St. Michael Parish School’s First Annual Bill Cashin Classic Basketball Tournament made its debut over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. Alumni and current families were to stop by and cheer on fifth through eighth grade boys’ and girls’ basketball, as the school honors Bill Cashin, a 39 year veteran teacher.
The tournament began at the Central Athletic Center,and concluded with eight championship games taking place at St. Michael Parish School. Additionally, a fundraiser, benefitting the St. Michael Parish School basketball program was held at The Bank Restaurant in downtown Wheaton. The fundraiser was very well-attended.
Organizers stated on the event webpage, “[There is a quote that says], “When God measures a man, he puts the tape around his heart.” Rarely does one meet a person whose impact can be felt for a lifetime. Bill Cashin is that person. [We are inviting families and alumni to] support the Classic and St. Michael School, a school he has believed in and worked for the past thirty-nine years.”
About Bill Cashin
The following appeared in St. Michael Parish School’s Alumni Newsletter:
"As we received our elementary school diplomas, we were secure in the knowledge that we were fit for high school. Years of diagramming sentences, journalism projects, spelling bees, math timed tests, and (of course) Science Fairs, had prepared us for most of the academic rigors the next four years would throw at us.
What we didn’t know was that we were also fit for life beyond those four years. We were fit to compete fairly in any arena we chose to enter; to lead and to serve, both by example; to help those who were struggling, and to accept help when we struggled; to demonstrate good sportsmanship; and to step up when we were called.
Over the past 39 years, one of the teachers who has worked
diligently and effectively to build fitness of value, work ethic, and spirituality in every student has been Bill Cashin.
‘Mr. C’ has used physical education to teach thousands of students, not just about sports, but about how to be a member of any team. He has worked diligently to build character and confidence in his students.
After graduating St. Michael School in 1961, Bill Cashin went on to graduate from St. Francis High School in Wheaton, and Loras College, where he majored in Physical Education. In 1972, Bill Cashin began his career teaching Physical Education at St. Michael Parish School.
Over the years, Mr. Cashin has answered calls to teach religion, as well as to coach various sports teams. He has also given his time and talent to the St. Michael community as a teacher in the Religious Education program, a lector and a Eucharistic Minister.
St. Michael Parish School believes that its many talented and dedicated teachers are the reason the school is so strong, and because of teachers like Bill Cashin every student graduates fit for life."
