From left to right are Unitas Caritas' Rob Hellwig '92 and Rich Dupras '78, Msgr. Brennan, Athletic Director Tom Gambino, Head of School Joan Silo, and Head Football Coach Mike Columbo.
Immaculata dedicated its newly refurbished weight room this weekend with a ribbon cutting ceremony, special blessing from Immaculata High School Director Monsignor Seamus Brennan, kickoff comments from key personnel, and a welcome reception and open house.
The project, funded by the school’s Unitas Caritas Foundation, a Spartan alumni athlete, coach, and benefactor group committed to “keeping the tradition alive,” involved purchasing cutting edge weight lifting apparatus, providing a room facelift with paint, new flooring, trim work, and décor, refurbishing some equipment and five new weight lifting platforms. In addition, dynamic wall art, showcasing the theme of Spartan Strong and motivational wording, enhance the look of the site, located in the Obzansky Building.
This renovation has been a labor of love, embraced by dozens of Spartan alumni athletes and supporters, who made financial donations and provided hours of volunteer labor. The reaction of student athletes, parents and coaches has been sensational. Senior athlete Thomas McGuire says, “As soon as you walk in and see the Spartan Strong wall, it gets you motivated. We love the new equipment and the updated look just makes the whole weight room feel more professional.”
President of the Unitas Caritas Foundation Rich Dupras ’78 states “Our members, who represent six decades of Spartan athletics, recognize the great education, faith foundation, and lifelong friendship that Immaculata provided us. Part of our education involved learning about respect, hard work, teamwork, and confidence on the fields and the courts. We want the same tradition for all current and future Spartans.”
Working with the administration, Unitas Caritas Foundation works to upgrade facilities and equipment, supporting the athletic department and Immaculata, provide scholarship opportunities to qualified students, and bring Spartan alumni back to their alma mater.