A story...

Help: for the kids!

...and a favor.  Yes, a former resident of St. Edward’s Hall,  Dominic "Dom" Fanelli, has a story and a favor to ask of his fellow Gentlemen. In Dom's own words...

My name is Dominic Fanelli, and I’m an Assistant Principal of a Catholic School in the South Bronx...actually at school where Fr. Ralph was placed for a brief amount of time. Ask him about it. Anyway, I have the pleasure of coaching boys high school basketball at the charter high school where I worked before moving back into Catholic education.  Last year in my first year as head coach and the teams first year in the OLDEST high school athletic league in the country, the PSAL, we went 15-1. The boys are still learning what it means to be a varsity high school athlete and the growing pains are tough.  This year we’re off to a strong start and are undefeated in conference play, but we have had some setbacks. We have had some tough losses to better opponents. Still, we’ve learned a ton from these losses. 

HERE'S THE STORY...

Recently, the PSAL was able to offer teams tickets to see Notre Dame play Colorado, and of campus, we jumped at the chance.  While at the game, I ran into Dr. Jay and Liz Williams, and they had the opportunity to meet my high school basketball team.  A few weeks later, the Williams saw a write-up of mine on the ND Club of New York’s website, and they asked me how they could help the team. I told them about our 7:30AM Saturday practices.  We get a lift in and have film sessions, but I always wanted  the team to have donuts, you know, to make the early morning practices more enjoyable.  Jay offered to pay for them, and the boys LOVED that someone was thinking of them.  

WATCH THIS VIDEO of the boys showing their gratitude.

HERE'S THE FAVOR...

If you would like to support the Democracy Prep Dragons Basketball Team IN ANY WAY, please contact me at Fanelli.dominic@gmail.com.

Still, if you’re in the New York area and would like to come watch a game, click HERE to see our schedule. We’d love to see you!

IN THE END...

We have different struggles than most programs.  Often, my boys have to miss practice to stay home and babysit because both parents are working multiple jobs till late in the evening every night.  Gym space is tough to come by, and you would laugh at our supposed weight room- a room that at best can fit 3 persons.  Yet, these obstacles have only made us tougher, and we make the most of them. In the end, our goal is to play the beautiful game of basketball- in a beautiful way- and help develop these young men into the best versions of themselves!

Thanks,

Dominic Fanelli