Judge dedicates new McCarthey Stadium
SALT LAKE CITY — "This Field of Dreams, is an extension of the dream my father, Emmet Quinn and six of his friends had back in the late 1970s," said Dan Quinn, class of 1992 and Judge Memorial Catholic High School dean of students. "They were a group of Judge parents and alumni, who put their hearts and souls into building the first Judge football field." Judge Memorial team members, staff, administration, alumni, and fans celebrated with great joy the dedication of the new McCarthey Stadium and later their 24-7 Homecoming victory over Union High School Sept. 29. Their Homecoming theme was "Field of Dreams." "This facility is the result of our community pulling together toward a common vision," said Quinn. "We honor those who have made Judge’s field sports programs into what they are today." The field was named McCarthey Stadium because the Jane McCarthey Foundation donated $2.5 million to Judge Memorial. Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald, diocesan administrator, a Judge graduate and former principal, blessed the new stadium by dedicating it to the glory of God. "We give thanks for the impact this field has had on thousands of graduates and for the significant contributions they have made throughout the world," said Msgr. Fitzgerald. Judge Memorial Principal James Hamburge thanked Clara Brennan and Mike and Kris Kladis, who led the Legacy Campaign, and helped make the stadium a reality. "This Field of Dreams is truly a miracle," said Hamburge. "It is an architectural master piece. Most of all it is a lasting tribute of the generosity and determination of the Judge community. When the stadium is complete it will have a press box, bleachers for 1,600, and permanent lights and sound. But we wanted our seniors to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play their homecoming game on this new surface and their home field." Hamburge gave special recognition to Msgr. James Kenny, who served as principal of Judge, was a bus driver, coach, teacher, maintenance man, cut the grass on the field, and served as the school chaplain. Judge Memorial Athletic Director Dan Del Porto said the new field is the single greatest impact on the students of any investment they could have made. One of the goals of Judge is to educate the whole student. Athletics plays an important role in teaching life’s lessons, which are team work, discipline, citizenship, and the value of hard work. The new field will provide more opportunities for training, conditioning, and skill development. Del Porto thanked Hamburge for his part in making the new field a reality. Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said the field is a wonderful example of what can happen when students, families, teachers, and members of the community believe in something and come together to work on a common goal. Mary Schubach McCarthey said her father, Dick Schubach, and her father-in-law, Kearns McCarthey, would be very proud today. They loved Judge football, and were always on the sidelines working the chain no matter the weather. "The McCarthey family is proud to be standing here today," said McCarthey. "It means a lot to us to be able to make the dream of this field come true. I used to practice for the drill team on this field, and this field holds great memories for many of us here today. Judge has great traditions, and we wanted those traditions to continue for this generation and beyond. "We wanted to be a part of this legacy because we believe in education," said McCarthey. "Sarah, Maureen, and Dominique McCarthey are all teachers. We believe in Catholic education, and sports are a large part of the high school experience. Because of our fathers, it seemed to be the right place for our donation. "Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,’ said McCarthey. "The family of Judge Memorial had a dream. Kearns and Dick had a dream, and we had a dream." The National Anthem was sung as four paratroopers excited the crowd by landing on the field with the American flag, the game football, and the coin for the toss.
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