Gym Cracks By Jim CATHOLIC SCHOOLS RULE In Nebraska school football, Catholic schools win more than public schools By Jim (Babe) Berryman MissingNebraska.com Are Catholics better football players than other religions? One would think so when considering the finals of the Nebraska high school 2004 championships. Five of this year's six high school champions were Catholic schools. This is surprising since only approximately seven percent of high schools in Nebraska are Catholic. There were approximately 319 Nebraska high schools participating in football this past fall. Twenty-three of these schools were Catholic high schools. Eleven of these 23 schools were rated in the top ten in their respective classes in the final Omaha World-Herald ratings. Thus nearly half (48%) of Catholic high schools were rated in the final World-Herald poll. Winning football championships were (Omaha Creighton Prep) in Class A; (Lincoln Pius X) in Class B; (Norfolk Catholic) in C-1; (North Platte St. Patrick's) in C-2; and (Lindsay Holy Family) in D-2. Only Howells keep Catholic schools from "sweeping" all six classes as they defeated Humphrey St. Francis for the D-1 title. Saint Francis finished second. Besides the above named six schools, other Catholic high schools finishing in the World-Herald's top ten were (Omaha Skutt) seventh in Class B; (David City Aquinas & Kearney Catholic) third and fourth, respectively in C-1; (Falls City Sacred Heart & Elgin Pope John) sixth and seventh, respectively in D-1. I'm sure there are other factors, besides religion, that enters into the success of Catholic school success in all high school athletics in this state, not only football. This issue has been discussed in some educational/athletic groups in Nebraka. Some states have adopted a weighted ratio (such as 1.1 or 1.25 to 1) in counting students. One reason for this rationale is Catholic schools can be selective in accepting students. This issue will probably be brought before the NSAA sometime in the near future. Post/Read Feedback PREVIOUS GYM CRACKS: Click Here