DETROIT — The Catholic League’s annual Prep Bowl is more than just football.
It’s a celebration of the talents and accomplishments of student-athletes on the field of competition and in the classroom, and their teachers and administrators who dedicate their lives to Catholic education.
This year’s Prep Bowl on Oct. 22 at Ford Field made the event more special. It was the 50th Prep Bowl dating back to 1972 and, in particular, a recognition of the efforts of then-CHSL director Walt Bazylewicz and Knights of Columbus member, Julian Joseph, to make it happen.
Two years earlier, Michigan voters had approved Proposal C — the controversial “parochiaid” amendment — to the Michigan Constitution banning even indirect state aid to private schools.
The challenge facing Bazylewicz was a financial report described as “low funds, big debts” to pay for the league’s programs. He approached Joseph, of the Allen Park Fr. Saylor Council and an officer on local, state and international boards, about K of C sponsorship.
Their discussions resulted in a K of C commitment for annual support of the Prep Bowl as well as the volleyball and track and field championships.
“It is great pride,” State Deputy Christopher Kolomjec wrote in a letter to the CHSL, “that (we have) continued to support this event with our financial support and our physical presence since its beginning. Our commitment to Catholic education and our youth has been a part of our mission since our founding in Michigan.”
Vic Michaels, CHSL director since 2003, said, “Without the tremendous support of the K of C, it would be very difficult for the Catholic League to continue.”
He recalled how in the years when the Prep Bowl was staged at the Pontiac Silverdome “before we came to Ford Field in 2003 the K of C support wasn’t just financial. The Silverdome demanded that we had to man every staircase and help with security. A lot of Knights helped us then and even do so today. This was the vision of Mr. Joseph.”
Joseph died in 2011. He was 92.
“You know,” his son, Jim, said, “he never talked about any of this. That was his nature. He said to take pride in what you do and be humble about it.”
He added: “When dad was state deputy in 1976-1978, the mayor of Allen Park had a sign put up at the city limits: ‘Welcome to Allen Park, Home of K of C State Deputy Julian Joseph.’ Dad didn’t like that. He asked the mayor to take it down. He did. He accomplished a lot but he didn’t need the recognition.”
Other sponsors of the Catholic League include C. E. Gleeson Constructors, Inc., Alliance Catholic Credit Union, Top Cat Adidas, Wilson, Buddy’s Pizza, and E. A. Graphics.
Students, teachers and administrators honored, too
Some 600 students received medals and citations for their excellence in academics and athletics.
More than 200 teachers and administrators were recognized for their service in the classroom in a range of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 55 years.
Bro. Jim McDonald, CFC, has spent the last five years of his 55-year career at Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice. A native of Butte, Montana, he said he knew in the ninth grade that he wanted to be a Christian Brother. His assignments have taken him to high schools in Seattle and Chicago.
“I love being in schools. It’s the kids. They energize me,” he said. “Kids today are more independent. They’ll walk right past you. You have to stop and say hello to them. They’re focused on their cellphones and iPads.”
Denise Iaquinta, an administrative assistant for 18 years in the athletic office at University of Detroit Jesuit, received the Sylvia A. Kolaz Administrative Assistant of the Year award.
“It’s the school’s mission of being men for others that has kept me at U of D for so long,” she said. “It’s an honor to serve them.”
Denise also volunteers serving on panels that discuss student mental health as well as diversity and inclusion at the school.
Her four sons graduated from U of D Jesuit and her daughter from Farmington Hills Mercy.
Contact Don Horkey at [email protected].
Copy Permalink
