PRESS RELEASE
Columbus Catholic Schools
Contact: David Eaton, President
Phone: 715-387-1177 ext. 3304
Email Address: eaton.david@columbusdons.org
For Immediate Release: December 13, 2023
Marshfield Columbus Catholic Schools Announces Fieldhouse Project
MARSHFIELD, WI – Marshfield Columbus Catholic Schools (CCS) is excited to announce the public launch of its campaign to build a Fieldhouse that will connect Columbus Catholic High/Middle School and Our Lady of Peace Intermediate School. The $10.5 million facility will include:
- Four full practice courts with portable bleachers
- Four classrooms to accommodate growing enrollment
- Fitness Center
- Batting Cages
- Locker Rooms
- Referee Room
- Concession Stand
- Bathrooms
- Stage for events / performances
- Storage Areas
Anticipated uses for the fieldhouse include:
- Athletic practices and physical education space for CCS
- Hosting tournaments
- Events such as the CCS Alpine Holiday
- Hosting parish and Diocese of La Crosse events
“As enrollment at CCS has expanded, we’ve started to experience a shortage of space, both for classrooms and extra-curricular activities,” said David Eaton, President of Columbus Catholic Schools. “Being able to add four classrooms, along with facilities that would allow practices to end at 5:00 or 6:00pm instead of 9:00 or 10:00pm, would be a huge benefit to our students. The new facility would also ease demand on our high school gym, which houses our stage, thus creating more rehearsal and performance time for music and theater. The weekend tournaments we host could expand, helping the Marshfield community by bringing in more people to local restaurants and hotels. Our parishes could benefit by having a place to host large parish events without concern for cost or weather. It’s exciting to think just how many people could be helped by this one addition to our schools.”
“Our gymnasium was built in 1952, and I firmly believe we’ve maximized its potential,” said Joe Konieczny, Columbus Athletic Director and Basketball Coach. “The lights go on at 5:00am and stay on until 10:00pm. It is the home to 18 basketball teams and 9 volleyball teams. We use it for games, tournaments, camps, band concerts, choir concerts, drama productions, and all PE classes in grades 6-12. I love our gym because I know the events it’s hosted have drawn people to our school. We tell our students to always do the most with what they have. We’ve done that with our current facilities, but we need more space. I cannot imagine what we will accomplish with this new facility. It will change lives. School enrollment will continue to grow. Students and families will be able to successfully balance the many activities in their lives. We will be able to host even more events and have an even larger impact on the lives of youth in the Marshfield community. I view this as an opportunity to make sure Columbus is here forever. There is no greater gift we can leave those who will follow us.”
While the cost of the Fieldhouse project is $10.5 million, to date we have already pledged $8 million (or 75%) from 17 local major donors.
“With over 75% of our goal already accomplished, we are asking community stakeholders to help us raise the remainder,” said David Eaton. “There’s a variety of naming and recognition opportunities available and the option to pledge your gift over five years. Gifts of $250,000 or more will be able to select from the remaining naming opportunities we have; and donors who make a gift of $2,500 or more will be recognized on the Donor Wall, prominently displayed in the new fieldhouse. We anticipate being able to break ground on the project this spring. We also encourage donors to take advantage of end-of-year donations for tax purposes.”
“Lastly, we’d like to thank our major donors who are truly making this project a reality; and our Fieldhouse Committee who has worked tirelessly for the past several years!” said David. “Committee members include: Rita Blenker of Century 21 Gold Key Realty; Marty Draxler of Draxler Transportation; Ken Heiman of Nasonville Dairy; Glenn Linzmeier, Luke Hilgemann; Jayme Hilgemann; John Kohlbeck; our Dean, Fr. Douglas Robertson of Our Lady of Peace Church; Fr. Daniel Thelen of St. John the Baptist Parish; Fr. Barry Saylor of Christ the King Parish; our Chaplain Fr. Jared Clements; CCS staff Joe Konieczny (Athletic Director), Angie Loucks (Marketing & Communications Director) and Krisann Mauritz (Giving & Events Director); and our Columbus Education Commission.”
TO MAKE A DONATION
- Contact Krisann (Altmann '91) Mauritz, Director of Giving & Events
- 715-387-1177 ext. 3314
- mauritz.krisann@columbusdons.org
- We currently accept cash/check, credit card payments and pledge commitments up to five years.
- We do have ACH payments available.
- All donations are tax deductible.
- Click below to make an online donation NOW
- Select “Fieldhouse Campaign” under “Gift Designation”
DONATE ONLINE WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD
Photo Caption: An artist rendering of the proposed fieldhouse and educational center.
Photo Caption: Blueprint rendering of the proposed fieldhouse and educational center.
About Columbus Catholic Schools
Columbus Catholic Schools is a comprehensive educational system for students age 3 through high school graduation. Columbus Catholic Schools builds a strong foundation of faith, knowledge and skills to help each student achieve success.
Columbus Catholic Schools and all its educational sites are nationally accredited by the WRISA (Wisconsin Religious and Independent School Accreditation). National accreditation standards require a high degree of excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement.