 |
| Tom Benson emphasized the need for institutions such as Central Catholic High School in his remarks at the dedication of the renamed Bob Benson ‘66 Stadium.
Jordan McMorrough | Today's Catholic |
SAN ANTONIO - Thanks to a $4 million gift made by Tom and Gayle Benson and Family, the Central Catholic High School Stadium underwent a name change honoring the memory of an alum.
During special dedication and naming ceremonies held prior to the first home football game with McCollum High School on Sept. 18, and in honor of Robert C. Benson, a member of the Class of 1966, the name was officially changed to: “Bob Benson ‘66 Stadium.”
This is the largest gift received by Central Catholic High School in the school’s 157-year history and is the lead gift for a campus expansion plan focused on supporting and enhancing the winning athletic program for which the school has long been recognized. The plan includes upgrading of the stadium and the construction of a new athletic and convocation facility designed to support the school’s overall program of excellence in academics and athletics — with the ultimate goal of developing the whole person.
Robert C. Benson, son of Tom and his first wife, Shirley L., Benson, was a graduate of the Central Catholic Class of 1966 where he was active in JROTC and the Student Booster Club. He passed away in 1985 at the age of 37 after a battle with cancer.
The festivities kicked off Sept. 18 with a reception in the gymnasium. The stadium dedication and naming ceremony were held just prior to the football game against McCollum High School.
“We are profoundly grateful to Mr. Tom Benson and his family for their continual and generous support of Central Catholic High School,” said Brother Peter A. Pontolillo, SM, Ph.D., president of Central Catholic High School. “Our stadium has a wonderful history of bringing together not only Central Catholic families — but many families in the Archdiocese — for many hours of fun and athletic entertainment. The naming of, and the improvements to our stadium are a fitting way to honor the memory of Bob Benson ‘66 and of the entire Benson family.”
In preparation for the dedication, the 4,500-seat stadium, which was built in 1995, has had installed a new state-of the-art Daktronics sound system and 25-foot scoreboard, as well as improved lighting.
A new 60-foot air conditioned press box with accommodations for coaches and media personnel will be installed in time for the Homecoming football game to be held Oct. 24.
Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and San Antonio businessman, is a longtime Central Catholic supporter. He delivered the school’s commencement address last May.