In our fourth college commitment ceremony of the school year, 10 student-athletes in the Class of 2025 made their college choices official, making a total of 20 CHS seniors who are going on to play intercollegiate athletics. 
 
Canisius is again in line to have around 15% of its senior class participate in college athletics, which is twice the national average.
 
The senior student-athletes who expressed their thanks and appreciation Thursday morning in the Brady Conference Room were:
 
Patrick Cullinan of Orchard Park – Union College (basketball)
Johnny Esposito of Niagara Falls – Ave Maria University (basketball)
Nicholas Purdie of Buffalo – Nazareth College (basketball)
Jahyden Clark of Buffalo – Stetson University (football)
Thomas Skowron of Buffalo – U.S. Coast Guard Academy (rowing)
Jaeden Phillips of Buffalo – Loyola University Maryland (rugby)
Zachary Bonuito of Lancaster – Binghamton University (soccer)
Constantine Santacrose of Buffalo – RIT (soccer)
Hector Gitego of Amherst – Livingstone College (track/cross country)
Dylan Leong of East Amherst – St. John Fisher University (volleyball)
 
The seniors were introduced by Director of Athletics Jim Mauro and honored for their achievements before each stood up and expressed their gratitude. President Fr. David Ciancimino, S.J., and Principal Tom Coppola '01 were on hand in the Brady Conference Room along with many family members, coaches, classmates, friends and other members of the CHS community.
 
"The 20 seniors going on to college sports is a testament to the stress and emphasis that we put on in being a student as a whole," said Mauro. "It comes from the dedication and commitment from our administration, from Father Ciancimino and Mr. Coppola, to our faculty, to our counselors, to our coaches. We wouldn't have as large class if we didn't have as many coaches here who cared so much about these young men.
 
"It is about the great hard work that all of these families have put in for years. It is also is about the peers, all of you young men who are classmates, sitting around because you all help push and motivate each other every day in the on the athletic field."

These great photos were taken by outstanding CHS Digital Media photographer Noah Morlock '25 (@morlockprod).
 
Patrick Cullinan of Orchard Park – Union College (basketball)
 
Cullinan was a first-team All-Catholic pick, a third-team All-Centercourt selection and fifth-team all-state in Class A. The MVP of the Tom Keenan Memorial Tournament scored a career-high 33 points over Jamestown. He hit 61 three-pointers this season and was a 40% three-point shooter for his career.
 
Coach Kyle Husband '96 on Cullinan:
 
"Patrick is one of the most skilled players we have ever had. A career 40% shooter is truly remarkable and such a huge piece of our offense last season. Great skill, great athlete, and great teammate was a perfect role model for Canisius Basketball. We are truly proud of what he accomplished and what he is going to accomplish at Union."
 
Cullinan:
 
"I'd like to thank my family, especially my parents, for always believe in me. I couldn't be here without them. I'd like to thank God for giving me the opportunity to attend a place like Canisius, and play basketball throughout my whole career.
 
"I like to thank all my coaches who've helped me throughout my journey here – pushing me, especially my guy coach Dyrek. Also finally, I'd just like to thank all my teammates for making my experience here so much fun, even our team manager Matt Enright for always being there. Thank you."
 
Johnny Esposito of Niagara Falls – Ave Maria University (basketball)
 
An All-Centercourt honorable mention as a junior was a four-year varsity player was part of a program that was 85-20 record over that time. Two-time Manhattan Cup champion, state champion as a freshman, and four-time Keenan Tournament champion averaged 13.8 points in the postseason as a junior and battled back from injuries in his senior season to help Canisius to its postseason championship march.
 
Coach Kyle Husband '96 on Esposito:
 
"Johnny is a basketball player in it's truest form. I'm not sure I've had a more dedicated player who loves the game as much as he does. He battled through injuries this year but was always a huge part of our success and was a great leader for us."
 
Esposito:
 
"First and foremost, I'd like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and just give all the glory to God. Next, I'd like to thank my coaches, my teammates, my classmates, and all the administrators and staff who have made this possible.
 
"I made so many memories these last four years, and I'll never forget them. And lastly, my family, my Nana, all my siblings and my mom and dad. It's hard to put into words how much you guys have done for me and I'm just so thankful. Thank you."
 
Nick Purdie of Buffalo – Nazareth College (basketball)
 
Purdie was the Manhattan Cup MVP as Canisius won the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association championship with a victory over St. Joe's. He is just the third player in the last 10 years to score over 1,000 points at CHS, with his 1,023 putting him 15th on the all-time list.
 
The first-team All-Catholic selection was one of Western New York's best as a first-team All-Centercourt pick and was a third-team all-state selection in Class A.
 
He had a career-high 38 points in a big win at Timon and 31 points in a comeback win over Niagara Falls, while he had the game-winning shot in both victories over St. Joe's.
 
Coach Husband '96 on Purdie:
 
"Nick has been an instrumental part of our varsity team for the last three years. He is an outstanding two-way player with a knack for scoring the basketball inside and out, but is also a great defender and rebounder. His lead-by-example attitude and tough play was a key element in our championship run and will be sorely missed moving forward. The coaching staff and I can't wait to follow his career at Nazareth."
 
Purdie:
 
"I just want to start off by thanking God for making everything possible. I want to thank my family, especially my mom for always supporting me, no matter what it is, she would be there for me. I want to thank all my coaches at Canisius for believing me the whole time, just trusting the process. And I want to thank my two trainers, 'Q' and coach Josh, especially for supporting me when no one else would. And thank you to my teammates for making everything possible. Thank you."
 
Jahyden Clark of Buffalo – Stetson University (football)
 
The two-year team captain and three-time first-team All-Western New York selection is the school's all-time leader in receptions, yards receiving and solo tackles.
 
Also a three-time All-Catholic selection, Clark amassed 50 carries for 284 yards and 2 touchdowns, 160 receptions for 2,339 yards and 17 touchdowns, 290 total tackles and seven interceptions.
 
Clark was also a first-team all-state defensive back as a senior after earning second-team honors as a junior.
 
Coach Kraig Kurzanski '84 on Clark:
 
A two-year Varsity Football Captain,
 
"Jahyden Clark is the most complete football player I have ever coached. He was selfless, caring only about helping us win. Jahyden has dominated his opponents as a varsity three-year starter, two-year varsity captain and school record holder.
 
"Jahyden is a tremendous player who will make Stetson Football better. As a coach I cannot remember any player who has done more in three years of high school than Jahyden Clark. He was the player and leader we needed at the most crucial times. Many players have come along in my 35-year coaching career, but no one has done more for his team than Jahyden Clark."
 
Clark:
 
"Thank you, thank you, thank you all. I want to say thank you to my family. They do a lot behind the scenes for me to continue my athletic career and academic career. I want to thank all my coaches, Coach K, Coach Woods. They would call me every day no matter what, just to make sure I'm doing what I got to do and make sure I'm able to go play at the next level. I also want to thank all my teammates, my friends, they made my four years here very, very good. It was a great experience. Thank you."
 
Thomas Skowron of Buffalo – U.S. Coast Guard Academy (rowing)
 
Skowron is a team captain this year who was a 2022 state and national scholastic champion in the Freshmen Eight, a 2023 state and U.S. champion in the Under-17 Four, a 2023 Canadian Henley Champion in the Under-17 Eight and a 2024 fifth-place finisher at Scholastic Nationals and Canadian national bronze medalist in the Senior Eight. Skowron has also been a pivotal part of the CHS bowling program, helping the Crusaders to championships in each of his seasons.
 
Coach Jake Filby '14 on Skowron:  
 
"Thomas is a superb leader, oarsmen and student whose tireless dedication to the team and its growth is paying dividends his senior year. His commitment to the program and his treatment of it as a living, breathing thing is why Canisius rowing will continue to thrive well after he steps out the Blue Doors. His efforts as a team captain put him amongst the best to have pulled on an oar."
 
Skowron:
 
"I want to thank my family, my mom, my dad, my brother, all the coaches that have helped me, Coach Flaherty, Coach Filby and of course, my teammates … it couldn't be an eight-man boat without the other seven. Thank you."
  
Jaeden Phillips of Buffalo – Loyola University Maryland (rugby)
 
Jaeden has become a standout in rugby in less than two years playing the sport.
 
Coach Jack Wiles '17 on Phillips:
 
"Jaeden began his rugby career last season and made a significant impact immediately. He is dedicated to perfecting his craft, which is fueled by his love for rugby. Jaeden has an imposing presence on the field, an intensity and willingness to compete, and a growth mindset. These attributes have propelled him forward into playing at the collegiate level. This is just the beginning for Jaeden and we are looking forward to following his journey."
 
Phillips:
 
"I just want to say thank you to my mom, my grandma, my dad ... my whole family for supporting me, especially for Coach Ehlers, because he first got me into the sport to begin with. I was always kind of against it ... but I love the sport a lot. Also thank you to Coach Wiles for pushing me every day."
 
Zach Bonuito of Lancaster – Binghamton University (soccer)
 
The four-year varsity starter was the league MVP as a junior, an All-Western New York selection the past two years and was named an All-American after a senior season in which Canisius beat St. Joe's for the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association championships, the Crusaders' first title in eight years.
 
Bonuito has been invited to the US Soccer Federation events and has recently been a U.S. National invite for '07 players.
 
Coach Orville Roberts on Santacrose:
 
"Zach is a great all-around talent and a rare commodity in soccer to be that and be left-footed."
 
Bonuito:
 
"I just want to thank my friends, family, all my teammates here, my fellow captains Ethan and Constantine. We worked really hard this year, and we finally pulled it off. Thank you to my counselor, Mrs. Sugg, as well as my coaches, Wzontek [Chris Wzontek '03] and Orville, as they never stopped believing me and my ability."
 
Constantine Santacrose of Buffalo – RIT (soccer)
 
The great leader and captain for the program was a two-time All-Catholic first-team selection.
 
Coach Roberts on Santacrose:
 
"Constantine has been a great leader. His dedication to the sport is second to none. He is always at practice early and leaves late. His vocal leadership on the field was a big part of us winning the league championship."
 
Santacrose:
 
"I want to thank my family. I wouldn't be here without them. They've sacrificed so much for me to get here. Obviously, the whole entire soccer team – I also wouldn't be here without you … and coach Dante in the back. Thank you so much."
 
Hector Gitego of Amherst – Livingstone College (track/cross country)
 
Gitego has been a committed leader for CHS and a top performer in cross country, indoor track and track and field.
 
Coach Lis Rott on Gitego:
 
"Hector consistently encourages and supports others, communicates with coaches and his teammates, and runs his best in every race. He shows leadership in his classes – his teammates and classmates have shared that he is easy to get along with and very kind, and he also actively participates in school activities.
 
"Hector also transmits his faith in God to those around him, calling them to be better Men and Women For Others. I wish Hector all the best as he takes this next step."
 
Gitego:
 
"I'd like to thank God for even putting me in the school and giving me this opportunity. I'd like to thank my family, especially my dad, who's here today, who's been a leader for me – he's just been a great role model, putting me in the right positions. I'd like to thank my brothers, they both went here, pushing me to be the best version of myself.
 
"I'd like to thank my teammates for everything they do … keeping a smile on their faces. And lastly, I'd also like to thank my competitors for pushing me to be the best runner I can be."
 
Dylan Leong of East Amherst – St. John Fisher University (volleyball)
 
Leong is a two-time All-Catholic selection who has been an outstanding and consistent performer the past two seasons. The team captain with a high volleyball IQ was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year this year, highlighting his elite back-row play and impact as one of the top defensive players in the league.
 
Coach Angelo Calabrese '00 on Leong:
 
"His signing is a reflection of his commitment, character, and dedication to the sport . He has earned the opportunity to compete at the next level, and we're incredibly proud of him. We are confident that Dylan will represent our school and volleyball program with pride as he continues his athletic and academic journey."
 
Leong:
 
"First off, I'd like to thank God for giving me the talents and gifts that I have. Secondly, I'd like to thank my family, especially my parents, for always giving me the opportunity to play, giving up your weekends from November to July. I'd like to thank my brother for pushing me into volleyball – without you, I wouldn't be here. I'd like to thank my uncle and my grandmother for always supporting me.
 
"I'd like to thank my teammates and my friends in the back, you guys mean the world to me. I wouldn't be here without you guys. Congratulations to all you guys [other signees], and thank you."