Two Montini Catholic Bronco Coaching Legends to Be Honored

Barb Dawson • March 26, 2023

Congratulations Coach Leeberg and Coach Andriano!

BILL LEEBERG FIELD

Eleven years after retiring (June 2012) and with a legacy of 34 years of Bronco coaching, Montini Catholic's former varsity baseball coach Bill Leeberg '70 will be honored on Saturday, May 6, 2023, with the naming of the Lasallian college preparatory high school's newly turfed baseball field - Bill Leeberg Field. The dedication will be held in conjunction with Montini's Alumni Baseball Game at 2PM.

Bill Leeberg was a student in Montini Catholic's Charter Class of 1970, joining their freshman class when Montini opened its doors in 1966. After graduating from Montini, he went on to play baseball for the Hall of Fame baseball coach, Gordie Gillespie at Lewis University. After graduating from Lewis (1974), Leeberg joined the staff at Montini Catholic as an English teacher and the Sophomore Baseball Coach. In 1978, Leeberg took up the reins as Varsity Head Coach, upon the retirement of Bronco legend, Coach Rich Hudik†. In his first year, Coach Leeberg led the Broncos to a Conference Championship. In addition, during that historic year, Montini's Broncos went on to win their first Regional Championship in the program's history.

Throughout his 34 year tenure of coaching over 400 Broncos, Leeberg's teams played with the same passion that he had for the game. His teams went 732-288 and had an overall winning percentage of .718! Among the many milestones of his career was in May 2001 with the celebration of his 500th career victory (during his 23rd season at Montini) during Bill Leeberg Day. His remarkable career propelled him to be listed among the coaching legends in the State of Illinois. He was ranked as the 3rd Winningest Coach in Illinois - winning 12 Conference Championships and finishing in 2nd place in the Conference 8 times. Coach Leeberg's teams celebrated 14 Regional Championships and 3 Sectional Championships. In 2002, the Broncos made a trip to the State Finals, bringing home a 3rd Place trophy! In what many argue to be the 'best team in Montini baseball history,' the 2005 team earned a spot at the State Championship game and finished 2nd in State with an overall record of 26-12.

Coach Leeberg had a lasting impression on many Bronco players during his career. Dozens of players went on to play college baseball - many of which competed at the Division 1 level. He coached three players who signed professional contracts. Scott Sobkowiak '95 (Atlanta Braves), Rich Capparelli '85 (Chicago White Sox) and Andrew Brauer '08 (Independent League).

Coach Leeberg was elected into the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1995. He is also a member of Montini Catholic High School's Hall of Fame. In 2019, Coach Leeberg was among nine coaches named to the second class of the Lewis Academy of Coaches honored during Alumni Day.

Leeberg was also an English teacher at Montini Catholic, in addition to leading Montini's development program in its early years. He additionally served as a Bronco Football and Basketball coach.

Downers Grove native, Bill Leeberg coached the Bronco Baseball Team from 1978-1991 and again from 1993-2011.

CHRIS ANDRIANO FIELD

It was the end of an era in 2016 when Montini Catholic's renowned Football coach, Chris Andriano retired, after securing six football state titles throughout 38 seasons of coaching. Now, Montini Catholic is proud to announce that Coach Andriano and his successful career will be celebrated with the naming of their athletic field, located in John L. Duffy Memorial Stadium. The dedication and naming of Chris Andriano Field will occur in the fall of 2025 at the beginning of the school year - when the synthetic athletic playing surface in John L. Duffy Memorial Stadium is expected to be replaced.

A graduate of Millikin University, Andriano joined Montini's Physical Education Department and coaching staff in 1974. As a faculty member at Montini Catholic, Andriano served in a variety of roles including Head Track Coach, assisting the Baseball and Wrestling teams, and working in the Admissions office. He became the school's second Head Football Coach in 1979, upon the retirement of respected coach Jim Kavanaugh (1966-1978). Over his 38 years, Coach Andriano has helped build Montini Catholic football into one of the most successful and respected high school football programs in the State of Illinois.

Coach Andriano achieved his 300th career victory in 2016 just prior to his retirement during the first-round playoff game vs. St. Ignatius (October 28th). His final overall record as Montini Catholic's head coach stands at 300-128. Andriano coached Montini to the IHSA Class 4A State Championship in 2004. The Broncos won four straight Class 5A state titles from 2009-2012. The Broncos lost in the Class 5A championship game in both 2013 and 2014, and won the Class 6A state title with a perfect 14-0 record in 2015.

Andriano (Coach 'A'), whose teams earned 24 consecutive playoff appearances from 1993 to 2016, is the only Illinois high school football coach to win state championships in three different classes. He was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2001. He was the recipient of the Rand Walker 'Doing Great' Award in 2013 and Montini Catholic's Family Legacy Award (with wife, Dee) in 2019. In 2022, he was presented with the Montini Catholic Hall of Fame's Lifetime Achievement Award.

In his illustrious career, Coach 'A' has coached over 150 All-Conference players, 51 All-State players and 6 High School All-Americans.

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Julia Gergen Earns the 2025 Jean Diane Colletti Memorial Scholarship

By Barb Dawson • June 13, 2025

Montini Catholic congratulates senior Julia Gergen on being this year's recipient of the Jean Diane Colletti Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is one of several that have been named and endowed by Montini Catholic alumni, parents and friends in order to provide financial assistance to graduates pursuing higher learning in college. The award was announced at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's annual Academic Awards Banquet (May 1st) this spring by Dr. Vince Colletti DDS '05 (son of Jean Diane Colletti) Julia was honored again on May 16th at Montini's Celebration of Excellence Award ceremony in front of the entire student body. Julia has been a very academically accomplished student throughout their four years at Montini Catholic. In May she received the President's Award for Academic Excellence, she is an Illinois State Scholar and a College Board Advanced Placement Scholar. Julia was also a member of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society as well as Montini's National Honor Society where she served as Secretary her senior year. She enjoyed her time as a member of Montini's Math Team, and celebrated their 6th Place State finish this year. Julia also valued her experience gained from serving her fellow students as a Peer Minister through Montini's Campus Ministry program. Athletically, Julia was a valued member of Montini's Track & Field Team and celebrated securing school records her junior year in the 4x100m and 4x200m races. "Julia has been an outstanding student," said Principal Chris Tiritilli. "Her academic and athletic career here at Montini has been quite extensive and impressive. She is never seen without a smile on her face, she has been a role model to her fellow students. She truly deserves this recognition and we know she will do great things at Notre Dame!" Julia, a St. Pius X Parish School alum, and a member of St. Pius X Parish. She plans on majoring in Biological Sciences on a Pre-Med Track at the University of Notre Dame in the fall. Above: Julia Gergen '25 and Dr. Vince Colletti DDS '05 at Montini Catholic's Academic Awards Night on May 1st.

Michael May '26 Awarded the Weisenburger Family Scholarship

By Barb Dawson • June 12, 2025

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

Senior Danny Sherman Named Pax Christi Award Recipient for 2025

By Barb Dawson • June 10, 2025

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.