50th Reunion: Class of 1974
Kevin Bratcher
Date: May 31, 2024
Meet & Greet graciously hosted by Holy Cross High School and sponsored by the Ursuline Sisters of
Louisville. This event included BD, AM and HC alumni of the ‘4 classes (and the BD Class of ’83). Food
and a cash bar was available. Display tables for BD, AM and HC were set up with memorabilia and
yearbooks of each class. The program was opened with a prayer provided by a HC student and HC
President, Dr. Danielle Wiegandt provided an overview of the improvements made at HC over the years,
as well as, expressing appreciation to the BD/AM Alumni for providing much-needed support to ensure
that a quality catholic education remains active in the South End. A special gift was presented to BD and
AM attendees from HC Administration. Campus tours were proved for Alumni by HC students and other
members of Administration. The event began at 6 pm and had planned to end at 9 pm. However, there
were still quite a few still socializing when I left around 10.
June 1, 2024
Our individual class event was organized by Mike Zoeller, Dan Kannapel, Joe Dever, Jerry Bodenbender,
Rick Hayden, David Bradshaw, Mike Dicken and Ed Webb. We also had a much appreciated assist from
Tim Dant providing a much-appreciated Dant Family bourbons in specially etched BD bottles for our
class toast to our class mates, in attendance and to those unable to attend. There was also a special
toast to our brothers that had passed over the years. Two additional bottles were presented as special
door prizes (won by Wayne Murphy and Greg Nord). Hors d’oeuvres were provided by the ’74 Alumni
Planning Committee. I enjoyed meeting up with my classmates and everyone in attendance had a good
time. The class of ’74 for the most part has kept in contact and have remained close and though I had
not seen many of those in attendance in years, after a short time, it was like being back at 5144 Dixie
Highway again. I may not have been the most popular or memorable Falcon, and not have been known
by all of the ’74 class, but I can say that I treasure the time spent at BD and being a part of the class of
’74. I missed seeing those who were not in attendance for whatever reason. Though they were not
present, they were remembered. I have thought about my ’74 brothers through the years, and still do
from time to time, and am comforted in knowing that our paths crossed so many year ago, yet still mean
so much to me today.
June 2, 2024
Reunion Mass was held at the Flaget Center (AM Chapel) at 11:00 am followed by a continental
breakfast provided by HC/Administration. The mass was attended by about 40 BD/AM/HC alumni and
the breakfast was enjoyed by all. After helping the HC staff clean up the cafeteria, and load their cars, I
took off just in time to run into a heavy downpour. However that did not dampen the mood of the
weekend spent with my class of ’74 and all of those that participated in Reunion Weekend 2024.
Appreciation to the H/C administration and the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville to putting together this
annual event for alumni of AM/BD/HC. This was a wonderful way to close out the weekend. I am
already looking forward to our next reunion.
Memories of the Class of 1974
Kevin Bratcher
Four of the most memorable years of my life were spent at Bishop David High School. From registration to graduation, I shared many experiences with my brothers of the class of 1974. In 1974, Bishop David hit 500 enrollment with Freshman Robert Sears, we were all affected by the tornado of May, 1974 in many different ways. Bishop David students excelled under the leadership of officers: President, Eddie Webb; VP/Treasurer, Mike Phillips; Secretary, Leon Shadowen; Sargent of Arms, Donie Kupper; and Moderator, Fr. James Hackett.
The football team provided BD with its’ first undefeated regular season but fell to Trinity in the City Championship final 17-8. The team was led by Coach Denny Nash and an accomplished staff.
Coach Dan King in his final season as basketball coach with a season filled with accomplishments. The team participated in BD’s first LIT Tournament, but unfortunately got knocked out by Lexington Bryan Station 95-47. They claimed the District championship by beating Butler 66-57, but losing in Regionals to Central 75-48. Mr. Tim Hyland would assume coaching duties for 74-75 season.
The baseball team, coached by Mr. Dan Leasor, completed a successful 27-8 season. However, perennial power, PRP claimed District 3-2.
Our track team coached by Mr. Bill Young recorded a 3-2 record. Top performers were Rick Hayden and Mike Phillips.
The BD Junior Achievement participant were awarded Center of the Year and Mrs. Catherine Williams was named Manager of the Year. This was one of the extra-curricular activities in which I participated and enjoyed very much.
The class of ’74 led by President, David Bradshaw; VP, Mike Phillips; Secretary, Mike Dicken; Treasurer, Rick Hayden; and Moderator Mr. Robert Eckert experienced may achievements of which we can all be very proud. Special memories for me were bus trips to games, pep rallies, getting our Senior rings and jersey. The experience of riding the City bus from the bus stop at Mary Catherine/Dixie provided additional time to socialize with schoolmates.
My favorite teachers/moderators included Br. Jude, Ms. Miller, Coach Leasor, Coach Black, Br. Lawrence, Frs. Hackett and Caskey, Br. Roland, Mr. McGee, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Burge, Mr. Tierney, Mr. Moll, Mr. Wilkerson. These teachers, my classmates (upper & lower classes throughout my 4 years) and my parents all participated in providing me a solid base throughout my life and I would not trade it for anything.
Class of 68
Jim Cambron via Charlie Leanhart
Hello Everyone!
I hope this message finds all of you happy, healthy and ready to mingle a bit after the past few months. Our next Class gathering will be held at Roosters on Shelbyville Road (the back room) from 2:00 – 5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 20th. Our turnout at our last event in November at Bud’s Tavern was significantly lower than what we usually get at these gatherings so I am hoping we have a good turnout this time. We normally always get a good turnout at Roosters so I hope that I see many of you there on February 20th. As always, please Reply back to Charlie if you plan on attending this event by Friday, February 9, so that I can give Roosters an accurate count of how many to expect at our gathering. We will send out a reminder notice late next week including the names of the classmates who have indicated they will attend our gathering on February 20th.
Also, we have included below the link to the new Bishop David Athletic Association (BDAA) Website for your review. Many of you have likely already received this link via Jackie Loftus. Regardless, I hope you take some time to browse through the website because the leadership folks at the BDAA have obviously put in quite a bit of work in developing it. I strongly recommend that you access “The Bishop David Story” link via the drop-down menu on the website. I personally learned some things from the “Story” about the history of Bishop David and some of the faculty that I did not know about previously (or may have forgotten). The Class pictures of the various graduating classes are also interesting – and somewhat comical when you enlarge them.
Take care – and please remember to Reply back to Charlie ASAP/NLT February 9 if you plan on attending our gathering on February 20th.