| INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CHICAGO LOURDES HIGH SCHOOL
Year opened: 1936
Year closed: 2002
Now used as: John Hancock High School
School Colors: Blue & White
School nickname: the “Lions”
School song: “The Lourdian”
Submitted by Richard Stalmack
When a Lourdian walks down the street,
She looks a hundred per from head to feet.
She’s got that smile, that style, that winning way,
Why just to look at her, you will recognize her and
You’ll say now that’s a girl I’d like to know,
She’s got that Lourdes High Spirit, Pep and
Go……………………..it’s hard to be beat a Lourdian!
ATHLETICS AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Lourdes students had the opportunity to compete in athletics while it was a member of the Girls’ Chicagoland Athletic Conference (also known as GCAC). Basketball was a big sport, as well as volleyball and badminton. It could be possible that softball and track were also offered at the school, but there are no records to prove this on the IHSA website (www.ihsa.org).
BASKETBALL
In a two-year period, Lourdes established itself as a top team in the state of Illinois. Heading into the AA tournament during the 1987-88 season, coach Don Haynes’ girls were fifth in the final regular season poll conducted by the Associated Press that season. All-stater Arlena Roach and her teammates made it to the Elite Eight in Urbana-Champaign before bowing out in a tight game to Naperville North.
1986-87AA Regional Champions unknown
1987-88AA 26-4 ELITE EIGHT IN STATE!! Coach Don Haynes
Regional Champions
Sectional Champions
Defeated Chicago Heights Marian 65-41 in supersectional
Lost to Naperville North in quarterfinals, 40-39
The program is also mentioned in the IHSA record books for scoring at both ends of the spectrum. The 1988 team defeated Good Counsel 121-41 in a January contest for one of the highest point totals, but less than two years later in November 1990, Mother McAuley outscored Lourdes, 107-6, in one of the largest margins of victory.
BADMINTON
During the springs of 1979 and 1980, Lourdes was one of the top 10 teams in the state finals standings. Led by Sandy Colby, the school was also blessed with having an outstanding player who made it to the singles finals both years and brought home a state title in 1980.
1979 Tied for 9th in state coach unknown
STATE FINAL STANDINGS
1 Arlington Heights Arlington 19
8 Oak Forest 6.5
9 Springfield Sacred Heart 6
Waukegan East 6
Barrington 6
Burbank Reavis 6
Chicago Lourdes 6
INDIVIDUAL PLACER
Sandy Colby — 2nd in singles
(lost to Linda French of Elmhurst York in finals, 11-2, 11-3)
1980 Tied for 9th in state coach unknown
STATE FINAL STANDINGS
1 Arlington Heights Arlington 20
8 Oak Park-River Forest 7.5
9 Tinley Park Andrew 7
Wheaton North 7
Chicago Lourdes 7
INDIVIDUAL PLACER
Sandy Colby — STATE CHAMPION in singles!!!
(defeated Linda French of Elmhurst York in finals, 0-3, 11-7, 11-6)
VOLLEYBALL
This may have been the most consistent sport that the school played, based on the number of plaques won in the state tournament series. In an eight-year period, Lourdes brought home five pieces of hardware for their trophy case.
The Lions’ volleyball history goes back as far as 1940. That year, the Catholic girls schools of Lourdes, Loretto High, Loretto Academy, St. Martin, and Mercy competed in a tournament. In 1944, the Catholic Youth Organization began sponsoring an annual girls’ tournament among the Chicago Archdiocese schools, according to prep historian Robert Pruter.
1979AA District Champions coach unknown
1980AA District Champions coach unknown
1984AA Regional Champions coach unknown
1985AA Regional Champions coach unknown
1986AA Regional Champions coach unknown
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION
Even though Lourdes is no longer a high school operated by the Sisters of Saint Joseph – Third Order of Saint Francis, there is a need to preserve the school’s history. According to its alumni relations director, Margaret Grabowski, she is asking for all Lourdes alums and friends for help:
“Part of my job description at De La Salle is to work with Lourdes High School Alums, and I am working on creating a welcoming atmosphere at the De La Salle Lourdes Hall Campus for the women who attended Lourdes High School.
If you had any pictures of the interior and exterior of the building, a copy of the school song, any memorabilia, etc. or if you happen to know where I can go to do more research on the history of the high school I would really appreciate your help in accomplishing my goals for the women of Lourdes High School.
Please feel free to email me back at grabowskim@dls.org with any information you have. Or you can call me at either: 312-842-7355, ext 138, or at 773-650-6800, ext 194.
Thank you again for all of your help. I look forward to hearing from you.
Margaret Grabowski
Assistant Director of Admissions/Alumni Relations-De La Salle Lourdes Hall |
