On Sept. 6, 1949, Riordan High School opened its doors for the first time on Phelan Avenue. Its first graduating class was a sturdy group of 30 boys. Now, 75 years, a name change, and transition to coed later, Archbishop Riordan High School is now home to over 1,150 boys and girls.
Arguably the school’s biggest change was their recent transition to coed in 2020. Bringing girls into Riordan completely changed the dynamic of the school. It diversified classrooms, brought in more students, gave rise to successful girls sports teams, and allowed for female student leadership.
This year, Caroline O’Connell ’25 was elected to be the first ever solo female student body president.
She said, “This accomplishment reflects the community Riordan has grown into, a community that now knows girls can handle larger roles.”
Archbishop Riordan President Tim Reardon greets a new era of Crusaders,
male and female students alike, as they walk through the front doors on campus.
In terms of athletics, Riordan has evolved dramatically since the school first opened. The school started out with only three sports, one of which, didn’t even have a varsity team: Varsity and junior varsity basketball, varsity and junior varsity baseball, and a freshman football team.
Now, the Crusaders have expanded all over the court, field, mat, and water with over 20 different sports
Athletic director Bob Greene said, “Just like the school itself, we kinda morphed into a different version of Riordan in every single way.”
Another integral part of Riordan’s identity is campus ministry. Campus Ministry. From one team with only 12 people, to now having four teams and 79 students involved in total, which is the largest number of students to ever be involved. Although that number may seem small, the impact they have on campus is anything but.
Director of Campus Ministry, Alex Datoc ’87, said, “Campus Ministry contributes to the school culture by allowing students to grow in faith through prayer, reflection, community, retreats, and service.”
The Riordan community has become more than just a school, for people like English instructor Kevin Estrada ’00 said. He said, “Riordan is an institution and community that I am incredibly proud to be a part of, as an alum and as a teacher. It’s been a second home that is responsible for laying the foundations of the major friendships in my life.”
Even after 75 years, Riordan continues to grow and shape itself into the best version of itself it can be. Always improving but never changing that family spirit for the next generation of Crusaders.
