November 3, 2010

Sacred Heart of Jesus School dedicates new gym

Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Boulder celebrated the dedication and grand opening of their newly renovated gymnasium the evening of Oct. 22.  Current school families, alumni, former coaches and athletic directors were on hand to help commemorate the occasion. 

The renovation was completed at a cost of $160,000 and managed by Academic Specialties Inc. of Greenwood Village.  Nearly all of the funds were donated by school families and parishioners, administrators said.

Among its many features, the facility includes a new maple floor, fully enclosed bleachers with motorized deployment, a drop-in volleyball system and basketball rims. The gymnasium was dedicated as St. Benedict Hall/John Meadows Gymnasium to honor the Benedictine priests who started the school in 1900 and a former longtime school athletic director. 

“The goal of the project was to create a space that would not only be one of the top gyms in the (Catholic Schools Athletic League), but would also serve as a community meeting place, create a positive selling tool (to draw) new families, and reinforce our commitment to the overall development of our students,” said athletic director David Van Bussam. “The success of this project is proof of what can be accomplished when we all work together as a community.”  

The school’s no-cut, no-fee athletic program contributes to its mission to educate the mind, body and spirit of all its students.  The coaches use athletics to teach positive character traits and valuable life lessons, rather than focusing solely on winning the game, Bussam said.

Sacred Heart pastor Father William Breslin and principal Mary Bartsch thanked the donors then cut a ceremonial red ribbon to the applause of the packed gym.  The event ended with an exhibition basketball contest that pitted Sacred Heart of Jesus students against members of the University of Colorado men’s and women’s teams.