Wednesday, November 24, 2010

CRESPI WINNING PLAY

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Miracle in the Valley

Last Friday night, the Crespi varsity football team defeated Notre Dame 34-28 to advance to the PAC 5 playoffs. Crespi's record is 7-3. The Celts play Los Alamitos at Long Beach Veterans Stadium on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 7:00 pm in a first round game.

The first half was dominated by Notre Dame as they won the field position battle and held a 28-7 lead at the half. Crespi punted three times in the first quarter as their offense never could get into a rhythm. It did not help that they started every possession inside their own twenty yard line. First half highlights for the Celts: Kenny Stenhouse ’11 threw a seventy-three yard touchdown pass to Chris Harper ’12 and Charles Washington '11 blocked a field goal attempt.

The second half was the polar opposite of the first half and the Celt defense made their voices heard loud and clear as they forced punts on ND's first three possessions of the second half. Early in the third quarter, Crespi converted two fourth down plays to keep drives alive, culminating in a Terry Williams ’12 two yard touchdown run to close the gap to 28-14. Crespi took advantage of great field position on their second possession of the third quarter, once again culminating in a Celt score as Stenhouse rolled to his left and, just before being forced out of bound, threw a strike to “Mike-Mike” Davison ‘’12 in the end zone for another Celt touchdown. The score was 28-21 and the momentum was clearly on the Celts side.

In the fourth quarter, Notre Dame intercepted a pass in Celt territory and seemed to seize control of the game. But the Celt defense held ND without a first down and forced another Knight punt. Crespi put the ball in Terry Williams' hands on the ensuing drive and he delivered in a big way. Williams gained sixty-eight all-purpose yards on receptions and rushes, helping to sustain the long scoring drive. On third and goal from the one yard line, Stenhouse ran the option, faked the pitch to Williams and dove into the end zone to tie the score at 28.

What followed next in the game will go down in Crespi football history as the most amazing and spectacular finish to a football game. The Celts defense stopped Notre Dame near midfield, forced a punt with thirty-eight seconds left. The punt rolled and rolled and rolled, finally stopping at the Celt eight yard line with twenty-seven seconds left. Stenhouse completed passes of seventeen yards to Davison and nine yards to Williams. With the ball on the Celt thirty-four yard line and only four seconds left on the clock, Crespi called time out. It looked as if the teams were headed for overtime, or maybe Notre Dame thought so. But Crespi had other ideas.

Stenhouse dropped back to pass, after avoiding pressure, he then flipped a pass to Davison who caught the ball four yards behind the line of scrimmage. Davison faked a pass and then headed off running down the right sideline with a convoy of blockers in front of him. He cut inside at midfield, but was grabbed by a Knight defender at the forty-five yard line. Davison flipped the ball perfectly to Williams who darted down the Knight sideline. Williams avoided a tackler at the thirty yard line, broke a tackle at the twenty, and with a Knight defender clinging to him, Williams dove for the end zone from the four yard line. (How his knees never hit the ground amazes me after watching the video three times.) After a few agonizing seconds, the officials signaled a CRESPI TOUCHDOWN. Pandemonium ensued as the Celts stormed the field in jubilation.

Stenhouse completed twenty-six passes for three hundred seventy-five yards and three touchdown passes. Harper caught six passes for one hundred thirty-six yards, while Davison caught seven passes for one hundred twenty-two yards. Williams caught five balls for yards, added forty-six yards rushing, and more importantly gained forty-five yards on the final play.

James Bononi ’82

Crespi Water Polo Helps at Catholic Swim Meet

For the team community service project, Crespi Water Polo volunteered at the Catholic Swim Meet Finals this past Sunday, November 14, 2010 at the San Fernando Pool. Over twenty-four players helped time each lane that consisted of hundreds student swimmers from the San Fernando Valley Catholic schools. Having a huge swimming and water polo background to boot, the boys assisted anxious and nervous kids by giving them advice and mentoring them for a few moments before they stepped up on the blocks for one of the biggest races of their young lives. Many compliments were given by the parents of those successful swimmers for being so kind to their child. The Crespi Water Polo players look forward to and are excited about assisting in any capacity again next year.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Crespi defets Chula Vista 52-6

On the night Jordan Simmons made his varsity debut for the Crespi Carmelite, the Celts defeated the Chula Vista Spartans 52-6. Jordan Simmons, coming off a neck injury, said that he, "had fun as his first game as a Celt". From the opening drive of the game, the Spartan defense had no answer for the Crespi air attack as the first drive ended in a forty yard touchdown reception by Devin Lucien. At the start of the second quarter, Mike Davison scored on a twenty-two yard touchdown pass. Quarterback Kenny Stenhouse was fifteen for nineteen, and threw for two hundred eighteen yards with two touchdowns. Chris Harper led the receivers with seven receptions for eighty-nine yards. Lucien had three receptions for seventy-sixty yards to add to his touchdown. The Crespi ground game featured running backs by committee. The group ran for one hundred twenty-seven yards and four touchdowns. Terry Williams had eight carries for forty-one yards. Rasheed Johnson ran for forty-nine yards on four carries and scored twice. M. Ajani Shanks added nine carries for thirty-seven yards and scored two touchdowns.

Shanks scored in the first quarter on a forty yard run to give Crespi a 13-0 lead with 6:50 left in the second quarter. Rasheed Johnson scored on a ten yard run giving Crespi a 25-0 lead at the half. They opened the second half with a scoring drive that ended with a twenty yard run by Johnson that gave the Celts a 32-0. After the fumble recovery by Reggie Coates, Shanks added a two yard run. In the fourth quarter, Brian Irvine caught a twenty-five yard touchdown reception from Eric Hauser.

The Crespi defense inflicted punishment and caused two turnovers. In the first half, they kept the Spartan offense out of sink as multiple drives ended in three and outs. In the second half, Tyler Foreman intercepted a pass for a thirty-five yard touchdown. On the ensuing Reggie Coates recovered a fumble that led to a touchdown. Senior safety Charles Washington said the defense, “Played every play like it was our last play.”

Friday, September 17, 2010

Recap Crespi vs. LA Jordan

Last Friday night, the Crespi varsity football team evened their record at 1-1 with a convincing 51-8 victory over LA Jordan. The first half was a struggle for the Celts. The offense struggled even with good field position thanks to the tough Celt defense and special teams. Jordan failed on 3 fake punts in the first half, but untimely penalties, dropped passes, and missed blocking assignments stifled many chances of Crespi getting into the end zone. The frustration reached a boiling point in the second quarter as Crespi scored touchdowns on two consecutive plays, only to have penalties wipe out both scores.
Kenny Stenhouse '11 (eleven completions for one hundred seventy-six yards and three touchdown passes) threw two touchdown passes in the first half to Devin Lucien '11, the last coming on a fifty-six yard bomb with 19 seconds left in the half, which gave the Celts a 15-0 half time lead. Nate Walker '12 started the 3rd quarter fireworks for the Celts as he returned the second half kickoff fifty-five yards. Before long, the Celts had scored four touchdowns in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. Lucien (eight catches for one hundred fifty-two yards) caught his third touchdown of the game to tie a single game receiving record. M'Ajani Shanks '11 (seven carries for sixty-five yards) added a thirty-seven yard touchdown run, Chris Harper '12 scored on a 4 yard run for his varsity touchdown and Mike Davison '12 highlighted the crowd with a spectacular zig-zagging fifty yard punt return for a touchdown. The fourth quarter touchdown was scored as quarterback Eric Hauser '12 (four completions for sixty-three yards) connected with Marc Perales '11 on a six yard touchdown pass, the first varsity touchdowns for both players.
Defensive standouts for the game were safety Charles Washington '11 and linebacker Ray Davison '13 who each intercepted passes. Linebacker Darcell Edwards '13 added a fumble recovery and defensive end Reggie Coates '11 blocked a punt. The defensive line added 3 sacks and numerous tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Jordan gained only twenty-four yards of offense in the first half, almost all of the yards coming on their first play of the game.
The next football game is Friday, September 17, 2010 against Clovis West. Game time is 7:00 at Crespi.

James Bononi '82

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Crespi 10, Notre Dame 7

On April 27, 2010, Josh Mason singled home Kevin Williams with the go-ahead run. Austin Walker followed with a two-run double in the top of the seventh inning for the win in a Mission League game at Birmingham High School. Williams led the inning off with a single after Notre Dame scored two runs to tie the game at 7-7 in the bottom of the sixth inning. Ryon Healy followed Williams with a sacrifice bunt and Jack Colick walked to set the stage for Mason. Williams led the Crespi (18-4, 5-2) fourteen hit attack with three hits and two RBI while Austin Walker added two doubles and three RBI. Healy, Colick, Mason and Mike Hubbard each contributed two hits on the day. Mason also took the win in relief, as he pitched two innings. Josh allowed no runs, one hit, and struck out two. (Pictured above is Kevin Williams and pictured below is Austin Walker.)

Monday, April 19, 2010

Crespi Carmelite 9th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament

April 26, 2010
North Ranch Country Club
Westlake Village, California

CO-TITLE SPONSORS:

EPI Construction & HMH Investments Co.

CORPORATE SPONSORS:

Dole Foods Co.
California Bank Trust
Yukevich, Calfo & Cavanaugh
Tiarna Realty, LT Development
3H Networks
Industrial Metal Supply

Please join the below Celts, Crespi dads and friends:

Mike Amato ’83
Bill Maine
Chris Carbone
Brad Kettelle
John Rutter ’84
Charlie Stewart ’84
Gary Blackwell
Ron Brusnell
Colin Veal
Don Sunseri
Alex Calfo ’82
Walt Wabby
Russell White
Scott Thompson
Matt Luderer ’90
Mike McAndrews ’86
Arun Rawate
Dave DiTomaso ’74
Vince DiTomaso ’71
Tim DiTomaso ’75
Frank DiTomaso ’76
Wayne Bailey
Dave Scheper ’76
Bill Forman
Julio Vergara ’94
Jon Schild ’94
Charlie Green
Rob Leff ’92
Kenny Waggoner ’02
Chris Romero ’89
Chris McGee ’89
Mike Lardizabal ’89
Darren Osti ’88
Michael Zambrano
Casey Stewart ’96
Don Stewart
Scott Harbin
John Parezo
Greg Greenwood
Lou Bermundez
Rob King
Brian Flynn
Hank Shaw
Pat Strafford
Vince Leoni
John Snell
Marty Bailey
Reginald Coates
Carlos Coates
Bud Chapman
Johnny Corcoran ’88
Dan Redden
Kirt Danner
Joe Danner ’12
Mark Schuberg ’76
Paul Agajanian ’76
Brad Capo
Chris Capo ’10
Matt Matoesian
Stephen Matoesian
Doug Gray
Jeff Kiley
Barney Barnhart
Tom Buck
John Hunter
Dan Duggan
Steve Wilk
Adam Penner
Pat Strafford
Steve Pierret
Vishal Rawate
Paul Rawate '94

Alemany 4, Crespi 1

Sophomore Cody Thompson, tossed a complete game two-hitter to help Alemany gain a split of the two game series in a Mission League game at Birmingham High School. The Warriors drew first blood in the first inning as Sergio Plasencia walked, stole both second and third bases, and scored following a ground out by Anthony Exparza. Crespi evened the score in the third inning as Austin Walker drew a walk. He moved to second after a sacrifice bunt from Alex Gonzalez and advanced to third following a ground out by Ryan Brockett. Walker scored on a triple by Mike Hubbard. Alemany scored three more in the fifth inning as Andrew Davidson doubled and moved to third after a sacrifice bunt from Ryan Alvarez. Mark Strazzeri followed with a walk and both Davidison and Strazzeri scored on a Plasencia double. Plasencia moved to third on a balk and scored on a sacrifice fly from Esparza. Ryan Brockett tossed five innings for the Celts (16-4, 4-2) allowing four runs, two hits, and striking out two. Scott Heineman and Josh Mason tossed scoreless innings of relief. (Pictured above is Mike Hubbard and pictured below is Scott Heineman.)

Crespi 11, Campbell Hall 8

Crespi (17-4) rallied for two runs in the first inning and seven more in the second to put the game away in a non-league game at Campbell Hall. Campbell Hall made the game interesting as they rallied for two runs in the fourth inning and six more in the bottom of the sixth. Mike Hubbard led-off the first inning with a walk and moved to second on after a ground out from Scott Heineman. Hubbard scored on a double by Kevin William. Williams moved to third after a single by Ryon Healy's single, and scored on sacrifice bunt from Austin Walker. Crespi used three hits and five walks to score seven runs in the second inning. Most of the damage in the inning came from a grand slam from Walker and a 2-run single by Zack Russom. Crespi scored two more runs in the fourth inning as Dominique Brown and Russom singled. Brown eventually scored after a ground out by Sam Gutman. Russom scored on single from Shane Toole single. With two hits apiece in the inning, Brown and Russom led an offensive onslaught of ten hits. Madison Dang won his first varsity game. After completing five innings, he allowed two runs, three hits, and had one strike out. (Pictured above is Madison Dang and pictured below is Zack Russom.)

Congratulations to the Junior Varsity Volleyball Team for winning the 32 Team Valley Christian Tournament!

The Celts did not drop a game throughout the entire tournament, defeating many teams, including La Mirada in the quarter-finals, San Gabriel in the semi-finals, and Juniper Serra in the finals. A terrific Team effort!!!

All Tournament Honors went to Freshman OH Brandon Enbody, Sophomore Libero Christian Beltran, Junior Setter Evan Herbert, and Junior OH Nick Martinez.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Crespi Baseball Wins Second Tournament of the Season


After winning the Easton Tourney to start the season, the Celts are in great mid-season form with their success at the Diamond Sports National Classic. This was the third appearance for Crespi in the National Classic. In 2004, the Celts lost in the championship game, while in 2008 they were able to win the tournament. This year, the Celts defeated Marin Catholic, Esperanza, Orange Lutheran, and El Dorado for the title. Josh Mason was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Ryan Brocket was selected as the Most Valuable Pitcher and Mike Hubbard was selected to the All-Tournament Team. Congratulations Celts! Crespi resumes league play at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at Bishop Alemany.

Crespi 11, Marin Catholic 1---Crespi (12-3) opened up the Diamond National Classic spring tournament with seven runs in the first inning to put the game away in a first round game at Esperanza High School. Mike Hubbard led the a fourteen hit attack with three hits, including two doubles, and two RBI while Kevin Williams added three hits, including a double, and a run scored. Josh Mason added two hits, including a double, and an RBI single, while Austin Walker added two hits and an RBI. Ryan Brockett notched his fourth win of the season pitching five innings allowing a run, four hits, and striking out five. Madison Dang tossed a scoreless sixth inning allowing one hit and striking out, while Scott Heineman struck out the side in the seventh. Heineman has struck out his last nine hitters in a row.

Crespi 4, Esperanza 3---Crespi (13-3) rallied for two runs in the top of the seventh inning for the win in the second round of the Diamond National Classic at Cal State Fullerton. Mike Hubbard led-off the inning with a ground ball to shortstop that was booted. Hubbard scored on Ryan Healy’s triple and Healy scored on sacrifice fly by Kevin Williams. Healy led Celt hitters with two hits, including a double and triple, and an RBI while Alex Gonzalez added two hits. John Kearns battled through five and one-third innings. He allowed three runs, two earned, two hits, and striking out four while Josh Mason picked up the win in relief tossing one and two-thirds innings allowing no runs, and no hits.

Crespi 7, Orange Lutheran 6---Crespi (14-3) rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh inning and survived an Orange Lutheran three run rally in the bottom in the semifinal round of the Diamond National Classic at El Dorado High School. Mike Hubbard scored the go-ahead run as Josh Mason drew a bases-loaded walk. Ryon Healy scored as Ryan Brockett walked. Mason and Kevin Williams both scored on a single from Alex Gonzalez. Austin Walker led Celt hitters with two hits and two RBI while Mason added two hits. Starter, Madison Dang, tossed four innings allowing one run, five hits, and striking out three.

Crespi 2, El Dorado 1---Scott Heineman raced home from third base with the winning run-off after a sacrifice fly to left field from Jack Collick in the bottom of the ninth inning in the championship game of the Diamond Sports National Classic at Cal State Fullerton. Heineman led the inning off with a single, moved to second on Ryon Healy's bunt single and moved to third on ground out by Kevin Williams. Crespi (15-3) scored their only other run in the second inning after a Collick single. He advanced to second on Josh Mason's single and moved to third after Austin Walker was hit by an errand pitch. He later scored on sacrifice fly by Alex Gonzalez. Heineman led Celt hitters with two hits and a run scored while Mike Hubbard added two singles. Crespi used the combined forces of Chad Tobin, Ryan Brockett, and Mason to hold down the Hawks offense. Tobin tossed three innings allowing no runs, three hits, and striking out three. Brockett pitched four innings allowing one run, two hits, and striking out two. Mason collected the win tossing two innings allowing no runs, one hit, and striking out two.

Crespi Splits Non-League Doubleheader with Palos Verdes

Crespi 10, Palos Verdes 4---Crespi (11-3) rallied for 6 runs in the third inning to put the game away in the first game of a non-league doubleheader at Valley College. John Kearns collected his fourth win against no defeats tossing six innings allowing three runs, seven hits, and striking out four. Alex Gonzalez led Celt hitters with three hits and two RBI while Josh Mason added three hits and an RBI. Kevin Williams added two hits, including a double, and an RBI while Jack Colick added two hits and two RBI. Josh Mason pitched the seventh inning allowing a run and two hits.

Crespi 2, Palos Verdes 8---Palos Verdes returned the favor by scoring six runs in the third inning of the second game to the game out of reach in a game played under the lights at Birmingham HS. Garrett Mason doubled his first time at the plate while George Alvarez singled and scored on Dominique Brown's single. Crespi received strong relief pitching from Madison Dang who worked three innings allowing no runs, three hits and striking out two. Scott Heineman pitched two innings allowing no runs, no hits, and striking out six. (Pictured above is John Kearns and below is Alex Gonzalez)

Crespi Volleyball Hangs Tough in Hawaii

Congratulations to the Varsity Volleyball Team for their performance in the Iolani Tournament in Hawaii! The Celts won their pool, handily defeating Moanalua 2-0, Hana 2-0, and Damien 2-0. They defeated state power house Hawaii Baptist 2-1 in the in the quarter-finals. It was a great win for Crespi as Hawaii Baptist was ranked #17 in the country by the ESPN Fab 50. Crespi lost to the host school Iolani in the semi-finals to finish fourth overall out of sixteen teams. Special congratulations go to Senior Libero Liam Gallagher, who received All Tournament Honors for his outstanding play. The results of a C.I.F poll rank Crespi Volleyball number two in the San Fernando Valley with an overall record of 18-7 and 4-1 in league. Join UC Irvine bound and Junior National Team Selection, Daniel Stork as he leads the Celts in two key league matches at home this week at against Alemany and Chaminade.

(Pictured on the right is Daniel Stork. Pictured below are Crespi Volleyball Team and tournament selections for outstanding performances from the Iolani Tournament in Hawaii.)




















Monday, March 29, 2010

Crespi 1, St. Francis 0

A two out single by Alex Gonzalez chased home Austin Walker from second base in the second inning for the only run in a Mission League game at Valley College. Walker reached base on a two out bunt single that was thrown away at first base sending Austin to second. Ryan Brockett went the distance, out dueling Ethan Bramschrieber of St. Francis, to gain his fourth win of the season. Brockett allowed only two runners as far as second base, while giving up three hits, striking out three, and working four hitters past the minimum. Bramschrieber was almost equal to the task as he allowed three hits, struck out five, and worked five hitters past the minimum. Mike Hubbard collected the Celt's (10-2, 3-1) only other hit, a lead-off double in the third inning. Hubbard, however, was thrown out at the plate attempting to score from third after fly out from Kevin Williams. Crespi will now take a two week break from league play as they host perennial power Palos Verdes, in a double-header Tuesday. The first game will be played at Valley College and the second one is scheduled at Birmingham High School. (Pictured above is Ryan Brockett and pictured below is Alex Gonzalez.)

Thursday, March 25, 2010

San Fernando Valley Distinguished Speaker Series

Crespi Carmelite High School is proud to welcome home Microsoft Vice-President, Tim Huckaby, (class of 1980) this Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Crespi Commons. Please join Tim for the next session in our San Fernando Valley Distinguished Speaker Series as he presents an educational and fun evening discussing the future of software.

Huckaby has been referred to as the “Pioneer of the Smart Client Revolution”, and has been awarded multiple times for the highest rated Keynote and Technical Presentations for the Microsoft Corporation. For more information, please contact the Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Paul V. Rawate ’94 at (818) 654-1328 or prawate@crespi.org.
Recent Awards for Tim Huckaby:

TechAmerica Award Winner 2009 Internet / Web Commerce
Microsoft Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Innovation Award Winner for Clinical Development
Microsoft Partner of the Year for Smart Client Development

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Crespi 14, St. Francis 3

At Brookside Park, Crespi (9-2, 2-1) rallied for 4 runs in the first inning, 4 more in the second, and 3 more in the third to put the Mission League game out of reach. The Celts used 5 walks and a two run single from Alex Gonzalez to score in the first inning.

In the second inning, Mike Hubbard, Kevin Williams and Scott Heineman singled to load the bases. A single by Jack Colick scored Hubbard and Williams and moved Heineman to third. Heineman stole home while Colick stole second. Later, Colick scored on Austin Walker's single.

After a 3-run home run from Williams in the third inning, Crespi led 11-0. He finished the day with two hits and 3 RBI while Colick added 2 hits and 2 RBI. Additionally, Hubbard and Heineman added 2 hits apiece.

John Kearns collected his third win of the season tossing 5 innings allowing 3 runs, 2 earned, 7 hits and striking out 3. Heineman retired the side in order in the sixth inning and Josh Mason threw a scoreless seventh allowing 1 hit and striking out 2.

The Celts appear to be back in the Mission League race as everyone has at least one loss. Crespi will take a 2 day break before hosting St. Francis Friday, 3:30, at Valley College. (Pictured above is Jack Collick and below is
John Kearns.)

Crespi Volleyball Records Two Mission League Victories on Consecutive Nights

Results against Harvard-Westlake on 3/23/10

Frosh/Soph: Harvard-Westlake 2, Crespi 1
JV: Harvard-Westlake 2, Crespi 0
Varsity: Crespi 3, Harvard-Westlake 1

Brandon Lebrock 23 Kills, Daniel Stork 48 assists, Liam Gallagher 15 digs

Results against St. Francis on 3/22/10

Frosh/Soph: Crespi 2, St.Francis 1
JV: Crespi 2, St. Francis 0
Varsity: Crespi 3, St. Francis 0

Quinn Costello 10 Kills, Brandon Lebrock 9 Kills, Liam Gallagher 10 Digs, Daniel Stork 23 Assists

Monday, March 22, 2010

Crespi Splits Doubleheader with Thousand Oaks

Crespi 4, Thousand Oaks 3

Crespi (8-2) rallied for 4 runs in the top of the fourth inning to overcome a 2-0 deficit and held on for the win in the first game of a non-league double header at Thousand Oaks High. Mike Hubbard led off the inning with a walk and scored on Kevin Williams' double. A single by Scott scored Williams. Josh Mason followed with a towering home run that scored Heineman to complete the Celt's scoring. Chad Tobin worked 4 innings on the mound allowing 3 runs, 2 earned, 5 hits and striking out 2 for the win while Shane Toole, Heineman, and Mason each tossed scoreless innings of relief with Mason earning the save.

Thousand Oaks 8, Crespi 5

The Lancers rallied for 5 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning for the win in the second game.
The Celts got on the scoreboard first with 2 runs in the second inning as Toole was hit by pitch, stole second, and scored on a double by Alex Clemmensen. Clemmensen later scored on Garret Mason's single. Crespi struck again with 3 runs in the fourth inning as Zack Russom and Toole walked before Dominique Brown blasted a home run over the center field fence. Madison Dang tossed 5 innings allowing 3 runs, 2 earned, 7 hits, and striking out 2 before the Celts ran out of pitching playing their fifth game in five days.

Crespi will resume Mission League play on Tuesday when they travel to St. Francis for a 3:30 p.m. game. (Pictured above is Josh Mason and below is Dominique Brown.)

Crespi 8, Chaminade 6

Crespi (6-1, 1-1) rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to overcome a 6-5 deficit and held on for the win in a Mission League game at Valley College. The win avenged a 4-3 loss on Tuesday to Chaminade and helped the Celts stay in the Mission League race.

Crespi struck first with 4 runs in the first inning off highly regarded Chaminade pitcher, Matt Troupe as Ryon Healy singled and stole second. After back-to-back walks to Kevin Williams and Mike Hubbard, Healy scored on an single from Jack Colick. Williams scored on Austin Walker's booted ground ball, before a single by Alex Gonzalez chased home Hubbard and Colick.

After the Eagles scored a run in the top of the second, Crespi extended the lead to 5-1 as Ryan Brockett reached first base on an error, stole second, and scored from second on a wild pitch. The Eagles roared back with a run in the third inning and 4 in the fifth to take a 6-5 lead. Crespi took the lead for good as Hubbard singled. He then stole second and scored on a single from Colick. Colick would later score on a single from Walker, who eventually scored on Brockett's sacrifice fly. John Kearns, in relief of Brockett, retired the last 7 hitters in order for the win.(Ryan Brockett pictured above and Alex Gonzalez pictured below.)

Congratulations to the Crespi Varsity Volleyball Team!

The Celts participated in the Dos Pueblos Invitational Tournament this past weekend among 35 other teams. Crespi went undefeated in pool play and was seeded first going into the playoffs. Crespi then defeated Mount Carmel from San Diego in the quarter-finals, and Santa Barbara in the semi-finals. The finals proved to be a rematch from 2009, with Bellarmine from San Jose. Both teams fought hard with Bellarmine coming out on top, defeating Crespi 15-13 in the third game. Senior Setter Daniel Stork and Senior Outside Hitter Brandon Lebrock received All Tournament Awards for their extraordinary performances.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Crespi 19, Cleveland 10

Crespi (6-1) rallied from a 2-run deficit to score 9 runs in the top of the fifth inning and 9 more in the sixth in a non league game at Cleveland High School. Cleveland erupted for 5 runs in the bottom of the fifth to put them back in the game before the Celts’ sixth inning attack. Ryan Brockett led the 20-hit attack with 3 hits and 3 RBI. The Celts were also aided by 3 home runs. The first was a solo blast from Josh Mason in the third inning. Jack Colick hit a 3-run blast in the sixth and later in the inning, Ryon Healy added a grand slam. Colick finished with 2 hits and 4 RBI and Mason finished with 2 hits and 3 RBI. Scott Heineman added 2 hits, including a triple and 3 RBI, while Kevin Williams and George Alvarez added 2 hits apiece. Chad Tobin took the mound for his first varsity start and tossed 3 innings allowing 2 runs, 4 hits, and striking out 3. Shane Toole tossed one and two thirds innings of scoreless relief to finish the game in his first varsity appearance. The Celts now host Mission League rival Chaminade Friday at 3:30 at Valley College in an attempt to get themselves back in the Mission League race.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Chaminade 4, Crespi 3

Brandon Rapport's 1 out suicide squeeze bunt, in the bottom of the eighth inning scored Dylan Delaney from third base with the winning run in the Mission League opener for both teams at Chaminade. The Celts struck first in the third inning as Scott Heineman doubled off the center field fence followed by Ryon Healy's intentional walk. Heineman stole third base and scored on Kevin Williams booted ground ball. Healy later scored on Mike Hubbard's single. Crespi scored again as Ryan Brockett singled; stole second; moved to third on Josh Mason's single; and stole home. The Eagles evened the score in the sixth inning as Delaney singled followed by back to back home runs from Brando Tessar, and Ryan Kramer. The win capped a tough pitching performance from the highly regarded Tessar who tossed 7 innings allowing 3 runs, 2 earned, 7 hits, and striking out 9. Jason Franklin tossed a scoreless eighth inning for the win. Crespi's Ryon Healy tossed 3 shutout innings allowing 1 hit and striking out 7 before leaving the mound with elbow discomfort. John Kearns tossed 4 innings. He allowed 3 runs, 3 hits, and striking out 7. Crespi (4-1) will travel to Cleveland High School today for a 3:15 p.m., non-league game before attempting to even the series with Chaminade on Friday at Valley College. (Pictured above is Ryon Healy and below is John Kearns)

Monday, March 15, 2010

Crespi 4, Camarillo 2

Crespi (5-0) captured its second consecutive Easton Showdown Tournament Championship with their victory over Camarillo Saturday night at UCLA's Jackie Robinson Stadium. The Celts relied on gutsy pitching of Ryan Brockett and John Kearns and timely hitting of Austin Walker and Kevin Williams as Crespi only managed 4 hits off Scorpion pitchers. Crespi scored 3 runs in the bottom of the second inning as Mike Hubbard walked and Jack Colick singled. Both were chased home on Austin Walker's triple. Walker later scored on fly ball by Alex Gonzalez out to left field. The Celts scored an insurance run in the fifth inning on Ryon Healy's two-out walk and Kevin Williams' triple. Brockett tossed 4 innings allowing 2 runs, 5 hits, striking out 3, and stranding 7 base runners for the win while Kearns pitched 3 innings allowing 1 hit and striking out 4 for the save. (Austin Walker pictured on left and Kevin Williams pictured on right. Easton Showdown Tournament Champions again, pictured below.)



Crespi (5-0) now opens up Mission League play with a Tuesday 3:30 game at Chaminade.

Friday, March 12, 2010

North American Science Competition Results in a Big Award for Students from a Small School

Since 1992, ExploraVision has brought more than 245,000 students from across the United States and Canada together for scientific competition. The program encourages students to create and explore a vision of future technology by combining their imaginations with the tools of science, regardless of skills or experience. Participants are encouraged to continue a lifelong love of science. (Team pictured on the left with Dr. Brahim.)

With projects being submitted from around North America, this competition is intense. Surprisingly, Crespi of Encino just had a major win for a small school in this large event. Dr. Sherryline Jogie Brahim and her students were recently selected as a 2010 Honorable Mention from Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision. The Honorable Mention award placed Crespi in the top 10% of all ExploraVision entries submitted to the competition this year.

Team members, Danielle Fasani, John Houselog, Kevin Schilling, and James Nassour, entered a project called, CURE-GN: Cancer treatment Using laser Radiation to Excite Gold Nanoparticles. CURE-GN applies the peptide bonding and photo reactive properties of gold Nanoparticles to target and destroy cancer cells. Gold Nanoparticles bonded to cancer seeking peptides are released into the bloodstream whereby they are targeted to enter cancerous tissue. Having penetrated diseased cells, the Nanoparticles are excited by laser radiation output from a Nanrobots, raising the temperature of the Nanoparticles and killing the cancerous cells that they have targeted. Such Nanrobots have built-in ultra capacitors that have the dual functioning of powering the robots through the body, as well as delivering rapid boosts of energy to their laser diodes. This technology offers a diagnosis and cure for cancer.

Crespi 13, Rio Mesa 2

Crespi (4-0) took a big step toward defending their 2009 Easton Showdown Tournament championship with a 13-2 semifinal win at Rio Mesa (3-1). Ryon Healy took the mound for the Celts and fired 6 innings. He only allowed 2 runs, 7 hits, and striking out 9. Additionally, Healy also added 3 hits, which included a home run, and 5 RBI to his own cause. Rio Mesa drew first blood in the first inning as Dan Lerma doubled home Mo Griffith.

Crespi tied the game in the second inning on Austin Walker's 2-out home run. The Celts scored 4 more runs in the third inning as Josh Mason singled and Ryan Brockett walked. Healy cleared the bases with a 3-run home run followed by Scott Heineman's home run to put the game out of reach. Mason, Heineman, Walker, and George Alvarez contributed 2 hits and an RBI to the Celts' 16-hit attack. Mason also tossed a scoreless seventh inning with 2 strikeouts in his '10 pitching debut. Crespi now travels to UCLA, Saturday, for a 7:00 p.m. championship match-up with Camarillo. (Pictured above is Ryon Healy and pictured below is Scott Heineman.)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Crespi 10, Ventura 3

Crespi (3-0) rallied for 9 runs in the bottom of the first inning to put the game away in the first round of the championship bracket of the Easton Showdown tournament at Valley College. The game rated as the coldest day in Valley College history. How cold was it? It was darn cold!

The Celts used 7 hits, 2 hit batters and 3 Ventura errors to score their nine runs with the bases loaded,Alex Gonzalez hit a 3-RBI double being the decisive blow. Scott Heineman led the Celt 11-hit attack with 2 hits and 2 RBI.
John Kearns made the most of his first start of the season by tossing 5 innings, allowing 3 runs, 2 earned, 3 hits and striking out 3 for the win before giving way to Chad Tobin, who in his varsity debut, pitched 2 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out 2. Crespi now travels to Rio Mesa HS Thursday for the semifinals with the winner playing for the championship at UCLA on Saturday. (Pictured above John Kearns and below is Chad Tobin.)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Crespi 7, Kennedy 0


Crespi took another step toward defending their Easton Showdown Tourney Championship Monday with a 7-0 shutout of Kennedy High at Kennedy. Ryan Brockett took the mound for the Celts (2-0) and tossed 6 innings of 1-hit ball while striking out eight. Brockett allowed only 1 runner to reach second base. Crespi scored first in the first inning as Scott Heineman singled, stole second and third, and scored on Mike Hubbard's single.
The Celts broke the game open in the sixth inning as Hubbard and Jack Colick hit back-to-back triples. Alex Gonzalez followed Austin Walker's hit-batter with a triple of his own. Gonzalez scored on George Alvarez' single. Colick and Walker both scored in the seventh inning as both opened the inning with walks. Colick scored on Gonzalez' sacrifice bunt and Walker scored on Alvarez' ground out.
Hubbard finished the day with 3 hits and has opened the season with 7 hits in 8 at bats. Gonzalez finished with 2 hits and 3 RBI while Ryan Healy added 2 hits. Madison Dang made his varsity debut retiring the side in order in the seventh inning while striking out 1. Crespi now leaves pool play and enters the championship bracket as they host Ventura HS at Valley College today at 3:00.









Monday, March 8, 2010

Old Rivals Could Not Stop Crespi from Tenth Title

Many members of local media felt that if Crespi defeated Notre Dame three times in the same season it was going to be a miracle. The Celts persevered and won a classic game against valley rival Notre Dame to advance into the finals against another old rival. On Friday, March 5, 2010, Coach White and his team faced an Alemany squad that also suffered two regular season losses to Crespi. In front of a sold out arena at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Crespi defeated Alemany 50-43 in the Southern Section Division 4A Boys’ Championship Game.

Crespi trailed 19-6 at the end of the first quarter. After some defensive adjustments by Coach White, the Celts forced the Warriors into an abysmal shooting performance. Alemany shot less than 30 percent from the field and lost all momentum by the end of the first half. A 10-2 run to start the 2nd quarter and two huge plays later in the quarter helped the Celts battle back to finish the first half with a one point lead. The first big play came off a steal by Blake Stanton ’10, which finished in a long pass and thunderous dunk by Bryan Bennett ’10. As time expired at the end of the half, Stanton made a clutch three point shot that silenced the Alemany crowd.

That basket was his only three point field goal of the game. Blake finished with 21 points and made 3 of 4 free throws in the final minute to seal the victory. Matt Mournier ’11 had 17 points, extending his double-digit scoring streak to 21 consecutive games. Kenny Stenhouse ’11 added 12 points and 11 rebounds. This is the second CIF Basketball Championship and tenth title overall for Crespi.

Crespi 10, Quartz Hill 2

Crespi 10, Quartz Hill 2---Crespi opened the 2010 season with a 10-2 victory over 16th ranked Quartz Hill in the first round of the Easton Showdown tournament at Valley College.

The Rebels (0-1) opened the game with 2 runs on 3 hits off Celt starter, Ryon Healy. The Celts answered with 2 runs in the second inning as Kevin Williams, Mike Hubbard, and Alex Gonzalez lashed out doubles. Crespi took the lead in the the third inning on Williams' towering 3-run home run over the center fence. Scott Heineman's RBI triple off the center field fence in the fourth inning gave the Celts a 4-run lead. Hubbard's bases loaded single capped a 4-run sixth inning to complete the scoring.

Healy settled down after a shaky first inning and tossed 4 innings allowing no earned runs, 6 hits, and striking out 6 for the win. John Kearns earned the save, pitching 3 innings allowing no runs, no hits, and striking 4. Hubbard led the Celt 12-hit attack with 4 hits, including a double, and 3 RBI while Williams and Heineman each finished with 2 hits. (Pictures: Top - Mike Hubbard, Below - Kevin Williams)


Sunday, January 31, 2010

The Sensational Six from Encino Are Ready for National Signing Day


Encino, CA., January 31, 2010:

After the hiring of Jon Mack as head football coach at Crespi of Encino, the football program has an encore performance on February 3, 2009. Six sensational seniors are ready for their next step. Bryan Bennett, Hroniss Grasu, Ben Loth, Mike Mitchell, Pierce Richardson, and Blake Stanton are scheduled to appear at a special school press conference and luncheon for National Signing Day. The event is being held at Soup’s Grill in Woodland Hills, California.


Bennett and Grasu are headed to the University of Oregon, while Loth and Richardson are going to Iowa State University. Mike Mitchell is committing to the University of Nevada. Stanton is currently working on an offer, and hopes to announce a commitment with his teammates at the press conference. A seventh senior, Brandon Graves, was invited to the event, but has declared he will sign late “after finishing some more campus visits.”

The luncheon and press conference are being held to celebrate the success of the players and to honor their families. One surprise guest for the day is former head coach Jeremiah Ross. According to school president, Father Tom Schrader, O. Carm., “even though the program is going into a new direction under Coach Mack, Ross played an integral part in the development of these young men. He should be a part of this celebration.” The players want him there. Coach Mack will be in attendance, as well as some special guests from Crespi’s football storied past.


One is a recent inductee to the Crespi Carmelite Alumni Hall of Fame, Bill Schnieders. Bill graduated from Crespi in 1974 and played linebacker for the Ducks, graduating in 1978. The Oregon graduate is excited about prospects Bennett and Grasu especially since they, “ran a similar offense to the Ducks for three years.” Doors open early at 10:15 a.m. for the media and fans at Soup’s Grill in Woodland Hills.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Catholic Environmental Education and the Wisdom of St. Thomas

Some Catholic school teachers have voiced concerns that the newest curriculum guidelines issued by the USCCB are overly redolent of donnish theology, betraying an ignorance of the historical consciousness of the Catholic high school student today. The place of environmental education in the Curriculum Framework is illustrative. At a time when the Church has articulated a prescient environmental theology in the face of contemporary crises—from the call for “an education in ecological responsibility” in John Paul II’s World Day of Peace address, to the environmental justice championed by the USCCB itself—under the bishop’s guidelines, the “Stewardship of God’s creation” receives only one entry in an optional, Catholic social teaching course. Fortunately, our intellectual heritage suggests exciting possibilities for environmental education. The bishop’s curriculum guidelines thus offer an occasion to seek ways to effect the “ecological conversion” called for by John Paul II, and the “environmental justice” and “prudence” heralded by our bishops, within our own tradition.
The distinction between intellectual and moral virtues, and accordingly how they are acquired, is particularly relevant to Catholic environmental education. St. Thomas Aquinas insists that students acquire the theoretical, intellectual virtues—understanding, science and wisdom—under the tutelage of instructors. Thus a classroom is an appropriate venue, teachers and texts appropriate aids, to a student’s effort to perfect the theoretical activities of his intellect. Accordingly, this fall students have attended lively seminars on Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and Aldo Leopold’s Sand County Almanac as a part of our high school’s Environmental Education and Outdoor Leadership program. On the other hand, along with the intellectual virtue of prudence, the moral virtues—justice, temperance and courage—if not infused by grace, must be acquired by habituation and practice according to Aquinas. That is to say, if our goal is for a student to actually acquire the virtue of justice as a part of his character, and not merely a sound theoretical understanding of what justice is, no amount of textbooks, Power Point presentations or revised curriculum standards can do the job, unless he is also given real opportunities to practice acts of justice. The EEOL program at Crespi, inspired by Aquinas’ iteration of the fundamental distinction between our theoretical and practical dimensions, requires students not only to participate in reading seminars and to write a thesis, but also to test this book-knowledge on environmental service projects and fortify it in intensive, wilderness expeditions. The data in support of the effectiveness of project and experiential based environmental education is substantial, but our recent excursion to Joshua Tree National Park can perhaps best illustrate the way experiential, environmental education is especially suited to not only teach about the moral virtues, but to cultivate them.
For five days in October, I helped lead a group of EEOL backpackers traverse Joshua Tree’s Lost Horse Valley, a surrealist stage of frozen performers—jagged ballerinas perpetually awaiting a sunset sonata—studded with granite monoliths balanced into mountains. Opportunities to practice the virtues of justice and prudence pervaded our learning to live and travel as a self-sufficient group in a desert wilderness. Justice, according to Aquinas a perfection of the will that directs man in his relations with others, is codified in the Leave No Trace ethic. Likewise, the students took leadership positions—from camp cook to map-and-compass-man—in which the exercise of prudence, or right reason applied to action, had very real consequences for the entire group. The students memorized the nine Leave No Trace principles and learned to account for them in every decision throughout the day, from choosing a durable campsite that would neither disturb other hikers nor sensitive, cryptobiotic soil, to “big spooning” leftovers rather than digging holes that attract coyotes, to extracting deflated balloons that find their last, ironic resting place in the prickly park. On the third day of the expedition, Alex noticed that Hayden was limping, and had been uncharacteristically lagging behind the rest of the group. When Alex finally learned that Hayden had been pushing through the hike despite his two-size-too-small shoes, he promptly offered him his own. Alex no longer had a comfortable pair for nights, but on the trail all gear is group gear; as Aquinas puts it, justice is a habit whereby a man renders to another his due.
Our last morning we set out before sunrise and were cresting a mountain pass in the Wonderland of Rocks when the group stopped short a mere thirty yards from a family of elusive, Desert Bighorned Sheep. The herd surveyed us bashfully, then deftly made its way down the bouldered valley and over the towering ridgeline. We watched their progress in silence for half an hour. The trees may have been dedicated to Joshua, but the desert rocks remain the refuge of Elijah, and the still, small voice of God. The wonder of that silent encounter came closer than any moral virtue to manifesting John Paul II’s vision of “ecological conversion.” After all, according to Aquinas the form of every virtue is love, which we all know must be experienced, even if not understood.

Toy and Gift Drive Teaches Teens the True Spirit of Christmas

Some local teens have learned that giving is better than receiving during the holiday season. In keeping with the Christian call to “love one another”, the students of Crespi Carmelite High School adopted 50 less fortunate families this past Christmas. The goal was to provide a complete Christmas for these families by student participation in a toy and gift drive. According to Ms. Dona Long, Student Activities Director, “this event defined what Christmas is all about, giving and helping others.”
The 9th Annual Christmas at Crespi was held on Saturday, December 5, 2009. There was music, games, refreshments and a special visit from Santa Claus, who distributed the donated toys and gifts to visiting families from Guardian Angel Parish in Pacoima. Deacon Chavez of Guardian Angel Parish expressed his, “gratitude to the Crespi Carmelite community for what you have done for the poor people of the city of Pacoima. You guys make a difference to all these little children that came by to pick up toys. They look forward to coming every year and enjoy Christmas with all of you, thank you.”
Christmas at Crespi also benefitted families from Our Lady of Grace Parish. Any additional gifts were donated to the toy drives for Children’s Hospital and the Los Angeles Fire Department.