Like many families who gather together over the holidays, Foxes boys basketball coach Zach Skrinjar has a treasured tradition of reuniting current and past players for an annual Thanksgiving alumni practice. This year’s event brought back players from the past decade, creating an atmosphere of friendship, nostalgia, and support.
The event is testament to the deep bonds that the coaches have fostered throughout coach Skrinjar’s 16-year tenure. Many of the players still maintain close ties with him and assistant coaches Joe Farrell and Ben Bailey, who have been coaching for years, which keeps alive a sense of camaraderie that goes beyond basketball.
Returning to the Fox Chapel Area gymnasium – where many alumni considered their home away from home – brings back a lot of memories for everyone. Coach Skrinjar values these moments of connection.
“It means a lot to the team and the coaches to see that all of these guys who come back are still so invested in the program and are interested in watching the next generation of players practice,” he said.
Among the alumni who reunited this Thanksgiving were Carson Cohen (2018), Matt D’Amico (2014), Kam Greil (2023), Jake Livingston (2018), Virgil Luster (2016), Roman Mason (2024), Jefferson “Boogie” Moorefield-Brown (2024), Wes Morris (2016), Will Siegel (2024), and Mike Zappala (2016).
Mike, Matt, Jake, Brian, and Boogie all continued their basketball careers in college.
Matt set the Foxes all-time career scoring record in 2014 before Eli Yofan surpassed him during the 2021-2022 season. Matt said, “I love coming back to see the guys and talking with the coaches from years ago. It’s nice to catch up with them for a little bit and see how the team is shaping up for this coming season. So far, they seem pretty good, and they all seem really excited to play.”
For Mike, returning to Fox Chapel Area High School stirs feelings of pride.
“It means a lot coming back here over Thanksgiving break, especially talking with coaches Skrinjar and Farrell, who were here when I played and really meant a lot to me and many of my teammates,” said Mike. “We want to support them, along with these young guys, and share how much the coaches mean to us and how proud we were to represent the community, our families, and the school.”
Jake had a connection with coach Farrell long before he started playing for the high school team.
“My parents knew coach Farrell, so being able to develop a relationship with him and learn from coach Skrinjar are reasons why I come back,” he said. “They taught us a lot of things that were implemented on the floor, but they also taught us how to be the best young men we could be off the floor as well. They also were really instrumental in helping me play in college. That’s why so many alumni come back.”
Will and Boogie’s memories are still fresh from last year when they played as seniors and helped get the team to the PIAA playoffs. Will has a younger brother on the team this year, freshman Frank Siegel, and he’s given him some advice about what to expect.
“It’s great to be back,” Will says. I love this team, so it’s great to be back here and see all of my friends and support them.”
Jake also reflected on the advice he would share with the team: “Cherish every moment, work hard, and build strong teamwork.”
Coach Skrinjar closed the practice expressing his appreciation for the roles his many athletes have played over the years.
“There’s a reason why we’ve been successful,” coach Skrinjar told the audience of new and past players. “A lot of guys have taken Fox Chapel to a different level. It means a lot to me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”