The Ritan

Volume Eighty. Number Two. www.TheRitan.com Thursday, December 18, 2008

Knights of Augustine commit to serve

A Student Publication of
Saint Rita of Casica High School
7740 South Western Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60620
By Luke Konrath
Sophomore Writer
In recent years, one of the fastest growing and largest extracur-
ricular organizations at Rita has been the Knights of Augustine.
Over 120 new and returning Rita students were inducted this
year into the Knights during Rita’s Family Mass on November
16th.

In This Issue The Knights of Augustine is a fraternal order of students that

strives to embody the Augustinian core values of truth, unity, and
love through active prayer and service.
Page 2 Many students have become attracted to the K of A because of
Rita band holds Christmas concert what the fraternity represents and what each of them as members
are able to do for others.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing for a student to join the Knights
of Augustine. For the most part, until now, they have been on
the receiving line,” said K of A moderator, Bro. Jerome Sysko,
OSA.
“The K of A provides a means for students to learn how to give
to others. They begin to realize how true the words of Jesus are,
‘It is more blessed to give than to receive,’” he said.
KNIGHT ACTIVITY TAKES place both in and outside the
Photo by Al Smith walls of Rita. Monthly meetings are held to organize services
provided by the K of A and to plan activities that foster building a
Page 3 stronger community such as pool and gym nights.
Sixth Augustinian Values Institute Knights serve as altar servers, ushers, lectors, and Eucharistic
held in Tulsa, Okalahoma ministers at school Masses and monthly St. Rita Novena Masses.
Page 5 They also help, Fr. Tom McCarthy, OSA, Rita’s President, lead
Barrack Obama makes history 7th and 8th grade retreats and assist in directing Rita class re-
treats.
Page 8 The Knights actively participate in annual Augustinian Youth
Varsity Mustang Football team Conferences and attend the weekly Thursday St. Rita Novena
captures 2008 Catholic League Title Members also give their time and energy to help other orga-
nizations by collecting donations that assist the efforts of the
Knights of Columbus, the Lyons Club, the Kiwanis Club, and
Angel’s Touch.
Starting last month and continuing throughout the year, every
week four to five members of the Knights of Augustine volunteer
at the local Public Action to Deliver Shelter “PADS” shelter.
“Perhaps one of the most moving experiences is the K of A
involvement at the PADS shelter,” said Bro. Jerome.
“Most of the students who go there have never experienced
Photo by David Huang poverty. For most of them, it is a first time meeting people who
literally live on the streets. I think the greatest shock of all is meet-
Photo courtesy of Bro. Jerome Sysko, OSA
KNIGHTS OF AUGUSTINE officers, from left, seniors Dan Dillon and
Brian Allen sign their names into the K of A Pledge book during their recent
induction ceremony, as K of A president, senior Frank Herrera watches on.
ing two of the men who graduated from St. Rita High School.
“Students are amazed at the sense of community that exists
among all the people that come to the shelter. They are also
moved by the gratitude that is expressed by the guests,” he said.
Bro. Jerome explained, “The students help in distributing
clothes and toiletries. After that is done they help serving the
evening meal. During the meal, students will sit and interact with
the men and women. After the meal is finished, they help clean up
and return back to school.”
THIS YEAR THE staff in the Campus Ministry Office,
through which the K of A is operated, plans to guide the Knights
to go beyond what they are currently involved with.
“We want to go beyond shaking the can for donations and vol-
unteering at PADS,” said Augustinian volunteer Ms. Meghan
Fitzgerald.
Campus Ministry and the K of A is planning to participate in a
larger scale community outreach project that will be much more
involved than some of the projects worked on in the past.
Senior Frank Herrera, the K of A’s newly elected president,
along with his fellow officers, senior Brian Allen, and juniors Dan
Dillon, Tim Ladd, and Ryan Nolan are working with the entire K
or A fraternity to discuss ideas for this larger outreach project as
well as other new ideas for K of A in general.

Homecoming and Food Drive successful again

By Kyel White Freshmen kicked off the week as homeroom sections
Senior Writer competed against one another to see who could show the
most pride and creativity in decorating the hallways of the
Rita’s Annual Homecoming Week celebration, largely school.
organized by the Student Government officers, has once THROUGH THE EMBELLISHMENT of stream-
again come and gone. ers, balloons, posters, and window paint, Mrs. Maureen
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families showed Pangrazio’s homeroom was victorious in winning the
their pride in Rita and how much they truly live up to this much sought after grand prize of a pizza party.
year’s them and “Commit to the Mustang.” This year’s festivities once again included the always
popular Mustang Olympics, which had
several new turns and surprises as well as
regular favorites.
Students were able take a chance at
throwing pies in faculty and staff mem-
bers’ faces and saw what students could
eat the most White Castle hamburgers.
Rita’s Augustinian brothers who were
visiting from Sydney, Australia as part
of the International Exchange Program
showed everyone that they could talk the
talk and walk the walk as they finished in
third place for the Olympics.
The senior class was once again tri-
umphant in the Olympics as they were
able to overtake the rest of the school, the
Australians, and even the faculty to win
Photo courtesy of Advancement Office first place.
A TOTAL OF 3,745 food items were collected by Rita students to help those in need dur- In addition, to the many events associ-
ing the Student Government’s Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. From left, Student
Government officials Augustinian Volunteer Mr. Joe Toomey, seniors Jack O’Connor,
ated with Homecoming, the Student Gov-
Dan Harney, moderator Bro. Gary Hresil, OSA, seniors Martin Hopkins, Pat McCa- ernment also recently organized the An-
rthy, and Dylan Dineen show off just a small handful of the food that was collected. nual Thanksgiving Food Drive.
During the food drive, homeroom sections brought in
non-perishable food items and competed to see which
homeroom could collect the most food to help others in
need.
The homeroom competition was close throughout; with
history teacher Mr. Jerry Pazin hoping for yet another vic-
tory with his homeroom.
However, newcomer Mrs. Mary Albrecht edged him and
his homeroom out, as the students of her class took home
the “Golden Gobbler” by collecting a total of 565 items,
just 26 more items than Mr. Pazin’s 539.
An overall total of 3,745 items were collected school-
wide. The food was delivered to St. Claire of Montefalco
and St. Rita Parish, St. Basil Visitation Parish, and Angel’s
Touch. St. Claire and St. Rita went on to aid St. Pancratius
Parish and Our Lady of Fatima Parish using some of the
food donated by the Rita students.
THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT officers and their
moderator, Bro. Gary Hresil, OSA, are gracious to every-
one that contributed in helping to feed others in need dur-
ing the holiday season.
There are many more plans in store for Student Govern-
ment as the year continues, including proms, dance, the
blood drive, and eventually Spring Pride Week 2009.
In order to assist the senior, junior, and sophomore class
officers, the freshman class recently elected and inducted
its new officers.
At the all-school mass held on November, 26th, Brendan
Duffy, Jack Konrath, Dan Ladd, and Shakir Spells were
sworn in as officers by Rita’s President Fr. Tom McCarthy,
OSA, and Mrs. Sally Deenihan, Principal.

Page 2
Australian exchange proves a success
By Dave Schrader
Assistant Editor
During the month of October, Rita wel-
comed several students who traveled from
Sydney, Australia to spend time with Rita
students as part of Rita’s International Ex-
change Program.
This cultural exchange opportunity,
which is in its second year, allowed the
Australian visitors a chance to experience
the culture of the United States, Chicago,
and St. Rita High School.
The Australian students lived in Chicago
for three weeks, during which time they
experienced a plethora of activities, all of
which showcased many cultural aspects of
Chicago and life at Rita as are experienced
by Rita students.
Those Australian students, who them-
selves attend an Augustinian school, were
Jake White, Kieron McIlvin, Hugo Hart-
ley, Clay Simons, Mitchel Allison, Lewis
Evans, Jamie Sargeant. They were accom-
panied for the start of their journey by and
their administrator Mr. Gary Coulter.
RITA STUDENTS AND families wel-
comed these young men into their homes
to bring a greater sense of the Rita com-
munity and culture.
Those students who served as hosts with
their families were juniors Walker Dunne,
Vince Riggio, Eric Sloyan, Kyle Toth, and
Kevin Yerkes, sophomores Dan McGrath
December 18, 2008
NEWS
and Alex Summerfelt.
Experiencing the best cultural aspects
that Chicago and Rita have to offer was vi-
tal to the success of the Australians visit.
The students had a tour exploring the in-
fluence of American art on the rest of the
world while visiting the Art Institute of
Chicago.
There was also an opportunity for the
Australians to sit in on a Chicago City
Council meeting, during which time they
met with Chicago’s Mayor Richard M.
Daley and 18th Ward Alderwoman Lona
Lane.
An architectural tour of Chicago gave the
students a visual perspective of many of
Chicago’s major buildings that are world-
renowned for their architecture. Photo courtesy of Advancement Office
STANDING IN FRONT of the Rita marquee are the seven Australian students who were a
THEY EVEN WENT to ESPN Zone,
part of the Rita community for three weeks during October. They are joined by their school
where they not only were able to have a administrator Mr. Gary Coulter (far left) and Rita’s President Fr. Tom McCarthy, OSA.
fun time, but also able to get a feel for the
great tradition that is Chicago sports. student hosts in attending classes, dressed the Chicago Catholic League title with a
Finally, the Australian students attend- as Rita student do, and even enrolled in af- win over Br. Rice during the Homecoming
ed a Naval Training Graduation at Great terschool activities to get a feel of how be- game.
Lakes Naval Base, which allowed them to ing involved and working hard is important The time spent in Chicago by the Austra-
witness and learn about the patriotism of to Rita students. lians was viewed as a huge success by its
the United States. BEFORE LEAVING THE Australians organizers and plans are currently under-
Cultural field trips were only a part of the were given the chance to experience the way for future exchange visits to Chicago.
learning experience, however. Being a part yearly traditions of Homecoming Week However, before Rita receives more visi-
of the regular Rita school day was also part activities. tors those students who hosted the Austra-
of the experience each of these students They were witness to the sense of pride lian guests will be traveling to Australia to
took in. had during such events as the Mustang have a cultural learning experience of their
The exchange students joined their Rita Olympics and saw the Mustangs clinch own in April.

Marching, concerts, and practices Rita honors

part of successful year for Rita band Our Lady of
Guadalupe
By Matthew Dunson
or activities.
Junior Writer Band Director Ms. Cindy Gradek and other school admin-
It has been yet another new and successful beginning to istrators have been working together to ensure that all stu-

during special
one of the many cornerstones of Rita: The St. Rita Marching
Mustangs Band.
Without them playing at football and basketball games,
pep rallies, concerts, and various other school functions,
Rita would not be the same place.
Mass ceremony
This year is no exception; the band is preparing for a year
of excellence by changing their practice-time structure and
focusing on important goals.
One of the biggest changes in the band’s practice-time
structure is that the Rita student members of the band now
practice every day during the C and D portions of 4th pe-
riod.
THIS CHANGE HAS been made to allow the band to
focus on improving unity and skill. The change gives stu-
dents who may not have been able to be a part of the band
in the past due to other afternoon commitments the ability
to practice during the day and prepare with the other band
members.
The band also practices as a whole with the female mem-
bers of the band who attend area Catholic all-girl high
schools joining the Rita students every Wednesday after-
noon. Every student in the band is required and able to at-
tend this practice regardless of their involvement in sports
dents have the opportunity to be a part of the band.
The Mustangs put on their Annual Christmas Concert De-
cember 10th and are now gearing up to compete in the State
of the Art Catholic Band Competition. That competition
will be taking place February 21st at Marian Catholic.
JUST ONE WEEK later, the Mustangs will move on to
take part in the Midwest Music Festival at Lemont High
School on February 28th.
Without a doubt, the biggest upcoming event for the band
is the trip they will be making April 10th through April 19th
to Italy. The Mustangs are preparing to travel Italy over
Easter Break, a trip that the Rita band takes part in every
four years.
“I am really excited about the Italy trip,” said senior band
member and officer Ted Haras.
Many stops will be made along the tour including one in
Rome, however the most important stop will be when the
Mustangs visit Cascia and the shrine of St. Rita.
Everyone in the band is working hard and has high expec-
tations for their performances throughout the year.
The overall theme of this year, as band President Bran-
don Cross said, is “to get everyone motivated musically and
teach the band members self-discipline.”

Photo by David Huang

STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF, and guests of Rita
honored Our Lady of Guadalupe at a special Mass
held on her feast day, December 12th. Organized by
Photo by David Huang
the Hispanic Culture Club, the Mass included mu-
THE MARCHING MUSTANGS put on their halftime extravaganza during one of Rita’s varsity football games. From
sic and readings in Spanish as well as a presenta-
front left to right, junior Pat Leonard, freshman Ryan Tomlinson, and sophomore Maxx Axel show off on the saxophone.
tion of the picture depicting Our Lady shown above.
December 18, 2008
NEWS Page 3

Rita sends six to Tulsa, OK for Rita installs new

solar
Sixth Annual Values Institute
By Bob Carroll & Al Smith
Sophomore & Senior Writers
Faculty, staff, administrators, and board members from 14
Augustinian secondary institutions across the world recently
came together for the Sixth Annual Augustinian Values In-
stitute.
This year’s AVI was held from October 24th to October
26th at Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Participants in this year’s three-day weekend conference
came from cities across the United States, but were also
joined by others who are associated with Augustinian sec-
ondary education in Rome, Canada, Ireland, England and
Australia. In total 104 people took part in the AVI, with five
individuals coming from the Rita community.
Fr. Tom McCarthy, OSA, President, was joined by As-
sistant Principal Ms. Eileen Sullivan, Director of Campus
Ministry Mrs. Vicki Blaszak, Music Teacher and Director of
International Exchange Mrs. Jodi McLawhorn, Math Teacher
Mr. Josh Blaszak, and Board of Directors Member Mr. Ernie
Mrozek.
INSTITUTE PARTICIPANTS WERE witness to pre-
sentations and shared in discussions with one another on the
various ways they as a group can work together to promote
the Augustinian core values of veritas/truth, unitas/unity, and
caritas/love in their everyday lives and work in Augustinian
schools.
Engaged activities surrounding Augustine’s experience as
teacher, the search for Truth, and each school’s institutional
identity and expression of the Augustinian core values were
some of what took place during the three days.
The three days also gave individuals participating the op-
portunity to congregate with one another and build a larger
community of fellowship. Participants socialized and shared
experiences about the schools they came from, which built
connections amongst the various schools located vast dis-
tances apart.
Rita has now had 29 individuals from its community at-
tend these annual meetings since they first began. Other
AVI weekends have been held in various locations such as
Ojai, California; Malvern, Pennsylvania; Rita itself; and now
Tulsa.
MANY OF THOSE who have attended the AVIs credit the
experience with giving them the chance to better learn about
the true meaning of the core values and to discover ways of
incorporating the values into their roles at Rita.
Each year, the members of the Rita community return from
the AVI and work to let what began during their AVI experi-
ence live on with some change that they feel can positively
impact the atmosphere at Rita.
One such change was when the attendees of an AVI a cou-
ple years ago felt something could be done to better instill the
core values into Rita’s dismissal at the end of the school day.
As a result, the bell was no longer rung at the end of the day
and each day ended instead with the prayer that is now used
each and every day at 2:17PM.
The five members who attend this year participated in live-
ly discussions with many suggestions and thoughts as to how
the core values can be better encompassed into life at Rita.
These individuals have decided to continue these discussions
and plan to meet in the future months to see what else can be
done by their group to better include the values.
panel system
By Marty Malone
Editor-in-Chief
Technological upgrades at Rita have started to be-
come a major focus in recent years, and this year has
been no different as many additions and upgrades
have been made to keep Rita on the forefront of tech-
nology.
In addition to the newly renovated state-of-the-art
science labs and the new SMART Boards, Rita has
also installed new solar panels on the roof of the din-
ing hall.
The one-kilowatt solar panel system was made pos-
sible through a grant for schools that show an interest
in making their campus more eco-friendly.
USING THE ENERGY created from the solar
panels does provide a money saving benefit for the
school as it reduces energy costs. However, the new
solar panels also create an opportunity for learning.
Students are learning about how this new technol-
ogy works, and why it is so popular in this modern
world.
Chemistry teacher Mrs. Sue Krystof is excited to
incorporate the school’s new solar panel into lessons
for her students.
LESSONS ARE ABLE to be designed around ob-
servation of the panels, and data collection allows
students to measure temperature changes and monitor
the efficiency of the solar collectors.
Assistant Principal and Chairman of the Math and
Science Division Mr. Joe Partacz commented on
Rita’s outlook on modernization and the motivations
behind the solar project: “We at St. Rita feel that we
have to stay ahead of the curve technologically in or-
der to give our students the best education possible.
Our faculty is excited about the new beginnings in our
science department and we look forward to using the
panels this coming school year.”

Photo courtesy of Cascia Hall Preparatory School

SIX INDIVIDUALS FROM the Rita community recently traveled to Cascia Hall in Tulsa, OK for the Sixth An- Photo courtesy of Advancement Office
nual Augustinian Values Institute. From back left are math teacher Mr. Josh Blaszak, Board of Directors Member THE NEW ONE-KILOWATT solar panel system is installed
Mr. Ernie Mrozek, and President Fr. Tom McCarthy, OSA. From front left are Assistant Principal Ms. Eileen Sulli- on the roof located above the dining hall. These panels offer
van, Director of Campus Ministry Mrs. Vicki Blaszak, and Director of International Exchange Mrs. Jodi McLawhorn. Rita both economical, environmental, and educational benefits.

Alumni return after 40 or more years for Ritamen lunches

By Dan Moore
Editor-in-Chief
Frequently, Rita students are told that
they come to Rita for four years, but stay a
lifetime. There are few less potent exam-
ples of this than the Ritamen luncheons.
First started back in 1990 when Rita
moved from its original campus on 63rd
and Claremont, the Ritamen luncheons
are a monthly gathering of alumni who
graduated 40 or more years ago.
“It was originally only for alumni who
had graduated 50 or more years ago,” said
Rita’s Director of Annual Appeal and lun-
cheon organizer Mr. John Schmitt, “but
there was such high interest in participa-
tion among younger alumni that the age
limit was lowered.”
EACH MONTH, THE Rita staff caters
food and beverages to an average turnout
of 40-50 people. Alumni catch up on each
others’ lives and swap stories.
Naturally, the Ritamen show great in-
terest in what is currently going on in the
school. Therefore, a guest speaker will
address the alumni to keep them up-to-
date. no difference to me. It is still the same St. “They absolutely love it,” Mr. Schmitt
Past speakers include Head Football Rita.” said.
Coach Todd Kuska, Director of Admis- Mr. Shubat encourages all eligible EVENTS SUCH AS the Ritamen lun-
sions and Head Hockey Coach Craig Fer- alumni to participate. In fact, when inter- cheon continue to foster Rita’s rich sense
guson, and Junior/Senior Guidance Coun- viewed, he had spent a great deal of time of tradition as well as the core value of
selor Sr. Mary Alice Hoff, OP. on the phone soliciting the luncheon the unitas/unity.
Rita paraphernalia is raffled off towards previous day! When 2049, 2050, 2051, and 2052 roll
the end of the event, and the alumni are in- “I have always boosted St. Rita,” he around respectively, hopefully all current
vited to take a tour to explore the campus said. students will take advantage of this op-
once the luncheon has concluded. The other alumni who attend the lun- portunity to continue to participate in the
ONE OF THE most noteworthy patrons cheons seem to share Mr. Shubat’s senti- Rita family and be a part of these Ritamen
of the Ritamen luncheons is Mr. Frank ment. luncheons.
Shubat from the class of 1951.
Actively involved in Rita since his grad-
uation, Mr. Shubat’s connection with the
school lends itself to natural participation
in the monthly Ritamen luncheons.
“The sharing of what we have as St.
Rita alumni, whether we’re there to see
our buddies; swap stories; or have a good
time, is what makes the luncheons so
great,” he said.
When asked if Rita—despite the new
campus and passing years—still felt like Photo by David Huang
home to him, Mr. Shubat immediately and RITAMEN GATHER AT the front of the chapel during the all-school Mass that was held
decisively responded, “There is absolutely on December 12th. Monthly luncheons are held for Rita alumni from 40 or more years ago.
Page 4
Editorial
Art imitates life?
or
Life imitates art?
Does art imitate life, or does life imitate art? To me
and many others, the obvious answer would be that art
imitates life.
People create art to seem like regular life so we will
be absorbed more into that world. They want you to
view it how it really was, being as accurate as possible,
right?
That’s where the line blurs. Perhaps those who create
art actually create a reality that we think life is supposed
to be like. Perhaps they are creating a world that shows
how people are supposed to act. The world created is
supposed to show what you’re supposed to wear and
how you’re supposed to act.
JUST TAKE ANY college movie. College is not
all about crazy fraternities one-upping each other and
throwing the largest kegger around.
Yet, that is how the movies show it, so we assume
college is going to be like that. We believe we are really
supposed to do our best not to remember college.
The more we see these presentations and begin to be-
lieve them, reality starts reflecting that.
Why do you think advertising is so popular? Do you
think people want to start smoking?
People want to be like their favorite character, though.
If James Bond smokes, then smoking is one step closer
becoming a 007 agent.
Let’s look at some examples. Anybody with an eye
patch is immediately thought of as a pirate. That may
seem dumb, but the first thing that pops in my head
when I see that patch is, “Gyaar.”
I KNOW PIRATES like this do not exist, but the eye
patch has become synonymous with that persona. That
is, in one way, life imitating art.
Humans are simple creatures who live off experience.
We are also sociable creatures. We are a people who
need to communicate with others or we will go insane.
For those reasons, we want to have the same experi-
ences as others. We want to find a common ground as
a way to jumpstart the conversation. Movies help to
do that.
Movies bridge that gap between people so they can all
share in a common experience.
THIS PROVIDES A reason as to why people start
doing things similar to what they see in the movies.
Why do you think movie companies have to put dis-
claimers before movies like MTV’s Jackass? People
will attempt the stunts they see in that movie because
they, and their friends, think it will be hilarious.
Every other time you see someone reenacting some-
thing or doing a parody, it’s usually never as good.
They’re not professionals, so whatever they do is usu-
ally terrible. Yet people still love it.
People love when others imitate the art they like, so
they will continue on doing it. They will continue imi-
tating the art, instead of wanting art to imitate them.
Please note, the editorial is a written view of one St.
Rita High School student. It does not necessarily re-
flect the views of others at St. Rita or the school as an
institution.
The Ritan is a publication of the students of St. Rita of
Cascia High School, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago
IL 60620. Phone: 773-925-6600 ext. 6668. Letters
to the editors can be dropped of at the Mel Schreier
Ritan Office located in the academic wing on the
northwest end of the second floor, submitted via
email to editors@theritan.com or given to Mr. Josh
Blaszak in Room 206.
Editors-in-Chief: Marty Malone and Dan Moore
Assistant Editor: Dave Schrader
Staff Writers: Luke Bentley, Brian Boyd, Bob Car-
roll, Joe Cahill, Matthew Dunson, Luke Konrath,
Cesar Morales, Sean Nolan, Craig Sabath, Al Smith,
Alex Summerfelt, Ricky Valadez, Adam Vargas, Kyel
White, Bart Wolski, and Manuel Yu
Photographers: Matt Bokoski, David Huang
and Al Smith
Artists: Matt Gooseherst
and Warren Higginbothan
Moderator: Mr. Josh Blaszak
STUDENT VIEWS December 18, 2008
VIDEO GAME REVIEW:
Force Unleashed good addition to Star Wars story
By Bart Wolski
Senior Writer
Did you ever want to be a Jedi
when you were a kid? Did you
want to lift a spaceship from a
swamp with nothing but your
mind or use the Force choke to
shut someone up? If so, Star
Wars: The Force Unleashed is a
dream come true.
First, there are plenty of offen-
sive opportunities. You can wield
a light saber, shoot lightning, or
use the Force liberally. The real
fun starts when you use these
powers in combination.
TRY LIFTING someone in the
air, charging them with lightning,
and then flinging them at a group
of soldiers! One particularly hi-
larious scenario is when you grip
a storm trooper and levitate him
over to another storm trooper:
he’ll grab the other guy in a des-
perate attempt for survival!
While the game play is defi-
nitely the star of the show, this
doesn’t mean that the game Graphic by Matt Gooseherst
doesn’t try its hand at a story.
You play as Starkiller, a Sith apprentice trained by Darth III and IV quite nicely though.
Vader, who is ordered by his master to carry out various The game is not flawless, however. There are times
less-than-desirable acts as preparation for his upcoming where you will be knocked down and enemies will simply
battle with the Emperor. gang up on you and you will have no way of escaping. This
Soon, however, Starkiller starts getting attached to his is especially bad at the beginning of the last level, where
new crew and friends, and conflicts between his views of I couldn’t take 3 steps before losing the first time I tried.
good and evil arise. This is a good premise, but the char- There are lots of random glitches in both the game play
acters are useless. and graphics.
JUNO IS THE love interest whose sole purpose is being Overall, I enjoyed TFU. It’s a good addition to the Star
a love interest, and Kota, Starkiller’s mentor after Vader, Wars story and a decent action game.
never actually teaches him anything. I liked PROXY, It has plenty of fan service (including playing as Vader).
though, who can be best described as an unbalanced—but Sure, there are flaws, but if you are just looking for a fun
friendly—C3PO. The story does tie Star Wars: Episodes game, this is worth a rental (perhaps even a buy).
What’s That?
The following question was recently asked of several classes of Rita students.
What was the best or worst Chrsitmas gift you have ever received?
Tom Minnick freshman: I think the
best Christmas gift that I have ever
received was a dog, because my dog
is like another part of family now.
Brian Flisk, sophomore: The best
Christmas present that I have ever
received was a autographed Thomas
Jones plaque. It was also the worst
through because he was traded that
year.
MINNICK Quinn Sweeney, sophomore: I think FLISK
the best Christmas gift that I ever
received was a trip to Colorado. It
was a lot of fun going skiing down
the big mountains and I went tubing
down a slope.
Brandyn Cheatham, junior: I think
the best Christmas present I’ve ever
received so far was a new laptop be-
cause I use it all the time and I can
use it anywhere in the house and not
have to sit at a computer desk.
Countless other Ritamen: The best
SWEENEY Christmas present I ever received CHEATHAM
was my Xbox 360s.
December 18, 2008 STUDENT VIEWS Page 5

Barrack Obama’s win re-draws U.S. political map

By Adam Vargas
Senior Political Commentator

By now you have all heard that Barrack Obama

has been elected to become the 44th president of the
United States.
Having monitored the numerous elections over the
past two years, I can tell you that it was truly an uphill
climb for the President-elect.
Obama’s road to the White House involved many
challenges that needed to be handled perfectly: a pri-
mary that looked to be as much a guarantee for Sen.
Hillary Clinton as Ohio used to be for the Republican
party, a pastor that didn’t exactly help his cause, and
a maverick from Alaska that attacked his policies as if
she were hunting game back home.
Obama overcame such obstacles as swaying pas-
sionate Clinton fans, defeating a worthy opponent in
Sen. John McCain during the general election, and 219
years of the American presidency not once being held
by an African-American.
The president-elect ultimately overcame everything
that critics tried throwing at him thanks to the help of
millions of Americans across the country who heard
his call for change, never forfeited their willingness
to hope, and said “yes we can” when history said “no PRESIDENT-ELECT BARRACK Obama will officially being his historic first term as President of the United States on January
20, 2009. Above in blue are the states Obama won on election night, and the red states which were won by Senator John McCain.
you can’t”.
HOWEVER, BEFORE WE knew that Obama
would indeed overcome the final challenges standing
between him and history, all we knew were some polls
and statistics.
Christmas a time for new video games
That was because all the campaigning that Obama By Dave Schrader
and McCain had done over the past two years really Assistant Editor for, as far as I can tell, fifty waves. It ized. You are a runner and you relay
came down to one final night: election night. may sound boring, but it’s good ol’ messages that are meant to be kept
Despite the common inaccuracies of political poll- Many new video games are cur- fashioned fun, especially on the level secret in a city that is watched by its
ing, I could not help but constantly check the most rently coming out. For the past nine with lasers. government and where any dissent is
recent numbers for the crucial battleground states that months, very few games have been Then there is also the new Call of punished. If you remember the first
both candidates coveted. released. Then now, as we get into the Duty: World at War. This is the fifth ten minutes of Casino Royale, that’s
What made the 2008 political map so interesting was Christmas season, suddenly the flood- main game in the Call of Duty fran- exactly what this game is like for the
the fact that almost all the battleground states were gates open and big releases pop off chise. They are now coming out every eight hours it lasts.
states that McCain should have had working for him. every week. year, but being produced by different IT IS FUN, and the game is beauti-
Of the seven states that finished with the two candi- Some recent ones would be Gears of developers. CoDWaW is developed ful. You never get the sense that you
dates within 6% of each other, all seven had been won War 2, Call of Duty: World at War, by Treyarch, which means absolutely are just a floating camera, as you’ll see
by President George W. Bush four years ago. and Mirror’s Edge, all of which I’ll be nothing to most, but they were the ones your arms pumping as you run or your
That included the state of Virginia, which had voted reviewing. who made the abysmal Call of Duty 3. legs hang as you swing. The skyline is
for the Republican nominee ten straight elections lead- FIRST, I WILL take a look at So I came in expecting garbage. lovely as you vault across rooftops.
ing up to the 2008 elections, and Ohio, where no Re- Gears of War 2. The sequel to the Luckily, I didn’t bother with the The problem is that the game does
publican has ever not won and then moved on to be blockbuster that was Gears of War, main campaign. Since the multiplayer not adjust for you. So one misstep or
elected president except for Abraham Lincoln. which allowed me to curb stomp peo- for CoD 4 was amazing in about every if you’re a couple inches from grab-
If one were to ask any news pundit what they found ple from the comfort of my own home, aspect, you can’t do much to ruin it. bing the ladder, you became a face-
most interesting about the way the elections were un- has arrived. Now, the original Gears Which is good, as the online is basi- less puddle of goo on the street below.
folding, they would likely have gladly told you it was was broken. People were picking up cally CoD 4 in a WWII setting. Thankfully, the game loads quickly as
the way Obama was preparing to change the way the weapons while shooting them. Then THE ONE THING I don’t like, you will die, a lot. The game is short,
political map was colored. add in the fact that the shotgun was too which is a small gripe, is the helicop- too. It clocks in around nine hours and
McCain was pushed so far back against the ropes powerful. Every other gun was point- ter has been replaced. Now, I know there is no real reason for you to con-
that he even began spending massive funds on the state less up close, as a good person could the helichopper wasn’t used in WWII tinue playing.
of Pennsylvania for its electoral votes. This was de- blow you away in a couple of shots. (or invented, for that matter) but the There you have it. Three games
spite the fact that Obama had comfortable lead in that That made online something I could dogs just aren’t satisfying. I demand that deserve everyone’s attention, and
state. not play. I could Lancer like no to- look up in terror as they get gunned I haven’t even mentioned Left 4 Dead.
So the stage was set. All Obama really needed to morrow, but that didn’t stop anyone down, not be able to shoot my dog in a Gears of War 2 gets a 4.75 out of 5 for
do was maintain his lead in states like Pennsylvania unless my friend was also shotgunning couple hits and be fine. However, I do being ridiculously fun and allowing to
while McCain had to win almost all of the swing states them. So I was elated to find out that like to believe I have a bunch of Rin not be useless online. Call of Duty:
– many of which he was trailing in. it became exponentially weaker. This Tin Tin’s at my beck and call and can World at War gets a 4 out of 5 because
As polls slowly began to close and states started to has changed the game for the better. unleash them to kill and maim when I the WWII setting has been done to
gain their colors, it became apparent that McCain’s Another thing that bettered it was so please. death, but being exactly like Call of
hopes for a victory were becoming more and more of Horde mode. Take five people and put I also had a chance to take a look at Duty 4 is great. Mirror’s Edge gets a 4
a stretch. them against an oncoming onslaught Mirror’s Edge. This is a first-person out of 5 as well for being ridiculously
Obama was projected the winner of McCain’s cov- of Horde (the enemy) and hopefully platform game. It’s like a first-per- fun to play, but unfortunately makes
eted Pennsylvania, given claims on Ohio, and even don’t die. You do this over and over son Prince of Persia, except modern- you want more.
rights to make a forty-year-old Republican state just
another example of change.
In the end, President-elect Obama managed to paint
the nation blue.
IN TERMS OF the seven swing states, Obama
won five. Montana and Missouri stayed red with Mc-
Cain. Overall, Obama took nine Bush states from
McCain; three from the west (Nevada, Colorado, and
New Mexico), three on the Atlantic coast (Virginia,
North Carolina, and Florida), and three neighboring
his home state of Illinois in the Midwest (Iowa, Indi-
ana, and Ohio).
So, as I said, it has been a long two years for Obama
and anyone who has been following him. And despite
the fact that the steep-hill climb to the White House
sometimes seemed even insurmountable, the final vic-
tory was well worth it all.
It is now believed by many, including myself that
change is coming to our great country. That change
officially begins on January 20, 2009 when President-
elect Barrack Obama is set to take office.

Page 6
Strong finish to season for varsity soccer
By Luke Bentley
Senior Writer
After a slow start to the season, the Mus-
tangs varsity soccer team tried to get off to
a better second half this year.
The attempt worked when the Mustangs
earned a 3-1 victory at Guerin Prep. They
then lost to a tough Oak Lawn team 4-0.
However, they were able to bounce back
with a 3-0 victory over Gordon Tech, end-
ing their conference play and finishing with
a record of 4-2.
Following conference play, the Mustangs
went on to play a very tough St. Ignatius
team and lost 5-1 and were scheduled to
play Fenwick on senior night.
The Fenwick game was a very important
game for the seniors who have been a very
successful class in the past four years.
SENIOR CAPTAIN KYLE Donahue
came up with a huge goal in the first half
to give the Mustangs the lead. Fenwick
would later score in the second half and tie
it up at 1-1.
The Mustangs felt pretty good coming
off with a tie to such a top rated team like
Fenwick.
“It was a great feeling scoring that goal,
especially on senior night,” said Donahue.
December 18, 2008
MUSTANG SPORTS
“The Fenwick game was the turning point
in our season because we started to really
believe in our ability after that game,” said
Head Coach Antonio Godinez.
The Mustangs continued on in their sea-
son and finished the regular season with a
3-0 victory over Evergreen Park.
IN THEIR FIRST regional game, the
Mustangs faced Farragut. With the score
tied 0-0 at halftime it looked like it would
be a battle to the end, but Donahue had dif-
ferent plans.
The senior captain put three goals in the
back of the net to give the Mustangs their
first playoff victory in four years.
Coach Godinez commented on the vic-
tory saying, “This win gave the St. Rita
Photo by Al Smith
soccer program a great sense of satisfac-
SENIOR CAPTAIN LARRY Damico is heading the ball down the field. Damico and the varsity
tion because it is the first playoff game we Mustangs had a slow start to their season, but their second half proved to be more successful.
have won in a few years.”
Donahue commented on the game as well season, Coach Godinez said, “I felt we did pay the price in the off-season. I would
saying, “It was a huge win. It felt great finish strong and that was evident because like to thank the St. Rita community, espe-
scoring those goals in a regional game.” we scored against one of the top teams in cially the parents that put in so much time
The next game the Mustangs had to face the state, Hinsdale Central.” and dedication into our soccer program,”
ended up being their toughest test yet. Hin- Coach Godinez is already looking for- he said.
sdale Central came to Rita to move onto the ward to next season. Four varsity Mustang players made All-
regional finals. Hinsdale was too much for “I’VE ALREADY started thinking Catholic League Honors: senior captains
the Mustangs to handle as they won 4-1. about the starting lineup for next year. This Larry Damico, Mike Kinney, and Kyle Do-
When asked about his reaction on the will all depend on my boys’ willingness to nahue and junior Jose Calles.

Sophomore soccer has one of the best years in Rita history

By Luke Bentley
Senior Writer
Rita’s sophomore soccer team finished their season like
they started: with a victory.
The team this year was one of the best sophomore soc-
cer teams in Rita history.
The team led by sophomore captain Luke LeBeau and
freshman captains Mark Murphy and Stan Sojka finished
with a record of 8-5-3. The sophomore Mustangs also
captured the Chicago Catholic League White crown.
Head Coach Mike Carlson could not have been happier
with the team’s season.
“It was a great season, one of the best we have ever
had,” said Coach Carlson.
“The boys gelled together so well and they really
stepped up when needed,” he added.
THE MUSTANGS STARTED their CCL play with a
decisive win over St. Laurence 8-2. However, then came
their first loss of the season to DeLaSalle 3-1. The Mus-
tangs quickly rebounded with a win over Kankakee 6-4.
They then played a tough Marist team who defeated the
Mustang 3-0, and it did not get easier when they tied Latin
0-0.
Later, the Mustangs once again took care of St. Lau-
rence in a rematch with the Vikings and went on to tie
local suburban power Oak Lawn.
The next game up for the Mustangs was their
biggest of the year, as the DeLaSalle Meteors
would come to Rita for a rematch and battle over
the CCL White Championship.
The Mustangs took care of DeLaSalle in the
pouring rain, this time with a late goal by sopho-
more captain Luke LeBeau. The Mustangs won
1-0 and celebrated a well-deserved conference
championship.
Coach Carlson commented on the game, “It
was the worst possible conditions with the best
results. Everyone stepped up, and we knew what
we had to do; they got it done.”
TWO DAYS AFTER the CCL White win, the
Mustangs made a statement when they took on
the CCL Blue champion St. Ignatius and defeat- Photo by Al Smith
CAPTAIN LUKE LEBEAU dribbles the ball down the field. The
ed the Wolfpack 2-1.
sophomore Mustangs finished the season winning the CCL White title.
The overall successful season was rounded up
with a loss to Fenwick 3-1 and an easy win for freshman class and we are preparing already.”
the Rita Mustangs over the Mustangs of Evergreen Park While another successful season is anticipated for next
7-0. year, the coaching staff is already expecting some chang-
The sophomore team did not compete in the Chicago es.
Catholic Sophomore Cup this year due to weather and Assistant Coach Afework Zellelew “AZ” will not be re-
field constraints. turning as he has chosen to commit to coaching his young
Coach Carlson already anticipates a successful season son’s soccer team and Assistant Coach Meghan Fitzgerald
for next year’s sophomore Mustangs as he said, “We can will be moving on from Rita following the completion of
expect even better things next season. We have a great her Augustinian Volunteer year.

Rita basketball team kicks off Rebuilding a key task

season with McGovern Classic for Mustang swimmers
By Cesar Morales
Freshman Writer
Basketball season is already underway for the
Mustangs. Rita kicked off their season with a 2-2
record in the Annual McGovern Classic Basketball
Tournament.
Standout players in the tournament were junior
Lane Barlow, and seniors Ryan Demming and
Marcel Portwood.
HEAD COACH ROB Sarmiento has a good
feeling about the outcome of this year’s season.
The Mustang’s players have been preparing for
the season by participating in conditioning exer-
cises such as running and weight lifting since Sep-
tember.
Currently he feels the team needs to work more
on improving its offence, while maintaining and
continuing to work on its defense that so far has
been good.
Coach Sarmiento commented that five seniors
on this year’s team—Pat McCarthy, Ryan Dem-
ming, Curtis Pettit, Jamere Walton, and Marcel
Portwood—will be among the best.
HE BELIEVES THESE five will do a lot for
Rita this season. However, another key element of
this season will be young players rising to high po-
sitions because of their experience.
Coach Sarmiento like other coaches is hoping for
a very successful season that includes all his play-
ers staying healthy and remaining injury free.
As for the freshmen and sophomore teams,
Coach Sarmiento feels that they too look to have
very successful seasons this year.
“The sophomore team’s prospects are good, and
the freshmen team seems to be one of the best in a
while,” said Coach Sarmiento.
By Dan Moore
Editor-in-Chief
The key task for the 2008-2009
Mustang swim team is rebuilding.
With much of their depth gradu-
ating with last year’s senior class,
the Mustangs will have to fill many
events with new swimmers. Only
approximately 37% of the team
consists of more-experienced up-
perclassmen.
HOWEVER, AS Head Coach
Chuck Knibbs is fond of saying,
“Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
In fact, the rebuilding process
is already well underway. In their
first meet of the year, Rita defeat-
ed rival Mt. Carmel.
The junior varsity had a strong
showing, and the varsity swim-
mers have had some excellent
times despite the early stage of the
season.
The high concentration of un-
derclassmen holds promise not
only for this year, but also for the
future seasons of the Swimming
Mustangs.
MEANWHILE, expect great
things from the team’s veteran
swimmers, especially senior
Mitch Condon.
Coach Knibbs is joined this year
by two new Assistant Coaches:
science teacher Mr. Don Krystof,
who coached swimming at Ev-
ergreen Park High School, and
Augustinian volunteer Mr. Joe
Toomey.
December 18, 2008
MUSTANG FOOTBALL Page 7

Sophomores CCL Champs Freshmen

Mustangs
By Sean Nolan
Sophomore Writer

Starting the season 4-1, Rita’s sophomore

celebrate
football team continued on their path of glory
throughout the remainder of the season suffering
only one tough loss to Mt. Carmel.
A triumph came for the Mustangs when they

8-1 finish
brought home a great win over Loyola Academy,
27-14.
The Mustangs’ success continued as they came
up with a 27-14 win over Fenwick. However,
during that Fenwick game, while putting the team By Ricky Valdez
first and working toward a win, Harry Zelek suf- Freshman Writer
fered a season-ending injury while recovering an
onside kick. The 2008 football season has come to an end.
Rita’s Homecoming game was next for the The freshmen Mustangs finished out its last 5
Mustangs. They took on one of their biggest ri- games well, winning 4 and losing 1.
vals, the Crusaders of Br. Rice. Their record overall at the end of the season
LED BY OFFENSIVE linemen Joe Nash and was 8-1. This placed the Mustangs second in
Tom Hitz, the Mustangs took care of the Cru- their conference.
saders and sent them home defeated with a final Photo courtesy of Mike Baron The first game for the second half of the sea-
score of 27-14. This victory clinched the Chicago TRAVIS STARKS RUNS the ball during the sophomore Mustangs’ game versus Br. son was against Providence. The game was
Rice. The Mustangs 27-14 victory over the Crusaders clinched them the CCL Title. played very well and ended in a St. Rita Victory
Catholic League Championship for the sophomore
Mustangs. The Mustangs and their coaches believe this was a great 39-0.
The Mustangs did not let the CCL Championship keep them season overall as they look back on their many great achieve- THE NEXT GAME, was the first game the
from playing hard in their final game of the season against ments, including the winning of the CCL title. freshmen got to play under the lights at home.
Collins Academy. The players look forward to moving up to varsity next year, That game was against Loyola Academy, a well-
Although the game was cancelled due to rain after the first and some were already given that chance to move up at the end known school with a good football team.
quarter, the Mustangs led Collins 14-0. of this season. The game started with an early rushing touch-

Rita football tradition marks 100 years

By Craig Sabath
Freshman Writer
From 63rd and Claremont to 77th and
Western, from Pat Cronin to Todd Kus-
ka, the tradition of Rita football marks it
100th year this year.
The celebration is not just 100 years
of football’s existence; it is a celebration
of many accomplishments: a national
championship, two state championships,
five Prep Bowl victories and twenty-two
Catholic League championships.
FOOTBALL IS AN outstanding as-
pect of Rita. Many believe there is noth-
ing that can replace what football brings
to the school.
However, Fr. Tom McCarthy, OSA,
Rita’s President, wishes to dispel any no-
tion that we are a football school. Rather
he believes we are, “A great school that
has a great football program [with] great
kids, great Ritamen, and great students
who are also good football players.”
“Football for St. Rita is a source of
pride and tradition whether you are on
the field or in the stands,” said Athletic
Director Bob Conlon.
“It builds community and lives up to
our charism of unitas,” he said.
Those statements manifest in them-
selves as a very large portion of the at-
tendees at our varsity home games are
Rita students, faculty and staff members,
alumni, and parents.
When asked what football does for the
young men here at Rita, Fr. Tom replied,
“I think it’s a way to show that they’re
using the gifts and talents God has given
them… it builds community”
Rita football is a well-engrained cul-
tural aspect of Southside Chicago. For
many it has become a great opportunity
to congregate with others.
A staggering 81,270 gathered for the
1963 Prep Bowl, where the Mustangs
obliterated Vocational 42-7. The annual
Rita vs. Mt. Carmel game draws thou-
sands. These attendance numbers pro-
vide a true testament to the popularity
of Rita football not just within the Rita
community, but the entire Southside.
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH, Todd
Kuska recalls going to almost every
game while in grammar school.
“The most memorable game I came to
in grammar school was the semi-final
game in 1985,” he said.
Coach Kuska, a member of the class
of 1990, was a football player himself
while attending Rita.
Coach Kuska explained that the game
of football may have changed through
the years to “a more passing offense,”
but the expectations of our football team
have skyrocketed.
Mr. Conlon expects the players “to al-
ways give 100%” and “be the best they
can.”
FR. TOM ADDED to those remarks
saying, “I just want them to do their best
and be gentlemen.”
Year after year, the football team ex-
ceeds those expectations. Fr. Tom is
also awe-struck by the selflessness of the
players.
“When I read the quotations of our
players that are interviewed in the news-
paper, they’re not talking about them-
selves— they’re talking about the team,
they’re talking about our school and to
me that’s unbelievable,” said Fr. Tom.
Coach Kuska was quoted early in the
season in the Chicago Sun Times say-
ing, “The 2008 Mustangs need to set the
tempo for what they want to be and leave
their own legacy. Some kids might not
remember Lick or Marek or Cronin. But
they are aware of the tradition. We talk
about it. We want to keep it alive.”
down and great defensive stops; the game fin-
ished with a 41-6 score and a win for Rita.
Next was Fenwick. This game was a must
win for the freshmen. The game was dominated
with an early start for the offence and a great
defensive game, and it ended with a great win
for Rita 27- 0.
The Crusaders of Br. Rice were the next up
for the Mustangs as they faced off to compete
for the conference championship.
While the game started off slow, it became
more interesting towards the middle and the
end. However, it was a heartbreaker as Rita lost
27- 6, but it was a hard-fought game on both
sides.
THE PLAYERS GAVE what they had, but
Rita came up a little short in the end.
Rita then took on Tinley Park public school
opponent Victor J. Andrew. The offense and de-
fense, along with special teams were a big part
of the game. The offense put up 49 points and
the defense kept Andrew to 14 points.
Finishing with a respectable record, the team
was excited to have done well, but was still dis-
appointed they did not capture the champion-
ship.
The coaches reiterated to the team just how
well they all played and how much fun they as
coaches had with the team.
The freshmen players of this team look on
to next season with great expectations for their
sophomore season.

Quinn and Schaller enjoy 50 years as coaches

By Craig Sabath
Freshman Writer
100 years of football at Rita was not the only milestone
celebrated during the recent football season.
The Rita community honored Coach Jack Quinn and
Coach Gene Schaller’s as they each marked 50 years of
coaching football.
This is a remarkable achievement the entire Rita family
has been very proud to celebrate with the two coaches.
Coach Quinn graduated from Mt. Carmel in 1959 and
went on to work for the Edison Company.
AFTER BREAKING HIS leg, his brother Tom asked
him to help him out with football at Visitation gram-
mar school, something Coach Quinn never even thought
about up to that point.
While he was reluctant at first, Coach Quinn soon de-
cided to give it a try. Fifty years later, he finds himself
still coaching.
After leaving Visitation in 1971, he went on to Nativity
and St. Rita grammar school. He eventually moved on to
a coaching for St. Rita High School in the 80s, where he
remains coaching the freshmen class to this day.
The pairing of Coach Quinn and Coach Schaller began
when Coach Schaller brought his little brother out to one
of Coach Quinn’s practices at Visitation.
NOT MUCH TIME passed, when Coach Schaller
found himself helping Coach Quinn. The two have been
together ever since.
In addition to his coaching career with Coach Quinn,
Coach Schaller has also had coaching stints at Curie High
School, Mt. Carmel, and St. Cajetan.
Coaches Quinn and Schaller try to motivate their play-
ers through talks and going out and having some fun.
They do this day by day, one week at a time.
Though they have had their share of good and bad
teams, they have been fortunate with the individuals they
have worked with.
They both love their careers as coaches. Coach Schaller
loves the rush of winning and Coach Quinn loves to
watch the kids grow and develop.
They both agree that the athletes have changed over
the years.
“They have gotten bigger, stronger, and faster,” ex-
plained Coach Schaller.
“They also lack the discipline of the children in the
past and differ in the manner in which they approach the
game. Though they are generally fine when it comes to
discipline, they just need to be tightened up a little bit,”
said Coach Quinn.
A KEY MOMENT in Coach Schaller’s career was be-
ing inducted into the St. Rita Hall of Fame.
Coach Quinn describes his key moments as winning
three consecutive freshmen championships and crushing
Mt. Carmel on the freshmen level this year.
Coach Quinn and Coach Schaller both expect nothing
but the best of Rita in the next ten years. They both are
proud to be a part of the Rita family.
Page 8
Varsity football finishes excellent season
By Brian Boyd
Senior Writer
The Mustangs varsity football season
may have ended two games earlier than
many had hoped for, but the season over-
all was filled with numerous successes
and was once again a winning season for
Coach Todd Kuska and his hard working
players.
After an emotional win against Mt.
Carmel, the varsity Mustangs traveled to
Providence to take on another Chicago
Catholic League Blue rival.
The Mustangs’ offense struggled to get
the ball moving, but did enough in the
closing seconds of each half to get the job
done.
WITH 45 SECONDS left in the second
quarter, senior Larry Garrett heaved a
41-yard bomb that was pulled in by senior
Dan Dispensa, which led to a senior Dave
Marciano touchdown run from the one-
yard line, tying the game at seven for the
half.
Providence kicked a field goal in the
second half to take a 10-7 lead, but
the Mustangs wouldn’t quit. With a
defense that persevered throughout the
entire game’s adversity, the offense pulled
through in the final minutes of the game.
Rita won the game on a 7-yard touch-
down strike from Larry Garrett to Dan
Dispensa in the waning seconds, with
the final score at 14-10 in favor of the
Mustangs.
Following another huge CCL win, the
Mustangs traveled to Loyola to take on the
Ramblers at their homecoming.
On that Saturday afternoon, the Mustangs
played hard, but were ultimately defeated
in a 24-0 loss. For the first time all season,
the offense did not seem on track, and
Loyola took advantage of the momentum.
After tasting bitter defeat for the first
time all season, the Mustangs were moti-
vated to never let it happen again.
THE MUSTANGS WON their next
three games, including a Homecoming
win over Br. Rice to win the CCL Blue
Championship and other wins over
Fenwick and Hope Academy. These wins
brought Rita’s regular season to a close
with an 8-1 record.
Despite the Catholic League Title, the
Mustangs had their eyes on the grand
prize: a class 7A state championship.
Due to Rita’s history of athletic excel-
lence, this has been the perennial goal,
and this year, the 100th celebration year of
Rita football, proved to be no different.
The Mustangs began their playoff jour-
SOPHOMORE RUNNING BACK Jahwon Akui (center) runs the ball in a playoff match-
up versus the Bradley-Bourbonnais Boilermakers. The Mustangs went on to shut down the
Boilermakers with a final score of 44-0, which advanced Rita to the Class 7A Quarter Finals.
MUSTANG FOOTBALL December 18, 2008
ney with a home game against the Bradley-
Bourbonnais Boilermakers.
Right from the get-go, the game was
all Rita. After a failed onside attempt by
Bradley-Bourbonnais on the opening kick,
which they deferred, the Mustangs scored
23 points in the first quarter alone, and that
set the tone.
The Mustangs rolled to a 44-0 vic-
tory, with Larry Garrett throwing for three
touchdowns and sophomore Jahwon Akui
running for two scores.
The defense, led by senior Martin
Hopkins and Dave Marciano, was impen-
etrable, shutting out the Boilermakers in a
hard-hitting fashion. Dan Dispensa also
had an interception.
The following week, on a cold, blustery
November night, the Thornton Wildcats
traveled to Doyle Stadium to take on the
Mustangs, who were riding a 4-game win-
ning streak into the showdown.
The always explosive and game-chang-
ing Dave Marciano scored all three of the
Mustangs’ touchdowns, and the defense
once again put on a show, limiting a very
potent Thornton offense to just 13 points.
Standout Jahwon Akui had another huge
night, running for 170 yards while chip- Photo by David Huang
ping away at the defensive line of the JUNIOR SHANE CONLON (left) gets ready to attempt a kick with junior Kyle Jachim.
Wildcats. Conlon, Jachim, and the rest of the varsity Mustangs recently completed another winning sea-
LOOMING ON THE horizon was per- son for Rita. The Mustangs made it to the Quarter Finals of the Class 7A IHSA State Playoffs.
haps the toughest challenge the Mustangs
would face all year. Conveniently enough, The Mustangs tacked on another score at each level.
it was located 300 miles away. with a Larry Garrett touchdown pass to The underclassmen on the football
The Mustangs’ football team and their senior Tom Rohan to take a 28 to 7 lead. squad have huge talent, and are capable of
faithful took the 6-hour ride to East Saint Then, the Flyers got going. East Saint accomplishing great feats next year.
Louis, hoping for another state playoff Louis scored 14 points in the third quar- DAN DISPENSA SUMMERIZED the
win. The Flyers had won their conference ter to close the gap to 7 heading into season saying, “This season was a blast.
as well, and with a 10-1 record, their only the fourth. The Flyers scored again in Playing football here has been the best
loss was suffered at the Kirk Herbstreit the fourth, and with the game tied at 28, time of my life.”
Ohio-USA challenge. Martin Hopkins recovered a fumble, but Captain Tom Rohan said, “I have abso-
The schools are two of the most pres- Rita wasn’t able to convert. lutely no regrets about this season. Anytime
tigious in the state, with a combined 52 East Saint Louis scored, and the game your team gives it everything it’s got, you
state-playoff appearances and eight state was in the books. Rita fell to eventual have to be proud.”
championships. With such history in each state champion East Saint Louis 35-28. The players and entire Rita family look
program, many knew it would be an out- COACH KUSKA REFLECTED on to Coach Kuska and his staff with grati-
standing game. the loss and season: “Although it wasn’t tude for another remarkable season and
After the arduous trek, the Mustangs the result we wanted, these guys played contributing even more to the 100 year old
hit the field, and did so in dominating hard all year. As a class, they’ve accom- Rita football legacy and prestige.
fashion. plished so much, and I’m very proud of Even more prestige was given to the
Rita scored 14 unanswered points in the them.” Mustangs football program as 16 Rita play-
first quarter with runs by Dave Marciano Wins and losses aside, the Mustangs had ers made the All-Catholic League team:
and Jahwon Akui, with the offensive line another excellent season and added anoth- (First Team): Dan Dispensa (CCL Blue
creating mammoth holes. er Chicago Catholic League championship Offensive MVP), Ryan Demming, Martin
AFTER A SCORELESS second quar- to the hardware drawer. Hopkins (CCL Blue Defensive MVP),
ter, the Mustangs were set to receive As a whole, this senior class has been Ronald McNamara, Dave Marciano, Matt
the kick to start the second half. Dave one of the most successful in school his- Munizzi, Daniel O’ Neill, Tom Rohan,
Marciano followed his blocks and ran the tory. (Second Team): Jahwon Akui, Nick
kick back with unprecedented determina- Collectively (freshman, sophomore, and Ardolino, Joe Campagna, Chris Chaney,
tion, giving the Mustangs a huge 21-7 lead senior year), the class of 2009 posted a Larry Garrett, Mike Martin, Jack O’
in the third. 28-2 record and won three CCL titles, one Connor, and Erik Rickert.
Photo by David Huang Photo by David Huang
SENIOR QUARTER BACK Larry Garrett (back center) attempts a pass. Seniors Tom
Rohan, Mike Martin, and Kevin McCormack (left to right) assist on the play. Garrett,
Rohan, and Martin were among 16 Rita players to make the All-Catholic League team.