The gym at St. Edward High School in Lakewood was the scene of a spirited rivalry on Jan. 30 when the Priests vs Seminarians basketball game, organized by the Diocese of Cleveland Vocation Office, took to the court.
About a dozen priests from around the eight-county diocese and the same number of seminarians from Borromeo and Saint Mary seminaries faced off in the friendly competition. The game was suspended last year because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The priests were coached by Scott Klonowski, the father of Father Kevin Klonowski, who also played. They wore white uniforms.
Coaching the seminarians was head coach Chris Stein. He was assisted by Chuck Carney and Kevin Bertliff. The seminarians wore blue uniforms.
Father Mark Latcovich, president rector of both seminaries, and Bishop Edward Malesic were among the spectators. Fellow seminarians, a few other priests, seminary staff members, members of parish youth groups, students, families and others also helped fill the stands. Some brought signs to cheer on their favorite players.
The game began with prayer before the 7 p.m. tipoff.
The lead switched several times, but a surge late in the second half secured a victory for the priests. The final score was 58-47.
Before the second half began, Bishop Malesic shared a few words with the crowd, thanking them for attending and for their continuing support of vocations. The seminarians had a slight lead at the time and he made a request of them. “Please, don’t hurt my priests,” he quipped, as the crowd laughed. Fortunately, no one was injured in the game.
Player of the game for the priests was Father Eric Garris with 18 points, 6 assists, 13 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Chris Cotone from St. John Bosco Parish in Parma Heights took player of the game honors for the seminarians. He had 12 points, 2 assists and 2 steals.
The family-friendly event included games, a 50/50 raffle and a half-court free throw contest at halftime.
For more information on vocations, click here or call 440-943-7631.