RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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WEST PALM BEACH — Maurita Budnyk shook hands with Cardinal Newman's captains before walking onto the field in the stadium named in her late husband's honor for the commemorative coin flip.
Maurita held the coin with "CN" on one side and "SB RIP COACH" on the other, flipped it into the air, and watched it land.
Sam Budnyk had to be watching over his wife.
Because although Community School of Naples won the toss, the rout was on.
In the Crusaders' favor.
Five plays into the game, wide receiver Justin Barerra weaved through the defense for a touchdown after catching a Pedro Martinez pass. By the end, Cardinal Newman had opened defense of its Class 1A state title with a 37-6 rout of the Seahawks.
"We came out here and played the way coach Budnyk would have wanted us tonight," Cardinal Newman coach Jack Daniels said, "except the penalties."
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More coverage: Legendary coach Sam Budnyk commemorated in North Palm Beach funeral
A night the public address announcer declared was "more than just a football game," could not have gone any better.
Palm Beach County, and high school football in general, lost a legend July 17 when Budnyk died. He was 92. Cardinal Newman waited more than a month to honor the man whose name is synonymous with the school, with a tribute more than two hours before kickoff.
Reminders of Budnyk's career at the school, which started in 1961 and spanned 46 years as a coach, athletic director, teacher and mentor, were placed in the cafeteria for family, friends and players of all eras to see.
Ed McGann, a captain and all-state tackle on the football program's first undefeated team in 1970, looked around.
"This is quintessential coach," he said. "Coach had such an impact on all our lives. He impacted so many people's lives. I can't tell you how many people, not athletes, women who were classmates who said he had such an influence on me.
"He opened the whole world to me. I was a skinny little kid, lacking self confidence and he told me to believe in myself."
Tom Flynn, a cornerback who graduated in 1975, calls Budnyk "the most influential person" in his life. Flynn was the first football player from Cardinal Newman to earn a scholarship to Notre Dame.
"If it wasn't for Sam, I would not have gone to Notre Dame," he said. "If it wasn't for Sam, I wouldn't have played with Joe Montana and be on the '77 championship team. If it wasn't for Sam, I wouldn't have gotten a law degree and an MBA degree from Notre Dame."
Cardinal Newman cafeteria turned into a tribute to Sam Budnyk
The room was a journey through Budnyk's life and career. Plaques for numerous awards, more than 25, most signifying coach of the year, and not just football. And Maurita said there are plenty more at the house.
Framed newspaper articles. Game programs dating to 1961. Scrapbooks. State softball championship trophies from 1981, '82 and '83.
And a table dedicated to Budnyk's passion for treats. "Coach's Corner baked with love" the sign read. Budnyk's treats of choice: Chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate muffins. Lorna Doone cookies.
Cardinal Newman honoring Sam Budnyk with sticker on back of helmet
The football team is honoring Budnyk all season with a decal on the back of its helmets that says SB RIP COACH with the Crusaders logo. The state title was especially meaningful since it was the school's first and Budnyk was able to celebrate it along with Daniels and the team.
"It meant a lot for me to see Jack Daniels go to the former head coach and say, 'This is your title,' " said Tim Hulett, a fullback and linebacker who also was an all-state performer on the 1970 team. "This is why we're here because of him. The impact that man had on our full lives, all the way through, is unmeasurable."
Daniels said the team had this game circled on the calendar since Budnyk's death, and added how proud he is of his players, who have shown nothing but respect for Budnyk's legacy.
"Tears were coming to my eyes at the beginning of the game just because of how much he meant to all of us," Daniels said. "It's a great honor for us to play here at Sam Budnyk Stadium."
On the field, the school held a moment of silence for its former coach and played a video that ended with the words: "Cheers to 92 years of a life well lived."
After the coin flip, as Maurita was leaving the field, she reflected on the day and what it meant to her and her family.
"Coming back to the school, it just brings a lot of raw emotions," she said. "He loved this place. He loved the kids. And I am so happy that we were part of this tonight."
Tom D'Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Sam Budnyk honored in Cardinal Newman season-opening win | D'Angelo
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