In our third college commitment ceremony of this school year, 10 student-athletes made their college choices official and expressed their gratitude before family, friends and classmates in Canisius High School's Madden Center for Global Learning. 
 
The members of the Class of 2026 who were honored Thursday morning were: 
 
TJ Askew of Buffalo – Roberts Wesleyan University (basketball)
Javez Caldwell of Niagara Falls – Central Connecticut State University (football)
Matthew Enright of Orchard Park – St. Norbert College (football)
Gabriel Olivera of Buffalo – St. Lawrence University (football)
Kayden Wayne of Buffalo – John Carroll University (football)
John Hart of West Falls – Fairfield University (rugby)
Trent Kim of Orchard Park – Nazareth University (rugby)
Richard Posey of Niagara Falls – Nazareth University (rugby)
Matt Murad of Buffalo – University of Michigan (sailing)
Victory Shalamba of Buffalo – SUNY Brockport (soccer)

Canisius has now had 21 student-athletes committed to college programs this year. 

Last year, the total was 20; 18 committed 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%.

"We get to this day with an awful lot of effort and a lot of dedication," Mauro said to a capacity crowd of family, coaches, teachers and classmates in the Madden Center. 

"That's from families who are in attendance here, from coaches at Canisius, coaches and travel leagues and such, from our administration to President Fr. Ciancimino, and Principal Mr. Coppola, to guidance counselors, faculty – and again, our coaching staff, who put in enormous amounts of work to help get these young men to this point today.

"We'll get going – we've got a large class here, of which we're extremely proud."

The seniors were introduced by Mauro and honored for their achievements before each stood up and expressed their gratitude.



TJ Askew of Buffalo – Roberts Wesleyan University (basketball)

Askew started every game for the Manhattan Cup champions, averaging 7 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal per game for the balanced Crusaders.

He won the team's Sharp Shooter Award after shooting 64% from three-point range and 39% from two-point range. 

He had a season-high 23 points at Park during a game in which he hit five threes. He had 16 points against St. Mary's in both of the games thanks to four threes in each outing. 

Askew was also one of the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association senior all-star representatives at the Silver Hoops Classic, where he earned MVP honors. 

CHS basketball coach Kyle Husband '96 said:

"TJ was a great Leader who led by example and worked tirelessly every single day, truly one of the hardest working players we had this year."

Askew: 

"First, I would like to thank God because without him I wouldn't be here. And second of all, I would like to thank the Canisius High School Basketball program and my teammates for pushing me and making me the best version of myself.

A special shoutout to my trainer who's guided me since Day One and has never given up on me either. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for all the time, effort and money they spent on me. I don't say this enough, but I love you guys, and it's for you. Thank you." 



Javez Caldwell of Niagara Falls – Central Connecticut St. (football)

First-team All-Western New York defensive lineman in 2025 and a two-time All-Catholic first team defensive lineman, Caldwell was a team captain his senior year.

He had a career total of 85 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks while he also helped block for a team offense that averaged 372 yards per game over three years. 

CHS football coach Kraig Kurzanski '84 said:

"Javez is a consummate team player. Asked to change positions, 'Vez never griped and did all he could do to help us win games. His resilience and toughness are what we will miss most. He is an excellent player and is a high character young man. A high-motor young man who is only going to get better. Central Connecticut is getting a terrific player and a better person."

Caldwell: 

"I'd like to thank all my coaches, the people who pushed me to come to Canisius, even though I wanted to go other places. 

"I love my running backs back there. I just want to thank everyone who supported me, all my classmates, all my fellow students, all my teammates, I just want to thank all y'all. Go Crusaders." 



Matt Enright of Orchard Park – St. Norbert (football)

CHS football coach Kraig Kurzanski '84 said:

"A great teammate and hard worker Matt Enright will make the transition and become a college football player.

"As he continues to mature physically along with continuing to get himself in the best shape possible, Matt will compete and be able to continue to hone his craft in college. With the proper mindset Matt will be able to brings his talent to the college football field."

Enright: 

"First of all, I want to thank God, he put me in this position. Thank you to my mom, my brothers, my family, my sister ....

"Thank you to the coaches – coach K, coach Hop, all the coaches ...

"And the 2024 JV football roster, they truly got me into football. Thank you."  



Gabe Olivera of Buffalo – St. Lawrence (football)

CHS football coach Kraig Kurzanski '84 said:

"An anchor of our offensive line the past two seasons, Gabe has become a quality football player at the center position. Making line calls and with great effort Gabe represented what it means to be a Crusader.

"St. Lawrence is getting a quality player who has strong leadership capabilities and talent. Gabe's best years are ahead of him. He will become a dominant force at St. Lawrence and I look to him to compete for a starting position early in his career."

Olivera: 

"I want to thank God for putting me in this position, and I'd like to thank the Canisius coaches – without them I wouldn't be where I am right now. I want to thank my mom, my family.

"It's just been a great past four years. I want to thank Coach Wiles too. You know, I started rugby last year and it made me such a better athlete, and made me a better man as well.

"Thank you Coach Posey and all my friends right here, my brothers and thank you to all of you. Thanks to the great runners here and Eli for the past two years it was great.

"I'm ready to be at St Lawrence. Thank you." 



Kayden Wayne of Buffalo – John Carroll (football)

An All-Catholic honoree, Wayne collected 157 career tackles, six tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and an interception for a touchdown. 

CHS football coach Kraig Kurzanski '84 said:

"A consummate teammate, Kayden has worked hard to improve his skills and he will become a very good college football player.

"A quiet leader, Kayden's talents will be missed. John Carroll is getting a good football player in Kayden Wayne."

Wayne: 

"First of all I'd like to thank my parents for pushing me to where I need to be. And giving me the direction that I have.

"I want to thank my teammates here especially my linebackers over there. Yes sir – I love it man. 

"Next I want to thank my coach, especially Coach Brundidge – he coached me to where I needed to be … and all those times he was running us after conditioning.

"And I want to thank Coach K he pushed me, Arno and Logan to where we needed to be, and gave us the best path for us."  



John Hart of West Falls – Fairfield (rugby)

CHS rugby coach Jack Wiles '17 said:

"It was obvious in John's first game that rugby would be in his future. He is a three-year player and true student of the game.

"His ability to learn quickly, adapt, and accelerate his game is unparalleled.

"John brings a strong work ethic, grit, and pure competitiveness to every match and practice. His style of play and constant strive for improvement elevates our team. John will be a great asset to Fairfield University Rugby."

Hart: 

"Thank you everybody, and I'll start by thanking my mom and dad. I owe literally everything to you guys. I would not be here without you. Everything you guys do, day in and day out, just to keep me afloat is everything.

"Coach Wiles, thank you for just giving me confidence, showing me what kind of player I am and just having my back the whole way, telling me I can do it.

"Lastly, my boys just, you know, four years of fun, just jokes and whatnot. Coming to Canisius was the greatest decision I ever made. All glory to God. Thank you guys." 



Trent Kim of Orchard Park – Nazareth (rugby)

CHS rugby coach Jack Wiles '17 said:

"Trent picked up the sport this season and has immediately made an impact on our team. His physicality, grit, and athleticism makes him a force to be reckoned with on the rugby pitch.

"Trent has a high ceiling of potential, and Nazareth College will be able to develop him into a well-rounded rugby player given his natural ability. This is just the beginning for Trent Kim. "

Kim: 

"First off, I'd like to start by saying, all glory to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and I want to say thank you to my parents.

"They've supported me ever since Day One. No matter what sport it was, no matter how many times I told them I wanted to quit.

"And I appreciate them sending me to Canisius and giving me all the opportunities that I have today. Thank you."



Richard Posey of Niagara Falls – Nazareth (rugby)

CHS rugby coach Jack Wiles '17 said:

"Richard is the protype of what a coach looks for in a rugby player. His relentless work ethic, passion for the sport, and intensity of his play is what separates him on the field.

"He is our team captain, four-year starter, and most of all a high character young man. You will not find a player that works harder on and off the field than Richard.

"Nazareth College is lucky to have Ricard Posey for the next four years."

Posey: 

"First I wanted to thank my parents – you guys worked so hard to get me into this place. I would like thank my teammates, all these guys up here with me, keep pushing me and keep me going on and off the rugby field.

"And I would like to thank Coach Wiles for giving me the opportunity, ever since I was a freshman playing in the state game, and from then, being able to play and start as a four-year starter. Thank you." 



Matthew Murad of Buffalo – University of Michigan (sailing)

Serving as Captain and Co-captain since his sophomore year, Matt has demonstrated leadership throughout both spring and fall seasons, consistently improving conference standings each year. Canisius has remained the top-ranked team in Western New York for the past three years, including qualifying for conference championships. Over the last two years, Canisius has placed third and first at the New York State Championships.

Due to Matt's efforts, Canisius sailing is a dedicated team and, for the first time in its history, will send two squads to Gold and Silver Championships in Maryland and Virginia this coming weekend. 
 
CHS sailing coach Liam Faudree said:

"Matt's strong character and leadership have been evident at every step. Through his determined guidance, he has elevated Canisius Sailing, creating a team that now competes on regional and national levels. A versatile sailor, he excels in both skipper and crew roles and can take any position within the J-22 class. As a sophomore, Matthew also pushed for Canisius to compete against St. Joe's in larger keelboat races, successfully leading the school to keelboat championships in Annapolis, where Canisius finished second among experienced Atlantic Coast teams."

Murad: 

"I'd first like to thank my parents, without whom I absolutely would not be here; and my teammates, who have put their absolute dedication and time into the sailing team with me.

"All four years. I told myself, if I can leave this sailing team stronger and better than I found it, I would leave Canisius a happy man, and I'm proud to be able to do that in some way. So thank you very much." 



Victory Shalamba of Buffalo – Brockport (soccer)

Three year varsity player was also first team All Catholic and second team All-Western New York selection.

CHS soccer coach Orville Roberts said:

"Vic was half of our center back tandem which was viewed as one of the best defenses in the state. His composure on the ball was exceptional.

"Given the opportunity, he will help the Brockport program."

Shalamba: 

"First off, I'd like to thank my family for bringing me here for a better future and a better career. I like to thank my teammates for having my back on the field. You know, it was a really rough ride my sophomore year – it was not the best year. We didn't do well, but in junior and senior year we really locked in and got the job done. Thank you to all the crowd here – thank you for being here."