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Loyola Blakefield

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Loyola Blakefield
Location
500 Chestnut Avenue Towson
,
Baltimore County
,
Maryland
United States
39°24′13″N 76°37′36″W / 39.40361°N 76.62667°W
Information
Former name Loyola High School (1852-1980’s)
Type Private Catholic Non-profit All-boys Secondary education institution
Motto Latin: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam[1]
English: For the Greater Glory of God
Religious affiliation Catholic (Jesuit)
Established 1852
Founder Rev. John Early, S.J.
CEEB code 211030
President Rev. Dennis M. Baker, S.J
Chairman Steve Smith ‘76
Dean Dave Schroeder
Director List
Chantal Cross
(Director of Human Resources and Auxiliary Services)
Stephen Morrill
(Director of Technology)
Lou Charest
(Director of Ignatian Mission and Identity)
Robert Robinson
(Director of Marketing and Communications)
Adam Trice
(Director of Development)
Beth Ann Szczepaniak
(Director of Ignatian Service and Justice)
Bernard Bowers
(Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion)
Principal Brian Maraña
Faculty 150
Grades 6–12
Gender Male
Enrollment 1,000
Average class size 18
Campus size 60 acres (240,000 m2)
Campus type Suburban
Colors Blue and Gold
Slogan "Roll, Dons, Roll"
Song Loyola Alma Mater
Fight song "Come On You Dons to the Fight"
Athletics conference MIAA
Sports 17 varsity teams in the MIAA
List
baseball
basketball
volleyball
football
soccer
cross-country
golf
ice-hockey
Lacrosse
rugby
squash
swimming
tennis
indoor track
track & field
water polo
wrestling
Mascot Loyola Dons
Nickname Don
Team name Dons
Rival Calvert Hall
Accreditation AIMS
Publication The Blakefield Magazine
Newspaper The Loyolan
Yearbook The Loyola
Endowment $25,000,000
School fees $725
Tuition $23,800[2]
Affiliation Archdiocese of Baltimore
JSEA
Website loyolablakefield.org

Loyola Blakefield is a private Catholic, college preparatory school run by the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus in Towson, Maryland and within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. It was established in 1852 by the Jesuits as an all-boys school for students from Baltimore, Baltimore County, Harford County, Carroll County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Southern Pennsylvania. It enrolls over 900 students in grades six through twelve. The school was originally called Loyola High School when it was established in 1852. The name change occurred when it added a middle school.

History

Irish-American Archbishop Francis Kenrick asked the Jesuits to oversee the formation of a school for laymen that would incorporate the Jesuit standards of excellence and build new men conscious of a religious purpose. His request was prompted by the 1852 closure of nearby St. Mary's College. Construction of Loyola High School began on Holliday Street in Baltimore, Maryland, in early 1852, and on September 15, 1852, the school enrolled its first students. Irish-American Rev. John Early, S.J. and eight other Jesuits are credited with the founding of the Loyola.[3][4] Loyola operated as a component of Loyola University Maryland until its separation in 1921.[3]

In the early 1930s the growing and cramped high school began to look toward moving north of the city. In 1933, with the support of the Blake family, Loyola purchased the land known today as Blakefield in Towson, Maryland.[3] In 1941, the downtown campus officially closed.[3] Between 1981 and 1988, a Middle School was gradually introduced, and in recognition of the two levels of education, Loyola High School officially became known as Loyola Blakefield. Kenneth Montague became the first African-American student at Loyola in 1956.[5]

Physical improvements in recent years have included the construction of Knott Hall which houses the student commons and dining hall, athletic center, and alumni areas, Burk Hall academic wing, renovations to the 60-year-old science laboratories, construction of St. Ignatius Hall, and construction of an additional section to Wheeler Hall.[3]

Loyola Blakefield has a tradition of honoring alumni from 50 years earlier at its graduation ceremony. "Bring back the men from 50 years before to see a new generation graduate," writes James Maliszewski, whose grandfather died a year before they could have attended together as 1937 and 1987 graduates.[6]

Academics

Loyola Blakefield follows a curriculum rooted in Jesuit principles, emphasizing critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and the holistic development of students. The school offers a broad range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses in disciplines such as mathematics, science, history, and languages, providing students with the opportunity to earn college credit.[7] In addition, honors-level courses are available for students seeking further academic challenge.[8]

The school also emphasizes the integration of technology into its curriculum, utilizing digital tools and resources to enhance learning.[9] Loyola Blakefield's STEM program is particularly notable, offering courses in robotics, engineering, computer science, and environmental science, alongside opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities such as robotics competitions and science fairs.[10]

In the arts, Loyola Blakefield provides a comprehensive education that includes visual arts, music, and theater. Students have access to facilities such as art studios, music practice rooms, and a theater for performances.[11] The fine arts curriculum encourages creativity and self-expression, with courses ranging from painting and ceramics to choir and digital media production.[12]

Loyola Blakefield is committed to fostering global awareness and cross-cultural understanding through its language offerings, which include Spanish, Italian, classical Greek and Latin.[13] The school has historically offered exchange programs and international study opportunities, enabling students to broaden their perspectives and engage with diverse cultures.

As part of its Jesuit identity, the school integrates service learning into the curriculum, challenging students to apply their academic knowledge to address social issues.[14] Through its rigorous academic programs and commitment to the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person, Loyola Blakefield aims to prepare students for success in college and beyond.[15]

Athletics

Loyola Blakefield competes in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) for all interscholastic sports. In addition to the MIAA, the basketball team is also a member of the Baltimore Catholic League.

Football

The football program has won seven conference championships.[16] The Loyola Blakefield football team plays every Thanksgiving Day in one of the oldest continual national Catholic high school football rivalries, against cross-town rival Calvert Hall College. The game, known as the Turkey Bowl, is held at Towson University's Johnny Unitas Stadium in Baltimore and broadcast on television and radio by WMAR-TV. As of the 2024 edition, the Loyola Dons have the overall lead over the Calvert Hall Cardinals in the Turkey Bowl, with a record of 53–44–8.[17]

Lacrosse

The Loyola lacrosse program is among its most successful. It has won a total of 14 championships, including 8 in the 1980s and victories in 2001, 2007, 2008, and 2013.[18] In 2007, they defeated Boys' Latin 10–6 in the MIAA championship game. In 2008, they defeated previously undefeated Gilman 12–11 in the championship game at Towson University's Johnny Unitas Stadium before over 8,000 spectators.[19] Loyola has produced numerous players who have continued on to play collegiate lacrosse, including National Lacrosse Hall of Famer John Stewart.[20][21]

Baseball

Loyola's baseball team won the MIAA "A" Conference title in 2017, its first in 71 years.[22] It has produced Major League baseball players including former Baltimore Oriole, Bruce Zimmermann[23] and Tim Nordbrook.[24]

Swimming

Loyola's swimming and diving team has also achieved success, having recorded a record run of 20 Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association state titles in 21 years and six National Catholic Swimming Championships crowns, whilst consistently being ranked within the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association national Top-25 Poll for best high school swimming teams.[25]

Soccer

The soccer program have won the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association championship on five occasions (2005, 2012, 2014, 2023, 2024) and has produced Division I talent.[26][27] Former coach Lee Tschantret, a longtime player in the Major Indoor Soccer League, won several championships with the Baltimore Blast.[28] The program has produced several professional players including Akira Fitzgerald, Grant Robinson, and Avionne Flanagan.[29]

Basketball

The Loyola basketball program reached regional prominence in the 1970s when it was led by head coach Jerry Savage, who won over 600 games from 1969 to 2003.[30] He produced several Division I players. Savage also coached the 1997 MIAA Championship team, the last championship of any sort for the Dons basketball program. Loyola has been in the most Baltimore Catholic League finals with 13 total and 6 championships. More recently, the program had several disappointing seasons and experienced a four-year period with four different head coaches. Roger Garfield is currently the head coach.

Cross-country

The Loyola cross-country program has had much success, being the first and only team in the MIAA to complete the "three-peat", then continuing to win six consecutive individual and team titles at the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association championship meet. Under the coaching of Jose Albornoz and Chris Cucuzzella, the Dons have won 17 MIAA/MSA championships to bring the program's total championships to 18 (1983,1989,1991,1997–98, 2000, 2003, 2005–06, 2009–14, 2017–18, and 2021) since its inception.[31][32] Current distance event records are held by Matt Jablonski.

Rugby

The Loyola Dons have won the Rugby MIAA Championship a total of ten times: 2008–2010, 2013, 2015–2016, 2018, 2021–2022, and 2026.[33] The rugby program has been ranked among the top 50 high schools in the nation.[34] Loyola completed an undefeated 2026 season defeating Arhbishop Spalding in the MIAA final.[35]

Ice Hockey

The Loyola Ice Hockey team has won the MIAA Championships a number of times, most recently in the 2022-2023 season.[36] After a 61-year championship drought, the team triumphed with back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, under the visionary leadership of Coach Lieutenant Dr. Thomas II. In addition, they made appearances in the championships in the 2019-2020 season and the 2016 season.

Golf

In 2019, Loyola's golf team captured their first MIAA 'A' Conference team title in over 30 years after defeating archrivals Calvert Hall in the championship match at Caves Valley Golf Club under head coach Mike Messina.[37] In 2023, Brayden DeCapite became Loyola's first individual stroke play champion in over 20 years, sharing the title with Matthew Guy. Loyola's golf program has produced numerous Division I players, who have gone on to compete at such notables as the University of Maryland, Loyola University Maryland, and Villanova University.

Notable alumni

Journalism and entertainment

Catholicism

Athletes and athletics

Notable Maryland alumni

Science and technology

Accolades

Loyola was voted Best Private School in the Baltimore Sun's 2022 Readers’ Choice Contest.[43] It is also ranked the number one Catholic High School in the Baltimore Area according to the 2022 Niche rankings.[44] Once again in 2023 Loyola was voted Best Private High School in The Baltimore Sun's Best 2023 Readers' Choice Contest.[45] Loyola was named the 2023 Best Independent School for Boys by Baltimore's Child Magazine.[46][47] In 2026 for the fifth consecutive year Loyola was ranked the “Best Private School” by the Baltimore Sun.[48][49]

See also

References

  1. Back to citation "President's Message - Loyola Blakefield". Loyolablakefield.org. Retrieved December 28, 2014.
  2. Back to citation "Tuition & Aid". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  3. Back to citation occurrence 3.0 Back to citation occurrence 3.1 Back to citation occurrence 3.2 Back to citation occurrence 3.3 Back to citation occurrence 3.4 "History". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  4. Back to citation "99 Years of Blood, Sweat, and Turkey". Staffordshire Realty. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  5. Back to citation "At Loyola Blakefield in Maryland, Black alumni pave the way for future students". America The Jesuit Review. March 16, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  6. Back to citation James Maliszewski (May 11, 2002). "May. 11th, 2002 journal entry". Retrieved July 6, 2014.
  7. Back to citation "Advanced Placement Program". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  8. Back to citation "Honors and AP Curriculum". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  9. Back to citation "Technology in Education". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  10. Back to citation "STEM Program". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  11. Back to citation "Fine Arts Program". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  12. Back to citation "Arts Curriculum". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  13. Back to citation "World Languages". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  14. Back to citation "Service Learning". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  15. Back to citation "Jesuit Education". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  16. Back to citation "TEAM DETAIL". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  17. Back to citation "No. 8 Loyola Blakefield football edges No. 5 Calvert Hall, 17-14, in 104th Turkey Bowl". The Baltimore Sun. November 28, 2024. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  18. Back to citation "TEAM DETAIL". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  19. Back to citation "Loyola tops Gilman for 'A' title". The Baltimore Sun. May 21, 2008. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  20. Back to citation "Lacrosse". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
  21. Back to citation "'The quintessential Don': Longtime Blakefield dean transitions to new role". archbalt. May 15, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
  22. Back to citation "Baseball". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
  23. Back to citation "'Just fantastic': After missing debut, Bruce Zimmermann's family soaks in Maryland native's first major league win". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
  24. Back to citation "From Baltimore's sandlots, former Oriole Nordbrook has come full circle". June 8, 2011.
  25. Back to citation "Home - Loyola Blakefield".
  26. Back to citation "SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS". MIAA Sports. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  27. Back to citation "Schedules & Scores". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  28. Back to citation "Lee Tschantret Named to Baltimore Blast Hall of Fame". Loyola Blakefield. March 2, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  29. Back to citation "SOCCER". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  30. Back to citation "Loyola Blakefield to honor former coach: Basketball floor will become 'Jerry Savage Court'". Arch Balt. January 15, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  31. Back to citation "Loyola Blakefield | Team Detail". www.loyolablakefield.org. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  32. Back to citation "CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS". MIAA Sports. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  33. Back to citation "Past MIAA Varsity Rugby Champions". Miaasports.net. Retrieved December 28, 2014; "LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD RUGBY". MIAA Sports. Retrieved May 19, 2021; "TEAM DETAIL". Loyola Blakefield. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  34. Back to citation "Boys 2021 School HS Rankings Week 12". Goff Rugby Report. May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021; "Boys School HS Rugby Rankings Week 13". Goff Rugby Report. April 12, 2022. Retrieved April 12, 2022; "Boys School-Team Rankings Week 18". Goff Rugby Report. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  35. Back to citation "Loyola Blakefield Holds Off Archbishop Spalding for MIAA Title". Goff Rugby Report. Retrieved May 21, 2026.
  36. Back to citation "Ice Hockey Team".
  37. Back to citation "Golf Championships".
  38. Back to citation "Here's the truth: The new American TV villain is the liar". Baltimore Sun. March 8, 2009. Retrieved December 28, 2014.
  39. Back to citation "Campofreda dies at home". The Baltimore Sun (via Newspapers.com). Baltimore, Maryland. May 24, 1959. p. 127. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  40. Back to citation Jackson, Luke (December 26, 2022). "Former Loyola Blakefield QB Jordan Moore Returns To Area With Duke … As Receiver". PressBox. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  41. Back to citation "OFFICIAL: DL Anto Saka Commits to Northwestern". Sports Illustrated. December 15, 2021. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
  42. Back to citation "Edward H. Burke". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. March 11, 2003. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  43. Back to citation "Baltimore Sun's Best: Readers' Choice 2022 activities & arts". The Baltimore Sun. July 5, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  44. Back to citation "2022 Best Catholic High Schools in the Baltimore Area". Niche. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  45. Back to citation "Loyola Blakefield Named Baltimore's Best Private School". Loyola Blakefield. July 18, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  46. Back to citation "Baltimore's Child Readers' Choice 2023". Baltimore's Child. Baltimore's Child Magazine. July 2023. p. 23. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  47. Back to citation "Loyola Blakefield Named Best Independent School for Boys by Baltimore's Child Magazine". Loyola Blakefield. July 6, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  48. Back to citation "Loyola Named 2024 "Best Private School" in the Region". Loyola Blakefield. July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  49. Back to citation "Baltimore's Best arts & activities: 2026 winners". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 29, 2026. Retrieved July 1, 2026.
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