Chatard Trojans Own the Dome!

Back when the football stadium in Indy was known as the Hoosier Dome, the Bishop Chatard Trojans won the inaugural high school championship. The year was 1984. It was my junior year.

The last 23 years brought about a name change to the dome, a class change for Chatard from 2A to 3A, and several inches to my waistline. But the glory of Chatard football remains.

The Trojan football team now shares the distinction with only one other team as having the most state championships--NINE!!!
I witnessed the first two of those during my sophmore and junior years at Chatard. Though I didn't play high school football, I was a proud member of the squad's 12th man.

The 1984 game was most memorable for its location, the sparkling new gem on the Indianapolis skyline, the $82 million Hoosier Dome. With memories of that game on my mind, I returned to the dome for this year's championship game. I wasn't disappointed. Save for a late fumble, the Trojans would have shut out South Bend's St. Joseph. It was total domination from the first whistle.

I had to be there to witness the last high school football championship to be played in the famed dome. Next year, retractable-roofed Lucas Oil Stadium becomes the shining new gem on Indy's skyline and the dome will be razed. The memories, however, will live on. I'm just thankful that Chatard was able to begin a legacy there in 1984 that lives on today.

Congrats to the Trojans, state champions for the ninth time, an Indiana High School Athletic Association record!

Photo credit: Joe Vitti, The Indianapolis Star, 2007

25-Year Reunion? Anyone?

I know we're still 3+ years away from 2011, but anyone interested in organizing the 25-year reunion should contact the Chatard Alumni Office by e-mail or phone, (317) 251-1451 Ext. 2247. Kelly Jennings will provide assistance and support. And from our experience, the earlier you get started the better. I'm sure you could talk some of the previous committee members into helping out (your's included). And if you want to use this blog and the Chatard86@yahoo.com e-mail address to help get the word out, let us know.

Okay, part of the reason I had to post something was to get that goofy picture of Quinn off the top. You can thank me later.

Hope to see everyone in 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

There are a ton of pictures yet to upload from the reunion, the most recent of which came to us from Angie Froehlich out in California (including the classic shot of Quinn, above). Thank you, Angie!

From your Chatard86 Reunion Committee to you...HAPPY NEW YEAR! Our resolution...ok, my resolution...is to get more of these photos uploaded for all to see.

Also, if you have classmate info--e-mail, phone, address--be sure to forward that info to us. We'll share it only with Chatard's Alumni Office and each other. No spam, we promise!