By Cody Cutter, NISB Publisher
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Addison Driscoll, a high school noted for its athletic successes, most notably in football, will close its doors after this school year.
The announcement was made today by the Christian Brothers of the Midwest, in conjunction with the Joliet Diocese. Reviews of enrollment and financial projections for the upcoming school years led to the decision. The school has seen an enrollment decline in recent years, as well as financial problems reflective of most Chicago Archdiocese institutions.
Located at 555 N. Lombard Road in Addison, Driscoll Catholic opened in 1966 under the administration of Bishop Martin McNamara of the Joliet Diocese. The first class graduated in 1970 and over 5,000 students have attended the school, according to the school�s web site.
The Highlander�s athletic program is one of the strongest of the small upstate schools. The football program became one of the state�s most noted dynasties this decade. Driscoll's football team won seven consecutive state championships from 2001 to 2007. All of the titles came in Class 4A, with the exception of their Class 3A championship in 2004. This past football season marked the first time since 2000 the Highlanders did not win a state championship. They fell to Aurora Christian in the state quarterfinal.
Under the tutelages of Gene Nudo, Tim Racki and Mike Burzawa, the Highlanders have won eight state football titles.
Driscoll recently won a Class 2A championship in girls basketball in March. The Lady Highlanders went 34-1 under the direction of Steve McCuiston. They also won Class A state baseball championships in 1992, 1994 and 1997.
According to the release put out by the Christian Brothers, who have administered the school since 1985, efforts to relocate current students to other Joliet Diocese schools are underway. Other high schools in the Diocese include: Elmhurst Immaculate Conception, Joliet Catholic Academy, Kankakee McNamara, Lisle Benet, Lombard Montini, New Lenox Providence and Wheaton St. Francis. Immaculate Conception is the closest school to Driscoll, followed by Montini.
The school has a current enrollment of 376.
Additional information comes from Chicago Tribune Breaking News resources. |
