After nearly forty years of use, our gym’s bleachers were nearing the end of their life. In addition, they were not conducive for people with physical disabilities to watch events. Work began the week of October 16 to remove the old and install the new bleachers. These new wooden bleachers will seat up to 1,560 people. They are handicap-accessible and meet ADA requirements.
The bleacher replacement is the second phase of CLHS’ $1 million gym renovation. Last summer, the original 1963 gym floor was replaced and a new sound system was added. After the installation of the new floor, new bleachers were the next logical step in the renovation process. Additionally, Concordia has purchased a new damage-proof 16-foot video board that will include a digital scoreboard and interactive crowd graphics. This video board was funded from proceeds raised at this year’s alumni golf outing. The scoreboard and new lights will be placed during the final phase of the renovation.
Our gym overhaul honors the late 1974 CLHS alumnus Eugene Parker, a standout basketball player at the high school and later at Purdue. He carried his faith and servant’s heart into his sports agency, where he served professional clients in athletics and entertainment. He was also one of the inaugural inductees to the Concordia Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 and was a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. While he passed away in 2016, his legacy continues through the Parker Friends and Family renovation effort.
The campaign to fund new bleachers began in January 2023. The Concordia Educational Foundation provided matching funds to the Concordia Educational Association Board to assist in raising money and to provide incentive for the campaign. This project wouldn't have been possible without the incredible generosity of loyal members of the Cadet Family. We are especially grateful to Dr. Al and Carol Wick (both class of 1948), W. Paul and Carolyn Wolf, Jeff von Deylen (class of 1982), David Koehlinger (class of 1957), Concordia Educational Foundation, and the Mary Cross Tippmann Foundation. Because of their support, the bleacher project is fully funded! The Lord truly blessed our fundraising efforts.
A bleacher dedication ceremony is scheduled to take place during our high school's home basketball doubleheader at "The Cage" on Friday, December 15.
It is truly an exciting time to be a cadet! We look forward to watching students and spectators alike continue to enjoy many events in The Cage for years to come.