Moving Ahead with the Construction of the John Faught Fieldhouse

Supplied by the Algoma District School Board… The Algoma District School Board (ADSB) has announced that it is moving ahead with the building of the Sergeant John Faught Fieldhouse, a community fieldhouse to be located next to the artificial turf field at Superior Heights Collegiate and Vocational School (SHCVS).

In the fall of 2014, ADSB approved a special fundraising project with the John Faught family to honour the memory of Sergeant John Wayne Faught, former student and football player at Bawating Collegiate.  Following consultation with Ministry personnel and reviewing final budgeting plans, ADSB is now able to move ahead and see the memorial project through to completion.

For the Faught family, it means one step closer to the completion of a facility that will aptly remember their son, brother and uncle.  John’s mother Donna Crossan shared, “As a mother I strive to remember my son doing the things he loved to do.  And John loved playing football.  Having a fieldhouse named after him, at the spot where he used to play football, is a special way for our family and friends to remember him.”

Another exciting component of the project is that it will be constructed by Algoma District School Board students under the supervision of SalDan Developments Ltd.  The partnership between ADSB and SalDan has been a long standing one with students working on House Building projects for over 12 years.  SalDan’s commitment extends from the housebuilding project to seeing this particular project through to completion.  ADSB thanked and acknowledged Sam Biasucci, who has been a driving force and who is keen to begin work with the students in the very near future.

Algoma District School Board Chair Jennifer Sarlo is excited about how this facility will benefit the entire community.  “We are excited about the fieldhouse becoming part of what we had always envisioned for the community – a multi-purpose recreational complex.  The fieldhouse, alongside our artificial turf field and track, makes for an excellent facility for our students and staff.  It also ensures that community partners and users have a top notch facility to host high-level competitions as well as increased community league play.”

Algoma District School Board Director of Education Lucia Reece thanked the many partners involved.  “This type of venture could not be undertaken without the support and partnership of many community members.  We are thankful to the Ministry of Education for helping to guide our vision for the Superior Heights school. Thank you to SalDan for their commitment to this project and to our students. We thank the many alumni, business partners, friends, colleagues and family members who contributed through our online Fund the Fieldhouse campaign or who helped promote our campaign.  We would also like to thank the City of Sault Ste Marie staff for their support throughout the process. Sergeant John Faught exemplified the characteristics we hope to see in both our student athletes and all students – commitment, courage, perseverance and loyalty.  It will be an honour to create this space in his name.”

The John Faught Fieldhouse design will accommodate change rooms, public washrooms, a second level media viewing platform, a ticket booth and concession.  Community partners and user groups are excited about the construction of the fieldhouse and recognize the benefits this facility now adds to the community.  On hand at the announcement today were representatives from Algoma University’s athletics and recreation department, Sault Steelers, Sault United Football Academy and Sault Sabercats. Also in attendance were members of the Military Family Support Group, administration and the athletic head from Superior Heights and councillors from the City of Sault Ste Marie.