By Denis Brosnan
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 7/17/03)

Don’t tell these guys softball is just a game.

On a warm, muggy afternoon last week, seminarians from the Arlington Diocese and Archdiocese of Washington battled each other at the "Potomac Challenge," held at St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax.

The game, sponsored by Fr. Francis J. Diamond Council No. 6292, was won by Arlington, 15-8.

Although bragging rights were at stake, the event was more than just a softball game. It allowed the seminarians a chance to rekindle old friendships and develop new ones.

David Todd Jr., grand knight of the Diamond Council, said the game was an appropriate way to say "thank-you" to the seminarians. "Vocations have always been very important to the Knights of Columbus," said Todd. "This was our way of showing the seminarians how much we appreciate what they are doing."

According to Father Brian Bashista, diocesan promoter of vocations, the game was long overdue. "It’s always been a desire to get the two dioceses together for something like this," he said. "If you can start relationships in the seminary, God willing, they will last a lifetime."

"Being able to come out here and do this gives a much broader perspective on the Church," Father Bashista said. "Not to mention, it’s a lot of fun."

The game featured many seminarians who played baseball at the high school and collegiate level. Washington was anchored by Larry Swink, who played baseball at the University of Dallas and is currently in second theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in New Jersey. "The game is very competitive," said Swink. "Everyone really wants to win."

Arlington was led by Robert Wagner of St. Lawrence Parish in Alexandria. Wagner cracked three home runs with one of them clearing the trees in right field. When asked by his teammates how he hit the ball so far, Wagner simply shrugged his shoulders and said, "I swing as hard as I can."

For Arlington seminarian Dan Hanley, currently in third theology at the North American College in Rome, the game served as chance to bond with his fellow brethren. "Some parishes in the Arlington Diocese are closer to Washington than to other parishes in Arlington," he said. "It’s very important to have regional cooperation."

The game allowed others like Washington seminarian Bill Hugedusich to reunite with friends he had not seen while away in seminary. "A lot of us don’t get a chance to see each other that much, so it’s great to be able to come out here and take part in this," said Hugedusich, who is currently in second theology at Blessed John XXIII Seminary in Boston.

Father Rob Panke, vocation director for the Archdiocese of Washington, said he hopes to play again next year in Washington. "There’s no reason we shouldn’t be doing this. Hopefully, we can play again next year on our home turf."

After the game, the seminarians were treated to a barbecue dinner, courtesy of the Father Diamond Knights. The dinner concluded a day to remember for the seminarians. "I feel blessed to be around such wonderful people," said Hanley. "It was definitely a great time."