30th Anniversary Lion-Lancer Golf Tournament

 

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Eighty-plus golfers took to the course, and dozens more joined for dinner, as Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School marked the 30th Annual Lion-Lancer Open on Sunday, August 31, at Inwood Country Club.

The weather cooperated beautifully — a picture-perfect 75 to 80 degrees from the morning shotgun start straight through to the closing awards — for a milestone day of golf, fellowship, and remembrance.

For three decades, the Lion-Lancer Open has brought together the Bishop Loughlin (Lions) and St. Augustine (Lancers) communities in support of the young men and women who call Loughlin home. This year's outing was one of the most meaningful yet, anchored by a moving tribute to a man who spent decades giving back to the school he loved.

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Honoring a Legend: George Cappiello '62

The heart of this year's Outing was a tribute to George J. Cappiello Jr., Class of 1962, who passed away this past February at age 82.

A four-year member of the Loughlin track team and captain in both his junior and senior years, George went on to become Student Body President, earn his law degree, and build a distinguished career in admiralty law — all while never losing his connection to Loughlin. He co-founded the Bishop Loughlin Athletic Hall of Fame, led the campaign to restore the school's track (dedicated in his honor in 2017), and served as the first Chair of both the Board of Governors and the Loughlin Foundation.

In the weeks after his passing, members of the Loughlin community shared their own memories of George. "He was a good friend, a great Class President, and a true symbol of a Brother's Boy," one classmate wrote. "He really gave so much back to his school." Another community member put it simply: "A giant, indeed, and a truly Christian gentleman."

George's widow, Susan, joined us for the evening, and his son Matthew spoke movingly on behalf of the family. Loughlin President, Bro. Dennis Cronin spoke, as did Loughlin Foundation President Bob Conry '70. Longtime classmates and friends Sal Curiale '62 (pictured) and George Bruns, St. Augustine Class of 1962, also shared memories of George's leadership, generosity, and quiet dignity.

In recognition of his extraordinary legacy, the Class of 1962 Scholarship Fund - created by George and classmates in 2012 - was renamed the George Cappiello Class of 1962 Scholarship Fund. The Cappiello family also received the John Klemm Lion Lancer Open Award.

 

We were also glad to have several of George's Class of 1962 classmates on hand, including Paul Brustowicz, who made the trip up from South Carolina to honor his old friend and classmate.

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A Rising Senior Who Embodies the Best of Loughlin

One of the most powerful moments of the evening came when rising senior Amoya Ellis, Class of 2027, took the microphone. Amoya, who grew up in Crown Heights and Brownsville and whose family is from Jamaica, spoke about the values of dedication and commitment instilled in her at home—and how Loughlin has given her the chance to live them out in the classroom and through Small Band and varsity volleyball and softball.

 

She shared a story from this past softball season, when a rough start to the year left her doubting herself. Ahead of the City Championship, after some costly mistakes in the Brooklyn and Queens Championship, she was certain she'd be benched. Instead, her coach, Coach Tom Callahan, gave her another chance. "He didn't have to do that," Amoya told the room. "He could have focused on the mistakes I had made, but instead, he chose to believe in me." That second chance paid off: Amoya made three game-changing catches and a putout at second base to help her team secure a 13–2 win.

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Special Recognitions

The Outing also took time to honor (and surprise) longtime participant Bernard Monahan, St. Augustine High School Class of 1954, a living link to the Lancer half of this partnership.

Fellow Lancers, Jim McHugh '62 SA and Ed Fogarty '67 SA, helped present Bernard with his award. St. Augustine closed its doors in 1969, but its spirit has remained part of our community for decades — and every year, Lancers like Bernard remind us why this Outing carries both names.

A special shoutout also goes to our youngest golfer this year: Tyler King, Class of 1999, who flew all the way up from Florida to be part of the day.

Thank You to Our Committee

None of this happens without the dedication of our volunteer committee.

Our deepest thanks go to John Klemm '65, who got the Outing off the ground back in 1996 and whose vision still shapes it thirty years later; to Kenny Lewis '87, who led the way in planning this year's event; and to Brian Connolly '73 and Lenny Singletary '87 for their unwavering support, this year and so many others. Kudos also to the Loughlin Advancement staff - Tanya Kennedy '01 coordinated our successful event.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The 30th Annual Lion-Lancer Open was made possible by the generosity of our sponsors.

Thank you to Arthur C. Martinez '56 SA for sponsoring the golf carts, and to Michael W. Murray '63 for sponsoring breakfast, lunch, and the beverage cart throughout the day.

Thank you to Margaret Carr-DeMatteis '57 BMD for sponsoring our signage, and to John J. O'Donnell '65 and Kenny Lewis '87 for sponsoring our faculty members' participation.

Thank you as well to our Tee Sponsors — Amelia Bowes, Acheson Doyle Partners Architects, John Klemm '65 and The Class of 1965, and Anthony Scotto '65 SA — and to our Green Sponsors, Amelia Bowes and Brooklyn Sporting Goods.

Your support, year after year, is what keeps this Outing — and the scholarships it funds — going strong.