Type Private, Coeducational Established 1857 Mascot Fighting Irish Colors White, Green | Religious affiliation(s) Roman Catholic Phone +1 740-676-4932 Founded 1857 | |
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Motto "Strong Tradition - Bright Future" as of 2011. Patron saint(s) Saint John the Evangelist Oversight Roman Catholic Diocese of Steubenville Address 3625 Guernsey St, Bellaire, OH 43906, USA | ||
St. John Central High School is a private, Catholic high school in Bellaire, Ohio. It is a part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Steubenville. Their nickname is the Fighting Irish. They also have a symbol of an eagle. They are members of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference.
Contents
Ohio High School Athletic Association State Championships
Cross Country
The St. John men's Cross Country team has won seven consecutive OVAC class A/AA titles (2003 to 2009) under the guidance of head coach Jeremy Midei. During that period they have won the over-all OVAC title six times (2007: 2nd to eventual WV Large School State Champions Wheeling Park). The team has also won the past four OHSAA division III eastern district titles, and OHSAA division III Central Regional titles, as well as capturing the 2008 OHSAA division III state title which is the latest major accomplishment of the school.
Football
The Fighting Irish have won the OVAC Championship a number of times in their storied football history, most recently in 2001. That year, under the leadership of head-coach Steve Daley, the Irish compiled an 8-2 record, including a 20-13 victory over defending West Virginia State Champion Wheeling Central and a victory over OVAC class rival Toronto that clinched the championship. Despite this feat, the Fighting Irish missed the state playoffs by .10 of a point. Many players received post-season honors, including 3rd team all-state running back Joey Vavra (1,000+ yards rushing) and 1st team all-state Linebacker Scott Gretchen. Gretchen would receive some D-1 interest the following year for his hard-nosed play and love for the game. The Irish had many failing seasons to follow. They were brought success in 2012 by Jason Merryman. In 2013, the Irish, under Jeff Paolina, finished 0-10. Jose Davis became the head coach in 2014 and resigned after a short stint with the Irish after being 7-11 in two years. The Irish are now coached by Gary Krol and have no team for the 2016 season.