Senior JC Hayes Recipient of Bumber's Corner Locker Honor
Barb Dawson • September 30, 2024

Congratulations, JC!

Montini Catholic is proud to announce its 2024 'Bumber's Corner Locker' recipient, named after 1989 Montini graduate and football standout, Brad Bumber '89. This year's honor went to senior Bronco Jonathan (JC) Hayes (Woodridge).  "JC is an outstanding choice to receive the Bumber's Corner Award for the 2024 Football Season," announced Head Varsity Football Coach Mike Bukovsky. "Like Brad Bumber, JC represents the work ethic, toughness, leadership and character that Brad Bumber exhibited everyday of his life. JC's love of football, and his total commitment to our program is evident everyday at Montini Catholic High School, especially on the football field. As a four year varsity player, JC has proven himself to be one of the finest linemen that we have ever had here. Like Brad, he truly embodies our "Team First" attitude, and competitive spirit that have always been at the core of the Montini Football Program! I am proud to add his name to the list of outstanding young men that have been chosen for this award, as his name will forever be engraved in the "Bumber's Corner" Locker in our Locker Room." 



Montini Catholic student Brad Bumber '89 was a linebacker for the Broncos from 1985 to 1989. He passed away on September 26, 2015 due to complications from his long battle with cancer. The unique idea to honor a current football player each year with the use of this special locker came from Brad's teammate, Montini Catholic alumnus, Brian Forde' 89. Brian wanted to commemorate the memory of his friend. In the summer of 2018, during the renovation of Montini's locker rooms, he initiated the plan to create 'Bumber's Corner Locker.'


Jonathan is the seventh Bronco to receive this honor which also includes a scholarship. 


Past Bronco "Bumber's Corner Locker" Recipients

2023 - Alex Marre '24

2022 - Luke Cushing '23

2021 - Michael Carver '22

2020 - Patrick O'Connor '21

2019 - Patrick Peters '20

2018 - Raymond Wojkovich '19


Brad Bumber's legacy is a testament to the lasting influence one's actions can have on others and, according to Coach Bukovsky, should cause all to pause and ask themselves how they would like to be remembered in life. "I am honored to be the recipient of this year’s Bumber’s Corner Locker," said Jonathan. "After learning about Brad Bumber’s story when I came in as a freshman, I was inspired by what the people who knew him had to say about him." 


Jonathan's name will be added to a special plaque that has been installed in the locker listing the names of each year's Bumber's Corner Locker award recipient.


Brad Bumber & the History Behind Bumber's Locker Corner
The LaSallian Christian Brother educational tradition is structured to develop the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical development of students. During and after his time at Montini, Brad Bumber became a living example of the LaSallian traditions both on and off the football field, and how those traditions and values positively influence and shape students during and after high school, throughout their entire life. 


Thanks to Brian Forde and his former Bronco teammates from the Class of 1989, each year, a Montini Catholic Bronco varsity football player will receive the honor to use the locker in Brad's honor. "Dedicating a football locker in his memory is the best way our class could think of to honor Brad's memory," said Forde. "The player chosen by his coaches to receive 'Bumber’s Corner' each year should feel extremely honored to be recognized for demonstrating similar attributes and qualities as Brad, and for the privilege to play Montini Bronco Football under the banner of his name and memory."


"Brad Bumber was the definition of a blue-collar player," said Forde, remembering his good friend. "He was never the fastest, strongest, or most naturally talented player on the field. Nobody outworked, out hustled or outperformed him and he never gave anything less than 100% - in the game, or at practice. "


According to Forde, Brad Bumber genuinely loved being on the gridiron, and wanted to make every tackle on every play, but was also the first to congratulate his teammates for making a play. "Brad became our team captain, not only for his performance on the field, but equally because of the positive way he carried himself off the field. Through his daily commitment, work ethic, consistency, and good nature in the locker room, he earned the admiration and respect of his football teammates. He exemplified good sportsmanship, hard work, determination, and the confidence those traits naturally engender. He was a loyal teammate, and a morally grounded friend."


Forde also recalled that Brad would go out of his way to take freshmen players under his wing, encouraged them to work hard, and made them feel a part of the football brotherhood. "He wanted every Bronco who wore the jersey to love the game as much as he did, and for his entire team to succeed, together." Teammate Guy DeFeo '89 agrees about Brad's extraordinary demeanor on and off the field. “He was the ultimate teammate who didn’t need, or want, praise. He made everyone around him better just by his example.”


“Brad really took Coach (Chris) Andriano’s speeches, about good sportsmanship, to heart," remembered Forde. "We were playing Driscoll, who we hated. I mean hated. After every play he would amble over, smile and offer a hand to help the guy to his feet, the opposing ball carrier—who he just knocked into next week. And he did it again and again, with his huge grin. I’m pretty sure the Driscoll guys all thought he was kind of crazy.“


For all of these reasons, Brad Bumber was admired and respected amongst his teammates, coaches, and classmates. Montini Catholic remained so important to him personally, as well.  One of Brad's last wishes was to return to Montini to see one last football game and spend time with his old friends and coaches. On Friday, September 18, 2015, that dream was realized. "At the time, he was in the final stage of a long battle with cancer. He had lost almost 90 pounds, and was in excruciating pain," remembers Forde, "In typical Baumber fashion, and against all odds, he showed up!"


Sadly, Brad passed away exactly one week after that final homecoming at the age of 45. "His natural everyday disposition was truly inspired by the Gospel’s golden rule, the traditions of the Catholic Church, and the spiritual teachings of St. John Baptist de La Salle," remembered Forde. "In the truest sense possible, Brad lived the principles instilled in us each day while at Montini."


Photo above:   l to r: Jim Cominsky '89, Al Poglessi '89, Chris Frank '89, Scott Clarke '89, Jonathan Hayes '25, Michael Bumber (Brad's son), Christina Bumber (Brad's widow), Mike Mellon '89, Anthony Cyranek (teammate), Brian Forde '89, Rick Munaretto '93


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National Honor Society Hosts Annual Blood Drive

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Robotics Gears Up for State and Sets Their Sites on VEX Worlds!

By Barb Dawson • February 21, 2025
Montini Catholic's Robotics Team is looking forward to the end of the month when they will once again compete in the VEX Robotics State Competition (February 28-March 1, 2025). The Broncos qualified for State after their successful finish at the 3rd Great Lakes Tournament on February 15th. "This team dedicated an incredible amount of time and effort to building their robot, and it was amazing to see their hard work pay off with such a strong performance at Great Lakes," said new Head Coach Don Krystof, who succeeds Coach Pete Farina '87 this year. Krystof and his team can't wait to see Montini Robotics compete at State for the 6th year in a row. “With all the challenges we’ve faced this season we have still managed to overcome and improve," raved captain senior Wyatt Prater , who has transformed into a seasoned Robotics mavin during his four years at Montini. (As a sophomore, Wyatt joined brother, William Prater '23 , in 2023 for the Broncos first trip to VEX Worlds.) "This year we have been to three competitions, Great Lakes 2 & 3 as well as the Great Lakes 3 skills only tournament. Our hope for State is to be top five in the skills category and get an award that will qualify us for Worlds. At Worlds, of course, we want to have fun, but we also wish to get far enough into the competition and make the playoffs for the first time in team history." Fellow senior teammate, and another highly skilled roboticist, Matthew Silveyra , shares Wyatt's enthusiasm for State and beyond. Coincidentally, he too, shared the Worlds' spotlight in 2023 with his brother Alex Silveyra '23 . "I think this season has really lived up to our team motto of 'Solve one problem - make two more.' However, despite the challenges we face, we continue to put the time and effort in to do the best we can possibly do." "Our season has been a difficult challenge due to fewer members," added Wyatt. Typically, Montini's State teams have been comprised of ten+ members. This year's team of seven (five of whom are seniors) have worked even harder to make up the numbers. "We also have some new members in the team we are trying to teach so they continue the successful history of the program. Mr. Krystof has been great and has helped us every way he possibly could have. Right now we are all hoping we do well enough to qualify for worlds!" VEX Robotics competitions help students develop STEM skills, like questioning, experimenting and learning in a fun environment. The competitions also help students develop communication, collaboration and time-management skills. IMAGE ABOVE: Montini's 2024-25 Robotics Team Members - l to r: Coach Don Krystof, Andrew Pivoney '28, Josh Brunke '25, Geethan Siram '25, Wyatt Prater '25, Matthew Silveyra '25, Isabel Jaojoco '25 and Franklin Barnes '27

Senior Bryanna Bell Sets Her Sights on Theatre Stage Management

By Barb Dawson • February 19, 2025
Montini Catholic senior Bryanna Bell was quite thrilled earlier this year to be able to attend the Illinois High School Theatre Festival (IHSTF) held from January 9th through the 11th at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Bryanna, an aspiring stage manager, was honored to be able to take advantage of a her opportunity to attend. IHSTF, produced by the Illinois Theatre Association, is a non-competitive theater festival for high school students in Illinois. It's the oldest and largest non-competitive festival of its kind in the world with the goals of enriching students' education by helping them realize theatre as a creative outlet while exposing them to different types of theatre. The festival is also credited for bringing students together from diverse communities to help them recognize and share their common interest in theatre. "I had the opportunity to see several shows, attend workshops, and meet people," said Bryanna, who, during her junior year, was chosen as Montini's Bronco Artist of the Month for her work in stage management. "One of the most important aspects of (IHSTF) for me, is the fact that many college theatre programs attend and allow students to audition/interview for them. I was able to interview for many schools' theatre programs, which is a requirement for most college stage management majors. It was a really fun and unique experience to be around so much theatre and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves fine arts." During her senior year, Bryanna has expanded her job skills by serving as the Student Technical Director for Montini's Theatre Department. "I am more in charge of pre-production things, such as props, set building, and preparation of crew members. But, stage management is still my first love. My favorite part of being in both positions is the fact that I get to connect to so many amazing people. Our program has grown exponentially since I first started, meaning that I have gotten the opportunity to meet many talented, smart and kind kids." Bryanna's responsibilities, which are both fun and challenging, can come with a bit of stress. "You’re in charge of the show and responsible for a bunch of people! Things go wrong all the time, and tech week (the days leading up to the show) is always the hardest and slowest week of the year. Because of all the work we put in, everyone kinda feels that stress, however, the product (the show) is so satisfying to see. People always ask me why I choose stage management, it being one of the more stressful and “less rewarding” jobs and my answer is always the same; I love being a part of the process, and seeing everyone and everything come together." "Bryanna has a true passion for theatre, and it is clear that she has quickly become a leader in the performing arts here at Montini," said Montini Theatre Director, Ms. Jackie Martin who has worked with Bryanna now for three years, a relationship that commenced when Bryanna was chosen in 2022-23 school year to be the stage manager for both the fall musical, Newsies, and the spring play, "Clue." "Her responsibilities included attending every rehearsal, leading the crew in painting and construction, and overseeing everything that happens backstage during the performances." According to play sources, Bryanna runs a tight ship and leads by example. "Her leadership abilities will surely take her far in high school theatre and beyond." "I would say that "Clue" was definitely my favorite show at Montini," says Bryanna, looking back on her Montinin theatre career. "There was something about that show, maybe it was the cast, maybe it was the work we put into it, I’m not sure but we all had so much fun and it is regarded as one of the many peaks of our program." Bryanna is looking forward to the fall when she plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. "I will be majoring in Theatre with a concentration of Stage Management and minoring in Business. I have wanted to go to UIUC for a very long time, they have a very good and competitive program that I feel will prepare me to become a professional stage manager. I feel that it’s very important that if someone really enjoys some form of art and/or theatre, then they should make it a part of their education. There is such a stigma around doing fine arts as a job and I feel that we should end it. There are so many artists who have well-paying jobs that they love and are passionate about." Ms. Martin, who nominated Bryanna for Student of the Month last year, has great respect for Bryanna and the work she has done to ensure successful theatrical productions at Montini. "I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Bryanna, this our last play together will be a bittersweet moment, but I know she will be back to cheer on future Montini productions and to let us know how she's doing!" Bryanna's advice for anyone looking to get into high school theatre, "Just do it! Theatre has been a medium for me to express myself and explore who I really am. Forget everything you think you know about theatre and have an open mind. So many people in our program joined on a whim and have now been there for many years because they love it. I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but everyone is welcome to join and see how they like it. In regards to stage management, if you’ve got a good head on your shoulders, and you feel you are up to the challenge, you should definitely apply to be stage manager! It’s such a fulfilling job and it has definitely helped me become more connected to our school’s community."
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