11 Crusaders commit to playing in college

Even after 17 years, days like Thursday never get old for Canisius High School Athletic Director Jim Mauro.

“For the kids who attain the goal of going on and playing collegiately – it’s a culmination of so many hours so much work. What impresses me the most is the love of school and the love of their teammates. That’s what it’s about.”

In front of a crowd of a couple dozen supporters, Mauro proudly introduced and highlighted the accomplishments of 11 seniors who signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the next level.

“There’s an importance placed on (athletics),” Mauro said. “The school strives to be excellent in all areas whether that’s in the classroom or being a ‘Man for Others’ in terms of service, campus ministry, and athletics. It’s an extracurricular but it’s an important extracurricular here.”

As one of the few seniors on the football team, Mike Doctor had to step and be a ‘Man for Others’, for first-year head coach Kraig Kurzanski.

“I think some teammates could say they looked up to me,” Doctor said, “not only as a football player but I tried to make sure they were well-rounded as a person. Whenever I could tried to teach them my knowledge of football.”

Kurzanski says Doctor is leaving a lasting impression in the program.

“We had a lot of young kids and Mike led every day,” Kurzanski said. “He played hurt, practiced injured. That’s leadership to me. It’s not always about what you say but what you do. Mike always did the right thing. Our young guys are going to be better in the long run for it.”

Luke Granto – captain of the basketball team – transferred to the Canisius his junior year.

“I’m not going to lie it was hard at first,” Granto says. “But I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love my decision.

The total list of honorees includes: Casey LaForce – Hamilton College (lacrosse); Liam McCarty – Alfred State (baseball); Marshall Adams – Ithaca College (swimming, crew); Matt Marusza – New Paltz (volleyball); Brendan Carroll – Siena College (rugby); Nick Kerwin – University of Illinois (rugby); Brendan Batchen – Endicott College (lacrosse); Braden Dunn – Queens Univ. of Charlotte (track); Michael Doctor – Fordham University (football); Jameson Chalupka – Mt. Aloysius Coll. (baseball); Luke Granto – RIT (basketball)