Football Celebrates 3A State Championship
Barb Dawson • December 17, 2024
Seven and Counting!
Montini Catholic Varsity Football celebrated their history making 3A Championship (November 30) with their classmates on Wednesday, December 4th at a 'celebration rally' held in their honor. The 2024 Montini Broncos finished the regular season with a 7-2 record, completing one of the best Chicago Catholic League seasons in Montini history. The rugged schedule propelled the Broncos into the IHSA State Playoffs for the 34th time in program history.
After a dominant 1st round victory over North Lawndale, the Broncos took on Byron’s Tigers in the much anticipated rematch of last year's tough playoff loss, and earned a hard fought 14-13 revenge victory. Princeton High School was the Broncos quarterfinal opponent, and after defeating the Tigers 24-7 on the road, they returned home to Duffy Memorial Stadium to host Wilmington in a semi final contest. Even a live bronco, a fireworks display and a military flyover during the National Anthem, couldn't upstage the Broncos offense as it exploded for 42 points, against the Wildcats. The defense continued its season-long dominating performance, and with the 42-12 victory over the Wildcats, the Broncos punched their ticket to the Class 3A State Championship Game the day after Thanksgiving at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University.
Montini wasted little time scoring early and often, and ran out to a 35-0 halftime lead over the Sages from Monticello. Eventually they secured a running clock in the 3rd quarter, and completed the 49-8 victory, earning the Program's 7th IHSA State Football Championship! Head Coach Mike Bukovsky ‘83, who celebrated his first win as Head Varsity Coach, was honored to be a part of this historic team giving credit where it was due. "Our senior class was outstanding, as they have overcome many obstacles over their 4 years here, and have cemented their legacy in Montini Football History!"
At the rally, Coach Bukovsky wasted no time thanking Montini fans, parents, Booster Club members, cheer and Broncettes teams. "You all share in this victory!"
Senior Nick Irion (Lombard) reflected on the season, his last as a Montini Bronco. "The 7th Montini football state championship feels extra special because of the people who came before me. The teams that laid the foundation, the players who set the example, and the coaches who built this program. They made it possible for us to achieve this. For those reasons it made our winning feel that much better. Their hard work and determination pushed us to do our best, and it’s an honor to continue that tradition and add to Montini’s history. This win is as much for the legacy as it is for us. I would also like to shout out all my teammates and coaches who put in countless hours during the hot summer days and cold fall nights, without them none of this would be possible. Go Broncos!"
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This month, Montini Catholic's Band is celebrating a National Champion (Class A) title in the National Catholic Band Association's national band competition. "We are incredibly proud," said the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Music Director Donnie Glowinski. "This is the first time in school history that Montini Catholic has earned this title." Each year, Catholic high schools from across the country are invited to submit performance recordings to be adjudicated by a panel of expert judges. "This prestigious honor is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our student musicians. Their commitment to excellence has brought great pride to our school community," added Glowinski. "Every year, we work on becoming better musicians, and every year, the band rises to the challenge. I am so unbelievably proud of the work this group has done this year and everything they have accomplished. I am really looking forward to the future to see what these students will be able to do!" In the summer of 1953 a small group of concerned band directors, led by Director of Bands Robert F. O’Brien, met on the campus of the University of Notre Dame to discuss the Catholic School Band, its particular problems, and what might be done to further its development. Fr. Theodore Hesburgh Notre Dame President, gave the welcome speech. Mr. O’Brien then proposed goals for the organization and the NCBA was born. Today, NCBA's office is located at Villanova University Office of Music Activities. The NCBA recognizes the value of music within the Catholic school community. Their mission is to establish high musical, educational and ethical standards in Catholic schools' band programs. Image Above: Montini Catholic band members front row l to r: Olivia Marin, Kayli Gergen, Maggie Cyze, Miranda Meier, Sarah Gudmundson, Camile Arnold and Abby Milas; Second row: Roberto Williamson, Margaret Palkoner, Chris Reyes, Michael Patacsil, Maddy Aguilar, Lailah Stubblefield, Simon Poulin, Raphael Patacsil, Mason Maldonado, Cristian Alcantara, Kevin Barrett and Andrew Shin; Back row: Colin Murray, Tyler Whitlock, EJ Schicker, Lucas Van Witzenburg and Oghosa Idemudia Not pictured: Julia Gergen and Eric Hu
