canisiushigh.org
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Crusader character shines on
the national stage
Throughout the school’s history, Canisius High School
student-athletes have charged out through the blue doors
to make a name for themselves in college, professional
and Olympic sports. The school is the alma mater of many
notable athletes, from NFL football wide receiver and Super
Bowl champion Phil McConkey ’75, to Olympic rower and
Bronze Medal winner Steve Coppola ’02.
What does not make the sports
pages, but is nonetheless often
recognized in the sports world
beyond Western New York, is the
character of former Crusader
athletes. “College may give an
athlete his path in life, but
Canisius High School develops
and forms them as the whole
person,” says Jim Mauro, the
school’s athletic director. “There
are tremendous stories of former Canisius athletes doing
great things on the field, but just as many behind-the-scenes
accounts of howwell-rounded these guys are.”
Mr. Mauro tells of a recent phone call from a sports reporter
down in Miami who asked questions about former Crusader
and standout linebacker Jimmy Gaines ’10, who signed with
the University of Miami Hurricanes after graduating from
Canisius. Entering his senior season at Miami, Gaines is
projected to start at middle linebacker this year. But the
reporter had more to say about the leadership abili-
ties of Gaines. “What was most heartwarming about our
conversation was that the reporter said the Hurricane
coaches are just as impressed with Jimmy’s character as they
are with his abilities,” Mr. Mauro recalls. “I told him that is
what our high school does – we build informed leaders
and men of high values.”
John Urschel ’09 is an All-Big Ten offensive lineman with
Penn State who started all 12 games for the Nittany Lions
at right guard last year. Entering his senior season, the 6’ 3,”
300-pound guard breaks the mold of a typical lineman.
For example, he is working on a second master’s degree
in math education, maintaining a 4.0 average.
Mr. Mauro says he pointed the Miami sports reporter
to an online video of John Urschel speaking at this year’s
Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon to see another example of
Crusader character. Mr. Urschel was selected as the
keynote speaker and addressed a crowd of nearly 2,000
fans, coaches and players at the luncheon. He tells the
audience, “There should be four
goals: to master your craft as a
football player; to make your
mark in your community; to
help the young players that follow
in your footsteps; and to prepare
for the day that your football
career ends.”
In his speech Mr. Urschel says,
“I truly believe in leaving this
world a little better than when
you found it, whether it’s through community service
or outreach programs or charity programs. Don’t listen
to what the outside world tells you what football players
are supposed to do. Aspire for something greater.”
When he finished, the audience gave Mr. Urschel a
standing ovation.
Mr. Mauro likes to think the seeds of such character
were planted at Canisius High School. He points out that
athletics are an integral part of the learning experience at
Canisius, therefore Jesuit philosophy is at the core of the
sports program.
“It is enough to bring a tear to your eye
watching this Canisius kid stand up there and
speak to the world,”
Mr. Mauro concludes.
“I
thought to myself, that’s Ursch – that’s the
John I remember when he embraced his time
here as a Canisius student.”
]
Jimmy Gaines ’10
John Urschel ’09
C r u s ade r Ath l e t i c s
