by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Generations of athletes have stepped onto Bishop Ward High School’s Dorney Field here.
Now, the facility will be a place where young people can compete for years to come thanks to the Turf Project.
“We all know the impact of extracurriculars and athletics,” said Bishop Ward principal Kevin O’Brien. “We know that it builds character, it builds faith, it builds relationships that are going to be with them for a lifelong time.
“Bishop Ward is about family, it’s about faith, it’s about rigor. But now we get a chance to really build that even more.”
A place to shine
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Turf Project was held at Dorney Field on Nov. 4.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight blessed the space before joining Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann, O’Brien and project supporters in breaking ground.
“For generations, Dorney Field has been a place where the students of Bishop Ward have demonstrated their very best in competition and sportsmanship,” said Archbishop McKnight.
“May the reinvigoration of this hallowed ground inspire the students of today and those for generations to come to always give their very best in returning their gifts to your glory, through Christ our Lord.”
McAnany Construction and VSR Architects are the contractors for the project, which is expected to be completed in July 2027.
It will include a turf field and four lane rubberized track, which means the school’s state champion track and field team will be able to practice at home for the first time in years.
Four other Bishop Ward teams will also utilize the facility — football, girls flag football and boys and girls soccer — as well as 900 youth from the wider community who use the field annually.
Craig Gaffney, a member of Bishop Ward’s class of 1972, is thrilled for his alma mater.
“I’m really hopeful that it will have a positive impact for the kids and the parents,” he said. “It’ll be a much safer field to play on.
“I think it’ll have a positive impact on our enrollment.”
The community difference
Fundraising for the Turf Project began four years ago, and a year later it was incorporated into the school’s St. Joseph Campaign.
The estimated cost is $1.9 million, and $1.6 million has been raised so far.
Bishop Ward plans to apply for a $250,000 grant from the NFL and complete its fundraising over the next calendar year.
Archbishop Naumann, who is the honorary chair of the capital campaign, spoke with supporters at the school following the groundbreaking.
“It’s beautiful to see the investment that’s been made in Ward over the last several years,” he said, “and we thank everybody that’s helped to make these improvements.
“I think these physical [upgrades] speak to the students here. They say, ‘There are a lot of people that believe in you, that are there to support you and [encourage] your success.’”
Geoffrey Kump, chairman of the board at Bishop Ward and a member of its class of 2011, echoed that sentiment.
“Your care for this school means so much to me and to everyone involved,” he said.
“[We’re] telling everyone here at Bishop Ward, ‘You deserve this, too. You are no less deserving [of] the same facilities that everybody else has here in this community.’”
O’Brien is grateful to those who are making it possible.
“It’s going to benefit our students and our prospective students,” he said, “but it goes beyond that.
“It means something to our alumni, it means something to our supporters of Bishop Ward, and it means something to this Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County community.
“We talk a lot about how Ward is a family, and I think we see that today.”
To learn more or donate to the Turf Project, visit: wardhigh.org/page/st-joseph-campaign.
