Mount Carmel High School, an all-boys Catholic high school in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood, boasts a rich history and tradition of athletic excellence, particularly in wrestling. Located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, the school has been operated by the Carmelite order of priests and brothers since 1900.
Mount Carmel competes in the Chicago Catholic League (CCL). The school's forerunner, St. Cyril College, was established in the Fall of 1900 at 54th and Jefferson (now Harper) on Chicago's South Side.
Early History and Development
In the first year, there were 13 students and five priest teachers. The following year the college was moved to 64th and Washington (now Blackstone) because of the need for a larger building and better access to public transportation. In December 1922, Father Elias Magennis, General of the Carmelite Order, and Archbishop Mundelein of Chicago agreed on the need for the immediate construction of a new St. Cyril High School Building.
In the spring and summer of 1924, a three-story main building was erected by the Thompson-Starrett Construction Company with Zachary Davis (the "Frank Lloyd Wright of Baseball") as the architect. William Lynch, a St. Cyril College graduate, was in charge of construction.
During World War II, Mt. Carmel began preparing students for wartime employment or military service, offering courses in aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, and civil air regulations. In the early 1950s, Mt. Carmel built a Student Center on the north side of the main building. Thanks to the Capital Campaign Case Study, the Walter Scott School property was acquired- and in 1992, construction began on a new monastery for the Carmelites. The Graham Center was then constructed on the site of the old Carmelite Monastery. Although the old Priory was demolished to make room for the science and computer center, the original Chapel was saved and given a facelift.
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The campus again expanded in 2005 by adding the Mt. Carmel Convocation Center on the site of the old student parking lot. This addition is home to offices and meeting areas for alumni and faculty, a student commons/dining hall, new computer and science labs, and the Cacciatore Athletic Center. The athletic center features three gyms, an indoor track, locker rooms and a modern weight room. Ongoing maintenance to existing facilities have included renovations to the original pool and Carey Field, which was converted to a multipurpose Sprint Turf playing surface.
In the Fall of 2019, "Barda-Dowling Stadium" was added to Carey Field, with two permanent bleachers on the East end zone and South Sideline; the stadium also includes a press-box which houses the scoreboard, announcer, and the school's student broadcast team. The 'Old Gym' is still maintained to host athletic competition, including wrestling and the school's annual Fight Night boxing event. From 2016 to 2019, Mount Carmel has renovated the interior of the original school building, adding a more technology-friendly and modern school environment.
Wrestling Achievements
In 1995, Mt. Carmel's wrestling team was a heavy favorite to win its fourth consecutive state championship. After winning its regional tournament, the IHSA disqualified the team from further participation, claiming the team had violated the cap on tournament participation. Mt. Carmel filed suit in court, and a Cook County judge determined that the IHSA was following its rules arbitrarily, and ordered the Association to restore Mt. Carmel to the state tournament.
An hour after the Illinois Supreme Court ruled on an IHSA appeal, and sided with Mt. Carmel, the IHSA suspended the dual team state tournament. The IHSA attempted to appeal to the original judge.
Joe Williams was a 4-time IHSA state champion wrestler. Bill Weick is the school's former wrestling coach (1985-2003) and led the school to 3 consecutive IHSA state championships.
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The History Of Mount Carmel High School
Other Sports
The football team’s 17 state championships are the most in state history, surpassing Joliet Catholic’s 15 state championships. They are also second all-time in wins (794) to East St. Louis.
In 1908, the first ever basketball game played by DePaul University was a game against St. Cyril's College. In 1916, St. Cyril's and Hyde Park High School competed in the first ever dual boxing meet between Cook County schools. The tradition of boxing at Mt. Carmel continues to this day.
In 1985, coach Ed McQuillan led Mt. Carmel's basketball team to the IHSA's large class ("AA") state championship- the first won by a Parochial school. Future Los Angeles Laker Mel McCants and New York Giant Chris Calloway led the team to a 28-4 overall record, culminating in a victory over Springfield Lanphier at Assembly Hall in Champaign. In 2024, the varsity basketball team returned to the state finals, falling to DePaul in the 3A championship.
Notable Alumni
Mount Carmel High School has produced numerous notable alumni in various fields, including sports, entertainment, and politics. Some of the prominent alumni include:
- Elmer Angsman: NFL running back
- Chris Chelios: NHL defenseman
- Frank Cornish: NFL offensive lineman
- Ziggy Czarobski: Defensive tackle
- Bob Gonya: American football offensive tackle
- Ed Howard: Baseball shortstop
- Steve Lawson: Football guard
- Jordan Lynch: Head football coach
- Denny McLain: Major League Baseball pitcher
- Donovan McNabb: ESPN Radio show host
- Erik Pappas: Major League Baseball catcher
- Simeon Rice: NFL defensive end
- Craig Robinson: ESPN Analyst and former basketball coach
- Mel Rojas Jr.: Baseball player
- Jack Stephens: NBA player
- Ed Stewart: Senior Associate Commissioner of Football for the Big 12 Conference
- Alek Thomas: Baseball outfielder
- Antoine Walker: NBA forward
- Lloyd Walton: NBA guard
- Richard Kiley: Actor
- Tim O'Connor: Actor
- Dr. Edward Derwinski: United States representative for Illinois' 4th congressional district (1959-83). Secretary of Veterans Affairs to hold cabinet level status (1989-92), doing so under United States President George H. W. Bush.
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