CC
MEMORIES
Alumni Reminisce on School Days Gone By
CC LIFE REMEMBERED Here we feature stories of CC life from the past. Our Chatterbox section covers the recent activities of alumni, but we thought reminiscences of the past would be of interest to alumni who shared the experiences. – Ed.
Submitted by Joe Cheff ’74 Dear Aluminator, The last issue of the Aluminator featured an article about Fr. Bob Duggan, C.S.B. ’53 which sparked several latent neuronal circuits.
It should be noted for the record that the Mad Bowler’s escapades continued beyond the 6565 West Outer Drive location to 14200 Breakfast Drive. There were many instances of the bowling ball’s repeat performance down long halls on the second floor down to the first floor. Still, the Mad Bowler was not identified. The occurrences did come to a halt at our current location. Some believe it had something to do with the fine nap carpeting that eliminated the gratifying “whoosh.” – Ed.
THE MAD BOWLER At 6565 W. Outer Drive, Fr. Duggan had a classroom at the end of the second floor, on the other side of the doors leading to the stairs. He had a showcase outside his classroom, on which, in 1974, he posted “Wanted” posters with pictures of Bela Lugosi for anyone having information about the “Mad Bowler.” You see, at random times this “Mad Bowler” would emerge from the stairwell on the second floor just beyond the library of the old 6565 West Outer Drive building and, with a mighty pendulous swing of his arm, catapult the three holed orb down the hallway toward the doors outside Fr. Duggan’s classroom. Whoop, whoop, whoop… the ball would sound as it rolled down the tiled hallway. As it progressed down the hallway, you could hear cheers from the 1st and 2nd floor classrooms as the bowling ball sounded its way to its ultimate capture by Fr. Duggan. All the while, the Mad Bowler slipped away into infamy. Fr. Duggan was known to have confiscated at least two bowling balls. It is rumored that the Mad Bowler was never caught and that he was, in fact, not just one person. (He was spotted once at a pep rally performing a very difficult 7-10 split. This was, truly, a very inspiring moment for the student body of CC.) Maybe one day Fr. Duggan could critique a film about “The Mad Bowler of Catholic Central,” written anonymously, of course, by members of the Class of 1974. 6
CC MEMORIES • SPRING 2015
Submitted by Edward (Ed) Nowacki ’63 Professor Emeritus University of Cincinnati
REMEMBRANCE OF ROBERT SCHEUERMANN I was saddened to learn of the recent death of Robert Scheuermann. From kindergarten to the PhD, he was one of the four or five most influential teachers in my academic career. He inspired me with a love of learning and presented me with a model of hard work and tough love that I needed when I became a teacher myself. When I was a sophomore in his history class, he told me that I should read a certain book. It would not help me in his class or make any difference in my grade, but if I wanted to be educated (imagine telling that to a teenager!), I should get a copy of How to Read a Book, by the eminent educational philosopher Mortimer Adler, and read it carefully. I did. It was one of the most influential lessons in my life as a scholar and teacher. I particularly remember an awards ceremony when Mr. Scheuermann was presenting an award to the debate team. He said something I shall never forget: “The only true education is self-education.” That says it all. He wanted none of the credit. It was ours for doing the things that he pushed us to do. God bless Robert Scheuermann and God bless the Basilian Fathers for having the wisdom to welcome this layman into their educational mission and turn him loose. My life is better for having been one of his students. ROBERT H. SCHEUERMANN - October 23, 2014. Mr. Robert Scheuermann, longtime Catholic Central English teacher, passed away in his home on October 23, 2014. Father of Michael ’73 and David Scheuermann ’76.