Bronx, NY – On Thursday, December 21st, 2023, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson hosted a celebration at Borough Hall for the Cardinal Hayes High School Football Team’s victory in the 2023 Catholic H.S. League Championship bout against St. Francis High School after a victorious lead of 40 pts – 22 pts.
Cardinal Hayes is the first New York City school to win the Catholic League’s prestigious AAA State Title, considered one of the top honors in Northeast high school sports. This marks the first state championship in the school’s history and the first time that any team from New York City has won the state Catholic League championship.
“We are so excited this week to celebrate our Bronx football champions,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “These young men represent the strength, resiliency, and perseverance of our borough. They overcame overwhelming odds to pull off a historic victory, and we are so proud to recognize and celebrate the players, coaches, and parents who helped make this happen. Never count out our youth, and never count out the Bronx!”
The celebration began with a live performance by the Cardinal Hayes Marching Band and included a speech by former NY Jets running back, Tony Richardson, dinner, and an award presentation for the young athletes who collectively led the Cardinals to their inaugural victory.
The celebration ended with Borough President Gibson presenting a proclamation to the Cardinal Hayes Football Team declaring December 2nd, 2023, the day of their championship victory, “Cardinal Hayes Day” in the Bronx.