PROVIDENCE — The Catholic Athletic League is marking its 90th anniversary in 2025 by paying tribute to those who were instrumental in the operation of what began as the Catholic Youth Organization.
The league will hold an inaugural gala on Oct. 18, where individuals selected from among nominations entered on its website will be inducted into a newly established Hall of Fame. The gala will serve as a fundraiser to support the league in its mission.
Ben Gorewitz, who is in his first year as the full-time CAL director, said the anniversary presented an ideal opportunity to look back and pay tribute to those who laid a strong foundation for youth sports in the diocese.
“I realized that there wasn’t a way to thank them or to honor them properly for their work for the league,” he said. “I wanted to find a way to honor those people who have made the league what it is today.”
He said the Hall of Fame has been established to honor and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to CAL or whose involvement in the league has led them to make a strong impact on the Church and the local community.
“This prestigious accolade celebrates the dedication, commitment, and excellence of coaches, administrators, athletes, officials, clergy, and religious who have played a pivotal role in the development and success of CAL and have carried the mission of CAL into their daily lives,” Gorewitz said.
“The Hall of Fame serves not only as a testament to their achievements but also as an inspiration for future generations to uphold the values and traditions of the Catholic Athletic League.”
To be considered for nomination in the Catholic Athletic League (CAL) Hall of Fame, candidates must be Catholics in good standing. Eligible nominees can include individuals serving as coaches, administrators, athletes, officials, clergy, or religious members associated with the CAL.
The following criteria will also be considered:
· Longevity of Participation: The duration of the nominee’s involvement in CAL.
· Positive Impact: The nominee’s positive contributions and influence within CAL.
· Continued Good Work: Those who have continued to contribute positively to the Church as a result of their involvement in CAL.
· Professional Athletic Career: Individuals who have played in CAL and have pursued or had a career in professional athletics.
· Number of Nominations: The total number of nominations submitted for the candidate.
Nominations may be made on the CAL website: calsportsri.org, and the deadline to submit them is March 31. Additional information and support may be asked for posthumous nominations.
Gorewitz said that about 40 schools and parishes with a combined 1,200 children now participate in the Catholic Athletic League, which was founded in 1935 as the Catholic Youth Organization, with a goal of reaching out to youths in parishes.
The early years saw a period of tremendous growth for diocesan athletics.
In 1936, basketball became the pillar of the CYO athletics program when it was introduced.
Following increased demand changes took place in the 1939-1940 season when an intermediate division formed within the parish senior league to accommodate basketball players aged 19 and under, with Sacred Heart in East Providence winning the intermediate championship that year.
In the early 1940s, CYO leadership grew concerned that boys who did not attend a Catholic school had no way to participate in the diocesan-sponsored basketball program. Changes within parish divisions in the 1942-1943 season corrected that. St. Mary’s in Providence won that first championship.
The success of the CYO basketball program suffered with the onset of World War II, when many players, as well as coaches and referees, were called to serve in the armed forces, leaving the league crippled in the wake of their departure.
Despite this, play continued in their absence, with only two divisions suspending play for one or two seasons because of a lack of players. Fans on the home front developed a newsletter that was distributed to CYO members around the world. By war’s end, the diocese mourned the loss of more than 136 CYO members who were killed in action during the war.
Post-war, basketball re-energized during the 1940s and 1950s, and fans had a new outlet to follow their favorite teams. WEAN (790 AM) radio broadcasted CYO news weekly, providing stats on basketball and other sports.
In 1949, the diocese sent two teams to the first New England CYO Basketball Tournament. St. Pius V, Providence, competed in the intermediate division, while St. Joseph’s, Pawtucket, competed in the junior division.
Additional changes occurred during the 1950s, with the program expanding to include a high school and a division for younger boys.
In 1969, CYO leadership created divisions for girls in grades 7 and 8, with playing opportunities also created for younger girls.
CYO basketball continued to grow over the next three decades, with more than 500 teams competing for championship trophies at its peak.
CAL sports now include cross country, tennis, cheerleading, volleyball and soccer.
Gorewitz said he would like to raise greater awareness among young people during this 90th anniversary year of the numerous opportunities for involvement by young people today.
