Stadium Renovations

Stadium Renovations Raise the Game

Project donors and their families, plus CCDS student-athlete representatives for all turf and field sports celebrated the groundbreaking together.

Cincinnati Country Day School has officially broken ground on a stadium renovation that has been years in the making.

“This is an important new chapter in the history of Country Day,” said Rob Zimmerman ‘98, turf field project committee chair and next year’s interim head of school. “When you go back to the history of our school, outdoor play and athletics are in our DNA from the very beginning. And you see that still today in everything our kids do. You see our kids find leadership and teamwork skills on the fields of play. You see the pride our parents have when their kids push themselves to new heights. You see it in the school spirit of alumni who follow teams well after graduation and keep up with former teammates. Athletics has the power of community that brings us together under one banner. With this facility, we will construct a foundation for athletics success that is commensurate with our rich tradition and our bold ambition. After today, I challenge our community to embark on a pursuit of a new golden age of Country Day athletics.”

On Friday, May 14, 2021, the school hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the construction project that will be completed in August 2021. The project, led by John R. Jurgensen Company, includes: • Multi-sport synthetic turf field, accommodating football, soccer, and lacrosse. • Six-lane track. • Home stand for more than 530 spectators, with an integrated press box. • Visitor bleachers for 130 spectators. • Modern LED lighting and sound system. • Digital display scoreboard. • Remodeled athletic entryway, incorporating seating and outdoor learning spaces. • Remodeled Lower School play area, including resurfaced playground. • Landscaping to replace dying trees and invasive plant species with native trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses.

“This project would not be possible without the commitment of our five lead donors – the Bortz, Cicchinelli, DiSanto, Hildebrant, and Jurgensen and Alf families – and the generous families who have since joined them to make this project a reality,” said Tony Jaccaci, head of school. “They have given one hundred percent commitment to give us this momentum. These families represent the current generation that is ready to bring our school forward into strength, and I am grateful for their vision and support.”

Brian Bortz ‘87, one of the leading donors to the project, explains why he felt called to support the stadium renovation. “This project presents an opportunity for us to build the leadership advantage that so many of us alumni remember from our days at Country Day,” said Bortz. “Now is the time for us to work together and do what we can to make this school the absolute best school in Cincinnati. We have a strong tradition of excellence – not only in academics but in athletics as well – and I cannot wait to see that play out on this field for years to come.”

This $3.75-million capital project has been many years in the making. After decades of hard-fought contests, the stadium was now past its useful life and in need of replacement. This need was highlighted in community feedback gathered by local architects, MSA Design, as part of their work to develop a campus master plan in 2018-19.

Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, afterschool students enjoyed the Touch-a-Truck event.

“When I think about our grass field…it was built by a generation of Country Day families in the late 80s and early 90s. And that is how a school grows – families step up and they help and support the school,” said Jaccaci. “Today is a historic day. Next year will not be a return to normal; rather we are returning to strength.”

To follow along with the project, scan the QR code!

Introducing Our New Mascot!

On Friday, January 29, 2021, Head of School Tony Jaccaci, along with the student members of the Country Day mascot steering committee, hosted a virtual unveiling of the new mascot for students, faculty, and staff. Through a months-long selection process, the “Nighthawk” is officially the school’s new mascot.

“The choice of a mascot crosses over from sports to academics, to school spirit, and to life beyond the halls of Country Day,” said Jaccaci. “Because a mascot represents so much more than a name and a logo, we wanted this selection process to be as thorough and inclusive as possible. We asked those participating in the selection to seriously consider all options because it is critical that our new mascot best represents the values and spirit of our school. The Nighthawk is a fantastic choice.”

“Nighthawks” was one of the five finalists voted on by the Country Day community. The original submission list consisted of more than 350 mascot suggestions and through a rigorous voting process, the selections were narrowed to 16 semifinalists and then five finalists.

“Nighthawks are recognized for being goal-oriented, resilient and determined,” continued Jaccaci. “Nighthawks are highly tactical leaders that plan their approach with consciousness, ferocity and precision.”

Additionally, the nighthawk is native to the Cincinnati area; Ohio is the first place the common nighthawk was ever recorded in the United States. The nighthawk also has a significant presence in art, film, and literature.

With more than 1,400 votes cast to select among the five finalists – bears, chargers, nighthawks, trailblazers, wolves – one mascot emerged as the winner. “Nighthawks” was the clear favorite, receiving the highest number of votes among each stakeholder group – students, alumni, and faculty and staff.

“We are always striving to create an environment that inspires and prepares students to face their lives with purpose, confidence and character,” said Jody Brant, Board of Trustees president. “Our hope is that our new mascot not only reflects that sentiment but mirrors the culture of inclusivity, empowerment and joy that we value here at Country Day.”

Since the unveiling, the community has embraced the mascot. Walking through the hallways and on campus, the mascot is present in art project displays, spirit wear, publications, and signage. The Nighthawks are also soaring in athletic competitions.

“This is a historic time for us as a school community and will foster a greater connection to our school for generations of Nighthawks to come,” said Jaccaci. “This truly is an expression of wonderful Country Day community spirit.”