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Saint Francis High School (Athol Springs)
Encyclopedia
Saint Francis High School is a Catholic, private college preparatory high school for young men in Athol Springs, New York
. The school was founded in 1927 by Fr. Justin Figas, OFM Conv. The school is operated under the jurisdiction of the Saint Anthony of Padua Province of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and is accredited by the New York State Board of Regents
and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
.
in Athol Springs just outside of Buffalo
. The site was purchased in 1916 by Father Hyacinth Fudzinski. The land had previously been the estate of one "Dr. Pierce," who developed pharmaceuticals at the turn of the century.
In 1924 Father Justin assembled a group of Polish-American businessmen to help raise funds and support for the construction of the school. This group became known as the "Father Justin Drivers," or the "Justin Drivers." The group was successful and in 1925 ground was broken for the new school in a ceremony held on 12 July 1925. Construction took sixteen months and Saint Francis High School was dedicated on 25 November 1926. In 1927 the first class was enrolled. The original structure built on campus is now called Friar's Hall.
In May 1937 the school was found to meet all requirements of the Board of Regents of the State of New York. In 1943 the school became affiliated with the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.
In the 1940s there was a great increase in student enrollment, and Father Justin again saw the need to build. This time he planned to build a dormitory/gymnasium building with an underground tunnel linking to the original building. In 1946 Father Justin again assembled a group of "drivers" and four years later, in 1950, ground was broken on the new complex. The gymnasium was completed first on 2 September 1951, but the dormitories were not completed for another six years. The building is now known as Justin Hall.
In the 1960s and 1970s reconstruction was done to the chapel, science labs, student dining room, residence facilities, offices, and gymnasium. The physical development of the institution also spurred development of the educational program. The school was able to offer a full college preparatory curriculum for students who lived on campus, and for students who commuted daily. Enrollment again increased and increased classroom space was needed. Classrooms were made in Justin Hall where resident living was once planned. At the same time, in the late 1970s and continuing into the 1980s, the number of resident students steadily decreased. By the late 1980s, only the top floor of Justin Hall was used for residence life. At the end of the 1988 school year, the Board of Directors terminated the residency program.
In 1985 fundraising began for the construction an auditorium complex. In May 1987 ground was broken and on 29 October 1988 the John Ormsby Alumni Auditorium opened. The building was constructed adjacent to Justin Hall and includes a thrust stage with an orchestra pit in an 800-seat auditorium, a campus book store, a fitness center, and a boardroom. In 1995 the complex was completed with the construction of a band room, practice rooms, dressing rooms, offices, and storage space.
In 1999 the campus was expanded with the acquisition of a 16.5 acre (0.06677319 km²) parcel of land behind the school's football field on Fig Tree Road. Practice fields and additional playing fields were constructed in that space. The science labs in Friar's Hall were overhauled and modernized in 2003. In November 2004 an expansion of Justin Hall and the gymnasium began. In late 2005 construction was completed and the new facility included additional classrooms; separate locker-rooms for gym classes, home teams, opposing teams, and referees; an additional gym floor, and an athletic trainer's room. At the time of construction the campus traffic pattern was also changed. Previously traffic blowed between the two major complexes on campus, essentially forming a sea of parking and traffic. The update saw the addition of a 52-space parking lot on the Lake Erie
side of Friar's Hall and the creation of a traditional grass quadrangle with walkways between Friar's and Justin Halls. In 2007, construction began on the new Mary Schneider Visual Arts Center located in the lower floor of Friar's Hall. This state-of-the-art center features 4695 sq ft (436.2 m²) of floor space and includes space for art classes and storage. Also included are a new classroom and a teachers' dining room.
2010 saw an update of the school's athletic facilities with the addition of new bleachers as well as a new press box on the football field.
In 2010-2011 construction took place for new resident rooms. There are dorms for 26 residents along with an activities rooms. The dormatories opened in the 2011-2012 school year.
The Hockey program has also produced many professional hockey players.
In the process of producing great professionals in athletics, St. Francis Athletics has also provided the foundation for a number of great men in other fields. The central mission of St. Francis Athletics is to produce well rounded men that are capable of excellence in any number of fields in their future. Former St. Francis Athletes serve the public as teachers, coaches, assemblymen, assistant attorney generals, and assistant United States attorneys. In the private sector, former athletes with Saint Francis are now doctors, lawyers, and businessmen with Fortune 500 companies.
Athol Springs, New York
Athol Springs, New York is an unincorporated hamlet in the town of Hamburg in Erie County, New York, USA.-External Links:*...
. The school was founded in 1927 by Fr. Justin Figas, OFM Conv. The school is operated under the jurisdiction of the Saint Anthony of Padua Province of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and is accredited by the New York State Board of Regents
Regents Examinations
Regents High School examinations, sometimes shortened to the Regents, are mandatory in New York State through the New York State Education Department, designed and administered under the authority of the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York...
and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is a voluntary, peer-based, non-profit association dedicated to educational excellence and improvement through peer evaluation and accreditation...
.
Founding and Development
The school's founder, Fr. Justin Figas, OFM Conv., wished to establish a secondary school for young men especially to serve the Polish-American immigrant community in Western New York. The Conventual Franciscans of the Saint Anthony of Padua Province already owned a 32 acres (129,499.5 m²) parcel of land on the shore of Lake ErieLake Erie
Lake Erie is the fourth largest lake of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the tenth largest globally. It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and therefore also has the shortest average water residence time. It is bounded on the north by the...
in Athol Springs just outside of Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
. The site was purchased in 1916 by Father Hyacinth Fudzinski. The land had previously been the estate of one "Dr. Pierce," who developed pharmaceuticals at the turn of the century.
In 1924 Father Justin assembled a group of Polish-American businessmen to help raise funds and support for the construction of the school. This group became known as the "Father Justin Drivers," or the "Justin Drivers." The group was successful and in 1925 ground was broken for the new school in a ceremony held on 12 July 1925. Construction took sixteen months and Saint Francis High School was dedicated on 25 November 1926. In 1927 the first class was enrolled. The original structure built on campus is now called Friar's Hall.
In May 1937 the school was found to meet all requirements of the Board of Regents of the State of New York. In 1943 the school became affiliated with the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.
In the 1940s there was a great increase in student enrollment, and Father Justin again saw the need to build. This time he planned to build a dormitory/gymnasium building with an underground tunnel linking to the original building. In 1946 Father Justin again assembled a group of "drivers" and four years later, in 1950, ground was broken on the new complex. The gymnasium was completed first on 2 September 1951, but the dormitories were not completed for another six years. The building is now known as Justin Hall.
In the 1960s and 1970s reconstruction was done to the chapel, science labs, student dining room, residence facilities, offices, and gymnasium. The physical development of the institution also spurred development of the educational program. The school was able to offer a full college preparatory curriculum for students who lived on campus, and for students who commuted daily. Enrollment again increased and increased classroom space was needed. Classrooms were made in Justin Hall where resident living was once planned. At the same time, in the late 1970s and continuing into the 1980s, the number of resident students steadily decreased. By the late 1980s, only the top floor of Justin Hall was used for residence life. At the end of the 1988 school year, the Board of Directors terminated the residency program.
In 1985 fundraising began for the construction an auditorium complex. In May 1987 ground was broken and on 29 October 1988 the John Ormsby Alumni Auditorium opened. The building was constructed adjacent to Justin Hall and includes a thrust stage with an orchestra pit in an 800-seat auditorium, a campus book store, a fitness center, and a boardroom. In 1995 the complex was completed with the construction of a band room, practice rooms, dressing rooms, offices, and storage space.
In 1999 the campus was expanded with the acquisition of a 16.5 acre (0.06677319 km²) parcel of land behind the school's football field on Fig Tree Road. Practice fields and additional playing fields were constructed in that space. The science labs in Friar's Hall were overhauled and modernized in 2003. In November 2004 an expansion of Justin Hall and the gymnasium began. In late 2005 construction was completed and the new facility included additional classrooms; separate locker-rooms for gym classes, home teams, opposing teams, and referees; an additional gym floor, and an athletic trainer's room. At the time of construction the campus traffic pattern was also changed. Previously traffic blowed between the two major complexes on campus, essentially forming a sea of parking and traffic. The update saw the addition of a 52-space parking lot on the Lake Erie
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the fourth largest lake of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the tenth largest globally. It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and therefore also has the shortest average water residence time. It is bounded on the north by the...
side of Friar's Hall and the creation of a traditional grass quadrangle with walkways between Friar's and Justin Halls. In 2007, construction began on the new Mary Schneider Visual Arts Center located in the lower floor of Friar's Hall. This state-of-the-art center features 4695 sq ft (436.2 m²) of floor space and includes space for art classes and storage. Also included are a new classroom and a teachers' dining room.
2010 saw an update of the school's athletic facilities with the addition of new bleachers as well as a new press box on the football field.
In 2010-2011 construction took place for new resident rooms. There are dorms for 26 residents along with an activities rooms. The dormatories opened in the 2011-2012 school year.
Athletics
Saint Francis athletics has a proud history, including the 1990s when the school produced a number of men who now serve in a variety of positions within the NFL. Filling a broad spectrum of roles within management in the NFL, former gridiron greats from St. Francis now lead development and coaching in Indianapolis, Atlanta and New England.The Hockey program has also produced many professional hockey players.
In the process of producing great professionals in athletics, St. Francis Athletics has also provided the foundation for a number of great men in other fields. The central mission of St. Francis Athletics is to produce well rounded men that are capable of excellence in any number of fields in their future. Former St. Francis Athletes serve the public as teachers, coaches, assemblymen, assistant attorney generals, and assistant United States attorneys. In the private sector, former athletes with Saint Francis are now doctors, lawyers, and businessmen with Fortune 500 companies.
Notable alumni
- Doug WorthingtonDoug WorthingtonDoug Worthington Jr. is an American football Defensive End and Nose Tackle for the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft, 242nd Overall. He played football collegiately at Ohio State but previously played football at St...
'05, starting defensive tackle for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Seventh round draft selection of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL Draft. - Jim KubiakJim KubiakJames Kubiak is the color commentator for the Buffalo Bulls football team and the director of the WNY Quarterback Academy. Kubiak was the Director of Football Operations and Offensive coordinator for the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League. He is also a retired American and Arena football...
, quarterback who broke 22 passing records during his college career at the U.S. Naval Academy, in Annapolis, MD. Was on Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
roster for one season. - Jack Quinn (Assemblyman), New York State Assemblyman representing the 146th District. He is the son of former U.S. Congressman Jack Quinn
- Lee StempniakLee StempniakLee Stempniak is an American professional ice hockey player who currently plays in the NHL for the Calgary Flames wearing jersey number 22. Stempniak graduated from St...
'01, right wing for the Calgary FlamesCalgary FlamesThe Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
of the National Hockey LeagueNational Hockey LeagueThe National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States... - Aaron MillerAaron MillerAaron Michael Miller is a retired American professional ice hockey defenseman. Over the course of his fourteen year career in the National Hockey League, Miller played for four teams: the Quebec Nordiques, who eventually relocated and became the Colorado Avalanche, the Los Angeles Kings, and the...
, defensemen for the Vancouver CanucksVancouver CanucksThe Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
of the National Hockey LeagueNational Hockey LeagueThe National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
. Won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado AvalancheColorado AvalancheThe Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
in 1996. Played on the USA hockey team in 1998, 2002, and 2006. - Tom Callahan, the current voice of the Nashville PredatorsNashville PredatorsThe Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
. - Todd KrygierTodd KrygierTodd Andrew Krygier is a former American ice hockey player.After playing for the University of Connecticut, Krygier was selected by the Hartford Whalers in the 1988 NHL Supplemental Draft. He played parts of two seasons with the Whalers before being traded to the Washington Capitals in 1991...
, player in the National Hockey League for the Hartford Whalers 1989-1991, Washington Capitals 1991-1994, 1995-1998 and Anaheim Mighty Ducks 1994-1996. - Kyle SmithKyle SmithKyle Smith is an American critic, novelist and essayist. He is a staff film critic for the New York Post. His film reviewing style has been called "an exercise in hilarious hostility" by Entertainment Weekly....
, player for the Georgia Force of the arena football league - Patrick KaletaPatrick KaletaPatrick Kaleta is an American professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League...
, player for the Buffalo Sabres - Jim NegrychJim NegrychJames William Negrych is an American professional baseball infielder in the Florida Marlins organization. Negrych was a two-time All-American at the University of Pittsburgh . Negrych was drafted in the 6th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2006 draft...
, player for the Pittsburgh Pirates - Elliot JacobsonElliot JacobsonElliot Benjamin Jacobson is an American drummer for the New York-based singer/songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. He also plays drums for Jenny Owen Youngs, Bess Rogers, Allie Moss, Lelia Broussard and Lauren Zettler....
, drummer for the singer/songwriter Ingrid MichaelsonIngrid MichaelsonIngrid Ellen Egbert Michaelson is a New York-based indie-pop singer-songwriter. Her music has been featured in episodes of several popular television shows, including Scrubs, Bones, Grey's Anatomy The Big C and One Tree Hill, as well as in Old Navy's Fall 2007 Fair Isle and Opel's/Vauxhall's...
.