About
Alumni

Alumni Events

Whittier Christian alumni are part of a lasting community that extends well beyond graduation. Our alumni events are designed to help former students reconnect with one another, celebrate shared memories, and remain part of the life of the school. From class reunions and milestone gatherings to casual mixers and homecoming festivities, these events are full of joy, stories, and meaningful connection.

We also host annual fundraisers and service opportunities that invite alumni to invest in the next generation of Heralds. These events are more than just celebrations. They are moments when our alumni come together to support the mission of the school and help students grow in faith, purpose and leadership. Whether you graduated recently or decades ago, your presence and participation matter deeply to our community.

We encourage you to stay involved and attend upcoming alumni gatherings throughout the year. Events will be posted here with details and registration links as they are announced. If you would like to help coordinate a reunion, host a regional gathering or learn more about supporting student life through alumni involvement, we would love to hear from you. Once a Herald, always a Herald.

1974 Whitter Christian Football Reunion: The Great Team

October 18, 2024
 
At the 2024 Homecoming celebration, Whittier Christian High School proudly welcomed back the 1974 Herald Football team for their 50-year reunion. Known as "The Great Team," this group made history as the first WC football team to win an Olympic League Championship. Their remarkable season helped spark a new era of excellence and tradition for Herald football. During halftime, the team was honored on the field and received a standing ovation from the school community, who came together to celebrate a team that laid the groundwork for decades of competitive success.
 
The reunion brought together many of the original players and coaches, some reconnecting for the first time in years. It was a meaningful and emotional evening marked by laughter, memories, and deep appreciation. The legacy of "The Great Team" still resonates on campus today, reminding current students of what is possible when teammates work with heart, grit, and unity.
 
1974 Whittier Christian Football Team Roster:
Don Gebhard, Rich Gebhard, Read Taylor, Dave Hathaway, Craig Johnston, Bob Wierenga, Dave Ranson, Doug Douthit, Caleb Gutierrez, Lauren York, Kevin Clark, John Hesler, Dave Hudson, Doug Drake, Larry Fouts, Lance Underwood, Greg Carpenter, Chuck Knight, Mike Adnoff, Sam Luna, Jim Bohling, Bob Glenn, Randy Starbuck, John York, Ken Hunt, Dean Roy, Hunt Adent, Doug Edwards, Jeff Apsley, Ron Lott, Gary Klingsheim, Rick Roberts, Tim Fitzpatrick, Mark Crump, Tom Caffrey (Head Coach)
 
Once a Herald, always a Herald.

Class of 1986 30 Year Reunion

The Whittier Christian High School Class of 1986 came together in 2016 for a memorable reunion at the Embassy Suites in Brea, where old friends reconnected and shared stories that bridged three decades of life since graduation. Organized with care by Shelly Ann Jaquette, the evening blended laughter, reflection, and gratitude as classmates celebrated their shared heritage as Heralds and the enduring bonds formed during their high school years. It was a night filled with warmth and reconnection, reminding everyone that the Class of ’86 still carries the spirit of Whittier Christian with them wherever life has taken them.

1990 CIF & State Championship Team 20 Year Reunion

The 20-year CIF and State Championship Reunion was a night filled with memories, gratitude and celebration. The evening began on the Whittier Christian campus, where alumni players, coaches and families gathered for a tour and dinner. Walking the halls and seeing familiar landmarks brought back a flood of stories and laughter, as old teammates reconnected and shared how those championship seasons shaped their lives long after high school. From there, the reunion moved up to Whittier College for the football game. Surrounded by current families and the Herald community, the championship teams were honored for their lasting legacy. The crowd’s applause reminded everyone of the pride those seasons brought to the school and how the lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and faith continue to define Whittier Christian football.
 
The Herald 1990 edition was an amazing team. It was a team that didn’t know how to quit. Note the scores: Dos Pueblos 41 - WCHS 42; California High 43 - WCHS 44; and Valley Christian 28 - WCHS 33. The character of the team really came into focus in that first Valley game: being down 28-7 in the third quarter, staging an unbelievable rally, and scoring 26 straight points in one and one-half quarters.
 
The Heralds knew after that game that they had something special. The 1990 team averaged 38 points per game and, under the leadership of QB Nick Sanchez, Ron Rector, and Rex Pritchard, was an explosive team that could score quickly or on long drives! It was that strong running attack and the new dimension of Nick Sanchez to David Whitby that put all those points on the board.​ A lot of the credit for the offensive power goes to the strong offensive line led by All-CIF Guard Ryan McEntire. The line opened big holes for Ron Rector, Rex Pritchard, and Chris Anaya.​
 
The team posted a 13-0 record, winning the schools 4th CIF football championship and 2nd state title.

1979 CIF Championship Football Team Reunion

It was a joy to see the 1979 Herald Football team back together again, reconnecting at Penn Park and swapping stories that brought back the magic of their championship run. Laughter, memories, and friendships picked up right where they left off, before the group moved to Whittier College where the current Herald community honored them for their legacy. It was a reminder that their story isn’t just history—it’s part of the heartbeat of Whittier Christian football.
 
The “Miracle Year,” as former Coach Tom Caffrey called it, began with the team at 1-3-1 after five games. “Things didn’t look good, but the kids never gave up on themselves,” said Coach. From there, the Heralds rattled off nine straight wins, capped by a 40-14 victory over Mojave to secure the CIF Championship.
 
The playoffs ignited their run. They stunned Lutheran Laverne, Arrowhead League champions, with 168 yards through the air and the running of FB Scott West and John Catlett, winning 69-25. In round two at Desert High, the Heralds rolled 30-13 behind Tim Price’s 70-yard strike to Dave Jones, Catlett’s 80-yard swing pass, and a relentless defense.
 
The semifinal at La Mirada Stadium was a thriller. Facing a huge Aquinas squad, the Heralds eked out a 14-13 win. The defense held Aquinas to just 25 second-half yards, with Doug Hampton, Nick Leora, David Adent, Greg Herd, Tony Ramsey, and others stepping up.
 
The title game against undefeated Mojave (13-0, averaging 38 points per game) showcased the Heralds’ grit. Coach Bravo’s defense allowed only one touchdown from scrimmage, while the offense exploded for 40 points. John Catlett’s 99-yard kickoff return and his powerful running behind the line of Dav Diaz, Phil Grace, Doug Chartier, Javier Sanchez, and Dave Hernandez sealed the “Miracle Year” in Herald history.
Whittier Christian High School is a Christ-centered academic community where students are taught, inspired and prepared to be critical thinkers and authentic Christians, equipping them to honor God through academic achievement, humble service and courageous leadership.
We are recognized for our Christian commitment, academic achievement, and focus on athletics and the arts. For more than 65 years, Whittier Christian High School has been equipping young men and women to honor God as critical thinkers and authentic Christians.