CDH Teams Unite for a Purposeful Holiday Season
CDH Athletics Department
January 17, 2024
The holiday season is often a time for celebration, reflection, and giving back. At Cretin-Derham Hall, this sentiment was embodied as the boys and girls hockey teams gathered for their annual alumni games at Highland Arena on December 23. Over 70 alumni returned to the rink, lacing up their skates to reconnect with the Raiders' proud tradition.
Matt Funk, CDH Athletic Director and Varsity boys hockey coach, expressed his pride in the strong turnout, stating, "To see this kind of turnout makes me proud to be a Raider; the sense of community at CDH is unmatched." The event not only showcased the enduring bond among CDH alumni but also highlighted the school's commitment to fostering a supportive and close-knit community.
Not to be outdone, the CDH boys and girls basketball programs organized their own alumni night on December 28. The doubleheader basketball event drew over 50 alumni, creating an electric atmosphere as past and present players were able to connect and share stories from different generations. Following the games, a post-game gathering at JR Mac's allowed alumni and coaches time to share stories, laughter, and memories.
What made the evening even more special was the dual purpose it served. Both basketball programs seized the opportunity to host their annual Coaches vs. Cancer night, aligning their efforts to raise funds for cancer research. The Coaches vs. Cancer (CvC) program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Since 1993, this initiative has leveraged the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Every cancer. Every life.
The teams organized a Free-Throw-A-Thon, a combined 90 players gathered pledges from family, friends and the community. In an incredible display of generosity, both programs raised nearly $14,000.00 to contribute to the fight against cancer.
Jerry Kline ’93, Boys Basketball coach, praised the community and players for their remarkable contributions, stating, "We are so proud of our community and our players for stepping up in a big way for a great cause." Tara Seifert, Girls Basketball coach stated “The commitment to service and the collective effort to support cancer research demonstrated the values that CDH instills in its students both on and off the court.”
As the holiday season unfolded, it became evident that the CDH community is not just a collection of individuals but is a tight knit community of shared experiences, compassion, and purpose. The alumni events and charity initiatives showcased the enduring spirit of the Raider community, reminding everyone that the true essence of the season lies in coming together, celebrating community, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.