Creighton Preparatory School, commonly known as Creighton Prep, is one of the most prestigious high schools in Nebraska, renowned not only for its academic excellence but also for its remarkable athletic programs. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Creighton Prep has a long and storied history in high school sports, having produced countless champions and elite athletes. As a Jesuit, all-boys college preparatory school, Creighton Prep’s mission emphasizes the development of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach is reflected in its athletic program, which has been a cornerstone of the school for over a century.
Early Foundations
Creighton Prep was founded in 1878 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and quickly became one of the most prominent educational institutions in Omaha. Athletics began playing a significant role in the school’s culture early on, mirroring the rise of organized sports in American high schools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The first major sport to gain popularity at Creighton Prep was football, followed by basketball and track and field. By the 1920s, Creighton Prep had established itself as a competitive force in local athletics, often competing against other prominent Omaha high schools like Omaha Central and Benson High. As the Omaha metropolitan area expanded, so did the school’s reputation for producing strong athletic teams.
Football: Building a Legacy
Football has historically been one of the most successful and storied sports at Creighton Prep. By the mid-20th century, the Bluejays (Prep’s mascot) had become synonymous with high school football success in Nebraska. Over the decades, Creighton Prep built a reputation for disciplined, hard-nosed football, frequently contending for state championships.
The Nebraska high school football playoff system was established in 1975, and since then, Creighton Prep has been one of the most successful programs in the state. The Bluejays have won several state championships, including titles in 1980, 1985, 1988, and 1991. These championships helped cement Prep’s place among Nebraska’s football powerhouses.
Creighton Prep’s football teams are known for their emphasis on physicality, precision, and strong fundamentals, traits that have helped them compete at the highest level in Class A, Nebraska’s largest classification for high schools. The program has also produced several standout athletes who have gone on to play college football at prestigious programs across the country.
Basketball: A Tradition of Excellence
Creighton Prep’s basketball program has been equally dominant over the years, establishing itself as one of the premier programs in Nebraska high school basketball. The Bluejays have a long tradition of excellence on the hardwood, having won multiple state championships and regularly competing in the state tournament.
One of the highlights of Creighton Prep’s basketball history came during the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the Bluejays captured several Class A state titles. Under legendary coach Lyle Bouck, Prep won back-to-back state championships in 1999 and 2000, and the 2008 team added another title to the school’s storied legacy.
Creighton Prep basketball teams are known for their disciplined approach, strong defense, and emphasis on teamwork. The program has produced numerous standout players who have gone on to play at the collegiate level, including at Creighton University and other Division I programs.
Baseball: A Dynasty on the Diamond
Creighton Prep’s baseball program is among the most successful in Nebraska high school history. With over a dozen state championships, including titles in 1991, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2005, and 2012, the Bluejays have established themselves as a dynasty on the diamond.
The baseball program at Prep emphasizes fundamental skills, teamwork, and a competitive spirit. Many of the school’s baseball players have gone on to play at the collegiate level, and a few have even made it to the professional ranks.
Creighton Prep’s dominance in baseball is a testament to the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel both on and off the field.
Track and Field: Speed and Strength
Track and field has been another area where Creighton Prep has excelled historically. The Bluejays have won numerous state championships in track and field, with individual athletes excelling in events such as sprints, distance running, jumping events, and throwing disciplines. Prep’s track teams have produced multiple state champions, setting records at both the state and national levels.
Track and field is a sport that epitomizes the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance, traits that are deeply embedded in Creighton Prep’s athletic philosophy. The school’s emphasis on physical fitness and conditioning has made track and field a crucial part of its athletic success.
Wrestling and Other Sports
In addition to football, basketball, baseball, and track and field, Creighton Prep has a rich history in several other sports, including wrestling, tennis, and swimming. The wrestling program has produced numerous state champions and is known for its toughness and competitiveness in Nebraska’s wrestling circles.
Tennis and swimming have also been strong programs at Creighton Prep, with both sports regularly competing at the state level and producing top athletes. The school’s holistic approach to athletics encourages students to participate in multiple sports, and this versatility has been a hallmark of the Bluejays’ success across various athletic disciplines.
Rivalries and Competitive Spirit
Creighton Prep has long-standing rivalries with several other Omaha-area schools, including Omaha Central, Westside, and Millard North. These rivalries are among the most intense and storied in Nebraska high school sports, particularly in football and basketball. The annual matchups between Creighton Prep and these rivals often draw large crowds and generate significant excitement within the local sports community.
One of the most notable rivalries is with Omaha Westside, a fellow Class A powerhouse. These schools frequently face off in key football and basketball games, with state tournament implications often on the line. The competitive spirit fostered by these rivalries has helped push Creighton Prep athletes to higher levels of performance.
Notable Alumni
Creighton Prep has produced numerous athletes who have gone on to have successful collegiate and professional careers in various sports. Some of the most notable alumni include:
- Zach Potter (Class of 2004) – Former NFL tight end who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Paul Silas (Class of 1960) – Former NBA player and head coach, who won three NBA championships as a player and went on to coach several NBA teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- Bob Gibson (Class of 1953) – While Gibson is more famous for his time at Omaha Tech, he later taught and influenced students at Creighton Prep, further connecting his legendary status to the school.
These athletes serve as examples of the level of talent and commitment to excellence that Creighton Prep instills in its students.
Conclusion
Creighton Preparatory School’s athletic history is a testament to its commitment to excellence, both in academics and athletics. Over the years, the school has produced state champions, professional athletes, and leaders who have excelled in all aspects of life. The Bluejays’ success on the field, court, and track is a reflection of the school’s values: hard work, discipline, and a dedication to the Jesuit philosophy of developing the whole person.
As Creighton Prep continues to grow and evolve, its athletic programs will undoubtedly remain a central part of its legacy, inspiring future generations of Bluejays to strive for greatness in both sports and life.
