Football award to be named after former St. Jerome’s principal

District 8 has announced that the senior boys football Most Valuable Player award will be renamed the Father Mike Award.

Father Michael Cundari died in a collision in November 1986.

The former St. Jerome’s High School principal was a huge supporter of sports at the high school level, especially football.

“Our entire family is both grateful and humbled at the creation of this new award that remembers Fr. Mike,” Cundari's nephew, Mike Campigotto, said in a release. 

“We hope that it will inspire athletes to become leaders in sport, to win with humility and to embrace losing with the pride of giving their all.”

“Once he assumed the role of principal, his love for his students became very evident,” said Bernie Farwell who was named principal following the passing of Father Mike. 

“He began each school year speaking to every student at grade-level assemblies impressing upon them the wisdom of setting goals and working hard to achieve them. In this way, each person builds upon the strong reputation of the school and has no regrets at graduation.”

A ceremony to commemorate the naming of the award will take place Thursday, November 8 at the District 8 football championships.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Warrior Field in Waterloo.