Christian Brothers Academy (also known as CBA or "The Academy"), located in the Lincroft section of Middletown Township, New Jersey, is a private, all boys College preparatory school with a focus on Christian education run by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, founded by St. Jean-Baptiste de la Salle. The school was originally a farm that was given to the Christian Brothers for the purpose of teaching. The school opened for the first time in September, 1959 and was blessed by the Bishop of Trenton on October 11, 1959. Christian Brothers Academy operates under the supervision of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton. The current enrollment for the 2006-07 school year is 922.
| Christian Brothers Academy | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 | |
850 Newman Springs Road , | |
| Information | |
| Type | Catholic school, All-Male |
| Motto | Religio Mores Cultura Cultivating Character with God |
| Established | 1959 |
| Founders | Mr. John C. Henderson, Mr. Peter E. Fleming, and Doctor George A. Sheehan |
| President | Brother Andrew O'Gara |
| Dean | Mr. Ross Fales |
| Principal | Brother Stephen Olert |
| President | Brother Andrew O' Gara |
| Chaplain | Father John Folchetti |
| Faculty | 98 |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Number of students | 922 |
| Campus | 180 Acres |
| Color(s) | Navy, White, & Carolina Blue |
| Mascot | The Colt |
| Newspaper | The Academy Torch |
| Yearbook | Pegasus |
| Affiliation | De La Salle Christian Brothers |
| Campus Minister | Timothy Sewnig |
| Student Body President | William Grier |
| Website | The CBA Website |
History
Christian Brothers Academy was founded in 1958, when a group of devoted laymen, including Doctor George A. Sheehan, realized the need for another Catholic High School in Monmouth County. With the approval of the Bishop, they initiated a drive to raise funds for the purchase of a piece of property. The Brothers of the Christian Schools, under the leadership of their Provincial, Brother Anthony John Halpin, agreed to staff the school and finance its construction.
The former Whitney Greentree Stables, a 157-acre farm, was purchased and one building was converted into what is now Henderson Hall. With six Brothers and 150 students, the school was opened in September, 1959; two years later the new school building was finished and ready for occupancy. The school has had six principals since then:
- Brother Bernard McKenna, FSC (1959-1965);
- Brother Stephen McCabe, FSC (1965-1972);
- Brother Peter Mannion, FSC (1972-1979);
- Brother Andrew O'Gara, FSC (1979-1991); (Brother Andrew O' Gara left the office of Principal of CBA to become its first ever President.)
- Brother Ralph Montedoro, FSC (1991-2005);
- Brother Stephen Olert, FSC (2005-Present);
Over the years, the school has undergone many additions and renovations, including the building of the Henderson Theater, three science labs, two large gyms, and extra classrooms. The school's Christian emphasis is noted by a sign in the lobby which reads: "Jesus is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever present teacher in its classes, the model of the faculty and the inspiration of its students."
Extracurricular activities
Some activities at CBA include:
- Academic: Academic Team, Mathematics Team, National Honor Society
- Art/Literature: Academy Torch (Newspaper), Arister (Literature Magazine), Pegasus (Yearbook)
- Performing Arts: Chorus, Band, Pegasus Productions (Theater)
- Foreign Language: Spanish Club, Spanish National Honor Society, French Club, French National Honor Society, Italian Culture Society
- Outdoor Activities: Sailing Club, Surf Club
- Politics/Law: Student Council, Junior Statesmen Of America, Mock trial, Model U.N.
- Chess: The CBA chess team has become a dynasty in the past few years, winning the shore title in 03, 06 and again in 07. The team also captured the NJ Title for the first time in its history. The team also placed 14th in the U1500 at the National High School Chess Tournament amd had a national champion in freshman Paul Schepel in the U1800 Blitz division.
The school also offers the LaSallian Youth club, a way for students to perform service to surrounding areas.
A complete list of activities can be found on the CBA website which is run by the student body.
Sports
- Baseball
Under the direction of Marty Kenny (aka Moose), the Colts have been a dominant force in New Jersey High School Baseball circa 1975. Dozens of former Colts are currently playing Division I, II, & III baseball; additionally, many others have already finished their respected college baseball careers. Some schools that are represented by former Colts include: Fordham University, Brown University, Seton Hall University, Rutgers University, Rider University, and many others. The brother combination of Paul Tscherednikov '00 and Craig Tscherednikov '02 is just one of many to have played for CBA. Another notable brother combination includes Ryan Lillis '98, Christopher Lillis '02, and Kevin Lillis '04.
- Basketball
The team has reached the Final Four of the Shore Conference Tournament in all but five years since their inclusion, and have not lost a home game to a division opponent in almost ten years. However, the Colts Neck Cougars ended that streak in December of 2006 with a 3 point victory over the Colts. They were once dominant in recent years, including a national ranking of #11 in USA Today's final 1999-2000 rankings.[1] The team has sent numerous players to Division I programs. Currently three former players are playing major college basketball, Dan Werner (Florida) Tim Andree (Notre Dame)and Sean Light (West Virginia). Forward Dan Werner won New Jersey Player of the Year on NJ.com for 2006.[2] Coach Ed Wicelinski has been coaching for over 25 years and has amassed over 600 victories.
- Crew
The team was founded in 2004 by Volodar Lojko, Rutgers University alumnus and teacher of English at Christian Brothers Academy. In the founding year of the program it won its first and only New Jersey State Scholastic Rowing Championships in the Novice 4+ event.[3] In the 2006 season (2006), the team gained national recognition when its newly-formed Lightweight 4+ placed 2nd at the Scholastic Rowing Nationals in Saratoga, New York.[4] Currently, the team is recognized as a varsity sport under the coaching of Scott Belford (also a Rutgers University alumni) and Assistant Peter Stajk (a Saint Joseph's University alumnus). Notable rowing alumni at the Division I collegiate level are Conor Malone (class of 2006) on the Saint Joseph's University lightweight team, [5] Philip Talamo (class of 2005) on the Cornell University lightweight team [6] and William J. Golden (class of 1995) on the Princeton University lightweight team.
- Cross Country
The Cross Country team, coached by Tom Heath, holds the national high school record for consecutive dual meet wins, topping 280 and dating back to September 19, 1974.[7]
- Golf
The golf team won the state championship in 2005.
- Soccer
The soccer team has won three state championships. Coach Dan Keane has over 400 victories in his career, a Shore Conference Record.
- Wrestling
In 2005-2006, the team went 17-4 and made it to the division Finals; the Colts finished ranked 15th in New Jersey and had one state placewinner. The Colts had four district champions and advanced eight to the region 6 tournament. David Santamaria (class of 1998) placed 2nd in the New Jersey high school state wrestling tournament 3 years in a row; Kevin Mount (class of 1999) placed 4th in the New Jersey high school state wrestling tournament his senior year. Coach Michael Baldi recently retired after years of dedicated service. The new head coach is Michael Tomaino who received his first career victory as the head coach in the opening match of the 2006-2007 season.
Notable Alumni
- John Crotty, former professional basketball player who played 11 NBA seasons from 1992 to 2003. He played for the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle SuperSonics, Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets.[8]
- Nick LaBrocca, professional soccer player for the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer
- David "East Side Dave" MacDonald, producer of the Ron and Fez radio show.
- Philip Talamo, formerly known as "Just the Tip". former professional wrestler [9]
- Lou Taylor Pucci, Actor
- Tony Reali, current host of Around the Horn on ESPN. He is also the "stat boy" on Pardon the Interruption.
- Dan Werner, University of Florida Basketball Player (Forward) [10]
- Tom Wilkens, Olympic bronze medal-winning swimmer.[11]
Notable faculty
- Gary Cappetta, longtime ring announcer for WWE and WCW
References
- ^ Super 25 boys basketball rankings: 1999-00 Final, USA Today, accessed December 19, 2006
- ^ Southeastern Conference Preview: Florida Gators, Lexington Herald-Leader, November 12, 2006. "Donovan added four promising freshmen, including New Jersey Player of the Year Dan Werner."
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
- ^ Saint Joseph's University Crew Roster: Saint Joseph's University, "Saint Joseph's University" accessed March 6, [2007]]
- ^ Cornell University Lightweight Crew Roster: Cornell University, "Cornell University" accessed March 1, 2007
- ^ Carle leader of the pack for No. 1-ranked Jackson, The Star-Ledger, December 8, 2006
- ^ John Crotty player profile, accessed December 16, 2006
- ^ Up in Smoke: When People Get Angry
- ^ [3]
- ^ WILKENS DAY PARADE SLATED FOR SUNDAY IN MIDDLETOWN, Atlantic Highlands Herald, October 19, 2000