Sky serves St. Viator with weekly honor

Despite missing three starters, St Viator's girls basketball team won its own Snowflake Classic last week.

And the Chicago Sky has not missed the opportunity to honor the Lions for not only winning their third Snowflake, but also for the team's community service.

One day before the tournament opened, the entire varsity team helped provide a holiday party for the senior community at Addolorata Villa in Wheeling.

For its efforts, The WNBA women's basketball team named the Lions as the “Chicago Sky High School Team of the Week.”

The players' efforts warmed the hearts of the residents and gave the girls a greater sense of teamwork from serving others.

“It was a win-win for both my team and the residents (of the senior community),” said Lions coach Paul Bjerkness, a math teacher at St Viator.

“Your efforts on and off the court have not gone unnoticed,” said Sky spokeswoman Stephanie Zanatta. “We appreciate your dedication to the game and to your community.”

As “team of the week,” the Lions won a “Team Night Out” package to a summer 2011 Sky regular-season home game at Allstate Arena when they will be honored on court during the game.

Also, a variety of Sky officials will appear at one of the Lions' upcoming home games.

Some Sky coaches and athletes may be on hand, as well as their mascot, Sky Guy, who will be giving away free collectibles to the crowd and raffle prizes.

Taylor Skala, the Lions' leading scorer and point guard who will play at Rockhurst University next season, spearheaded the service project at Addolorata Villa.

Skala's 90-year-old great aunt lives at the Wheeling facility, and Taylor has visited many times, including parties and activities.

“I felt our team might bring some youth and vitality to the residents,” Skala said. “Our team is really social, so I knew they would have no problem mingling with residents and making the switch from playing basketball to serving seniors.”

The girls' basketball team was the latest squad from St. Viator to participate in the athletic department's theme this year: Victory in Service.

“Volunteering like this makes for great team building, but it also furthers their Viatorian education,” said St. Viator athletic director Tim Carlson. “Incorporating Christian service is part of the Viatorian identity and the hallmark of a St. Viator education.”