25 DANIEL A. MASTRELLA ’76 Athletics When someone sets a school record that is still standing after close to 50 years, like Daniel Mastrella did in the shot put in 1976, it is obviously quite impressive. However the longevity of the record makes much more sense when you realize that the then Aquinas senior’s distance of 59’6 ¾“ would have placed 19th at that year’s Summer Olympic Games in Montreal. Dan’s Olympic-like throw is just one of many accolades he had throughout his storied athletic career at 1127 Dewey Avenue. He was an anchor for the 1976 Outdoor Track and Field team that claimed Aquinas’ firstever Section V Championship, capping a four-year undefeated run for the Li’l Irish Track and Field squad that won four straight City-Catholic League Championships. Dan never lost a team outdoor track and field competition, as he was a four-year member on both the indoor and outdoor teams. He was a three-time Section V Champion in the shot put on the Indoor Track and Field team, as well as a two-time sectional champion in Outdoor Track and Field. Dan’s athletic success extended to the gridiron, where he was a three-year varsity starter at defensive tackle and consistently led the team in tackles and sacks. He was twice named First Team All-City Catholic, and in his senior year, he was named First Team All-Greater Rochester and First Team All-State at defensive tackle. After Aquinas, Dan attended Colgate University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and was a three-year starter at defensive tackle for the Raiders. Dan also received his MBA in accounting from Rochester Institute of Technology. 2008 AQUINAS GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM Athletics The 2008 Aquinas Girls Softball team capped off a dominant season, by not only winning the school’s first-ever New York State Championship, but they were first large school team from Section V to win a NYS Softball Title. The team had the perfect combination of dominant pitching, flawless defense, and offensive firepower as they finished the season with a record of 29-2. They were led by AllGreater Rochester and NYS Class A Player of the Year, pitcher Bri Allen, who set multiple Section V records during the storybook season: Most Shutouts – 19; Most Innings Pitched – 214; and Wins -29. Coach Mike Grosodonia was named All-Greater and NYS Class A Coach of the Year, and Kayla Steinkirchner also received All-State honors, named to the 4th Team, while also being named All-Greater Rochester. Four other players received All-Greater Rochester recognition: Laura Casper, Erika Mardo, Nicole Simonetti, and Jessica Stahl. Throughout the season, the team had several exciting battles on the diamond, but none was more exciting than the State Final. The Lady Irish defeated South Glens Falls (Section II) 5-3, snapping the defending state champion’s 47-game winning streak. Team Roster: Bri Allen ’08 *; Nicole Simonetti ’08 *; Jessica Stahl ’08 *; Ileana Rodriguez ’08 *; Kayla Steinkirchner ’08 *; Erika Mardo ’08 *; Meredith Bringley ’08 *; Laura Casper ’09; Vanessa Petote ’09; Lauren Conidaris ’09; Kelley Lord ’09; Kristen Doherty ’10; Morgan Lindauer ’10; Caileen Sennett ’11; Hope Waldron ’11 *Team Captains Coaches: Mike Grosodonia; Greg Stahl The Road to the Championship: • Section V Class A Final: Aquinas vs. Pittsford Sutherland (3-0) • State Quarterfinal: Aquinas vs. Williamsville East (1-0) • State Semi-Final: Aquinas vs. East Hampton (4-0) • State Final: Aquinas vs. South Glens Falls (5-3) The Aquinas Hall of Fame was established in 1987 to honor Aquinas alumni, faculty, staff, and special friends, who are distinctively dedicated to serving their community in a way that upholds the tradition and teachings of this Institute and its mission. The Hall of Fame awards look to honor these individuals who have significant lifetime achievement and service. If there is an individual you would like to nominate, please visit www.aquinasinstitute.com/hallof-fame-award. Forms are due by January 15 to be considered for the following induction class.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTcyNDA=