In 2015, two storied coaches at the Academy coached their final seasons for programs that they led to numerous championships. CBA Soccer head coach Dan Keane and CBA Cross Country head coach Tom Heath will be remembered at CBA not only for their wins and trophies, but also for the impact they had on countless Colts throughout their years here.



Read more below from articles posted throughout this fall.



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COACH KEANE HONORED ON "DAN KEANE DAY"

from October 9, 2015



Coach Keane's tremendous contribution to the CBA Athletic program was recognized yesterday during a pre-game event and ceremony before the Varsity Soccer match against Freehold Boro.




Coach, his family, and both the Varsity Soccer and Tennis teams joined him at field's center to present a few gifts to mark the occasion. He was presented with aa commemorative ball from both teams, each signed by the entire team. He was also presented with a one-of-a-kind, commemorative painting by world-renowned portrait artist, celebrated photo realism painter and the youngest artist ever to be featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Mr. James Fiorentino.



Several hundred students, parents, alumni and faculty came to the pre-game BBQ and subsequent 5-0 shutout against Freehold Boro. The match and tailgate also celebrated CBA's Go Pink initiative. The Soccer team donned pink socks and gear as well commemorative Coach Keane T-Shirts and Patches.



Under Coach Keane's leadership, CBA has went 526-153-40 for Boys Varsity Soccer and 649-155 for Boys Varsity Tennis. Keane's storied career includes four Varsity Soccer NJSIAA state championship victories—the first being in 1998—and 14 Varsity Tennis state championship victories—including a 7-year streak from 1980 to 1986. He began teaching at the Academy in 1977, taking on the role of soccer coach for the 1978 fall season and as tennis coach beginning with the 1980 spring season.



"I'm really a proud reflection of the players and coaches of both programs," says Keane in looking back on his time at CBA. "It's just been a great opportunity and I've been very fortunate. As long as they [the students] got through here and feel good about themselves, I'm happy." His legacy will include being a major fixture of the history department at CBA, and having a hand in the formation of several thousand graduates over his 39 year tenure.





In his final season, Coach Keane was named Private/Parochial Eastern Region Coach of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association. The Colts won the Shore Conference in 2015, giving Keane his ninth Shore Championship. He ends his career with 545 wins and 14 total championships, including five state titles.



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COACH HEATH: A LEGACY NOT SOON FORGOTTEN

from December 30, 2015





As the year comes to a close, one of the most long-standing traditions at the Academy will too come to an end. Legendary distance running coach Mr. Tom Heath, who built a Cross country program known the nation over, will no longer be at the helm of CBA XC.



After announcing his retirement from coaching on December 15, there was naturally a flood of social media buzz and news coverage (a few of which appear below):

Legendary CBA cross-country coach Tom Heath has retired (NJ.com)
Tom Heath called "icon and best high school coach in NJ history" by peers following retirement(NJ.com)
Iconic CBA Coach Tom Heath Retires (Milesplit.com)
Heath Built Legendary Cross-country Program at CBA (The Hub)
They detail how Heath, a 1965 graduate, returned to his alma mater to coach a sport he himself did not participate in. Years later, he would cement a legacy as one of the greatest high school coaches of any sport in United States history; leading young men, year after year, to defend a young Academy's running tradition. His accomplishments as a coach would include a streak of 343 consecutive wins, a horse barn full of hardware, 21 NJ All-Group titles, and a lengthy list of athletes that went on to compete at the Division 1 level.



Yet Heath's greatest accomplishment lies in the mentality he stressed to his athletes, his students, and the Christian Brothers Academy community: to strive for victory in all things. His mainstay phrases included "Everything matters," "don't miss a day," and "life is a build-up." He stressed consistency, reflecting on past efforts, and always striving to be a champion. His leadership through action helped create Academy traditions like the Freshmen Run as well as CBA Athletics' commitment to above-and-beyond-caliber coaching.



His name has become synonymous with the Academy, with NJ cross country, and with victory for both. And as such, it will not soon be forgotten.