Holy Cross debuts new athletic complex

Holy Cross's brand new athletic complex is one fine sight - new outdoor blacktop basketball courts; field turf practice facility for the football and soccer team; a refurbished track; renovated gymnasium; and locker rooms and weight rooms.
However, it did not happen overnight, it began seven years ago as a dream, one that took time.
The project became a reality out of hard work, long hours and extreme effort by the school's board of directors, the President, Brother Stephen LaMendola, CSC, and Susan Fields, the Director of Institutional Development.
When she got up to speak during the ceremony, Fields explained the process. &#8220If it stays as a dream, it's only a fantasy,” she said of the project. &#8220When the dream becomes a thought, you think ‘maybe it can happen? I'd like to see that happen.' Now make it happen: You don't stop there.
&#8220You make a plan, and you realize the plan,” Fields continued. &#8220So what happens is a lot of people have a dream, they'll have the thought, but they won't make a plan top do anything, and that's what makes a dream a reality.”
The old field was decrepit, with rocks and dirt and sand on the field, and the track bursting at the seams. &#8220It was the right thing to do,” LaMendola said. &#8220It's a wonderful day all-around because of the fact that it represents the efforts of the entire Holy Cross community, students, alumni, friends, community people, everybody working together for a common goal.”
Countless public officials spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony, including Assemblywoman Ann Margaret Carrozza, who still jogs past the school as she did as a teenager; Borough President Helen Marshall and former Borough President Claire Shulman; Senator Frank Padavan; and New York City Parks Department Commissioner Kenneth Podziba who presented Holy Cross and LaMendola with a Proclamation from Mayor Michael Bloomberg as Holy Cross Athletic Field Day.
&#8220It's been talked about over the years, but they were able to bring it to fruition,” athletic director Ron Vallar. &#8220Knowing Brother Stephen and knowing our Board of Directors, I knew once it was in the planning stages it would become a reality. It will be something that will serve our future students very well.”
While the facility certainly helps the students currently in the school, many others may choose the Flushing institution now. &#8220It's going to attract more students to come here,” said Holy Cross senior Kevin Williams, a captain on the football team, &#8220more kids to play football here.”
The plan had been in the works for many years, but renovating the school's laboratories and the inside of the school took priority. Now, it has finally been finished.