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The Albiero family motto could very well be…“The family that swims together, stays together”. Arthur and Amy Albiero have been swimming and/or coaching their entire lives. All 5 members of the Albiero family (Arthur, Amy, Estefan, Nicolas and Gabriela) not only have a love for swimming, but God given talents in the sport as well.

Arthur is the head swim coach at the University of Louisville and was also on the Olympic swimming coaching staff for Team USA this year. Albiero trains Kelsi Worrell, who is the only Cardinal swimmer to be an US Olympian. Amy is the head swimming coach at CAL and was also named 2015 Coach of the Year. Estefan graduated from CAL in 2013 and is a senior on the University of Louisville swim team. Both Nick & Gabi won state titles this year. Nick won the 2015 state title in the 100 butterfly and the 100 backstroke. Gabi won the 2015 state title and set a new state record in the 50 freestyle.

The family recently traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to attend and cheer on patriarch, Arthur, and Team USA at this year’s Olympics. This year’s summer games had an additional connection to the Albiero’s in that Arthur was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

While in Rio, the Albiero’s attended 13 different Olympic events including swimming, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics, and field hockey. I recently sat down with CAL senior, Nick Albiero, and CAL freshman, Gabi Albiero, about their experience in Rio.

 What was your favorite event to watch?

NA: Swimming…I loved watching any Michael Phelps race. I also liked watching the upsets…they were exciting.

GA: Definitely swimming.

NA: I really liked watching the open water swimming too. Team USA was there and it was fun to watch them. We got to meet Kelsi Worrell, Olivia Smoliga and Simone Manual.

What was the overall atmosphere in Rio and at the games like?

NA: It was crazy and chaotic with all the language barriers. There were tons of people. At the events, the atmosphere was electric and hype when Brazil would swim or play.

GA: The first couple of days were overwhelming, but then you got used to it. The transportation was super crowded.

 How did you travel while in Brazil?

GA: We mainly rode buses and subways, but we took a train too. We walked a lot!

 Were there any events that surprised you?

NA: Weightlifting. I had never seen it before. It was intense. I also liked speed canoeing…I didn’t even know it was an Olympic event. They were so fast and worked so hard!

GA: I really like men’s field hockey. I guess I enjoyed it because I typically only see women play field hockey.

What was the most memorable experience while in Rio?

NA: Really just being with my family. My older brother, Estefan, is in college so we rarely are all 5 together. It was fun going to the different events together and hanging out.

GA: I agree. Just getting to experience the Olympics with my family.

What about the food in Brazil? Any favorites?

GA: I loved Pão de queijo, which are basically these little cheese balls. Bread and cheese were served with every meal and it was so good!

NA: I loved the fruit…especially the mango! You can’t find fruit like that here in the US.

Nick, as well as former CAL swimmer and current UL swimmer, Hannah Magnuson, swam in the Olympic Trials this past summer in Omaha, NE.

 Nick, tell me about swimming in the Olympic trials?

NA: It has been a goal of mine for a while. It was fun to see people at the trials and then be able to watch them compete in the games in Rio. It was surprising how big the pool was! There was security everywhere and it made me feel kind of feel like a celebrity.

Do you see yourself competing for the Olympics in 4 years?

NA: That is definitely a goal of mine. I am a dual citizen, so I could swim for Brazil or the US which is exciting. I really feel a sense of pride for both countries.

What are your goals for this year?

GA: My goal is to repeat my state title.

NA: I want to break state records and win state as a team. Really to just keep doing what we do best.

Senior Taylor Curran got off to a big start this week recording 5 goals and one assist, a great sign as the talented forward has spent the last 4 months recovering from a hip injury. The Varsity Field Hockey team kicked off the 2016 season Monday evening playing their first game on the new artificial turf field against Seneca. The Lady Centurions jumped out to a quick lead and never let off the gas, scoring 10 quick goals with 10 different players involved in the scoring.

No shots were allowed on keeper Sam Minrath. Scoring stats, Taylor Curran – 3 goals, Laurel Dortch – goal, assist, Allie Grace Joyner – goal, assist, Isabell Lytle – goal, assist, Claire Thomas – goal and assist, Alex Hill – goal, Katie Jenkins – goal, Morgan Weiss – goal, Jacquelyn Wilkins – assist, Jamie Wright – assist. CAL – 10 Seneca -0

Tuesday night the Lady Centurions hosted Male High School. From the onset the CAL midfield and front lines successfully pressed the Lady Bulldogs keeping them on their heels for the majority of the first half…..at halftime CAL leads Male 5-0. The second half sees Male with more attacking chances and several shots on goalkeeper Sam Minrath, who finishes the game with a shutout and 7 blocks. Offensive scoring Taylor Curran – 2 goals and assist, Jacquelyn Wilkins – goal, assist, Allie Grace Joyner – goal, assist, Katie Jenkins – goal, Jamie Wright – assist, Isabelle Lytle – assist. CAL – 6 Male – 0

Saturday finds the Lady Centurions in the first game of pool play in the annual Sacred Heart Academy Apple Tournament against the talented 2015 State Runner-up Dupont Manual High School Rams….and a good barometer for how Coach Stanley Phulpagar’s squad stacks up against a top rated team. The game was close from start to finish…with Manual drawing first blood on a breakaway. The score was tied on a penalty corner goal from Laurel Dortch, and a go ahead goal from Jacquelyn Wilkins has the Centurions up 2-1 at half. The fans were treated to great hockey from both teams during the second half then a deflected shot from Manual on a penalty corner ties the score at 2 apiece. Fantastic effort from the entire CAL team has everyone on the field giving it all they have…..a great opening week for a great group of talented young ladies. GO CAL! CAL-2 MANUAL – 2

The Centurion Armory will be open for back-to-school on the below dates/times.  The store will be closed on Tuesday, August 9th, and will reopen on Wednesday, August 10th with regular store hours.

August 1    9am-3:00pm
August 2    9am-noon and 6-8pm
August 3    9am-noon
August 8    9am-4pm
August 9    CLOSED
August 10  2:30-4pm
August 11  2:30-4pm
August 12  2:30-4pm

Regular Store Hours:  *Tues-Fri 2:30-4:00pm, CLOSED on Mondays.
*The Armory will remain open until 7pm for all HOME VARSITY football games.

2016 Boys Basketball Camp

2016 Football Camp

2016 Girls Basketball Camp

2016 Golf Camp

CAL Athletics is pleased to welcome Charli Knauer as our new head high school cheerleading coach.

Coach Knauer cheered at Bellarmine University and will lead a competitive cheerleading team that will cheer at all CAL football games, CAL basketball games and also represent Christian Academy at competitions.

“I knew as soon as I was officially done cheering in college that I would want to pursue a coaching career. One of the main things that really pushed me to apply for the CAL position was knowing I was coming into a community and an atmosphere that shared the same beliefs spiritually that I do. I think it’s highly important to constantly surround ourselves with peers who value what we value, and who believe what we believe in so we can keep growing deeper within our faith,” said Coach Knauer.

Coach Knauer looks forward to the challenge of getting the cheerleading program back to a competitive level.
“We are going to be competitive and my goal, as I’m sure for any coach, is to be great. I’m excited to get to know each athlete and learn their individual goals for the season as well,” said Coach Knauer. “This is an amazing opportunity and I am so blessed to be given the chance to coach here.”

CAL Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan said, “We are very excited to have Coach Knauer leading our cheerleading program. Her background in cheerleading, especially at the college level, is a great fit to take our competitive cheer team to the next level.”

Knauer is currently the Business Development Manager at Bluegrass Indoor Karting and is currently pursuing an MBA from Bellarmine University.

Congratulations to Grace Jennings on a huge repeat as the Girls Kentucky State Tennis Champion!! Grace won the title as a Junior in 2015, then again over the past weekend. This years’ path to the title included quality opponents, and Grace won the first 4 matches by comfortable margins.

Then on Saturday, she demonstrated toughness, resolve, discipline and a strong competitive spirit by winning two tight matches to claim the 2016 Championship. Congrats Grace – what an accomplishment and honor – so fun to watch you play!

Coach Mallory commented “Major congratulations to Grace for winning her 2nd state championship in a row. She had a wonderful year and career….what a way to finish in your last match.”

Grace’s path to the 2016 Championship
defeated – Grace Gorby (Grayson Co) 6-3, 6-0
defeated – Elizabeth Hamilton (Ryle) 6-0, 6-0
defeated – Brooke Warden (Dixie Heights) 6-3, 6-0
defeated – Aspen Jarett (Oldham Co) 6-2, 6-4
defeated – Eva Borders (St. Francis) 6-7, 6-4, 1-0 (7)
defeated – Michelle McKamey (McCracken Co) 7-6, 6-4

Christian Academy of Louisville held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, May 18th to kickoff the installation of a new, state of the art multi-sport turf field from AstroTurf. The new playing surface will be placed at Centurion Stadium and will be a cutting edge synthetic turf field that will be the first of its kind in the state of Kentucky.

“This has been a two year project. We have spoken to many schools around the country looking for the safest environment for our student athletes and visitors,” said Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan. ““We are grateful to the Lord and donors who have made our vision come to life.”

The athletic office has developed a plan to play all high school field hockey, football games (fall season) and all high school boys & girls lacrosse games (spring season) on the new turf field at Centurion Stadium. The new turf field will also be used as a high school field for practices and games.In addition, middle school and youth football home games will be scheduled on the turf field and middle school field hockey may have access when space allows. This will clear up space on the North Field (grass) for year round soccer use, and allow for middle school field hockey practices and games to be played on the South Field (grass) in the fall.

CAL student athletes, Michael Lagestee (football), Allie Grace Joyner (field hockey), Cade Sparrow (boys lacrosse), and Nina Dobbs (girls lacrosse) were asked to be a part of the ground breaking celebration.

“I am privileged to represent our student athletes at this exciting celebration. I’m thankful for every donor and family who prayed and sacrificed to make this field happen. May God bless this field and those who will play on it,” said junior field hockey player, Allie Grace Joyner.

“In my five years here at CAL, the word I have consistently heard is vision. The vision was to provide the best facilities possible for our student athletes. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to see this vision become a reality,” said head football coach, Stefan LeFors.

Construction on the new multi-sport turf field began Saturday and will be completed in time for the fall sports seasons.

Congratulations to senior Emily Neat for signing to play golf at Transylvania University.  Emily started playing golf in the 6th grade and was named team captain of this year’s varsity golf team.

CAL head girls’ golf coach, Ron Gustafson, spoke of Emily’s kind heart and spirit.

“I have coached Emily for three years and she always represents herself, her parents, our school and our God with grace. She even helped one of her opponents get out of a bunker! That’s just the kind of person she is,” said Coach Gustafson.

Assistant Athletic Director, Jennifer Roberts, echoed Coach Gustafson’s praise of Emily’s character.

“Emily excels on the golf course and in the classroom. She is a well-rounded student who served as senior class president this year, as well as represented CAL athletically,” said Roberts.

Neat closed the signing ceremony by thanking her parents and coaches for their time and dedication to making her a better player.

“I’m thankful that my dad took me out every single day and taught me the game. I’m sorry to leave Coach Gus, but I’m excited to be a part of the Transylvania team,” said Emily. “I chose Transylvania because of the intimate size, the high academic standards and their proper balance between athletics and academics.”

Emily plans to major in a program Transylvania offers called PPE (Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics) and looks forward to playing for the Pioneers next fall.

Congratulations to senior, Scott Wright, who signed a letter of intent to play golf at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama.

CAL Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan opened the signing ceremony with prayer and talked about the perseverance that the sport of golf requires.

“The thing that always amazes me about golf, is the amount of discipline it takes, and that discipline translates into every aspect of life,” said Morgan. “The challenge now is to go to Jacksonville State and be a witness on that campus.”

Wright decided to go to Jacksonville State because he felt like it was the best option to improve and further his golf career.
“I am really looking forward to what Scott is going to be able to do these next four year. His best days of golf are ahead of him,” said CAL head boys’ golf coach, Greg Zimmerer.

“At two years old, Scott was on the golf course with me,” said Scott’s dad. We have been very proud of his golf game over the last four years and we wish him all the luck.”

Scott plans to major in business and looks forward to playing for the Gamecocks next fall.