Stargel Dedication

Stargel Dedication Ceremony Recognizes a School and Community Leader

On Saturday, October 16, 2004, a formal dedication ceremony for the new Stargel Stadium was held. The 3,000-seat Stargel Stadium is the home field for Taft, Hughes Center, Shroder, Jacobs and Woodward high schools. The new stadium features a new synthetic turf, locker rooms, an all-weather track, state-of-the-art sports lighting, concession stands, restrooms, bleacher seating and press box.

The ceremony also included a community salute to Willard R. Stargel Jr., who was a noted, local college and high school athlete, mentor, coach and teacher. The new $4-million stadium was named to honor Willard R. Stargel Jr., who taught and coached at Taft High School from 1955 to 1966. During his coaching tenure at Taft High School, Stargel led successful football, basketball, baseball and track teams. He later coached and taught at Walnut Hills High School until his retirement in 1977.

"It is a fitting tribute that the stadium’s name honors Willard R. Stargel Jr. because as a Cincinnati Public Schools’ teacher and coach, he advocated that students exceed expectations and strive for excellence."

Alton Frailey
Superintendent of Schools

Mrs. Stargel and other Stargel family members were in attendance for this special occasion. During the ceremony a Walnut Hills senior helped unveil the original plaque honoring Willard R. Stargel, Jr. which had been moved to its new location on a wall near the entrance.

The dedication ceremony included a ribbon cutting and remarks from the following district supporters and special guests:

« Alicia Reece, Vice Mayor, Cincinnati City Council
« Fred Hill, a Taft Alumni who originally helped dedicate the stadium
« Dale Mallory, President, West End Community Council
« Dr. Florence Newell, President, CPS Board of Education

Board President Florence Newell said, "I believe that athletics play a vital role in students’ development. Playing on a sports team can be strong motivation for a student’s classroom performance. A successful high school team also can serve as a unifying force for an entire community."

Stargel Stadium ushers in a new era for CPS’ athletics as the district moves to the multiuse regional stadium concept. This new high school stadium is of the same caliber of stadiums in the suburbs and is a great gift to our students and the community.