ROCKFORD—Boylan Central Catholic High School unveiled its new “Vincent E. McGuire Performance Center” on Oct. 20 with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony. 

 

The athletic center is named after long-time teacher, coach, dean of students, assistant principal and principal Vincent McGuire who came to Boylan in 1963 as a history teacher, and whose 45-year tenure until his retirement in 2008 helped shape the school and its students. 

 

The 21,642 square foot facility was formerly an auxiliary gym constructed years ago with money raised from candy bar sales by students and their families. 

 

The facility now includes the largest indoor synthetic turf at any school in the region (8,700 square feet) as well as a 3,000 square foot weight and fitness room with treadmills, bikes, ellipticals and 16 stations to support weight training. All Boylan students will be able to enjoy the performance center for their physical education classes in addition to athletic programs. 

 

Several were working out in the fitness room and its adjoining wrestling room shortly before all students gathered with Boylan staff past and present, donors and volunteers for the 2 p.m. ceremony. At the ceremony, speakers included Bishop David Malloy, President Amy Ott, student council president Sophia Rozanski, donor Lou Bachrodt, and the guest of honor himself.

 

McGuire expressed his enthusiasm for the school and its students and staff, insisting then and later during media interviews that when someone loves what they do, like he loved his time at Boylan, every day was a blessing.

 

“I am so honored to have these spaces named after me,” he said. “Boylan Catholic is an excellent institution that produces the finest of young people, and I hope this performance center will continue to further our mission.”

 

A total of 71 donors supported the $1,875,000 construction project including a $1 million gift from Lou and Pat Bachrodt in honor of McGuire. The fitness center is the first phase of a $4.5 million investment.

 

The second phase will include wide-ranging classroom improvements.