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Brandon Bielak '14 Honored as jersey number is retired
Brandon Bielak '14 Honored as jersey number is retired
By Richie Adenau '27
On February 3, Saint Joseph High School welcomed back alumnus Brandon Bielak '14 to have his jersey number retired during halftime of the varsity basketball game against Sayreville. The ceremony recognized his outstanding achievements as a Falcon.
"It was a pretty special moment," Bielak said in a recent interview.
Bielak was a standout pitcher at Saint Joe's, finishing his high school career with 159 strikeouts and only 20 earned runs. In 2014, he won the GMC Player of the Year and led the Falcons to a GMC Tournament Championship. His outstanding high school career earned him induction into the Saint Joseph High School Hall of Fame.
After graduation, he went on to play in college at Notre Dame and in the minor leagues. He then went on to play in the MLB for the Oakland Athletics and the Houston Astros, winning a World Series ring.
Bielak's jersey retirement serves as an inspiration to current Saint Joseph High School student-athletes, showing that determination and hard work can lead to playing at the highest level.
Kyle Moyer '22 and Spyne! rock crossroads for their annual Merry SpynemAs Christmas show
Kyle Moyer '22 and Spyne! rock crossroads for their annual Merry SpynemAs Christmas show
By Casey Fugere '26
Kyle Moyer has come a long way from spear-heading the first ever Saint Joe's Battle of the Bands several years ago in the Catanzaro Cafeteria. What started as a way for students to enjoy playing music and entertain their peers after school turned into a way of life for Kyle, the lead singer and guitarist of his band, Spyne!.
Spyne!'s performance as Garwood's famous Crossroads bar and music venue on December 28 was the third annual Merry Spynemas Christmas show, which has become a holiday tradition. Spyne! played for an hour, entertaining a crowd filled with friends and fans alike, including several Saint Joe's alums, with songs ranging from Spyne! originals to covers of both Rock and Christmas classics.
Crossroads have played host to legendary rock bands like Thursday, Everclear, The Bouncing Souls, and the Gaslight Anthem. Spyne! has also played several headlining shows at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, including as part of their famous Summer Stage series.
The opening act, Heart Break, also featured Saint Joe's alumni in front man Tony Caicedo '19 and bassist Bryan Eidson '19. Both Heart Break and Spyne! are planning to return home to Saint Joe's for the upcoming Battle of the Bands that will take place in the Spring.
Check out more from Spyne! on their instagram below!
Unsung Waters: The Story of an Olympian Rowing Alumnus
Written by: Saahir Vazirani '26
Edited by: Santino Oliveti '26
Steve Quagliano, an influential figure in the rowing world, has carved out a multi-decade rowing legacy. His journey through the sport is a testament to his dedication, skill, and leadership, marking him as a distinguished member of the rowing community. The helm of this journey has been Tom Langowski ‘03, the head coach and founder of the Saint Joseph High School Rowing program since 2008, who knows Steve not only as a Saint Joseph and Manhattan College Alumnus but also as a colleague and friend.
Steve's interest in athletics was evident early on, though initially in a different sport. He played baseball from a young age and continued to play throughout high school. It was only at Manhattan College that Steve truly found his calling in rowing. Despite being a walk-on to the college team as a coxen, he quickly proved himself. During his college career, he became a three-time finalist in the Dad Vail Championships, one of the most prestigious collegiate regattas in the United States. However, his collegiate journey was not a smooth path. In his senior year—a time when the head coach was on leave—Steve essentially took on the role of the coach, guiding his team with wisdom that was well beyond his years.
His achievements on the water earned him an invitation to the New York Athletic Club, an elite organization known for its private social club and premier athletic facilities. The club provided Steve with an unparalleled platform to hone his skills and compete amongst the best. While competing with them, he accumulated 28 US National Championship titles and 12 Canadian Henley titles.
Following these various rowing accomplishments, he earned a bid to participate in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. At the pinnacle of his rowing career, Steve had managed to go from a walk-on with no experience to being invited to any rower’s dream competition. Due to his love for the sport, Steve continued to involve himself by coaching the US Junior National Team and Men's National Team. Steve continues to be a member of the NYAC rowing team and was the previous Director of Rowing at Norwalk River Rowing. Currently, he serves as the Girls High Performance Co-Head Coach at Maritime Rowing Club.
Steve Quagliano’s rise through the ranks of rowing—from baseball player to Olympian and beloved coach—is an inspiring tale of growth, achievement, and commitment to the sport. Steve has not only achieved personal success but has also left an evident impact on rowing, inspiring future generations to follow their aspirations with the same enthusiasm and perseverance as he has.
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