9.4.08 | FOOTBALL
FRIDAY’S GAME IS 200^TH STRAIGHT FOR COACH GEORGE GAMBER


BK Defensive Coordinator George Gamber will coach his 200^th consecutive game with the Knights this Friday at Minico.  Gamber joined the coaching staff in 1989 and has been either on the sidelines or in the press box for every game since. He has served under head coaches Ray Wilmot, Tim Brennan, and current Head Coach Jack Parker.
     “There may have been some nights that people wondered if I was there or not!” said the good spirited Gamber, who also taught at BK for many years. “It’s been a great run and I feel privileged to be part of the BK program.”


LIFE “ALMOST NORMAL” FOR PARKERS FOLLOWING FIRE
    Last week was one that Head Coach Jack Parker and his wife Kit will never forget, but not because of football.  On Monday (Aug. 25) evening they received a phone call from their daughter with news that homes in their neighborhood were on fire and that an evacuation was underway.  “She didn’t know if our house was safe or not, but she knew the flames were really, really close,” said Kit.
     Sure enough, the Parker residence was involved and did catch on fire that evening -- and was saved by the Boise Fire Department with an assist from one of their longtime neighbors and his family. The resulting fire damage to the roof and smoke damage through the home has displaced the Parkers to a local Residence Inn.
     “I was told the house caught on fire six different times during the windstorm. At one point Jack hiked into the neighborhood but was told to leave as some of the homes were exploding,” Kit said.  “The firemen were incredible and kept the damage to a minimum. We should be back into our home soon.”

CODY HAWKINS GIVES SHOUTOUT TO BK
     Following his team’s recent win over Colorado State, Colorado QB Cody Hawkins (’06) was interviewed live by the Fox Sports crew televising the game. Hawkins concluded the interview by asking permission to give a shout-out to his friends at Bishop Kelly, and lifted his Buffalo jersey to reveal his “Bishop Kelly P.E.” t-shirt. With his trademark exuberance, Cody offered words of encouragement to the 2008 Knights football squad.

 8.24.08
Bishop Kelly Announces Ticket Promotions for Home Opener

Optimist Players and Bronco Fans Invited to Kickoff the Season at BK

Bishop Kelly High has announced two special promotions to help Treasure Valley fans kickoff the 2008 football season. The Knights host Central Catholic High of Portland on Saturday, August 30, at Nick Ysursa Field. Game time is 1:00 p.m.

One promotion targets all current players in the Boise Noon Optimist Youth Football program. The youngsters are invited to attend the  BK game free of charge, but they must wear their Optimist team football jersey to the BK game and they must be accompanied by a parent or coach.  

"We want the youngest football players in the valley to come enjoy our home opener on Saturday afternoon," said Head Coach Jack Parker. Optimist football has produced hundreds of players who have gone on to play for the Knights, including recent Boise State players Colt Brooks and Tad Miller. "The Optimist program is one of the best in the country and this is our way of thanking those coaches and parents for the hard work they do."

Bishop Kelly is also extending a special offer to fans holding tickets for the Boise State game against Idaho State, which begins at 6 p.m. on the same day.  Fans can attend the Knights’ battle against the Rams on Saturday afternoon free of charge by simply showing their BSU vs. ISU game ticket at the BK ticket booth.

"Obviously we have a lot of crossover between BK and BSU football fans," said Parker in reference to the strong connection between the Knights and Bronco football. "This BK-BSU doubleheader will be a great day of football in Boise for people who want to go to both games."

Five former Bishop Kelly players are currently in the Boise State football program, including Tim Brady, Andy Silsby, Cedric Febis, Spencer Gerke and Drew Hawkins.

8.23.08 | FOOTBALL & MUSIC
JOEY HARRINGTON’S PIANO PLAYED AT BISHOP KELLY

NFL Quarterback Joey Harrington may have played at Central Catholic during the 1990s, but his 1911 Baldwin vertical piano was played at Bishop Kelly in the 1960s. This article is reprinted from a news release issued in 2004 by the Baldwin company. 

Wednesday June 30th, 2004
Joey Harrington Brings New Life to Great-grandmother's Baldwin

Who says athletes aren't rock stars? Joey Harrington, quarterback for the Detroit Lions, rocked out on the keyboards last night with musical stars Third Eye Blind and the Pat McGee band in Joey's hometown of Portland, Oregon. The show, held in Pioneer Courthouse Square, benefited the Shriners Hospital in Portland and the Harrington Family Foundation, which promotes the education, safety and welfare of children for local and national non-profit organizations.

Joey plays the piano by ear and feel, very different from how he plays football. "Music and theater are very important to me," he said recently in an interview with The Detroit Free Press. "I have to have music in my life in some capacity. This is the balancing side of my life." Joey has also performed the national anthem in Rose Garden for a Portland Trail Blazers game and with John Popper of Blues Traveler.

In 1977, two-year-old Joey, son of John and Valerie Harrington, climbed atop the wooden piano bench of his family's 1911 Baldwin vertical piano, and with a football at his feet he plunked out his very first notes. The piano, a family heirloom, has been passed down from his maternal great-grandmother Katie McNamara who once worked as an accompanist for silent films in a packed movie house in downtown Boise, Idaho. Katie passed the piano down to her daughter, Madeline, who temporarily loaned it to Bishop Kelly High School before passing it along to her son, John Harrington.

Being talented in both music and on the football field allowed Joey to pursue both loves. He continued with jazz music lessons and ensembles through junior high and high school and by the time he began college, time had taken its toll on the family's Baldwin. Unable to even be tuned anymore, its only hope was to be fully restored, which would cost thousands of dollars. The Harrington family was forced to put the heirloom into storage. However, two years ago, it emerged again as Joey "became rather self-sufficient and had it restored," explains Joey's mother, Valerie. The 1911 Baldwin Vertical now resides in Joey's living room in Detroit, completely restored, and with a plaque inside that reads "In Loving Memory of Katie McNamara."
(Note: Joey Harrington was also a fantastic Oregon Duck and continues to be a terrific role model for Catholics young and old. His father, John, was recently named President of Central Catholic High. More information is available at www.joeyharrington13.com)


            Did you pound on the keys of Joey’s piano at BK back in the 1960s?



8.22.08 | OLYMPIC GAMES
BK'S NICK SYMMONDS RUNS IN OLYMPIC GAMES IN BEIJING

Nick Symmonds ('02) became Bishop Kelly's first Olympian when he competed in the 800 meter run in at the Olympic Games in Beijing. His mother Andrea (BK English teacher), his father Jeffrey, and sister Lauren ('04) were in China for the event -- and the entire BK Nation was with him in spirit. Read Nick's blog here. There is also a brief interview with him, courtesy of NIKE, found on YouTube under the title Nick Symmonds: Starting Out & Succeeding



8.15.08| PROFESSIONAL ALUMKNIGHTS
Cory Violette to Play in Japanese Basketball League

Bishop Kelly alum Cory Violette ('00) has arrived in Japan where he will spend the upcoming season playing for the Toshiba Brave Thunders in the Japanese Basketball League. The 6-9 power forward helped lead the Idaho Stampede to the NBA Development League Championship this past season, securing championship rings for all the Stampede players (and team owners).  Violette was also named to the 2008 NBADL All-Star team.

"Toshiba made me an offer that was very attractive," said Cory. "I loved playing in Boise and having the support of family and friends. Winning the championship was an amazing moment. The next step for me will be exciting as well and I am looking forward to the adventure and the challenge. This is a great situation and so far I like it a lot.”
 Violette, who helped the Knights to a state championship in 2000 prior to his outstanding career at Gonzaga, played previously in Italy and Turkey.  His performance in the NBA D-League Championship game, including a 29-foot jumper as the buzzer sounded at the end of the 3rd quarter, helped convince the Brave Thunders to make an offer.  The Brave Thunders, a past Japanese SuperLeague champion, will have their hands full this year with the Diamond Dolphins, Seahorses, Alvark, and Sunrockers all expected to be tough.  JBL regular season play begins September 26.


8.12.08 | BISHOP KELLY CAMPAIGN
New Stadium Bleachers Installed at B.K.

The BK community will be enjoying outdoor events in style this fall with the installation of new aluminum bleachers, elevated walkways, easy-access entrance ramps, and a 384-square-foot press box at the stadium.   Installation of the new bleachers, which feature seatbacks in the center section and black and gold kick plates, is nearly complete, and the press box (to be named the Harvey & Margo Neef Media Center) will be added in the next two weeks.  Seating capacity will be 2,100.

The project is part of Phase II of the Bishop Kelly Campaign and follows the renovation of 17 classrooms, a biology lab, art room, and plant improvements in the summer of '07. 
 
The new bleachers will ready for a cross-country/football combination event on Saturday, Aug. 30th.  BK hosts its 3rd annual Jimmy Driscoll 5K Alumni Walk/Run and the Jimmy Driscoll Invitational Cross-country Meet.  Plans call for the cross country route finish on Driscoll-Dooley Track.  At 12:45 Bishop Michael Driscoll will bless the new bleachers and honor those who built the original bleachers and thank the lead donors who enabled building the replacement.  The Knights host Central Catholic from Portland for its season opener on Nick Ysursa Field. Kick off is at 1:00 p.m. 

 
     New bleachers add height, safety to outdoor facility.

 
    Colorful, splinter-free, and no openings to fall through!


JULY.08| FOOTBALL
Summer Happenings
The summer has seen many activities and honors for the BK football family.

JUNE:
Over 200 youth descended on the fields for the BK Youth Football Camp. This contact camp included youth ages 8 - 13 and guest coaches from across the valley.

65  BK players attended the BSU camp. They worked hard, progressed, and are looking forward to starting the season.

JULY:
Three former Knights participated in the Treasure Valley vs. Team Idaho All-Star Game played at the dome in Poky July 5.  Michael Thomas played kicker and corner, Danny Schaffeld and Spencer Gerke played in the offensive line.  Spencer recovered a fumble and scored a touchdown.  Who knew he was an offensive threat! The treasure Valley squad won 35 - 28.

Varsity team members  Cody McCarthy, Jake Wylie, Dom Chumich, Ryan Schmidt, Colin Clovis, Eric Wylie, NIck Brady, Douwe deBoer along with Coach Parker  helped with KIVI's Miracle Makeover project.  They provided muscle during landscaping. 

Head Coach Jack Parker was awarded the 2008 Distinguished Football Coach for the state of Idaho by the Idaho Coaches Association during their summer clinic held at Mt View High School. This career award is presented to coaches who have spent many years coaching in Idaho. Coach Parker has been coaching for 35 years.






 

5.30.08| FOOTBALL
Former Knights Plan to Play on Saturdays in the Fall

Here is a quick rundown of former BK football players who plan to be on the gridiron this fall at the collegiate level:  Zach Thiry '04 (Senior-Punter/Kicker-Carroll College); Tim Brady '04 (Senior-Linebacker-Boise State); Tom Bleymaier '05 (Senior-WR-Cornell); Andy Silsby '05 (Junior-Fullback-Boise State); Cody Hawkins '06 (Sophomore-Quarterback-Colorado); Cedric Febis '06 (Sophomore-DB-Boise State); Ryan Kettner '06 (Junior-FB-St. John's); Spencer Gerke '08 (Freshman-OL-Boise State); Dan Schaffeld ’08 (Freshman-OL-Western Montana); Michael Thomas '08 (Freshman-DB-Idaho) Drew Hawkins [two years at BK] (Freshman-Quarterback-Boise State).

Notes: Thiry was named NAIA All-America as punter following last year's national championship season... Tim Brennan '77 begins his second season as head coach of the West Mifflin (PA) Titans...Sean Impomeni '85 is an assistant on the BK staff...Tommy Steiner ’03 will serve as an offensive intern at Stanford.

 5.28.2008 | GOLF
Girl's Golf Squad Gets the "4-Peat" in Dominant Fashion



For the fourth straight year the BK girl's golf team won the 4A State Championship, and again it was by a wide margin – this time winning the two-day event by 65 strokes. Congratulations to this outstanding group of student-athletes!  Pictured here in the "annual championship banner and trophy photo" (L-R) are Shane Burton (asst. coach), Katie Skinner, Maddie Sheils, Emily Bixby, Alex Semanko, Beth Beechie, Larry Crump (head coach) and Jim Carlson (asst. coach). 

5.17.08 | BASEBALL
              BROCK’S BOMB

                              Brock’s Bomb – With a single swing Hyder hijacked the state title for BK.

Grand Slam in Sixth Secures State Crown

 With one swing of the bat, junior slugger Brock Hyder lifted the spirits of BK baseball fans and exorcised the demons of Rodeo Park.  His Ruthian blast over the right field wall in the bottom of the 6^th came with the bases loaded and put the Knights ahead 6-3 – and just three put-outs from the 4A State Championship.

Having the lead, and needing just three put-outs to win, was eerily similar to the situation BK faced in the 2006 State Championship game and the 2007 District final. Both games were at Rodeo Park, both games involved 7^th inning scoring rallies, and both ended badly for the Knights.   Anxiety emerged again this time when Skyview put runners on 1^st and 3^rd with one out, but flamethrowing Nico Lytle shut down the Hawks. A slick game ending 4-6-3 double play executed by Marcus Wood and Justice Mariscal assured that Hyder’s home run heroics would hold. 


                 
              David Nathan, Randy Hall, and Justice Mariscal were part of Brock’s base clearing blast

Sutcliffe Savors Championship Season

Head Coach Bobby Sutcliffe has won a number of big games in his four seasons at BK, including two District Championship games and seven out of eleven in state tournament play, but this one was the biggest. 

“This group has a flair for the dramatic,” a beaming Sutcliffe said of his championship squad, winners of 13 one-run games this season en route to a school record 25-5 mark. “When I need to chew on that Tums, they’re relaxed and have it under control.”
                                                                        Coach Sutt celebrates with wife Terri and daughter Sammi.

5-12-08 | MCLA D-1 LACROSSE
Jeff Brunelle Named 1st Team All-Pacific Northwest

Jeff Brunelle ('04), senior defenseman for the Oregon Ducks, has been selected 2008 First Team All-Conference by the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League.  It is the first time a BK grad has earned this honor at the Division 1 Level of the M.C.L.A.

"Jeff is a rock solid defender and has been a mainstay for Oregon," said Jason Stockton, commissioner of the league. "His physical strength, stick skills, and field sense are all contributing factors to his outstanding success as a player."

The Ducks have been among the top teams in the Western United States for four years (including NCAA Div.I Denver University and Div. II NDNU). Oregon played in the 2007 National Championship Finals in Dallas and competed in ten different states while amassing more than 70 wins during Brunelle's time in the program.

"I feel blessed to have been part of the Oregon lacrosse program. I've had awesome teammates and a chance to compete against some of the best attackmen in the country,” said the 6-2, 205-pounder.  "It's been four years of hard work on and off the field, but as my  strength and speed improved it was just a matter of getting more experience against high  caliber teams. It worked out in my favor here at Oregon.”

A former offensive lineman for the Knights, Brunelle acknowledged BK football as helping him build a foundation for collegiate competition. “You learn how to work, you learn how to get back up, and you learn how to win,” he said. “It helped a lot that I was one of Jack Parker’s boys.”

Another 2004 grad, Rob McQuade (Idaho Vandals) earned PNCLL honorable mention as a long stick midfielder


5.9.08| BK FACILITIES  
Bishop Kelly Prepares for New Stadium Bleachers and "Harvey & Margo Neef Media Center"

The Bishop Kelly Campaign reached another milestone today as work crews started on the outdoor stadium bleachers and press box project.  Crews began dismantling the original wooden bleachers and steel substructure to make room for the new all aluminum bleachers, which feature seatbacks in the center section and black and gold kick plates. Seating capacity will be 2,100.

For the entire story and updates go to the Facilities page.

5-1-08 | FOOTBALL
New York Jets Invite Tad Miller to this Weekend’s Rookie Mini-Camp

Tad Miller’s quest to play in the National Football League takes another step forward this weekend when the former BK Knight attends mini-camp with the New York Jets. The three-day event will be held at the team's training facility at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York.  It begins with two-a-days on Friday and Saturday, and concludes with a single practice on Sunday. The rookies-only camp is an opportunity for Miller to earn a free agent contract and gain an invite to the Jets training camp later this summer.

"This is what I have been working for, to get my shot at the NFL," said Miller, who started for four seasons at left guard for the Boise State Broncos. "I am just going to go in and do everything to the best of my ability and give it all I've got. It's my total focus."

Miller (BK '03) was not selected in the recent NFL draft, nor were many offensive guards. As a result, free agent signings for OG's has become highly competitive, and Miller finds himself in a pressure cooker situation with the Jets. But he is ready.

"I feel great, one-hundred percent healthy and ready to go," said Miller, who spent 10 weeks at the Proactive Sports Performance Center in Westlake, Calif., to prepare for his Pro Day workout and mini-camp. "I'll just do whatever I have to do and leave it all on the field."

In January, Miller underwent a medical procedure to remove cartilage from his right knee. The 6-3, 306-pounder has been training religiously since then in hope of earning an NFL contract. His Pro Day workout in Boise in March was "pretty good," according to Miller. Among his personal performance results were a 40-yard dash time of 5.25 seconds; 24 repetitions on the bench press (225-pounds); and a 26-inch vertical leap.

I think my workouts in California have paid off for me with the good Pro Day numbers and now this chance with the Jets mini-camp," said Miller.  "This is the opportunity I wanted, so now it's a matter of getting back there and getting after it."

Offensive line was a problem for the Jets last season, and they have since signed seven-time Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca, who had played all 10 years of his career in Pittsburgh. The Jets picked just one interior lineman in the draft, OT Nate Garner from Arkansas.


4-28-2008 | Michael Thomas Receives Scholar-Athlete Award

Senior Michael Thomas was recognized Saturday as an outstanding Scholar-Athlete during a banquet held at the Owyhee Plaza by the Southern Idaho Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.  Many family members and coaches were there to witness this honor.  Seven other seniors from around the valley were also recognized.  He received a $500 scholarship and a plaque, a copy of which will be added to the trophy case at  Bishop Kelly.



His name will be added to a list of former recipients at the College Football Hall of Fame that contains former BK players Ryan Bokan - 2007, Cody Hawkins - 2006, Tom Bleymaier - 2005, Tim Brady - 2004, Tad Miller - 2003, Joe Bleymaier - 2002, Dave Eliopulos - 2000, and Rueben Asumendi - 1998. 

4-14-2008| Knights of the Gridiron
 7th Annual Luau is June 19th at the Basque Center


Save the Date!  The Knights of the Gridiron Luau is Thursday, June 19th, at the Basque Center.  The fun begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 7:00. The live auction starts at 8:00 with a number of unique BK-themed items available! This annual event is always a lot of fun and builds great team spirit and goodwill for the BK football program. Please plan to attend whether or not you are a current “member.” And bring your wallet!

For more information contact Pat Shalz at pjs@tokre.com.

4-13-08| WRESTLING
Schaffeld is Runner Up at Reno World Championships

BK Sophomore Josh Schaffeld earned 2nd place at the Cliff Keen Reno World Championship tournament held in Reno on April 4-6.    Schaffeld wrestled 10 matches over the course of three days to finish as runner up in the 175-pound division. His nine wins included two pins, five close decisions, and one overtime decision.

"Josh has improved with the mental part of wrestling in this tourney and will carry that knowledge into next season," said Butch Schaffeld, who coached his son in the tournament.  "He and Butch Hyder (a BK freshman) both competed extremely well and I am proud to have coached them."

The collegiate-style tournament drew 2,600 grapplers from 34 states and a number of different countries. 

4-2-08 |  HOLLYWOOD KNIGHTS
Former Defensive Back William Petersen (’72) Signs on for Ninth Season of CSI

 Former BK defensive back and current CSI star William "Billy" Petersen ('72) has signed for a ninth season with CBS, according to internet sources. The one-year contract is for a limited number of episodes to allow Petersen, always a multi-threat athlete during his days as a Knight, to dabble in other creative pursuits.

Terms of the deal said to be in the neighborhood of $600,000 an episode. That keeps him in the ranks of one of the higher paid television actors overall, and most likely the highest paid former BK football player working as a television actor in a top rated series

Petersen will take some time away from being Gil Grissom to present and act in the Christmas-themed play ''Dublin Carol'' in his hometown of Chicago. It will run at Steppenwolf's Upstairs Theatre from Nov. 13 through Dec. 21. 

 Petersen was a member of the 1971 BK squad. Although he wore #14 when he played for the Knights, Billy's homage to his alma mater was donning the #52 BK jersey given to him by a teammate.  The jersey, worn by lineman Mike Mitchell ('72) during the 1969 through 1971 seasons, made appearances in many of Petersen's early films, including To Live and Die in L.A., Manhunter, Cousins, and Amazing Grace and Chuck. Billy's daughter Maite is a 1993 BK graduate.
         
                                                                                                             Movie publicity photo of Billy in BK jersey