John Carroll Catholic High School

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This article is about the high school in Alabama. For the one in Fort Pierce, Florida see John Carroll High School.

John Carroll Catholic High School, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is one of six Catholic high schools serving the Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama.

Contents 1 Early History 2 2008 Soccer Team 3 Notable Alumni 4 External links

[edit] Early History

One of the first projects envisioned by Archbishop Thomas Joseph Toolen when he was assigned to the former Mobile-Birmingham Diocese in 1927 was the establishment of a Catholic high school in the Birmingham area. A Birmingham layman, Mr. John Carroll, at a testimonial dinner for the Archbishop, began an organization - The Friends of Catholic Education - to raise funds for a Catholic high school in Birmingham.

The construction of John Carroll Catholic High School on Highland Avenue began in November of 1946. Ten months later, on September 8, 1947, the main educational unit was opened. In 1951, the Bishop Toolen Center, located at the east end of the campus, was completed.

The Bishop Toolen Center housed the gymnasium-auditorium, physical educational facilities and the fine arts facilities. The cafeteria and bookstore were added in 1957, followed a year later by the addition of the east wing, which housed classroom facilities. In 1957 property on Montclair Road was cleared for athletics, including the field, running track and club house. Two years later, the second phase was completed, including the installation of bleachers, lights for the field, and a concession stand. In September 1981, the Activity Center, formerly the Benedictine Convent, was opened, which included a faculty facility, art room, and guidance offices.

[edit] 2008 Soccer Team

With one of the strongest teams JCCHS has ever seen, the 2008 Varsity Soccer Team took home the title that has been missing from JCCHS for 7 years, the 5A State Championship. After a strong start, the teams low point in the season was losing to 6A Champions Oak Mountain and Spain Park in two hotly contested matches. Their only two draws came against Altamont and Vestavia in which they played VHHS to a 4-4 tie in JCCHS's second game in 8 hours. Alex Kuklinski and Reed Matte each found the back of the net over 30 times for a 2nd year and Sophmores Dillon O'Hare and Corey Gonzalez each added over 10. Senior goalie-turned-forward Alex Piola scored a handful while his younger brother Nick took over goalkeeping with upwards of 15 shutouts.Andrew O'Connor, Mike Ciamarra, and Zac Campbell controlled the midfield all season and allowed chances for every single player to score a goal this season. Justin Bunn, Andre Davis, and John Eppenger secured a defense that was hands down the best in the state.

Zac Campbell scored two magnificent equalizers to allow John Carroll to stay alive in the finals while John Eppenger scored the go-ahead goal that sealed the victory. Nick Piola played an amazing game in goal making many crucial saves to prevent Briarwood from coming back. Alex Kuklinski was named Final 4 MVP after a hat-trick in the semi-finals against Brewer.

Alex Kuklinski, Reed Matte and Justin Bunn were named First Team All-Metro and All-State while Corey Gonzalez was named Second Team All-Metro. Alex Kuklinski was named Offensive MVP of the Lakeshore Shootout while Andre Davis was awarded overall MVP of the tournament.

[edit] Notable Alumni

• Pat Sullivan, Heisman Trophy winner, Auburn University (1971)
• Trace Armstrong, Pro Bowl football player (1984)
• Eric F. Wieschaus, Nobel Prize winner for Medicine (1995)
• Ronald Steele, University of Alabama 06-07 Preseason AP All-American
• Andrew Steele, University of Alabama
• David DiPiazza, State Champion as player 1994, as head coach 2008
• Alex Piola,#1 State Champion 2008
• Justin Bunn,#2 State Champion 2008
• Garrett Mealer,#3 State Champion 2008
• Mark Slovensky,#4 State Champion 2008
• John Eppenger,#5 State Champion 2008
• Justin Matte,#6 State Champion 2008
• Michael Ciamarra,#7 State Champion 2008
• Corey Gonzalez,#8 State Champion 2008
• Reed Matte,#9 State Champion 2008
• Alex Kuklinski,#10 State Champion 2008
• Andrew O'Connor,#11 State Champion 2008
• Nick Piola,#12 State Champion 2008
• Frankie Romano,#13 State Champion 2008
• Jacob Booth,#14 State Champion 2008
• John White, Almost State Champ
• Andre Davis,#16 State Champion 2008
• Zack Wepfer,#17 State Champion 2008
• Matt Granato,#18 State Champion 2008
• Christian Getsinger,#19 State Champion 2008
• Dillon O'Hare,#20 State Champion 2008
• Brian Nunley,#21 State Champion 2008
• Zac Campbell,#22 State Champion 2008
• Chris Sledge,#23 State Champion 2008

[edit] External links

• John Carroll Catholic High School Official Page