Places of Pius X High School
The places & the honored people found on the campus of Pius X
The places listed below were featured in recent issues of Pius Connections.
Aldrich Field & O'Boyle Track
Coach Vince Aldrich began the Pius X football program in 1956 as part of the original staff of Pius X and served in the capacity of head coach until his death in 1985, finishing his career with five state championships in 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, and 1978.
Coach George O’Boyle is a long-time coach of Track & Field and Cross Country at Pius X High School. He joined the Pius X faculty in 1968. After 17 years as a PE and health teacher, O’Boyle became Athletic Director, serving in that capacity for 25 years.
Bishop Flavin Gym
The ‘new’ gym of Pius X High School is named after Bishop Glennon P. Flavin. The gym is home to many sporting events, practices, PE classes, science fairs, job fairs, open houses, and All School Masses.
From the Diocese of Lincoln website: “During his tenure, he inspired faithful adherence to Church teaching, raised up many vocations to the priesthood and religious life, kept Catholic education affordable for families, and accomplished much more between his installation in August 1967 and his retirement 25 years later … Many faithful Catholics who knew Bishop Flavin can recall his simple but firm faithfulness to the Catholic Faith, and his succinct way of helping others maintain a healthy perspective.
He is often quoted as saying, “Pray like everything depends on God, and work like everything depends on us.”
Monsignor Mitchell M. Kaczmarek Chapel
The Monsignor Mitchell M. Kaczmarek Chapel houses more than 100 people for Mass, adoration and retreats. The chapel was built as part of the Continuing the Commitment Campaign (which also included a practice gymnasium, computer center, administrative and business offices and two classrooms) in the late 1980s.
From the St. Teresa church website: “Father Mitchell Kaczmarek was ordained on April 30, 1935. He was appointed administrator of St. Teresa Parish in late 1936 and was named pastor on September 10, 1938 taking charge of a small parish with a huge debt. With youthful energy, enthusiasm, and good rapport with the congregation, the pastor and parishioners gradually rescued the parish from the verge of bankruptcy.”
Msgr. James D. Dawson Learning Center
Msgr. James D. Dawson was a superintendent of Pius X High School, and long-time supporter of Catholic Education in the Lincoln Diocese. During his time as superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Lincoln, he oversaw the addition of several new schools, including North American Martyrs, St. Joseph, St. Peter, and Villa Marie School (a boarding school for children with disabilities).
Msgr. Ivan Vap Industrial Arts Center
Msgr. Ivan Vap was the first industrial arts teacher at the school, and eventually became the school superintendent for 17 years from 1964 to 1981. He used his woodworking skills to serve Pius X High School for many years and in a variety of capacities. He designed and built the first altar, the original wooden bleachers at the football field, built cabinets and bookshelves and maintained the HVAC system. Msgr. Vap is also credited with giving Pius X High School its mascot after watching a powerful fall thunderstorm while driving to a football game.
Raymond & Rachel Jensen Learning Center
Raymond and Rachel Jensen were the parents of two Pius X graduates, Dale ’68 and Ross ’70 Jensen. Raymond served as a treasurer for the Thunderbolt Club and Rachel helped Msgr. Liam Barr with starting the campaign for the Pius X endowment. The Learning Center was a part of the Embrace the Future campaign in 1993. Dale’s lead gift in the campaign ensured its success.
Dr. Herb and Ginny Reese Science Lab
& Harold and Eileen
LeGrande Science Lab
Dr. Herb and Ginny Reese were dedicated to the Catholic Church and Catholic education. Dr. Reese practiced Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and was a founding member of the Nebraska Heart Association. He was the recipient of the John Finegan Award for dedication and support of Health Education, and the Jack Elliot Award, UN Medical Center. He held many positions, appointments and received honors including past chief of staff at Bryan Memorial Hospital. Together, Herb and Ginny had eight children; three graduated from Pius X High School.
Harold and Eileen LeGrande are the parents of four Pius X graduates: Jolene Ward ’80, Karen Largen ’81, Julie LeGrande ’84, and Tammy Roza ’87. A gift from the LeGrande family during the Tradition of Faith campaign made this space possible.
Press box honoring Matt Grosserode
Matt Grosserode ’00 was a standout football player and member of the track team. After graduating from Pius X, Matt went on to play football at Iowa State University, earning Academic All Big 12 Honors. Matt lived his life being faithful to God, loving to his family and loyal to his friends. The Grosserode family gifted Pius X the press box in memory of Matt and it was dedicated on August 19, 2005.
Pearle Francis Finigan Band Room
The Pearle Francis Finigan Foundation, one of the most generous benefactors for the arts at Pius X and throughout our community, is among the first to join us in our vision to expand and enhance the Pius X Arts facilities.
St. Elizabeth Student Health Center
The newest ‘named’ area of Pius X, the student health center is part of the addition currently being built. When opened this spring, facilities will include nurse’s office for treating students, work area for storing medical supplies and student medication, and beds and seating area for students who are ill or injured. Below is the floor plan for the entire addition, due to be finished around March 1, 2024.
The 'Places' of Pius X's Future
Stadium locker rooms and a new performing arts center are a few of the main components being considered for a capital campaign in the near future. (Conceptual Designs)
