FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
Dear Xavier Alumni,
As we move into the heart of the advent season, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the people who make Xavier what it is and what it continues to become. At the center of that story is YOU.
Your support has always been the lifeblood of this community. It sustains our mission, strengthens our programs, and ensures that today's young men experience the same transformative education that set each of you on your path. This fall has been extraordinary, and it is your generosity that made it possible. From a record-breaking Alumni Golf Classic to the Mercy/Xavier Walk-A-Thon that raised nearly TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND dollars, your commitment has carried Xavier forward in ways that inspire us every day.
As we celebrate these milestones, please know how grateful we are for your gifts, your involvement, your love and compassion, and your enduring belief in the mission of our outstanding school. As you know, the brotherhood that begins here lasts a lifetime, and your continued connection to Xavier is one of our greatest blessings.
Thank you for all you do. Wishing all of you and your loved ones a Blessed Christmas season and a healthy New Year.
With Appreciation,
Nick Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School
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On Life in the A & D Office the Second Time Around!
Hard to believe that it's been nearly two years since I returned to Xavier High School as your Alumni & Development Director. What was originally supposed to be a few weeks "fill-in" has turned into 23 months! Seven more to go until I retire from this outstanding high school for the second time and spend more time fly-fishing my favorite rivers and streams across this beautiful country.
I must admit I've really enjoyed my return to this position, helping to increase financial support of this outstanding high school to new heights, and reconnecting with many alums I haven't seen or conversed with for many years. It's been a very rewarding experience both personally and professionally, but there is still much I would like to accomplish over the next seven months before I turn this program over to the very capable hands of TJ Kronenberger '04 who will become your new Alumni & Development Director as of July 1, 2026.
As most of you probably know from appeal letters you have received, our Office goals for the 2025-2026 fiscal year are to reach 20% participation from alumni and $1.7 million in contributions. We can't achieve either of these goals unless we continue to receive the ongoing support from many faithful alums who give annually, renewed support from those of you who haven't given for a while, and many first-time contributors especially from the Classes of 2000 to 2021.
Any donation you make within your means will move us closer to both goals and will be greatly appreciated by everyone here at Xavier high School, especially by the young men who will directly benefit from your generosity.
With sincere gratitude,
Rich Feitel
Alumni & Development Director
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The Saint Francis Xavier Society Donor Reception was held at The Woodwinds in Branford, CT, on Friday, November 21. It's our way of thanking alumni, parents, and friends who generously contribute $1,000 or more to Xavier High School annually. One-hundred six guests attended this event! Special thanks to Tony Suppa '96, Mike Picard '83, and the staff at Woodwinds for all they did to make this a memorable evening. Pictured above (left to right): Rich Pierpont '79, Bob Guere '81, Brian Hetherington '81, Mike D'Aquila '83, Karen D'Aquila, and Jeff Muzio '84.
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Artie Kohs Classic Scheduled For Late December
The 22nd annual Arthur M. Kohs Christmas Basketball Tournament is set for Friday, December 26th and Saturday, December 27th. Maloney High School joins the tournament this year and we welcome back, long time participants Glastonbury and Waterford High Schools. The tournament began back in 2004 to help generate funds for the Arthur M. Kohs scholarship fund.
This fund was established to provide financial assistance to a current Xavier student-athlete who otherwise might be unable to benefit from a Xavier education. The Artie Kohs Basketball Classic has earned an outstanding reputation over the years for providing a quality event for teams, players, as well as fans. Opening night games, Friday 12/26, will include Maloney HS vs. Glastonbury HS beginning at 5:30pm; followed by the feature game, Xavier HS vs Waterford HS at 7:15pm. The championship and consolation games are scheduled for Saturday 12/27 at the same times.
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Estate Planning - Alternative Ways to Support Xavier High School
Leaving a gift to Xavier High School through a bequest is a powerful way to serve others in perpetuity. If you have named Xavier High School in your estate plans, please let us know in order that we can honor your generosity by including you in the Xavier Heritage Society. Heritage Society members have created personal and family legacies with some of the most impactful investments in the school's history.
Other charitable planned gifts include retirement plans and IRA assets, life insurance policies, real estate and other tangible property, donor advised funds, annuities, remainder trusts and lead trusts.
For more information on how you can leverage your assets in service to others and manage tax obligations, please contact Rich Feitel at the Alumni & Development Office or speak with your investment professional.
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Still Challenge $'s Available for New Donors from 2000 to 2021
We announced in the November E-News that, to help increase alumni participation to 20%, a generous graduate from the Class of 1972 issued a challenge to the Classes of 2000 to 2021 to match all gifts from new donors up to $100 per alumnus until the total of new contributions reaches $10,000!
To date, we have received over $4,630 from 64 new alumni donors from these classes. There is still more than $5,000 that he will match for those making their first contribution to Xavier High School.
If you value your Xavier education and have been meaning to donate to your alma mater but just haven't gotten around to it, here's an opportune time to do it. Your contribution of $10 becomes $20, $25 becomes $50, $50 becomes $100, and $100 becomes $200, and as a new donor, it automatically moves us closer to our participation goal!
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TICKET SALES BEGIN ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
TICKET PRICE $100 EACH * ONLY 10 TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT EACH TRANSACTION. THERE IS NO MAXIMUM PURCHASE REQUIREMENT.
One (1) ticket only will be drawn at 11am on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Xavier High School. One (1) winner takes all $25,000.00. Winner need not be present to win. The winning ticket will be announced publicly at the drawing which will be filmed live and available to be seen on YouTube. The winner will be contacted immediately after the drawing. The winner's name will not be shared without their express permission.
Buyers must be 18 years of age or older to participate. Tickets are entered in the name of the purchaser only. Only the winning ticket buyer can accept the prize. The 25K CASH RAFFLE is a game of chance, as such it is not considered a charitable contribution as per State of Connecticut and IRS guidelines. In accordance with IRS regulations, all state and federal taxes will be withheld from winnings by Xavier High School. Relevant tax documents will be provided to the winner.
THANK YOU & GOOD LUCK!
100% OF PROCEEDS SUPPORT XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL
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Interested in a Young Alums Golf Outing? Let Us Know.
Many alumni from the Classes of the 2000's have informed us that they would like to play in the Annual Xavier Alumni Golf Classic but can't get in due to the limited number of spots available (144) and the fact that the great majority of slots are taken by alums who have played every year for many years.
To accommodate younger alums who would like to get together with classmates and friends to enjoy a day of golf together, we are looking into the possibility of conducting a Young Alums Golf Outing in the spring of 2026. Providing there is adequate interest in holding this event, it will be conducted on Saturday, May 16, at Portland Golf Course. A shotgun start would commence at 1 p.m. Cost would not exceed $100 per golfer. Lunch with beverages will be served at the Gazebo (between holes 18 and 1) from noon to 4 p.m. The Committee would also select an individual (former or current faculty/staff member) to honor each year.
Before we book the date with PGC, we need to make sure there are at least 72 alums that would participate in this event. Trying to do more in the Alumni & Development Office for our younger alums and promote greater engagement from the classes of 2000 to 2021.
It's totally up to you whether we move forward with these plans. No payments needed now - just seeing if there is enough interest to move forward with this event.
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Nearly 40 alumni runners and current team members attended the Alumni Cross Country Run on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Oldest guys participating were teammates Frank Marsilli '72 and Michael Marino '72. Happy to report that we did not have to use the school defibrillator that day. Special thanks also to Coach Chris Stonier for his help in organizing this special event.
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FALCON WINTER SPORTS UPDATE
Hockey: This year's team brings an exciting blend of energy, potential, and depth. With a strong group of seven seniors leading the way and an impressive turnout of 42 players at tryouts - featuring a large and talented underclass group - the program continues to grow and trend in a great direction.
We're eager to watch this team develop its offensive identity and compete throughout a highly competitive schedule. A major highlight will be our first appearance in the RI Holiday Tournament, an opportunity our players are looking forward to. Our conference slate, as always, remains a focal point. And we're especially excited to host Notre Dame Prep at Wesleyan on 2/21/26 for a rematch of last year's thrilling overtime victory in the state tournament.
The future of the program is exceptionally bright. Our overall numbers continue to rise, and with the effort, growth, and enthusiasm we're seeing from the underclassmen, it's clear that we are building toward a return to the top tier of Division I.
Swimming: The swimming and diving team is poised for an exciting season, fueled by renewed depth, energy, and strong leadership. This year's squad (18 athletes) will be anchored by six seniors whose experience and example will help guide a program that is welcoming its largest freshman class in years. Eight newcomers will bring a wide range of competitive backgrounds and are expected to make an immediate impact as the Falcons continue their climb in the SCC standings.
Fans have several marquee meets to look forward to, including a rivalry matchup on Friday, February 6, when Xavier host Middletown High School at 4 p.m. Another highlight will be Senior Night on February 19 against Fitch Co-Op, a rematch of last year's thrilling meet which came down to an exciting final relay.
The program will also celebrate its rich history with the return of a beloved tradition: the Alumni Meet. Scheduled for Friday, December 16 at the Middletown Rec Center, the event invites all former swimmers and divers who competed during their senior year to return and jump back in the pool with the current team, Warm-up begins at 3:15 p.m., with the competition starting at 4:00 p.m.
Basketball: The basketball program continues to generate tremendous interest, with 61 players trying out this season. The varsity group will feature an exciting young core, led by one returning senior. With so much emerging talent, the team will have an opportunity to grow quickly, gain meaningful experience, and develop a strong foundation that will benefit the program now and the years ahead. The coaching staff is enthusiastic about the energy, competitiveness, and potential of the current roster.
Indoor Track: The indoor track and field team returns an experienced group of sprinters as well as a strong core of middle distance and long distant talent, but will sorely miss State Open champions Oliver Guzy, Jack Ouellette, and Owen Martin who graduated in May of 2025. This year's team of 50 athletes is excited to prove that they can continue to carry the torch. The goal of the regular season is simple: commit themselves to the program, week-to-week improvement, and establish a resume that prepares the team well for the post-season. As the team turns their attention, it should become clearer as to whether or not this year's squad can capture the team's 4th consecutive Class Championship. Athletes looking to have a big impact this season include sprinters Johnny Simpson, Justin Torres, and Brendan Russ; distance runners Landon Rubano, Peter Torello, Jackson Gould, Holden Hines, and Nolan O'Connor; mid-distance runners James Adu, Xavier Laudati, and Mike Fusaro; and field event competitors Selasie Dogbey and Ahmad Coffey.
Rifle: Rifle has gotten off to a great start with 23 athletes. Everyone has been putting in maximum hours to prepare for the Varsity and JV seasons, which start in January. We are hoping to improve over last year's 3rd place at states. We look pretty good compared with the preseasons scores of our major competitors (Suffield Academy and Wilbraham-Monson Academy). Luke Beasley returns for his fourth season, as captain of the rifle team. We also have 6 other returning seniors and and some solid returning varsity marksmen, particularly Jack Sheehan and Oliver Snow. We are looking forward to the return of Quincy Kalinchak and Braeden Larson. We are already putting up some very solid, preseason scores, so we have a lot of hope for a successful season.
Wrestling: The 2025-2026 wrestling season will be packed with a very tough schedule as usual. The team travels to Delaware, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Massachusetts as well as wrestling many teams in Connecticut. The team will be led by senior Braylon Gonzalez (3x State Champion and 2x State Open Champion) and junior Zack Dixon (State Champion and State Open runner-up). There are many newcomers to the program this year, but they are working hard and expected to perform well by the end of the season.
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IN MEMORIAM
We honor the lives and legacies of our dearly departed alumni, family members, and friends, whose impact on our community will forever be greatly appreciated.
- Gary Smith '76
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Mark S. Maturo, father of Mark P. Maturo '02
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Anthony Mauro, father of Luke Maturo '02
Each month we remember those who have died recently and those who are called to our attention. Please keep them, their families, and friends in your prayers. The full list of alumni, faculty, and staff memorials is on the webpage at MEMORIALS.
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