I entered St. Fidelis in September of 1967 into a class of 35. I spent 8 years at St. Fidelis which was truly a positive development in my life spiritually, academically, culturally, and athletically. The lay and religious faculty really inspired all students to achieve their maximum potential.
I am the oldest of 5 children of my parents Jim and Lorraine Freeman from SouthEast Washington DC. We were members of St Francis Xavier parish, and the Capuchins from Cap College helped out with Sunday Masses. Thus, the segue into Project Probe visits to St. Fidelis, and my acceptance in September of 1967.
I never picked up a basketball until I entered St. Fidelis, but as my classmate (and teammate) Paul DiMaio claimed, “we lived in a dormitory, got up for prayers and breakfast, went to class, and then played basketball!” Through knocks and pitfalls, I quickly learned how to play basketball!!
I was a proud starter on the 1971 State Championship basketball team, which included 7 seniors that remained together for 4 consecutive years with a class goal of a championship. Our team was so proud to bring recognition to our school, friars, and our coaches! Looking through consecutive yearbooks concerning my class, many year-end signature comments mentioned a state championship goal. Some future forecasting!! I was also proud to serve a Valedictorian of my senior class.
I moved to southern New Jersey after a post graduate curriculum at Slippery Rock University. I am married for 31 years to my wife Cheryl, and have a daughter Emily. I recently retired with 38 years as a Teacher of the Handicapped and District Technology Coordinator. I coached boys basketball at Wildwood High School, and followed that with coaching girls elementary basketball at Bishop McHugh School.
I now look forward to the Capuchin golf tournament and Alumni picnic. It is a time to reacquaint old friendships and talk about the good years at St. Fidelis.
