by: Leo Ortiz
Before the game starts and before the first points are scored, La Cate Zoo has already made its presence known. Here at Cathedral High School, the Zoo is a popular place for people to gather, whether at football games or pep rallies. It brings students together to support their teams, have fun, and show pride in their school. La Cate Zoo is more than a student section at a game; it represents unity and brotherhood.
The Zoo dates back to the 1980s. Many alums have shared stories of how much they loved cheering at football games, being at basketball games, and being loud at pep rallies. For example, John Aguilar from the class of 2006 stated, “One of my most cherished memories while at Cathedral was the basketball games, and the infamous Zoo cheering on the team.” This shows how much the Zoo has played a role in student life at Cathedral for years.
The Cathedral Zoo Throwback!
One big name that still connects to Cathedral’s school spirit is LCathedral'sre. He was known for his pride and energy for the school. On February 9, 1999, Cathedral played a basketball game against Bel Air High School, which was ranked as the number one team in El Paso at the time. At halftime, Cathedral was down by 16 points when Leo entered the gymnasium and, during a timeout, walked to half court and led Cathedral in a silent chant. This moment showed how connected the students were and how strong the school spirit could be.
However, the Zoo hasn’t always been the same. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the tradition that was once strong and popular started to decline. The energy and excitement about the Zoo began to drop significantly. It became a struggle for students to attend and get excited.
But now, students are trying to bring the Zoo back to how it was. The Student Council is making themes for games and prizes, which makes the Zoo feel alive again. More students are coming to games, pep rallies, chanting and encouraging others to get involved.
La Cate Zoo plays an important role in Cathedral's history. It shows Cathedral's students care about the school and has lasted for many generations, with tons of cherished memories. Even though the Zoo has changed over the years, we still have the chance to recreate the energy and make new memories. The Zoo's history continues with every game, pep rally, and student who chooses to be part of it.