If there’s one thing this year proved, it’s that being part of Dowling Catholic means being part of something bigger than yourself. From packed student sections to early morning practices, to late night rehearsals and long bus rides home, this year was filled with moments that brought people together, and for the senior class, it makes leaving a little harder.
The fall set the tone in the best way possible. Boys golf quietly kicked things off by winning a state championship, showing early on what this year would become. Not long after, football brought home a long awaited state championship title of its own. Fridays under the lights became more than just games, they were where memories were made, where friendships grew stronger, and where seniors got to experience one last season representing something they’ve been apart of for years.
That energy carried straight into winter. Boys basketball made an unforgettable run to the state semifinals, the program’s first time getting that far since 1992. Every game felt bigger than the last, and the support from students, parents, and alumni turned each moment into something special. For the seniors on that team, it wasn’t just about breaking a 34 year gap, it was about rewriting what people thought was possible.
At the same time, the girls swim and dive team quietly continued building a dynasty, winning their second straight state title. Their consistency, discipline, and teamwork showed what it looks like to stay hungry even after reaching the top.
But this year wasn’t just defined by athletics. In classrooms and on stages, Dowling students found ways to shine just as brightly. Speech and debate students earned their way to nationals, proving that hard work and confidence can take you far beyond campus. And the theater department’s production of Singin’ in the Rain didn’t just entertain, it earned recognition, showcasing the creativity and dedication that often happens behind the scenes.
Spring brought some of the most unforgettable moments of all. At the Drake Relays, the boys 4×100 meter relay team: Nolan Strang, Jeffrey Roberts, Jackson Miller, and Beau Williams, did something special. Running a 41.34, they not only set a new school record but placed themselves fourth all-time in Iowa history. It was one of those moments where time seemed to pause, where everyone watching knew they were seeing something they’d talk about for years.
As the year comes to a close, the list of accomplishments feels almost unreal and never ending, but what matters more is what these moments mean. For seniors, they weren’t just highlights. They were “lasts.” Last games, last performances, last times walking through the halls as students.
This class is leaving on a high note, but more importantly, they’re leaving behind a legacy. One of resilience, pride, and community. One that future Maroons will look back on and try to live up to. And while next year will bring new faces and new stories, this one won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
