Football Celebrates 3A State Championship
Barb Dawson • December 17, 2024
Seven and Counting!

Montini Catholic Varsity Football celebrated their history making 3A Championship (November 30) with their classmates on Wednesday, December 4th at a 'celebration rally' held in their honor. The 2024 Montini Broncos finished the regular season with a 7-2 record, completing one of the best Chicago Catholic League seasons in Montini history. The rugged schedule propelled the Broncos into the IHSA State Playoffs for the 34th time in program history.
After a dominant 1st round victory over North Lawndale, the Broncos took on Byron’s Tigers in the much anticipated rematch of last year's tough playoff loss, and earned a hard fought 14-13 revenge victory. Princeton High School was the Broncos quarterfinal opponent, and after defeating the Tigers 24-7 on the road, they returned home to Duffy Memorial Stadium to host Wilmington in a semi final contest. Even a live bronco, a fireworks display and a military flyover during the National Anthem, couldn't upstage the Broncos offense as it exploded for 42 points, against the Wildcats. The defense continued its season-long dominating performance, and with the 42-12 victory over the Wildcats, the Broncos punched their ticket to the Class 3A State Championship Game the day after Thanksgiving at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University.
Montini wasted little time scoring early and often, and ran out to a 35-0 halftime lead over the Sages from Monticello. Eventually they secured a running clock in the 3rd quarter, and completed the 49-8 victory, earning the Program's 7th IHSA State Football Championship! Head Coach Mike Bukovsky ‘83, who celebrated his first win as Head Varsity Coach, was honored to be a part of this historic team giving credit where it was due. "Our senior class was outstanding, as they have overcome many obstacles over their 4 years here, and have cemented their legacy in Montini Football History!"
At the rally, Coach Bukovsky wasted no time thanking Montini fans, parents, Booster Club members, cheer and Broncettes teams. "You all share in this victory!"
Senior Nick Irion (Lombard) reflected on the season, his last as a Montini Bronco. "The 7th Montini football state championship feels extra special because of the people who came before me. The teams that laid the foundation, the players who set the example, and the coaches who built this program. They made it possible for us to achieve this. For those reasons it made our winning feel that much better. Their hard work and determination pushed us to do our best, and it’s an honor to continue that tradition and add to Montini’s history. This win is as much for the legacy as it is for us. I would also like to shout out all my teammates and coaches who put in countless hours during the hot summer days and cold fall nights, without them none of this would be possible. Go Broncos!"
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Montini Catholic in Lombard is proud to announce the senior members of their 2025 Prom Court. The king and queen will be announced and crowned during the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Prom Night on Friday, April 25th. The evening, themed - The Roaring 2020s - will be held at Bolingbrook Country Club. Class of 2025 Prom Court Members Queen Liliana Cruz Peyton Farrell Natalie Gartlan Autumn Schumerth Sienna Skarda King Nicky Castaldo Jonathan Hayes Sean Hubeny Matthew Silveyra Collins Whitfield Image above l to r: Peyton Farrell, Collins Whitfield, Natalie Gartlan, Sean Hubeny, Liliana Cruz, Nicky Castaldo, Autumn Schumerth, Matthew Silveyra, Sienna Skarda and Jonathan Hayes

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Under the direction of Fine Arts Department Chair and Music Director, Donnie Glowinski and Art Teacher Christiana Blatchley, Montini Catholic students were invited to participate in the creation of a beautiful mosaic of the Lasallian college preparatory high school's founder, St. John Baptist De Lasalle. St. John Baptiste De Lasalle was designated the Patron Saint of teachers by the Catholic Church in 1950. The artistic endeavor was an activity created as a part of Montini's celebration of Belongingness Week (March 24-28, 2025). "Belongingness Week is designed to promote a sense of inclusion, connection, and community among students and throughout the school," said Principal Chris Tiritilli. "The purpose of this week is to enhance and emphasize an environment where each student feels known, accepted, valued and supported, regardless of their background, identity, or differences. During this week, we seek to provide several experiences and activities to celebrate the things that make us each unique and special, such as the backgrounds, experiences and traditions that we come from, all while also realizing that we come together and belong as one Montini community and family." Throughout the week, each department wwas asked to organize an activity to align with one of the three main goals of the week: Building Positive Relationships, Promoting Inclusion, Increasing Self-Esteem and Emotional Well-Being. The mural was a way for Montini students to come together through a fun and artistic activity. Each piece of the mosaic symbolized an individual, with its unique shape, color, and position contributing to the overall 'masterpiece.' The final piece will be unveiled during Montini's upcoming Mass to celebrate the Feast Day of St. John Baptist De Lasalle which is April 7th.