Central Catholic Named Best Toledo-Area High School for Athletes

Central Catholic has been named the best Toledo-area high school for athletes, according to a recent study by Niche.com.  Niche conducts studies on K-12 schools, colleges, graduate schools, scholarships, and places to live based on selected criteria.  It uses six factors to compile its rankings for athletics: parent/student surveys about sports (50%), school enrollment (20%), number of school championships (10%), number of sports offered (10%), boys' level of participation (5%), and girls' level of participation (5%).

“We understand that there is amazing value in our students being involved in extracurricular activities and are incredibly proud of this accomplishment,” said CCHS Head of School Kevin Parkins. “Their participation in these athletic teams helps form well-rounded disciples who are ready to transform the world!"

Added Fr. David Kidd, Priest Leader at Central Catholic, “We give glory to God through the gift of our bodies, and the character that is instilled in practice, our students have the opportunity to reveal during athletic competition. We are honored and humbled by this recognition, and grateful to our coaches who put in the hard work to inspire our students toward excellence.  Thanks be to God!"

Central Catholic has had 39 students earn athletic scholarships over the last three years, including to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Bowling Green State University, John Carroll University, Lafayette College, Michigan State University, and The University of Toledo.  The Fighting Irish compete in 20 varsity sports, along with freshman and junior varsity competition.

This honor comes on the heels of Central Catholic being named "Best Private School" by the Toledo City Paper and "Best Private High School" in The Blade Readers' Choice Awards earlier this year.

CCHS students who participate in athletics are students first and athletes second.  Student-athletes choose Central Catholic because of its outstanding, college-prep, Catholic education.

Here’s what some of our student-athletes have to say about athletics and academics at Central Catholic High School:

“This school is so special athletically not only because of the very nice facilities, but the student section and the people are what make the games so special to play in.  Teachers form great relationships with their students and are willing to help them before school starts and after school. The teachers are always willing to sit down and talk, even if it's not about school.” 
- Brian Bishop, junior soccer and baseball player, honor roll student 

“Central Catholic High School is so special to me athletically because of its tradition of excellence and spirit.  Not only are we the reigning Student Section of the Year, but  graduates and family members are the greatest supporting cast when you succeed, and even when you fail.  There is no other high school in the area with the atmosphere we have for our games and events. 

“Central Catholic is special academically because of the help students receive from staff and teachers inside and outside of the classroom.  Teachers work hard to make sure every student understands material, and some even stay until 9:00 p.m. many nights to help with homework.  You can't find teachers and staff at other schools that care more about their students than here at Central Catholic.” 
- Winston Delp, junior football, basketball, and baseball player, honor roll student

“Every team has a drive and will to succeed.  When you’re on a team, you become closer to those people and that team becomes like a second family.  No matter what happens, win or lose, the whole school is always supportive of every team.  And there isn’t a teacher in this building that wouldn’t give up their own time to help you if you’re struggling.  Some teachers even stay after school and wait for the people who play a sport to get out of practice so that they can help them with homework if they need it.”
- Sam Lee, senior football and basketball player, honor roll student

“CCHS is so special because so many of our finest athletes play and succeed in multiple sports.  The athletic programs are among the best because Central Catholic students are taught to put 100% effort into everything we do.  If you walk into any sport's team practice or game, you will see all the student athletes giving 100% of themselves and constantly encouraging their teammates to do the same.  The results of that are always shown on the field and the court. 

“This place is so special academically because academics truly come first.  My coach is constantly asking about my grades, and many sports teams hold study groups.  The academics at CCHS challenge me to think critically and give 100% of myself into learning and my studies outside of school.  The teachers want me to succeed and will do anything to make sure that happens.”
- Isabella Spinazze, senior tennis player, honor roll student

In addition to being recognized the best Toledo-area high school for athletes, Central Catholic is ranked #13 of 996 schools for Best High Schools for Athletes in Ohio and #14 of 215 for Most Diverse Private High School in the state, according to Niche.

According to its website, Niche is the market leader in connecting colleges and schools with students and families. With in-depth profiles on every school and college in America, over 140 million reviews and ratings, and powerful search and data tools, Niche helps millions of students and families find and enroll in the right school for them. For schools, school districts, and communities, Niche’s platform, data, and services help thousands of schools recruit and enroll more best-fit students.

Data sources for the Niche study included the US Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, and the Civil Rights Data Collection, along with student and parent surveys.