Corey Gaconi and Paul Klein officially committed to further their athletic and academic careers this afternoon in the Terrace. Gaconi, a pitcher on the Crusader baseball team, has made the decision to play at Southeastern Louisiana University next year as a Lion. Paul Klein, a 3-time State Champion Crusader wrestler, will be moving on to Arizona State University to continue his career as a Sun Devil.
Corey was a member of the 2012-2013 District champion (undefeated)/State Quarterfinalist and the 2013-2014 District champion/State Quarterfinalist Crusader baseball teams. He was honored as a team captain last year and received the Most Valuable Pitcher award from the Crusader coaching staff. Corey has also been named to the All District Team (2013, 2014), All-Metro team (2014), and Honorable-Mention for the All-State Team (2013, 2014). Corey was named to the New Orleans Advocate’s First Team in his junior year finishing with a 9-1 record, with a 1.51 ERA, and struck out 55 in 78.2 innings. His 3-year pitching record to this point is 23-3. Corey has a 3.86 GPA and is a member of the Student Recruiting Team, Student Ministers, Minister of Holy Communion, and National Honors Society.
Paul was a member of the 2011-2012 District/State Champion, 2012-2013 District/City/State Champion, and 2013-2014 Undefeated District/State champion wrestling teams. He has a career record of 122-10, was named 2014 New Orleans Metro Wrestler of the Year (Times Picayune) and 2013 State Tournament Most Outstanding Wrestler. Paul is also a Baseball Team Manager, a member of the Medical Support Staff, and a member of the Student Recruiting Team.
Since their freshman year, both young men have been staples in the baseball and wrestling programs, but more importantly, have been leaders within the school.
