Montini Catholic High School is looking forward to celebrating their 32nd Maroon & Gold Gala on Saturday, April 29th. Among the list of honorees for the evening is Broncettes Coach, Eugenia Wasson Scavone '84.

The former Bronco Broncette (and cheerleader) is celebrating her 32nd anniversary as coach of Montini's award winning Broncettes. She has also played an integral role yearly as the choreographer of Montini's annual Fashion Show (to raise funds and awareness for the Lasallian college preparatory high school's San Miguel Fund*).

It was in the fall of 1991 that Eugenia began her rewarding coaching career at Montini. As head coach of the Broncettes, she has developed a dance team program that has enjoyed 22 combined IDTA and TDI state titles between 1991 -2015. Competing in IHSA since 2016, the Broncettes have been at State Finals in Competitive Dance each year and received 3rd Place trophies in 2018, 2019 and was 2nd Place State Runner Up for 2021 and in 2022. Her team's most recent triumph - 8th in State accolades - 2023 IHSA 2A Dance. 

Under Eugenia's leadership, the Broncettes perform at half-time for home sporting events, school pep rallies and host dance clinics within the community. She is proud of the fact that Broncettes leave Montini with a sense of pride and accomplishment. "This sport provides opportunities for each team member to grow not only as a dancer and performer, but to improve confidence and develop skills in leadership, communication and time management."

Eugenia has also earned her spot on Montini Catholic's Hall of Fame wall (2003) and is a member of IDTA's (Illinois Drill Team Association) Hall of Fame.

"Coaching is my passion," said Eugenia when interviewed during her 30th anniversary year.  "There are so many rewards. The biggest is being able to make a positive difference in someone’s high school experience by giving them a variety of great memories to take with them. These include half-time performances, our own choreography sessions, practices, competition season - placing in the top 3 for competition in IHSA, the fashion show, the kids' camps we host, alumni support and all the traditions that we keep - and the new traditions that we add on each year. The rewards just keep going on and on."

Coaching a large group of young, energetic teenagers has its challenges as well. "Every year the dynamics of the team change and what goes on in everyday life with young adults is different from how it was from what you remember as a teenager," says Eugenia. "Then on the competitive side, there is so much talent across the state of Illinois, you really cannot take anything for granted. So, the challenge is learning how to be creative, resilient, motivational, and open to change while at the same time staying true to who I am and to this program."

"I have so many great memories with many wonderful Broncettes and families throughout years of football games, homecomings, playoffs, state games, pep rallies, basketball games, kid camps, little kids dancing with the Broncettes under the Friday Night Lights, our first Broncette singing live during a performance (Shannon Williams in 2019), working with the Lombard Falcons in the summer, the competitions - the Wisconsin State Fair, Great America, Chicago Bulls Classics, IDTA (U of I), TDI (Peoria, DeKalb) and IHSA (Bloomington, virtual)!"

Eugenia finds great significance in each and every Fashion Show production and opening number as well as every Broncette assistant coach she has had the pleasure of working with, who at one point, she has also coached. "I remember every parent who opened their home for team events and all the labors of love spent - the hours decorating, costume sewing, gluing rhinestones, food runs and even hammering stakes in the frozen ground for signs with their daughters’ pictures!"

"I remember every practice and choreography session in every gym, cafeteria, parking lot and hallway. I remember every competition - whether it was a loss or a victory, we came out stronger and learned how to push ourselves."

"I cherish each time I can remember running into a past Broncette or parent and they stop and say hello and share a memory," she said. "I love seeing posts with past Broncettes who have started families of their own and am thankful for all their children that I have met or who danced in our half-time or fashion show. I am thankful to have been able to coach my own two daughters (Tori '19 and Taylor '15) and watch them perform as Broncettes."

"We are so proud to be honoring Eugenia this year at our gala," said President Jim Segredo. "The honor is long overdue! She's been a member of our Bronco family, representing our maroon and gold for 43 years now - and we are in awe of her loyalty and drive and all that she has accomplished. This award will hopefully be a representation of our thankfulness for Eugenia and a toast to her legacy here at Montini Catholic!" 

* Montini Catholic's San Miguel Scholarship Fund helps provide financial assistance to Montini Catholic families finding themselves experiencing hardships, such as serious illness, death or severe financial difficulties. It provides students with an opportunity for a Catholic education that they may not otherwise be able to afford.