The Holy Cross High School community gathered together on Saturday, September 10th for the official opening of Alumni Field. This ambitious endeavor, which will be done in phases over the next few years, honors nearly fifty years of Crusaders who have played competitive athletics for Holy Cross.
Phase One of the Alumni Field project includes a reorientation of the football and soccer fields, improvement of natural turf, and the installation of a scoreboard, goal posts, press box and concession stand. Located on the Holy Cross campus, Alumni Field will allow us to host home football games, institute future Homecoming Weekends and energize school spirit within our community.
President Frank H. Samuelson, Jr. ’73 joined special guests the Honorable Paul Matasavage ’76, Msgr. Thomas Ginty ’76 and former Holy Cross Athletic Director, Jim Cunningham in the dedication and blessing of the field. Students, parents, administrators, teachers, alumni and friends came out in droves to support this project, the student-athletes and the coaches.
“We are building Alumni Field for generations of current and future Crusaders,” said Mr. Samuelson. “Their practices and games may be short-lived but their experiences, camaraderie and memories will last a lifetime.”
“A lot of time and effort has gone into establishing this field for the recreation of our men and women at Holy Cross and our guest teams who will come to visit us,” said Msgr. Ginty. “We ask God to bless them and give them a safe season. It is a great honor to be here today.”
It was a great moment for the Varsity Football Team and their coaches. “The students felt a great sense of pride as they walked down the hill and played their first home game,” said Mike Giampetruzzi ’95, Assistant Principal for Student Life and Head Varsity Football Coach. “It was a historical moment that they will remember for a very long time.”
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the vision and leadership of Mr. Samuelson and the Alumni Field Committee. Members include: Jerry Ciarleglio ’72, John Daddona ’85, Bob Fazo ’76, Mike Giampetruzzi ’95, Todd Genovese ’88, Ivan Lucuk ’00, Joe Marino ’76, Paul Matasavage ’76, Kevin McSherry ’75, Mike Phelan ’89, Bob Porzio ’72, Gregg Regan ’78 and Doug Rinaldi ’80. “On behalf of the (Alumni Field) committee, I want to thank everyone who donated or who gave their talents,” said Judge Matasavage. “We aren’t done. We have more things to do on this field over the next several years. We have a few more phases to make things even better.”