September 7, 2022 | Issue #28

Alumni Spotlights

Bekka Reaser '16

“Elyria Catholic has been in my blood since the day I was born. My grandmother (Joan Reaser '52) was a part of the first graduating class to go all 4 years so she started at EC as a freshman the first year it opened.” 


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EC Welcomes Tim Cole '69

to the Monsignor Newton Legacy Society

Although Tim Cole ‘69 did not play football past his freshman year, he has remained a stalwart fan of the Elyria Catholic Panthers for over 50 years and is a member of the Quarterback Club. 




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Philanthropy & Engagement News

Elyria Catholic presents a new stadium Scoreboard!

Due to the generosity of Jack Matia ‘75, The Kelley Family (Dan ‘88, Natalie ‘88, Erin ‘08, Riana ‘18, and Bryan ‘25), and the Dan and Mila Reaser Family Foundation, Elyria Catholic celebrated the installation of a new scoreboard in Dan Reaser Stadium on August 19. The new Watchfire digital scoreboard was installed by Brady Signs and allows fans to enjoy EC spirited graphics and messaging including headshots of players when they score. Jack and Barbara Matia, the Kelley Family, and the Reaser family cut the ribbon on this new scoreboard prior to the Elyria Catholic Panthers v. Elyria Pioneers game. The Panthers delivered a 14-6 victory.

Please Support the Panther Fund on September 16!

On Friday, September 16, 2022, Elyria Catholic will celebrate its third annual Founders’ Day and fifth annual 24-hour Giving Day to support the Panther Fund. Traditionally celebrated on September 17, which will be the 75th Anniversary of the first day of school for Elyria District Catholic High School, these two events are being held one day earlier in order to celebrate with our students on Friday and host EC’s 33rd Annual Golf Classic on Saturday, September 17.

Please Share Your 75-Second Story


Beginning on September 16 and throughout the year, EC will celebrate its 75th Anniversary by sharing 75-Second EC Stories from our alumni, students, parents, current and former faculty, and friends. Would you like to share your 75-Second EC Story? Please film your story with your phone held horizontally and email your submission to hoffman@elyriacatholic.com.

Elyria Catholic needs new homestand bleachers!  Two ways to help


Out of an abundance of caution, EC is not allowing fans into the homestand bleachers this year and has been making plans to replace them. EC needs to find 73 more donors to become Yard Line Sponsors for $5000.

Ms. Judy Gill, grandparent of Frank '19, Christopher ‘22, and Andrew ‘24, made her yard line donation two weeks ago in the hopes the new bleachers will be installed prior to the 2023 fall season. Yes, we can do this EC Community! Gifts of any size are appreciated and make a difference.


Please contact

President Annie Heidersbach at heidersbach@elyriacatholic.com if you would like to help or visit www.elyriacatholic.com/gameon 

Fill our Stands!

Fill our stands and support Phase 3 of the Game On! Campaign to replace our bleachers. Purchase a 2'x3' rectangular fathead poster that will be randomly placed in the traditionally-known home bleachers this season. Purchase fathead poster HERE!



Class of 2022 Graduate

Hatted King!


Christopher Krupka '22 received a special honor at this year's Lorain County Fair. Congratulations to Chris on being "hatted" King! We have enjoyed you sharing your experiences at the fair and in 4-H over the past four years. Best wishes to you as you continue to learn and explore new ways to help your community.


Read more about Chris in the Chronicle Telegram here...

Coming Events

Check Out Our 75th Anniversary Calendar of Events

Please visit www.elyriacatholic.com/ec75 or click above!

Join the Panther Tour

in Chicago!

All alumni are invited to join the 75th Anniversary Panther Tour in Chicago! Meet President Annie Heidersbach for cocktails and appetizers on Tuesday, September 20, at 6pm at Seasons 52 in Oak Brook, IL. Please RSVP to Michelle Hoffman at hoffman@elyriacatholic.com or 440. 230.8618 if you would like to attend. Our next stop will be Cincinnati, OH

Please contact Annie Heidersbach at heidersbach@elyriacatholic.com  

if you would like to bring the Panther Tour to your city!

The Class of 1965 is Invited to Celebrate Their 75th Birthday at Elyria Catholic


On Friday, September 16, 2022, when Elyria Catholic celebrates Founders’ Day, KC the Panther will be blowing out the candles on a cake to celebrate Elyria Catholic’s 75 years. All members of the Class of 1965, also celebrating their 75th birthday this year, are invited to join us for lunch and this joyful celebration. 


  • 12:00pm - Lunch
  • 1:00pm - Tour of the School
  • 2:15pm - Blowout Celebration with KC the Panther and our students


Please RSVP to Michelle Hoffman at hoffman@elyriacatholic.com or 440 230 8618 if you would like to attend.

All Alumni are Invited to EC’s Homecoming Celebration!


All alumni are invited to join us on Friday, September 30, for homecoming. Events include a tour of the school, appetizers in our cafeteria/coliseum, and an opportunity to walk the track prior to the game representing your class year. If you would like to join us for any of these complimentary special activities, you must RSVP to Landyn Gerace, Alumni Engagement & Event Coordinator at gerace@elyriacatholic.com so we can plan for your visit.Tickets to the homecoming game, Elyria Catholic Panthers v. Westlake Demons must be purchased at www.ecathletics.org.

Help us Plan for Cheers to 75 Years, Paws to Celebrate, on Saturday, April 22


The next committee meeting to plan for our 75th Anniversary celebration will be held on Monday, September 26, at 6pm in the Food & Nutrition classroom. In addition to cocktails and appetizers, a family style dinner, a live and silent auction, and Pot of Gold sideboards, this event hopes to play an appropriate historical tribute to Elyria Catholic’s 75 years and celebrate the Sisters of Notre Dame.


The current planning committee includes many parents but is missing the many alumni who can help us execute the celebration of 75 years of history properly. Diane Andriano, faculty member, is gathering and organizing some of our archival materials for the school and the event. If you have anything you would like to give or loan us, please contact her at andriano@elyriacatholic.com. If you would like to join the event planning committee and contribute to any of our efforts, please contact Landyn Gerace, Alumni Engagement and Event Coordinator, at gerace@elyriacatholic.com. All proceeds from Cheers to 75 Years, Paws to Celebrate, will be designated to air conditioning to help Cool the Coliseum! 

Panther Fun

Trivia Questions from the 1950s

If you think you know the answers to many of these questions, please email your answers to Landyn Gerace, Alumni Engagement and Event Coordinator, at gerace@elyriacatholic.com by Friday, September 9.


You will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to the Fall play, Alice in Wonderland. Nov. 16, 18 or 19.

  1. How many students were in the first graduating class of 1950?  
  2. What was the theme of the 1952 Christmas Formal Dance? 
  3. Who was the principal of EC in 1950?
  4. Who was the Panther Basketball coach in 1958?
  5. Who was Prom Queen in 1952?
  6. Who was the President of the Class of 1958? 
  7. What was the final score of the 1956 Elyria Catholic v. St. John Cantius football game? 
  8. What were the "class colors" of the Class of 1955?

In Loving Memory

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