La Salle Institute broke ground Tuesday for a $1.7 million construction program to upgrade its athletic fields and install its first track.

As the cadets filled the stands at the football field, Principal  Joseph B. Raczkoswski recounted how the school didn’t have its own field until 2001 and that now was the time to upgrade it and to give the track team its own track.

“This track and field is an investment in our future,” Raczkowski told the cadets and dignitaries attending the ceremony.

La Salle is installing a state-of-the-art synthetic turf field as it begins long-term plans to upgrade its athletic facilities. It will be identical to the playing surface at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., where the New England Patriots play, the school noted.  Work is expected to be completed in time for the fall season.

The school also is expanding its strength and conditioning facilities. Plans call for baseball and tennis facilities also to be built in the next three to five years.

“Today would not be possible without the support of the Board of Trustees,” said Andrew Santandera, director of physical education and athletics.

Thomas Marcelle, chairman of La Salle’s Board of Trustees, told the students the school is embarking on a new adventure describing the upgraded field and track as the first phase of investment.

Albany Roman Catholic Diocese Bishop Emeritus Howard Hubbard gave the benediction for the groundbreaking program.  Hubbard graduated from La Salle with the Class of 1956.

Rensselaer County Executive Steven McLaughlin, a La Salle parent, said the county would work together whenever possible with the school.

 

Source: timesunion.com

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