Rave reviews for Cardinal O’Hara’s new sports complex

TONAWANDA — Excitement had been building since the end of last year’s school year and over the summer at Cardinal O’Hara High School as the $1 million restoration of the school’s athletic complex reached its completion and dedication.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, prior to the opening football game against arch-rival St. Mary’s in Lancaster, a host of activities, speeches, and a ribbon cutting had the 200 or so parents, grandparents, alumni, students and friends cheering.

At 10:30 a.m., festivities began with a co-ed alumni softball game for all ages of alumni. The good-natured game was fun to watch, and it wasn’t clear who won.

This was followed by a chicken barbecue lunch in the gymnasium that was air conditioned as opposed to the 85-degree day with the sun beaming down on the field.

A painted hawk at center field and hawks at either end was a first for the O’Hara field and the team and cheerleaders were amazed at how their field looked.

C. Douglas Hartmayer ’66 emceed the official dedication ceremony that began at 1 p.m.

He told the story of sports at O’Hara from the beginning in 1962 when there were only freshmen and sophomores, the glory of the early years when O’Hara dominated the Msgr. Martin League in many sports.

His story was a delight to hear as he brought everyone up to the present day.

The Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger, ’77 spoke of O’Hara and its importance to the town.

Chair of the O’Hara board Michael Rizzo ’80 gave the state of the school both as it is today with enrollment increases and new projects like the St. Margaret Scholars, a program for inclusion into the school for students with disabilities. The program has grown from two students to 14 this year.

Rizzo also touched on the future of the co-ed Franciscan based school.

Other dignitaries included City of Tonawanda Mayor John White; former state Assemblyman Robin Schimminger ’65; Father Charles Jagodzynski, OFM Conv., who served for 12 years at O’Hara as a faculty member and athletic director; Shirley Braun, former athletic director and Father Robert Agbo from St. Francis Parish. 

Father Andrew Lauricella ’03 blessed the field followed by a ribbon cutting that ended the dedication ceremony.

Football team members and coaches were introduced with cheers from the cheerleaders and the guests as they ran out on the field.

Adam Gorski ’18 commented, “I can vividly remember conversations among our soccer team after away games wishing our home field looked like this or that school’s field. The staff at O’Hara did the best they could with what they were given, but at the end of the day, it was always a bit below par in terms of uneven surfaces, little mounds and holes here and there, a lackluster track. It’s fantastic that current and future athletes at O’Hara will get to play on a much improved and more appealing playing surface, and that they won’t have the same envious feelings my teammates and I once did about opposing athletic facilities.”

An exciting afternoon for everyone and one that all who attended will not forget, thanks to the donation by an anonymous alumnus.