December 1, 2025 | Issue 2 | | |
Dear Cougar Family,
We hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving and wish you a joyful Christmas season. May this time be filled with peace, gratitude, and blessings for you and your loved ones.
With Cougar Pride,
The Advancement Department
Gross Catholic High School
advancement@gcgmail.org
| | Giving Tuesday- A Reflection of Pride, Spirit and Excellence | | |
Alumna and artist Julie Schram ’74 has generously volunteered her time and talent to create a stunning stained-glass piece that will be incorporated into the windows of the Media Center. The artwork, crafted with vibrant colors and attention to special detail, will be visible both from inside the Media Center and from the main entrance as you drive onto campus.
While Ms. Schram is graciously donating her artistry, we are seeking support to cover the cost of materials. This Giving Tuesday, please consider making a contribution toward this special project as we continue to reflect the beauty, spirit, and generosity that define Gross Catholic. Our goal of $4,000 is within reach, and together, we can make it happen. Any gifts received beyond that amount will be directed to the Dux Esto Annual Fund, strengthening and supporting every program and every student at Gross Catholic. Thank you for making a difference and for being part of our vibrant community.
“Beautifying Gross Catholic is more than enhancing our campus- it's a principle tenant of our strategic plan and more importantly, a reflection of the pride, spirit, and excellence which defines our mission and our community. A beautiful environment inspires beautiful learning.”
—Stephen P. Eubanks, President
The stained-glass artwork will celebrate our House System, a cherished Gross Catholic tradition that strengthens the family spirit at the heart of who we are as Cougars. Our Houses honor four Marianists who faithfully served our school:
- Barrett House – Brother Joe Barrett
- McMenamy House – Father Al McMenamy
- Middleton House – Brother Rich Middleton
- Willett House – Brother Leo Willett
| | Christmas with the Cougars | | The Advancement Department was pleased to host our generous donors and members of the Dux Esto Society. The reception was held in the Commons, where guests enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres and beverages, an address from President Steve Eubanks, a Robotics demonstration led by students and Mr. Steve Hammersky, and a performance by the choir and Latino band led by Mr. Romero. It was a lovely evening and a meaningful opportunity to express our deep appreciation to those who care so deeply about Gross Catholic. | |
Student Food Drive
Thank you all for the support from this year's food drive! It was a GREAT success! Our school brought in over 2,400 items for the Bellevue Food Pantry.
Congratulations to the Sophomore Class for donating the most items and earning a free dress down day.
| | Congratulations to the newest members of the National Honor Society! Your dedication to scholarship, leadership, service, and character inspires our entire community. Keep shining! | | 2001 Alumnus Mike Brown Named 2025 International League's Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year | | |
Minor League Baseball has recognized Omaha Storm Chasers Coordinator of Clubhouse Operations Mike Brown as the International League’s Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year for 2025.
Brown, now in his 19th year with Omaha and seventh in his current role, has served the organization in nearly every clubhouse position since 1998. Storm Chasers President Martie Cordaro praised Brown’s dedication, player-first approach, and steady leadership.
Brown expressed gratitude for the honor, crediting his clubhouse staff and the Royals organization for their support. Since Brown took over in 2019, the Storm Chasers have managed 269 players, 1,151 roster moves, and 58 different hat and jersey designs. He is the first clubhouse manager in franchise history to receive a league award.
Congratualtions to Mike!
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Football
The Gross Catholic Football team finished the season with a 6–4 record. They advanced to the 1st Round of the NSAA State Football Playoffs., where they ultimately fell to Syracuse. The Cougars graduated 14 Seniors and finished the year as District Runner Up.
The Cougar Reserve / JV Team finished the season with a 7-1 record.
Senior Robbie Brennan rushed for 1,224 yards offensively and Senior Danny Cogswell and Junior Brady Shepoka led the team in tackles defensively.
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Cross Country
The Gross Catholic cross country program congratulates senior Amalia Doty, who placed 6th at the NSAA Class B State Meet with a personal best of 19:04. At the River Cities Conference meet, 15 of 17 student athletes ran a personal best. Congratulations to all our Cougars on a great season of hard work, perseverance, and building character!
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Volleyball
The Cougar Volleyball Program continues to grow in numbers and talent! Sophomore, Adara Fowlkes, and Senior, Sienna Miller, lead the team in kills. Senior Setter, Mariah Dutcher, lead the team in aces and digs, while combining 609 set assists.
Varsity finished the season with an 18-14 record, graduating 5 Seniors. Junior Varsity ended 15-6 and Reserve 18-6.
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Girl's Golf
Congratulations to the girls golf team. As a team their scoring average improved all season long. Individual best were recorded. They represented the school and themselves with their Catholic identity and sportsmanship. Thanks to the coaches and cougar family for their support.
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Boys Tennis
The boys tennis team finished the season with an 8-6 dual record and a third place finish in the conference tournament.
We also had five of the nine players receive all academic conference awards. Two also received state academic honors.
Congratulations on an excellent season, gentlemen!
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Softball
The Cougar Softball team completed their fall season with a 13-14 record; winning the Omaha South tournament, finishing 2nd in the River Cities Conference Tournament, and tied for 3rd at Districts. A very strong "thank you" from the players & coaching staff to the backbone of our program -- our parents, family members, students & faculty... we couldn't do it without you. Season well done!
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Big Congratulations to Tessie Biros!
We’re so proud to announce that Tessie has officially signed to continue her academic and athletic career at Doane University, where she’ll be playing softball! Your hard work, dedication, and love for the game have paid off, and we can’t wait to see you succeed at the next level. Go Tigers!
| | Please keep Oliver Vilivaar, a Junior at Cornerstone Christian and member of the Gross Catholic baseball program. Ollie was recently diagnosed with cancer and has a very long road ahead of him. He’s currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy at Children’s Hospital as this cancer is rate and fast growing. Jeremiah 17:14 "Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed" | | Alumnus Will DeLaet ’23 needs our prayers and support. Over the summer, Will suffered a gymnastics-related accident that resulted in a C7 spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. His life has changed dramatically, and he will require an accessible vehicle, a power-assist wheelchair, adaptive bathroom equipment, and a home ramp or lift. Please keep Will and his family in your prayers during this challenging time. | | |
How can we pray for you?
Please send us the names of any members of our Cougar Family who need our prayers.
Email:
kpovondra@gcgmail.org
| | | Alumni Business Directory | | |
Do you own a business? Do you work at a business? Are you looking to grow your customer base? Last year, we started the Alumni Business Directory as a way to support our fellow Cougars with the services and products we need every day. Our alumni built the strong foundation of Gross Catholic and this is an opportunity to expand that foundation throughout the community.
*The Alumni Business Directory is on our website and is available to all members of the Cougar community and anyone that visits our site.
| | | Did you get married, have a baby, or have news you want to share? Please send us your latest news and photos so we can share them with your classmates and the Cougar Family. These will be featured in the next Dux Esto Magazine. Send information to kpovondra@gcgmail.org | | If your email, phone number, and/or physical address have changed, please contact us with your latest information. You can submit the update HERE! | | |
Gross Catholic High School
7700 South 43rd Street, Bellevue, NE 68147
402-734-2000
grosscatholic.org
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