Christian Brothers Academy (New Jersey)

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For other schools, see Christian Brothers Academy

Christian Brothers Academy, located in the Lincroft section of Middletown Township, New Jersey, is a private, all boys College preparatory school with a focus on Christian education run by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle. The school was originally a farm that was given to the Christian Brothers for the purpose of teaching. The school opened for the first time in September, 1959 and was blessed by the Bishop of Trenton on October 11, 1959. The current enrollment for the 2006-2007 school year is 922.

For the 1983-84 school year, Christian Brothers Academy received the Blue Ribbon Award from the United States Department of Education, the highest honor that an American school can achieve.^[1]

1 History
2 Extracurricular activities
3 Sports
4 Administration
5 References
6 External links

[edit] History

The history of Christian Brothers Academy is short in time but long in accomplishments. Early in 1958, a group of devoted laymen, headed by Mr. John C. Henderson, Mr. Peter E. Fleming and Doctor George A. Sheehan, realized the need for another Catholic High School in Monmouth County. With the approval of the Most Reverend Bishop George W. Ahr, they initiated a drive to raise funds for the purchase of a piece of property. The Brothers of the Christian Schools, under the leadership of their Provincial, Brother Anthony John Halpin, agreed to staff the school and finance its construction.

The former Whitney Greentree Stables, a 157-acre farm, was purchased and one building was converted into what is now Henderson Hall. With six Brothers and 150 students, the school was opened in September, 1959; two years later the new school building was finished and ready for occupancy. The school has had six principals since then:

Brother Bernard McKenna, FSC (1959-1965);
Brother Stephen McCabe, FSC (1965-1972);
Brother Peter Mannion, FSC (1972-1979);
Brother Andrew O'Gara, FSC (1979-1991); (Brother Andrew O' Gara left the office of Principal of CBA to become its first ever President.)
Brother Ralph Montedoro, FSC (1991-2005);
Brother Stephen Olert, FSC (2005-Present);

Over the years, the school has undergone many additions and renovations, including the building of the Henderson Theater, three science labs, two large gyms, and extra classrooms. The school takes pride in the fact that its main purpose for the school is to provide its students with a Christian education and makes it plain in a sign in the lobby that "Jesus is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever present teacher in its classes, the model of the faculty and the inspiration of its students."

[edit] Extracurricular activities

Some activities at CBA include: Academic Team, Academy Torch, Arister, Asian Students Association , CBACCS , Chess Club , Chess Team, Crew Team , French Club, French National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Junior Statesmen Of America, Mathematics Team, Mock Trial, Model U.N., Music, Pegasus (Yearbook), SADD, Sailing Club, Science Fiction Club, Spanish Club, Spanish National Honor Society, Student Council, Surf Club, Video Game Club and Worship Ministry.

The school also offers the LaSallian Youth club, a way for students to perform service to surrounding areas.

The "Colts" place highly in both academics as well as athletics.

[edit] Sports

Cross Country

Cross Country team holds the national high school record for consecutive dual meet wins, topping 280 (as of October 2006) and dating back to October, 1973.
Coach is Tom Heath.

Soccer

The soccer team has won three state championships. They are also in the Parochial A state championship tomorrow, November 9th, looking for their fourth state title.
Coach Dan Keane has won 400 victories in his career, a Shore Conference Record.

Golf

The golf team won the state championship in 2005 and looks to repeat in 2006. Recently won New Jersey Team of the Year.
Coach is Timothy Sewnig.

Basketball

The basketball team went 27-2 in 2005. They lost in the state championship to Seton Hall Preparatory School. They were the only team to defeat state champions St. Patrick's High School of Elizabeth. Forward Dan Werner won New Jersey Player of the Year on NJ.Com.
Coached by Ed Wicelinski.

Wrestling

In 2005-2006, the team went 17-4 and made it to the South A Parochial Finals. The Colts finished ranked 15th in NJ and had one state placewinner in Ollie Ferraro at 189lbs. The Colts had four district champions and advanced eight to the region 6 tournament.
This season marked the final year of Mike Baldi as head coach of the program, of which he has been the Architect. Mike Baldi is largely accredited with giving CBA a great wrestling program, by supervising the construction of their wrestling room, and by making the wrestling program a priority for the Academy's administration.
David Santamaria (graduated year 1998) placed 2nd in the New Jersey high school state wrestling tournament 3 years in a row. All 3 years were under the direction of Coach Mike Baldi. He also placed a lesser medal his freshman year. David went on to UVA (University of Virgina) as a star wrestler. He eventually came back to New Jersey to help coach the Colts.
Kevin Mount (graduated year 1999) placed 3rd in the New Jersey high school state wrestling tournament his senior year, with metal pins in his broken hand (which was broken during practice before the Districts tournament). Many wrestlers find him inspiprational, and he has since donated his time to helping coach CBA wrestlers on how to handle the pressure and stress of the end of seasson tournaments. Kevin Mount has accredited Coach Mike Baldi with giving him the motivation and coaching to pull off this great feat.