West Palm Beach, FL (May 18, 2026) — Cardinal Newman High School celebrated its historic 2025 FHSAA Class 1A Football State Championship season with a special Ring Ceremony on May 14, honoring the players, coaches, and legendary former Head Coach Sam Budnyk, whose 46-year tenure helped lay the foundation for the success of Crusader football.
Players and coaches received commemorative championship rings marking the program’s first football state title in school history. Family, friends, alumni, and supporters gathered for the ceremony as Coach Budnyk, now 93 years old, returned to campus to receive a State Championship ring of his own in recognition of his lasting impact on Cardinal Newman football and generations of student-athletes.
Widely respected as one of the most influential figures in Florida high school football history, Budnyk coached at Cardinal Newman for more than four decades, earning over 300 career victories while building a tradition of excellence that continues to shape Crusader athletics today. Members of the Budnyk family were also in attendance for the special presentation.
“This championship represents not only the hard work of this team and coaching staff, but also the generations of players and coaches who helped build this program,” said Ryan Partridge, Cardinal Newman’s Athletic Director. “Having Coach Budnyk there to share in this moment made the evening especially meaningful.”
The evening celebrated the Crusaders’ remarkable 2025 season, culminating in a 17-14 victory over Chaminade-Madonna to secure Cardinal Newman’s first football state championship. More than a celebration of a title, the ceremony reflected on the perseverance, discipline, and brotherhood that defined the team throughout the season.
The ring ceremony served as both a celebration of a championship season and a tribute to the tradition, leadership, and pride that continue to shape Cardinal Newman football.
Ring Ceremony
