'53-54
McBride, rated as a darkhorse in the league, lived up to predictions. Despite many injuries, the Micks struggled to a 6-2 record, losing only one league game. Bob Szdlowski was selected to the All-State team and Carlo Merlo and Ed McGrew were All-Prep picks.

Basketball fortunes remained slim as the team completed another year below .500, 9-12. Two final season league victories were the highlights of the year.

Student Council and Student Court worked hand in hand together. The Council planned and organized many activities, while the Court fastened a spirit of cooperation. Some of the activities were supervision of bus-loading, assemblies, pep rallies, and the sponsorship of Red Cross Membership Drives.

Receiving a special mention in the bulletin each day, the Glee Club became the best-known activity at McBride. The Club entertained at the Christmas Concert and the Spring Festival.

The soccer crew pulled together and claimed the Prep League championship for McBride.

'54-55
Classes, books and homework were put aside for three days as the Micks focused their attention on the annual retreat. Mass opened the day, followed by lectures, conferences, discussions, and a closing Benediction.

The success of the De-bate team was attributed to "Irish know how and will to win." The team tallied first place finishes in the S.L.U.H. and McBride Invitational tourneys. The team had no less than an en-viable 29 victories.

The Colonnade published a supplement edition. The McBriefs offered coverage of important news and announced activities which did not appear in the regular Colonnade.

All-C.A.C. first stringer Rufus Davis paced the Mick gridders to a 4-4-1 season.

The basketball and soccer teams each managed a .500 season finishing 9-9 and 4-4-2 respectively.

Student Government took on a new area of responsibility: cafeteria supervision became a student-run project for the first time.

'55-56
The football team fared well. An opening day 20-7 victory over Central, the eventual city champ, was the highlight of the season. McBride finished as runner-up in the C.A.C. on the strength of 88 points. Co-captain Rufus Davis claimed a berth on the all-district team.

The Debate team boasted twenty-three victories and three defeats, along with an opening tournament first place and a first place season finish among Catholic schools. The speech team had finalists in Extemperaneous (2), Original (1), and Humorous (1) speech. In the C.I.S.L., McBride was the school to beat.

The Colonnade gave birth to an expanded edition. With the additional space, the writers were able to produce new features such as: Time Out, Platter Chatter, Honor Roll, and Meet Your Faculty.

In other sports, McBride had a respectable year. Basketball finished 11-7, soccer 14-6-2. In an interesting post-season contest, the highly successful C-team basketball defeated the equally successful B-team 42-38.

Daily Communion was the initiation for three days of prayer and meditation as the school held Retreat in late October.

McBride music talents did not go untapped. The Dance, Concert and Intermediate Band together with the Chorus and Glee Club thrived on the abilities of those so inclined.

And, that springtime gala, the "Sweet Heart Prom," was held in spite of a paralyzing 6" snow.

'56-57
McBride asserted its athletic prowess by capturing two league crowns and one city championship. During the course of an 8-2 season, the football team went undefeated in league play. With the C.A.C. under their belts, the Irish met the Public League champs McKinley in the City Championship game. They triumphed by a score of 18-0. Phil Allen and Ken Thornesberry were-chosen for the All-State team. Thornesberry went on to be chosen as McBride's first All-American football player.

Five Micks journeyed to Cleveland to represent McBride at a Sodality Convention. The Sodality also volunteered their assistance in preparation for a week of Retreat in October.

Music interests remained at a high level. Four groups were active, the Dance Band, the Concert Band, the Varsity Band, and the Men's Chorus. A pep band was formed to perform at games and spur the Micks on.

The Colonnade with a staff of forty printed six editions. A new feature, the Alumni Column, was initiated, so as not to forget former Micks. Seniors gave way to underclassmen in the publication of the final edition.

Debaters and Speakers of McBride continued to be dominant figures in the area competition . In a rare acknowledgement of ability, Seneca Nolan was awarded a college scholarship for his speaking achievements.

The basketball team brought home the other C.A.C. crown. McBride rolled to a 23-5 season, one of the best ever. Along the way the team claimed a 3rd place in the Christmas Tourney, 1st in the DeAndreis Tournament, and a 2nd place in the State Regionals.

'57-58
The Major Learning Program was officially launched at McBride when the first class of A-Track freshmen entered in September of 1957. The Major Learning Program was in fact gradually phased in as each year a new class of A-Track students were admitted. Consequently, the entire school did not come under the new program until 1961.

Even before the Archdiocese of St. Louis adopted the three-track curriculum for all high schools in 1957, the plan had been formed to set aside McBride and Rosati-Kain exclusively for A-Track students, the purpose being to provide the greatest possible educational challenge for some of the top students. The previous year, Brother Edwin Goerdt, principal of McBride, had visited high schools of this type all over the country. Working in consultation with the School Office, the faculty of McBride planned and created the features of the new Major Learning Program. Certainly two of the key figures in planning the program were Brothers Edwin Goerdt and Albert Stein.

The Program was judged to be an outstanding success in its first year of operation. Needless to say, the liberal framework and academic quality of such a program complemented not only the McBride tradition of distinguished student government, but also that of outstanding athletic prowess. That same year the Varsity track team picked up its third consecutive CAC crown.

'58-59
In 1958, Brother Robert Godfrey assumed the position of principal, beginning the first of his nine years of enlightened administration. That same year, Mr. Bill Williams assumed the position of band director, attempting to rejuvenate the band program and instill a true professional quality in the McBride Concert Band. He and his successor, Brother Glennon Mertens, are largely given credit for the beginning of the tradition of the McBride Concert Band being one of the best high school bands in the St. Louis area.

The successes of the new one-year academic program were somewhat overshadowed by the sports scene. The Micks picked up C.A.C. co-championships in both varsity football and basketball, as well as their fourth consecutive C.A.C. championship in track.

'59-60
The 1959-60 school year must rank as one of the best years both academically and sports wise in recent McBride history. Largely the concept of Brother Godfrey, the system of Honors and Advanced Placement college credit courses were incorporated into the Major Learning Program. Brother Godfrey did indeed give a different emphasis to the term "Major Learning." The Honors and AP courses represented on the high school level, the kind of specialized elective-type education present in colleges and universities. Originally, two out of the five entering freshmen homerooms were designated "Honor" classes. The AP program originally included instruction in English, European History, and Calculus. Chemistry was added the following year, American History two years after that, and in 1970 McBride began to offer instruction in AP Spanish and French.

Brother Godfrey's administration initiated another academic first with the awarding of academic letters in 1960. The awarding of academic letters was relatively unheard of in 1960, and the institution of this tradition at McBride won great notoriety in state, local and national publications (including an article in the New York Times). The academic letter established a reputation of academic excellence; McBride began to draw more and more academically-talented students from all over the St. Louis area. The system behind the awarding of the letters, as well as the letter itself (the Chenille M), again represented the work of Brother Albert Stein.

Following in the footsteps of Mr. Williams, Brother Glennon Mertens succeeded in generating great enthusiasm among the students for the freshman and varsity band programs. That same year, the Concert Band performed three times at school, once at Kiel Auditorium, and marched in two city parades.

Under the new leadership of Brother Bernard Lee, the McBride Drama Club established a reputation as being one of the best in the St. Louis area, with the performance of no less than five plays. Among them were: "Stalag 17," "Cox and Box," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Box of Bibles," and "Everyman."

In sports, the Micks took two C.A.C. championships late in the year in baseball and track.

'60-61
Striving to serve McBride in the best way possible, Brother Godfrey developed the idea of a Faculty Council to advise the Principal in all important policy decisions.

Another academic first which became part of the McBride tradition was the Fine Arts Week, planned and designed almost exclusively by Brother Albert Stein. Ten graduating seniors received scholarships, in contrast to only six the year before. As Band and Drama continued to reach new heights, 1960-61 saw the appearance of the McBride literary magazine "Foreshadow."

In sports, the Micks took C.A.C. championships in soccer and track. One individual must be mentioned, certainly one of the best athletes to come out of McBride, namely Gus Otto. In his senior year, he merited the distinction of being named to the all-C.A.C., all-district, and all-state football teams and accepted a scholarship to Missouri University.

'61-62
In 1962, the graduation of the first class of Major Learners marked the cementing of the Major Learning Program. Dr. Caroll Hochwalt spoke at the Academic Honors Convocation; the number of scholarships reached a new high of fifteen.

Under the leadership of a gifted Mr. Stan Piekarski, the McBride Debate team began to achieve great prominence. Once again Drama, the Band, Fine Arts Week, Career Night, and the Literary Magazine proved to be highly successful.

In sports, the football team not only won a C.A.C. co-championship, but managed to place six players on the first all-C.A.C. team. The track team came through with its usual C.A.C. crown, this one being the seventh consecutive.

'62-63
The yearbook found it appropriate to acknowledge the devotion of Brother Albert Stein, S.M. in its dedication. Brother Al, who was one of the innovators of the "Major Learning" program, had died suddenly due to a heart attack. Within the realm of Student Government, Mike Duffy provided the leadership for the Student Council, while Mike Hagenhoff was President of the Student Court. On the gridiron, Jack Weinert achieved all-state recognition as the varsity football team compiled a 5-4 record. The McBride kickers, under the coaching of Ed Perniciaro, finished the season with a 12-4-5 slate, while a promising B-team with the assistance of Mr. Rupp finished 11-5-0. As spring concluded, the trackmen spotlighted the sporting scene as they garnered their eighth straight C.A.C. championship.

For McBride's theater-goers, "Cyrano de Bergerac" was presented for the first time staring Gene Brezany, now acting on Broadway. Frank Anzalone and Terry Modgen were the speech and debate standouts, and Carl Fields kept the photography club alive. Closing out the year were the Academic Honors Convocation and graduation, with Dan Devine and Father Sutter providing the final remarks.

'63-64
The yearbook was published in the memory of President Kennedy. This was the year Mr. Arkin awoke to an empty room as the students quietly removed all their desks. Rick Aubuchon was Student Council president, while Jim Juras was a popular football receiver. The "C" football team was undefeated. Windish, Lauman, Juras, and Harness along with several others combined to defeat Springfield Central at Sportsman's Park for the state baseball crown.

Mike Gray was great in "The Crucible," while Frank Anzalone again did well in speech and debate. The Fine Arts program was given in a French background; and there were many fine arts assemblies.

Brother Winkler got together a large camera club; Mr. Beatty made the school song into a march, a rally and a concert; and Brother Ron Tissier hypnotized students to help them study.

'64-65
Mike Brady, who went to Quincy and broke all records there, as a junior, lead the varsity basketballers to the state regionals and a 16-6 mark. The kickers captured a co-championship behind the leadership of Barry Tiernan. All-C.A.C. selections Lauman, Bischof, and Windish led the Micks to the district crown in baseball.

Den Shaughnessy was the driving force behind a hard working Student Council. Mike Gray and Carl Tisone were so good in "ZooStory" that they went to the State Capitol to stage it. Lieutenant Governor, Thomas Eagleton, ended the year with his address at the Academic Honors Convocation.

'65-66
Brother Winkler ended his reign as yearbook moderator, and it was justly dedicated to him this year. Brother Godfrey installed a closed-circuit TV to be used for educational purposes. Doug Roper, now a Brother of Mary, served as Student Council president. Brother Moerchen received a bushel of apples from a radio station as someone's most popular teacher. The Drama department collaborated to stage "Inherit the Wind." Jeff Zust continued the family dominance of the chess club.

Tony Bandle was state honorable mention in football, but the big sport was basketball. Brown, Brady, Ryan, Windish and Eresh led the team to McBride's best record ever, 26-3, and a first place in the Clayton Regional. "B-team" was C.A.C. champs also and "C-team" was 11-3. The fortunes of the teams were buoyed by the enthusiastic and well organized cheering.

Mr. Dick Rosenthal, former Mick and all-American at Notre Dame, spoke at the Academic Honors Convocation as the year ended.

'66-67
This year Brother Godfrey was appointed to be Assistant Superintendent of Schools to be effective at the end of the school session. Brother Davenport was named to take over as Principal. The yearbook was dedicated to Brother Ulsas and Brother Klapp, who celebrated their 50th and 25th anniversaries respectively. Mike Garanzini was the Student Council president and did a great job. During his term, the Council organized a St. Louis area-wide Student Council workshop which was a big success.

On the gridiron, the football team managed a third place finish. A predominantly junior basketball squad was spurred to a third-place finish by the zealous support of a hungry student body. The track team took second in the C.A.C. but the highlight was Paul Gremaud's 23'4" broad jump to win at State. The chess team was undefeated, and the band gave a great performance in "Stars over Broadway." The plays presented were "Twelve Angry Men," "Beyond the Fringe," and "The Imaginary Invalid."

'67-68
Joe Rupp and Pete Renda were the big men in Student Council. Jeff Zust was the top man in chess, while Rich Venverloh and Pat Clear were the "Odd Couple." Brother Noonan celebrated 25 years as a religious, and Mr. McCarthy was the speaker at the Honors Convocation.

Basketball fever ran high as the team climbed to No. 4 in the polls. Seven hundred fans watched the televised action of the heartbreaking loss to DeAndreis. The team took first in the Fox Tourney and second in league play. However, Mercy held a hex over the Micks and ousted them in the Christmas tournament and the state regionals. "B-team" were C.A.C. champs with a 12-2 record.

The Colonnade expanded to a tri-media operation. Besides the printed edition, the Colonnade took full advantage of the glass-enclosed bulletin boards and produced a weekly TV news broadcast.

Roger Yanko put on a unique Student Council campaign. In a highly publicized campaign gimmick, Roger raced a rabbit in Sherman Park. Rog's loss to the hare was surely an omen of the future.

Baseball was highlighted by Dan Overmann's no-hitter.

'68-69
Coach Bob Goodwin announced his resignation capping off an outstanding career coaching at McBride. For the first time women were included among the faculty at McBride. Carl Bergman and Dan Freeserneier each were president of the Student Council for one semester. Steve Schwartz was cited for his dedicated service to the school. Pat Clear brought his theatrical career at McBride to a climax with a fine performance in a "Man for All Seasons." Seventy-Two Hours became McBride's cultural innovation. The three days of cultural events served as a breather from the drudgery of the classroom routine.

In athletics, we find Roger Yanko gaining All-Metro acclaim in football and receiving a scholarship to Mizzou. Al Harte dazzled the C.A.C. in basketball, but then fouled up everyone as he gained All-American honors in soccer at Quincy College two years later. The spring sports provided the highlights of the year as Bill Genova set the C.A.C. shot put record with a heave of 51' 10". Baseball posted its best record at McBride of 19-3. Ray Finke continued the no-hitter tradition and the team won the C.A.C.

Academically, several Micks received generous scholarship offers.

'69-70
The fall of '69 began somewhat unheralded, but concluded with a roar of victory, as McBride posted its best gridiron record ever. Dan Bantle and Jerry Lampe led the way on offense, while team efforts on defense made it tough for the opponent to score. Highlights of the team include: Jerry Lampe's 1000 yards plus, and the 5th ranking in the city and the 8th ranking in the state. Not to be outdone, the baseball team won its 2nd straight C.A.C. crown, and Orville Culton broke the shot put record set the previous year. His toss was 56'1/2".

Den Newport along with Mike Torretti provided the driving force in the Student Council. With Newport also acting in his spare time, Denny teamed successfully with Steve Crawford in the fall production of the "Star-Spangled Girl." The Spring play witnessed the successful debut of Denny Ganahl in "Don't Drink the Water." Seventy-Two Hours was reduced to Forty-Eight Hours, yet was still quite successful in bringing culture to McBride. Highlighting the two days were the McBride stage band, a ballet demonstration and a judo exhibition. Danny Boll, Dan Bantle, and Denny Newport were cited as the year's tops in academics, athletics and activities respectively.

'70-71
Father Ryan entered his second and, eventually, last year as Principal. It seemed to start out bad as football floundered and the TV show was ended. But "Ten Little Indians" with Bob Carpenter and Bill Klutho went over very well, and basketball seemed promising. But then it came. With only three days remaining before the 8th graders took the entrance tests, the announcement was made that McBride would close at the end of the year. Instead of dejection, it provided a fantastic uplift that carried the basketball team to the Rosary Tournament championship. Soccer, behind all-state goalie, Rich Kobylinski, took the C.A.C. with a 16-4-3 record.

Presentations by the New York Theatre Company took the place of Forty-Eight Hours. The last months were preoccupied with rounding things out and doing the last of everything. The prom was at the Sheraton-Jefferson with the theme "Where Do I Begin?" Baseball has a shot at C.A.C. with Mark Helbig continuing the practice of throwing no-hitters each year. The ending of McBride was highlighted by the open House on May 23rd, and the dinner on June 7th.

McBride, the best high school in its time, exists now only in the spirit of its Alumni.