The Irish Football Team plays their first home game of the season against Brownsburg at Marian University on Friday, August 30th. Kickoff is at 7:00pm and the theme for the game is JERSEYS. This week’s game is not just a Football game, but a Senior Celebration as the football team and the cheerleaders will celebrate the Class of 2025.
The beloved “Senior Night” is coming up for the Cathedral Irish Football team. Senior Night is a Cathedral tradition for each sport/activity to celebrate the Seniors that participate in said activity. Traditionally, these times are used to highlight the overall dedication each senior has given to the sport/activity.
On Friday, the players will warm up while the parents line up near the field. Each senior and their parents will be announced as they walk across the field. Players receive a small gift and a flower goes to the parents. They will shake the coaches hand and get their picture taken by Lacy Nix, Cathedral’s go-to photographer. After the festivities are over, it is game time.
Mrs. Jennifer Neale, Cathedral English Teacher and Football mom said, “This is a special Senior Night honoring my son Nicky as it wraps up watching all 3 of my sons play in the Cathedral football program. I am so proud of all of the work that he has put in and all of the successes he has found while playing football on the Hill.”
Jack Gause ‘25, senior captain of the team said, “Senior Night is special to me because it signifies my last year playing football in a Cathedral jersey.” Senior night for most players is the start of the end. Each player cherishes their last year on the Hill and Senior Night adds to the tradition.
Not only is Senior Night a time to highlight the accomplishments of the players, but also the accomplishments and dedication of the parents. Mr. Bill Peebles ’88, Head Football coach and Admission Liaison says, “I returned to Cathedral because Cathedral is all about family. Senior nights are celebrations of the families that are committed to Cathedral and the sacrifices they made to send them there. Senior night is a night to celebrate not only the player but the family.”
Gause added by saying, “Senior night is a time to highlight the endless sacrifices our parents have made for us and our athletic careers.”
Mr. Dave Neeson, Director of Campus Ministry and Assistant Football Coach spoke on the tradition saying, “Cathedral as an institution and athletic programs are different from other schools because oftentimes student athletes do not get the opportunity to highlight their ability until senior year. So senior night is important in showing gratitude and appreciation for all the unseen hours of sacrifice and dedication each senior has given to the programs. allowing them the applause and recognition with their family by their side.”
