Chasing History: Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School Aims for Fourth Consecutive Victory at the Cristo Rey Cup
Athletes who achieve a four-peat are in an elite group, alongside teams like the New York Islanders, the Houston Comets, and the University of Oklahoma Softball team. The men's and women's soccer teams at Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School are aiming to add their names to this prestigious list at the fourth annual Cristo Rey Cup, the largest athletic tournament among Cristo Rey network schools. Teams from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and local schools from D.C. and College Park, Maryland, will compete in the round-robin tournament at Northwest Branch Recreation Park on Saturday, with the championships taking place at Catholic University on Sunday.
The Wolf Packs have dominated the tournament since its inception, with the boys and girls teams winning each year. The senior players are determined to continue this winning streak. Senior Sophia Lopez expressed her confidence in the team's ability to bring back the cup, highlighting her journey from initially disliking soccer to becoming a key player on the team. Another senior, Martin Ferrufino, emphasized the team's goal of securing a fourth consecutive victory.
All students at Cristo Rey network schools participate in the corporate work-study program, which helps offset tuition costs for families with limited incomes. Through sponsorships and donations, students are able to access a quality Catholic education that combines internships and work-study opportunities. The school's director of development and communications, Brian Kohler, highlighted the program's benefits and the diverse range of job opportunities available to students.
Established in 2007, Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School serves a predominantly Hispanic and Latino student population, with a growing number of African American students. The majority of students maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Upon graduation, students like Lopez and Ferrufino have aspirations of pursuing higher education in fields such as sports medicine, engineering, or architecture.
As the Cristo Rey Cup approaches, the anticipation and excitement among the students are palpable. The tournament not only showcases the athletic talents of the participants but also underscores the importance of community support and educational opportunities provided by the school. The legacy of success built by the Wolf Packs serves as a source of inspiration for current and future students, reinforcing the values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance.