Athletics Overview
Philosophy
Philosophy
Our athletic program offers many athletic opportunities, ranging from preparing for collegiate athletics to physical fitness and individual development. The essence of our program is the promotion of sportsmanship. Whether it be varsity athletics, intramurals, physical education, or general recreation, we honor participation, achievement and effort.
We strive to find success, measured not only in victories, but also in the individual development of each athlete.
We take pride in the diversity of our student athletes and promote the value of lifelong physical fitness. Our coaches consistently challenge our student-athletes to reach their potential. We seek excellence in both athletics and academics. Our scholar athletes are a part of a mission-centered athletic tradition. We believe that the skills that our student-athletes develop during their time at the Academy will mold them into productive members of society.
Facilities
- Deborah MacKenzie Turf Fields
- Alumni Stadium
- Crown Fitness and Wellness Center
- James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing
- Glore Memorial Gymnasium and Field house
- MacKenzie Ice Arena
Deborah MacKenzie Turf Fields
Field Hockey, Softball and Lacrosse Fields (pictured above)
Made possible from a lead gift from David O. MacKenzie “Mr. LFA” class of 1950 in memory of his wife.
- $1.6 million project
- 158,400 square feet that includes two practice fields and one competition field for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and softball
- Scoreboard – a gift from the George Family in 2018
Alumni Stadium
Alumni Field was dedicated on October 19, 1957. It was underwritten by Col. Robert R. McCormack, editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune.
In 2005, the Academy completed a five-year-long project to improve the outdoor athletic facilities on campus.
Some highlights of the initiative included the following:
Wetzel-Schoellhorn Track
- Track was resurfaced and widened to accommodate six full-sized lanes (seven on the straightaways).
- Triple/Long jump was moved from the sideline of the track/football field complex to the north end, opening up football field space.
- High-Jump area was squared off and area size increased.
Baseball Field
- Resurfaced and pitched at a one degree slope to prevent puddles, the infield was completely redone.
- Two dugout areas, a steel-fencing backstop, a bullpen and a practice pitching mound were added.
- (Work on the baseball field was completed in the 2014-15 school year.)
Soccer
- Irrigation and drainage systems were installed on the soccer fields in 2002 and 2003 funded through proceeds from the spring Galas, popularly known as the “Fund the Fields” initiative.
- All fields were raised, reseeded and re-sodded.
The school’s high-quality athletic fields are used by many outside clubs and organizations, including the Chicago Fire professional soccer club and FC United.
Crown Fitness and Wellness Center
The two-story Crown Fitness & Wellness Center opened in the fall of 2010 and houses a student athletic commons, multi-purpose room and includes a state of the art weight training and fitness center on the second floor. In conjunction with the Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing, the Crown Fitness & Wellness Center enhances the Academy's athletic program by providing a modern indoor practice space for students. The center also includes a commons, where students can socialize with one another before and after daily practices.
The Crown Fitness & Wellness Center contains:
- The Morrison Fitness Center
- Multi-Purpose/Dance Room
- Departmental staff offices
- Rosenfield Family Foyer
- Vern Stisser Champions Row
- Gorter Athletic Commons
- Vending area
James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing
The James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing opened on October 30, 2009. Situated in front of the MacKenzie ’50 Ice Arena, the Fitzsimmons provides a much-needed space where students and coaches can hold team meetings and congregate before and after games.
The James P. Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing contains:
- Jaros Family Commons
- Student locker rooms (7)
- Coaches rooms (3)
- Mengel Meeting Room
- Waddell Locker Room
- Zafirovski Training Room
- Concessions area
- Athletic Trainers offices
- Training room
- Laundry facilities
Glore Memorial Gymnasium and Field house
Charles F. Glore Memorial Gymnasium and Field house was dedicated on April 25, 1953. The swimming pool opened in November 1959. Significant improvements were made to the Glore Memorial Gym and swimming pool in 2009 and 2010. The pool was repainted and the chemical and pumping systems were replaced and upgraded. A new pool balcony was constructed as a part of the Glore Corridor project.
