There were many changes to the program in the 2011 season but as we move into the 2012 campaign there is only one and it is a significant one:
After 80+ years Benedictine finally has a spot at the school where the football team can practice. Most schools find this a trite item and would wonder what the big deal is but to this school and its culture this is a very big development. For years it was a badge of honor to run 1/2 mile down the street to a city park to practice just like dad and grand pa did but in this day and age it was a liability when it came to attracting kids interested in playing football to the school. Now when 8th graders and their parents look at this school they will see an all weather practice field with a fabulous view of the city right on campus. This should be a great tool for Coach Malbasa going forward. Props to the guys from the class of '78 for making this happen.
As for next year I think it will be a challenge to break .500; many key positions graduated notably RB, WR, & DL. While there are some talented under classmen to take their place there are a lot more questions then answers at this point. Also this program needs to develop more team speed to compete on an elite level, in all their Ls this past year they appeared a step slower then the opponent and were never in any of those games. It appears Coach Malbasa has the tools in place to build a program, now it is up to the players to put in the work to make something happen.
OT: Can't count the number of times I've challenged myself to successfully navigate MLK (THE most beautiful road in America) from rt 2 to Benedictine, without getting spun off somewhere along the way. One of these days... it's on my bucket list to make it without getting lost or distracted by other places to stop.
Kind of OT: in response to previous posts. A Church/School is supposed to serve the neighborhood, that was MY upbringing. If the suburban Catholics see no need to support that school because it doesn't reflect them, well....
On Topic. Congrats on the new facilities. Don't let the do nothing types bring down the efforts of those that are still doing the good works.
I'm not close with many Benedictine grads, but I root for the school (separate and apart from the sports teams). They have made a go of it in a difficult location...not necessarily talking about the quality of the neighborhood, but just not a good location. That's a testament to the good work done by the Benedictine order.
The city of Cleveland derives great benefit from a solid Benedictine. I hope the new field contributes to years of stability.
The purpose of your commentary is undeniable...you are trying to inflict harm on this school. I wonder why you would do that.
Have you been to church recently?
Time and again this allblue person has made posts very similar to the one above. At first she came here to express "concern" about the school--but now it's clear that there is a different agenda here.
Benedictine is far from perfect, but the claims allblue is making are wildly unfounded.
Congrats to Benedictine for this step forward despite the loss of a tradition from the past. I have all the respect in the world for Benedictine and one of the reasons is their commitment to the community. When so many find it easy to run for the suburbs Benny stays right where they are.
Congrats to Benedictine for this step forward despite the loss of a tradition from the past. I have all the respect in the world for Benedictine and one of the reasons is their commitment to the community. When so many find it easy to run for the suburbs Benny stays right where they are.
There are two schools of thought on this. One, is to follow the Catholic population out to the suburbs and exurbs and build the schools out where the Catholic population resides. Two, is to stay in the traditional city location and draw the Catholic students to the school with academic and athletic excellence, as well as to attempt some evangelization within the non-Catholic community in the school's neighborhood.
The Cleveland diocese doesn't really seem to have a definite plan in place, one way or the other, at least as far as the high schools are concerned. The Philadelphia archdiocese is one that has decided to build the new mega-schools out in the wealthier suburbs where the bulk of the Catholic population now resides. Much like St. Ignatius in Cleveland, the private St. Joseph Prep maintains its inner-city Philly location and presence and draws the suburban students back into the downtown area with its combination of high academic and athletic achievement.
Benedictine seems to be committed to their current location, and high-level athletics...especially football...has always been a big draw for them, so it is important for them to get the football program back on top, to go along with the high academics and unique religious atmosphere.
There are two schools of thought on this. One, is to follow the Catholic population out to the suburbs and exurbs and build the schools out where the Catholic population resides. Two, is to stay in the traditional city location and draw the Catholic students to the school with academic and athletic excellence, as well as to attempt some evangelization within the non-Catholic community in the school's neighborhood.
The Cleveland diocese doesn't really seem to have a definite plan in place, one way or the other, at least as far as the high schools are concerned. The Philadelphia archdiocese is one that has decided to build the new mega-schools out in the wealthier suburbs where the bulk of the Catholic population now resides. Much like St. Ignatius in Cleveland, the private St. Joseph Prep maintains its inner-city Philly location and presence and draws the suburban students back into the downtown area with its combination of high academic and athletic achievement.
Benedictine seems to be committed to their current location, and high-level athletics...especially football...has always been a big draw for them, so it is important for them to get the football program back on top, to go along with the high academics and unique religious atmosphere.
You may be under the impression that the Catholic diocese controls most or all of Cleveland's Catholic schools. They don't. Most are run independent of the diocese by religious orders (like the Benedictines or the Jesuits) or, increasingly, by independent Boards.
You may be under the impression that the Catholic diocese controls most or all of Cleveland's Catholic schools. They don't. Most are run independent of the diocese by religious orders (like the Benedictines or the Jesuits) or, increasingly, by independent Boards.
I'm aware. As for Philly, the schools that are not private (i.e. under archdiocese control) are being built (relocated) out in the far burbs (following the Catholic crowd). The Cleveland diocese really hasn't gone that route, as of yet. If they did, they would have big new schools out in places like Avon/Westlake and Medina/Brunswick and schools like Holy Name would be on their way to closure. It's interesting times for Catholic schools. I want to see a new, strong committment to Catholic school education to occur, but it's going to require the Church to recognize the importance, and then to sell it to the congregations. Philly also has the right idea in that all archdiocese schools have the same tuition, so there is no price-shopping...and last I checked (two years ago), the HS tuition was still under $5,000 per year.
There are two schools of thought on this. One, is to follow the Catholic population out to the suburbs and exurbs and build the schools out where the Catholic population resides. Two, is to stay in the traditional city location and draw the Catholic students to the school with academic and athletic excellence, as well as to attempt some evangelization within the non-Catholic community in the school's neighborhood.
The Cleveland diocese doesn't really seem to have a definite plan in place, one way or the other, at least as far as the high schools are concerned. The Philadelphia archdiocese is one that has decided to build the new mega-schools out in the wealthier suburbs where the bulk of the Catholic population now resides. Much like St. Ignatius in Cleveland, the private St. Joseph Prep maintains its inner-city Philly location and presence and draws the suburban students back into the downtown area with its combination of high academic and athletic achievement.
Benedictine seems to be committed to their current location, and high-level athletics...especially football...has always been a big draw for them, so it is important for them to get the football program back on top, to go along with the high academics and unique religious atmosphere.
The issue w/ moving schools out to the 'burbs is that while you may service a growing area you loose central location and the ability to pull in from a larger geographic foot print. If you stick it out in the existing location the key is to maintain the current physical structures and to make sure that you add modern upgrades, that is why the all purpose field is such a big deal at a school like Benny.
I'm aware. As for Philly, the schools that are not private (i.e. under archdiocese control) are being built (relocated) out in the far burbs (following the Catholic crowd). The Cleveland diocese really hasn't gone that route, as of yet. If they did, they would have big new schools out in places like Avon/Westlake and Medina/Brunswick and schools like Holy Name would be on their way to closure. It's interesting times for Catholic schools. I want to see a new, strong committment to Catholic school education to occur, but it's going to require the Church to recognize the importance, and then to sell it to the congregations. Philly also has the right idea in that all archdiocese schools have the same tuition, so there is no price-shopping...and last I checked (two years ago), the HS tuition was still under $5,000 per year.
Aye crumba! Are you sure there is not a 1 in front of that 5? Most Cleveland area catholic schools are in the 10,000+ range for everything out the door. The days of a parish chipping in or religous faculty working for room and board are long gone.
The issue w/ moving schools out to the 'burbs is that while you may service a growing area you loose central location and the ability to pull in from a larger geographic foot print. If you stick it out in the existing location the key is to maintain the current physical structures and to make sure that you add modern upgrades, that is why the all purpose field is such a big deal at a school like Benny.
I agree. There are people in Avon who donate money to Benedictine, including one family who has made significant donations of time and money over the years...and Avon is obviously not in Benny's main territory, but it does support the point that people will go the distance to a school if they really desire that particular school.
Aye crumba! Are you sure there is not a 1 in front of that 5? Most Cleveland area catholic schools are in the 10,000+ range for everything out the door. The days of a parish chipping in or religous faculty working for room and board are long gone.
In Philly, it's now up to $5,600 per student. $3,733.33 each for families with 3 students attending Archdiocesan high schools. $2,800 each for families with 4 students attending Archdiocesan high schools.
Norwalk St. Paul, over in Huron County, is at $3,300 per student, and a family cap (unlimited number of students) of $7,500.
The Cleveland diocese really needs to investigate the stewardship programs and parish support programs that are happening in other dicoeses.
I'm aware. As for Philly, the schools that are not private (i.e. under archdiocese control) are being built (relocated) out in the far burbs (following the Catholic crowd). The Cleveland diocese really hasn't gone that route, as of yet. If they did, they would have big new schools out in places like Avon/Westlake and Medina/Brunswick and schools like Holy Name would be on their way to closure. It's interesting times for Catholic schools. I want to see a new, strong committment to Catholic school education to occur, but it's going to require the Church to recognize the importance, and then to sell it to the congregations. Philly also has the right idea in that all archdiocese schools have the same tuition, so there is no price-shopping...and last I checked (two years ago), the HS tuition was still under $5,000 per year.
Philly diocesan schools will be $5600 next year. Philly St. Joseph, the Jesuit school, is $18,000.
On the issue of whether building has occurred in Cleveland, out in the deep suburbs...there are more than enough Catholic high school seats in that area on the east side...Lake Catholic, NDCL, Walsh, Elms, Hoban. They don't need to expand further east...the schools are there. The problem on the west is that you have the kind of schools that most Catholics want (single sex) that are closer in (Ignatius, Ed's, Mag's, SJA). The users of these schools are generally pretty happy with these schools and it's why (imo), that there are no Catholic high schools in places like Medina and Strongsville, Westlake, and only Elyria Catholic in Lorain County.
Philly diocesan schools will be $5600 next year. Philly St. Joseph, the Jesuit school, is $18,000.
On the issue of whether building has occurred in Cleveland, out in the deep suburbs...there are more than enough Catholic high school seats in that area on the east side...Lake Catholic, NDCL, Walsh, Elms, Hoban. They don't need to expand further east...the schools are there. The problem on the west is that you have the kind of schools that most Catholics want (single sex) that are closer in (Ignatius, Ed's, Mag's, SJA). The users of these schools are generally pretty happy with these schools and it's why (imo), that there are no Catholic high schools in places like Medina and Strongsville, Westlake, and only Elyria Catholic in Lorain County.
I really like their model. The diocesan schools, with the mission to "educate the masses", are kept affordable and are built out where the Catholic population resides.
Meanwhile, the private Catholic high schools, like The Prep and LaSalle (among others) remain in their original Philly locations and offer a unique, high-level, educational and extra-curricular experience that draws students from far and wide, even with the high cost (these schools have very large endowment funds to help off-set the tution for those who need the help).
The key in Philly has been the ability to standardize, and hold down, the tuition at the diocesan schools.
In the Philly model are you tied geographically to a particular school? Also do they have single sex options or are they coed?
Another call out about the eastside is you have the single sex prep schools too and they have been actively going after the catholic grade schools for 9th grade students to maintain the level of enrollment they are accustom to.
One thing I thought about the Malbasa hiring in the beginning, and still do, is that his offense is very skill-position friendly. They should be able to attract some premier athletes, especially at QB and WR, when Malbasa really gets things on track.
In the Philly model are you tied geographically to a particular school? Also do they have single sex options or are they coed?
Another call out about the eastside is you have the single sex prep schools too and they have been actively going after the catholic grade schools for 9th grade students to maintain the level of enrollment they are accustom to.
I do not believe they are bound by geography, though they primarily draw from their geographic locations. They do have co-ed and single sex schools.
As was mentioned, there are also private Catholic schools that do not follow the tuition structure of the diocesan schools.
One of the challenges for a catholic school in a sprawlburb like Brunswick is that many folks that moved to that part of the world reached for a little more house during the housing boom so they need to send their kids to public school because they could not afford the added expense. But the biggest issue though would be who pays for the land and initial buildings needed? The Cleveland Diocese is not swimming in cash and I don't see an order making that kind of commitment when catholic school enrollment is sliding in most schools.
I agree. There are people in Avon who donate money to Benedictine, including one family who has made significant donations of time and money over the years...and Avon is obviously not in Benny's main territory, but it does support the point that people will go the distance to a school if they really desire that particular school.
I know of one significant donor from Avon is a graduate of Benedictine and the son of Joe Rufus (sp?)
There was an article written about schools ran by the diocese versus schools ran without the diocese. It was tied to the closing of Latin and how the diocese failed in many financial aspects of running the school. This failure of running schools is also prevalent in other cities such as Cincinnati for example.
One of the main reasons Benedictine chose not to move in the early 80's was because of the fundamental teachings of St. Benedict. The abbey has a duty and commitment to help and support the surrounding community. It would not have been in the ideology of St. Benedict to leave the community for the interest of the school. It was truly what St. Benedict would have chose and I respect the monks for the choice. It was not the easy choice to make but when is the right choice the easy way to go in life?
There was an article written about schools ran by the diocese versus schools ran without the diocese. It was tied to the closing of Latin and how the diocese failed in many financial aspects of running the school. This failure of running schools is also prevalent in other cities such as Cincinnati for example.
One of the main reasons Benedictine chose not to move in the early 80's was because of the fundamental teachings of St. Benedict. The abbey has a duty and commitment to help and support the surrounding community. It would not have been in the ideology of St. Benedict to leave the community for the interest of the school. It was truly what St. Benedict would have chose and I respect the monks for the choice. It was not the easy choice to make but when is the right choice the easy way to go in life?
Benedictine is a unique school, and the order is still a big draw to many, so they can afford to remain in Cleveland and still draw in enough students to keep the school viable.
One of the challenges for a catholic school in a sprawlburb like Brunswick is that many folks that moved to that part of the world reached for a little more house during the housing boom so they need to send their kids to public school because they could not afford the added expense. But the biggest issue though would be who pays for the land and initial buildings needed? The Cleveland Diocese is not swimming in cash and I don't see an order making that kind of commitment when catholic school enrollment is sliding in most schools.
This is true, and it was part of my assertion on the St. Ignatius thread that so much of the Catholic community no longer values the teachings of the church. The secular culture is consuming American Catholicism, and the schools will continue to shrink and close.
That photo is Ron Gliha, who played on the 1952 City Championship team. That team was 10-0 and beat St. Ignatius in the City Championship game. One of line-mates became the principal at Benedictine, later the Abbot and presently Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland, Bishop Roger Gries OSB. Gliha later became a "very good and dedicated" (My contact's words) assistant football coach and was wrestling coach for many years. He was also the study hall monitor during the school day.
He left the school in the late 1960's to follow his interest in horses and became a horse trainer at one of the race tracks (Thistledown???) and lived in the Sagamore Hills area.
He died a while ago, but my contact could not recall when.
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