History Highlights of West Catholic High School
1944
Foundation of West Catholic High School is established as the “Annex” at the Basilica of St. Adalbert.
1960
Land at Bristol, north of Richmond NW, is purchased to establish West Catholic High School.
Faculty members, early years
1962
Bishop Babcock blesses the new West Catholic buildings on Sept. 30. Classes begin in new facilities. Fr. Joseph Murphy is principal.
1981
Total number of alumni from West Catholic is 5,160.
Ed Wagner, principal, 1979-1991
1997
New baseball, softball, practice football facilities and rubberized track completed through funding from Project Falcon.
Pre-engineering class
2001-02
Learning center, computer stations and new science labs completed.
Falcon Stadium
2003
Falcon Football stadium is constructed “The West Way” with volunteer workers and financed by Falcon Boosters and the WIN Committee.
2006
A city-wide parade, sculpture exhibition, alumni art exhibit, Mass and CC/WC tailgate party and football game mark 100 years of Catholic school education in Grand Rapids. Fr. R. Louis Stasker appointed Pastor/President.
2007
West Catholic is named one of Top 50 Catholic Highs Schools by Acton Institute for the first time, an honor to be repeated every year since.
2008
Completion and dedication of one of the first LEED-certified gymnasiums in West Michigan. New Gymnasium
2010
West Catholic wins its first ever MSHAA state championship in Div. 5 football with a 42-26 win over Olivet at Ford Field in Detroit.
State Champs, 2010
2011
A committee of alumni and CSS staff kicks off the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Campaign.