Our Crush the Pool Party on June 27 marked the end of an era—and the beginning of an exciting new chapter at Loyola Academy—as nearly 250 aquatic program alumni, coaches, pool benefactors, parents and friends gathered to celebrate the O’Shaughnessy Pool’s illustrious past, kick off the demolition of our 1950s-era natatorium and see what the future holds for Loyola aquatics.
“I am filled with gratitude to be here with all of you tonight,” commented Loyola Academy Executive Vice President and former Head Swimming and Diving Coach Dennis R. Stonequist ’90 as he surveyed the crowd, which included Rambler swimmers, divers and water polo players dating back to the 1960s, as well as members of the Baker family, which has been involved in Loyola aquatics since 1946. “Over the years, our aquatics program has been about commitment, about family and about friendships. Our new John D. Norcross ’54 Aquatic Center will carry those traditions into the next 60 years and beyond.”
After sharing food, drinks and memories about Loyola’s long tradition of excellence in aquatics, the guests gathered to watch the south wall of the old natatorium come down as the demolition began (see story at left). “As we stand here tonight, stepping up to say yes to what God is inviting us to dream, our campus is undergoing a renaissance,” reflected Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, before the demolition countdown commenced. “Thank you all for making this renaissance possible. Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the drama of punching a hole in the Ignatius A. O’Shaughnessy swimming pool!”
Norcross Aquatic Center Project Timeline
JUNE–JULY 2018 Demolition of the old O’Shaughnessy Pool and natatorium is completed.
AUGUST 2018 Excavation for the new natatorium foundation and pool is completed.
SEPTEMBER 2018 The concrete shell of the pool and the building foundation are poured; piping and plumbing work begins. OCTOBER 2018 The steel skeleton frame of the building is erected. NOVEMBER 2018 Masonry work begins and exterior walls are erected. DECEMBER 2018 Roof and walls are completed. JANUARY–MARCH 2019 Interior work begins—including mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire-protection systems. JUNE–JULY 2019 Interior finishing work takes place, including paint, tile and scoreboards. FALL 2019 John D. Norcross ’54 Aquatic Center grand opening and dedication