Lafayette Central Catholic Jr/Sr High School

History

Central Catholic was founded in 1956.

In 1959, Senator John F. Kennedy brought his presidential campaign to Central Catholic. He spoke before thousands at a fund-raising dinner in McHale Gymnasium.

In 1990, citing a lack of support, money, and enrollment, CC threatened to close its doors. Former bishop, William Higi, announced in the spring of 1990 that CC's doors would close at the end of the school year. The announcement resulted in a strong showing of support from the principal at that time, Dave Worland, which eventually led to the reversal of the decision to close the school's doors.

Demographics

The demographic breakdown of the 440 students enrolled for the 2017–18 school year was:

• American Indian/Alaska Native – 0%
• Asian – 0.7%
• Black – 2.0%
• Hispanic – 6.4%
• White – 90.9%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific islander – 0%
• Two or more races – 0%

Athletics

Central Catholic is currently a member of the Hoosier Athletic Conference. The following sports are offered at CC:

• Baseball (boys)
  • State champion – 2003–04, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13
• Basketball (boys & girls)
  • Boys state champion – 1997–98, 1999–00, 2002–03
  • Girls state champion – 2005–06, 2014–15, 2015–16
• Bowling (co-ed)
• Cross country (co-ed)
• Football (boys)
  • State champion – 1976–77, 1999–00, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2015–16, 2019–20
• Golf (boys & girls)
• Gymnastics (girls)
• Soccer (boys & girls)
  • Girls state champion – 2020–21
• Softball (girls)
• Swimming & diving (boys & girls)
• Tennis (boys & girls)
• Track & field (co-ed)
• Volleyball (girls)
  • State champion – 2010–11, 2017–18, 2021–22
• Wrestling (boys)

Notable alumni

• Tessie Agana, Filipina former child actress
• Christopher Cassidy, former NASA astronaut and United States Navy SEAL
• Ben Hatke, cartoonist and illustrator
• Coy Cronk, NFL player for the Jacksonville Jaguars

References

References

1. NCA-CASI. "NCA-Council on Accreditation and School Improvement".
2. (May 2019). "Gallery: Sen. John F. Kennedy visits Lafayette". Journal and Courier.
3. Buche, Matt. (June 1, 2015). "Looking back 25-Years". Lafayette Catholic School System.
4. "Lafayette Central Catholic – Team Home Lafayette Central Catholic Knights Sports".
5. "School Profile – Lafayette Central Catholic".
6. "Team list". roeing.com.
7. (May 1, 2019). "IHSAA State Championships by School".
8. Richardson, Mylene. (2023). "The Legend of Tessie Agana: Beloved Child Star of the Philippines".