road less traveled is the better road, and that the eternal values outlive the discourses of empires. Rome has fallen, the Byzantines have fallen, Italy fell, England slept, the current world order teeters in the balance but the church and her eternal values remain.
Following the path of Christ has never been popular. One doesn't get to become a saint by leading an easy life and by making everyone around you happy. When we choose to follow the eternal values our lives, in many respects, become more difficult, though hopefully more rewarding.
What are these eternal values?
- Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all your soul, and all your mind
- Love your neighbor as yourself
- Live in solidarity with the poor and suffering
- See God in all people and all creation
- Lay your treasures in heaven
We are tasked to continue the struggle and to hold on to our Eternal Values. While the word on the street is transient; the word of God is a constant font of wisdom and possibility. God loves us and calls us daily, and it is my hope that we will continue to discern, that we will find ways to serve, and that we will experience joy and fulfillment on our journeys...(read the full article
HERE)
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Chris Provenzano '07 Selected as this Year's Recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award
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The St. Francis Family is excited to announce that Chris Provenzano '07 has been selected as the recipient of this year's Distinguished Alumnus Award. The award will be presented to Chris on the Academic Awards/Distinguished Alumnus Night scheduled for January 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gym. We look forward to honoring Chris for serving as a shining example of a true Golden Knight!
"Becoming an amputee has not been my favorite gift in life, but it has still been a gift. Your day-to-day life will require some adjustments. You will find a new normal. And with that new normal comes a unique perspective on life and your own inner strength." - Chris Provenzano '07
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Franciscan Virtue of the 3rd Quarter: Faithfulness
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John F. Burns spent forty years covering world events for
The New York Times. In an article written after his retirement in 2015, Burns recalled the words of a close friend and fellow journalist who was dying of cancer. "Never forget," his colleague said, "It's not how far you've traveled; it's what you've brought back."
Psalm 37 could be considered David's list of what he "brought back" from his journey of life, from shepherd to soldier and king. The psalm is a series of couplets contrasting the wicked with the righteous, and affirming those who trust the Lord.
"Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither" (vv. 1-2).
"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand" (vv. 23-24).
"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread" (v. 25).
From our experiences in life, what has God taught us? How have we experienced His faithfulness and love? In what ways has the Lord's love shaped our lives?
It's not how far we've traveled in life, but what we've brought back that counts.
Dear Lord, thank You for walking with me throughout my life. Help me to remember Your faithfulness.
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Celebrating the Life of Fr. Flavian Welstead
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St. Francis mourns the passing and celebrates the life of our beloved Capuchin Franciscan Friar Fr. Flavian Welstead.
Fr. Flavian Welstead was born to John and Eileen Welstead in Douglas, Cork, Ireland on September 24, 1939. At his baptism he was given the name Patrick Finbar. He was received as a Capuchin Franciscan on October 3, 1959 in Rochestown, County Cork, where he took Flavian as his religious name. A year later on October 4th he made his first profession. He studied philosophy at St. Bonaventure's and took his theology courses at Ard Mhuire Friary. On May 21, 1967 he was ordained at the friary chapel there.
After Ordination, Flavian was assigned to the Irish Capuchin Mission in Zambia, Africa for the next four years. He served at several mission stations in this short period of time; Sioma, then Manganga and St. Theresa's Cathedral at Livingstone.
In 1973 he was assigned to serve in the Vice-Province on the West Coast of America. He served in Hermiston, OR for one year and then was assigned to St. Francis High School in La Canada, CA, as a teacher, for one year. He would return to the high school again in the 80's and 90's as a teacher and Director of Development. Also in this time span he served for three years at St. Joseph Parish in Roseburg, OR and at St. Francis Parish in Bend, Or. He also served as an associate pastor for the first time at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Burlingame, CA from 1986 to 1989. Flavian was very outgoing. He easily made friends and was able to gather a strong support team for whatever task he was about, whether it be youth ministry, spiritual retreat programs or development fund raising. Flavian was very hospitable to all and he loved the people he served. In his younger days he played soccer and golf and was also a bit of a prankster loving a good laugh. Above all, Flavian loved ministering the sacraments and being with the people he loved in their time of need.
From 1991 to 2000 he was at our provincial friary of St. Francis in Burlingame, CA where he served as the Development Director for the Province of Our Lady of the Angels. After a mini-sabbatical in the last half of the year 2002, he returned to Burlingame as the associate pastor of Our Lady of Angels Parish where he remained until His Lord and Master called him home December 4, 2017 at Peninsula Hospital in Burlingame, CA.
He is survived by two sisters Jane O'Brien and Marie Furlong. He has two deceased brothers Noel Welstead and Donal Welstead.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in memory of Fr. Flavian Welstead to the Capuchin Franciscan Order, 1345 Cortez Ave., Burlingame, CA 94010.
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Chance Meeting Sparks Idea to Help Homeless
By Mitch Lehman, San Marino Tribune |
A terrific story about how a chance encounter turned into a conversion moment for St. Francis senior Nick Yeh '18! Nick, we're proud of you for seizing an opportunity to serve and putting your words into action. We hope this leads to a lifetime of service as part of your vocation. GO KNIGHTS!
Insensitive remarks rarely lead to a project of noble accomplishment, but for Nick Yeh, a senior at St. Francis High School, a bounty of goodness has grown, literally, out of what he admits was "a foolish moment."
"A homeless woman named Louisa approached me in Old Town Pasadena this past February," Yeh explained. "I gave her a couple of bills when I walked into a coffee shop where I had a meeting. Afterwards, she asked me for money a second time. I was curious, so I asked her about her story and what she was going to use the money for. She told me that she was trying to save $30 to go buy vegetables at a local supermarket. That's when I foolishly asked her why she couldn't just grow the vegetables on her own. She replied that she didn't have access to land to grow her own garden. That sparked my idea."
Yeh had an epiphany of sorts, a realization that there was a need for the homeless and underserved who are trying to become self-sufficient to grow food in a sustainable, cost-effective setting.
"Normally, growing one's own vegetable supply requires a garden space that is hard to acquire if one is homeless or underserved," Yeh said. "I wanted to spread awareness for the concept of hydroponics, a method of growing produce without the use of soil. All it takes is water, nutrients, sunlight, and oxygen to create your own system."
To test the process, Yeh went to a familiar place - the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills in Monrovia.
"It's the closest community center that I knew was already working with empowering underserved children," Yeh said. "I also used to play basketball there when I was little, so I have a slight sentimental attachment. I made the first system install my Eagle Project for Boy Scouts. I thought that this would give the younger Scouts in my Troop the chance to see an innovative method of agriculture. I also wanted to see if the system and the teaching sessions I held would work. This has turned out to be a success and we had great turnouts with the sessions with the children."
A feeling that is apparently mutual.
"Nick exudes passion about the hydroponic garden," said Amy Cortez, Teen Center Director for the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills. "He is committed to making a difference in the community by providing fresh produce to those who need it. Nick is also a natural born leader and it was amazing to see him work with his Troop to execute his vision. He is also incredibly professional and it has been a pleasure working with him. He is dedicated to teaching our young people how the garden works. Giving them the knowledge and tools on how they too can install one in their homes, so that they along with their families can lead and maintain a healthy lifestyle."
San Marino High School seniors Emily Chen, Sabella Singh and Naomi Lin are so impressed with the project they have joined Nick's board of directors.
"Project Sprout gives high schoolers the opportunity to work with kids and teach the community about the process of hydroponics," said Chen, the vice president and chief operating officer.
After the first installation, Project Sprout started working together with LA Urban Farms and using Tower Garden systems to bring the patented NASA technology to more underserved communities.
The group has also met with other nonprofits, including Midnight Mission, Friends in Deed, Ronald McDonald House, and Union Station Pasadena about potential future projects. They have also talked to various potential sponsors, including Wahoo's Fish Tacos and Active Ride Shop.
Also on Nick's radar is where he will spend his next four years. The varsity water polo player and founder of St. Francis High School's Investment and Entrepreneurship club is looking at the University of Pennsylvania, USC and NYU as potential landing spots.
Yeh hopes to engage the community through the social media platforms that Project Sprout has set up.
"We're always looking for help from others," he said, pointing out that his project can be followed on Instagram @projectsproutinc and on Facebook, Project Sprout Inc...(read the full article
HERE)
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Future Royal Meghan Markle Sparkled at St. Francis
By Mirjam Swanson, Outlook Newspapers
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Here is a fun article from the Outlook Newspapers featuring our beloved Mr. Manny Eulalia and future royal Meghan Markle! Please click on the image below to read the article.
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| The 1998 SFHS Homecoming Royal Court (L to R): Chris Tschinkel and Stephanie Brenan, Mike Baray and Kara Smith, Danny Segura and Meghan Markle, Tim Norkus and Kate Dahle, and Tony Sciarra and Melissa Sierra. |
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Sharing a Unique Talent and Fostering a Passion for Music
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We are inspired by the courage of St. Francis sophomore Anthony Munoz '20 to serve as the harpist for this year's Friar's Circle reception. Anthony's performance was absolutely beautiful and we are thankful for his willingness to share his gift with us. It is always a joy to celebrate and showcase the talents of our diverse body of musicians!
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Star-News' 2017 Football All-Area
By James Escarcega, Pasadena Star-News |
PASADENA STAR-NEWS 2017 ALL-AREA FOOTBALL TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Darius Perrantes, St. Francis
The 2017 football season will be remembered for the top-quality performances turned in by quarterbacks. San Marino's Blake Cabot worked Coach Mike Hobbie's offense with the precision of a symphony conductor. Arcadia's Max Davila's consistent play was one of the main elements that led the Apaches to the quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section playoffs.
However, when the final words are written, history will look kindly on St. Francis High quarterback Darius Perrantes. The junior overcame numerous physical setbacks to become the standard by which quarterbacks are judged. He was the missing ingredient of a winning formula that allowed the Golden Knights to make the CIF-SS final for the first time in 53 years.
For his efforts, Perrantes has been named the 2017 Pasadena Star News Player of the Year.
"This whole season has been a blast," said Perrantes who was also named first-team all-Angelus League. "It started off with a bang, it had bumps on the road, but that comes with anything. We just had to fight through it."
Perrantes, who arrived at the La Canada campus in January from Crespi High in Encino, threw for 2,910 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also rushed for 324 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.
It's even more impressive when you consider that he missed a game and a half due to a back spasm that occurred during a non-league game against Saugus.
"The only thing that concerned me was how much of the offense we could feed him," St. Francis coach Jim Bonds said. "Physically, you can see he can make all the throws. We're pretty complex with our terminology and our system. But he picked that up, and that has been a pleasant surprise. We've been able to grow our offense every week, just like we've done in the past."
Perrantes' performance was elevated to an even higher level in the playoffs. In the Golden Knights' win over El Toro in the semifinals, Perrantes completed 21 of 25 passes for 273 yards and five touchdowns. The offense was so proficient, the team never punted in the first half.
Perrantes said Bonds is one of the main reasons for his success on the field.
"Coach Bonds is a great coach," Perrantes said. "He's our quarterbacks coach and knows the game really well, too. He played at UCLA and is an all-around great coach. He knows how to use our athletes any way he can."
The 2018 season will bring its own share of challenges to the talented quarterback. Perrantes will be the face of a program that will be in the spotlight consistently. With that comes expectations that will be high.
"The expectations are going to be really high," Perrantes said. "It all starts with January and all the off-season 7-on-7 competitions. I have to go out and prove everyone wrong. I felt that I proved that this season, and I have keep doing what I am doing."
COACH OF THE YEAR: Jim Bonds, St. Francis
St. Francis principal Tom Moran fondly remembers the interview he had with Jim Bonds 16 years ago for the school's coveted head coaching job.
"He absolutely blew us away," Moran said. "After the interview was done, we knew we had our guy."
 Many football insiders agree that Bonds was the perfect man to lead a program that made its first CIF Southern Section finals appearance in 53 years.
Also serving as the team's offensive coordinator, he oversaw an offense that finished in the top 25 in total yards in the CIF Southern Section, with 5,728 yards of total offense for the 2017 season.
For his efforts, Bonds is the 2017 Pasadena Star News Coach of the Year.
"I really look at it as a team award and a staff award," Bonds said of being honored for his efforts. "We have an unbelievable group of guys that have been with me for a long time. It was a great run, and all the stars aligned for us this year."
It is the consensus opinion of football coaches throughout Southern California that Bonds is one of the most innovative offensive coordinators in the game. When you consider that in 2017, he worked with a quarterback that arrived on his campus in January and made him an integral part of the team's success, it's just another example why he is widely respected.
"When it's happening, you don't understand the magnitude of it," said Bonds of the historic run that the team embarked on. "All the well-wishes and the congratulations on a great season and the people that enjoyed the run, it means a lot. It still stings not to have won that last game, but our guys will reflect back on this, have great memories of the season, and so will I."
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Golden Knights Earn All-League Honors
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Congratulations to St. Francis' Greg Camacho '21 (1st Team) and Cole Marston '20 (2nd Team) on their selection to the All-Mission League Boys' Water Polo Teams! This was the team's first year back in the Mission League and these two Golden Knights are leading the way forward. GO KNIGHTS!
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CIF Football Recap: Golden Knights Make School History, Despite 44-42 D3 Title Loss
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor, Pasadena Sports Now
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Not even the most articulate of scholars could find a way or the words to sugarcoat just how painful the CIF-SS Division 3 title game loss was for St. Francis.
The Golden Knights, who hadn't made an appearance in the CIF championship game since 1964, either trailed or were tied for 45:37 of the 48-minute thriller.
St. Francis, trailed 41-35 with 140 seconds left after a 70-yard TD connection from Rancho Verde quarterback Brock White to Kamryn Woodson.
The extra-point attempt, though, was blocked and the Golden Knights drove 87 yards in just over one minute of clock time when Kevin Armstead rumbled in from 5 yards out.
Nico Boschetti's clean extra-point gave St. Francis its first lead of the game at 42-41 with 1:01 to play.
And with all the hoopla in the overflow crowd from both sides, you almost had the feel like "there is too much time left on the clock for Rancho Verde."
The Mustangs justified those fears, as they got down to the Golden Knights' 30 yard line and with just 2. 6 seconds on the clock.
John Bahena's 37-yard field goal just barely cleared the upright and sucked the wind and heart out of every St. Francis coach, player, student, alumni and family member.
As the Rancho Verde players literally scattered across every part of the field after the 44-42 win, it was difficult to see the pain and devastation in the eyes and faces of so many quality young men in uniform and equally quality adults that had spent the last 12 months preparing their players for exactly this moment.
As is usually the case, opposing sidelines were often heard, including Friday night dismissing the "less athletic" Golden Knights.
And despite giving up over 700 yards of total offense, including 500 passing yards and 4 TD's for Rancho Verde's sophomore quarterback Brock White, St. Francis was literally one play away from their first title in 53 years.
R
 ight when Rancho Verde fans were figuratively hammering the nails in St. Francis' coffin with 2:01 to play, the Golden Knights did what they've done all season, they rallied and proved not only their own worth, but their doubters or skeptics wrong.
Jim Bonds again proved his spot in the most elite company of coaches within the entire southern section with decisions to call for a fake-punt that was completed and turned into points, and then going for it on 4th-and-9 late in the game, and within field goal range.
Instead of kicking the field goal and pulling to within 41-38, Bonds allowed quarterback Darius Perrantes the opportunity to make a play, and the junior made his coach look good.
Perrantes hit Blake Howard on a 9-yard score with 4:43 to play and the game was tied at 35-35.
But the defense just couldn't make a stop and the dream unfortunately for everyone on the St. Francis side became a nightmare.
Perrantes completed 13 or 23 passes for 299 yards, and he threw for two TD's and ran for two more.
His favorite target, again, was senior captain Greg Dulich, who led St. Francis with 4 catches for 131 yards, including a 30-yard TD that got the Golden Knights even at 21-21.
Dulcich's numbers in the postseason would match any player from any team and from any division within the CIF-Southern Section.
He had over 500 yards and 7 scores in the playoffs alone.
Kevin Armstead led the St. Francis rushing attack with 79 yards on 14 carries, and that included the 5-yard go-ahead score with 1:01 to play.
Kamryn Woodson caught 7 balls for 142 yards and TD's of 30 and 70 yards, and Manny Allen took a White pass 96 yards for another Mustangs' score.
Xavier Ugorji had a game-high 115 yards rushing and TD runs of 4 and 10 yards for the visitors from Moreno Valley.
St. Francis captain and leading rusher Elijah Washington scored on a 5-yard TD run in the first quarter, but didn't carry the ball nearly as often as he had all season.
It was rumored Washington was gutting it out on the field, despite having severe knee discomfort.
It will take a while for those who were intimately involved in this game and this season to get over this.
But the overriding feeling for anyone that was not only responsible for making a title-game appearance, but also a 12-win season, should and can be nothing short of immense pride.
St. Francis is a classily run program, and while many of their stars will graduate in six months, they will also see many key players come back for the 2018 season.
And as much as this loss will serve as a kick in the guts (or other places), somewhere down the road, the pain will subside, at least somewhat.
In the long run, the overriding success they'll enjoy both individually and collectively in life will greatly outweigh any disappointment of something that happens on a football field.
With thanks to their strong and structured families, as well as the contributions their coaches and friends have made in their lives, St. Francis student-athletes are destined for greatness.
For those of us in the media, along with your fans, classmates and families, thank you for the honor of witnessing your putting of your heart and soul on your sleeve each Friday night, and showing everyone what can be accomplished when 11 guys on both sides of the ball and in all three phases of the game pull together.
You're the face and definition of what a team and family should be, and your perseverance and winning the right way are inspiring to far more people than you know...(read the full article
HERE)
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Winter Sports Start Strong
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The St. Francis Basketball Program had a terrific pre-season. All three levels head into Mission League play this Friday on the road against Chaminade. The St. Francis Varsity Basketball Team is 9-4 coming off a second place finish in the San Gabriel Valley Invitational Tournament. The JV squad is 11-1 after finishing second in the Ernie Wallengren JV Basketball Tournament. St. Francis Frosh Hoops heads into league play with an impressive 8-4 record. We're cheering for you gentlemen...GO KNIGHTS!
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Congratulations to the SFHS Varsity Soccer Team on finishing second in the Nike So Cal High School Classic Soccer Tournament (Boys Showcase West Bracket) in Oceanside. The Golden Knights defeated Mater Dei (2-0) and Mission Viejo (3-0) in pool play to advance to the championship game. We're proud of you gentlemen...GO KNIGHTS!
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Service Brings Joy to Children's Hospital Los Angeles
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Thank you to the young men and women from St. Francis' Student Council and Cheer for spending time this holiday season to decorate Children's Hospital Los Angeles for Christmas! Your acts of kindness continue to bring joy to others...GO KNIGHTS!
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Celebrating the Success of Our Graduates
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St. Francis loves to share the success stories of our graduates! We would love to hear from you...please message us on Facebook or email burghdorfa@sfhs.net with updates! GO KNIGHTS!
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Congratulations to St. Francis grad and Hall of Famer Mr. Art Hernandez '84 (pictured 2nd from the right) on winning the National Men's 40s Doubles Hardcourts Championship in La Jolla for the 5th time in the past 7 years! The victory makes him #1 in the nation in both the 40 and 45 and older categories for the year! We are proud of you Art...hard work does indeed pay off! GO KNIGHTS!
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Here's a great picture of St. Francis grad Maj Ronald Elazegui '96. He is currently the Pharmacy Ops Officer stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia with his family. Thank you for your continued service...GO KNIGHTS!
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So wonderful to have St. Francis grad Bobby Grant '97 stop by campus last month ..it's inspiring to see him still rocking his Kairok ever since he graduated. Bobby, thanks for serving as a terrific example of living the 4th all these years! GO KNIGHTS!
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Samuel Ortega '12 graduated from USC with a BS in Human Biology in 2016. He is now living and working in Delaware as a Forensic Scientist on the Dover Air Force Base. He'll be attending Georgetown in the Spring of 2018 to pursue his masters degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. Samuel's brother Daniel '19 is a current St. Francis junior. We're proud of you Samuel...GO KNIGHTS!
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It is fun to see St. Francis grad Lt Johnny Naginis '12 (pictured back left) training hard to become a helicopter pilot in the USAF! Johnny, we're proud of you, we're grateful for your service, and we're praying for your safety...GO KNIGHTS!
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Congratulations to St. Francis grad Keith Williams '15 on graduating from his year long fire academy! GO KNIGHTS!
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Supporting The Ability Experience and Jake McSweeny '16
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We are so proud of our St. Francis graduates who continue to live out the Franciscan virtues through their actions! Thank you for making service a priority and positively impacting the lives of so many others...GO KNIGHTS!
This summer St. Francis grad Jake McSweeny '16 will be riding his bike from the west coast to Washington, D.C. on the Journey of Hope to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities.
 He will join 115 other men from colleges and universities acros
s the country who are all members of the fraternity Pi Kappa Phi. Together they will complete this 65-day, 4,000+ mile cycling trek to benefit The Ability Experience.
The Ability Experience is committed to providing shared experiences between the members of Pi Kappa Phi and people with disabilities. In working with The Ability Experience, Jake has learned so much about the impact of this special group of people. He has also discovered that there is a need nationwide to educate people on all the incredible things that people with disabilities can do. Jake's team will be spending time with people with disabilities along the way, and striving to spread their message of acceptance and understanding to thousands of people!
Jake is extremely excited about this opportunity and he has committed to raising more than $5,500 in support of The Ability Experience by May 1, 2018.
Please consider helping Jake help others by making a tax-deductible contribution. To make a gift or learn more about The Ability Experience, check out Jake's fundraising page with this link:
https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/1165421
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Casey McCreary '16 is Back by Popular Demand
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Seats are going fast but there are still a few more tickets available for Casey McCreary's '16 upcoming performance on Thursday, January 11th. We're proud of you Casey and we are looking to celebrating with you as your music career advances! GO KNIGHTS!
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St. Francis Star Aaron Treloar '18 Commits to Point Loma
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor, Pasadena Sports Now
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It's every prep baseball player's dream, especially seniors, to have their collegiate destination in place before starting their final high school season.
Thankfully, for St. Francis pitcher-infielder Aaron Trealor, that was all taken care of this past weekend in a trip to San Diego.
Treloar committed to Point Loma and will play for the Sea Lions next year.
Despite being a solid third baseman and hitter, Treloar is going to Point Loma with the understanding that his role will be that of pitcher only, which is fine with him.
Treloar gushed about how much he felt at home at the school, and loves the location.
More importantly, though, it was his connection with coaches Joe Schaefer and Demetre Kokoris, and the desire to continue his career at a Christian-based college that sealed the deal.
Treloar was a first-team member of our Pasadena Sports Now Baseball All-Stars after hitting .300 with 22 hits and 17 RBIs.
He also spent some time on the mound, striking out 16 batters in just 11 innings.
Treloar has four pitches he can go to, and has the confidence to use any of the four, regardless of the count or situation.
St. Francis looks to continue the momentum they began to build behind second-year coach Aaron Dorlarque.
The Golden Knights went just 6-12 in the tough Mission League last season, and while that might not sound impressive, it equaled the league win total from the previous three years combined.
"I picked Point Loma, because I wanted to attend a Christian school for college. I absolutely love Coach Schaefer and Coach Kokoris's coaching styles. And you can't beat the location," Treloar said.
His parents, Roxanne and Jeff, are the two people Treloar credits with his ascension as a player, and a student, but more importantly, as a young man
"The feeling is unbelievable. The amount of stress taken off my chest is amazing. I am looking forward to showing everyone this season that St. Francis can be great because of our coaches and players," he said. " I can not thank my parents enough for pushing me, driving me to tons of places to play, and most of all for supporting me through it all."
Now that the recruiting process is over, Treloar and the Golden Knights baseball program can spend the next 82 days to prepare for the first pitch on February 24 in the Easton Tournament.
Quotable:
St. Francis coach Aaron Dorlarque: "I am extremely excited about Aaron Treloar committing to Point Loma. He has worked extremely hard and will make an immediate impact on the mound, at the plate and on defense. Aaron's leadership on and off of the field at St. Francis are unsurpassed. He carries himself with class and dignity, and his character is deeply rooted. He will be a great fit for Point Loma."
St. Francis senior Aaron Treloar: "We have a talented group of returning players, all of which are extremely close. We have Chris Stamos and Hayden Byrnes coming back, both of whom are insanely talented pitchers. We have Christian Muro, John Politis, Doyle Kane, and Niko Khoury all returning in the lineup this year. Plus, we have a couple promising underclassmen. To top it off, Coach Dorlarque knows how to run a program the right way. We will win because of the close bond of our returners, the promise of our young guys, and our coach."...(read the full article
HERE)
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Former St. Francis Star Quarterback Michael Bonds '17 Commits to Miami of Ohio
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor, Pasadena Sports Now
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Michael Bonds set the bar for excellence when it came to quarterback play in 2016.
The St. Francis signal caller led the Golden Knights to a 9-2 season and was far and away the area's best quarterback.
Bonds threw for over 2,200 yards.
He completed 64-percent of his passes, going 159 of 249.
The 6-foot-2 quarterback had the honor of playing for his uncle, Jim Bonds at St. Francis, and his numbers since transferring from Newport Harbor were incredible.
Bonds threw for 25 touchdowns and was picked just 4 times.
It wasn't just his numbers that stood out.
It was his being able to rise to the occasion when St. Francis most needed a big play.
He was clutch, accurate, very intelligent and a great leader, even in spite of the fact that he's a pretty quiet kid.
Bonds is truly an old-school kid in a young man's body when it comes to his values and belief system, as well as the way he carries himself with honor and dignity.
And it wasn't just his strong right arm that made him the most complete QB in the area.
It (throwing arm) was a game-changing weapon on its own, but Bonds also surprised many with timely first downs with his legs.
He gained 230 yards on the ground and scored four times.
So, the big question around this time last year was what college program would be lucky enough to have a young man with both exceptional talent and character?
Some of the local area school's unwillingness to give a proven winner a shot was nothing short of a disgrace.
Bonds ended up attending Glendale College on the JC circuit, which was a giant departure from the success and structure he enjoyed and thrived in at St. Francis.
From the outside, it seemed going from St. Francis to Glendale College was as good a fit as LaVar Ball participating in a conference to promote higher learning and staying in school.
He never said or thought he was too good for Glendale nor did he put himself above his teammates, but going from a disciplined 9-2 program to one that went 2-8 is quite the drop off both physically and psychologically.
Bonds, though, in his classy fashion was thankful for the time and effort his coaches and teammates gave him.
Another aspect that made the 2017 season more frustrating was Glendale's inability to protect Bonds in the pocket, which caused him to take far too many hits and injure his shoulder.
If that weren't enough, his parents, Thomas and Julie moved to Bellevue, Washington after Thomas was promoted at work.
So, at 19, and being bruised and battered on the field and somewhat lonely off it, Bonds could only dream about his chances at the next level.
And that is precisely what makes today's announcement so much more special.
Bonds confirmed on social media, three days before Christmas, that he has committed to play at Miami University of Ohio.
It's probably one of the best Christmas gifts he's even gotten.
Bonds made the trip last weekend to Oxford, Ohio, to meet with head coach Chuck Martin and offensive coordinator Eric Koehler, and there was an immediate connection.
"I like everything about their program, as well as their academics and alumni," Bonds said. "The competive-driven coaching staff really made an effort to get to know me and made me feel cared for."
If his abilities and character weren't enough to make one a Michael Bonds fan, maybe adding in that he finished his time in Glendale with a 3.6 grade-point average would.
And his former coaches and teammates, as well as his friends are ecstatic for the 19-year old standout.
We feel pretty comfortable in saying the entire Pasadena and La Canada area sports fans are not only thrilled Bonds finally got the opportunity he so greatly earned and deserves, we're all pulling for Michael to excel and thrive at a level he's prepared for his entire life.
Quotable:
Former St. Francis QB Michael Bonds: "Being patient through this process was very difficult. It was my amazing parents and family/friends that kept motivating me and keeping me on my toes and believing in me. The whole process has made me stronger. I am healthy again thanks to Eric Landswick and the Glendale coaching trainers and I learned a lot from Coach John Rome. Glendale was a stepping stone in my life and it was humbling, but I'd have it no other way. The experience made me tougher and stronger."
Michael's father, Thomas Bonds: "I am very proud of Michael's work ethic and belief in himself. He has worked hard and trusted that through this process that he would find the right fit. We think it's a really good fit for him, and I think Miami got a great player and person. We are all very excited to see him compete again."
St. Francis coach/uncle Jim Bonds: "I'm so happy for Michael and excited about his future. There is no one more deserving of this opportunity than he is. He's such an outstanding young man and one of the hardest workers I've ever had the privilege to coach."...(read the full article
HERE)
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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Images from Across the St. Francis Community
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| Members of the SFHS Culinary Club serving dinner at Ascencia Homeless Shelter. |
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| A special thanks to our St. Francis moms for preparing an amazing December Faculty Lunch! The SFHS Faculty/Staff is so grateful the time and care your pour into these meals. |
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| A beautiful morning to gather as a student body for this year's Nativity Creche Prayer Service! |
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| Thank you to this special group of guys who helped load thousands of cans into the Uhaul for people in need at St. Lawrence of Brindisi! |
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| The 2018 mountain biking season is fast approaching and the St. Francis Mountain Bike Team is hard at work preparing for this year's competition. Here is a great picture of our "Knight Riders" in action! |
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| Team Brobot, the SFHS Robotics Team, hard at work preparing for competition. |
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| An outstanding Christmas Concert by the St. Francis Men's Chorus! |
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| Fun to watch the St. Francis Culinary Club hard at work preparing a large batch of gumbo! |
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