Athletics
Welcome to Canisius High School Athletics
2009-10 MMAA Supremacy Cup Champions
During the 2009-10 school year, one thing drastically changed for the Canisius Crusaders, and one thing remained consistent.
In September 2009, the Canisius Volleyball team began play in the Bernard Kennedy Field House, a jewel of a facility that is as stunning on the inside as it is from Delaware Ave. Following years of jockeying to share time and space in the Aud, the Kennedy Field House marked a significant change for Canisius athletics and the student body. The Aud provides many great memories, but the Field House has greatly enhanced the quality of experience for all at Canisius.
Success is what has remained consistent for the Crusaders. Canisius won its fifth consecutive Supremacy Cup, an award given to the Monsignor Martin school that has the most successful overall athletic programs. Winning the Cup marked Canisius' eighth triumph in the last nine years.
Add Koessler Field at the Stransky Complex into the package, and it is truly an exciting time at Canisius High School.
Canisius sponsors 15 varsity athletic teams. During the past three years, the Crusaders varsity teams have won an astounding 49 championships out of a possible 75 regular season and playoff titles combined. Not included in that total are two New York State Catholic hockey championships. In addition, the school is proud of the fact that a significant number of athletes have earned their way to continue their academic and athletic careers at prestigious schools such as Princeton, Penn St., Yale, Columbia, Colgate, Army, Williams College, Cornell and Miami to name a few.
The school has always embraced a philosophy that a well-rounded athletic program is an integral part of the school's educational mission. Leaning on its long and proud history, and coupled with its sights set on the future, Canisius is taking major steps to ensure the quality of experience for our student-athletes is an outstanding one.
Canisius athletic teams are proud to call Koessler Field at the Robert J. Stransky Memorial Complex its home field. The multi-purpose facility opened to rave reviews from home and visiting teams, alike. An eight-lane running track circles a field comprised of a synthetic surface called A-Turf. An extra layer of padding beneath its surface provides for one of the top-playing fields available to an athlete, in consistency of play, durability, comfort and aesthetics.
The Kennedy Fieldhouse has created far more opportunities for our indoor sports such as basketball, volleyball and wrestling, as well as outdoor sports that require indoor practice such as the baseball team. In addition, Physical Education classes, Intramurals and student-run activities, such as the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament held this past March, have added immensely to the Canisius experience.
All of the physical changes are an important part of the overall picture, but the student-athletes are the driving force behind the school’s legacy…past, present and future.
Canisius is proud that a large percentage of its student body participates in athletics. As a Catholic institution in the Jesuit tradition, Canisius promotes the development of the human spirit, mind and body. Canisius Athletics will continue to serve as a vehicle for these qualities, as well as fostering a safe, fun and friendly environment for our student athletes to develop strong character, integrity, loyalty, and a strong sense of team work and sportsmanship.
Students are encouraged to take part in any one of the 15 varsity athletic programs Canisius offers, or one of the 40 clubs through Student Activities. We feel strongly that our students will not only develop athletic skills by working with our outstanding coaching staff, but also benefit from an athletic philosophy that promotes fitness for life, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol.
The improvements in facilities are only a supplement to the many people who make Canisius special. The people truly make the school a wonderful place to work each and every day. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the coaches, players, faculty, administration, alumni and fans that have helped make Canisius a first-class program.
Best wishes to the 2010-11 student-athletes and coaches for a successful season. Continue to represent Canisius with class, dignity and respect while demonstrating competitive spirit and sportsmanship. Above all, develop life-long friendships and a true devotion to Canisius in preparation for college and for life.
Sincerely,
James Mauro
Director of Athletics
