WEST END PULASKI CO-SPONSORS
SIXTH ANNUAL GRADE SCHOOL
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The sixth annual Crusader Classic Christmas Grade School Basketball Tournament sponsored by the Polish National Alliance and the West End Pulaski Lodge 1052, was held at Bishop Canevin High School from December 26 to December 28, 2008. The tournament featured eight boys and three girls from nine area Catholic grade schools.

It was a disappointment to the promoters of the tournament that only three girls teams participated in the tournament. Therefore, the three teams participated in a double elimination tournament. The girl's tournament featured the following schools; First Place Champions - St. Margaret of Scotland, Second Place - Holy Trinity, and Third Place - Our Lady of Grace.

The boys tournament featured: First Place Champions - Our Lady of Grace, Second Place - St. Malachy, semi-finalist - St. Katherine Drexel and St. Margaret of Scotland. The other participating schools were: Bishop Leonard-St. Mary of the Mount Academy, St. Philip, Holy Child and Cardinal Wright.

The girls free throw contest was won by Katie Oliverio and Elesa DiBello from Our Lady of Grace, and the boys contest was won by Michael Boulos and Dom Giuntini, also from Our Lady of Grace.

The tournament was an exciting exhibition of basketball talent displayed by the boys and girls for their respective teams. Congratulations to all of the coaches for playing all of the players on the their players on their roster. The games were enjoyed by fans who attended, and they encouraged their respective team down to the last minute of every game.

The winner's plaques were provided by the Polish National Alliance Sports and Youth Department, chaired by Vice President Paul C. Odrobina. Every player and coach who participated in the tournament received a commemorative t-shirt.

The hard work of the following volunteers from Bishop Canevin High School resulted in the success of this event: Principal Kenneth Sinagra, Vice Principal Marianne Reinhard, Alumni Director Stephen Wayhart and the many high school students who gave up three days of their Christmas holiday as part of their community service hours for a non-profit organization. Volunteers from West End Pulaski Lodge 1052 included President Val Pawlos and Treasurer Joseph A. Kaminski.

Special gratitude to the Polish National Alliance and the West End Pulaski Lodge 1052, for their unselfish support that provided competitive and entertaining three days for all the players, coaches, parents, relatives, and friends of all the schools that participated in the tournament.

Submitted by:
Joseph A. Kaminski
Director, PNA

To View Full Size Version of Photo - Click on Thumbnail Below

St. Margaret of Scotland 1st Place Girls Team	Holy Trinity Girls 2nd Place Girls Team	Our Lady of Grace 3rd Place Girls	Girls Free Throw Winners
Our Lady of Grace 1st Place Boys Team	St. Malachy 2nd Place Boys Team	St. Katherine Drexel Semi-finalist Boys	St. Margaret of Scotland Semi-finalist boys
Bishop Leonard- St. Mary of the Mount	St. Philip	Holy Child	Cardinal Wright
	Boys Free Throw Winners