Newport Central Catholic High School (NCCHS) celebrated the groundbreaking of its long-awaited Multi-Purpose Athletic Complex recently.
The Most Reverend Bishop John Iffert of Covington joined Principal Kenny Collopy, students, and community members to mark this monumental milestone.
Students were encouraged to “BYOS” – Bring Your Own Shovel – to actively participate in the event.
As Principal Collopy remarked, “This complex is for our students, so it’s only fitting that they are the ones to officially break ground. This facility has been talked about within our community for decades. What a blessing that it (the Athletic Complex) is finally happening!”
The Athletic Complex will be built by Hemmer Construction, a trusted partner that also constructed the original NCCHS school building in 1954. Expected to open in late Fall 2025, the state-of-the-art facility will be home to soccer, football and track, and provide practice space for baseball and softball.
The new Athletic Complex will include several impressive features:
• Synthetic turf field
• Six-lane track
• A welcome plaza
• Stadium lights
• Track and field sand pits, shot put, and discus areas
• Office Space
• Three locker rooms
• Two storage areas
• Concessions
• Seating for 1,500 with two additional raised viewing areas
• Press box and restrooms
• Sponsorship and community engagement opportunities
Bishop John Iffert said, “This is no everyday project. This is a significant moment in the development and history of Newport Central Catholic. We strive to educate the whole person, and this athletic complex will serve in the formation of our students physically, intellectually and spiritually. Through this work, may we encourage others to look to Christ, the Cross and our Heavenly Father.” He ended by saying to the students, “Remember who you are and Whose you are.”
Current NCCHS student and soccer team member Colin Desmond, expressed excitement for the new facility, saying, “I have played on all the other school fields and now I think it’s time to get some NCC turf in my cleats!”
This groundbreaking marks the final phase of the school’s $15 million “Looking Up” campaign.
The new Athletic Complex will further enhance the Newport Central Catholic campus, student life and the surrounding community for years to come.
Everyone was invited to participate
