My name is Abraham E. Brumleve, and my high school graduation is right around the corner. I’ve been involved in numerous sports and clubs at St. X. My senior year, I’ve mainly been involved with SAC, Xavier News and the Ryken Service Club. Although I could not take advantage of every opportunity I was given, I am thankful for the brotherhood and the great institution, Saint Xavier High School.
The Brumleve family has been attending St. Xavier High School for over 100 years. I’ve been hearing about my dad’s high school years and wearing St. X shirts my entire life.
My great-grandfather, Clarence C. Brumleve, attended St. X from 1921 to 1925 at 118 West Broadway. His friends knew Clarence as Chet or CC. Chet’s brother also attended St. X, BJ, who graduated in 1935. BJ’s sons, Chris and John, also went to St. X.
The year Clarence graduated, St. X published its first yearbook, and we have it on our bookshelf with a collection of St. X yearbooks. Next to his yearbook picture, the Good Fellowship Club was listed. It was described as a new club to “promote greater friendships, and more social life among the graduates.” The description concluded with this: “May its deeds redound to the credit of the school, and may its members ever excel in that pledge of Good Fellowship, the hearty handclasp.” It also states that next to his photo he attended the Eastern Departmental School before St. X. This was located in the Highlands. I don’t know much more about his years at St. X, but he went on to attend and graduate from Notre Dame in 1929 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
My grandfather, Benedict L. Brumleve, graduated in 1952. His nickname is Belvedere. He loved his years at St. X and stayed friends with his classmates his entire life.
He played baseball one year, ran track two years, but really enjoyed playing football as a running back. He played against football legend Paul Hornung. It was interesting to see he also participated in two clubs, Sodality and RAC, or Religious Activities Club. In his yearbook it said, “Early and late in every school day, the school chapel is a dynamo, supplying spiritual energy to faculty and students alike.” One story my grandfather would share was that the Trappist monk Thomas Merton was his retreat leader at the Abbey of Gethsemani.
My father, Douglas J. Brumleve, graduated in 1985. His nicknames were Brum and Baby Brum because his older brother graduated the year before him. He went to school with Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Porta, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Kraeszig and more, famous names that are still involved at St. X today.
He played football all four years and remembers every detail of the games they played, especially the Trinity games. He was also active in SAC. He served a lot of JUG. He would sometimes ride the TARC home from school. He still has his retreat letters. His St. X friends are very special to him, especially his best friend Brian, who he lost to cancer a year ago.
My brother, Bosland J. Brumleve, graduated in 2024 alongside his cousin Cole. His nickname was Bo. He played varsity lacrosse for two years. He attended the Xbss retreat in Hartford, Connecticut, as well as a Christian Awakening retreat leader. He was the president of the Ryken Service Club and worked with Xavier News. He served as a mentor for not only those around him, but for the generations to come.
Not only did Bo accomplish so much, but along with the rest of the Brumleves, he heavily inspired me in my high school career. He motivated me to contribute my time and effort to certain opportunities that would benefit others. He left knowing that he made a difference. To this day, some of our best conversations are simply reminiscing about St. X memories.
