In our first college commitment ceremony of this school year, five student-athletes made their college choices official and expressed their gratitude before family, friends and classmates in the Canisius High School's Madden Center for Global Learning: 
 
The members of the Class of 2026 who were honored Wednesday morning were: 
 
David Barczak of Orchard Park – Mercyhurst University (baseball)
Josh Kandefer of Lancaster – SUNY Niagara (baseball)
Nick Dutrieux of Lewiston – Barry University (lacrosse)
Christopher Sweeney of Ridgeway, Ontario – Ohio Northern University (lacrosse)
Atticus Young of Buffalo – Le Moyne College (swimming)
 
Canisius is expected to have many more student-athletes committing to college programs throughout the school year; ceremonies will be held in the winter and spring of 2026.
 
Twenty CHS student-athletes committed to college programs last year; 18 did so in 2024. 
 
Canisius is again in line to have around 15-20% of its senior class participate in college athletics, according to Director of Athletics Jim Mauro, which is far above the national average of less than 2%.
 
"These five young men here this morning had the passion, the will, the desire to achieve their goal of going on to the next level," said Mauro. "We don't get here, first and foremost, without family. Families make a tremendous commitment throughout the years with your son – it's a tremendous challenge but it's a labor of love."
  
"Here at the school, we're very fortunate that our support comes from our president, Fr. Ciancimino, to our principal, Mr. Coppola, to our guidance office, to our teachers, our faculty, and also to our coaches." 

The five seniors were introduced by Mauro and honored for their achievements before each stood up and expressed their gratitude.
  
David Barczak of Orchard Park – Mercyhurst University (baseball)

Barczak was an All-Western New York selection and team MVP for the Crusaders last year as CHS won the Georgetown Cup and went on to advance to the state championship game for the first time. 

Barczak hit .395 last year with seven extra-base hits and 20 RBIs. His career average is .368.

He is also a standout in hockey, having been named the WNY Federation Large Schools MVP last year, and is a member of the golf team. 

CHS baseball coach Justin Santonocito said of the four-year starter:
"David is the definition of a captain. He leads by example and doesn't expect anything out of his teammates that he doesn't expect out of himself. One of the hardest working players I've ever coached."

Barczak: 

"I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way, especially my family, my coaches – I don't know where I'd be without them. 

The sacrifices everyone has made has helped me get to this point, I can't say how thankful I am. I appreciate everything everyone has done for me, from driving me all around to practices, to all the finances, everything – I just want to say thank you." 


Josh Kandefer of Lancaster – SUNY Niagara (baseball)

Kandefer was named the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association Pitcher of the Year after his powerful mound campaign helped lift the Crusaders to the championship. 

The All-Western New York honoree won the historic state semifinal game for CHS, capping off a season in which he had a 0.64 ERA and held opponents to a .197 batting average. 

CHS baseball coach Justin Santonocito said of the three-year varsity player:

"Josh is a great teammate. He is the loudest player in the dugout, even if he isn't pitching that game. Josh's positive demeanor is contagious. A true pleasure to have on the team."

Kandefer: 

"First, I want to thank these boys in the back, teammates and classmates who make coming here every day a lot more fun. 

"Next, my coaches – coaches have played a huge role, and coach Justin gave me a great opportunity at this school to become the baseball player that I am today. 

"Last, but of course not least, my parents and my family, who have pushed me to be who I am, and that teammate that I am is because of them, with that mindset and that character." 


Nick Dutrieux of Lewiston – Barry University (lacrosse)

Dutrieux has been the backbone of the team since he first stepped foot on the field two seasons ago. He has been a foundational member of the Crusaders, earning All-Catholic second-team honors and accomplishing a monumental milestone of 500 saves during his junior year.

CHS lacrosse coach Pat Mete said of the three-year starter:

"Nick's impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. No matter how big the moment, he has been The Wall that keeps our team competing and refuses to let those around him quit."

Dutrieux:

"I want to start with thanking my mom for everything she has done – she did it all by herself. 

"I want to thank Father 'C' – he's done things that nobody really notices.

"I'd like to thank my family, friends and all my coaches who have helped me develop into the player I am today, and without them I wouldn't be here. Thank you to everyone here for pushing me." 


Christopher Sweeney of Ridgeway, Ontario – Ohio Northern University (lacrosse)

Sweeney led the Crusaders in assists last year and represented Ireland on their U20 National Team last summer. Sweeney will lead the Crusaders this upcoming season as team captain.

CHS lacrosse coach Pat Mete said of the three-year starter:

"Chris is the unsung hero of our team. His unselfish style of play elevates those around him, and this team-first mentality truly proves how Chris sees the game on a different level."

Sweeney:

"First, I'd like to thank my parents, without them driving me hours to tournaments and everything they've done for me, I wouldn't be here without them. 

"I'd like to thank my brothers as well, they help me every day. 

"Also I'd like to thank my coach over here, coach Mete, and also coach White, they helped me, as did all my coaches. 

"My classmates and teammates, it's great to be here every day and know that they are making you better every day." 


Atticus Young of Buffalo – Le Moyne College (swimming)
 
Young has been a force for the championship swim program throughout his career at Canisius.

In state Federation meet cut times, he's qualified in the 100 breast, 200 free, 100 fly, 200 free relay, 200 IM, 200 medley relay and 400 free relay.

He was a part of the medley relay that broke the school record last year, swimming breaststroke.

In his sophomore year, he was part of the 200 free relay that won the Catholic state championship on Long Island. 

CHS swimming coach Christian Balkin '18 said of the four-year standout:

"When Atticus joined this team as a freshman, he made an immediate impact. He arrived with a work ethic shaped by years of club swimming, and it showed from Day One. 

"Over his four years here, he has qualified for the New York State Federation meet in multiple events and earned his place on our record board.

"It's been an honor watching the quiet, shy freshman I met grow into the leader he is today. For two years as captain, he has inspired everyone around him – not through speeches, but by the standard he sets every single day. His consistency, discipline and humility make the people around him better.

"I'm incredibly excited to see what he accomplishes at the collegiate level. He has improved every single year, and that trajectory is nowhere near slowing down. Without a doubt, he is one of the most talented and hardest-working swimmers I have ever coached."

Young:

"First and foremost, I'd like to thank my family, for paying for swim, and all those rides in the morning.  

"I'd like to thank my coaches for showing me what it is to be a good swimmer and what it means to give it your all. 

"And I'd like to thank my teammates and friends – because swimming can be a boring sport, with them, it makes it a little bit more fun."