Common Thread: Updates From Xavier

Publish Date: December 2023

Xavier students are off and running in the 2023-2024 school year. Here are just a few updates about some of the ‘xtraordinary things that happened!


The Xavier Volleyball team punched its ticket to the state tournament for the eighth consecutive season. The Saints advanced to the state quarterfinal round under the direction of first-year head coach/alumna, Amy (Olberding) Weiland (X16).


The Xavier Boys Golf team completed one of the program’s most statistically impressive seasons under first-year head coach, Brandon Schiltz. The Saints advanced to the 2023 Class 4A state tournement.


Xavier Cross Country sophomore, Mia Deegan, punched her ticket to the 2023 state meet where she finished in the Top 50 overall.


Xavier Football head coach, Duane Schulte (L80), was awarded the IHSAA Certificate of Appreciation in October 2023. Coach Schulte was recognized for his dedication to preparing his students and players for adult life. Awarding this certificate to Coach Schulte is Grant Helmle (X24)/IHSAA intern.


Longtime Xavier Boys Wrestling assistant coach, Henry Reicks, was named the first head coach of Xavier Girls Wrestling here at Xavier. 2023-2024 marks the first year Xavier will offer girls wrestling.


Xavier Football qualified for the state football playoffs and advanced to the quarterfinal round. The Saints also earned a district championship with their 7-2 regular season record.


Throughout October, which is designated “Respect Life Month” by the Catholic Church in the United States, XHS students conducted a diaper drive to help families in our community. More than 17,000 diapers and 35,000 wipes (and dozens of toys) were brought in to be donated to YPN (Young Parents Network), which supports healthy families by providing access to critical services and resources that support self-sufficiency and healthy living.


Congratulations to Coach Jess Novotny and Xavier Dance Team on earning a state title in Class X Pom at the ISDTA Championships! The Saints also earned 2nd Place in Hip Hop and 3rd Place in Jazz. Additionally, XDT earned the Team Academic Award as well!


On November 8th, Xavier students, teachers/staff, and parents observed our traditional Community Service Day by fanning out across the area to lend a hand to home owners, parishes, and local organizations.


Earlier this fall, area professionals from across various industries shared their time with Xavier seniors, conducting mock job interviews to help further prepare our Saints for life after high school.


Congratulations to Mr. Chad Allard and the Xavier High School Bands Marching Saints on earning the program’s 11th consecutive Division 1 rating at the 2023 State Marching Band Festival in October.


Punching Their Tickets! A number of Saints have earned a trip to State as individuals in their various activities:
BAND
-Ben Allard (Trombone)
-Sarah Garbe (Euphonium)
-Sophia Kepros (Trumpet)

CHOIR
-Davis Robe (Bass)

GIRLS SWIMMING
-Lilly Anctil (200 Med. Relay, 50 Free, 100 Fly, 400 Free Relay)
-Sarah Foerster (200 Free Relay)
-Maria Trotta (200 Med. Relay, 50 Free, 100 Free, 400 Free Relay)

DANCE
-Olivia Neal (State Soloist)
-Sophie Beenken (State Soloist)


New Xavier principal, Lynn Holverson, and Xavier maintenance staff member, Paul Suedkamp, helped mount the 25-Year banners hanging outside our main entrance.


New Faces in 2023-2024! We welcome our new principal, Lynn Holverson, and our new chaplain, Fr. Jacob Dunne, to Xavier!