I graduated in 1950 from the Cuba City High School and I was a member of the 1949 Cuba City Basketball Team that went to state. we played basketball in the gymnasium that is now known as the “Pit.” In its day it was the premier gymnasium of the conference. Towns such as Prairie du Chien, Darlington, Platteville, Lancaster, and Dodgeville had balconies that hung over the floor, and anyone that has ever played basketball in that kind of facility knows that the ball can hit that balcony overhang and god only knows where it is going to land. mineral Point and Fennimore had floors half the regulation size. The floor in the Cuba City gym, in its day, was great. our gym was the envy of the conference and many district tournaments were held in Cuba City. We could get over 800 people in the gym if we put bleachers on the stage and upstairs, which was over the entrance to the gym. That was done when district tournaments were held in Cuba City. The team and I had many good times playing basketball in that gym. We didn’t win state but we had a great experience back in 1949.

But, that was 63 years ago. The style of basketball, the coaching, the condition of practice facilities and gymnasiums, the players themselves and the fans, have all changed in that 63 years. I think it is time that Cuba City catches up with that times. It is time to get rid of the “Pit.” Give our players, our coaches, our fans, and our city something to be proud of and give them the new practice facility that many are working so hard to build. But I also want to emphasize, that the new facility is not just for high school sports. It is for the whole community to use, enjoy, exercise in, have meetings, meet others and be proud of. This is a building for all.

Let’s all help and pledge what we can. Let us ask our family members that have graduated from Cuba City High School, to pledge any amount they feel comfortable giving so we can provide our city with a premier facility once again.

Gene Francis
Class of 1950
Cuba City High School

The time is near.

The old Pit – the original Cuba City High School gym built in 1934 – will permanently close its doors some time in our near future.  Community leaders have tried to restore the Pit, but the costs were too imposing; it has deteriorated beyond repair.  A new Cuban Family Center and Alumni Facility is needed for area residents and youth to be used for local athletic, fitness, recreational, vocational, academic and social activities for years to come.

The original Cuba City High School Gymnasium was built by the Knights of Columbus and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) after World War I.  A few Cuba City grads may still remember the old “quonset hut” being built.  The Pit has served our youth, students, and thousands of others in the Cuba City area.  It hosted dramatic basketball games and provided a home for countless practices and intramural contests.  The Pit was also significant to our community, holding many community fairs, band concerts, sock hops, lock-ins, and dances over the years.  So many kids, teens, and parents from all over the tri-state area have competed, danced, or maybe even fallen in love at the Pit.

In 1960, the “new” Cuba City High School was built on School Street.  The Elementary (Round) School was added in 1968.  Students of that era likely remember the day that spring when they grabbed pens, pencils, paper, books and spit wads and marched single file into the new round school.  The Pit, the round school, and the high school have been home to many student successes.  While these buildings have served the district well, the facility demands are mounting, while one facility is failing.

The Cuba City area is thriving!  Today few homes go unsold.  Kieler, Dickeyville, and Cuba City are all prospering, thanks in large part to many CCHS alumni.  The Cuba City business park is nearly full, and its Main Street is recognized nationally as the home to the City of Presidents.  The past and present leaders of this history rich community have embraced the special relationship with its youth and adults.  The corridors in Southwest Wisconsin continue to provide easy access to Cuba City activities.  Dubuque, Galena, and specifically Platteville are locally busting at the seams.  Area residents and families are beginning to look at Cuba City as the new cornerstone in Southwest Wisconsin.

It’s good to be a CUBAN…

Cuba City High School has been honored nationally as a BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL, given a bronze medal by US NEWS & WORLD REPORT’s “America’s Best Schools,” and annually graduates top notch students. Our trophy-filled hallways suggest more excellence is yet to come from our youth, our teens, and our community! Yet the CUBAN CAMPUS is incomplete… Yes, we are finally playing baseball and football, as well as holding track meets, on reasonable fields all co-located on the Cuban Campus. But the needs are changing.  Future enrollment projections indicate increased demands will be put on the Cuban Campus and its facilities.  We need a new Pit.

Now is the time to help!  As ALUMNI, it is our fundamental responsibility to help our school, its youth, and the surrounding communities to continue to flourish and succeed. Many of us have rarely been called upon… with the exception of some class reunions… to contribute to our real roots and help build something like the new Cuban Family Center and Alumni Facility (the facility name has yet to be officially determined).  This Community Center will help solve the current facility shortage; provide a key element to future community achievement; and recognize the excellence achieved by alumni and community leaders.

The Cuban Family Center Fundraising Committee plans to recognize and memorialize the Pit and its associated 80-year history.  (See the Gallery)  The Committee plans to honor donors by restoring significant sections of the old Pit and recreating part of that history in the new Center.  Center court, hoops, the old clocks, bleachers, and other items will be preserved and displayed publicly recognizing the individuals and families who make this happen.

While we are still looking for a lead donor, we have our FIRST TEAMMATE – the FIRST member of our Starting Lineup!!  This fall the Cuba City Booster Club voted to commit $100,000 to the new facility.  This contribution has jumpstarted the initial pledge campaign.  The CFC Fundraising Committee is very grateful to the Cuba City Boosters for their commitment.

We are confident that we will successfully bring our dream to reality.  We look forward to bringing to life a new facility that will carry on the historical spirit of the Pit and bring a sense of pride to people like you who help make this dream happen.  Thank you!

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