The History of the Father John Powers Memorial Basketball League

Father John Power was born in Waterford County, Ireland. He was ordained on May 23, 1959, studying at St. John's College in Waterford, Ireland and Regina Cleri Seminary in Saskatchewan, Canada. He came to the United States in 1959 for his first assignment in Grand Junction, followed by appointments at Christ the King and Assumption parishes in Pueblo. In June of 1967, Father Power became Pastor of St. Anne's Parish in Pueblo. In addition, he became, he became the director of the Junior Parochial Football and Basketball Leagues in Pueblo and promoted one of the first junior high parochial basketball tournaments for the state of Colorado. Father John Power was admired and respected by all who participated in the leagues. Fr Power died in unexpectedly in 1968.

After the closing of all the Catholic Schools in Pueblo, the Pueblo Catholic High School Athletic and Alumni Association named their league in memory of Father John Power. This league has operated for over forty years. The purpose of the league is to continue to carry on the goals and traditions that past Catholic Schools set for our youth. The league is limited to 3rd through 8th grade boys and girls. All participants must be Catholics and must play for the parish in which they and their families are registered. All games and tournaments are played on Sundays. This game schedule allows those interested to participate in the public school leagues as well.

Since 1970, the Father John Power Athletic Award has been presented to outstanding senior high school students who formerly played in the Father John Powers Memorial Basketball League. Each year's recipients of the award place a traveling plaque at the District 60 and 70 high schools that he/she attended. The recipients of the awards must be graduating high school seniors who have played in the Fr. John Powers Memorial Basketball League for a minimum of two years, as well as having completed at least one season in district 60 and 70 high school athletics. Each Student's academic achievement is also considered, as are the student's community activities and involvement with his/her church. Activities Directors at each high school provide the father John Power Board with information about student participation in activities, achievements, etc.

In 1993, the Father John Powers Scholarship was established with the goal of promoting higher education. The recipient of the Outstanding Athletic Award will receive a $500.00 scholarship to attend the college or university of their choice. The requirements for the scholarships are the same as the Outstanding Athletic Award.

In order to present this award to a deserving student, funding for the scholarship is through an endowment fund. Interest only from the fund is used to provide the scholarships. As the endowment fund grows, the Father Powers Board hopes to expand the scholarship opportunities.

During the last 40 years, over 10,000 youth have participated in this league. Your annual contribution is requested to continue this operation. Mail checks to

Fr. John Power Basketball League
C/O President Joe Douglass
144 Harvard Ave
Pueblo, CO 81004