Xavier Football Players Visited Cedar Rapids Schools
The senior athletes engaged with local elementary students to build school spirit during homecoming week.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Secondary Education
Nine senior Xavier football players toured six elementary schools in Cedar Rapids on Friday. The team members, joined by the marching band and dance team, performed for students to promote school spirit ahead of their upcoming football game.
Why it matters
The outreach event aims to bridge the gap between high school athletes and younger students. By visiting feeder schools, the team strengthens community ties within the local Cedar Rapids education system.
A group of nine senior football players visited six local feeder schools including St. Joseph's and Regis. The event was part of homecoming festivities that included the crowning of Avery Ohde on Thursday.
The players
Avery Ohde
She was recently crowned the Homecoming Queen at Xavier high school.
Xavier High School
This educational institution was formed by the merger of Regis and LaSalle high schools in 1998.
The details
The athletes traveled in a convoy of buses and vans to connect with elementary students at schools such as All Saints, St. Pius, and LaSalle. Participants created a tunnel to welcome the younger students into their gymnasiums for the performances.
Timeline
1998: Xavier High School was formed through a merger of Regis and LaSalle high schools.
Thursday evening: Avery Ohde was crowned Homecoming Queen.
Friday: Nine senior football players visited six feeder schools.
Roadmap
The visit highlights the enduring legacy of the 1998 merger of Regis and LaSalle high schools into the unified Xavier institution. These homecoming traditions serve as a critical mechanism for maintaining a cohesive school identity across generations of Cedar Rapids students.
Residents in the Cedar Rapids area may notice increased traffic near the six elementary schools visited by the high school convoy. The outreach effort provides a tangible connection between the high school program and families with younger students attending feeder schools.
The takeaway
Community engagement events like school tours help foster a sense of belonging for younger students. These interactions reinforce the value of school pride and athletic participation for students throughout the district.
Further reading
Learn more about local school events on the Secondary Education page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Gazette.
