On January 6, the Xavier High School community will pause after the Blessings on the New Year Mass to honor a man whose story is woven deeply into the fabric of Randolph Road. Former Xavier President Rick Misenti ’72 will have his baseball jersey retired during a special on campus ceremony, marking a moment that connects Xavier’s past, present, and future.
Rick Misenti becomes just the third individual in school history to receive this distinction, joining former Athletic Director Tony Jaskot ’69 and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell ’86. It is an honor reserved for those whose impact on Xavier extends far beyond the field of play.
A member of the Class of 1972, Misenti was a standout student athlete during his time at Xavier, excelling in both baseball and soccer. On the diamond, he emerged as one of the Falcons’ most reliable performers. As a junior, he hit .323, collecting 20 hits, scoring 14 runs, and driving in seven. One year later, he played a key role as Xavier captured the Hartford County Conference Championship.
Rick’s athletic journey continued after graduation at Eckerd College, where he played both baseball and soccer. His contributions to Middletown athletics were later recognized with his induction into the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
While his achievements as a student athlete remain impressive, Misenti’s legacy at Xavier reaches even further. During the 2023–24 academic year, he made history by becoming the first Xavier alumnus to return and lead the school as President. In that role, Misenti helped guide the institution through a pivotal chapter, offering steady leadership rooted in his deep understanding of Xavier’s mission, values, and community. He also created a hardworking, cohesive administrative team.
His presidency was defined by a commitment to strengthening the foundation of the school while looking ahead to its future, ensuring that the traditions he once experienced as a student would continue to shape generations of young men to come.
Retiring Misenti’s jersey is more than a celebration of athletic excellence. It is a recognition of a man dedicated to Xavier High School, from the fields and hallways of Randolph Road to the President’s Office. On January 6, the Xavier community will come together to honor a Falcon whose journey reflects the very best of what it means to be Xavier.