Pete Stefaniak - PXI '79

Coach Stefaniak is a 1979 Pius graduate. He ran track under the guidance of Coach Terry Mank. Coach Stefaniak continues to be an avid Marathoner/Distance runner for the last 25 years.  He will be competing in 4th straight Boston Marathon in April 2005.

"My coaching philosophies are based on a few simple beliefs. 1) that each student is an important part of the team. There are many levels of ability, but the beauty of the sport is that even though you are striving to beat the competition, the measure of success is really thought of by the time on the clock. Meaning there is always room for improvement. 2) Distance running is more mentally and physically challenging than any sport I've participated in. You can't just show up and succeed. Many months of preparation are required. Not only do you become fit, but you build toughness and character."

"When running as part of a team, the camaraderie and friendships that are built will last a lifetime. Running at the high school level and being part of such a strong conference such as the Classic 8 also prove to be a valuable "classroom" to aid in the development of each student."

Ken Kessenich

Coach Kessenich began coaching track at Pius in the spring of 1980 as an assistant coach for the Girls Track Program.  He then took over as head coach in 1983.  During his head coaching tenure he accumulated 9 State Championship Titles (8 consecutive) and 10 Conference Championships.  He stayed head coach through 1992 remaining as an assistant until 1996.  Coach Kessenich rejoined the now combined program in 2006.  While coaching he has coached the sprints, relays, horizontal and vertical jumps as well as the shot and disc.

“My coaching philosophy is based on the individual and that individual’s added contributions to the team.  Any individual can and will improve when effort is given.  I’m equally proud of a potential state champion improving by an inch or 0.1 seconds as a hard working person of lesser god given talent who improves by the same or even more.  I enjoy working with all athletes who have the toughness to come to practice everyday and work to improve themselves and the team.”

Kevin Creighton - PXI '03

Coach Creighton, school record holder in 4x100 and 4x200, joined the coaching staff in '05.  His youth, enthusiasm, and collegiate experience were a great asset to the program. 

Dave Luna

Coach Luna joined the staff in '05.  He is one of the most knowledgeable people about track and running that I have ever met.  He is a very welcome addition to the Pius XC and Track staff.

Phil Barber

Dave Lee

Julie Fangman

John Troy