#24 Retired

Salesian Inducts

Louis Brignone '71

to the

Salesian High School Athletic Hall of Fame

 

On Friday, January 19, 2007, at halftime during the home basketball game vs. Sacred Heart, Louis Brignone '71 became the first member inducted into the Salesian High School Athletic Hall of Fame. "He was more than just a player but a true representative of what a Salesian High School education is all about," said John Flaherty, the school's Principal and his former teacher.

 

Considered one of the greatest players to walk through the school's doors and touted by sports writers in 1971 as one of the best, if not the best, guard in the country, Lou Brignone started and starred on the court as a Varsity player at Salesian for three years, scoring 1,066 points without the benefit of the three point line and playing 25 games a year. 

 

After graduating from Salesian, Louis accepted a scholarship from Long Island University and had a stellar career with the Division 1 Blackbirds.  In 1976, he attained international success when he was selected by the Puerto Rican Olympic team and nearly upset the heavily favored U.S. team by a score of 95-94.

 

Inducted in the Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame, Lou went on to play 14 seasons in the Puerto Rico Super League and seven years for the national team.

 

Lou was joined by many well wishers including his former teachers, his high school basketball coach - Br. Jim Wiegand, SDB - and many of his classmates and friends demonstrating that Salesian truly is a Home that welcomes; a School that prepares for life; a Parish where Christian values shape character; and a Playground where lasting friendships are formed to students and alumni alike.

 

On Saturday morning, January 20, a small but enthusiastic group of alumni joined Lou for a friendly game of basketball.