Our School

Holy Cross High School is saddened to learn of the passing of James Cunningham and James Harris on Monday, December 29, 2025. Both were strong pillars in the Crusader community, making a difference in their student's lives whether it be in the classrooms or on the courts and fields. We keep their families and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

James Cunningham 

James began his teaching and coaching career in 1964 at Cardinal Mooney High School in Rochester, New York. There, he taught Physical Science, Biology, and Physical Education, served as assistant football coach (later junior varsity coach), and was head track coach. He also established the school’s first-ever wrestling program.

In 1971, James moved to Wolcott, Connecticut, where he accepted the position of Athletic Director at Holy Cross High School. In addition to his director duties, he taught Physical Education and served as assistant football and track coach. Continuing his legacy of program building, he established Holy Cross High School’s first wrestling program.

In 1989, James retired as wrestling coach but continued coaching field events in both winter and spring track. After 40 years in education, he retired from Holy Cross High School in 2004, yet remained active by continuing to coach field events in spring track. From 2005 to 2014, he served as an assistant wrestling coach at Xavier High School in Middletown, Connecticut.  In 2016, James was among the first class of inductees into the Holy Cross High School Crusader Hall of Honor.

James Harris

Jim Harris began his career at Holy Cross High School, when the school opened in September of 1968.  He was employed at Holy Cross for 41 years.  In his early years, Jim taught Physical Science before becoming a Physical Education teacher.  After leaving the classroom, he assumed the position as Director of the Physical Plant.  He and his staff took great pride in the upkeep of the interior and exterior of the Campus.  One of Jim’s greatest accomplishments at Holy Cross was the starting of the Annual Alumni Golf Tournament.  Over the past 30 years, this event has raised a substantial amount of money that assists students with their tuition costs.

While at Holy Cross, Jim was instrumental in the development of the athletic programs.  Jim started and was the first head varsity football and baseball coach.  He was lucky to have coached many great student-athletes, that went on to compete at the collegiate level.  Jim’s baseball teams won over 300 games and won multiple City and NVL Championships during his tenure.  In 1992, Jim was named Connecticut High School Baseball Coach of the Year.  Jim was inducted into the Holy Cross High School Crusader Hall of Honor in 2023.