Carroll College Athletics

Jim Callaghan, who was a member of Helena Cathedral High’s 1951 State Class C runner-up basketball team (by 1-point) but did not play prep football, garnered six letters at Carroll; three each on the gridiron and the hardcourt. After making the Saints football team as a 175-lb. freshman end, Jim wound-up playing three seasons with the Hilltop gridders, in 1952, ’54 and ’55. His last two years, he scored 5 touchdowns – four receptions (long of 24 yards) and a Pick-6. 

As second string his junior year, the Saints won their fifth straight MCC championship. Jim started every game his final season, and was selected 1955 first team All-Conference. He also played three seasons of Carroll basketball, with his aggressive determined style of play under the boards earning him the respect of teammates and opponents, alike. 

Callaghan’s best campaign was his sophomore year as a 6’2” starting forward, when the Saints’ captured their third straight MCC cage title (undefeated 10-0 in league play), while setting a school wins record at 22-4. They then finished runner-up in the District Tournament, losing to Montana State 81-71 in the chipper. Jim averaged 9.4 points in 1953 and 10.3 ppg in 1954. Described by the IR as a “Money Player,” he led the team in scoring in four contests and posted five 20-point games, with a high of 23 vs. Northern Montana.