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St. Cyp’s benefit games highlight sports
St. Cyprian athletes get ready for the benefit game. | Maryann Pisano~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: May 20, 2012 8:36AM
St. Cyprian’s 38th Annual Benefit Games brought back together some new and old athletes at Guerin Prep on March 25.
The Benefit Game was a fundraiser to help St. Cyprian School along and their athletic program. The program includes a dance from the cheerleaders, a varsity volleyball game, and an alumni game. St. Cyprian played against other Catholic schools such as Maria Goretti and St. Celestine.
“I really love volleyball,” said eighth-grader Matilda Davis. “We have so much fun, and we really love our coach.”
Sixth-grader Sarafina Virruso agreed.
“Myself and my friends are in both cheerleading and volleyball, and we love it. Today we got to perform a dance and played volleyball,” Virruso said. “We all really love it, and it keeps us busy.”
Sixth-grader Seana McNally said that during the week, they have volleyball practice and cheerleading on the same night. Even though it is a big time commitment, the girls stick with it. They loved the response they got from the crowd performing on March 25. They danced to “Moves Like Jagger.”
Davis’ mother, Suzanne Davis, was pleased with her daughter’s volleyball and cheerleading skills displayed at the benefit game.
“I think being on a sport really teaches my daughter sportsmanship and how to work with a team,” Davis said. “St. Cyprian teachers are so, so dedicated and connect with every student on a different level. From the academics to the sports, it is a special place.”
The second part of the event included St. Cyprian alumni coming back and playing volleyball against the current team.
“We are so happy to have our alumni come back for the alumni game,” said Margaret Sewell, St. Cyprian’s Athletic director. “Some of these students went on to play sports in high school, so we are happy that our current students got to see them. It shows our students that they can go on with sports as well as academics in high school.”
Roger Sewell, the other Athletic Director, encourages athletics with his children and is proud of St. Cyprian’s program. “It teaches them hard work, team work, discipline, and it makes them a better person,” Sewell said.
Sewell said his daughter has definitely been more confident than when she first started sports and takes pride in it. He believes that it helps her become a more mature person.
“This fundraiser is very important to us because it helps cover our league fees, our sports banquet, and gifts for our players,” Sewell said. “It is very important and we’re happy with the turn out.”
“St. Cyprian is River Grove’s best-kept secret,” said Margaret Sewell. “It is such a special place, in both academics and athletics. It motivates our children to bigger and better things.”
