Falcons beat Bonner to start Regular Season

In case you’ve been living in a cave since Friday night, you probably know that Rakeem “Roc” Christmas exploded for his first career triple-double (16pts, 12 Rebs, 11 Blks) as the Falcons took down the Friars from Bonner 67-52. Leading the Falcons’ scoring was, for the third straight game, Jack O’Neill (17pts). If you want to read more about this game, go to NorthCatholicBasketball.com to see the write up and stats.

I arrived at school about 3:45pm, hoping to get a chance to take some pics for the team website (Roster shots, team photo,etc). But, only the freshman and JV players were in the house. Well, there were a few varsity members of the team in the stands watching the young guys, but it became apparent that I would have to wait until closer to the varsity start time to get the shots that I needed.

In the meantime, NC Athletic Director, Tom Kaiser, saw me and decided to put me to work. I was tasked with hanging a red banner in the new and improved announcer’s box, above the southwest corner of the pit. My first attempt didn’t go so well, but it was revisited and seemed to have worked on my second try. Then, I needed to drag a table from the cafeteria, to the lobby outside the gym. It was on this table that a NC display was added so anyone who might be interested in attending North could get information about the school. It was a real good idea.

Also, I’m told that the sale of old pieces of flooring from the pit was selling briskly. This was another good idea by Tom Kaiser. If you are interested in owning a piece of NC history, stop by the bookstore, which should be open during home basketball games. If you stop by school for the game on Tuesday, you should be able to pick up one of these souvenirs of NC.

While waiting for the varsity team to get ready, I met the new Director of Admissions, Teri Barrett, and we had a nice chat about North, Little Flower (Teri’s a LF grad) and all things Red and White. She seems to be a real nice addition to the NC family.

Did You Notice….
…..The new floor in the pit. Whoever laid that floor, did a great job. You can see photos of the floor on NorthCatholicBasketball.com

…..That Taylor Rand, the Kate Smith of NC athletics, belted out an incredible rendition of the National Anthem?

…..NC Stat guy, Tom “Puck” McKenna, was wearing two pair of glasses (at the same time). Seems like maybe he needs a new prescription.

….. Our announcer, Mike Kaiser, brother of Tom, was announcing the game from his new loft, instead of from the floor, as announcers previously had done.

Game Announcer, Mike Kaier '73

….. Santa was in attendance, and throwing candy into the crowd before the game. Rumor has it that no extra padding was needed to fill out the Santa suit. We’re told that football player, Pete Pulchalski was assisting Santa at the game.

Santa, arriving at the game. He passed out treats to the crowd.

….. The Tucker Trophy was in the house and all dressed up for Christmas. It almost seemed to be talking to the folks up at Judge.

The "Tucker" Trophy, which is awarded the winner of North/Judge in football
(Seems like someone at North was trying to send a message to the folks at Judge)

Faces in the Crowd…..
…..Sitting together at the east end of the gym were NC President, and Basketball Hall of Famer, Stan Witalec ‘66, NC Alumni Association President, Ed White ’55, and Stan’s classmate and former Mall manager, Ed Glackin ’66.

Ed White '55, Stan Witalec '66, Ed Glackin '66

….Chris James ’08 (Del Val College, Football and Baseball), and Eric French ’98 (Edinboro University, Wrestling) were spending part of their Christmas break working out to stay in shape for their respective sports.

….Stopping by to say hello was Ricky Williams ’08 (Widener student). He tells me that, as usual, his grades are very good.

…. Also spotted in the crowd were former football players, Terrell "TO" Oglesby ’08 (Bloomsburg University, Football), and Mike Scott ’09 (College undetermined)

….. Home from Christmas break and catching the game was 2008 basketball star, Velton Jones.

….. As always, AOH Div 87 was well represented in the crowd, with Frank “Tug” McGraw, Matty Edgar, Ed “Obie” O’Brien, and Tom Wenger, all NC alum. But, rumor has it that they were heckling one of the refs during the game. Also from Div 87 were Pat and Barb Dever (mom of player John Dever).

"Tugger" and "Obie" in the house

The whole crew from AOH Div 87
(rumor has it they arrived by limo)

….. Although he wasn’t spotted during the game, former football player and 4 time All Catholic bowler, Andy Jander ’08 (Temple University, Student) was spotted on Jasper St immediately following the game.

….Mike Fagan ‘56, who may see more high school sports than me, was also in the crowd for the game. You can usually find Mike in attendance at North games.

Next Up for the Falcons is a Tuesday matinee against Strawberry Mansion. Last season, the Falcons beat Mansion in a real good game at Ben Franklin. This year, Mansion visits the pit. Game time is 3:15. This should be a real good game.