Ira Davis Becomes La Salle Coach

Ira Davis Becomes La Salle Coach

Ira Davis Becomes La Salle Coach

Olympian Ira Davis, a graduate of La Salle College, is the new cross country coach at West Catholic HS. The talented Ira Davis went to three Olympiads (1956, 1960, and 1964).  His specialty was the hop-step-jump, known today as the triple jump, and for a time held the American record in the event.  The closest he came to winners’ pedestal at the Olympics was in 1960, when he came within an inch from a bronze medal.  Named to Sport Magazine’s All-Time Track and Field Team in 1964, he enjoyed coaching stints at West Catholic and his alma mater La Salle College (Class of 1958).

News Briefs of Baltimore, September 1961, p. 8.

Central and South Hills Catholic Bands Play at Steelers/Niners Halftime

The marching bands of Central Catholic and South Hills Catholic HS (both in Pittsburgh) united in an excellent televised halftime show at the Steelers vs. 49ers NFL game.

News Briefs of Baltimore, October 1961, p. 4.

New St. John’s Gym Dedicated

The new gymnasium building was dedicated on October 15 at St. John’s College HS in Washington. Officiating was Bishop Philip Hannan, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington and a St. John’s alum.

News Briefs of Baltimore, October 1961, p. 5 and also FSC, March 1962, p. 3.

Canton Central Football Finishes Best in School History

The football team at Canton (OH) Central HS finished 10-1, best in school history and ranked #15 in the state.

News Briefs of Baltimore, November 1, 1961, p. 3.

St. Joseph’s HS Band Plays

Led by Brother Cecilian Lucian, the band of St. Joseph’s HS (Detroit) marched in Hamtramck’s annual Pulaski Day parade. The band then played for the halftime ceremonies of the University of Detroit vs. Navy football game.

New York Newsletter, Nov. 1, 1961, p. 20.

Football at St. John’s in Full Swing

Taking advantage of the crisp autumn weather, the football season was in full swing in October at St. John’s Training School (Uxbridge). Both the Senior and Junior divisions played numerous “exhibition” tackle games both at St. John’s and on the road during the month.

Annals of St. John’s Industrial School, Toronto/Uxbridge, pp. 364-367

Basketball Rally and Parade at La Salle

Basketball Rally and Parade at La Salle

Basketball Rally and Parade at La Salle

The Tap Off Rally (an elaborate pep rally for the upcoming basketball season) at La Salle College featured a two-mile parade of bands and floats.

News Briefs of Baltimore, November 1961, p. 5.
St. John's and Gonzaga High Draw Nearly 50,000

St. John’s and Gonzaga High Draw Nearly 50,000

St. John’s and Gonzaga High Draw Nearly 50,000

The football team of St. John’s (Washington) defeated rival Gonzaga HS, 20-6, to win the Catholic League Championship. But the Johnnies lost to Eastern HS for the championship of the city at the new D.C. Stadium (renamed RFK Stadium). The attendance at this game was slightly less than 50,000—the largest crowd in the sports history (up to that time) of the District of Columbia.

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News Briefs of Baltimore, November 1961, p. 6.

St. Joseph’s Hall Wins Turkey Bowl

St. Joseph’s Hall defeated Anselm Hall, 12-0, in the annual “Turkey Bowl” Classic (football game) at the House of Studies at Elkins Park (PA).

News Briefs of Baltimore, November 1, 1961, p. 5.

4,300 Arrive for Bishop Loughlin Track Days

Track is king at Bishop Loughlin (Brooklyn). In the late fall, the Loughlin Games, directed by Brother Benedict Philip, were able to attract over 170 schools and 4,300 contestants for the largest track meet ever held in New York. Brother Rice HS nosed out Loughlin by 1/2 point.

LI-NE District Newsletter, December 15, 1961, p. 8.