St. Bonaventure 

High School

Coach Dave Currey came to St. Bonaventure in the spring of 1967 as the new Athletic Director and Football coach. He was to bring the Seraphs into Tri Valley League following the school’s inaugural season as a free lance school. In 1968, his second year at SBHS, Coach Currey guided the Seraph football team to the “A” CIF Championship. This was the first championship of any type for SBHS and it was achieved in just the third year in which the school competed in organized sports. The following year, Coach Currey led the Seraphs to ten consecutive wins and a Tri Valley League Championship before bowing out in CIF semi-final game.

In addition to being Athletic Director and Head Football coach, he taught Civics, Physical Education, and Driver’s Education. He built a strong booster program and he contributed greatly to the school’s fundraising efforts. He has stated that leaving SBHS was not an easy decision because he valued so highly the feeling of community and the sense of commitment which existed at the school.

Coach Currey left St. Bonaventure in 1970 to become an assistant coach at Stanford University. He served on the staff of heralded coach John Ralston. During this time Stanford won the 1971 and 1972 Rose Bowls led by Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, Jim Plunkett.

"May Coach forever rest in God’s goodness—-he’s in paradise with all our fathers and moms and kids of our departed Seraph family—-I KNOW they will welcome him into eternity, and Mr. Ed Bruer will show film at 8". (Mr. Greg Dufresne)

Edward T. O’Donnell, a History Professor from Holy Cross College, claims that the origin of the term – luck of the Irish, stems from the fact that many successful gold rush miners were either Irish or of Irish-American birth. That caused the locals to believe their luck may somehow tie into their lineage. This certainly was true with our beloved Brother Paul Horkan and his ability to inspire donors, students, teachers, coaches, and artists to think beyond what seemed possible to create new programs, better existing ones, and reimagine our campus. His belief in each person's excellence was contagious.

Our beloved Brother Paul Horkan came to St. Bonaventure High School in 1979 and taught until he was asked to serve as Principal from 1986 through 2007. During his time as principal, and under his visionary leadership, the school grew in numbers, and we added a large complex that housed the administration and program heads, as well as new classrooms. The football program rose to new heights, winning consecutive CIF and state titles; all other sports excelled, academic excellence thrived, and an award-winning drama department was created. Another exciting project that was near and dear to his heart was the new athletic field with modern "artificial turf" surface and a beautiful track. Everything seemed possible with Brother Paul's ebullient energy.

To honor the great legend and true Seraph of Saint Bonaventure High School, Brother Paul, we are opening an endowment fund to provide the opportunity for all to participate in building a foundation of support so his legacy of excellence and vision can live on forever. Please share your love of Brother by considering a gift to the Brother Paul Endowment Fund.

Once A Seraph, Always A Seraph!

Special Article on Brother Paul