Larkin High School Unveils Its First Outdoor Sports Stadium

A heavy downpour Thursday afternoon did not deter a large crowd from attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the unveiling of Larkin High School’s first outdoor sports stadium in its 64-year history on Elgin’s west side. The timing was perfect, as the [football] homecoming game was slated for Friday, marking the first opportunity for the team to play on their own field, remarked School District U-46 Superintendent Suzanne Johnson.

Larkin High School quarterback Brian Watson addressed the gathered crowd during the ceremony for the new Royals Athletic Complex. He expressed excitement about playing the first football game on the venue’s field, noting it would be a memorable event.

Historically, Larkin’s soccer and football teams have had to play at Memorial Field, located on the campus of crosstown rival Elgin High School. With the completion of this project, all five U-46 high schools now possess ‘home-field advantage,’ according to school board Vice President Chanda Schwartz.

The $15.1 million project, initiated in February, was financed through the district’s capital budget. The complex features an artificial turf field, a track, lights, locker rooms, a concession stand, seating for over 2,000 spectators, and a pavilion where the ribbon-cutting took place. ‘It’s fit for royalty — the Larkin Royals, that is,’ joked U-46 Assistant Superintendent of Operations Sheila Downs.

Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain highlighted the significance of the stadium to the community, suggesting it might inspire other high schools to follow suit. ‘Games will be lost and won here and soon forgotten, but the memories created will last forever,’ he said.

State Sen. Cristina Castro, a Larkin alum, reminisced about her graduation from the school 30 years ago and shared her enthusiasm for the team no longer having to play on the ‘enemy’s field’ (Elgin). Despite the rainy weather, she optimistically described it as a blessing.

Larkin cheerleaders, despite the rain, stood patiently outside the pavilion waiting to contribute to the celebration. Principal Jason Misicka, along with starting quarterback Brian Watson, made speeches at the podium. Misicka encouraged fans to ‘fill the stands, make some noise and create some memories’ on Friday. Watson expressed that playing on the new field was something that would be unforgettable.

Friday’s events included Larkin’s boys soccer team playing Geneva High School and a varsity football game against the Sabres of Streamwood High School. Both events marked the first games on the new field.

During the ceremony, Larkin alum and former football player Al Green showcased a letter from the school’s first athletic director and football coach, Ray Haley, sent in December 1969. Haley’s letter emphasized the commitment to excellence, stating ‘Anything worth doing is worth doing to the best of your ability.’ Ray Haley Field is now the centerpiece of what is formally known as the Royals Athletic Complex.

The event honored Haley’s legacy, with his daughters Jennifer Haley, Jane Duffy, and Kris Buda attending as guests. Jennifer Haley reflected on her father’s contributions, noting that he was dedicated to fostering pride and that the complex was a testament to his legacy.

Former player Carl Taillon traveled from Indiana for the celebrations. He had previously received old team videos from the Haley family, now digitized and available on YouTube. Taillon hoped to gather signatures from former players on a helmet from a high school all-star game.

Taillon remembered Haley’s teachings on teamwork, character, and the value of hard work. Mike Danahey provided coverage for The Elgin Courier-News as a freelance reporter.