Photo credit: Magic Moments Sports Photography
Servite Athletics recognized 10 student-athletes representing eight sports at the end of May as they committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers at collegiate level. Although we were unable to bring them together with each other and our community in a traditional way, we are proud to recognize the accomplishments of these talented student-athletes. In total, 30 Friars from the class of 2020 will move on to compete at the next level.
Matthew Schavone (University of Nevada, Reno- Baseball) A two-year varsity letterman for Servite Baseball, Matthew Schavone served as a reliever his junior season before earning a spot in the the starting rotation for his senior campaign. Before the 2020 season was suspended, he had started four games, pitching in five, while throwing 16.1 innings and tallying 15 strikeouts. To finish the year he earned the victory on the mound in the Servite’s league win over St. John Bosco. In addition to pitching, Schavone also played some outfield for the Friars while batting over .300 on the season.
Kunal Bagga (Whittier College- Basketball) A four-year varsity letterman for Servite Basketball, Bagga was selected All-Tournament team five times in his career in addition to earning All-Trinity League recognition. During the 2019-2020 season, he tallied 388 points while setting a new school record shooting 86% from the free throw line.
Derek Fuentes (Chapman- Football) A three-year varsity letterman for Servite Football, Fuentes was selected to the Curia his senior season while being recognized 1st Team All-Trinity League following his junior campaign. Although he battled injuries throughout his career, he was diligent in working hard to return to his team and make the most of his high school experience. Overall, he rushed for 757 yards on 156 carries with seven touchdowns.
Ernesto Garcia (La Verne- Soccer) A three-year varsity letterman for Servite Soccer, Garcia helped lead the Friars to their last three Trinity League titles and the CIF-SS Division 1 Championship this season assisting the game-winning goal. He also earned 1st Team All- Trinity League recognition in 2019.
Ryan Kay (La Verne- Soccer) A three-year varsity letterman for Servite Soccer, Kay helped lead the team to their 7th consecutive Trinity League title this season in addition to the CIF Division 1 CIF Championship while earning 2nd Team All-Trinity League recognition!
Nolan Blachowski (Notre Dame- Track and Field) A three-year varsity letterman for Servite Track and Field, Blachowski is the defending Trinity League pole vault champion and a two-time CIF qualifier while helping lead the team to their third straight league title in 2019. When competition was suspended earlier this season, he had jumped a career high 15′ 5″ to win the Roosevelt Invitational.
Cole Rasic (Pepperdine- Volleyball) A three-year varsity letterman for Servite Volleyball, Rasic helped lead the Friars to a Trinity League Championship in 2019 earning 2nd Team All-League recognition while pacing the team in kills with 270. This season, he led the team to the Redondo Tournament Championship being named Tournament MVP. Through 18 games, he tallied 212 kills, 27 blocks, 83 digs and 21 aces.
Tommy Lien (LMU- Water Polo) A three-year varsity letterman for Servite Water Polo, Lien was a member of the Friars 2018 CIF-SS Division 3 Championship team. As a starter this season, he finished second on the team in goals (44), assists (23) and steals (30).
Valor Buck (Air Force- Wrestling) A four-year varsity letterman for Servite, Buck won individual Trinity League, CIF and Masters Championships at 170lbs his senior season as well as being named Masters Upper Weight MVP and placing 5th at the CIF State Tournament. Throughout this high school career he tallied 119 wins finishing as a 3x league placer, 2x CIF placer, 2x Masters placer and 2x State placer. In addition, he was a 2x all-star while earning 1st Team All-Orange County recognition twice. He was also a member of the 2019 squad that won Servite’s first Masters Championship in school history as well as Trinity League and two CIF-SS titles.
Neil Carter (Life Pacific- Wrestling) A three-year varsity letterman for Servite Wrestling, Carter is a 3x Trinity League placer, 2x CIF placer, 2x Masters placer and 2x state qualifier. He also won a CIF-SS Individual Championship at 170lbs his junior season. In addition, he is a 2x All-Orange County selection while tallying 90 wins during his high school career. Lastly, he helped the team win Trinity League, two CIF-SS Championships and Masters in 2019.
