Glory Days: The Catholic League of New Orleans
Parts I, II & III
A WLAE Original Documentary Series
In a city where prep sports captures the headlines and the attention of fans, no league has had more of an impact over the years than the Catholic League of New Orleans. Started in the early 1900s by Jesuit, St. Aloysius and Holy Cross, the Catholic League was formally created after the addition of Redemptorist and De La Salle in 1956. In later years, Archbishops Rummel, Shaw and St. Augustine began their sports programs and were added to the league. Filled with talented athletes, coaching staffs and colorful characters, the Catholic League stands today as one of the oldest continuing prep leagues in the country with long running rivalries dating back over eighty years. Although, teams such as Holy Name of Mary and Chalmette have come and gone over the decades, the Catholic League with its storied past and lore remains in tact today and is a powerful reminder of the glory days and the tradition of prep sports in New Orleans.
In an effort to properly celebrate and document this unique part of New Orleans history, PBS affiliate WLAE-TV produced a documentary entitled, Glory Days: The Catholic League of New Orleans. This multi-part series chronicles the early days of prep athletics, the formation of the league, the heyday of the 50s, 60s & 70s, and the league today with a look towards the future. The story is told through narration, interviews, photographs and archival films all captured in stunning high-definition.