Founded in 2024, the John Carroll Excellence in Athletics Foundation supports the renovation of John Carroll's Athletics Facilities through donor-driven interest in the Athletic programs.
In January 2025, ground was broken for a comprehensive renovation of Pat Sullivan Field, including a new turf field, track, lights, video board, and electrical upgrades.
To join in supporting this project, John Carroll Catholic High School, or the Excellence in Athletics Foundation, please contact Father Jon Chalmers at 205.940.2400.
Media Contact:
Alyssa Weisberg aweisberg@jcchs.org
(205) 940-2400, ext. 1339
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
John Carroll Catholic High School breaks ground on upgrades to athletic facilities
JCCHS Excellence in Athletics Foundation investment of $2.7 million to include major renovation of Pat Sullivan Field
January 16, 2025, Birmingham, AL – Leaders at John Carroll Catholic High School broke
ground today on upgrades to school athletic facilities after a $2.7 million investment by the
JCCHS Excellence in Athletics Foundation. The project, which was announced to students in
December of 2024, is expected to be completed by August of 2025.
The upgrades will include:
• Conversion of the Pat Sullivan Field from natural grass to synthetic turf
• Installation of a new six-lane running track
• Installation of shot-put and high jump facilities
• Update of stadium lighting and fencing
• Installation of a new video scoreboard
Ronald Steele, principal of the school, said, “Our mission is the wholistic education of our
students in mind, body, and spirit, in a Christ-centered environment. These facilities serve that
mission for our 67 individual middle school and high school teams that proudly wear the
Cavalier name as well as the families of our partner Catholic schools and parishes.”
The John Carroll Catholic High School Excellence in Athletics Foundation was established in
2023 by graduates of the school, their families, and the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham. The
Foundation board includes school notables such as its two co-chairs Gary Cooney, JCCHS
class of 1969, and Jean Sullivan, wife of the late Pat Sullivan, JCCHS class of 1968, for whom
the athletic field is named, as well as David Shelby, JCCHS class of 1968, Richard Cashio,
JCCHS class of 1975, and former Auburn University standouts, Stan White and Thom Gossom, JCCHS class of 1970.
“Our school is growing and building on its strong 78-year heritage in the Birmingham region,”
said Father Jon Chalmers, president of the school. “We are continually investing in our
operations, curriculum and Catholic mission,” he added.
“This project is a strong statement of the dedication, leadership, and commitment of the
members of the JCCHS Excellence in Athletics Foundation board. The investment comes from
their hearts and their love of Catholic education for current and future generations of families,”
said Father Chalmers.
Today’s ceremony included The Most Rev. Steven J. Raica, Bishop of Birmingham, Gary
Cooney, Jean Sullivan, Father Chalmers, Ronald Steele, David Shelby, Richard Cashio and
JCCHS students.
Construction begins immediately with Warner Athletic of Smyrna, Tennessee, under contract for
installation of Shaw Sports Turf fiber Legion NXT turf, Hi Def video scoreboard by Daktronics,
stadium infrastructure, running track and shot put and high-jump venues. To join in supporting
this project, John Carroll Catholic High School, or the Excellence in Athletics Foundation,
contact Father Chalmers at (205) 940-2400.
In March 2025, through the generous support of the JCCHS Excellence in Athletics Foundation, the field lights on the Cavalier baseball field were replaced with a new, more efficient and better performing system. The new bank of lights enhances both the player and spectator experience at John Carroll baseball games and contributes to the overall aesthetic of campus.
In April 2025 renovations began on the JCCHS athletic fieldhouse near Pat Sullivan Field. Restrooms, lockerrooms, coaches offices, and ticketing areas will be upgraded, and a team meeting area will be added along with a larger and more comprehensive strength and conditioning area.
RENDERING OF NEW FIELD & TRACK
SUMMARY OF UPGRADES:
Conversion of Pat Sullivan Field to synthetic turf
Six-lane running track
Shot-put and high jump facilities
Football stadium lighting
Baseball stadium lighting
Football stadium fencing
New videoboard and scoreboard
Fieldhouse and strength & conditioning renovation
RENDERING OF NEW SCOREBOARD
FOUNDATION MEMBERS
Richard Cashio
Gary Cooney
Fr. Jon Chalmers
Michael Davis
Paula Marino
Mike Plaia
Martin Rozell
David Shelby
Ronald Steele
Fr. Robert Sullivan
Jean Sullivan
Stan White
The Foundation Board is made up of
graduates and family members who feel strongly about the impact of the school on their lives and generously support bringing the John Carroll Catholic High School experience to future leaders of our community.
