Reitz Memorial High School

Reitz Memorial High School or simply Memorial High School (MHS) is an inter-parochial Catholic high school on the east side of Evansville, Indiana, United States. It sits on land bought with money donated by Francis Joseph Reitz in 1922 in memory of his parents, John Augustus and Gertrude Reitz. The school officially opened its doors on January 5, 1925. It is part of the Diocese of Evansville.

History

In 1922 Francis Joseph Reitz pledged one million dollars for the school to be built, for which he was presented with the insignia of Knight and Knight Commander of the Order of Pius IX. The original, main building was built three stories high of Ohio gray brick and elaborate trimmings of Indiana limestone with a Tudor-Gothic design. On New Year’s Day, 1925, Reitz Memorial High School, with its 18 classrooms, auditorium that was used as a gymnasium as well as a cafeteria, library, candy store, parlor, and a large recreation room, it was dedicated by Bishop Chartrand of Indianapolis. Classes began on January 5, 1925 with the Brothers of The Holy Cross from Notre Dame University teaching the boys and the Sisters of Providence teaching the girls, each on separate floors.

In 1969, a new addition was completed. The new wing extending along Bennighof Avenue came with expanded first and second floors, a new gym, band room, and library
The new gym could hold up to 2,000 people.

In 1998, a new addition, costing roughly $5 million was added to the western part of the building. The new wing, also known as "the west wing", added eight more classrooms, two art studios, two science labs, a wrestling room, a second, smaller auxiliary gymnasium, and a new media center. The final renovations increased the student capacity to 900 students.

Athletics

To distinguish between two schools named for members of the same family, the IHSAA uses the name Evansville Memorial instead of Evansville Reitz Memorial, and refers to the older EVSC run FJ Reitz High School as Evansville Reitz. Both schools compete in the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference. Their school colors are white and blue. The following IHSAA sanctioned sports are offered:

*Baseball (boys')
**State champions - 1978, 1989, 1993
*Basketball (boys' and girls')
**Girls' state champions - 2011
*Cross country (boys' and girls')
*Football (boys')
**State champions - 2017, 2019
*Golf (boys' and girls')
*Soccer (boys & girls)
**Boys' state champions - 2007, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2024
**Girls' state champions - 1996, 2008, 2012, 2017, 2021, 2022
*Softball (girls)
**State champions - 2002
*Swimming (boys' and girls')
*Tennis (boys' and girls')
**Girls' state champions - 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2012
*Track (boys' and girls')
*Volleyball (girls')
*Wrestling (boys')
RMHS also competes in the National Archery in the Schools Program, placing 4th, 2nd, 2nd, and 2nd in the 2016-2019 Indiana NASP State Tournaments, as well as placing 1st in the 2018 Centershot Ministries World Tournament.

Notable alumni

Athletics

* Scott Cannon: Former professional soccer player in Major League Soccer, American Professional Soccer League, National Professional Soccer League, and USL; current Director of Coaching for Black Watch Premier (Rhode Island).
* Bob Hargrave: Quarterback of the 1937 Mythical National Championship football team (for Memorial), Honorable mention All-American Quarterback for the University of Notre Dame.
* Billy Hillenbrand: Former All-American halfback for the NCAA Indiana Hoosiers; AAFC football player (1946–48) for the Chicago Rockets and Baltimore Colts (1946 – 1948).
* Dick Kercher, halfback and defensive back for the Detroit Lions (1954).Jimmy Fraser
"Memorial Slight Choice to Regain City Football Championship,"
''Evansville Courier and Press,'' Sept. 5, 1948, p. 18.
* Kyle Kuric: Former NCAA basketball player at the University of Louisville (2008 – 2012); professional in the Spanish League.
* Max Lachowecki: Professional soccer player for the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship.
* Don Mattingly: Former MLB New York Yankees first baseman (1982 – 1995) and coach (2004 – 2007); former MLB Los Angeles Dodgers coach (2008 – 2010) and former MLB Miami Marlins manager (2011 – 2022).
* Jeff Schulz: Former MLB outfielder for The Kansas City Royals (1989–90) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1991).
* Larry Stallings: Former NFL St Louis Cardinals linebacker (1963 – 1976); Pro Bowl 1970.

Business

* William C. Stone: Founder, Chairman and CEO of SS&C Technologies.

Entertainment

* Philip Lawrence: Songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and voice actor best known for his work with the songwriting and production team The Smeezingtons, alongside Bruno Mars.
* Jama Williamson: theater and television actress, she appeared as Wendy Haverford on NBC's Parks and Recreation.

Politics

* Jeff Hays: member of the Indiana House of Representatives from 1970 to 1996.
* Jonathan Weinzapfel: 33rd mayor of Evansville, Indiana (2004 – 2012); Chancellor of Ivy Tech.

See also

* List of high schools in Indiana

References

External links

Official school website

{{Southern Indiana Athletic Conference (SIAC)

High schools in Southwestern Indiana
Educational institutions established in 1925
Catholic secondary schools in Indiana
Private high schools in Indiana
Roman Catholic Diocese of Evansville
Schools in Evansville, Indiana
Southern Indiana Athletic Conference
1925 establishments in Indiana