Ribbon Cutting and Dedication for MKA's renovated Muenster Field
In front of a crowd of over 100 spectators representing every constituency of the MKA community past and present, Montclair Kimberley Academy's official dedication of the renovated Muenster Field and the Everett L. Glenn Spectator Terrace kicked off the school's Homecoming weekend on October 25.
The field upgrades, a component of MKA's Future Forward Campaign, (designed to support programs, people and facilities to enhance teaching and learning on all three campuses) have created a facility that now serves as the premiere playing and practice facility for Middle and Upper School athletes in field hockey, soccer and lacrosse. The extensive renovations boast a tournament-quality turfed field, field house, additional parking and improved spectator areas. In addition, engraved pavers that line the way to the field house commemorate past teams, coaches and members of the community as well as offering messages of support from current alumni, families, friends and athletes. Says Athletic Director Todd Smith, "The Muenster Field renovation is a statement of pride, loyalty and dedication, not only to MKA Athletics but also to the MKA community as a whole."
The morning began with the moving dedication of the Everett L. Glenn Spectator Terrace, named in honor of the beloved member of the MKA Class of 2011. In the presence of the Glenn family, Headmaster Thomas W. Nammack reflected that the purchase of the land for the original Muenster Field was made possible with a memorial gift in honor of Helmut Muenster, father of two MKA alumni and husband of former MKA trustee Ann Muenster. Similarly, today's renovations originated with a gift in memory of "another exceptional person," Everett Glenn. A gift that, in Nammack's words, "Set an example that this would not just be a field, but a place where MKA would chose to celebrate who we have been, who we are and who we will be. A place where we are our best selves … In recognition of the gifts in his (Everett's) name, the shape and view of this terrace embraces the whole field and everyone on it." Glenn's former fencing coach Kerry Verrone noted the field is a fitting legacy to an alumnus "who exemplified the spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play and was MKA's number 1 fan and cheerleader."
In re-dedicating the Field as a whole, President of the Board of Trustees Michael Johnson thanked those who had made the vision for a first-class facility come to reality, observing that "Places like this are where character is built … where student-athletes learn the true value of teamwork … learn how to become champions and wear it with grace and learn to accept defeat with dignity and resolve."
Athletic Director Todd Smith was the final speaker prior to the ribbon cutting, noting that the facility, redolent with cherished memories, "gives coaches and athletes a place to call home for the sports they love."
Click here to see photos from the event