The vision for Blazers – Game On! has been years in the making and in a recent episode of Trailblazer Talk, produced by Tolton Catholic Live, student host Addison sat down with Dr. Everett, President and Principal and Mr. Kelly, Vice Principal and Athletic and Activities Director, to discuss how the Outdoor Athletics and Activities Complex fulfills the original design of Fr. Tolton Catholic High School and what it will mean for students, families, alums, and the community.

“This is really finishing the initial design of the school,” Dr. Everett shared. “From the very beginning, everything was laid out, but the last thing that’s not yet done is the field, the track, and the baseball and softball facilities.” The project reflects years of research, conversation, and professional planning, including careful consideration of campus space limitations, environmental factors, and long-term needs. “We really had to step back and ask what the school might need 50 or 100 years from now,” Dr. Everett explained.

For Mr. Kelly, the planning process marked a turning point. “When I took over as AD, one of the first months on the job, we were in meetings seriously discussing what this would look like,” he said. “This was obviously years of work coming to that point, and it's been years of work since then.”

The complex will benefit far more than student-athletes. The planned new facilities will support soccer, football, baseball, softball, and track and field, and will also serve band, cheer, dance, House events, and alumni and community activities. “Everyone’s going to be able to use this,” Mr. Kelly said. “And access will make a huge difference, especially when it comes to weather, safety, and consistency.” Keeping practices and competitions on campus also provides an important safety benefit.

Perhaps the most powerful theme of the episode is the idea of the complex as a gathering place, not just fields. “I don’t just see turf and a track,” Dr. Everett reflected. “I see a place where students make memories, where, years from now, they come back, show their child, and say, ‘That’s where I scored the touchdown that won the game!"

The ability to host major on-campus events such as postseason games is especially meaningful. Recent state-qualifying victories in softball and baseball had to be played at off-site venues. “Those memories weren’t on our campus,” Mr. Kelly noted. “That’s something that will change in the future.”

The conversation also highlighted the ripple effect this project will have for alumni and the wider community. “For alumni, it gives them a reason to come back,” Mr. Kelly said, noting that many will now be thinking about Tolton for their own children. “They’re thinking about where their kids will go to high school someday, and this is about preparing Tolton for the next generation.” Dr. Everett added, “I hope it brings a sense of pride. Pride in knowing they were part of the growth that they helped build something that continues to serve students long after they’ve graduated.” Beyond Tolton, the facility will also allow the school to give back to the broader community.

When asked to describe the project in a single word, Dr. Everett said, “elevated.” “This isn’t just going to elevate the physical space,” Dr. Everett said. “It’s going to elevate the spirit of the school, the pride, the generosity, the love that’s brought Tolton to where it is today”.

The campaign truly represents: a thoughtfully planned investment in students, a completion of the school’s founding vision, and a place where Trailblazer Nation will gather, compete, celebrate, and make memories for generations to come.

We invite you to listen to the full Trailblazer Talk episode to hear directly from our leaders about why Blazers – Game On! matters. As you listen, we also ask you to pray about how you might be called to support this vision. At this time, generous donors have offered a dollar-for-dollar matching gift opportunity, allowing every contribution to make an even greater impact.

Together, through prayer, generosity, and shared belief in our mission, we can help bring Blazers – Game On! to life.