Larkin High School Unveils First Outdoor Sports Stadium

A significant turnout gathered Thursday afternoon for the ribbon-cutting of Larkin High School’s first outdoor sports stadium, despite a heavy downpour. Situated on the west side of Elgin, this marks the first time in its 64-year history that Larkin has had its own stadium. School District U-46 Superintendent Suzanne Johnson highlighted the excitement around the upcoming [football] homecoming game, set for Friday, where the team will play on their own field at last.

Brian Watson, Larkin High School’s quarterback, addressed the crowd during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Royals Athletic Complex on October 1. He expressed that playing the inaugural football game on Friday, October 2, would be unforgettable.

Before this development, Larkin’s soccer and football teams had been using Memorial Field at Elgin High School, a crosstown rival. With the new stadium, all five high schools in the U-46 district now enjoy a home-field advantage, as noted by school board Vice President Chanda Schwartz.

The construction of the $15.1 million project began in February and utilized the district’s capital budget. Key features include an artificial turf field, track, lighting, locker rooms, concession stands, ample seating for over 2,000 spectators, and a pavilion, where the ribbon-cutting took place. U-46 Assistant Superintendent of Operations Sheila Downs remarked that the venue was truly fit for the Larkin Royals.

Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain attended the event, noting that the stadium holds special significance for Elgin and sets a standard other high schools may desire to follow. He emphasized that while the scores of games played there may fade, the memories created will endure.

State Sen. Cristina Castro, a Larkin alumna, shared her excitement that games no longer need to be played at Elgin’s field. She humorously commented on the weather, saying, “Rain is a blessing, so we’re all being blessed — a little too much today.” State Rep. Anna Moeller shared her thoughts by commending the Larkin cheerleaders for their patience as they waited outside in the rain to contribute to the ceremony.

Principal Jason Misicka, along with junior quarterback Brian Watson, addressed attendees from the podium. Misicka voiced his hope for the stands to be filled with enthusiastic fans ready to create lasting memories.

Friday’s schedule included Larkin’s boys soccer taking on Geneva High School at 4:30 p.m., followed by a varsity football game against Streamwood High School’s Sabres at 7:15 p.m. The ribbon-cutting preceded these inaugural games on the new field.

Al Green, a Larkin alum and former football player, mingled among well-wishers, showing a letter from Larkin’s first athletic director and football coach, Ray Haley, from December 1969. That year’s team won the Upstate 8 Conference championship with an 8-1 record.

The new sports venue is named Ray Haley Field, as a tribute to Larkin’s first football coach and athletic director. Green attended the event to honor both Haley and his own father, Paul Green, who served as Larkin’s principal for 14 years. Haley’s daughters, Jennifer Haley, Jane Duffy, and Kris Buda, were present and deeply appreciated the recognition of their father’s legacy.

Jennifer Haley expressed gratitude, stating, “This means so much to us. My father was all about building a culture and climate of pride. This is a testimony to his legacy.”

Former football player Carl Taillon, who was part of the last team Haley coached in 1990, also attended the celebrations. Greeting the Haley family, he cherished past memories coached by Haley’s guidance in teamwork and character building. Taillon planned to have former players sign a helmet he kept from a high school all-star game. The helmet was also significant as it was part of the memorabilia from Haley’s era, now available on YouTube.

In his words, “Coach Haley taught us a lot about teamwork and character — and that hard work pays off.”