By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
DAVENPORT — Assumption High School reached a milestone in its history, playing its first football game on its own property Sept. 2. The Knights experienced victory on the field to add to the historic event.
Assumption and St. Ambrose University collaborated to build several sports facilities at St. Vincent Athletic Complex, which includes the new Jack and Pat Bush Stadium at the high school. Assumption owns the complex and has a lease agreement with St. Ambrose.
Although Phase II of the complex project is not 100% complete, the field, track, some seating and concessions were ready on game night. Assumption, which opened in 1958, previously played home football games at John O’Donnell Stadium (now Modern Woodmen Park) and then Brady Street Stadium, said Assumption President Andy Craig. “The goal is to host all home football games here this year,” he said.
All home track and field competitions will take place at the new stadium. In the spring, boys and girls soccer will take place on one or more of the fields at the St. Vincent complex. The next phase of the complex project will include permanent seating.
Wade King, Assumption’s athletic director and varsity football coach, said in a letter to the Assumption community that the first game on school property marked a historic event. He asked fans for patience and understanding as the school begins its journey with a new field. “Since this is our first ever game at our new facility, there are bound to be some things that may have been overlooked. We will be learning as we go and issues may arise.”
Parking was available in the Assumption lot and in the lot connected by a new pedestrian bridge to the other portion of the sports complex. Fans were encouraged to bring lawn chairs because of limited seating.
A new tradition started at the Sept. 2 game, King said. Prior to entering the field for warm-ups after the freshmen/sophomore game, the varsity team walked from the high school into the stadium where supporters cheered them on. From there, the team headed to the football locker room until the first game was over and ran out onto the field. This tradition will continue at all home football games.
Both Assumption football teams defeated Wahlert Catholic High School from Dubuque.