The Archdiocese of Omaha built a new high school to provide Catholic education in Sarpy County and south Omaha. Louise Gross donated much money to the construction of the high school and wished to honor her late husband, Daniel Gross; accordingly, the newly constructed high school was named Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School. Archbishop Gerald Bergan invited the priests and brothers from the Society of Mary and the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to help create the Gross Catholic community. Bro. Leo Willett, S.M., the first principal, opened the school on September 3, 1968, with a freshman class of 175 students. The Class of 1972 became the first graduating class on May 28, 1972. Today, Gross Catholic has over 8200 alumni.
Crest
The crest is divided by a cross. The upper left quarter bears an "A" superimposed on an "M". This symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary represents the Marian consecration of the two religious orders that founded the school, the Marianists and the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The Franciscan cord appears in this quarter. In the upper right quarter are the scales, the symbol of the law profession which was the career of Daniel J. Gross, a prominent Omaha attorney in whose memory the school was named. The lower right quarter is a torch representative of the school's seeking achievement and excellence in academics and activities. It is surmounted by a banner inscribed with the school's founding date, 1968. The lower right quarter bears a part of the coat of arms of Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan, under whose inspiration and leadership the school was conceived. On the ribbon at the bottom is inscribed the motto "Dux esto", which translates as "Be a leader." At the top are three chain links representing the archdiocesan officials, parish priests and elementary school teachers; the benefactors, parents, and friends of the school; the faculty and staff. All these are fastened by a circle representing the students, who are the real concern and connecting link of the above individuals and groups.
Athletics
Gross students participate in the following interscholastic sports: in the fall season, boys' tennis, cross country, football, girls' golf, softball, and volleyball; in the winter season, boys' basketball, girls' basketball, swimming, and wrestling; and in the spring season, baseball, boys' golf, boys' soccer, girls' soccer, girls' tennis, track, and trap shooting. Cougar athletic teams have won a total of 19 state championships: As of 2012, Omaha Northwest was the only other school in Nebraska that had won four consecutive baseball championships. A total of 31 Cougar wrestlers have won individual state championships. Two individuals have won state cross country championships, one girl and one boy. One individual boy has claimed an individual state championship in the 3200 meter run in track. There has also been a men's state champion 4x800 meter team.
