PAWTUCKET — Students at St. Raphael Academy are keeping fit and having lots of fun, thanks to the school’s new state-of-the-art athletic and wellness center.
The 30,225 square foot building replaces the academy’s 80-year-old gymnasium, and offers students, faculty and staff the latest in personal fitness equipment and recreational facilities.
The complex was named “Alumni Hall” by Charles Walker, a member of the Class of 1964, who pledged one million dollars to the school’s ongoing “The Time is Now” capital campaign to fund the new $8-million facility. Walker is the chairman and CEO of Chem Link Labs, based in Kennesaw, Georgia.
“This is boon to our student body,” said Richard Rouleau, St. Raphael principal, who noted that the academy’s previous athletic facilities were “sub par” when compared to other schools.
“This is first rate,” he added. “Our kids deserve the best and now they have it.”
The facil ity is the first new standalone building to be constructed on the Quality Hill neighborhood Catholic school campus since 1928. A new annex, which contains locker rooms, a weight room and four classrooms, was built in 1986 adjacent to the old gymnasium.
Featured prominently in the lobby is a large trophy case, which houses a commemorative plaque honoring the late Dennis M. Lynch Jr., a member of the class of 1974 and the former boys varsity basketball coach.
The new center houses two basketball courts, including the St. Raphael Saints home court, and bleachers that can accommodate 750 sports fans. The school colors—purple and gold—are vibrantly displayed throughout the building.
According to Christian Brother Thomas Carney, alumni director of the 83-year-old school, future plans call for the introduction of boys’ volleyball next spring, and the formation of a team that will participate in Rhode Island Interscholastic League activities.
One of the highlights of the new athletic center is the Dr. Paul and Nancy Healey Weight Training and Fitness Room, named in honor of two prominent local benefactors and supporters. Dr. Healey, a physician, graduated from St. Raphael’s in 1949. The large room contains more than 30 pieces of fitness equipment, including exercycles, treadmills, freeweights and weight machines.
“It’s as nice as any health club I’ve ever seen,” said Brian W. Ferguson, director of academy advancement.
Brother Carney noted that the fitness center will provide options for those students who do not excel in team sports during gym class.
“I think that it’s a great thing for those kids,” he said. “They can get all the fitness and exercise that they want.”
In addition to housing office space and conference rooms for the athletic director, physical education department and coaching staff, the new center offers a multi--purpose room featuring a
“smartboard,” an interactive white board with touch-sensitive display capabilities. The room will be used to teach health education classes and for team presentations.
Another innovation that student-athletes will welcome is the school’s first training and treatment center, which contains training tables and two whirlpools.
The building has an elevator and is handicapped accessible.
“I love it,” said Melanie Horbert, a 17 year-old senior from Cranston.“I’m glad that we have an
opportunity to use it in our last year.
Craig Argencourt, also 17, a senior from Pawtucket and co-captain of the varsity football team, agreed.
“I got locker number one,” he announced, telling Brother Carney that the football team had started moving into the new facility.
“It’s amazing.” he continued. “I was speechless when I walked into the building. It’s bigger and better than the other gym in everyway.”
“They were like kids on Christmas morning,” Brother Carney added, smiling proudly.
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin will be the main celebrant of a dedication Mass on Sept. 18 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church. Following Mass, the bishop will bless the new facility.
