Molloy Celebrates 100 Years of Stanner Track & Field
On March 29, 2025, generations of alumni returned to Molloy in celebration of an incredible milestone a century in the making – 100 Years of Stanner Track & Field! A celebration first initiated by the dedicated Track & Field coaches of Molloy, especially Mr. Dylan Dombrowski ’07 and the retired Mr. Joe Dombrowski, the event welcomed nearly 300 alumni spanning at least seven decades.
Since day one, Track & Field has been a beloved sport at St. Ann’s and Molloy. With a rich history including countless team and individual champions, All-Americans, and even Olympians, the Stanner Track & Field program has not only been successful, but it has bonded so many alumni and coaches together. When you run Track & Field at Molloy, you become part of a family.
The celebration began with a cocktail reception in the Captain Anthony Marsloe ’29 Gymnasium. It was here that a surprise was unveiled: new large-scale Track & Field record boards now adorn the walls of the gymnasium (pictured above). The boards list the top performances in Freshman and Varsity Cross Country, as well as many Indoor and Outdoor relays and individual events. Boys and girls records are both represented, and each spot on the board can be removed and reapplied as needed should new records be set in the future. The unveiling was applauded by all in attendance, many of whom pointed and reminisced with delight as they spotted familiar names – or in some cases their own names!
Later, attendees moved to the Jack Curran Gymnasium for dinner and the evening’s main program. Although championship trophies, vintage jerseys, and archival footage were all on display, the best recollection of history came from a series of speakers, each one speaking to a different era of Stanner Track & Field. First, Br. Dan O’Riordan ’85, US Provincial, led the crowd in prayer. Br. Dan not only ran track as a student, but he later coached alongside greats like Br. Bob Andrews and Br. Aquinas Richard ’43. In turn, Br. Dan thanked God for the greatest gifts Track & Field has provided so many. “We are grateful for the many coaches, both Brothers and lay men and women, who inspired countless generations of young Stanner athletes. Through their efforts, so many of us came to know many great lessons in life, such as working hard, and appreciating Molloy and its incredible community that would last us not for school, but for life. We are blessed with precious memories from our high school days, which were among the best we ever knew.”
After prayer, retired coach and Stanner sports historian Joe Dombrowski, joined by his son and current coach Dylan, highlighted the legacy of St. Ann’s / Molloy Track & Field. Joe explained how he developed an interest in meeting the great athletes and coaches of the past, reaching out to them, meeting them, and committing to keeping accurate records of their achievements for what would later become Molloy’s official Track & Field Wall of Honor. The Dombrowskis then highlighted just some of the many program achievements over the years including: Molloy remains the only NYC team to win the NYS Cross Country Championship; 16 titles in Catholic high school Cross Country with four individual champions; 48 varsity CHSAA City Team Championships; 9-straight Intersectional Championships in the 1960s; triple crowns in 1964, 1973, and 1976; 375 Catholic high school varsity or individual relay champions; Olympian Tom Farrell ’61 winning the bronze medal in the 880m in 1968 as well as setting two world records); and the list goes on.
Retired coach Frank Gambino ’74 spoke poetically about what he called “our sport.” He shared, “In the four years between 8th grade grade and college, there’s questioning, searching, doubting, mistaking, second guessing – it is through running, throwing, and jumping that we did our finding. There was learning in the classrooms that we were required to do, but we all enrolled to learn lessons on that track.” Speaking at the podium, Fred Ammann ’68 (pictured above left) painted a picture of Molloy in the 1960s: blazers, standing for lunch, the daily rosary, and of course the old wooden track. That track, stored in the basement and built by the Brothers each season, “was an exact replica of the one that Tommy Farrell set the world record on in the 880 when he ran at Madison Square Garden,” Fred shared proudly. Kevin Kearney ’73 (pictured above center) spoke about the late Coach Tony Perrone, who he described as a wonderful and accepting man, and a calm and astute coach. “He had the capacity to see what each of us could do and how we would fit into the puzzle, and he gave us a quiet motivation everyday to succeed.”
Br. Dan returned to the podium to speak about his mentor and friend, Br. Bob Andrews, who guided his ’81 Cross Country team to their first state championship. Br. Bob also provided a lifetime of memories across countless track camps in Esopus and Vermont, and so many practices that were anything but routine. “How many of us can close our eyes for a minute and remember being in the hills of Van Cortlandt, hearing that booming voice no matter where you were on the course? One of [Bob’s] greatest attributes as head coach was that he greatly valued the importance of our Track & Field team being a comprehensive program. He trusted the wisdom and talents of his fellow coaches, so that the program could continue to grow and dominate in all events. He empowered his coaches and saw them as a real family, which it proudly continues to be today.”
Coach AJ Power ’84 reflected on the coed era of Stanner Track & Field. “Our girls hit the ground running from the moment they got here; we’ve had numerous City Champions, All-Americans, we have a New York State Champion here with us tonight, and since 2000 the Molloy program has been and continues to be the strongest in the city, beating all other Catholic high schools regularly.” He went on to reference the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it abruptly threatened the track program – and all sports – overnight. In the face of the challenges that COVID presented, he thought he had reached his limit as a coach and teacher. “Then our present group of athletes came in, the ones that were here in COVID and are now in college, and the ones who have come to the team since, and their enthusiasm, their spirit has reinvigorated me. So they’re going to be stuck with me a few more years, because this group of present athletes are everything that all of you are. They are phenomenal.”
Executive Director of Development Craig Katinas ’93 shared closing remarks, summing up what was at the core of the celebration. “What we’re honoring isn’t just a century of running. We’re honoring persistence, courage, and character, imparted onto us by the men and women who have been our teachers, coaches and mentors. We’re recognizing that this was a place where young people came to discover what they’re made of, and what we all have learned here wasn’t just how to run fast, it was how to keep going, how to show up when it’s hard, and how to trust the work even when the results aren’t guaranteed. Because at the heart of this program and this school is something powerful: Non scholae sed vitae.”
Molloy extends its sincerest thanks to Joe and Dylan Dombrowski, our dedicated track coaches past and present, and all our alumni and friends who continue to hold Track & Field near and dear to their hearts! We hope this wonderful community will continue to stay involved, attend reunions, remain in touch with one another, and volunteer at Stanner Games and other meets to help “pay it forward” for the next great generations of athletes.
Pictured Below: Alumni in attendance posed in groups with their former coaches. Late coaches Br. Bob Andrews, Mr. Tony Perrone, Br. Aquinas Richard, and Mr. Frank Rienzo were remembered in these group photos, as alumni held up a sketch of each coach. Photos by Frank Bailey ’75.
Molloy Celebrates Lenten Liturgies During Holy Week
On April 16th, students gathered in the Jack Curran Gymnasium in celebration of our Lenten Liturgies. With Holy Week upon us, we gathered as a community to acknowledge the betrayal of Jesus as well as His unwavering forgiveness.
Members of the Liturgy Committee began Mass by performing a reenactment of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus. Fr. Nicholas Colalella told Stanners that Jesus sees beyond our sins, and beyond any labels that are placed on us. Rather, He sees hope, and Holy Week invites us to see the world through God’s eyes, in His perspective. Seniors Jessie-Jaymes Lee ‘25 and Amelia Volker ‘25 each spoke at the podium, reminding their peers that all people are worthy of love, and everyone has a seat at God’s table. Dr. Penikas added that as Marists we should always seek to help the least favored by performing small acts of kindness whenever possible.
We wish all Stanners and friends a blessed Holy Week and Easter!
Molloy Community Supports Annual Stanner-A-Thon
Molloy’s Stanner-A-Thon took place on Friday, April 4th! Formerly known as the Walk-A-Thon, the Stanner-A-Thon is our annual student fundraiser in support of various upgrades and improvements to Molloy. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors participate in the traditional walk around Briarwood, while our dedicated Track Team continued their tradition of running the route!
Aside from the walk, seniors have the privilege to sign up for a wide variety of other fun activities. They can play board games in the library, compete in dodgeball, play trivia, meditate, make art, participate in Zumba, or walk the 12-mile Br. Leo Memorial Walk to the World Trade Center! The Br. Leo Memorial Walk, first introduced in fall 2004, honors the late Br. Leo Richard, founder of Molloy’s SMILE program, who loved to take long walks and engage in spirited conversation. Seniors who participated in the 12-mile trek engaged in plenty of conversation and experienced a fun day they will always remember! In all, there was a unique activity for each and every senior, so everyone had something enjoyable to do while simultaneously bettering our school!
Thank you to Ms. Liz Murdocca and everyone who made the event possible, and thank you to our community for supporting the Stanner-A-Thon!
Molloy’s Parents’ Guild Hosts Successful 2nd Annual Luau
On April 5th, Molloy’s Parents’ Guild hosted another successful event – this time, their second annual Luau! The evening featured delicious food, networking, great music, plenty of fun games, and a raffle! “We received some fantastic feedback, and the room looked great,” said Ms. Sandra Rosemond, a Stanner parent and one of the lead organizers of the Parents’ Guild.
It was also wonderful to welcome a table full of 8th grade parents to the event, as they prepare for their children to attend Molloy this fall! Our incoming parents were even kind enough to donate two baskets to be raffled off. Congratulations to all our raffle prize winners!
Learn more about Molloy’s Parents’ Guild at: www.molloyhs.org/parents
Employment Opportunity at Molloy: Chemistry Teacher
Archbishop Molloy High School is seeking a highly qualified and passionate educator for a tenure-track Chemistry teaching position beginning in the 2025-26 school year. This position includes teaching NYS Regents Chemistry, along with all relevant lab work. We strongly prefer candidates whose pedagogy is informed by current science education research and best practices and who incorporate student-centered, project-based instructional techniques to engage and inspire learners.
The ideal candidate will possess: a Master’s Degree in Chemistry Education or a related field; a valid NYS Teaching Certificate in Chemistry (7-12); the ability and willingness to teach across the Science curriculum, including a course in Conceptual Physics; high school teaching experience.
Visit www.molloyhs.org/employment for more information about how to apply.
Stanner Athletes of the Week
Week of 3/31-4/6: Junior softball player Kimmy Piazza ’26 pushed her league record to 5-0 as she won 3 games while averaging 10 strike outs per game while allowing only 3 hits per game. Her ERA was under 1.17 as of this week. | As of this week, junior baseball player Ayden Roman ’26 had a batting average of .486 and led the Stanners in RBI with 13 and Runs with 14. He had two home runs, one of which tied a game against Holy Trinity 3-3 in the 7th inning. Molloy went on to win 11-6. Facing McClancy, Ayden went 4-4 while hitting 3 doubles and 1 single. Facing Chaminade in the bottom of the 4th inning, Ayden notched the game winning hit that made the score 4-3. He has played outstanding defense at third base all season.
Week of 4/7-4/13: Senior softball player Faith Wagner ’25 is hitting .400 and leads the Stanners in RBI with 14. From the catcher position, Faith throws out 96% of the runners attempting to steal. | Junior tennis player Jack Faulkner ’26 won a match for Molloy, beating his opponent 10-7. It was a tough match on a very cold day. Jack went on to win four matches in a row and remains undefeated this season.
Around Stanner Sports
| Indoor Track & Field – Big Blue Track & Field Classic – Camille Munoz ’25 finished first in the 400m Hurdles (1:11.05); Amalia Psyllos ’27, Gianna Gonzalez ’27, Elena Skandalakis ’27, and Sophia Almonte ’27 finished second in the 4x400m Relay (5:08.91); Michael Mulhall ’27, Matthias Collins ’27, Caleb Morgan ’27, and Jack Lombardo ’27 finished third in the 4x400m Relay (4:02.90); in Boys Varsity High Jump, Antonio Hernandez ’25 finished first with 5-10.00 and Travis Hui ’26 finished second with 5-06.00, and Liliana Win ’28 finished 3rd in Girls Varsity Pole Vault with 6-00.00. |
| Indoor Track & Field – New York Relays – Antonio Hernandez ’25, Matthias Collins ’27, Jayson Reyes ’25, and Gabriel Gonzalez ’26 were champions in the 4x100m Shuttle Hurdle Relay (1:08.92); in Boys High Jump, Antonio Hernandez ’25 was champion with 6-0; Brianna Poliseno ’25, Fiza Budwhani ’26, Camillie Munoz ’25, and Maria Badalamenti ’25 finished second in the Girls 4x100m Shuttle Hurdle Relay (1:13.85); Garrett Ryan ’25 finished second in the Invitational Boys 800m (2:00.35). |
| Step Team – Congratulations to our Step Team, also known as the First Ladies, who placed third at the CHSAA Step Competition at Queens College on April 12th! |
| Baseball Records – Varsity 7-1 in league play; JV 5-2 in league play |
| Softball Records – Varsity 10-0; JV 6-4 |
| Lacrosse Records – Girls Varsity 3-6; Girls JV 10-2-1; Boys Varsity 3-1 |
Theater Alums Celebrate Annual Reception & Support Spring Musical
On Saturday, April 12th, Molloy welcomed over 30 alumni for our 4th Annual Stanner Players Alumni Reception! Those in attendance enjoyed an evening of food and drink, and time spent catching up with friends and former castmates. The event coincided with a performance of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, presented by our very own Stanner Players!
Our alumni filled the front rows of the Ralph DeChiaro Theater in VIP seating to watch the show and cheer on the current Stanner Players. This year marks 10 years since Ms. Shannon Winters ’06 directed her first musical at Molloy, making it a very special evening for her, the alumni, and the Players!
Also in attendance were many alumni who helped make the show possible: Assistant Director Joanna Troyanos ‘15; Choreographer and featured Minotaur Taylor Garcia-Lawson ‘19; Production Assistants Charlie Siguenza ‘14, Chris Autera ’16, and Erin Mardenborough ’20; and Set Designer Tatiana Egas ’22.
This annual event has offered alumni of the Stanner Players and Theater Arts & Improv Club a wonderful opportunity to see friends, make new connections, and support the current Stanner Players. It has become a beloved tradition and a grand celebration of Molloy Theater! Thank you to all who made this evening possible, and congratulations to the Stanner Players and Ms. Winters on a fully sold-out weekend! We look forward to seeing our alums again next year at the 2026 spring musical!
Show photos by Krystal Valentin ’25.
MBCE Celebrates Life of Patrick J. Carroll ’81, Dedicates New Playground
Story contributed by the Marist Brothers’ Center at Esopus and Marist Brothers USA
On Saturday, April 12th, friends and family gathered at the Marist Brothers’ Center at Esopus to celebrate the life of the late Patrick J. Carroll ’81 and unveil the Peter Pan Memorial Playground in his honor.
Patrick was a graduate of Molloy and a longtime volunteer, and friend, of The Marist Brothers’ Center at Esopus. “He was an inspiration and mentor to all who knew him. His indomitable spirit will live on through all his friendships. His positivity and love for life was his super power. Patrick would do anything for his friends, family and community,” said US Provincial Br. Dan O’Riordan ’85.
After his passing, many generously donated to the MBCE in Patrick’s memory. It was decided that the best way to utilize these funds and memorialize Patrick would be to create the Peter Pan Playground as a testament to Patrick’s youthful spirit and love for the MBCE and the Mid-Hudson Valley Camps.
Despite the harsh weather, many people made the journey to Esopus to see the playground and share in memories of Patrick. After the unveiling, the event continued with laughter and lunch. To conclude, Br. Dan offered a reflection, referencing how many lives Patrick impacted and the smiles and laughter his legacy will continue to inspire at Esopus.
T.J. O’Leary ’02, a science teacher in Arlington, Virginia, recently made local headlines while on a class field trip to Baltimore. As he was having lunch with his students during their visit to the Maryland Science Center, O’Leary spotted two individuals in the nearby harbor who were struggling in the water. Upon observing this, O’Leary reacted very quickly, jumping into the water to help pull the two people to safety. Another nearby onlooker, who was a former lifeguard, also jumped in to help. No one was injured in the incident. Thank you, T.J. for your quick thinking and brave actions!
Archbishop Molloy High School is saddened to share the passing of Richard L. Greene ’60 (pictured above far right) on March 24, 2025. Richard was a graduate of Hunter College and enjoyed a successful career in sales and marketing, founding US Marketing LTD. His military service reflected his proud commitment to his country, serving six years with the National Guard and the Army Reserve 7th Regiment in New York City. In 2014, Richard appeared in a vintage photo on the cover of Molloy’s Stanner Life magazine with classmate Ralph Benzenberg ’60 (1942-2023). In the photo, Richard and Ralph are wearing oversized track jackets as young Stanners. They would recreate this photo many years later at their 50th anniversary reunion in fall 2010, and that moment was highlighted in an article about lifelong friends. Please join us in prayer as we remember Richard, Ralph, and all departed Stanner friends.
Please join us in prayer for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Mary Rooney, mother of Mary Therese Rooney ’11, Margaret Rooney ’12, Bernadette ’14, Claire Rooney ’16, and Robert Rooney ’18. Mrs. Rooney passed away on April 14, 2025.
