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Remembering St. Pat's

“The offense revolved around Ray Meyer and his pivot shot. It was an amazing feat for our small little school to be the talk of the town.”
--Maurice Connors '32, recalling St. Patrick Academy's 1932 National Catholic Basketball Championship title

“The war was pretty much on everybody’s mind because some of the graduating guys were leaving and going into the service. We had all kinds of war drives and student assemblies to discuss the war and what role we would play in the effort.”
--Ray Peifer '45, remembering the mood of St. Patrick Academy during World War II

“The loyalty of the students and just about everybody involved with the Academy always astounded me,” said Br. Terence McLaughlin, who began his teaching career at St. Patrick in 1944. “We didn’t have a blade of grass to offer these boys. We had none of the world’s goods to offer them, but a day of solid education.”
--Br. Terence McLaughlin, St. Patrick Academy teacher (1944-49) and principal (1968-72)

"St. Pat's was very strong on attendance at the time. Students were always recognized for their perfect attendance. Br. John C. ("Little John C.) held an after school class for those who didn't toll the mark. I believe he held his class in room 21. The P.I. was short for Personal Improvement. What we need today are P.I. classes in all the schools."
--Fred Knox '48

"Most of the Academy grads went to work in banks, law offices, or local businesses. For the kids who didn't want to do that, Br. Francis "The Bear" helped them get on the police department, the fire department, or in with the unions. Because of the economic structure of the day they couldn't push us into going on to college. But the Brothers were great for us because when you went through four years you learned to listen...and you learned to serve."
--Red Dwyer '50

"Tilden was the big school on the south side with the big name player and we were nothing more than the small school in need of a prayer. All the St. Pat’s students were in the same section of the stadium and when we won, our section erupted,” Schmit said. “My brother and I were jumping around, yelling, and cheering.”
--Walt Schmit '49, who attended the 1949 City Championship basketball game at the Chicago Stadium with his brother, Len '47. The Shamrocks beat Tilden and their star center, Johnny "Red" Kerr

“I think we all wondered what we’d come back to. I can remember walking out the door that last time, looking back, and knowing that I’d never come back to that same place again.”
--Jim Summins '52, reflecting on his graduating class' status as the final four-year group to attend St. Patrick Academy at Des Plaines and Adams

“It all happened so fast. Football was dropped and our basketball teams practiced at local park district gyms while our games were played at St. Mel's gym, another Christian Brothers school where we attended class in the afternoon... It was a tough year in many ways. We lost our unique campus and most of us struggled with different transportation since students from Old St. Pat's came from all over the city, north, south, and even the suburbs. We had the same Christian Brothers, of course, and that was the greatest gift we didn’t lose. We could never forget their lifestyle in order that we could succeed.”
--Dave Rezek, 1953 senior class president discussing the one-year stop over at St. Mel's before the opening of the new St. Patrick High School campus at Belmont and Austin

“What made St. Pat’s a special place is that kids could go from Harvard to Wright Junior College, but they were accepted in every way. I always thought St. Pat’s was a school with heart.”
--Niall Collins, St. Patrick High teacher (1974-87)

“The history of it didn’t set in at the time, though there was certainly shock and happiness that I had reached the goal. Looking back, it’s even better to know that it’s been a high point in the school’s history.”
--Mike Mroczek '85, who captured the IHSA heavyweight wrestling title in 1985, St. Patrick High's first-ever individual state title.

Playing baseball for the Shamrocks was very memorable. Coach Presslak, Coach Buscarini, Coach Pryma, Coach Jarka and Coach White - great memories. Riis park for practice and games - we had a cast of characters with some hilarious times.
--Jeff Ardito '87