HIGH SCHOOLS
Cross country book is off and running
A book detailing the history of Monsignor Martin Association boys and girls cross country has just crossed the finish line.
The book was written and researched by Paul Hutzler of Cheektowaga, the author of several other publications on local high school history. The 236-page spiral- bound book details the history of the league dating to its inception in the fall of 1952.
The league’s four original teams were Timon, Ryan, Canisius and Father Baker. The book is dedicated to Mel Palano, who started the program at Timon before going on to become the winningest high school basketball coach in Western New York. Palano coached the Tigers for 27 years, going undefeated its first eight seasons, a streak of 44 meets in a row.
“He was so instrumental in starting the league and so successful in coaching I thought he would be the guy for a cross country book,” Hutzler said. “He was overwhelmed to have the book dedicated to him.”
Hutzler spent hours doing microfilm research and visiting member schools. He said he started the book at the urging of retired St. Mary’s Director of Athletics Dick Wojciechowski.
Newspaper articles are included to provide insight into all 52 seasons. The book lists all of the individual champions from its beginning as well as all the team champions. There have been only four three-time champions of the All-Catholic race: Brian Quinn of Gibbons/ St. Joseph (1968-1970), Mark Finucane of St. Francis (1971-1973), Ron Donacik of Cardinal O’Hara (1987-1989) and Paul Riley of Canisius (2000-2002).
The list of girls individual and team champions begins when that league formed in 1983. Colleen Kinder of Holy Angels (1995-1997) and Jill Shea (2005-2007) are the only three-time race winners.
Hutzler is Western New York’s authority on the history of high school sports. He began keeping records while a student at St. Joe’s in 1951.
He keeps records state-wide and locally for football, is responsible for the history pages in the Manhattan Cup basketball program and produces the Section VI cross country program. He’s currently working on a book on the history of MMA football.
The books will be released for the first time at Saturday’s All-Catholic Championships at Cazenovia Park. The girls race starts at 11 a. m. followed by the boys at 11:30. The cost is $25 for the book, or $15 for the compact disc version. Postage is an additional $2.50. Send check or money order to Hutzler at: 91 Randy Way, Cheektowaga, NY 14227.
