Catholic Schools Week 2018: SUCCEED

02/01/2018

In the Diocese of Erie, faith bolsters work in the classroom and on the playing field, according to Doug Chuzie, director of Diocesan Athletic Programs.

“We have a great culture in our schools where athletes do their best on and off the field,” Chuzie says.

This past fall, Catholic high schools in Erie captured three separate state championships: Cathedral Prep in football, Mercyhurst Prep in girls’ soccer, and Villa Maria in team tennis.

Villa’s Sarah DeMarco and Tara Thomas won the state tennis doubles championship, while Elk County Catholic in St. Marys placed second in cross country.

Individual state performances: Mercyhurst’s Sarah White took third in golf, and Elk County Catholic’s Ben Hoffman took eighth in cross country.

Villa’s cross country, golf and soccer teams each placed third in the state, Prep’s golf and water polo teams placed third, and Villa’s water polo team placed sixth.

According to Chuzie, strong athletic programs at Catholic elementary and middle schools contribute to successful performance in the high schools.

“Our success begins at the grade-school level with our wonderful volunteer coaches and dedicated parents, administrators and students,” Chuzie says.

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