Addison Driscoll Catholic High School “Highlanders”

Posted on by davenanninga in Uncategorized
A picture containing text, tree, grass, outdoor Description automatically generated

The History of Driscoll Catholic High School

Addison (population 36,378) is located in the far northeastern portion of Illinois and is a western suburb of Chicago.  Addison is situated in the northeastern portion of DuPage County.  Interstate Highway 290 passes by the northside of Addison, while Interstate Highway 355 borders the west side of town.  Illinois Routes 53, 64, 83, and U.S. Route 20 also pass through Addison.

Addison is named after a British writer named Joseph Addison. The town was incorporated as a city in Illinois in 1884.  A nice history of the town can be found at http://www.friarscove.com/history.htm .

An excellent history of Addison Driscoll High School was found at the web address of http://www.driscollcatholic.org/AboutDriscoll/history.aspx .  This history is copied below in its entirety.

Entrance to Driscoll High School
A building with glass doors Description automatically generated with low confidence
Submitted by Mike Korby

History of Driscoll Catholic High School

In the mid-1960s, under the administration of Bishop Martin McNamara, first bishop of Joliet, plans were finalized for the creation of a new Catholic high school to be located in Addison, IL. The school was named in honor of Elizabeth F. Driscoll, a generous supporter of Diocesan education, and the Highlander was adopted as the official mascot.

In the fall of 1966 Driscoll Catholic High School opened its doors with an enrollment of 134 students. The faculty consisted of three Christian Brothers, five School Sisters of St. Francis, and three lay teachers. Over the next three years, an additional class of students was admitted every year until the 1969-1970 school year, when Driscoll became a full, four-year, co-educational institution.

Over the years, Driscoll has altered its programs to meet the changing academic needs of the nearly 5,000 students who have attended the school. Since 1986, the school has been operated solely by the Christian Brothers and their lay associates; Driscoll provides a high quality, college preparatory education in the tradition of St. John Baptist de la Salle. The school has students from over 40 elementary and middle schools, located in 25 towns and villages throughout suburban Cook and DuPage counties. Enrollment stands at approximately 410 students, with an average class size of 22 and a student/teacher ratio of 14:1. Driscoll is fully accredited by the State of Illinois and the North Central Associates of Secondary Schools, both of which require regular and extensive evaluations of school personnel, programs, and facilities. Driscoll is also a member of IHSA and the Lasallian Schools Association.

Driscoll offers three academic programs designed to challenge students at the highest level possible while offering assistance and guidance as needed. Honors and college-level advanced placement (AP) courses are offered to those students capable of the most rigorous of academic endeavors, while all courses offered as part of the College Prep I or College Prep II sequences are designed to prepare students for university study. Driscoll students boast an average composite ACT score of 23.1, while students in the honors program average a composite score of 27. Members of the Class of 2006 were awarded college scholarships and grants in excess of $2.5 million.

Driscoll also offers 18 interscholastic sports programs and 26 extracurricular clubs and activities. Since 1990, Driscoll has won nearly two-dozen conference championships, 15 regional or sectional championships, and 9 state titles.

In addition, Driscoll continues to promote a strong tradition of service to the community. As a requirement for graduation, each Driscoll student must perform 12 hours of community service per academic year, but many significantly surpass this number. Even the school’s annual fundraiser “Help-A-Thon” revolves around the central theme of service to the community.

Since 1966, nearly 5,000 students have walked the hallways of Driscoll Catholic High School. These students, our alumni, have created a lifetime of memories, they have shared joy and laughter, and they have studied hard and earned their diplomas. Together, they make up the history and tradition that is Driscoll Catholic High School.

Driscoll High School began to see a slippage in its enrollment in 2006.  By 2009 the school’s enrollment had fallen to the point that it was suffering from economic hardships.  In spite of the many athletic successes Driscoll was experiencing, the financial toll became too much of a burden. On April 2, 2009 the Christian Brothers decided that Driscoll high school would close after 43 years of service. Many fundraiser efforts went underway in order to save the high school, including millions from alumni across the world. Many appeals to the Diocese were also put forth. However, even that was not enough to prevent it’s closure.

Driscoll Catholic High School Quick Facts

Year opened:                      1966

Year closed:                       2009

School team nickname:       the “Highlanders”

School team colors:            Black, Old Gold, & Cream/White

School Fight Song:             “Black and Gold”

Submitted by MIKE KORBY

                                         Black and Gold come on let’s go
We’re gonna fight right through the foe
Shouting a battle cry
Whether we do or die
Side by side along we’ll go

                                         Rah! Rah! Rah!

                                         We will win the victory
And we will fight fight fight straight through
We’ll lead you on with cheers of loyalty
Come on and fight we’re right with you

                                         DR DR DRIS CO CO COLL D R I S C O L L
DRISCOLL! DRISCOLL! DRISCOLL!
A picture containing text, grass, outdoor, sign Description automatically generated
Driscoll HS Door To The Weightroom
A picture containing outdoor, building Description automatically generated

ATHLETICS

The athletic program at Driscoll Catholic High School was clearly one of the most successful in the state of Illinois during its tenure.  The Highlanders had great successes on a state-wide level.  The football program has several IHSA records that will likely never be broken.  Among the many achievements attained by the Highlanders are the followng, as listed on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org) are:

12  –  IHSA TEAM STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS!!

  6  –  IHSA Individual State Champions!!

  6  –  “Other” IHSA Team Final 4 Appearances!

10  –  “Other” IHSA Team Elite 8 Appearances!

  4  –  “Other” IHSA Team Sweet 16 Appearances!

15  –  Sectional Championships!

26  –  Regional Championships!

31  –  IHSA Individual Medalists!

A picture containing outdoor, sky, field, sport Description automatically generated

FOOTBALL

The Driscoll High School football program will go down in Illinois high school football history as one of the most powerful and successful programs of its era.  The Highlanders entered the IHSA playoffs a total of 18 times.  The results are amazing:

8  –  TOTAL IHSA State Championhips (8 – 0 in Title Games!!)

6  –  IHSA Class 4A State Championships

2  –  IHSA Class 3A State Championships

3  –  IHSA Semi-Final Appearances

3  –  IHSA Quarter-Final Appearances

2  –  IHSA Sweet 16 Appearances

IHSA Football Playoff Records that will be tough to beat:

7      –  CONSECUTIVE IHSA State Championships Won – (2001 – 2007)!!

           This is likely one of the top accomplishments on a national level as well!

37    –  CONSECUTIVE IHSA State Playoff Games Won – (2001 – 2008)!!

.848 –  Playoff Winning Percentage

**Check out the many records set by the teams and players of Driscoll High School football at the IHSA web address of http://www.ihsa.org/activity/fb/records/index.htm

Below are the seasonal records and results as posted on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org):

1974-75    1 – 8                                                              Coach Joe Wardin
1975-76    4 – 5                                                              Coach Joe Wardin
1976-77    3 – 6                                                             Coach John Benedetti
1977-78    6 – 3                                                             Coach John Benedetti

1978-79    1 – 8                                                          Coach Max Brunnell
1979-80    0 – 9                                                            Coach Rich Marks
1980-81    1 – 8                                                              Coach Rich Marks
1981-82    3 – 6                                                              Coach Rich Marks
1982-83    3 – 6                                                              Coach Rich Marks

1983-84  10 – 2    IHSA Class 2A Playoff Qualifier!  Coach Rich Marks

Final Four Finalist

Beat Clifton (Central)  20 – 6
Beat Mahomet (M.-Seymour) 13 – 7
                            Lost to Monmouth 20 – 0

Monmouth Won State Championship

1984-85    5 – 4                                                              Coach Rich Marks
1985-86    4 – 5                                                              Coach Rich Marks
1986-87    4 – 5                                                              Coach Rich Marks
1987-88    3 – 6                                                              Coach Rich Marks
1988-89    4 – 5                                                              Coach Rich Marks

1989-90    8 – 2   IHSA Class 2A Playoff Qualifier!  Coach Gene Nudo

Lost to Momence 39 – 13

1990-91  11 – 3   IHSA Class 2A Playoff Qualifier!   Coach Gene Nudo

                           Advanced to Final Four

                           Beat Richmond (R.-Burton) 21 – 14
Beat Burlington (Central)  24 – 6
Beat Byron 17 – 6
Lost to Seneca 30 – 7

Seneca Won State Championship

1991-92  14 – 0 IHSA Class 3A STATE CHAMPS!     Coach Gene Nudo

Undefeated Season

Beat Lisle (Sr.)  10 – 7
Beat Elmhurst (Immac. Concep.)  10 – 0
Beat Aurora (Central Catholic) 42 – 0
Beat Spring Valley (Hall) 21 – 0
Beat Robinson  42 – 20

 

1992-93    9 – 3  IHSA Class 3A Playoff Qualifier!  Coach Larry Orrico
Elite 8 Finalist

                           Beat Lisle (Sr.)  25 – 0
Beat Elmhurst (Immac. Concep.) 20-19
                            Lost to Marengo  15 – 13

Marengo placed 2nd

1993-94  4 – 5   IHSA Class 3A Playoff Qualifier! Coach Rich Sharkey

Beat Harvard    12 – 7
                           Lost to Lombard (Montini)  21 – 0

1994-95    4 – 5                                                          Coach Rich Sharkey

1995-96 7 – 3 IHSA Class 3A Playoff Qualifier!  Coach John Karpowicz

                          Lost to Maple Park (Kaneland)  21 – 0

1996-97  11 – 1    IHSA Class 3A Playoff Qualifier!         Coach John Karpowicz

                          Undefeated Regular Season

                          Elite 8 Finalist

                          Beat Yorkville  55 – 20
Beat Maple Park (Kaneland) 24 – 6
Lost to Spring Valley (Hall)  22 – 21

Hall finished 2nd

1997-98    3 – 6                                                     Coach John Karpowicz
1998-99    5 – 4                                                               Coach Tim Racki

1999-00    9 – 2    IHSA Class 3A Playoff Qualifier!         CoachTim Racki

Beat Oregon  35 – 21
Lost to Benton 41 – 24

2000-01  11 – 2    IHSA Class 3A Playoff Qualifier!  Coach Tim Racki

                          Final Four Finalist

                          Beat Bloomington (Cent Cath)  48 – 26
                           Beat Metropolis (Massac County) 38 – 13
Beat Burlington (Central) 35 – 21
Lost to Oregon 34 – 14

Oregon Finished 2nd

2001-02  12 – 2    IHSA Class 4A STATE CHAMPS!   Coach Tim Racki

Beat Dunlap 28 – 7
Beat Lisle (Sr.)  38 – 19
Beat Pontiac 28 – 14
Beat Huntley  24 – 21
Beat Mt. Carmel 42 – 41 (2 OT)

2002-03  13 – 1    IHSA Class 4A STATE CHAMPS!   Coach Tim Racki

                          Beat Burlington (Central)  17 – 13
Beat Lombard (Montini)  21 – 8
Beat Byron   39 – 18
Beat Princeton  23 – 3
Beat Mt. Carmel  42 – 0

2003-04  14 – 0    IHSA Class 4A STATE CHAMPS! Coach Tim Racki

Undefeated Season

                          Beat Richmond (R.-Burton) 45 – 14
Beat Winnebago  37 – 21
Beat Burlington (Central)  45 – 28
Beat Hillsboro  42 – 6
Beat Fairbury (Prairie Central)  37 – 21

2004-05   12 – 2    IHSA Class 3A STATE CHAMPS!  Coach Tim Racki

Beat Dwight   41 – 6

                           Beat Stillman Valley 32 – 14

                           Beat Wilmington  14 – 11

                           Beat Tolono Unity   28 – 7

                           Beat Manlius Buruae Valley  37 – 14

2005-06 14 – 0  IHSA Class 4A STATE CHAMPS!  Coach Mike Burzawa

                           Undeafeated Regular Season

Beat Harvard    49 – 0

                           Beat Hampshire  27 – 0

                           Beat Richmond Burton  31 – 15

                           Beat Coal City   30 – 7

                           Beat Newton   42 – 7

2006-07  13 – 1  IHSA Class 4A STATE CHAMPS!  Coach Mike Burzawa

                           Beat Morton    12 – 7

                           Beat Bloomington Cent. Cath. 28 – 12

                           Beat Harvard   28 – 7

                           Beat Fairbury Prairie Central 17 – 7

                           Beat Breese Mater Dei   35 – 0

2007-08   14 – 0    IHSA Class 4A STATE CHAMPS!         Coach Mike Burzawa
Undefeated Season

                           Beat Kankakee McNamara  47 – 19

                           Beat Chillicothe IVC  42 – 7

                           Beat Chicago Christian 48 – 7

                           Beat Coal City  41 – 14

                           Beat Bloomington Cent. Cath.  48 – 24


2008-09    9 – 3     IHSA Class 4A Qualifier!      Coach Brandon New

                           Elite 8 Finalist

                           Beat Herscher  42 – 14

                           Beat Mendota  14 – 7

Lost to Aurora Christian 24 – 17

Aurora Christian Placed 2nd

Addison (Driscoll) was 56-10 in IHSA Playoff competition!!

Driscoll Catholic High School has many records in the IHSA Football record books.  Check out the IHSA web address of  http://www.ihsa.org/activity/fb/records/index.htm to view these records, many of which will stand for decades to come!

A picture containing outdoor, sky, tree, ground Description automatically generated

BOYS BASEBALL

The Highlanders have enjoyed many successes on the baseball diamond as well, including THREE state championships, one second place finish and two third place finishes! Driscoll High School has MANY records listed in the IHSA record books.  Check out the web address of http://www.ihsa.org/activity/ba/records/index.htm and enjoy!!

1969-70                                                                       Coach Ed Bobowski
1970-71     9 – 1                                                            Coach John James
1971-72                                                               Coach John Ostrowski
1972-73     9 – 1                                                            Coach Joe Wargin
1973-74   15 – 8                                                 Coach John Benedetti
1974-75     9 – 9                                                Coach John Benedetti
1975-76                                                             Coach John Benedetti
1976-77                                                                       Coach Dick Eufrasio
1977-78                                                                       Coach Dick Eufrasio

1978-79     3 – 8                                               Coach Dick Eufrasio
1979-80                                                           Coach Dick Eufrasio
1980-81     9 – 10                                                          Coach Rod Molek

1981-82   28 – 5           Regional Champions                Coach Rod Molek

1982-83   19 – 5                                                            Coach Rod Molek

1983-84   26 – 5           Regional Champions                Coach Rod Molek

1984-85   25 – 11         Class ‘A’ Elite 8 Finalists!!    Coach Rod Molek

                                  Regional Champions

                                  Sectional Champions

                                  Elite 8 Finalist

                                  Lost to Eldarado 5-3

Eldarado lost in semi-final


 1985-86   14 – 13                                                            Coach Rod Molek
1986-87   16 – 14                                                            Coach Rod Molek
1987-88   21 – 11                                                            Coach Rod Molek
1988-89   23 – 9                                                         Coach Rod Molek

1989-90   29 – 6           Class ‘A’ Elite 8 Finalists!!  Coach Rod Molek

                                  Regional Champions

                                  Sectional Champions

                                  Elite 8 Finalist

Lost to Dupo 14 – 3

Dupo finished 2nd

1990-91   36 – 6     IHSA 3RD PLACE – CLASS ‘A’!   Coach Rod Molek 

                                  Regional Champions

                                  Sectional Champions

                                  Elite 8 Finalist

                                  Beat Dunlap 10 – 1

                                  Final 4 Finalist

                                  Lost to Harrisburg 2 – 1

Harrisburg finished 2nd

Consolation Game

Beat Effingham St. Anthony 3 – 0

                                  

1991-92   34 – 2 – 1      IHSA STATE CHAMPIONS!!  Coach Rod Molek

                                  Regional Champions

                                  Sectional Champions

                                  Elite 8 Finalist

                                  Beat Riverton 10 – 1

                                  Final 4 Finalist

                                  Beat Danville Schlarman 10 – 1

                                  Championship Game 

                                  Beat Harrisburg 7 – 2

Coach Rod Molek overall – 280 – 97 – 1  as head coach for 12 years

1992-93   22 – 8                                                             Coach Jeff Sefcik

1993-94   25 – 13         IHSA STATE CHAMPIONS!!     Coach Jeff Sefcik

                                  Regional Champions

                                  Sectional Champions

                                  Elite 8 Finalist

                                  Beat Carmi White County 7 – 1

                                  Final 4 Finalist

                                  Beat Nashville 3 – 2 (13 innings)

Championship Game

Beat Lewistown 6 – 0

1994-95   19 – 9                                                             Coach Jeff Sefcik

1995-96   24 – 8            Regional Champions             Coach Jeff Sefcik

1996-97   33 – 7           IHSA STATE CHAMPIONS!!      Coach Jeff Sefcik

                                  Regional Champions

                                  Sectional Champions

                                  Elite 8 Finalist

                                  Beat Teutopolis 10 – 7

                                  Final 4 Finalist

                                  Beat Rock Island Alleman 12 – 2

Championship Game

Beat Williamsville 8 – 6

1997-98   18 – 17                                                           Coach Jeff Sefcik

1998-99   26 – 16          Elite 8 Finalists!!                       Coach Jeff Sefcik

                                  Regional Champions

                                  Sectional Champions

                                  Elite 8 Finalist

Lost to Herscher 4 – 3

Herscher became State Champs

1999-00   35 – 6           IHSA STATE 2ND PLACE!!      Coach Jeff Sefcik

                                  Regional Champions

                                  Sectional Champions

                                  Elite 8 Finalist

                                  Beat DuQuoin 9 – 2

                                  Final 4 Finalist

                                  Beat Teutopolis 6 – 3

                                  Championship Game

                                  Lost to Pleasant Plains 10 – 9

2000-01   31 – 6 – 1      Elite 8 Finalists!!                       Coach Jeff Sefcik

                                  Regional Champions

                                  Sectional Champions

                                  Elite 8 Finalist

Lost to Armstrong 6 – 5

Armstrong finished 3rd

2001-02   19 – 15         Regional Champions                Coach Jeff Sefcik

Coach Jeff Sefcik overall 252 – 105 – 1 as head coach for 10 years.

2002-03   15 – 15                                                 Coach Sean Bieterman
2003-04   18 – 13                                                 Coach Sean Bieterman
2004-05   25 – 12                                                Coach Sean Bieterman

2005-06   35 – 4     IHSA STATE 3RD PLACE!! Coach Sean Bieterman

                                  Regional Champions

                                  Sectional Champions

                                  Elite 8 Finalist

                                  Beat Sherrard 2 – 0

                                  Final 4 Finalist

                                  Lost to Chillicothe IVC 6 – 4

Chillicothe won State Championship

Consolation Game

Beat Columbia 10 – 9

2006-07   24 – 8                                                 Coach Sean Bieterman

2007-08   25 – 9          IHSA Elite 8 FInalist!     Coach Sean Bieterman

                                  Regional Champions

                                  Sectional Champions

                                 

2008-09   19 – 13                                                 Coach Sean Bieterman

Coach Sean Bieterman overall 161 – 74 as head coach for 7 years.

A picture containing outdoor, tree, sky Description automatically generated

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Highlander Girls Basketball program really excelled during the late 2000s. Head coach Steve McCuiston guided the program during it’s prestigous final seasons, going from a combined record of 24-54 to 75-20 the next three years. The season, and program, cultimated with winning the IHSA Class 2A State Championship in Normal! All of this occured just a month before the closure of the school was announced. Driscoll is the only school in IHSA history to have a program win a state championship in it’s final year. We are looking for any records and such from years before 2003.

2003-04    9 – 16                                              Coach Steve McCuiston
2004-05    6 – 18                                              Coach Steve McCuiston
2005-06    9 – 20                                             Coach Steve McCuiston
2006-07  16 – 13                                                Coach Steve McCuiston

2007-08  25 – 6      Elite 8 Finalist Class ‘A’  Coach Steve McCuiston

                               Regional Champions

                               Sectional Champions

                               Elite 8 Finalist

                               Lost to Kankakee McNamara 55-42

McNamara placed 4th

2008-09  34 – 1  IHSA STATE CHAMPS – ‘AA’ Coach Steve McCuiston
Regional Champions

                              Sectional Champions

                              Elite 8 Finalist

                              Beat Kankakee McNamara 54 – 35

                              Final 4 Finalist

                              Beat Olney East Richland 44 – 29

                              Championship Game

                              Beat Hamilton 40 – 35

School’s Final Season! 

BOYS BASKETBALL

The Driscoll Boys Basketball program has also enjoyed many successes on the hardwood. The program won IHSA Sectional championships in 1992 and 2003, as well as seven Regional championships and seven 20+ win seasons.

1977-78              Regional Champs

1978-79    19-8                                                           Coach Tony Lux

1979-80    16-10                                                         Coach M. Pisano

1980-81    14-13                                                         Coach Jim Danforth

1981-82    14-13                                                         Coach Jim Danforth

1982-83      3-20                                                       Coach Jim Danforth

1983-84    14-12                                                         Coach J. Leonard

1984-85    12-15                                                         Coach J. Leonard

1985-86    13-14                                                         Coach J. Leonard

1986-87    15-12                                                   Coach Mark Kleeman

1987-88    15-12                                                   Coach Mark Kleeman

1988-89      5-22                                                 Coach Mark Kleeman

1989-90    12-14                                                   Coach Mark Kleeman

1990-91    22-6    Regional Champs                  Coach Mark Kleeman

1991-92    27-3   Regional & Sectional Champs Coach Mark Kleeman

1992-93    14-13                                                 Coach Mark Kleeman

1993-94    10-19   Regional Champs

1994-95      7-13

1995-96    13-13

1996-97    10-12                                                 Coach Terry O’Donnell

1997-98      3-22

1998-99                                                                     Coach Vince Doran

1999-00    14-12                                                         Coach Nick Latorre

2000-01    12-14                                                         Coach Nick Latorre

2001-02    20-8                                                          Coach Nick Latorre

2002-03    24-9  Regional & Sectional Champs Coach Nick Latorre

2003-04    24-7    Regional Champs                         Coach Nick Latorre

2004-05    15-14                                                         Coach Nick Latorre

2005-06    17-13  Regional Champs                          Coach Nick Latorre

2006-07    21-7                                                           Coach Nick Latorre

2007-08    21-9                                                          Coach Nick Latorre

2008-09    No record available (school’s final season)     Coach Adam Szyszko

BOYS GOLF

The Highlander Boys Golf program had two state medalists, four state qualifying teams, three Regional championships and one Sectional championship.

1975-76          Individual Medalist: 

                      Randy Cochran  Class ‘A’  6TH Place!

1977-78          IHSA State Qualifier – 8TH Place!

Sectional Champions

                     Individual Medalist:

                     Doug Lieder   Class ‘A’    6TH Place!

Final Team Standings

1)  Carmi                              612
2)  Kankakee (McNamara)     614
3)  Elgin (St. Edward)            637
4)  Quincy (Notre Dame)        647
5)  Auburn                            656
5)  Dunlap                            656
5)  Effingham (St. Anthony)    656
8)  Addison (Driscoll)           659


1985-86          Regional Champions!


1990-91          Regional Champions!              


1992-93          Team Qualified for State Finals   

1993-94          Regional Champions!

                     Team Qualified for State Finals  


1994-95          Team Qualified for State Finals  

1996-97          Team Qualified for State Finals  

GIRLS GOLF

The Highlander Girls Golf program had two state medalists throughout it’s history. Both Mary Ellen Murphy and “GiGi” DiGrazia finished among the top ten each year they competed. DiGrazia won the Class A State Championship in the school’s final season, 2008-09.

1977-78        Individual Medalist:

  

                   Mary Ellen Murphy – 8TH Place!

1978-79        Individual Medalist:

                    Mary Ellen Murphy – 4TH Place!

2006-07        Individual Medalist:

 

                    Gianna “GiGi” DiGrazia – 7TH Place!

2007-08        Individual Medalist:

 

                    Gianna “GiGi” DiGrazia – 2ND Place!

2008-09        Individual Medalist:

 

                    Gianna “GiGi” DiGrazia – STATE CHAMPION!

 

GIRLS SOFTBALL

The Highlander Softball program had many successful seasons in it’s history. The 1991-92 team made it to the Class A State Tournament.

1989-90   19 – 6                                                            Coach Mike Batka
1990-91     8 – 11                                                             Coach Mike Batka

1991-92   20 – 6      IHSA Class ‘A’ Elite 8 Finalist!     Coach Mike Batka

                             Regional Champions

                             Sectional Champions

                             Elite 8 Finalist

Lost to Casey-Westfield 4 – 0

Casey-Westfield placed 3rd.

1992-93   21 – 5      Regional Champions                    Coach Mike Batka

1993-94   27 – 5                                                          Coach Mike Batka
1998-99   12 – 14                                                         Coach Mike Batka
1999-00   15 – 14                                                        Coach Mike Batka
2000-01   28 – 8                                                        Coach Mike Batka

2001-02   17 – 14    Regional Champions                 Coach Mike Batka
2002-03   28 – 8      Regional Champions              Coach Mike Batka
2003-04   25 – 13    Regional Champions              Coach Mike Batka
2004-05   26 – 6 – 1 Regional Champions            Coach Mike Batka

2005-06     5 – 20                                                     Coach Mike Poulos
2006-07   10 – 24                                              Coach Nick Christopher

BOYS SWIMMING

The Highlander Boys Swimming program had one individual medalist:

1999   Individual Medalist: 

          Anthony Arbogast   200 IM     12TH Place!!

GIRLS SWIMMING

The Highlander Girls Swimming program had two individuals that really stood out: Christina Ceppi and Amy Migawa. Ceppi had two top five finishes in 1981, while Migawa won two state championships each in 1996 and 1997!

1981   Individual Medalist: 

          Christina Ceppi       200 Free   5TH Place!!
Christina Ceppi       500 Free   4TH Place!!

1994   Individual Medalist: 

         

          Amy Migawa           200 IM      4TH Place!!
Amy Migawa           500 Free  2ND Place!!

 

1996   Individual Medalist: 

          Amy Migawa           200 IM      State Champion!!
Amy Migawa           500 Free  State Champion!!

1997   Individual Medalist: 

          Amy Migawa           200 Free  State Champion!!

          Amy Migawa           500 Free  State Champion!!

CROSS COUNTRY

The Highlander Cross Country program had two runners (one boy and one girl) who ran in the top 25 at the Class A State Meet. The boy’s program won a Regional championship in 1984.

BOYS

1980  Class ‘A’   Individual Medalist:

                         Lance Murphy   4TH Place!!

 

1984-85              Regional Champions

GIRLS

2005  Class ‘A’   Individual Medalist:

 

                         Vanessa Bain    21ST Place!!

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

The Driscoll Track and Field program had four medalists in addition to one relay team at the Class A State Meet throughout it’s history. One athlete, Lance Murphy, won the 3200 Meter Run in 1981!

1981  Class ‘A’   Individual Medalist: 

      

                         Lance Murphy  1600M Run  8TH Place!!

                         Lance Murphy  3200M Run  State Champion!!

1985  Class ‘A’   Individual Medalist: 

                         Bill Walenda    Discus         4TH Place!!

 

2005  Class ‘A’   Relay Medalists:      

                         4X100 Relay                         5TH Place!!

                         4X200 Relay                         5TH Place!!   

2008  Class ‘A’   Individual Medalists:            Coach Pat Ryan    

                         Pierre Washington-Steel      100M Dash   6TH Place!!

                         Jeremy Wilk                         800M Run    6TH Place!!

2009  Class ‘1A’  Individual Medalists:           Coach Dierdre Archer

 

                         Pierre Washington-Steel      100M Dash   2ND Place!!

                         Jeremy Wilk                         800M Run     4TH Place!!

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

The Driscoll Girls Track and Field program had two Class A State Meet medalists in it’s history.

1983  Class ‘A’   Individual Medalist:

 

                         Renee Simek     200M Dash    6TH Place!!

2006  Class ‘A’   Individual Medalist:

                         Vanessa Bain   3200M Run      5TH Place!!

BOYS WRESTLING

The Driscoll Wrestling program had one wrestler who placed in the top five at the Class A State Meet. We are looking for more records regarding Driscoll Wrestling.

2008  Class ‘A’   Individual Medalist:

 

                         Tom Randich  Weight Class 189     4TH Place!!

2009  Class ‘1A’ Individual Medalist:

 

                         Jake Randich  Weight Class 189     2ND Place!! 

 

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Below are two seasons we found information from on the IHSA Web Site regarding the Driscoll Volleyball program. We are looking for more records regarding Driscoll Volleyball.

2004-05                  Coach Nicole Flores
2007-08    4 – 25      Coach Kristin Milley

CHEERLEADING

2005-06  Team Qualified for State Finals Competition!    Coach Calvin Buado

CHESS

The Driscoll Chess program had two seasons in the mid-1980s where they achieved State Meet success:

1986                     IHSA Class ‘A’ 7TH Place!!

Final Team Standings

1)  Urbana University HS                6.0

2)  Aurora Marmion Academy         5.0, 146.0
3)  Rockford Christian Life              5.0, 126.0
4)  Roanoke-Benson                      4.0, 110.3
5)  Ridge Farm                              4.0, 082.5
6)  Sherrard                                  4.0, 075.3
7)  Addison Driscoll                     3.0

1987                     IHSA Class ‘A’ 10TH Place!!

Final Team Standings

1)  Aurora Illinois Math & Science   5.0
2)  Poplar Grove North Boone         4.5, 153.0
3)  Stillman Valley                         4.5, 121.0
4)  Roanoke-Benson                      4.5, 120.0
5)  Urbana University HS                4.0, 131.0
6)  Aurora Marmion Academy         4.0, 116.0
7)  Westmont                                4.0, 106.0
8)  Hampshire                                3.5
9)  Rockford Christian Life               3.0, 092.5
10)Addison Driscoll                      3.0, 091.0

SCHOLASTIC BOWL

The Driscoll Scholastic Bowl program won one Regional championship: in 2003. We are looking for more records regarding the “Schol Bowl” program.

2000-01
2001-02
2002-03    Regional Champions    
MEMORIES

**From Mary Jo Tuohy:

“I read with interest your site on closed Illinois high schools. I’d like to thank Ms. Oneyear and Sr. Julene Stromberg for my superb math skills!”

**From Peter Rung (Class of 1974):

“The Driscoll School Song was composed by the Sophomore Basketball team while watching the varsity game in the winter of 1972-1973.  Driscoll was playing Marmion Academy in a lopsided game.  It was borne out of frustration and was quickly sung at subsequent games by the cheerleaders and fans alike.

True story!  I was there.”

  

IF YOU HAVE ANY MORE INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE …

There’s a lot more to Driscoll Catholic than athletics, and the athletic records. We’d like to make this page even bigger with personal memories you may have about the school (and we know there are plenty of them).

If you have any further information you would like to share regarding Driscoll High School before its closure, please e-mail us at ihsgdwebsite@comcast.net.  You can also write to us at:

Illinois HS Glory Days

6439 N. Neva St.

Chicago, Il.   60631

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Illinois High School Glory Days

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading