Brother Martin had numerous events occurring on campus Friday evening that attracted the attention of Crusader alumni, families, and fans who were eager to attend. There was the Crusader tailgate in the Backyard, a soccer game on Farley Field, a basketball game against the Archbishop Shaw Eagles, and the Dionysian’s production of the ‘The Outsiders’ in the Auditorium. Not only was it a busy evening, but it was also a victorious evening for the Crusaders. The soccer team defeated West Monroe 3-0 and the basketball team defeated the Archbishop Shaw Eagles by a score of 64-43.
In addition, the Crusader alumni who were members of the 1988 Brother Martin Regional, State, and National Runner-up championship power-lifting team also had a memorable evening. Beginning with a 30 year reunion celebration and social gathering for friends and family in the lobby of the Roland H. & Macy Paton Meyer Science and Mathematics Building. Members of the team include Bryan Fagot ’88, Mike Castanedo ’88, Paul Johnson ’90, Ricco Impastato ’88, Sal Brocato ’88, and Gianni Iadanza ’88 along with coach Randy Johnson who spent the evening exchanging memories, experiences, and tales of their championship team.
Mr. Brocato, who was a co-captain of the 1988 team, continued the evening with a prayer and spoke together with Mr. Impastato about the accomplishments of their team. He also reminisced that in 1983, the team first started competing in meets when coach Randy Johnson arrived at Brother Martin and developed a relationship with the team that lasted for about ten years. Mr. Brocato also commented that “although powerlifting was an individual sport, this team was never about one person. The brotherhood and support of one another always pushed us to our full potential. I am still amazed at what this team and the program as a whole, accomplished in its ten-year existence. Coach Johnson instilled an “I CAN” attitude in every lifter and it always lead to positive results in and outside of the weight room.” Mr. Brocato and Mr. Impastato also credited coach Bob Conlin about his recognition and support for their team achievements in the 1980s.
1988 Yearbook Moments
Adding to Coach Johnson’s “I CAN” attitude, the Crusaders’ power-lifting accomplishments consisted of winning regional, state, and national titles. They also captured numerous individual titles. Co-captain Impastato stated, “a great team can only exist when each person on the team realizes their importance and that extraordinary things can be accomplished through discipline, determination and hard work.”
For further information about alumni events, please contact the Brother Martin Alumni Office at 504-284-6700 or alumni@brothermartin.com. Click here to check out our upcoming alumni events and visit the alumni chapter and clubs page for more great events.
1988 Team Members:
