Saint Xavier High School graduates had a chance to reminisce, enjoy good food, play a little

basketball, and make donations to help save the school when they gathered for the first ever alumni basketball games Saturday night at the Bradley Gym.

Shawn Augustine, Assistant Principal, said this event initially began as a small deal, but it grew into something much bigger. Late Saturday evening he said, “Right now I bet we’re pushing pretty close to 700 that are here and it may be bigger than that.”

The main seating area in the gym was full, while other sat on bleachers set up on the stage, and and others stood and watched the activities which include basketball, a video presentation with clips of former athletes, coaches, and teams, and the introduction of the teams. During the chili feed that preceded the basketball games Augustine noted the cafeteria can hold about 200 people, and as it progressed more tables had to be set up.

Saint Xavier alum had the original idea for an alumni basketball game, and led the way in organizing it. “Hard work finally came off and paid off, and hope it pays off and keeps the school up and running.”  Saint Xavier needs to raise $50,000 by March and then develop a three-year funding plan to keep the doors of the school open. Going into the event Saturday night just over $23,000 had already been raised.