St. John Central High School (Bellaire, Ohio)

St. John Central High School
The St. John Central crest, featuring an eagle (St. John the Evangelist's symbol), a chalice, and a clover
Address
3625 Guernsey Street Bellaire, Ohio, (Belmont County) 43906 United States
Coordinates	40°1′9″N 80°44′35″W / 40.01917°N 80.74306°W / 40.01917; -80.74306Coordinates: 40°1′9″N 80°44′35″W / 40.01917°N 80.74306°W / 40.01917; -80.74306
Information
Type	Private, Coeducational
Motto	"Strong Tradition - Bright Future" as of 2011.
Religious affiliation(s)	Roman Catholic
Patron saint(s)	Saint John the Evangelist
Established	1857
Oversight	Roman Catholic Diocese of Steubenville
Superintendent	Paul Ward
Principal	Kim Leonard
Staff	9 lay staff
Teaching staff	10 Lay Faculty; 2 Religious
Grades	9–12
Color(s)	Kelly green and White
Song	Alma Mater...words by Anthony Picchi (Retired SJC Band Director)
Fight song	Notre Dame Victory March
Athletics conference	Ohio Valley Athletic Conference
Mascot	Fighting Irish
Team name	Fighting Irish
Rival	Bridgeport Bulldogs
Newspaper	Irish Inquirer
Yearbook	The Centralite
Website	http://www.stjohncentralhs.org

St. John Central High School is a private, Catholic high school in Bellaire, Ohio. It is a part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Steubenville. Their nickname is the Fighting Irish. They also have a symbol of an eagle. They are members of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference.

The St. John men's Cross Country team has won seven consecutive OVAC class A/AA titles (2003 to 2009) under the guidance of head coach Jeremy Midei. During that period they have won the over-all OVAC title six times (2007: 2nd to eventual WV Large School State Champions Wheeling Park). The team has also won the past four OHSAA division III eastern district titles, and OHSAA division III Central Regional titles, as well as capturing the 2008 OHSAA division III state title which is the latest major accomplishment of the school.

The Fighting Irish have won the OVAC Championship a number of times in their storied football history, most recently in 2001. That year, under the leadership of head-coach Steve Daley, the Irish compiled an 8-2 record, including a 20-13 victory over defending West Virginia State Champion Wheeling Central and a victory over OVAC class rival Toronto that clinched the championship. Despite this feat, the Fighting Irish missed the state playoffs by .10 of a point. Many players received post-season honors, including 3rd team all-state running back Joey Vavra (1,000+ yards rushing) and 1st team all-state Linebacker Scott Gretchen. Gretchen would receive some D-1 interest the following year for his hard-nosed play and love for the game. The Irish had many failing seasons to follow. They were brought success in 2012 by Jason Merryman. In 2013, the Irish, under Jeff Paolina, finished 0-10. Jose Davis became the head coach in 2014 and resigned after a short stint with the Irish after being 7-11 in two years. The Irish are now coached by Gary Krol and have no team for the 2016 season.