Athletics

The Xavier Difference

Xavier Athletics emphasizes skill development, participation, versatility, teamwork, physical fitness, and above all, sportsmanship. Athletics are an integral part of our curriculum and play a significant role in shaping the character of our students. Our coaches promote goal setting, proper conditioning, and nutrition. The success of our program lies with the quality and dedication of our students and staff. Join us and become a part of the Hawks' athletic tradition.

Gene "Torchy" Clark

Xavier High School opened its doors for the first time in the fall of 1959, and a young man named Gene "Torchy" Clark became the first head coach for the football and basketball teams at the city's first Catholic high school. He also coached the boys tennis team and was the athletic director at the high school.

His legacy at Xaver quickly established a very strong and successful tradition of excellence that continues to make the high school widely respected in athletic circles.

Rocky Bleier Field

A special ceremony to dedicate Rocky Bleier Field on the Knights of Columbus Sports Complex at Xavier High School was held on October 12, 2007. A 1964 graduate of Xavier, Rocky went on to play at the University of Notre Dame and then for 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He sustained severe injuries serving his country in the Vietnam war. Bleier wrote a book of his struggle to recover from his war wounds called Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. It was made into a television movie in 1980. Rocky lives in Pittsburgh and is a motivational speaker.