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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Congratulations to Montini Catholic's Michael May '26 for earning the 2025 Weisenburger Family Scholarship The scholarship is awarded annually to a student at Montini Catholic High School who has expressed an interest in pursuing a degree in education and was presented by Kimmy '07 and Wally Weisenburger '75 during Montini Catholic's Celebration of Excellence Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 16th. Michael, Monitni's newly elected Student Government president, was selected for his demonstration of outstanding leadership in the classroom as well as in extracurricular activities throughout his high school career as a Montini Bronco. Michael is a member of Montini Catholic's National Honor Society (inducted in the fall of his junior year) as well as Montini's Tri-M Music Honor Society. He is currently the 'voice of Montini' as a key member of the Bronco Broadcasters Team, winning the 2025 Most Valuable Player award this year for his devotion to the club's success. Michael is also a member of A Cafellas (singing group), Lasallian Youth, Chinese Club and contributes to the Bronco Breakdown (newsletter). He is no stranger to the Montini stage, starring in two theatre productions this year, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Murder on the Orient Express." The Weisenburger Family Scholarship is offered each year in gratitude for the transformative Lasallian education that was received by Cathy '70, Marc '71, Carolyn (Drengler) '72, Wally '75, Joe '78, Andrew '05 and Kimmy '07 Weisenburger. It was created to honor and remember Walter and Catherine Weisenburger who, as patriarchs of the family, recognized and valued Catholic education. "It is a special thank you for all they sacrificed to send all four of their children to Catholic schools," said Wally, who was formerly the Chairman of Montini's Board of Directors. Image above: Michael May with Kimmy Weisenburger '07 and Wally Weisenburger '75
Montini Catholic in Lombard proudly congratulated this year's Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award recipient from their Class of 2025. The prestigious award was announced on Friday, May 16th, during the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Celebration of Excellence Award Ceremony. This year's Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award went to senior Daniel Sherman . Each year, this esteemed award recognizes a Bronco student who has devoted him/herself to God by working in the Lasallian tradition of serving others and building a heritage of faith in the Montini community. Daniel is a two year member of Montini's Peer Ministry Team - a faith-based team whose Christian mission is to inspire and motivate by example. He also earned his Eagle Scout rank which recognizes those who have a strong record of voluntary service to their community. He is a member of Montini's Lasallian Youth as well as a member of Montini's Student Government Exec Board. Academically, Daniel was most recently recognized as an Academic All Star at Montini's Academic Awards on May 1st. The honor is awarded each year to seniors attaining a 3.95+ GPA during their time as a Bronco student and/or earning Illinois State Scholar status. He is an Illinois State Scholar and an AP Scholar with Honor. He is a member of Montini's National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and earned a Commendation Toward Biliteracy Award (Spanish) this year. During his time as a Bronco he enjoyed Chess Club, Math Team and History Club. Athletically, he was a four year team member of both the Cross Country and Track teams, earning Academic All Conference in both all four years. Daniel was also awarded the St. John Baptist de La Salle award during the Celebration of Excellence ceremony. "Daniel is a wonderful example of someone living our Lasallian mission," said Campus Minister Michael Blanchette. "He truly deserves this award as he has shown himself to be a dedicated young man who truly demonstrates dedication, reliability, and a commitment to his education and personal growth." Daniel, a graduate of St. Scholastica School in Woodridge, is headed to University of Wisconsin (Madison) this fall.
On behalf of the Considine Family Memorial Fund , Montini Catholic proudly awarded the 2025 Colleen Helen Considine Memorial Scholarship to senior Lily Spanos. The award, given to a senior who has demonstrated impressive academic and leadership achievements along with creativity and writing talent, was presented on May 1st at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's annual Academic Awards Night, and again, in front of Montini's entire student body, during their Celebration of Excellence Awards ceremony on Friday, May 16th. Lily, who served as President of Montini's Student Government this year, was most recently named an Academic All Star and was awarded the President's Award for Academic Excellence. She is a member of Montini's National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. She also served her fellow students as a Peer Tutor and represented Montini to potential Broncos as a Student Ambassador. Lily also received Montini's St. Pope Paul VI Award for her service to the Bronco community as a member of Peer Ministry and the Gold Academic Medal for her work as President and Exec Board member of Student Government. Athletically, Lily was a two sport athlete (golf and basketball). Her final year on the Girls Basketball Team proved to be her best, as she helped to take the Broncos to a 3A State Championship celebration, earning an All Conference selection and IBCA All State Honorable Mention honor in the process. "We couldn't be more happy for Lily," said Montini Catholic President Kevin Beirne. "From the moment she became a Bronco, she has shown herself to be a true leader with a passion participation. She will be missed here at Montini, but we can't wait to hear about her many successes beyond our doors." At the age of 33, Colleen Helen Considine's life was tragically cut short. In an effort to honor her memory, the Considine family established an annual scholarship for Montini Catholic senior girls exhibiting many of the personality and leadership qualities that Colleen possessed. Colleen's mother, Mrs. Joan Considine, was the English Department chair and faculty member for twenty-eight years at Montini Catholic. In the years prior to her death in 2015, Mrs. Considine chose the recipient of the scholarship each spring based on her experiences as a teacher with her students. Today, students hoping to receive the $2,000 scholarship are asked to submit a written essay describing an event that touched them and inspired them to pursue excellence. Of the applications received this year, Lily's best captured the essence of the award. Since its inception, over thirty talented young Bronco seniors have received this special scholarship. Lily is a graduate of St. Petronille School in Glen Ellyn and a member of St. Petronille Parish. She will be attending Dickinson College in Pennsylvania and pursuing a Business and Management degree. Image above: Lily Spanos with Colleen's niece and nephew, Maryfath Considine '27 and Peter Considine '25
