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Heelan celebrates 'original Crusaders'
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September 16, 2024On Oct. 24, Sioux City Bishop Heelan High School will host the second Bishop Heelan Legacy Gala at the Warrior Hotel. At last year's event, the school honored Bishop R. Walker Nickless with the first Legacy Lifetime Advantage Award. This fall’s gala will honor the first graduating class of Heelan, the class of 1950.
When “Catholic High” opened its doors in the fall of 1949, it united the schools of Trinity all boy’s school and Cathedral all girl’s school. At the end of the school year, on May 7, Catholic High would acquire its permanent namesake in honor of Bishop Edmond Heelan. Imagine the excitement of those students, some who were entering their senior year and were merging schools.
"When we walked into the new school to begin the academic year, the painters were still painting the hallway as we began classes. I want to remind the Crusaders to always make Catholic education a priority, allowing it to prepare you for what ever God wants for your life," said Mary Ann Skamulis Kukula '50.
A year of “firsts” would ensue. First “sock hops”, first dates, first games, first co-ed homecoming. This class of 142 (69 girls and 73 boys) would set the stage for Heelan for the next 75 years.
The principal was Msgr. Eugene Kevane, a man who is widely respected as a great leader in Heelan’s history. The faculty was primarily comprised of priests and religious sisters so students would now have both male and female instructors, which according to Bob Rehal ’50 really made a difference.
"Sister Marjorie was a phenomenal instructor who had a tremendous impact on by life,” recalled Rehal.
The first homecoming would crown Mary Lou Engel and James Murray as the king and queen. Many co-ed clubs were formed. The first yearbook was created and would become known as the “Shield”, the name it still holds today.
Over half of the student body was involved in chorus or band as well. The “Crusader Club” was the athletic fundraising group. Like today’s Gold Club, financial support for these teams was critical in 1950 as well.
Ed Simonich was the athletic director, football, basketball and track coach. Simonich, who was a football All- American at The University of Notre Dame, is credited with the infamous Heelan CH intertwined logo, mimicking the idea from ND. The “Catholic High” football Crusaders were the Siouxland prep champions in the fall of ’49.
First team all- city performers were “Doc” Kinney, Jim Lantis and Vince Rago. Two big “first” wins were vs East High, 32-0 and Sioux City Central, 43-6. The boys basketball team also had a successful first season, including two wins over new rival East High. Bob Curry and Walt Wagner were all-city, while longtime Crusader supporter Dave “ball hawk” Sabag was second.
The baseball had a great season and first career no hitter from senior Don Cimpl. The lady Crusaders would also be champions of the girl’s city recreation league,
Looking back, Phil Neri, ’50 remembers that the school wasn’t even finished when the fall semester began.
“We adjusted pretty well. The nice thing though was EVERYTHING was new.” As Bob recalls, “we were all excited to be going to school with girls. Of course, that meant us boys had to clean up our act a lot!”
While these “original Crusaders” only shared their senior year together as one, they have grown closer through the last 75. “We held reunions every five years until just recently and seemed to grow closer with each one. We always had good attendance and I think it is because everyone cared so much for one another.” said Neri.
These friends helped shape the culture and spirit of Heelan, leaving their mark on its early traditions and paving the way for future generations. Their legacy is forever woven into the school’s history, a common bond that time can never erase.
All are invited to celebrate this amazing class on Oct. 24 at the Warrior Hotel. Click here for more information.
