Larkin High School Unveils New Sports Stadium

A significant event took place on Thursday afternoon as a large crowd defied a heavy downpour to gather for the unveiling of Larkin High School’s first outdoor sports stadium. Located on Elgin’s west side, this development marks a milestone in the school’s 64-year history.

New Home Field
School District U-46 Superintendent Suzanne Johnson shared that the football homecoming game is set for Friday, and for the first time, it will take place on Larkin’s own field. Larkin’s quarterback, Brian Watson, expressed excitement, describing the forthcoming game on Friday, October 2, as a memorable night.

Replacing Memorial Field as their former home field, Larkin’s soccer and football teams now join all five U-46 high schools in having their own ‘home-field advantage,’ noted school board Vice President Chanda Schwartz. The new Royals Athletic Complex was funded by the district’s capital budget at a cost of $15.1 million, with construction beginning in February.

Facility Features
The complex boasts several state-of-the-art features including an artificial turf field, track, lighting, locker rooms, concession stand, seating for over 2,000 people, and a pavilion where the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held. U-46 Assistant Superintendent of Operations Sheila Downs commented, “It’s fit for royalty — the Larkin Royals.”

Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain remarked on the stadium’s importance to Elgin, suggesting other high schools might look to emulate such a development. He highlighted that while games may be easily forgotten, the memories they create will endure.

Memories and Legacy
State Sen. Cristina Castro, an alumnus who graduated from Larkin 30 years ago, expressed her happiness that the team would no longer need to use Elgin High School’s field. Despite the rain, she viewed it as a ‘blessing,’ albeit an overwhelming one that day.

During the ceremony, State Rep. Anna Moeller praised the Larkin cheerleaders for their patience amid the rain. They had stood outside the pavilion, waiting for their moment to join the celebration, with Principal Jason Misicka and junior quarterback Brian Watson both taking turns at the podium.

Misicka noted the anticipation for Friday, urging fans to fill the stands and create meaningful memories. Watson emphasized the significance of being the first to play in the stadium.

Friday’s schedule included Larkin’s boys soccer team playing against Geneva High School, followed by a varsity football game against Streamwood High School.

Honoring the Past
After the ribbon-cutting, Misicka mentioned the significance of the games, marking the first time the teams would play on their new field. Amongst the gathered crowd, Larkin alum and former player Al Green showcased a letter from Larkin’s first athletic director and football coach, Ray Haley, dating back to December 1969. The letter, sent to team members after a successful season, serves as a reminder of Haley’s lasting impact.

Ray Haley Field stands as the centerpiece of the Royals Athletic Complex. Green attended to honor Haley and his own father, Paul Green, who served as a principal at Larkin.

Present at the unveiling were Haley’s daughters, who expressed gratitude for the tribute. Jennifer Haley highlighted their father’s dedication to building pride and teamwork, underscoring how this stadium represents his enduring legacy. Former player Carl Taillon was also in attendance, honoring his former coach while sharing digitized team videos. Taillon aimed to gather signatures from former players, commemorating their shared experience.

Overall, the new stadium is a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting athletic excellence and preserving cherished memories.