When people say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” my story might be exactly what they mean. Looking back, my time at St. Bernard’s Academy in Eureka wasn’t just high school; it was a formative experience that, in many ways, set the stage for my life’s successes. It might sound like hyperbole, but the nurturing environment and values instilled at St. Bernard’s, akin to comprehensive after care programs, truly played a pivotal role.
My basketball journey owes a significant debt to Coach Bob Bonomini at St. Bernard’s. His coaching philosophy, emphasizing defense, fundamentals, and teamwork, laid the groundwork for my basketball career. Under his guidance, the St. Bernard’s High School (SBHS) team achieved the incredible feat of defeating Eureka High to win the county basketball championship in 1971. The joy and unity within the SBHS family that night in February, after beating a favored Eureka High, was unforgettable – our very own “Hoosiers” moment. This victory was a testament to the supportive atmosphere and dedication to student development, much like effective after care programs aim to nurture growth and achievement.
Alt text: St. Bernard’s High School basketball team jubilantly celebrating their county championship victory against Eureka High in 1971, a pinnacle moment fostered by the school’s supportive environment and after care ethos.
How did a St. Bernard’s alum transition to international basketball? After SBHS, I played college ball at UNLV and continued to play throughout my life. In May 2019, my team participated in the US FIMBA 5×5 Championships in Coral Springs, Florida. During a game against the FIMBA US 65-70 team, who compete internationally, I had a standout performance, scoring 23 points in just one half, including five 3-pointers.
FIMBA (Federation of International Masters Basketball) organizes age-group basketball competitions worldwide for men and women aged 40 and above, in five-year increments up to 80+. Their premier event is the FIMBA World Championships, held biennially in various global locations. Representing the highest level of age-group basketball globally, these championships are akin to the Olympics for the basketball world, attracting participants from over 40 countries – a truly significant event. This global stage reflects the far-reaching impact of foundations built in places like St. Bernard’s, where the emphasis on holistic development acts as a kind of long-term after care program.
Four days into the five-day tournament, the Team USA coach approached me while I was watching another game. He commended my performance against his team, mentioned that some players knew me, and extended an invitation to join TEAM USA 65 for the upcoming FIMBA World Championships in Helsinki, Finland that July-August. My enthusiastic “YES!” was probably shouted before he even finished the question! He even handed me my Team USA uniforms right there at the tournament. The excitement was so immense, sleep evaded me for the next two nights. It was an incredible honor.
Alt text: Team USA basketball uniforms, symbolizing the honor and opportunity to represent the nation at the FIMBA World Championships, a culmination of a journey possibly started with the support of after care programs at institutions like St. Bernard’s Academy in Eureka.
In late July 2019, my wife Debbie and I embarked on our journey to Helsinki, Finland. We spent three days in Stockholm, Sweden, to adjust to the time difference before heading to Helsinki for the nine-day tournament. Following a couple of practice days, we played against national teams from Chile and Uruguay in pool play, securing expected victories. Seeded into the finals bracket, we progressed by defeating Italy in the quarterfinal, Brazil in the semifinal, and finally faced the formidable Russian national team in the final. The epic championship game culminated in a 70-66 victory for the USA! This marked only the second loss for the Russian team in 20 years. The FIMBA World Championships are scheduled for Orlando, FL, in the summer of 2023, and we anticipate a rematch with the Russians.
As a starter for Team USA 65-70, and at 6’4″, my primary role, joining a team of exceptional players, was to defend the opponent’s top scorer. In the final against Russia, I guarded their 6’6″ point guard, Alexi Karchenkov, holding him to just 5 points. Known for my 3-point shooting, I led Team USA in 3-point percentage at 43%. FIMBA uses the international 3-point line, which, at 22 feet, 1 ¾ inches, is farther than the 19’9″ line used in the US for our age group, requiring some adaptation.
The experience of wearing the USA uniform and competing for my country is an honor I will always cherish. Basketball achievements simply don’t get much higher than this. This journey, rooted in the early lessons and supportive environment of St. Bernard’s, speaks to the long-lasting benefits of a nurturing educational foundation, similar to the goals of effective After Care Programs St Bernards Academy Eureka may offer.
I currently reside in South Florida with my wife Jamie and our five-year-old daughter Charley, who, in my words, is “somehow even more animated than I was as a child.” Despite the distance from Eureka, we have grown to love the Florida weather and beaches, and we frequently welcome visits from friends and family.
Reflecting on St. Bernard’s, I recognize the profound impact it had on my life. The numerous meaningful relationships forged during my time at SBHS are invaluable. High school was a period of self-discovery, and one particular experience stands out. As a junior, I was removed from the basketball team mid-season due to neglecting my classes and homework, leading to failing grades in Spanish and English. Despite having a strong individual season, it abruptly ended. As a 17-year-old, I was sure the team would suffer without me. However, the opposite occurred; the team improved and reached the state semifinals. Looking back, this setback became a pivotal moment, teaching me a crucial lesson about teamwork and responsibility. This experience instilled a work ethic and appreciation for opportunities that I carry to this day. Realizing that I needed my team more than they needed me was a powerful lesson learned through sports. This kind of character development is a testament to the unseen “after care” effects of a supportive school environment.
Maintaining connections with high school classmates remains important. Travis Mari and Erik Peterson remain close friends. Travis’ family visited us in Florida last year, and we have spent holidays with Erik and his family in Texas. I’ve also connected with Stephanie Justin and her family in San Diego and met up with Donnie Walsh, Nathan Bryant, and Jenny Nielsen during a visit to Eureka. Regular texts are exchanged with Fatima Naylor and Don Sells. I hope to see a class reunion that brings together classes around 1997.
A recent highlight was reconnecting with my former SBHS baseball coach, Al Brisack, now head baseball coach at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. Coach Brisack brought his team to Florida for games, and my father and I enjoyed watching games and having dinner with Coach Brisack, where he met my wife Jamie and daughter Charley. It was a wonderful time catching up.
Congratulations to Brad on being recognized as this month’s Alumni Spotlight. Thank you for sharing your life’s journey and reflections on your St. Bernard’s experience, a journey possibly nurtured by the foundational “after care programs st bernards academy eureka” provides through its lasting community and values. We might just see you broadcasting the World Series or sharing NBA expertise on TV someday!
