by Dan McGrath
The Academy of St. Benedict the African is the Alabama of Leo’s Jr. Flag Football program.
Just as the Crimson Tide has dominated college football for the better part of the last decade, St. Ben’s has dominated Leo’s flag football league for elementary schools, taking the title in each of the last three sessions after finishing as runner-up to S. Sabina in the first session.
St. Ben’s downed HIATT of Merrillville, IN., 24-14 in the Spring ’24 title game at Leo’s Alumni Field on Saturday, May 4. St. Ben’s (4-2) finished second to Barbara Sizemore (5-1) during the regular season, but rolled through the playoffs while Sizemore was losing to HIATT (2-4) in the playoff semifinals.
St. John De La Salle (3-3) and Burke Elementary (0-6) were this session’s other entries.
Just as Alabama lost Hall of Fame Coach Nick Saban after last season, St. Ben’s is losing its Principal at the conclusion of the school year. Jennifer Farrand is relocating to Pittsburgh, where her husband Mike has accepted a job transfer. Mrs. Farrand has been both a great principal and a good friend to Leo, and we wish her well in her new adventure.