Fr. Cecil Leeming SJ

12 June, 1910 – 26 May, 2000

An unwilling Olympian

Founding Principal Loyola School, Jamshedpur

In this Olympic season, spare a moment for Fr. Cecil Leeming SJ, the first Principal of Loyola School, Jamshedpur.

 

In St. Joseph' School, North Point, Darjeeling, he had the distinction of clocking 10 seconds in the 100 yards sprint a record that remained unbeaten till the arrival of James Ray Hines who officially broke the 10 second barrier in the 100 m world record in 1968.

On his way to Madras in 1932 to appear for a sure selection to the Indian Olympics team, he travelled with the Jesuit Provincial of Calcutta. Whilst talking to him, Cecil realized his calling to be a Jesuit priest. So, he dropped out from the Indian team to Los Angeles in 1932.

At 22 years, he joined the Society of Jesus and 14 years later he was sent to Jamshedpur to be the spiritual advisor to the recently started Sacred Heart Convent and as assistant parish priest ;but most importantly, for us, and at the request of Sir J.J. Ghandy, to start a much-needed boy's school in the Chota Nagpur Regiment Club.  After handing over the school to Fr. James McGinley, he went to St Xavier's College in Calcutta, 1953 and came into his own by being in-charge of the college games. He concentrated on Athletics and hockey.  And soon St. Xavier's could boast of two Hockey Olympian medallists - Dr. Vece Paes (father of Leander Paes) and Pat Janssen.

Norman Pritchard

Indian Olympian & Jesuit alumnus to win 2 Silver medals in Paris, 1900 – the inspiration for Cecil Leeming

However, Fr. Leeming's inspiration came from a little-known Norman Pritchard, from St. Xavier's College, Calcutta, who went on to win two silver medals in the 100 m sprint and 200 m hurdles at the Paris Olympics in 1900 and therefore has the enviable position of being the first Indian Olympian.

We are inspired by such an institution builder like Fr. Leeming to create an atmosphere of competitive sport and make a mark for Jesuit schools.
On the birthday of our founder St. Ignatius of Loyola, we pay tribute to our Institution builders, one of whom is the founder of Loyola School, Jamshedpur – Fr. Cecil Leeming SJ.

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?"
Mark 8 :36
                               
Acknowledgements :
   i)    Fr. Cecil Leeming SJ – ‘Surprised by Grace’ by Fr. James V. Keogh

 ii)    Norman Pritchard - Featured in ‘Harmony — Celebrate Age’ Magazine, July 2018 by RajuMukherji, former cricket player, coach, selector, talent scout, match referee and writer

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Ronald D'Costa

Loyola School, Jamshedpur, 1964

President JAAI 2004-07