Former Superintendent - Mr. Jim Zalar

Alumni Field House

    This 11,000 square foot facility includes two locker rooms with adjacent restrooms, weightlifting room, coaches office, trainer room, equipment room, batting cage,  and team video room. The weight room is equipped with deadweight machines and aerobic equipment which rest on a special floor matting for comfort and safety. Two gas furnaces heat the field house and it is wired for telephone, cable TV, Internet access and physical therapy equipment. Located in the same area as the former field house adjacent to the football, baseball and softball fields, it provides convenient access to all stadium sports. The field house also houses restroom facilities for the public attending events.  An added feature during the construction period was the placing of all overhead wires underground with switches all controlled at the field house.

Founding Members of the Carmichaels Quarterback Club

President - Margaret McCombs - Class of '74

Vice President - Jerry McCombs - Class of '67

Construction Chief - Lewis May - Class of '69

Project Leader - John Jazwa - Class of '52

Members -

        William C. Groves - Class of '59

         John Menhart - Class of '74

         Richard Krause - Class of '82

        Frank Kirk

        Jim Zalar - Class of '63

    The above nucleus of the Quarterback Club initiated the field house project in August 1994. The "dream" was to accept cash donations from community organizations and alumni of the school district. Donations of labor, equipment and materials from businesses would also be sought, architectural drawings would be secured, and nonprofit tax exemption status was approved. A Quarterback Club post office box was designated. After many Quarterback Club planning sessions, the project launched its forces to raise the funds in October 1994.

    The Quarterback Club secured a legal lease from the Board of Education for the property of the building site. Ground was broken in January 1995. Trucks, bulldozers, surveyors, volunteers, subcontractors and delivery of materials soon were regular scene at the site.

    Before long the cement trucks, steel workers, roofing and block contractors were busy from dawn to dusk. Funds were running low at times and extra effort by the Club members worked longer hours requesting more cash donations. Construction continued sometimes waiting for payment or waiting for more materials.

    August of 1996 was a great month -- the field house, although not completely finished, was ready for the 1996-97 football season. Everyone was very proud of the progress to date and the growing support to finish the project. The Quarterback Club started the Buy-A-Brick campaign. This was a great success and these additional funds helped complete the field house.

TRIBUTE TO DONORS

    The Quarterback Club specified an 8' x 12' section of the front wall to place the huge granite plaque listing the names of all contributions to the project. This beautiful plaque has 598 names of alumni, organizations, businesses and friends that supported the project. Cash donations totaled $198,000.00, and donations of equipment and materials totaled $55,000.00.

OWNERSHIP

    On February 19, 1998 the Quarterback Club donated the field house, now named the Alumni Field House, to the Carmichaels Area School District. This facility is proof of how a community and loyal alumni can make a dream become reality.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

    Although every donor, no matter how small or large the donation is of great importance, the Quarterback Club would be remiss if it did not pay special tribute to one alumnus of the Class of 1952 for unfettered determination, leadership, total commitment and spiritual guidance throughout the project and one who has become a dear friend to all of us privileged to know him. This outstanding individual is Mr. John Jazwa, formerly of Nemacolin, PA now residing in Westlake, OH. On behalf of all the children, now and in the future, we say, Thank You, John, for your help in making this facility possible at your alma mater.

CONTINUED SUPPORT

    Alumni and/or friends can have their name or that of a loved one engraved on the granite plaque for a cash donation of $45.00 per name. If interested, please contact Jim Zalar, Superintendent, by phone (724-966-5045).

Once A Mike, Always A Mike !