The Detroit Catholic Central Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2018 inducted the following individuals and teams:

Coach John Hackett, recruited by then-Athletic Director Fr. James Martin, was credited with putting CC football on the national scene from 1936-1942 with a record of 50-4-2. His 1936-1938 championship teams went 35-1, scoring 1,390 points to the opponents’ 73. After the 1942 state championship season, he entered World War II as a Navy Lieutenant. He returned to CC for the 1952-1955 seasons (20-8-2), once again gaining national exposure for CC, and sending many of his players to the college and professional ranks.  

Art Ronan, 1947, is one of the most decorated athletes in CC history. He earned an astounding 10 varsity letters: four in baseball, three in basketball and three in football. Art led the baseball teams to four consecutive Catholic League championships. He played in the inaugural Boys’ Bowl against Boys Town in 1944. As a senior quarterback in 1946, he led the Shamrocks to an undefeated season and a CHSL championship.

Dominic DiPonio, 1935, was a four-year varsity letter winner as a two-way lineman on the CC football team and a captain of the 1934 team, the first Shamrocks team with a winning record in school history. As a senior in 1934, he received All City honors, while also being recognized by the Detroit Free Press as the first All-State football player in CC history.

CC’s 1968 Hockey Team was coached by Fr. James Enright, John Curtin, and Joe Wills to the International League’s Mayor’s Tournament Championship and state championship.

CC’s 1974 Hockey Team was led by a spirited contingent of four seniors, 10 juniors, a sophomore and a freshman to the 1974 International League’s Mayor’s Tournament championship and state championship recognition. CC won the last “Mythical” state title, a year before the Michigan High School Athletic Association started its tournament.

CC’s 1974 State Wrestling Champions captured their fourth crown in six years. Waad Nadir was a two-time state champion and All-American with a string of 87 consecutive victories. Coach Mike Rodriguez, in addition to being named “National Coach of the Year,” was honored as the State of Michigan “Coach of the Year.”

Volunteer contributor Bill Carpenter personified the invaluable support volunteers provide for CC athletics. His notable achievements include 1991 inductee in the Catholic League Hall of Fame, 20 years of service as a member and president of the Dad’s Club, and organizer for major events such as the Boys Bowl, hockey and wrestling tournaments, and bingo. He passed in 1992.