First Half Marathon deemed a success

St. Bernard Prep School hosted their first Half-Marathon recently through the wooded trails of the St. Bernard Abbey Treasure Forest.  Seventy-nine runners registered for the event  from Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama; and seventy-two finished the trail  race.

Roger Blalock and William Calvert were all smiles Saturday morning as runners arrived  to register.  Cool morning temperatures provided a great start to the morning race.  

Fr. Joel Martin, OSB, President of St. Bernard Prep School was on hand to open the ceremony with a prayer and to start the race.

Former Cullman High School and George Tech standout, E.C. Gibbs claimed the course with a record time of 1:25:43.00, followed by Dink Taylor of Huntsville 1:29.48.00. Taylor was the masters winner (0ver 40) as well. Eric Charette  of Huntsville was 3^rd place with a time of 1.31.58.00. Female winner (7^th place overall) was Emily Spry of Elkmont with a time of 1:43:14.00. Laura Brock of Cullman was 2^nd female (9^th place overall) with a time of 1:46:12.00. Rachel Eidson of Huntsville was 3^rd female (20^th place overall) with a time of 1:57:32.00.  Erica Davis of Hartselle was the female masters winner (30^th place overall) with a time of 2:12:44.00. Male grandmasters winner (over 50) was Duane Ricketts of Cullman (5^th place overall) with a time of 1:37:59.00. Female grandmasters winner was Susan Methvin of Loretto, Tn.  (24^th place overall) with a time of 2:05:07.00.

 Calvert said it was a resounding success (72 finishers).  “We hope to make it an annual event, and look for it to grow into a much anticipated event on the race calendar each year.”

Calvert thanked all that took part as participants, volunteers, photographers, spectators  and of course our sponsors.  “All of our people did a fantastic job in pulling this event together for a smooth start and finish,” Calvert said.

Blalock said the event is sure to grow.  “We have had so much positive response not only about the trails, but the wonderful hospitality shown to the runners,” Blalock said.

Runners were treated to fresh fruit, muffins, cookies, water, coffee, chocolate milk, Pepsi and Gatorade.  Local restaurant owners Ralph and Annette Harris of Rumor’s Deli provided delicious boiled oatmeal cookies and photography for the runners; and Sweet Peppers Deli owners David and Maria Steele  donated wonderful sack lunches of sandwiches, cookies and chips provided to participants at the end of their run. 

St. Bernard will host the Bloomin’ Festival 5K/10K on Saturday, April 20 to kick off the 29^th Annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair in Cullman.

 

 

Saint Bernard looking to 2013-2014

Cullman, AL  Dozens of families visited St. Bernard Prep School at the Spring Open House recently to  familiarize themselves  with the school and the  residential community life offered by the Benedictine Monks at St. Bernard Abbey.

Admissions Director, Dr. Donna Bryant said the majority of families in attendance were from Alabama, and one family came from Freer, Texas.  “We are very fortunate that our enrollment has remained steady, and expect the number of applicants to pick up in the next month as parents begin making decisions for the upcoming school year.”

Student ambassadors took a prominent leadership role in Open House activities by leading tours at the Abbey Church, gymnasium and classroom building.  They also provided the welcoming remarks to open the day.  Additionally the drama department, under the direction of Mr. Rodney Fike provided a short skit from the upcoming Wizard of Oz production.  The Saints All Star Band under the direction of Mr. Lester Harris entertained guests with several tunes as well.

“Our guests remarked on the poise and confidence with which our students spoke and presented themselves,” Dr. Bryant said.  “Several prospective students are planning to return to take part in our Shadow Day Program.”

Shadow Day gives students an opportunity to see what student life is all about at St. Bernard Prep.   Bryant said,  “We place our guests in a classroom of their peers, and this experience gives them a real insight to the  learning experience at St. Bernard.”

Anyone interested in visiting the campus for a Shadow Day or receiving more information about St. Bernard Prep  should contact the school at (256)739-6682 or visit www.stbernardprep.com  Like the school on www.facebook.com/stbernardprep.

St. Bernard Prep to host Half Marathon – March 9, 2013 @ 7:30 a.m.

The first-ever half-marathon race to happen in Cullman County is about to take place at St. Bernard Prep in Cullman, on the renovated and newly-created trails of St. Bernard Abbey, Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 a.m.

For the past three years Cross Country Coach William Calvert, and  noted “Trail Boss” Roger Blalock, along with countless other volunteers, have recovered and restored existing trails through the Abbey’s 800 acres of Treasure Forest  and constructed at least five more miles, doubling the trails in size.

The Trails of St. Bernard Half-Marathon will showcase the expanded scenic trail system of St. Bernard Abbey.  Calvert  said  the old trails and forest roads have been improved, and the new trails will take participants  into the more remote areas of the 120-year old campus.

 Blalock, the volunteer “Trail Boss,” has been the catalyst in improving the old trails and dozing  the new ones.  Along with a core group of volunteers that include St. Bernard coaches, teachers,  parents and local runners, Blalock has added about five new miles of trails to the system through the use of a small bulldozer and back-breaking work with shovels, rakes, picks and axes.

Calvert said Roger loves the outdoors,  and building trails is a passionate hobby  for him.  “We certainly appreciate all of Roger’s hard work and dedication.  He has built some beautiful  scenic trails through streams with waterfalls and huge boulder rocks. “

There have been several water bars put in place to re-route water off the trails to nearby streams.   “Conservation of land has been a major concern in this process,” Blalock said.   These trails are solid, but according to Blalock they aren’t finished yet.   “Because of erosion, some sections of the older trails will be totally rebuilt to preserve them.  That said, these trails are in great shape, some of the best in the southeastern states.”

Blalock’s experience with operating heavy equipment and with engineering the building of trails has been a blessing for our program at St. Bernard.  “Back in the 80’s, Roger was involved in the layout and building of trails in the Bankhead Forest,” Calvert said.

While running or walking the trails, one can notice the dirt which has been removed from underneath one of the huge boulders by the creek.  “We hit charcoal and feel sure that this could have been a perfect Native American home years ago,” Blalock said.  “It was perfect since they loved facing south and near the water, but as the need for more dirt increased, it has been pulled from underneath the huge bluff rock.” 

The wooded 13.1 mile course has ten unique bridges with names like No Hands Bridge and Gear Up that span some of the stream crossings.  Rustic wooden signs nailed to cedar posts with names like Lost Creek Trail, Rock Quarry and Little Magnolia point runners and hikers in the right direction.  The course of rolling hills and mostly-hardwood forest adds to the challenge but also to the beauty of the trails.

Calvert said the half-marathon route will challenge runners,  but  is a fair course with good footing.  “It’s a great  course for first-time trail racers,  and will be a fast course for the more experienced.”   

Awards will be presented to the overall male and female winners, Masters male and female winners, and grand masters male and female winners, as well as medals to the top three finishers for male and female in each age group. 

Age groups are 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and over. 

A pre-registration fee of $40 is due on or before 3/01/2013; the fee is $45 after 3/1/2013.  To register online go to www.raceit.com/Register?event=17275  or to register by mail, print a registration form at  www.stbernardprep.com.

For more information,  contact Race Directors, Roger Blalock, blalockroger@yahoo.com -256-734-1200 or William Calvert, wcalvert@stbernardprep.com - 256-612-3028. 

Peel, Matz push Saints to impressive finish at regional championship

Saint Bernard Middle School students Sarah Peel and Morgan Matz participated in  a landmark weekend for the Saints swimming program recently leading their school to 14^th out of 40 teams at the Southeastern Middle School Swimming Championship in Chattanooga, TN.

Peel, 7, and Matz, 8, reached the finals in both of their events.  Peel torpedoed to second in the 200-yard individual medley and third in the 100-yard breaststroke, while Matz glided to fifth in the 100-yard backstroke and 15^th in the 50-yard freestyle.

In addition to the duo’s swimming prowess, Coach Carson Glasscock said Peel and Matz are exceptional students.

“I am really proud of Sarah and Morgan.  Both put in outstanding performances in a very tough regional meet,” he said. “It really shows the future of competitive swimming at St. Bernard.  I am most proud that both these girls were on the AV honor roll for the fall semester.”

St. Bernard Middle School - Honor Roll First Semester 2012-13

St. Bernard Middle School Honor Roll
1st Semester 2012-13

 

7th Grade All A's

Eva Barck
Leahrose Mami
Cailin O'Donnell
Olivia Tafazoli

 

7th Grade All A's and B's

Anna Faulk
Victor Fentanes
Luke Marti
Eli Mechelfelder
Sarah Peel
Avy Whaley

 

8th Grade All A's

Clint Crumbley
Brooke Edwards
Jalen Lee
Graham Sanders

8th Grade All A's and B's

Isabella Cline
Megan Brockway
Hee Jung Kang
Asher Kyte
Morgan Matz
Luke Merrill



 

                                               

Tafazoli wins Spelling Bee

 

Olivia Tafazoli, a seventh grader at St. Bernard Prep,  recently won the school spelling bee.  Olivia will compete with other students in Cullman County on January 28 at Fairview High School Auditorium.  Pictured with Olivia are Ms. Martha Ann Warnke, Spelling Bee Coordinator, and Principal William Calvert. 

Olivia is the daughter of Mark and Lori Tafazoli of Cullman, AL.

Caitlin Varquez to represent Cullman County in Distinguished Young Woman Competition

Saint Bernard Preparatory School’s, Caitlin Varquez is headed to Montgomery, Alabama to represent Cullman County in the 2013 Distinguished Young Women’s (DYW) Competition.  Founded in Mobile in 1958, as America’s Junior Miss, it  formally changed its name to Distinguished Young Women to reflect the changes in the lives of today’s young women.  It is the largest and the oldest national scholarship program for high school girls.

For months, Caitlin has prepared for this extreme week long project where young women from each county in the State of Alabama are judged in areas of fitness, public speaking, self-expression, on-stage talent, academics, and a personal interview. 

“This has been a very remarkable experience for me,” Caitlin said.  “I have had an opportunity to meet so many talented young ladies who I must say are incredibly smart and know what direction they want to take in life.”

Caitlin begins her journey on January 11 when she will be moving into her host family’s home in Montgomery with another contestant in the competition.   For the entire week of preparation for the competition, she will have no outside communication with anyone other than the host family and DYW directors.  While Caitlin admits she hasn’t been away from her parents much, she is looking forward to spending time with her new friends. 

Flashing her contagious smile, Caitlin admits the help received from her parents has been phenomenal.  “My Dad has been a huge help with which outfits, shoes, and accessories I will be wearing.  Together we have made a check list of everything I need.”

Caitlin’s platform to the judges and audience members is:  to educate women about the risk associated with heart disease, and to promote wellness and fitness among women.  Being an avid runner and as the daughter of a cardiologist, she understands the importance of  women taking time to exercise and eat properly to stay heart healthy.

Talent wise, Caitlin is no stranger to being in front of a crowd.  However she admits the competition is very diverse.  To her knowledge she is the only contestant performing a vocal and dance number.  Her rendition of “If My Friends Could See Me Now” from Sweet Charity is sure to dazzle the audience.  Caitlin will portray Charity the young lady who has inspirations of bigger dreams. 

Caitlin says the fitness portion is very demanding and creates a big challenge.  “We have been given routines to learn on our own.  It’s very do-able but if you have to do this whole routine and then do this, I can see how hard it would be.”

The interview portion of the competition is not about facts and figures. While those are important, Caitlin says it’s about each individual girl and how confident they are in their beliefs and values.

Contestants are encouraged to bring books to read in down time.  Caitlin plans to take her SAT Test Preparation Book to prepare for the upcoming exam later in the month.

Academically Caitlin is an exceptional young lady with her eyes set on attending Brown University or perhaps the University of Southern California.  She is very involved in school activities, and is open to new ideas.  Caitlin is a member of the National Honor Society, Rotary Interact Club, and is the only senior on the Saintly Visitor Team which conducts weekly visits to area nursing homes.  She recently competed in the regional poetry out loud competition where she placed second; and is a member of the 1A – Runner-Up State Girls Cross Country Team.  Caitlin spent her summer volunteering at the public library reading to children and talking about the DYW program, as well as participating in a National Archery Championship held in conjunction with the Cullman Parks and Recreation Department. 

To date, she has been awarded $4,400 in scholarship funds for winning the competition, talent, and spirit award locally. 

Competition gets underway on Friday, January 18, when all contestants compete with the physical fitness and self-expression portion of the competition.  At 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 19 she will compete in the talent portion, and then at 7 p.m. the eight finalists will be named.

While communication is non-existent for a week, contestants are allowed receive care packages and letters of encouragement!  Send all correspondence to Caitlin Varquez, c/o Michael and Lisa Jones, 1962 Duck Pond Road, Montgomery, AL  36117.

Caitlin is the daughter of Dr.’s Genero and Mir Varquez of Cullman.