It’s a scene that plays out the same way, year after year. Grade school teams of boys and girls from across the archdiocese travel to a host gym. The nervous kids are eight to ten years old. Before each of the many nightly basketball games, the opposing teams, coaches and everyone in the bleachers all stand, face the crucifix and pray together. Then, as the season progresses, the players and families become witnesses to and cooperators with the Holy Spirit in their midst. This is Widget League basketball, an archdiocesan institution for third and fourth-grade students that has been going strong for over four decades and that is showing lifelong benefits for all involved. That includes Roman and Valerie Fresquez, who have been running the beloved program for the past ten years out of Notre Dame Parish School in Southwest Denver. For their countless hours of dedication, Valerie and Roman are this month’s Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal Disciples of the Month. It’s more than just a sports program, as the couple has seen the Lord bless each season in countless ways. “People don't come in here just for sports. It's more like a community center,” said Roman. “I can't tell you how many times I'm reffing a game, and I look over, and Valerie is talking to somebody from another school, and they're just in tears holding each other. So many people connect in this gym and really take care of each other. It's a very special place for us.” The Widget basketball program was started in the 1980s to provide an opportunity for players not yet in fifth grade, when most students could start playing in the Catholic School Athletic League. For decades, the program was closely associated with Ted Tholen, the athletic director at St. Louis Catholic School, whom many still consider to be the heart and soul of what became known simply as “Widgets.” After his life was cut short while driving back from officiating a game, the beloved program needed new leadership to ensure the Christian spirit of the league would continue. A few years later, the Fresquezes stepped up to the post, in which they’ve served for the last decade. “We’re building good people, whether they win or lose,” said Valerie, speaking of the opportunities for Christian charity they see often. “There was a kid that needed shoes. Somebody that was here volunteering, not even from our school, overheard the conversation and showed up to the next game with two brand-new pairs of shoes and socks! That's the Holy Spirit. And you never know who's going to have the opportunity to bring that to where it's needed.” Over the years, Widgets has grown to include volleyball and flag football. Last year, Valerie and Roman scheduled 99 teams for over 300 games, often acting as referees, scoreboard operators, coaches and concession stand managers while greeting players and their families constantly. For Widgets alone, the Fresquezes host at least one full day of games weekly from September to May. Many other schools help out, as do the couple’s three adult kids and young grandson. All are former or current Notre Dame students who pitch in to the tune of hundreds of hours per year. It’s a job that benefits not just their school but kids and families all over Northern Colorado. So, this summer, when a long-hoped-for wood floor was installed in the Notre Dame gym, the parish and other donors knew it would make a big difference not just for their students but for families throughout the archdiocese. And just like how each game starts, the couple continually rely on prayer, especially when the games are underway. “If it's a contentious game, we might have them pray at halftime. If it's really contentious, Valerie will have them take a knee in the circle after the game. Just try to get everybody to calm down and then say a prayer,” said Roman. Valerie added, “There are other schools where they have multiple teams. If I see that they're playing each other, I talk to them before, and then I make them pray after. I might bring them ice cream, too. Then I'll go up to the bleachers; ‘And parents? Are you guys going to be okay? Because I have ice cream for you, too!’ Just to calm everybody's nerves.” Instead of a competitive contest full of tension, the couple ensures a faith-filled experience that creates memories and lessons for life. “Students across the archdiocese, when they walk in, I tell them all the time, ‘I want you to feel at home here. You belong here. We want you here.’ We care about those kids just like we care about our own kids,” she concluded. In recognition of their dedicated service to their community, Roman and Valerie have been recognized as this month’s Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal Disciples of the Month. Through their devoted mentorship of countless students, Roman and Valerie have helped to form disciples of Christ who bring his compassion, charity and service to others–even amid competition and fun. Congratulations, Valerie and Roman, for being the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal Disciples of the Month!
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