BUFFALO, N.Y. — After the devastating loss of their coach last month, St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute hopes for an upcoming win during its dedication game.
Coach Gabe Michael had led the Marauders for the past five seasons and ended a decade-long drought in 2021 when the team hoisted the Manhattan Cup.
On Friday, Dec. 22 St. Joe's will tip off against long-time rival Canisius, another all-boys high school located in WNY.
Before the game, the team will be honoring their late coach in a ceremony that starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Marauders home gym. The game is not open to the public, and no tickets will be for sale online or at the door.
Current St. Joe's students are invited to attend the game with proof of school ID at the door.
Those outside of the St. Joe's student community who wish to tune in can watch a free live stream of both the ceremony and the game here.
After the announcement of his passing many friends, family, and colleagues expressed that it was the lessons Michael shared off the court that left a lasting impact on so many lives.
The school named Cooper Calzonetti as interim coach following the loss in late November. Calzonetti had previously been on the St. Joe's varsity basketball team staff under Coach Michael since 2020.
“Coach Gabe was not just a coaching colleague, but a mentor, a friend, and someone I considered family since we met fourteen years ago. It was a privilege to coach alongside him for the last three seasons, and I am deeply honored to carry forward Coach Gabe’s visions for the St. Joe’s Basketball program,” says Cooper Calzonetti.
To learn more visit gomarauders.com