By JUSTIN ADLER ‘18
To the common observer, number 34 is just a number. However, at St. Ignatius High School, the significance of that number is far greater than what reads upon the front and back of a jersey. This number was worn by famed theology teacher, Jim Skerl ‘74, when he was a member of the basketball team. It is the first number that has ever been honored at the school and gives student-athletes an excellent reminder of how to carry themselves on and off the field.
After Mr. Skerl’s passing, Marty Dybicz, theology teacher and close friend, suggested the idea of honoring his legacy through the student-athletes. He, along with theology teacher and soccer coach, Mike Mclaughlin ‘85, collaborated to keep Mr. Skerl’s memory alive by honoring his number instead of retiring it. The idea was to choose an athlete who embodied the values that were important to Mr. Skerl. The selected athletes were to be well-rounded academically, athletically, and spiritually and characterized as true men for others. Choosing one athlete per sport to bestow upon this honor is not an easy task. Some players, such as senior soccer player, Patrick Strauss, had a unique experience with Mr. Skerl that set him apart from other players. Along with being a faithful individual and highly involved in service, Strauss met Mr. Skerl in grade school while attending Labre with his father. Patrick did not realize the impact of his willingness to serve at such a young age until a letter that Mr. Skerl wrote to him was found a year after his death.
Mr. Chuck Kyle ‘69, varsity football coach, having had taught Mr. Skerl, thinks of him as a good man who brought great value to St. Ignatius. He mentioned that the reason this recognition carries such value is because of Mr. Skerl’s willingness to help others. When asked about how he chose this year’s recipient, Mr. Kyle said that he looks for “a young man who is a good student and sees the value of athletics, but also keeps in perspective the importance of helping others, being a good teammate, friend, and is willing to go the extra mile.” To Coach Kyle, it was junior running back, Mark Bobinski, who best fit this criteria. When asked how he feels about wearing “34”, Mark responded that it keeps him motivated knowing he not only represents his team, but also someone as significant as Mr. Skerl.
Varsity golf coach, Brian Becker ‘77, remembers Mr. Skerl as a true man for others. His criteria when choosing a golfer includes involvement in service and exemplifying what Mr. Skerl valued. This year’s recipient, senior, Angelo Corna, is described by Coach Becker as persevering and able to deal with adversity after being cut from the team his first three years. He believes Corna is a kind-hearted, team-oriented individual, who, when is not playing golf, is involved in his community. Coach Becker describes him as a great example of what every St. Ignatius student-athlete should be.
Senior Andrew Szendrey feels privileged to be wearing “34” while representing the St. Ignatius Cross Country Team. When asked about what the honor means to him he said,”there was a sort of expectation that went along with along with it, which is a good thing. It will push me to be a better athlete, and most of all, a better person.“
