Monsignor John W. Hogan came to St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot in 1923 to assist then-parish pastor, Fr. Raith. Three years after his arrival, St. Leo's School opened. It was expanded to include 12 grades in 1929. Monsignor Hogan was principal and then superintendent, presiding over the high school for it's entire 29-year history. In 1958, Bishop Ryan High School was opened and St. Leo's continued as a grade school.
Monsignor Hogan was an avid basketball coach, firmly believing he could teach as much religion on the court as he could in the classroom. For the last ten years of his coaching career (1933-1943), his St. Leo's teams won 167 games and lost only 41, a record proclaimed by fellow coaches as the best ever achieved by a North Dakota high school coach over a 10-year span.
His teams won the state championships in 1938, 1939, and 1943. Bishop Ryan's "Hogan Field" is a fitting memorial to this huge supporter of sports in the Catholic community.
Monsignor Hogan spent the entire 36 years of his priesthood at St. Leo's. His life reflected a priestly career that impressed the lives of thousands.
Named in honor of Monsignor, the Hogan Heritage Society Board of Regents is a promising group of visionaries whose purpose is to facilitate and further the positive growth and development of Bishop Ryan Catholic School in its role as a comprehensive, excellence-oriented school system. The members of this select group of influential individuals are asked to provide valuable input, guidance, advice and support to Bishop Ryan administration and leadership relating to supporting school projects, initiatives and strategies. The Regents' advice, input and counsel helps to continue building a legacy of faith for the children and families of Bishop Ryan.