Newman Catholic athletics set to make history on Friday at renovated Balliet Field

Since Newman Catholic High School in Wausau was opened in the fall of 1951 there has never been athletic competition held on campus under the lights. That will change this Friday when a doubleheader of activity will inaugurate the renovated Balliet Field at Newman. Friday at 4 pm the Newman soccer team will hit the new artificial turf to meet Faith Christian Academy and at 7 pm the Cardinal football team will host Wild Rose under the new lights (a game that will be broadcast live on 98.9 WXCO and online starting with the pregame show at 6:35 pm).

The “Academic, Athletic and Faith Complex” at Newman Catholic is a continuing project that started with the construction new tennis courts last year that allowed the Cardinals’ tennis team to finally host meets. Phase 2 of the project started last spring with the groundbreaking in April for complete renovation of the football, soccer and track & field facilities. Installation of the new artificial turf, lighting, new scoreboard, bleachers and press box has been completed in time for Friday’s games.

Phase 3 will include construction of a new softball diamond including a turf infield and outfield, lights, covered dugouts and bleacher seating. Also there will be home and visitor batting cages and a scoreboard. Phase 4 involves the Educational Pavilion. There will be a Performance Amphitheatre, concrete benches for classroom seating and areas honoring Catholic Icons.

Friday’s activities at the soccer and football games will also include special ceremonies and the honoring of returning Newman Catholic alumni.