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Football kicks off at St. John of the Cross
Jimmy Hanson splits two Sacred Heart defenders, Kevin Huff and Matt Caper, as he heads upfield for a first down during the first ever football game for St. John of the Cross. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: October 7, 2012 6:24AM
WESTERN SPRINGS — St. John of the Cross held its first home football game for its new football team, and the effort brought out 1/3 of the eligible students as players or cheerleaders.
Some parents and members of the school’s athletic association approached the school’s advisory board suggesting there was interest, and that led to a football exploratory committee, said Jennifer Miller, director of advancement. A committee was formed to investigate.
“Ultimately they felt it would create school spirit,” Miller said.
What makes the advent of football so special is the school just started its 51st year in the community. They joined the Suburban Parochial League.
“This is the league that provides opportunity for kids fifth to eighth grade to play football,” Miller said.
The no-cut team is coached by parent and staff volunteers, and brought out 166 students between the team and the cheerleaders. The preschool through eighth-great enrollment at St. John of the Cross is 650 students.
