Athletic Facilities | Loyola Academy

Dedicated in 1959 by Rev. Michael I. English, SJ, Loyola Academy’s second president, the athletic grounds were originally named the Lennie Sachs Athletic Fields in honor of a beloved coach. Today, that tradition continues at Sachs Stadium, home to Hoerster Field.

Named for beloved coach and mentor John Hoerster, who coined the phrase "It’s a great day to be a Rambler," Hoerster Field remains a centerpiece of Loyola athletics. Upgraded with new turf and a shock pad in 2020, the field was further enhanced with permanent stadium lights in 2024, allowing for Friday night football, evening competitions, and expanded practice opportunities for Rambler students.

Opened in 2025, the Athletic Performance Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed to support the health, wellness, and performance of all Loyola Academy students. Reflecting Loyola’s commitment to forming the whole person, the center provides dedicated space for strength training, speed development, injury prevention, and overall physical fitness.

The facility features the Dooley Family Weight Area, the Fitzgerald Family Speed and Agility Area, and the Baisley Family Coaches Office, creating a comprehensive environment where students can train, learn, and grow under the guidance of Loyola’s coaches and fitness professionals. Used by athletic teams, physical education classes, and student wellness programs, the Athletic Performance Center helps Ramblers develop the discipline, resilience, and confidence needed to succeed both on and off the field.

The John D. Norcross ’54 Aquatic Center is a state-of-the-art, two-story natatorium that serves the entire Loyola Academy community—from students learning essential water safety skills to varsity athletes competing at the highest levels. The facility features an eight-lane, IHSA-approved competition pool, two one-meter springboards, a dedicated wet classroom, expansive deck space, and a 294-seat spectator gallery with retractable bleachers. Designed to support instruction, training, and competition, the Norcross Aquatic Center helps students develop confidence, discipline, and perseverance both in and out of the water.

Loyola’s gymnasiums are more than athletic facilities—they are central spaces for formation, celebration, and community life. The East Gym, known for its hardwood floors and bold RAMBLERS lettering, hosts varsity basketball and volleyball games, pep rallies, Athletic Hall of Fame celebrations, physical education classes, and team practices. It remains a cherished gathering place and a cornerstone of Loyola’s athletic tradition.

The West Gym is a flexible, multipurpose venue used for all-school Masses, intramural competitions, assemblies, and large community events, including the annual Ramble dinner and auction. As a hub of daily activity, it reflects Loyola’s commitment to fostering faith, fellowship, and school spirit.

Adjacent to Sachs Stadium, Loyola’s tennis courts were revitalized in 2017. Used by our boys’ and girls’ tennis teams and P.E. classes, the courts offer a high-quality environment for athletic development and competition.

Surrounding Hoerster Field is the Amato Track, named in honor of longtime track and field coach Frank J. Amato, whose decades of dedication helped build one of Loyola’s most successful athletic programs. This competition-quality, all-weather track is used by Loyola’s boys’ and girls’ track and field teams and the cross country program for training, practices, and home meets.

The Amato Track also serves physical education classes, off-season conditioning programs, and community wellness initiatives, providing a professional-grade surface where students train with purpose and pride.

Located at the heart of our Wilmette campus, the Foley-O’Donnell Athletics Commons reflects the spirit of Rambler athletics—tradition, innovation, and community.

Just north of Sachs Stadium stands the Veterans Memorial Wall, which honors 54 Loyola alumni who were killed or listed as missing in action from World War I through the Persian Gulf War. Displayed across five panels representing each military branch, the memorial is a space of reflection, sacrifice, and gratitude, deeply rooted in our Jesuit tradition.