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Beyond the Books - September 2025

September 9, 2025

At Cretin-Derham Hall, students have important opportunities to grow, learn and thrive both in the classroom and 'beyond the books!' In fact, 98% of students participate in one or more sports or activities.

Beyond the Books is our brag book on all of your favorite co-curriculars at CDH: athletics, activities, JROTC, Campus Ministry, and the Arts. This can also be a place for occasional school-wide athletic department updates and current news on some of our activities.

A Letter from Matt Funk, CDH Athletic Director

We are excited to welcome everyone to the 2025–26 school year! August kicked off with tremendous energy—our Fall Kick-Off featured dedicated coaches, supportive families, enthusiastic student-athletes hitting the fields and courts, and a strong showing from our community coming together to cheer on our teams.

The goal of our office is simple: to foster an environment where every student-athlete can thrive and embody our motto—Culture Creates Champions.

Our fall sports teams are off to a strong start, and our fields and gyms are alive with talent and teamwork. It’s been a fantastic beginning, with 386 students registered for a fall sport, representing 45% of our student body!

Highlights include:

Volleyball and Boys Soccer are off to impressive winning streaks against out-of-conference opponents, led by Coach Erin Horn and Coach Russ Turner, respectively.
We’re excited to welcome new head coaches:

Girls Soccer – Aileen Guiney
Football – Kim Royston ’06
Performance Dance – Georgia Ingwell ’17

Girls Tennis, Girls Swimming & Diving, and Cross Country have already competed in multiple meets and matches, balancing rigorous training with fun team-building activities.

For team schedules and results, visit the official school website.

The first month has been an exciting start, and now Homecoming is on the horizon!

All athletic teams will host home events during Homecoming Week—except for Cross Country, but they’ll still be in the spotlight. We’re thrilled to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1975 State Championship Cross Country team, which finished 2nd nationally. Join us for this celebration during:

The Pep Rally (Friday during school)
Halftime of the Homecoming Football Game

In addition, we’re hosting the 2025–26 Activity Fair during Flex on Wednesday of Homecoming Week in the Aux Gym. With over 70 clubs represented, this event will give students the chance to explore and get involved in activities that match their interests.

As we build on a tremendous 2024–25 season, we’re excited to continue the Raider tradition of excellence—on and off the field.

Go Raiders!

Matt Funk
Director of Activities & Athletics

Athletics

Football

By Kim Royston ’06, Head Coach

The varsity football team earned their first victory of the year on September 5 by defeating St. Paul Central 69-0 at the University of St. Thomas. Ja’Dale Thompson ’26 rushed for 168 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Izzak Johnson ’26 completed 13 of 21 passes for 207 yards and four touchdown passes. Owen Welk ’27, Ja’Dale Thompson ’26, Sam Heath ’26, Dre Frierson-Hollie ’27 and Shaheed Suggs ’28 all caught touchdown passes. The Raiders will travel to Bloomington Jefferson on September 12 for a 6:30 pm kick-off and then will return home on September 19 for homecoming when we host St. Louis Park.

Boys Soccer

By Ryan Burke, Assistant Coach

Raiders Boys Soccer have started the season undefeated while giving up only 1 goal in 5 games. The defense has been led by captains Billy Cornett ‘26 and Luke Hilger ’26, and goalkeeper Lewis Zweber ’28, who now has a 0.2 goals against average.

In their last game against a highly ranked Woodbury team, CDH tied them in the pouring rain at Woodbury’s home turf, capping off an amazing first two weeks of the season.

Next week they take their undefeated record against Park, Irondale (7 pm at home Tuesday) and Owatonna.

Cross Country

By Chris Babcock, Head Coach

Girls Cross County has started well ahead of where they were last year. Led by Abby Chestovich ’26 the girls are seeing times that are 40 seconds to 2 minutes faster than the previous season on the same courses. Chestovich herself has posted times that are reminiscent of her mid to late season times from season past, showing that she is ready to go and go fast in her senior season. She is joined by newcomer May Strom ’27 who has done well in her first races of the year. A hockey player, Strom isn't accustomed to hills in the middle of her stride, but she has taken her work ethic off the ice and brought it to the trails. Strom is running as the number two Raider so far this season. In their second year as Raiders, Elisa Nobrega ’28 and Lorelie Kessler ’29 have been trading off third and fourth runner positions and the budding rivalry has helped both of them to drop time over last season and improve the standing of the team overall. Rounding out the top five has been Katie Nobrega ’27. A convert from soccer last season, Katie has been running with greater confidence as she rounds out the scoring five for the Raider varsity. Returning to full participation this season is Lucy Keating ’26 who is one of the team's most enthusiastic runners. Keating has been able to race in each of the last three meets, completing the courses faster than she has in any of her past 3 seasons. Our next meet will be at Flying Cloud Fields in Eden Prairie under the lights on Saturday, September 13. Races begin at dusk and run through 9 pm.

Boys Cross Country is a small but determined bunch led by Joe Steinhoff ’28. In the last two races alone Steinhoff has lost almost 7 minutes, over a third of his 5K race time, as compared to his ninth grade season. Steinhoff went under 20 minutes at the 5K distance for the first time at the Dewey Minnaert Invitational in the drizzle and over the rolling course showing that he is determined to improve even when faced with less than perfect conditions. Caleb Fanning ’28 is in pursuit and hoping to match Steinhoff soon under the 20 minute threshold. Our next meet will be at Flying Cloud Fields in Eden Prairie under the lights on Saturday, September 13. Races begin at dusk and run through 9 pm.

Girls Soccer

By Aileen Guiney, Head Coach

Girls Soccer features a number of new faces this season with a talented freshman class along with a strong returning class of 9 seniors. Varsity season opened in late August with an incredibly tough schedule - our first 4 games against teams that placed in the top 4 of the state in the last 3 years. We are encouraged by the improvement and confident in our success this season! Our JV and B squads have full schedules this week against Mahtomedi and Woodbury, and last week JV notched a big win against Benilde-St.Margaret’s!

Girls Volleyball

By Erin Horn, Head Coach

The CDH Volleyball Program is off to a strong start in 2025. Our B-Squad and both 9A and 9B teams took 3rd place at their respective preseason conference tournaments. This week we battled our Highland neighbors and took down Highland Park in straight sets. It was a program sweep with both B-Squad and JV also winning in straight sets. Teams are starting to build chemistry and players are beginning to trust each other more on the court. Our buddy/mentor partnership continues to be one of the best things about the program. There is nothing better than hearing varsity athletes cheer loudly (by name) for their 9th grade buddies. Our hope is that the program would feel like a second family to the girls who are involved. Next week we take on Two Rivers at home with all five teams competing and we have our first program dinner with all 58 athletes in a couple weeks. It’s a great time to be a Raider!

Activities

Activities Fair

By Tony Yazbeck, Activities Director

We will be hosting the 2025–26 Activity Fair during Flex on Wednesday of Homecoming Week in the Aux Gym. With over 70 clubs represented, this event will give students the chance to explore and get involved in activities that match their interests. All students are encouraged to attend and see what is being offered.

Art Club

By Suzanne Cranston, Moderator

Art Club starts Monday, September 8 after school in Mrs. Cranston's art room. All students are welcome to check it out! You do NOT have to be enrolled in an art class to be an art club member.

Right away we'll spend our time working on all things Autumn and Halloween crafty fun!

Asian Music and Culture Club

By Nan Wang, Moderator

This year, the big changes for my club are meeting times and club name. We are now officially called Asian Music and Culture Club, we will be meeting on Mondays Flex 1 in WH102.

This year, students are encouraged to learn songs together, anywhere from instrumental songs to singing. Anything for Asia, Southeast Asia, anywhere in Asia. Bring your favorite music to share, bring your instruments to play and learn, teach other students songs. Music brings people together from all cultures.

In addition to learning and playing music together, we will also have anime film viewing times, origami times, and potluck to celebrate the Lunar New Year. I hope this year students will have more fun on Lunar New Year.

Clay Target Team

By Jason Naber, Coach

The Cretin-Derham Hall Clay Target Team competes in Trap and Skeet and is comprised of both boys and girls. Our primary competitive seasons are in the fall and the spring. The only prerequisite for participation is each athlete must possess his/her Hunter and Safety Education Certificate offered by the state DNR before they can compete. School Letters are awarded at season's end to those who meet the criteria offered by the team. This sport offers both young men and women an opportunity to compete side by side and discover hidden talents they didn't know they had. These sports require good hand and eye coordination, and the maturity to stay focused on safety procedures. Best of all, everyone on the team participates and contributes to the success of the team. No benchwarmers on the Clay Target Team!

For the Spring 2025 Clay Target Season, the team had 11 athletes participating in Trap and 9 athletes participating in Skeet. The team earned 1st place in Conference for Trap! Individual medals included:

Olivia Kline ’26 won 2nd place in Conference and 3rd Place in State for Girls Skeet. Olivia also won 3rd place in Conference for Girls Trap
Covado Bernard ‘28 won 2nd place in Conference for Boys Trap
Eli Pocernich ’28 won 3rd Place in Conference for Boys Trap

For the Fall 2025 Clay Target Season we have 9 athletes participating in Trap and 6 in skeet. We look forward to another fun season!

Intramural Basketball League

By Tommy Murray ’97, Moderator

Slam dunk into the action! Get ready for the CDH Intramural Basketball League 2025-26, where the thrill of the game meets friendly competition. Whether you're a seasoned baller or just love to shoot some hoops, this league is for you.

Gather your squad and get ready to hit the court! Each team plays 2-3 games per date on our short courts, with a 4-on-4 format that keeps the action fast-paced and fun. You'll also face off against the legendary staff team, "The Fossils." Don't be fooled by their age—these teachers play with no mercy and will be ready to wow you with their skills. With 15-minute halves and running time, you'll be able to show off your skills in no time.

The competition is heating up, but good sportsmanship is the name of the game. So bring your A-game, respect the rules, and get ready for a season of unforgettable moments. Sign up, grab your friends, and get in on the action! The season begins in December.

Jazz Band

By Teddy Williams, Moderator

The jazz band will be starting on Tuesday, September 9. The year will be full of swing, fun music, and powerful tunes. There is no deadline to join, and anybody is welcome! Reach out to Mr. Williams for more information.

Link Crew

By Carolyn Osdoba, Moderator

Link Crew had a successful 9th grade orientation on Friday, August 22. Our 54 leaders led 21 small groups of 9th graders throughout the morning. There was a lot of energy and excitement in the building! Next up for our leaders is helping with the 9th grade retreat on October 8.

Music Ministry

By Delilah Schuster, Moderator

Are you interested in serving God and your community through music? Join us at Music Ministry in the Choir Room (FH-215) on Wednesdays during Flex! Everyone is welcome regardless of musical experience. next meeting: September 10.

Pit Orchestra

By Teddy Williams, Cullen Wiley and Delilah Schuster, Moderators

A small group of instrumental students will be joining the theater's fall musical in the coming months. They will be performing not as actors, but as the musicians that the actors sing over. It will be an amazing production that you won't want to miss! Reach out to Mr. Williams, Mr. Wiley, or Ms. Schuster to get involved in this show or future opportunities.

Purple Reign A Cappella

By Delilah Schuster, Moderator

Do you love singing along to the radio or in the shower? Join Purple Reign A Cappella! Voices of all types and experience are welcome. Our first meeting will be Friday September 12.

String Ensemble

By Teddy Williams, Moderator

The string ensemble will be back for its second year as a club. The string ensemble is a wonderful way for piano, violin, viola, cello, or bass players to play small group music with other string players. It is not only limited to strings, however! Last year the club invited and added instruments of all kinds. Please reach out to Mr. Williams for more information.

Sustainability Club

By Jessie Botello, Moderator

We have 2 new leaders for Sustainability Club, Jack Drieman ’26 and Genevieve Thomas ’26! We have our first meeting on Monday, September 8.

Band

By Teddy Williams, Band Director

The CDH band is already in full swing! The band joined the football team for their first pep band performance at the football game on Friday, August 29. The band will play at every home football game this fall, in addition to some volleyball and soccer! Come out and hear the band play while also supporting Raiders Athletics!

The band is also looking forward to supporting the JROTC program with two events this fall: Diamond Promotions and the Fall Review! The band will play military marches to create the atmosphere for all the JROTC students.

Performing Arts NYC Trip

Registration Info and Links

Bandcake Breakfast

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, October 4, from 8:30–11:30 am, the commons will be filled with the smell of fresh pancakes and the spirit of community.

Come hungry and support our incredible Performing Arts students—choir, theater, and band—as they prepare for their unforgettable Spring trip to New York City!

Every stack of pancakes makes a difference—all proceeds go directly to helping our students shine on stage in the city that never sleeps.

Bring your family, your friends, and your appetite—we can’t wait to see you there!

Purchase your meals here ahead of time

Choir

By Delilah Schuster, Choir Director

Performing Arts NYC Trip

Registration Info and Links

Fall Concert

Tuesday, November 4, 7pm

JROTC

By SGM David Berrisford '81, COL Scrocca, and SFC Thingvold

Following four years of sustained growth, the CDH Raider Brigade started its 109th
school year with one of its largest enrollments in the last 40 years, this includes a 9th grade class
that is almost 45% of the entire 9th grade class.

All of the JROTC co-curricular activities are getting ready to kick off in the next week or
so, giving our cadets plenty of options to get involved, to include, Archery, Air Rifle, Color Guard,
Robotics, Orienteering, Honor Guard, Regulation Drill, and a perhaps a new competitive aerial
drone team. There are also plenty of JROTC service opportunities already posted for
September dates at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

The JROTC Diamond Promotion Ceremony will take place during an all-school assembly
on Friday, September 12 at 2 pm in the Joe Mauer Field House. During this annual ceremony
15 of our top senior cadets will be promoted to senior leadership positions in the Raider
Brigade, along with our 110th Cadet Colonel. We’ve invited all past Raider Brigade Cadet
Colonels back to CDH to help pass on the torch, or in this case - the Martel Saber, from the past
generation of leaders to the new leadership.

The annual JROTC adventure training trip to Camp Ripley will be held the weekend of
September 26-28. While at Camp Ripley cadets will take part in land navigation course,
leadership reaction course, and other activities to build their leadership skills as they enter into
more challenging positions leading their peers in the Raider Brigade and at CDH. Permission
slips were made available to cadets on September 4. These will need to be turned in no later
than September 12. Space is limited, so paperwork should be returned as soon as possible.

The JROTC Fall Review will be held on Wednesday, October 1 at 2 pm on Wingerd Field.
This annual event welcomes the new 9th graders to the Raider Brigade Corps of Cadets, and
recognizes some of our top performers. All are invited to attend.