caption:

 

Dedication

The Marianapolis multi-purpose field and track was dedicated to longtime coach and athletic director Eric Gustavson. Photos courtesy of Cos Quercia.

 

By Ron P. Coderre

Marianapolis Prep in Thompson used its 90th Anniversary Alumni weekend to honor a longtime coach and athletic director for his dedication to students and athletes by naming the recently completed $2 million multi-purpose field and track in his honor.

Surrounded by more than 300 friends, family, school administration and Board, as well as returning alumni Eric Gustavson cut the ribbon officially naming the facility, Gustavson Track and Field Complex.  

In 1982 fresh out of Ohio Wesleyan University, Gustavson arrived on the Marianapolis campus and immediately made his mark at the private Roman Catholic prep school.  Hired to teach history, he was asked to also coach the soccer team and shortly thereafter to head up the athletic programs as the Golden Knights Director of Athletics.

During his 34 year tenure he’s become a beloved teacher to all the students who have passed through his classroom.  On the soccer field he amassed 347 victories, while losing only 200 games and tying 75.  In 1986 when he was promoted to director of Athletics the school had 200 students and offered about a dozen athletic programs.  Today the school boasts 400 students and approximately 50 athletic offerings to its student athletes.

In announcing the naming of the complex, Marianapolis Head-of-School Joseph Hanrahan referred to Gustavson as, “a bona fide Marianapolis icon.”  

“Eric isn’t retiring.  He’ll continue in the classroom and move into our Institutional Advancement and Development department.  He is so well known and loved by our alumni we know he’ll be a positive addition and success,” said Hanrahan.

Overcome with emotion as Assistant Head-of-School Karen Tata and Director of Institutional Advancement Susan Andersen unveiled the dedicatory plaque Gustavson, upon composing himself said, “This is a glorious day.”

“ ‘To whom much is given, much is expected’ and I’ve tried to live up to that saying in all that I’ve done at Marianapolis,” said Gustavson.

After thanking many people and recognizing his wife and family, Gustavson concluded by saying, “The ride has been fun.”

The dedication concluded with prayers and a blessing by Gustavson’s close friend and associate Father Tim Roth, a member of the faculty and a Marian priest.  As Gustavson cut the ceremonial ribbon, Father Roth sprinkled the track and field and the beloved son of Marianapolis, Eric Gustavson with holy water.