History of the Class of 1962
Overview
In September 1958, the Class of 1962 had a starting enrollment of 290 freshmen in seven homerooms (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F. 1G) [click on homerooms to view]. At the end of the first year 275 freshmen remained, By the end of the sophomore year 181 students were found in six homerooms ( 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) and at the end of their junior year 180 students were in five homerooms (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E). By the time the Class of 1962 reached graduation, senior class enrollment had dropped to 171 and only four homerooms remained. The reason for the drop of 119 students from the Class of 1962 over four years is not clear although some have attributed the attrition to the school’s strict disciplinary standards. Despite their low numbers the Class of 1962 distinguished themselves in many ways over their four years at Cathedral Latin.
1958-1959
Just as the members of the Class of 1962 were beginning their high school careers, Fr. James McKay, S.M, was appointed by the Society of Mary as the new president of Cathedral Latin School and sworn in on October 11, 1958 following the death of the previous president, Fr. Thomas Bodie on September 12, 1958. Also joining the administrative office that year was Bro. Joseph Spehar who came on board as vice president and disciplinarian.
1958 saw the revival of the detention system and a rule regarding no pens in school. Review of The Latineer gave no detail or clarification of these two changes. Also initiated was a revised dress code requiring a suit coat or sweater and tie, with string ties and vests no longer permitted.
In the yearly tradition of the frosh mile run, Pete Balski edged out Mike Furness, who tripped in the last quarter mile, to win with a time of 6:02 on a slow rain-soaked field.
During the summer before entering Latin, Freshman Mike Della Vella won the Cleveland Soap Box Derby. In addition to his championship trophy, Mike won a set of Encyclopedia Britannica, a bicycle, a wrist watch, a radio, and a pen and pencil set. He went on to compete in the national derby in Akron.
In 1958 freshmen found out how being a Latin student was really a family affair not only by encouraging scholastics but also in helping the finances of the school. The Moms’ and the Dads’ clubs respectively hosted the Moms’ Card Party and the Squidulum Fund Raiser with proceeds going to the school’s general fund. Tickets for each event sold for 25₵ each or five for $1. The Dads’ top prize was $2000, $1000 for second prize, and $500 for third with a chance to win turkeys, hams, and cigarettes at the bazaar. The Moms’ top prize was a brand new Zenith Hi-Fidelity television set. These must have been quite terrific prizes for those days.
Freshman footballers flaunted a devastating offense and a rock solid defense as they went unscored upon in their first five games. The Frosh Lions out scored Lourdes, 10-0; Glenville, 30-0; Collinwood, 6-0; St. Ignatius, 24-0; and Chanel, 64-0. In the sixth game of the season Holy Name managed only six points to Latin’s eight; while in their final two games the freshmen outscored Akron Hoban 40-6 and Benedictine 24-16. The freshmen footballers thus went undefeated throughout the 1958 season and piled up 204 points to their opponents’ 28. The freshmen team held many fine players with prospects of great Latin teams to come. Halfbacks Dan Borovac and Bob Mylott and Quarterback Bob DeSapri consistently paced the Baby Lions throughout the season.
Overview
In September 1958, the Class of 1962 had a starting enrollment of 290 freshmen in seven homerooms (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F. 1G) [click on homerooms to view]. At the end of the first year 275 freshmen remained, By the end of the sophomore year 181 students were found in six homerooms ( 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) and at the end of their junior year 180 students were in five homerooms (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E). By the time the Class of 1962 reached graduation, senior class enrollment had dropped to 171 and only four homerooms remained. The reason for the drop of 119 students from the Class of 1962 over four years is not clear although some have attributed the attrition to the school’s strict disciplinary standards. Despite their low numbers the Class of 1962 distinguished themselves in many ways over their four years at Cathedral Latin.
1958-1959
Just as the members of the Class of 1962 were beginning their high school careers, Fr. James McKay, S.M, was appointed by the Society of Mary as the new president of Cathedral Latin School and sworn in on October 11, 1958 following the death of the previous president, Fr. Thomas Bodie on September 12, 1958. Also joining the administrative office that year was Bro. Joseph Spehar who came on board as vice president and disciplinarian.
1958 saw the revival of the detention system and a rule regarding no pens in school. Review of The Latineer gave no detail or clarification of these two changes. Also initiated was a revised dress code requiring a suit coat or sweater and tie, with string ties and vests no longer permitted.
In the yearly tradition of the frosh mile run, Pete Balski edged out Mike Furness, who tripped in the last quarter mile, to win with a time of 6:02 on a slow rain-soaked field.
During the summer before entering Latin, Freshman Mike Della Vella won the Cleveland Soap Box Derby. In addition to his championship trophy, Mike won a set of Encyclopedia Britannica, a bicycle, a wrist watch, a radio, and a pen and pencil set. He went on to compete in the national derby in Akron.
In 1958 freshmen found out how being a Latin student was really a family affair not only by encouraging scholastics but also in helping the finances of the school. The Moms’ and the Dads’ clubs respectively hosted the Moms’ Card Party and the Squidulum Fund Raiser with proceeds going to the school’s general fund. Tickets for each event sold for 25₵ each or five for $1. The Dads’ top prize was $2000, $1000 for second prize, and $500 for third with a chance to win turkeys, hams, and cigarettes at the bazaar. The Moms’ top prize was a brand new Zenith Hi-Fidelity television set. These must have been quite terrific prizes for those days.
Freshman footballers flaunted a devastating offense and a rock solid defense as they went unscored upon in their first five games. The Frosh Lions out scored Lourdes, 10-0; Glenville, 30-0; Collinwood, 6-0; St. Ignatius, 24-0; and Chanel, 64-0. In the sixth game of the season Holy Name managed only six points to Latin’s eight; while in their final two games the freshmen outscored Akron Hoban 40-6 and Benedictine 24-16. The freshmen footballers thus went undefeated throughout the 1958 season and piled up 204 points to their opponents’ 28. The freshmen team held many fine players with prospects of great Latin teams to come. Halfbacks Dan Borovac and Bob Mylott and Quarterback Bob DeSapri consistently paced the Baby Lions throughout the season.
Front Row: S. Hogan, R. Paglio, D. Borovac, J. Quinlan, R. Mylott, R. DeSapri, D. Erne, K. Sterie, J. Keating, D.McGrath. Second Row: C. McKenna, M. Major, R. Kofol, R. Myslenski, T. Gannon, P. Miller, J. Gibbons, J. Faflik, J. Pukys, T. George. Third Row: Coach Torelli, T. Mathis, M. Rudd, J. Eshan Brunswick, M. DeGrandis, R. Franko, P. Sylvester, J. Mormino, D. Symon, Bro. J. Altinger. Forth Row: D. Schwarber, J. Halas, P. Malone, R. Ioffreda, D. Grealis, C. Rainone, J. Miklich, W. Lampeter, L. Kaminski, J. Gareau, M. Furness, P. Racca.
Freshman basketballers also had a very successful year and became one of the finest frosh cage teams in the history of Cathedral Latin. After losing their first game to Central Jr. High, the Lion Cubs ran a string of 14 consecutive wins before losing to St. Ignatius and finally capping the year with a win over Patrick Henry. Starters were Steve Hogan, Jim Faflik, Dennis Erne, Joe Mormino, and Captain Dan Borovac
Freshman basketballers also had a very successful year and became one of the finest frosh cage teams in the history of Cathedral Latin. After losing their first game to Central Jr. High, the Lion Cubs ran a string of 14 consecutive wins before losing to St. Ignatius and finally capping the year with a win over Patrick Henry. Starters were Steve Hogan, Jim Faflik, Dennis Erne, Joe Mormino, and Captain Dan Borovac
Front Row: J. Mormino, D. Borovac, M. Della Vella, T. George. Second Row: B. Rychlik, S. Hogan, S. Liguzinski, R. Myslenski, J. Miklich, P. Miller, J. Faflik, D. Erne, J. Gibbons, D. Schwarber, R. Franko, J. Quinlan.
Scholarship characterized the freshmen class by those who made first honors at least once in the year by achieving a 90% average or above in all classes They included Jim Blaszak, Nick Coffaro, Dennis Erne, John Forhan, Bud Kennedy, Joe Kolezynski, Dave Komorowski, Jim Kroeger, Ron Lessner, Ed Melsbakas, John Mesic, Gary Oliver, Rich O’Neill, Stan Osenar, Don Schwarber, Peter Sodja, George Stefan, Louis Todaro, and Frank Turek.
Cathedral Latin entered the modern age in 1958 when a photostatic copy machine was ordered for the main office and stereophonic record players for the sound room.
Freshmen demonstrated their creative and artistic abilities in a Frosh Variety Show in the school auditorium in February, 1959. John Bain, Marty Powers, and Ron Hudak did a Tea-for-Two tap dance routine. Mike Bonelli played a personal composition of “Yeah Latin Rock” on his accordion. This was followed by Pete French who did a cha-cha selection also on the accordion. The program was concluded when Dan Borovac, John Quinlan, and Joe Mormino did a pantomime skit of the Coasters’ recording of “Charlie Brown”. What a clown.
Bob Sheahen and Joe Eszterhas represented Latin in the annual Spelling Bee sponsored by the Cleveland Press with a chance to go to the district and state finals and hopefully win a set of the Encyclopedia Britannica before going to the national spell-off.
The highlight of our freshman year was when we all got to go down to Cleveland Municipal Stadium on Thanksgiving Day and watch the Varsity Latin Lions defeat the Ignatius Wildcats 12-6 for the City Championship. What a great start for the Class of 1962.
1959-1960
Having completed their freshman year and now familiar with the way that high school is intended to work, the Cathedral Latin Class of 1962 was ready to show off what they could do in their sophomore year.
Scholarship:
Sophomores who made the honor roll during the year by having a 90% average in at least one period included: Tom Brennan, Emmett Cooper, Dennis Erne, Tony Ferone, John Forhan, Don Hlusak, Bob Hoh, Dave Komorowski, Jim Kroeger, Steve McMullen, Rich O’Neill, Joe Prusaczyk, Nick Ronan, Jim Strnad, Stan Osenar, Pete Szilagyi, and Louie Todaro.
The Mooney Chapter of the National Honor Society accepted Jim Kroeger, Ed Melsbakas, Bob Ondercin, and Stan Osenar as members later in the year. Rich O’Neill and Louie Todaro both won honorable mention for their achievements at the District State Scholarship exams taken at John Carroll University.
Sodality:
The purpose of the Sodality at Cathedral Latin was to promote improvement of the spiritual and intellectual well being of the individual through unification with others of similar purpose. CLS Sodality groups met weekly to discuss topics of social, spiritual, and humanitarian importance. The Sodality also hosted an annual study day for Catholic high schools in the Greater Cleveland area. Class of 1962 participants included Len Dobucki, Tom Gannon, Jim Gareau, Don Hlusak, Bud Kennedy, Jim McMahon, John Stern, and Rich Ullman.
JV Football
Once the Class of '62 freshman footballers graduated to the JV squad they went on to boost their unblemished record to an incredible 16 wins and no loses over two years. The JVs were lead by quarterback Bob DeSapri, halfbacks Rick Myslenski and Dan Borovac, and ends Dennis Erne and Jim Faflik. Steve Hogan was promoted to the varsity football team in his sophomore year. Way to go, Steve!. The JVs bested their opponents East Tech, Glenville, Thomas Edison, Collinwood, Benedictine, Euclid, John Adams, and Chanel by combined scores of 242 – 44, thus continuing their impressive performance of the previous year and beginning rumors of a football dynasty.
Scholarship characterized the freshmen class by those who made first honors at least once in the year by achieving a 90% average or above in all classes They included Jim Blaszak, Nick Coffaro, Dennis Erne, John Forhan, Bud Kennedy, Joe Kolezynski, Dave Komorowski, Jim Kroeger, Ron Lessner, Ed Melsbakas, John Mesic, Gary Oliver, Rich O’Neill, Stan Osenar, Don Schwarber, Peter Sodja, George Stefan, Louis Todaro, and Frank Turek.
Cathedral Latin entered the modern age in 1958 when a photostatic copy machine was ordered for the main office and stereophonic record players for the sound room.
Freshmen demonstrated their creative and artistic abilities in a Frosh Variety Show in the school auditorium in February, 1959. John Bain, Marty Powers, and Ron Hudak did a Tea-for-Two tap dance routine. Mike Bonelli played a personal composition of “Yeah Latin Rock” on his accordion. This was followed by Pete French who did a cha-cha selection also on the accordion. The program was concluded when Dan Borovac, John Quinlan, and Joe Mormino did a pantomime skit of the Coasters’ recording of “Charlie Brown”. What a clown.
Bob Sheahen and Joe Eszterhas represented Latin in the annual Spelling Bee sponsored by the Cleveland Press with a chance to go to the district and state finals and hopefully win a set of the Encyclopedia Britannica before going to the national spell-off.
The highlight of our freshman year was when we all got to go down to Cleveland Municipal Stadium on Thanksgiving Day and watch the Varsity Latin Lions defeat the Ignatius Wildcats 12-6 for the City Championship. What a great start for the Class of 1962.
1959-1960
Having completed their freshman year and now familiar with the way that high school is intended to work, the Cathedral Latin Class of 1962 was ready to show off what they could do in their sophomore year.
Scholarship:
Sophomores who made the honor roll during the year by having a 90% average in at least one period included: Tom Brennan, Emmett Cooper, Dennis Erne, Tony Ferone, John Forhan, Don Hlusak, Bob Hoh, Dave Komorowski, Jim Kroeger, Steve McMullen, Rich O’Neill, Joe Prusaczyk, Nick Ronan, Jim Strnad, Stan Osenar, Pete Szilagyi, and Louie Todaro.
The Mooney Chapter of the National Honor Society accepted Jim Kroeger, Ed Melsbakas, Bob Ondercin, and Stan Osenar as members later in the year. Rich O’Neill and Louie Todaro both won honorable mention for their achievements at the District State Scholarship exams taken at John Carroll University.
Sodality:
The purpose of the Sodality at Cathedral Latin was to promote improvement of the spiritual and intellectual well being of the individual through unification with others of similar purpose. CLS Sodality groups met weekly to discuss topics of social, spiritual, and humanitarian importance. The Sodality also hosted an annual study day for Catholic high schools in the Greater Cleveland area. Class of 1962 participants included Len Dobucki, Tom Gannon, Jim Gareau, Don Hlusak, Bud Kennedy, Jim McMahon, John Stern, and Rich Ullman.
JV Football
Once the Class of '62 freshman footballers graduated to the JV squad they went on to boost their unblemished record to an incredible 16 wins and no loses over two years. The JVs were lead by quarterback Bob DeSapri, halfbacks Rick Myslenski and Dan Borovac, and ends Dennis Erne and Jim Faflik. Steve Hogan was promoted to the varsity football team in his sophomore year. Way to go, Steve!. The JVs bested their opponents East Tech, Glenville, Thomas Edison, Collinwood, Benedictine, Euclid, John Adams, and Chanel by combined scores of 242 – 44, thus continuing their impressive performance of the previous year and beginning rumors of a football dynasty.
Bottom Row: C. Kleinhenz, J. Keating, D. Borovac, M. Major, W. Lampeter, W. Kennedy, L. Loughead, T. O'Rourke, J. Gareau. Second Row:D. McGrath, J. Mesic, D. Cassese*, J. Batista*, J. Mormino, J. Gibbons, M. Furness, P. Sylvester, L. Kaminski, K. Lipinski*, Third Row: Coach R. Walker, J. Michlik, J. Cassidy, K. Richlik, T. Gannon, K. Sterie, F. Tretock*, D. Erne, R. Myslenski, R. Paglio. Forth Row: D. Schwarber, C. Baldesare*, J. Goodman*, J. Perchinske*, J. Faflik, R DeSapri, M. Rudd, J. Brickman*, R. Zembala*, W. Budd*, J. Quinlan. (*- Junior)
JV Basketball
The JV basketball team was loaded with sophomores who had a great basketball season the year before as freshman dribblers. But the 1959-1960 season did not go as well for them as JVs since they only managed a 5 and 10 record. However, Dan Borovac, the leading scorer, and Jim Faflik, the leading rebounder, showed great potential for future Latin teams.
Steve Liguzinski showed great hardwood talent when he started with the JVs and was later promoted to the Varsity Basketball Team in his sophomore year. The varsity had a good year with a 12 and 6 record and a tie with East Tech for 1st place in the East Senate. Way to go Steve!.
JV Basketball
The JV basketball team was loaded with sophomores who had a great basketball season the year before as freshman dribblers. But the 1959-1960 season did not go as well for them as JVs since they only managed a 5 and 10 record. However, Dan Borovac, the leading scorer, and Jim Faflik, the leading rebounder, showed great potential for future Latin teams.
Steve Liguzinski showed great hardwood talent when he started with the JVs and was later promoted to the Varsity Basketball Team in his sophomore year. The varsity had a good year with a 12 and 6 record and a tie with East Tech for 1st place in the East Senate. Way to go Steve!.
Bottom Row: Coach Kilfoyle, Dan Borovac, Joe Mormino, L, White, D. Erne, J. Pukys*. Standing: S. Hogan, J. Faflik, J Gibbons, D. DeFranko*. P. Miller, Absent: J. Denk. (* - Junior)
Bowling:
As a sophomore Dave Komorowski showed that bowling with the varsity keglers was right down his alley. At one time he rolled a 184-532. Way to go, Dave!. While on the subject of bowling, eight weeks of intramural bowling was consistently paced by Myron Meiecznikowski who lead both upper and lower division bowlers with a 164 average. Tony Matuszewski’ s high game of 184 was only 4 pins off the single game high rolled by a Latin senior. Intramural keglers Rich Marrapese, Tony Matuszewski, Myron Meiecznikowski, and Bob Matteo, managed to win 15 of 18 trophies in the East Senate Intramural Championship roll-off.
Hockey:
Even though Latin did not have a hockey team of its own, that didn’t keep Joe Ciolek, Bob Sheahen, Dan Rudman, and Pete Sodja off the slippery surface. The four sophomores played in the1959 City Pee Wee Hockey League while Ciolek, Sheahen, and Rudman captured positions on the League's All Star team. This slam-bam-mash-your-mouth-three-some was picked out of 200 icers in the league sponsored by the Cleveland Recreation Department.
Cross Country:
Cross Country runners tried hard through out the year but unfortunately usually found themselves in the back of the pack. Sophomore representatives included Ron Bukowski and Caz Majcher. Only humans run long distances for no apparent reason.
Track:
The Track Team had a disappointing year and were forced to cancel the Senate and State meets, although several upperclassmen did have standout performances. Representing the Sophomores were Joe Ciolek, Dan D’Agastino, Mike Furness, Bill Lampeter, Ben Litra, Leo Loughead, Rich Marrapese, Shaun McEllin, and John Sherwin. John Sherwin showed special talent in the pole vault as the harriers competed in the Annual Catholic Invitational Track Meet. Latin finished forth behind St. Joe's who finished first in the meet.
Science Club:
A group of Cathedral Latin science club members had the opportunity to use laboratory space at Western Reserve University to perform experiments under the guidance of Brother Donald Geiger and some of the Reserve faculty scientists. Representing the Class of 1962, Jim Kroeger tried cultivating plants in test tubes using only mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil and water in what is called hydroponics. Jim also presented studies of how vitamins affected plant growth at several science fairs. Rich O’Neill attempted to demonstrate how growth of trees is affected by changes in altitude. At the Northeastern Ohio Science Fair Stan Osenar presented a study on the effects of auxins on bean growth while Ron Bukowski had a study of sugar metabolism. Jim Kroeger received a superior rating for his study at a John Carroll Science Fair. Louie Todaro also participated in the biology division of the Science Club
Latineer:
At the beginning of the 1959-1960 school year, The Latineer opened its typewriters to aspiring sophomore journalists eager to put student news, views, scores, and more to press. The cub reporters included Jim Blaszak, Joe Eszterhas, Jeff Holinski, Tim Jones, Joe Kolezynski, Dave Komorowski, Duncan McDonald, Jim McMahon, Ed Melsbakas, Bob Ondercin, Stan Osenar, Bob Sheahen, John Stankiewicz, Frank Turek, and Rich Ullman. At the end of the year, four sophomores were appointed as page editors for the next year including: Bob Ondercin, Page 1 News; Stan Osenar, Page 2 Opinion; Jim Blaszak, Page 3 Sports, and Jim McMahon, Page 4 Feature. John Stankiewicz was appointed office manager; however Sam Colacarro took over the position early in our junior year. During 1959 and 1960 The Latineer was credited as the best senior high school newspaper in Northeast Ohio.
While on the subject of school newspapers, during their sophomore year, the Class of 1962 organized a newspaper, The Soph, to report their news and keep their division unified. Bob Ondercin was chief editor while Dan Scullin and Stan Osenar were page editors.
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Debate:
The Latin Debate Team distinguished itself in many tournaments throughout the 1959-1960 year but the Sophomores did particularly well. Sophomore Debaters Casey Cudnik, Bob Ondercin, Bob Wodzinski, and Jim Kroeger won the Magnificat Trophy, the only trophy won by Latin debaters that year. Don't ever agrue with these guys.
Catholic Students Mission Crusade:
The C.S.M.C. collected canned goods for the poor, sponsored clothing drives for the unfortunate, and sent financial aid to the missions. The club’s chief undertakings were an annual Christmas canned food drive and a fund raising campaign for United Appeal. Jim Kroeger was the sole representative from our class and was elected the club’s work chairman for the 1960-1961 school year.
Knights of the Altar assisted priests at daily Mass, First Fridays, retreats and Chaminade Day. Sophomore members included Frank Cala, Rich Marrapese and Joe Prusaczyk.
Math Club:
Not having enough fingers to do all the needed computations in the world of mathematics, sophomores Nick Cafaro, Jerry Staraitis, and Louie Todaro joined with others of the Math Club to participate in bi-weekly meetings where members gave lectures or demonstrations of personally selected math topics. Digital hand held calculators were not permitted or available since they had not yet been invented.
Band and Orchestra:
Thanks to The Best Damn Band in the East Senate land, Latin football games and rallies were resounding and resonating. . The Band also performed at the Catholic High School Band Festival at John Carroll and gave concerts at three girls schools; Hoban, Lourdes, and Marymount, Bandsmen also marched in the St. Patrick’s Day and Columbus Day parades and were awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Columbus Day Celebration Committee. Sophomore band members blowing their own horns included Frank Allega, George Bodnar, Joe Czurzman, Dennis Gulla, Bill Kilinskas, Chris Kuhns, Ron Lessner, Steve McMullin, Stan Orzeck, Dan Sedlock, John Sturn, Marty Tabone, Tom Toth, and Bob Yama.
Glee Club:
The Glee Club had a successful year as it joined Hoban Dominican to present a Christmas carol program to hundreds of holiday shoppers at Public Square. The Christmas season also included a Christmas program televised by TV station WEWS that included choirs from both Latin and St. Joe’s. The club also cut a 33-1/3 record album entitled “A Merry Christmas Album” for sale to students and friends of CLS. Members of the Glee Cub from the Class of 1962 included Mike Bonelli, Dan Borovac, Kevin Bynane, Frank Cala, Sam Colacarro, Mark Croce, Jim Gareau, Mike Furness, Larry Kaminski, Jim Kroeger, Steve Liguzinski, Matt Major, Tony Manfredi, John Mesic, Joe Mormino, Bill Petrello, Mike Rudd, Jerry Staraitis, John Quinlan, and Bob Wodzinski. That’s a lot of good sounds coming from the mouths of the sophomore class.
Camera Club:
The Camera Club did a fine job of taking all of the photographs for The Latineer and Purple and Gold in addition to occasional public releases for the school. Sophomore lensmen Jim Letostak and Louie Rice were really clicking.
Dramatics:
The Drama Club re-emerged after an eight year lapse and presented two plays. “Submerged” was the first performed on March 24 and concerned the psychological interactions of the crew of a partly destroyed submarine resting on the bottom of the ocean. The second play “The Billion Dollar Saint" performed on May 14 was a rollicking comedy about a band of Jesuit priests who want to rid the Franciscan order of its patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, who pays an unexpected earthly visit to a Jesuit university and tries to revamp the school's football team. Those longing for the roar of the greasepaint and the smell of the crowd lncluded Sophomores Tom Begley, Joe Ciolek, Len Dobucki, Bob Hoh, Gil Lloyd, Bob Sheahen, and Pete Sylvester. Bob Sheahen received an "Outstanding Actor" award for his role in the play. How about a curtain call for the Class of 1962!
Library Club:
Making sure that the library was in good Dewey Decimal order was the charge of Tom Maracz, Jim Rauschfleisch, Jim Szudarek, and Clarence Szczechowski.
Cheerleaders:
The roar of the crowd was coaxed from the frenzied masses by sophomore yell leaders Joe Lally, Tony Manfredi, and John Sherwin.
Service Club:
The Service Club provided valuable assistance at many of Latin events including set up and clean up of the Squidulum fund raiser, collection of tickets at athletic games, preparation of rooms for Marianist and Mother’s Club card parties and Sodality study days, plus support of many other events. Class of 1962 club members included Ron Bienkowski, Dan D’Agastino, Jim Gareau, Ernie Heisser, Don Hlusak, Bob Hoh, Jerry Ketchaver, Joe Kolezynski, Jim Letostak, Tom Maracz, Tony Matuszewski, Bob Ondercin, Stan Osenar, Clarence Szczechowski, Pete Szilagyi, Jim Szudarek, and Rich Takla. Later for sure, their wives appreciated all their good training.
Bowling:
As a sophomore Dave Komorowski showed that bowling with the varsity keglers was right down his alley. At one time he rolled a 184-532. Way to go, Dave!. While on the subject of bowling, eight weeks of intramural bowling was consistently paced by Myron Meiecznikowski who lead both upper and lower division bowlers with a 164 average. Tony Matuszewski’ s high game of 184 was only 4 pins off the single game high rolled by a Latin senior. Intramural keglers Rich Marrapese, Tony Matuszewski, Myron Meiecznikowski, and Bob Matteo, managed to win 15 of 18 trophies in the East Senate Intramural Championship roll-off.
Hockey:
Even though Latin did not have a hockey team of its own, that didn’t keep Joe Ciolek, Bob Sheahen, Dan Rudman, and Pete Sodja off the slippery surface. The four sophomores played in the1959 City Pee Wee Hockey League while Ciolek, Sheahen, and Rudman captured positions on the League's All Star team. This slam-bam-mash-your-mouth-three-some was picked out of 200 icers in the league sponsored by the Cleveland Recreation Department.
Cross Country:
Cross Country runners tried hard through out the year but unfortunately usually found themselves in the back of the pack. Sophomore representatives included Ron Bukowski and Caz Majcher. Only humans run long distances for no apparent reason.
Track:
The Track Team had a disappointing year and were forced to cancel the Senate and State meets, although several upperclassmen did have standout performances. Representing the Sophomores were Joe Ciolek, Dan D’Agastino, Mike Furness, Bill Lampeter, Ben Litra, Leo Loughead, Rich Marrapese, Shaun McEllin, and John Sherwin. John Sherwin showed special talent in the pole vault as the harriers competed in the Annual Catholic Invitational Track Meet. Latin finished forth behind St. Joe's who finished first in the meet.
Science Club:
A group of Cathedral Latin science club members had the opportunity to use laboratory space at Western Reserve University to perform experiments under the guidance of Brother Donald Geiger and some of the Reserve faculty scientists. Representing the Class of 1962, Jim Kroeger tried cultivating plants in test tubes using only mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil and water in what is called hydroponics. Jim also presented studies of how vitamins affected plant growth at several science fairs. Rich O’Neill attempted to demonstrate how growth of trees is affected by changes in altitude. At the Northeastern Ohio Science Fair Stan Osenar presented a study on the effects of auxins on bean growth while Ron Bukowski had a study of sugar metabolism. Jim Kroeger received a superior rating for his study at a John Carroll Science Fair. Louie Todaro also participated in the biology division of the Science Club
Latineer:
At the beginning of the 1959-1960 school year, The Latineer opened its typewriters to aspiring sophomore journalists eager to put student news, views, scores, and more to press. The cub reporters included Jim Blaszak, Joe Eszterhas, Jeff Holinski, Tim Jones, Joe Kolezynski, Dave Komorowski, Duncan McDonald, Jim McMahon, Ed Melsbakas, Bob Ondercin, Stan Osenar, Bob Sheahen, John Stankiewicz, Frank Turek, and Rich Ullman. At the end of the year, four sophomores were appointed as page editors for the next year including: Bob Ondercin, Page 1 News; Stan Osenar, Page 2 Opinion; Jim Blaszak, Page 3 Sports, and Jim McMahon, Page 4 Feature. John Stankiewicz was appointed office manager; however Sam Colacarro took over the position early in our junior year. During 1959 and 1960 The Latineer was credited as the best senior high school newspaper in Northeast Ohio.
While on the subject of school newspapers, during their sophomore year, the Class of 1962 organized a newspaper, The Soph, to report their news and keep their division unified. Bob Ondercin was chief editor while Dan Scullin and Stan Osenar were page editors.
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Debate:
The Latin Debate Team distinguished itself in many tournaments throughout the 1959-1960 year but the Sophomores did particularly well. Sophomore Debaters Casey Cudnik, Bob Ondercin, Bob Wodzinski, and Jim Kroeger won the Magnificat Trophy, the only trophy won by Latin debaters that year. Don't ever agrue with these guys.
Catholic Students Mission Crusade:
The C.S.M.C. collected canned goods for the poor, sponsored clothing drives for the unfortunate, and sent financial aid to the missions. The club’s chief undertakings were an annual Christmas canned food drive and a fund raising campaign for United Appeal. Jim Kroeger was the sole representative from our class and was elected the club’s work chairman for the 1960-1961 school year.
Knights of the Altar assisted priests at daily Mass, First Fridays, retreats and Chaminade Day. Sophomore members included Frank Cala, Rich Marrapese and Joe Prusaczyk.
Math Club:
Not having enough fingers to do all the needed computations in the world of mathematics, sophomores Nick Cafaro, Jerry Staraitis, and Louie Todaro joined with others of the Math Club to participate in bi-weekly meetings where members gave lectures or demonstrations of personally selected math topics. Digital hand held calculators were not permitted or available since they had not yet been invented.
Band and Orchestra:
Thanks to The Best Damn Band in the East Senate land, Latin football games and rallies were resounding and resonating. . The Band also performed at the Catholic High School Band Festival at John Carroll and gave concerts at three girls schools; Hoban, Lourdes, and Marymount, Bandsmen also marched in the St. Patrick’s Day and Columbus Day parades and were awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Columbus Day Celebration Committee. Sophomore band members blowing their own horns included Frank Allega, George Bodnar, Joe Czurzman, Dennis Gulla, Bill Kilinskas, Chris Kuhns, Ron Lessner, Steve McMullin, Stan Orzeck, Dan Sedlock, John Sturn, Marty Tabone, Tom Toth, and Bob Yama.
Glee Club:
The Glee Club had a successful year as it joined Hoban Dominican to present a Christmas carol program to hundreds of holiday shoppers at Public Square. The Christmas season also included a Christmas program televised by TV station WEWS that included choirs from both Latin and St. Joe’s. The club also cut a 33-1/3 record album entitled “A Merry Christmas Album” for sale to students and friends of CLS. Members of the Glee Cub from the Class of 1962 included Mike Bonelli, Dan Borovac, Kevin Bynane, Frank Cala, Sam Colacarro, Mark Croce, Jim Gareau, Mike Furness, Larry Kaminski, Jim Kroeger, Steve Liguzinski, Matt Major, Tony Manfredi, John Mesic, Joe Mormino, Bill Petrello, Mike Rudd, Jerry Staraitis, John Quinlan, and Bob Wodzinski. That’s a lot of good sounds coming from the mouths of the sophomore class.
Camera Club:
The Camera Club did a fine job of taking all of the photographs for The Latineer and Purple and Gold in addition to occasional public releases for the school. Sophomore lensmen Jim Letostak and Louie Rice were really clicking.
Dramatics:
The Drama Club re-emerged after an eight year lapse and presented two plays. “Submerged” was the first performed on March 24 and concerned the psychological interactions of the crew of a partly destroyed submarine resting on the bottom of the ocean. The second play “The Billion Dollar Saint" performed on May 14 was a rollicking comedy about a band of Jesuit priests who want to rid the Franciscan order of its patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, who pays an unexpected earthly visit to a Jesuit university and tries to revamp the school's football team. Those longing for the roar of the greasepaint and the smell of the crowd lncluded Sophomores Tom Begley, Joe Ciolek, Len Dobucki, Bob Hoh, Gil Lloyd, Bob Sheahen, and Pete Sylvester. Bob Sheahen received an "Outstanding Actor" award for his role in the play. How about a curtain call for the Class of 1962!
Library Club:
Making sure that the library was in good Dewey Decimal order was the charge of Tom Maracz, Jim Rauschfleisch, Jim Szudarek, and Clarence Szczechowski.
Cheerleaders:
The roar of the crowd was coaxed from the frenzied masses by sophomore yell leaders Joe Lally, Tony Manfredi, and John Sherwin.
Service Club:
The Service Club provided valuable assistance at many of Latin events including set up and clean up of the Squidulum fund raiser, collection of tickets at athletic games, preparation of rooms for Marianist and Mother’s Club card parties and Sodality study days, plus support of many other events. Class of 1962 club members included Ron Bienkowski, Dan D’Agastino, Jim Gareau, Ernie Heisser, Don Hlusak, Bob Hoh, Jerry Ketchaver, Joe Kolezynski, Jim Letostak, Tom Maracz, Tony Matuszewski, Bob Ondercin, Stan Osenar, Clarence Szczechowski, Pete Szilagyi, Jim Szudarek, and Rich Takla. Later for sure, their wives appreciated all their good training.
1960 - 1961
The Class of 1962 are now upper classmen. Way to go!
Important Happenings:
With the start of the 1960 academic year several organizational changes occurred. Bro. Frank Nurthen replaced Bro. Spehar as vice-president and disciplinarian. Varsity football coaching changed when Sam Ruvulo became the head coach, Bob Del Rosa became backfield coach, and Ed Kubancik became line coach.
Daily schedules were extended 15 minutes to allow six 45 minute class periods, a 30 minute lunch period, and a 45 minute activities period at the end of the day. The activities period could be used for study hall, football rallies, Glee Club and Band practices, Chess Club strategy briefings, Library Club catalog reviews, Math Club slide rule tutorials, etc.
An extraordinarily efficient means of streamlining office record keeping was instituted when the school administration adopted a punch card system that could process a mind boggling 100+ student information cards per minute.
Also, the Student Council underwent a reorganization that allowed one representative from each of the freshman, sophomore and junior divisions to join the Executive Council composed of six seniors. The General Council was composed of presidents of each homeroom. Besides the organizational changes, a new constitution was ratified that allowed impeachment of board members and veto power over passed proposals. Once the changes were announced, the Class of 1962 Juniors backed away from a forced takeover of the Council despite urgings from Bob Sheahen.
Latin juniors participated in an experimental high-powered chemistry course funded by the National Science Foundation designed to provide interrelation between high school and first year college courses. The course called “Chemical Bonds Approach” chemistry stressed understanding the nature of chemical bonds as a means of understanding chemical reactions. Chemistry students kept detailed laboratory notebooks whose page copies were sent to the NSF for review. The course was taught by Bro. Eugene Meyerpeter and was one of only fifty taught nationwide. Latin juniors spent a whole semester trying to work out the chemistry of Aqua Velva on Marymount girls.
Twenty-four students left Latin for the Marianist postulate in Beacon, New York to foster vocations to the religious life. They included Class of 1962 Juniors Frank Cala, Mike Furness, Tom Gannon, Jim Letostak, Marty Powers, Frank Smith, and Rich Ullman. Good luck, Guys!
Near the end of our junior year there was a school wide election to determine the Executives of the next year’s Student Council. The May 12, 1961 edition of The Latineer announced John Forhan as president with 528 points (votes?), Robert Lamb as VP with 498, Robert Sheahen as secretary with 242, and James Blaszak as treasurer with 235. As we know, at the beginning of our senior year Bud Kennedy was treasurer and Jim Blaszak was secretary with Forhan president and Lamb vice-president. It is unclear how Sheahen got removed from office or who was responsible. But, as most of us know, Bob did not enjoy the full support of the faculty or administration, which undoubtedly lead to his removal from office. Even though election of the council members was through a fair and democratic process, the faculty showed that it was always in full control.
In October, 1960 the entire student body cast ballots in a mock presidential election. The Kennedy-Johnson ticket bested the Nixon-Lodge ticket with 977 or 84% of the 1162 ballots going for the Democrats. 86% of the juniors were behind Kennedy, followed by 85% of the seniors, 84% of the sophomores, and 82% of the freshmen. The students’ vote called for a change for the better…then came the Vietnam war, which Richard Nixon eventually ended.
1991 Junior Achievement: James Szudarek was one of 10 Junior Achievement finalist in the national PRESIDENT of the YEAR Competition in Cleveland. Jim was the runner up.
Scholarship:
Juniors who made the honor roll during the year by having a 90% average or above in at least one period included: Jim Blaszak, Tom Brennan, Tom Begley, Steve Brown, Nick Coffaro, Dennis Erne, John Forhan, Ken Knable, John Kulbago, Gil Lloyd, Steve McMullin, Ed Melsbakas, Rich O'Neill, Stan Osenar, Louie Rice, Chuck Russell, and Louie Todaro.
At the end of our junior year Jim Blaszak received a trophy for the highest grade average in the junior division by the National Honor Society.
Also twelve juniors scored high in the National Educational Development test and received certificates for their achievements. They included Tom Brennan, George Brenner, Steve Brown, Henry Brueggeman, Tom Fahey, Bob Hoh, Jim Kroeger, Joe Miklich, Bob Ondercin, Rich O’Neill, Stan Osenar, and Frank Turek, all scoring in the 96th percentile. The test is administered to sophomores and juniors and is an accurate predictor of success in taking college entrance exams.
Futhermore, Juniors lead the school in attaining positions in Junior Achievement Companies. Presidential spots were awarded John Eshan, Dan Sedlock, and Jim Szudarek. Vice-presidential spots were awarded to Al Koncius and Chuck Tamoney. Junior Achievement is an after-school program where teens form student companies, sell stocks, and produce a product that is sold in their communities. The student companies are overseen by volunteer advisers from major companies in the business community.
Juniors participants in the Future Teachers of America included Don Hlusak, Jim Kroeger, Rich O'Neill, and Pete Szilagyi.
Juniors in the National Honor Society included Jim Kroeger, Ed Melsbakas, Bob Ondercin, and Stan Osenar.
Jim Rauchfleisch and Jim Szudarek represented the junior class in the Library Club.
Varsity Football:
At the start of the 1960 season, all our junior footballers vacated the junior varsity team to join up with the varsity or pursue other school activities. When the varsity finally converged on the 100 yard battlefield, 18 of the 34 Latin combatants were from the Class of 1962; only 16 were seniors. The Varsity Lions went on to have a successful 7-3 season, scoring a total of 180 points while giving up 132. The juniors had stand out performers on the varsity gridiron. Bob DeSapri had a 57% completion rate (40 of 70) and a 589 total yards passing record that earned him a position on the All-Catholic team. Steve Hogan had the team’s greatest average yards receiving with 22.6. Rick Myslenski had the team’s highest yards rushing with a 6.2 average and third highest average yards receiving with 18.5. With the help of all 18 juniors on the team, the varsity had a very successful season and held great promise for the 1961 - 1962 season. They finished as 1961 co-champions in the East Senate sharing the top spot with Bendictine and Collinwood. In order to determine who would represent the East Senate in the Charity Game, Latin, Benedictine and Collinwood entered into a "blind draw" that determined that the Bengals would play the Railroaders with the winner meeting up with the Lions Benedictine went on to beat Collinwood for the right to play Latin; and later beat our Lions 26-18 in the playoff game for the right to go to the Charity Game. A tough loss to end the season, but we did well. "Way to go Latin, Way to go Juniors!!"
The Class of 1962 are now upper classmen. Way to go!
Important Happenings:
With the start of the 1960 academic year several organizational changes occurred. Bro. Frank Nurthen replaced Bro. Spehar as vice-president and disciplinarian. Varsity football coaching changed when Sam Ruvulo became the head coach, Bob Del Rosa became backfield coach, and Ed Kubancik became line coach.
Daily schedules were extended 15 minutes to allow six 45 minute class periods, a 30 minute lunch period, and a 45 minute activities period at the end of the day. The activities period could be used for study hall, football rallies, Glee Club and Band practices, Chess Club strategy briefings, Library Club catalog reviews, Math Club slide rule tutorials, etc.
An extraordinarily efficient means of streamlining office record keeping was instituted when the school administration adopted a punch card system that could process a mind boggling 100+ student information cards per minute.
Also, the Student Council underwent a reorganization that allowed one representative from each of the freshman, sophomore and junior divisions to join the Executive Council composed of six seniors. The General Council was composed of presidents of each homeroom. Besides the organizational changes, a new constitution was ratified that allowed impeachment of board members and veto power over passed proposals. Once the changes were announced, the Class of 1962 Juniors backed away from a forced takeover of the Council despite urgings from Bob Sheahen.
Latin juniors participated in an experimental high-powered chemistry course funded by the National Science Foundation designed to provide interrelation between high school and first year college courses. The course called “Chemical Bonds Approach” chemistry stressed understanding the nature of chemical bonds as a means of understanding chemical reactions. Chemistry students kept detailed laboratory notebooks whose page copies were sent to the NSF for review. The course was taught by Bro. Eugene Meyerpeter and was one of only fifty taught nationwide. Latin juniors spent a whole semester trying to work out the chemistry of Aqua Velva on Marymount girls.
Twenty-four students left Latin for the Marianist postulate in Beacon, New York to foster vocations to the religious life. They included Class of 1962 Juniors Frank Cala, Mike Furness, Tom Gannon, Jim Letostak, Marty Powers, Frank Smith, and Rich Ullman. Good luck, Guys!
Near the end of our junior year there was a school wide election to determine the Executives of the next year’s Student Council. The May 12, 1961 edition of The Latineer announced John Forhan as president with 528 points (votes?), Robert Lamb as VP with 498, Robert Sheahen as secretary with 242, and James Blaszak as treasurer with 235. As we know, at the beginning of our senior year Bud Kennedy was treasurer and Jim Blaszak was secretary with Forhan president and Lamb vice-president. It is unclear how Sheahen got removed from office or who was responsible. But, as most of us know, Bob did not enjoy the full support of the faculty or administration, which undoubtedly lead to his removal from office. Even though election of the council members was through a fair and democratic process, the faculty showed that it was always in full control.
In October, 1960 the entire student body cast ballots in a mock presidential election. The Kennedy-Johnson ticket bested the Nixon-Lodge ticket with 977 or 84% of the 1162 ballots going for the Democrats. 86% of the juniors were behind Kennedy, followed by 85% of the seniors, 84% of the sophomores, and 82% of the freshmen. The students’ vote called for a change for the better…then came the Vietnam war, which Richard Nixon eventually ended.
1991 Junior Achievement: James Szudarek was one of 10 Junior Achievement finalist in the national PRESIDENT of the YEAR Competition in Cleveland. Jim was the runner up.
Scholarship:
Juniors who made the honor roll during the year by having a 90% average or above in at least one period included: Jim Blaszak, Tom Brennan, Tom Begley, Steve Brown, Nick Coffaro, Dennis Erne, John Forhan, Ken Knable, John Kulbago, Gil Lloyd, Steve McMullin, Ed Melsbakas, Rich O'Neill, Stan Osenar, Louie Rice, Chuck Russell, and Louie Todaro.
At the end of our junior year Jim Blaszak received a trophy for the highest grade average in the junior division by the National Honor Society.
Also twelve juniors scored high in the National Educational Development test and received certificates for their achievements. They included Tom Brennan, George Brenner, Steve Brown, Henry Brueggeman, Tom Fahey, Bob Hoh, Jim Kroeger, Joe Miklich, Bob Ondercin, Rich O’Neill, Stan Osenar, and Frank Turek, all scoring in the 96th percentile. The test is administered to sophomores and juniors and is an accurate predictor of success in taking college entrance exams.
Futhermore, Juniors lead the school in attaining positions in Junior Achievement Companies. Presidential spots were awarded John Eshan, Dan Sedlock, and Jim Szudarek. Vice-presidential spots were awarded to Al Koncius and Chuck Tamoney. Junior Achievement is an after-school program where teens form student companies, sell stocks, and produce a product that is sold in their communities. The student companies are overseen by volunteer advisers from major companies in the business community.
Juniors participants in the Future Teachers of America included Don Hlusak, Jim Kroeger, Rich O'Neill, and Pete Szilagyi.
Juniors in the National Honor Society included Jim Kroeger, Ed Melsbakas, Bob Ondercin, and Stan Osenar.
Jim Rauchfleisch and Jim Szudarek represented the junior class in the Library Club.
Varsity Football:
At the start of the 1960 season, all our junior footballers vacated the junior varsity team to join up with the varsity or pursue other school activities. When the varsity finally converged on the 100 yard battlefield, 18 of the 34 Latin combatants were from the Class of 1962; only 16 were seniors. The Varsity Lions went on to have a successful 7-3 season, scoring a total of 180 points while giving up 132. The juniors had stand out performers on the varsity gridiron. Bob DeSapri had a 57% completion rate (40 of 70) and a 589 total yards passing record that earned him a position on the All-Catholic team. Steve Hogan had the team’s greatest average yards receiving with 22.6. Rick Myslenski had the team’s highest yards rushing with a 6.2 average and third highest average yards receiving with 18.5. With the help of all 18 juniors on the team, the varsity had a very successful season and held great promise for the 1961 - 1962 season. They finished as 1961 co-champions in the East Senate sharing the top spot with Bendictine and Collinwood. In order to determine who would represent the East Senate in the Charity Game, Latin, Benedictine and Collinwood entered into a "blind draw" that determined that the Bengals would play the Railroaders with the winner meeting up with the Lions Benedictine went on to beat Collinwood for the right to play Latin; and later beat our Lions 26-18 in the playoff game for the right to go to the Charity Game. A tough loss to end the season, but we did well. "Way to go Latin, Way to go Juniors!!"
(Juniors in bold)
Bottom Row: D. McGrath, J. Gibbons, W. Kennedy, J. Kennedy, J. Keating, C. Majcher, L. Loughead, J. Miklich. SECOND ROW: R. Gerome, L. Strnisa, T. Mlinac, T. Zirm, L. Kaminski, E. McGrath, R. Paglio, S. Hogan, D. Sadd, R. Czajkowski. THIRD ROW: Head Coach S. Ruvolo, Back Coach R. DelRosa, P. Popovic, R. DeSapri, R. Myslenski, W. Mullin, D. Humphries, C, Baldesare, Line Coach E. Kubansic, Ath. Dir. Bro. Pat Tonry. LAST ROW: J. Denk, J. Faflik, R. Hubbard, D. Erne, R. Zembala, D. Schwarber, T. McKeon, T. McHugh, M. Rudd, T. Bonkowski.
In other football news, three Latin juniors played in the City of Cleveland Muny Football League. Carl Rainone and Dan Borovac played for the Little Italy Merchants and Joe Sowa played for the Mustangs. Both Carl and Dan were recognized by the Cleveland Press with a Muny Gridder of the Week award.
Varsity Basketball:
Juniors Mark Croce, Steve Liguzinski, Jim Faflik, and Pete Miller, played along with 7 seniors to post 7 wins and 11 loses in a season that was better than the stats indicated. Of the 11 loses, eight were lost by an average of five points. The varsity dribblers also had to learn a new basketball strategy under a new head coach, Mr. Chuck Kelly.
Bottom Row: D. McGrath, J. Gibbons, W. Kennedy, J. Kennedy, J. Keating, C. Majcher, L. Loughead, J. Miklich. SECOND ROW: R. Gerome, L. Strnisa, T. Mlinac, T. Zirm, L. Kaminski, E. McGrath, R. Paglio, S. Hogan, D. Sadd, R. Czajkowski. THIRD ROW: Head Coach S. Ruvolo, Back Coach R. DelRosa, P. Popovic, R. DeSapri, R. Myslenski, W. Mullin, D. Humphries, C, Baldesare, Line Coach E. Kubansic, Ath. Dir. Bro. Pat Tonry. LAST ROW: J. Denk, J. Faflik, R. Hubbard, D. Erne, R. Zembala, D. Schwarber, T. McKeon, T. McHugh, M. Rudd, T. Bonkowski.
In other football news, three Latin juniors played in the City of Cleveland Muny Football League. Carl Rainone and Dan Borovac played for the Little Italy Merchants and Joe Sowa played for the Mustangs. Both Carl and Dan were recognized by the Cleveland Press with a Muny Gridder of the Week award.
Varsity Basketball:
Juniors Mark Croce, Steve Liguzinski, Jim Faflik, and Pete Miller, played along with 7 seniors to post 7 wins and 11 loses in a season that was better than the stats indicated. Of the 11 loses, eight were lost by an average of five points. The varsity dribblers also had to learn a new basketball strategy under a new head coach, Mr. Chuck Kelly.
(Juniors in bold)
Head Coach Mr. Chuck Kelly, D. DeJulius, T. Caraffi, M. Croce, K. Lipinski, J. Pukys, T. Gregory, P. Miller, R. Douglas, J Stracensky,
J. Faflik, S. Liguzinski
JV Basketball:
The junior varsity back-and-forthers had a successful season with15 wins and only 3 losses. With three really talented juniors including Dan Borovac, Joe Mormino, and Jim Denk, the JV Hardwooders went on to win a play-off game against East Tech to take the East Senate Championship, only to loose two days later to St. Ignatius for the city title. Over all, a really good season for the JV hoop-slammers. Way to go, juniors!
Head Coach Mr. Chuck Kelly, D. DeJulius, T. Caraffi, M. Croce, K. Lipinski, J. Pukys, T. Gregory, P. Miller, R. Douglas, J Stracensky,
J. Faflik, S. Liguzinski
JV Basketball:
The junior varsity back-and-forthers had a successful season with15 wins and only 3 losses. With three really talented juniors including Dan Borovac, Joe Mormino, and Jim Denk, the JV Hardwooders went on to win a play-off game against East Tech to take the East Senate Championship, only to loose two days later to St. Ignatius for the city title. Over all, a really good season for the JV hoop-slammers. Way to go, juniors!
(Juniors in bold)
FRONT ROW: P. Titas, D. Kubinski, S. Pekarcik. SECOND ROW: T. Shannon, K. Quinn, E. Hyland, D. Borovac, T. Toohig, T. McNeill,
J. Mormino, J. Denk, T. Tamulewicz, T. McGuire, Coach Mr. Ed Kubancik
The Social Life
Once they gained upperclassmen status, Juniors of the Class of 1962 were eligible to attend the Purple and Gold Ball at the Park Lane Villa and the Christmas Ball at the Statler Hilton. Lou Elgart and his band played at the P&G Ball and Joe Hruby at the Xmas Ball. Bids were $3.25 and $4.00 per couple for the respective events. Free refreshments included punch and cookies or sandwiches at intermission. Helping organize the events were juniors George Bodnar, Bob Hoh, Dave Komorowski, and Bob Sheahen.
John Gibbons spent the Christmas vacation visiting Bob Hope at his North Hollywood mansion, puttering around Hope’s newly erected 30 acre back yard golf course. The holidays for John included a $50 a plate New Year’s dinner given by Hope, guest tickets to the Rose Bowl parade, and a tour of Hope’s 240 acre summer home in Palm Springs. John’s father was an old and close acquaintance of Bob Hope.
On May 26 Latin Juniors and their dates twisted and bunny-hopped non-stop to the music of Mike Jacobs and his orchestra at the Shaker Executive Club. Junior Prom bids were $7.00 per couple, a hefty price for the time.
Dramatics:
The Dramatics club had an ambitious schedule planned for 1960-1961 season. They performed Afraid of the Dark, a one act play concerning the plight of three convicts on death row. The play was presented at the John Carroll One Act Play Festival. Junior Len Dobucki portrayed a prison guard. Stalag 17 was the major production of the year and portrayed the violence in Nazi prison camps during World War II. Juniors in lead roles were Henry Brueggeman, Bob Sheahen, and Ed Melsbakas. Juniors in supporting roles included Tom Begley, Len Dobucki, Dennis Gulla, Jim Halas, Don Hlusak, Jim Kroeger, Ed Nemesek, and Chuck Russell.
Always in the spot light for one reason or another, Bob Sheahen, Oscar winning actor in the previous year’s Billion Dollar Saint, had a major speaking role in the Lourdes Academy presentation of Pygmalion while Bob Hoh and Joe Ciolek played minor roles in the Lourdes play.
Speech and Debate:
Juniors continued a strong presence in Debate as juniors Jim Kroeger and Casey Cudnik filled in with two seniors for the four spots held by the varsity debaters. Jim Kroeger was on the four man debate team representing Latin at the prestigious Knights of Columbus speech and debate tournament held at Latin and John Hay High School.
Cross Country: John Werth came to Latin in his junior year and added extra talent to the CC squad that included other juniors Ron Lessner, George Bodnar, and Chuck Kleinhenz. The Latin Fleet-of-Footers came in second in the Berea Triangular meet, ninth out of a field of 15 schools at the District meet and sixth out of a field of twelve at the Senate meet. Over all the harriers had a successful year beating 38 of the 52 teams they ran against. Way to Go!
Track: Latin harriers competed in the hallways and on the cinders at both indoor and out door track meets. Representing the junior class were Joe Ciolek, Bob Hoh, Rich Hubbard, Bill Lampeter, Ben Litra, Leo Loughead, Al Mazei, John Sherwin, and Pete Sojda. Running indoors Leo Loughead came in second in the 50 yard dash at the meet with Euclid while Bill Lampeter legged out a first place in the 440 at the Benedictine meet.
Bowling:
Two Latin juniors banged out impressive scores in the Interscholastic Bowling League but the varsity keglers ended up 13th out of 20 teams at the final roll. Myron Miecznikowski rattled the pins for a 224 high score and a 575 series and Tony Matuszewski sent the pin boy running for cover with a 256-615. At the end of the year final pin averages for juniors on the varsity team included Tony Matuszewski’s 174, Myron Miecznikowski’s 167, and Dave Komorowski’s 161.
Several Juniors bowled on teams that qualified for the senate playoffs by placing first and second in upper division intramural bowling. The M-Squad including Myron Miecznikowski, Tony Matuszewski, and Rich Marrapese took first place on the intramural alleys by posting a 19 – 1 record followed by the second place 11 – 5 record of the Camel Jockeys that included Rich Tackla.
Golf:
Latin’s golf team had a good season with Bob Ondercin and Tom George representing our junior class. Tom shot a 40 to win medalist honors in the Catholic Golf Conference against Benedictine and a 37 against Gilmour as the team placed second in the Conference title. At the District meet Latin linksmen finished fifth in a field of 21. Way to go Bob and Tom!
Glee Club:
During their Christmas engagements the Glee club sang at the Euclid and 100 Street branch library, St. Alexis Hospital, Charity Hospital, Terminal Tower at Public Square, and the Diocesan Music Festival at the Public Auditorium . Their voices rang out with I Saw Three Ships, Carol Brothers Carol, Go Tell It on the Mountain, Birthday Party of the King, Little Drummer Boy, and Old Fashioned Christmas. Junior class singers included Joe Ciolek, Sam Colacarro, Chris DeTota, Mike Furness, Jim Gareau, Jim Kroeger, Al Mazei, and Jerry Staraitis.
Band:
The band had a busy list of appearances starting in March with the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade followed closely by the John Carroll Catholic Band Festival and the next day, a performance at Hoban Dominican High School. During the month of April the Band held its Military Ball, a school festival and dance, a formal concert, and a performance at Regina High School. Of course the band also put on half-time shows for all the football games and played at all the rallies. Junior class musicians included Frank Allega, George Bodnar, Jim Czurzman, Dennis Gulla, Bill Kilinskas, Chris Kuhns, Ron Lessner, Steve McMullin, Stan Orzech, Dan Sedlock, John Sturn, Tom Toth, and Bob Yama.
Latineer:
Competition in news writing, editorials, interviews, and feature writing at the Diocesan Scholastic Press Association held at St. Joseph High School included juniors Jim Blaszak, Jim McMahon, Stan Osenar, Bob Ondercin, Jim Raufleisch, and Bob Sheahen. Blaszak and McMahon both went to St. Bonaventure University to give speeches on how to conduct physical fitness campaigns using newspaper and sports writing. While at Bonaventure, they listened to guest speaker Pierre Salinger, press secretary to John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Also, Jim Blaszak won second place in sports writing at the Northern Ohio Scholastic Press Association competition at the Kent State University competition.
Purple and Gold Yearbook:
Editors of the 1962 edition of the Purple and Gold were announced at the end of our junior year. They were: Jeff Holinski, editor-in-chief; John Forhan, senior class editor; Bud Kennedy, faculty editor; John Sherwin, spiritual activities editor; Bob Lamb, underclass editor; Dave Komorowski, sports editor; Bob Hoh and Paul Kolba, activities editors, Don Hlusak, business editor, and Louie Rice, photography editor.
FRONT ROW: P. Titas, D. Kubinski, S. Pekarcik. SECOND ROW: T. Shannon, K. Quinn, E. Hyland, D. Borovac, T. Toohig, T. McNeill,
J. Mormino, J. Denk, T. Tamulewicz, T. McGuire, Coach Mr. Ed Kubancik
The Social Life
Once they gained upperclassmen status, Juniors of the Class of 1962 were eligible to attend the Purple and Gold Ball at the Park Lane Villa and the Christmas Ball at the Statler Hilton. Lou Elgart and his band played at the P&G Ball and Joe Hruby at the Xmas Ball. Bids were $3.25 and $4.00 per couple for the respective events. Free refreshments included punch and cookies or sandwiches at intermission. Helping organize the events were juniors George Bodnar, Bob Hoh, Dave Komorowski, and Bob Sheahen.
John Gibbons spent the Christmas vacation visiting Bob Hope at his North Hollywood mansion, puttering around Hope’s newly erected 30 acre back yard golf course. The holidays for John included a $50 a plate New Year’s dinner given by Hope, guest tickets to the Rose Bowl parade, and a tour of Hope’s 240 acre summer home in Palm Springs. John’s father was an old and close acquaintance of Bob Hope.
On May 26 Latin Juniors and their dates twisted and bunny-hopped non-stop to the music of Mike Jacobs and his orchestra at the Shaker Executive Club. Junior Prom bids were $7.00 per couple, a hefty price for the time.
Dramatics:
The Dramatics club had an ambitious schedule planned for 1960-1961 season. They performed Afraid of the Dark, a one act play concerning the plight of three convicts on death row. The play was presented at the John Carroll One Act Play Festival. Junior Len Dobucki portrayed a prison guard. Stalag 17 was the major production of the year and portrayed the violence in Nazi prison camps during World War II. Juniors in lead roles were Henry Brueggeman, Bob Sheahen, and Ed Melsbakas. Juniors in supporting roles included Tom Begley, Len Dobucki, Dennis Gulla, Jim Halas, Don Hlusak, Jim Kroeger, Ed Nemesek, and Chuck Russell.
Always in the spot light for one reason or another, Bob Sheahen, Oscar winning actor in the previous year’s Billion Dollar Saint, had a major speaking role in the Lourdes Academy presentation of Pygmalion while Bob Hoh and Joe Ciolek played minor roles in the Lourdes play.
Speech and Debate:
Juniors continued a strong presence in Debate as juniors Jim Kroeger and Casey Cudnik filled in with two seniors for the four spots held by the varsity debaters. Jim Kroeger was on the four man debate team representing Latin at the prestigious Knights of Columbus speech and debate tournament held at Latin and John Hay High School.
Cross Country: John Werth came to Latin in his junior year and added extra talent to the CC squad that included other juniors Ron Lessner, George Bodnar, and Chuck Kleinhenz. The Latin Fleet-of-Footers came in second in the Berea Triangular meet, ninth out of a field of 15 schools at the District meet and sixth out of a field of twelve at the Senate meet. Over all the harriers had a successful year beating 38 of the 52 teams they ran against. Way to Go!
Track: Latin harriers competed in the hallways and on the cinders at both indoor and out door track meets. Representing the junior class were Joe Ciolek, Bob Hoh, Rich Hubbard, Bill Lampeter, Ben Litra, Leo Loughead, Al Mazei, John Sherwin, and Pete Sojda. Running indoors Leo Loughead came in second in the 50 yard dash at the meet with Euclid while Bill Lampeter legged out a first place in the 440 at the Benedictine meet.
Bowling:
Two Latin juniors banged out impressive scores in the Interscholastic Bowling League but the varsity keglers ended up 13th out of 20 teams at the final roll. Myron Miecznikowski rattled the pins for a 224 high score and a 575 series and Tony Matuszewski sent the pin boy running for cover with a 256-615. At the end of the year final pin averages for juniors on the varsity team included Tony Matuszewski’s 174, Myron Miecznikowski’s 167, and Dave Komorowski’s 161.
Several Juniors bowled on teams that qualified for the senate playoffs by placing first and second in upper division intramural bowling. The M-Squad including Myron Miecznikowski, Tony Matuszewski, and Rich Marrapese took first place on the intramural alleys by posting a 19 – 1 record followed by the second place 11 – 5 record of the Camel Jockeys that included Rich Tackla.
Golf:
Latin’s golf team had a good season with Bob Ondercin and Tom George representing our junior class. Tom shot a 40 to win medalist honors in the Catholic Golf Conference against Benedictine and a 37 against Gilmour as the team placed second in the Conference title. At the District meet Latin linksmen finished fifth in a field of 21. Way to go Bob and Tom!
Glee Club:
During their Christmas engagements the Glee club sang at the Euclid and 100 Street branch library, St. Alexis Hospital, Charity Hospital, Terminal Tower at Public Square, and the Diocesan Music Festival at the Public Auditorium . Their voices rang out with I Saw Three Ships, Carol Brothers Carol, Go Tell It on the Mountain, Birthday Party of the King, Little Drummer Boy, and Old Fashioned Christmas. Junior class singers included Joe Ciolek, Sam Colacarro, Chris DeTota, Mike Furness, Jim Gareau, Jim Kroeger, Al Mazei, and Jerry Staraitis.
Band:
The band had a busy list of appearances starting in March with the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade followed closely by the John Carroll Catholic Band Festival and the next day, a performance at Hoban Dominican High School. During the month of April the Band held its Military Ball, a school festival and dance, a formal concert, and a performance at Regina High School. Of course the band also put on half-time shows for all the football games and played at all the rallies. Junior class musicians included Frank Allega, George Bodnar, Jim Czurzman, Dennis Gulla, Bill Kilinskas, Chris Kuhns, Ron Lessner, Steve McMullin, Stan Orzech, Dan Sedlock, John Sturn, Tom Toth, and Bob Yama.
Latineer:
Competition in news writing, editorials, interviews, and feature writing at the Diocesan Scholastic Press Association held at St. Joseph High School included juniors Jim Blaszak, Jim McMahon, Stan Osenar, Bob Ondercin, Jim Raufleisch, and Bob Sheahen. Blaszak and McMahon both went to St. Bonaventure University to give speeches on how to conduct physical fitness campaigns using newspaper and sports writing. While at Bonaventure, they listened to guest speaker Pierre Salinger, press secretary to John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Also, Jim Blaszak won second place in sports writing at the Northern Ohio Scholastic Press Association competition at the Kent State University competition.
Purple and Gold Yearbook:
Editors of the 1962 edition of the Purple and Gold were announced at the end of our junior year. They were: Jeff Holinski, editor-in-chief; John Forhan, senior class editor; Bud Kennedy, faculty editor; John Sherwin, spiritual activities editor; Bob Lamb, underclass editor; Dave Komorowski, sports editor; Bob Hoh and Paul Kolba, activities editors, Don Hlusak, business editor, and Louie Rice, photography editor.
1961 - 1962
We're having a big trouble thing here, guys. All the Latineers from our senior year were taken and not returned to the Alumni Office. I will try to piece together some of the historical facts from our Senior Year. But I would like your help if you have specific memories from 1961 - 1962 to share.
We're having a big trouble thing here, guys. All the Latineers from our senior year were taken and not returned to the Alumni Office. I will try to piece together some of the historical facts from our Senior Year. But I would like your help if you have specific memories from 1961 - 1962 to share.
In 1962 Jim Szudarek was one of 10 Junior Achievement finalists in the national PRESIDENT of the YEAR Competition in Cleveland. Jim and some of his buddies made salt and pepper shakers from walnut wood stock. They cut the wood to length, bore a hole for contents, drilled 4 to 6 holes at top of each shaker, and inserted plastic plugs at the bottom. They then oiled and polished each shaker, glued S or P to the side of the respective shaker, wrapped both in tissue paper, and packaged them in a white gift box. The shakers sold for $5.00/pair. They sold 300 sets through door to door sales and at fairs. Their cost per set was $2.15.
Jesse Bell (CEO of Bonne Bell Cosmetics Co of Cleveland) was the host that year at the Junior Achievement President of the Year luncheon at the Sheraton Hotel, where each finalist was interviewed for 10 minutes by Mr. Bell. Two weeks later the winner was announced at the Junior Achievement Awards Banquet. Jim Szudarek was runner-up in the competition. Jim's entrepreneurial achievement brought great honor to CLS and the Windermere JA center. Jim was involved with the Junior Achievement Program for over 4 years. His sponsoring company was the Premier Industrial Company of Cleveland. Way to go, Jim!
Jesse Bell (CEO of Bonne Bell Cosmetics Co of Cleveland) was the host that year at the Junior Achievement President of the Year luncheon at the Sheraton Hotel, where each finalist was interviewed for 10 minutes by Mr. Bell. Two weeks later the winner was announced at the Junior Achievement Awards Banquet. Jim Szudarek was runner-up in the competition. Jim's entrepreneurial achievement brought great honor to CLS and the Windermere JA center. Jim was involved with the Junior Achievement Program for over 4 years. His sponsoring company was the Premier Industrial Company of Cleveland. Way to go, Jim!
The top songs in April 1962 were "Johnny Angel" by Shelley Fabares and "Good Luck Charm" by Elvis Presley. For May, it was "Soldier Boy" by the Shirelles and the eternal "Stranger on the Shore" by Mr. Acker Bilk.
For all of June 1962, our final month of high school, the number one song was "I Can't Stop Loving You" by Ray Charles.
For all of June 1962, our final month of high school, the number one song was "I Can't Stop Loving You" by Ray Charles.