As the season came to an end in his final year as a Crusader, St. Joseph School 8th grader and offensive & defensive lineman/punter Grant Kasal stood holding a football representing characteristics found in true leaders. Receiving the football as a 7th grader from then 8th grader Joe Nitti, it was now his turn to pass the football to a player who would continue the role of team leader. In Kasal’s eyes, it was 7th grade offensive lineman/defensive end David Edwards who was the most deserving and dedicated Crusader.

It was just a year ago that Kasal had been given the honor of carrying on the tradition started by 1996 quarterback, SJS alumnus Peter Mastandrea. As he moved beyond Crusader football, Mastandrea took his final game ball, signed his name to it and passed his leadership role to the seventh grader that he felt would best take over. The ball has taken on more meaning to the players, with each recipient working to the best of their ability to demonstrate teamwork, discipline and leadership to others both on and off the field. Both Kasal and Edwards feel they have learned a lot from St. Joseph’s football program, and from a young age both have strived to receive this honor.

Playing the role of SJS Lineman coach and dad, Steve Kasal stood proudly watching as his son passed the ball to Edwards. “I remember when Grant approached me in 6th grade asking if he’d have a chance at the ball,” he said. So to see his son’s success and now observe as his son transfers the responsibility was impressive. “It’s an honor from one kid to another. It’s about perseverance. Not just about being the best, but about giving the most and holding the character of St. Joseph School as high as possible.” Grant looks up to his dad. “My dad is always there with a pep talk before a game. He is a real mentor.”

David Edwards was happy to receive the ball from Kasal, having worked towards it since his 5th grade, “It was a huge achievement in my life. It’s the biggest responsibility in Crusader football.” Edwards wanted to stand with that ball as his dad and SJS coach, Dave Edwards, has worked with him. “He made me work ten times harder than any other person. I worked really hard to get it. When I heard my name called, I was very excited.” As was his dad.

Mastandrea didn’t realize that his football would take on such meaning. “It’s cool that it is a motivational tool. There is a lot of pride there, pride as a group.” Edwards knows it’s a great honor. When asked what he thinks of Mastandrea’s creation, he replied, “He’s a genius. I wouldn’t have come up with the idea. It just shows what Crusader football meant to him. He wanted to share what he experienced.” Kasal added, “It feels really good to be part of a tradition and kind of a leader of the big pack. It’s really cool.”

Mastandrea is pleased to see the ball still carries such meaning. Although the boys might not remember him, he knows the intention behind the football still stands strong. "It’s great to see the true spirit behind the ball live on in Crusader football. It means a lot to me.” And as Mastandrea, who went on to quarterback for Montini as well as the University of Dayton plays an occasional game of flag football with friends, he can rest assured that he successfully left his mark on Crusader football.