McCarthey Stadium rededicated

Intermountain Catholic

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Student Body President Jeff Scott gives remarks on behalf of the Judge Memorial Catholic High School students during the McCarthey Stadium rededication on Aug. 13

SALT LAKE CITY — Judge Memorial Catholic High School kicked off its 90th anniversary celebration with the rededication of its sports stadium. The field collapsed in 2008 and left the Bulldogs dependent on the good will of other local schools for a playing field for practices and home games; the reopening was in time for the 2010 football season.

The Red & Gold Day on Aug. 13 included not only the McCarthey Stadium rededication but also lacrosse, volleyball and soccer scrimmages as well as a football game and barbecue.

"I have two words to sum up the evening for all of you," said Principal Rick Bartman during his comments at the rededication. "Welcome home!"

Of the many dignitaries at the ceremony, Bartman singled out Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general of the diocese; Holy Cross sisters Catherine Kamphaus and Genevra Rolf, superintendent and associate superintendent, respectively, of Utah Catholic Schools; Michael Lee, director of pastoral operations; Shannon Lee, director of the Diocesan Development Drive; Joan Loffredo, diocesan chief financial officer; Joe Sasich, past president of the board and currently a coach, and his wife, Ann.

This group has "been the dream team, the movers and shakers, the squad who worked day in and day out to ensure that we actually reached this point of reopening the field," Bartman said, adding that, "Because of the McCartheys, this stadium was started, and because of them we are standing here this evening in a stadium that has been reborn."

He also particularly thanked Msgr. Fitzgerald, Class of 1954, whom he called "a true patron of Judge. To say he works tirelessly on behalf of our students is an understatement. All of us at Judge Memorial Catholic High School are very, very grateful for his guardianship, his guidance, his encouragement and his prayers."

While the field may look complete, some work still must be done inside the stadium, Bartman said. "That work, however, will have minimal impact on the Bulldog student athletes, who have been waiting to get back on their field, and no one has been more eager than these students."

Jeff Scott, student body president, concurred. "We have been waiting for this day for a long time, and now that it is here, it is great," Scott said. "All of the students at Judge know that this rededication is because so many have worked so hard. Know that we are proud to be Bulldogs. Know that we are proud of our stadium, and we make this promise to you tonight: Know that we will make you proud of us."