The Spellman Classic is an extraordinary tradition held at Salesianum and is a key highlight of Feast Week for many individuals. Faculty and Staff members battle it out with the seniors in an intense and spirited game of basketball. Students cheer on their respective sides, in hopes of receiving a dress down day, in reward for

predicting the winning side. The tradition is then followed by a Salsthon announcement, where our beneficiaries are announced by the Student Council. This tradition lives long in the memory and is remarked as “one of the most fun events at Sallies,” said Abraham Castellanos ‘26.

The tradition dates back decades, longer than most can remember. “I’m an ‘04 grad and it was going on then, so at least from 2000-2004,” said Mr. Klein ‘04. The Spellman Classic was originally named a Student v. Faculty basketball game. It was only named the Spellman Classic after Father Spellman retired, in his honor. Father John P. Spellman was an oblate and teacher at Salesianum who was known for his fine character and laid-back personality. He was even a naval chaplain for nearly three decades! He was most known for always riding his personal motorcycle, and Mr. Klein even remembers a time when Father Spellman actually arrived at the Student v. Faculty basketball game on his own motorcycle! The Spellman Classic was primarily named in his honor because of his active participation in this tradition for many years, even in his old age. He would run up and down the court and whichever student was defending him would always receive loud “boos” from the crowd. Father Spellman also had a nice jumper and would knock down shots. “The guys would go crazy when he would score, so we decided to name it after him,” states Father Beretta. Father Spellman had a significant impact on the community of Salesianum and his legacy lives on to this day, as the Spellman Classic is one of the most renowned traditions at Salesianum. 

Father Spellman wasn’t the only faculty member that was a strong basketball player. The Faculty are notoriously renowned to dominate in the Spellman Classic. According to Father Beretta, they have never lost to the seniors, at least as long as he’s been principal. (Last year’s tie was a big upset). “They have a dynasty going, while we are the underdogs,” said Tai Wu ‘26. But, that doesn’t deter the current seniors. “We have this reputation that seniors keep losing, but no, I feel like we’re going to come on top and we’re going to win,” Abraham said. “We’re going to win our class and whoever votes for us will get a dress down day. And hopefully, we’ll dunk on some teachers. It’s going to be really fun.” Whoever wins, it promises to be an exciting game that caps Feast Week 2026. 

Who do you think will win?