Irish Insights

Introducing: Tales from our schools

As we usher in another school year across the archdiocese, where impressive work continues to stand out, the Sooner Catholic is committed to shining a light on the good that’s going on in our schools, debuting with this issue a new regular feature: on-site student reporters at our Catholic high schools.

Emma Bowman, a senior at Mount Saint Mary, will write “Moments at the Mount.” Katherine Menz, a junior at Bishop McGuinness, is authoring “Irish Insights.” We are currently seeking a writer at Cristo Rey.

This reporting from those in the throes of high school life will surely be of interest to current students, alums and supporters.

- John Helsley



Irish Insights

A new start …
So far, the start of the school year has been busy to say the least, and based on the morning announcements, it's going to stay that way. 

The class of 2028 started their high school careers off with a splash at the Mean Green fling! The newcomers were split into small groups to get to know each other. They played icebreaker games, ate dinner and enjoyed water slides on the football field.

On the first day of school, seniors greeted freshmen girls with a rose and asked freshmen boys to kiss their mommas goodbye during drop-off.

I know that I wasn't the only one surprised at seeing the new wing of the school building, but I can’t say that my classmates were as shocked by the blinding white light coming from inside the new hall in contrast to the mellow tan of the rest of the school. 

Hello, and Welcome!
Among the shining new faces on campus this year, are five new teachers, a freshman counselor and additions to the advancement team, not to mention Father Rick Stansberry as the school’s new president.

Also in his new role, Andrew Worthington is starting off his first year as principal. I know that I, along with the rest of the school, will miss Mr. Morton, but we wish him luck in retirement. 

Mary at McGuinness
Even with our busy schedules, we can still find moments of peace, like during Father Rick’s first school Mass as president when the whole school celebrated The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

After six years of seminary, 2018 alumnus Rendon Chambers returned to Bishop McGuinness for the celebration.

Heads Up
As construction on 50th and Western continues, it becomes increasingly difficult for some students to avoid the traffic heavy areas.

Finally, some new smells have been coming from the cafeteria, and I've heard rumors of Pho being added to the menu … 
 
Irish Athletics busy
Both the boys and girls cross country teams spent the weekend on retreat at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Camp where they let loose with team bonding games, relaxed in the pool and had their time trial. 

With a new coaching staff and majority junior and sophomore varsity team, the softball team went 4-2 for their overall record and 4-1 in the El Reno Festival tournament. The team won its Aug. 13 District game against Classen SAS, but fell to Harah in the Aug. 19 district game.
With the start of football season approaching, Coach Ryan Stringer is hopeful for the team’s upcoming Aug. 30 game.

“The guys are confident going into the season,” Stringer said. “They finished the season strong last year and had a great spring and summer. They know the challenges ahead of them, but they have really come together, and they are looking forward to the season.”

Things to look forward to …

●    Irish Volleyball
○    9/3 vs. Enid, 4, 5, 6 p.m. 
○    9/6 at Edmond Santa Fe Tournament TBD
○    9/7 at Edmond Santa Fe Tournament TBD
○    9/10 vs. Storm, 4, 5, 6 p.m.
○    9/12 vs. Bixby, 4, 5, 6 p.m.
●    Irish Softball
○    9/3 at Perkins Tryon, 5 p.m. 
○    9/5 at Bethany Tournament, TBD
○    9/6 at Bishop Kelley, 5 p.m.
○    9/7 at Bethany Tournament, TBD
○    9/10 vs. Harrah, 5 p.m.
○    9/12 vs. Putnam City, 5 p.m.
●    Irish Football
○    9/6 at Bishop Kelley, 7 p.m.
○    9/14 at Bishop Lynch, 7 p.m.
●    Irish Cross Country 
○    9/7 at Moore Meet, 8 a.m.


Photo: (Above) Freshmen girls accept roses from seniors as a welcome to the first day of school. Photo Peyton Matteson.

Bellah Foster, AceLynn Tucker and Emma Meiseman at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Camp cross country retreat. Photo Anna LaForge.


As Construction continues on 50th and Western, students must find ways to avoid morning traffic on the way to school. Photo Kate Menz/Sooner Catholic.


Freshman Luke Maschmeier kisses his mother goodbye on the first day of school. Photo Peyton Matteson.