Thursday, 19 August 2010 10:58

WICHITA – The Coach Herm and Jackie Bachrodt Athletic Complex on the campus of Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School was dedicated and blessed Sunday afternoon, Aug.15.
Before blessing the various areas of the complex, Bishop Michael O. Jackels talked about the value of education and the sanctity of the human body.
He said teaching is one of the greatest professions because of the potential it creates for those being taught.
“It helps them become better people,” Bishop Jackels said. “Those of you who played on an athletic team or have coached, know the life lesson that somebody like Herm and others have taught to the students who are being prepared for competition.”

Looking up to the large crucifix hanging on one side of the gym, bishop said, “This image of Christ crucified, it brings to mind God took on human flesh to be among us. It gives importance to the human body. It is a shrine, if you will, for the soul, the eternal soul. And we are meant to care for the body as if it were a temple of the Holy Spirit.”
He said the presence in the gym of the image of Christ crucified should remind those there of what takes place in the gym. “If nothing else, it communicates to young people you’re something more than just a body.”
Bishop thanked all those involved in the construction of the complex and shared his first reaction to seeing the addition to the high school.
“Last week I drove by at about 7 o’clock at night,” he said. “I drove around the corner there and saw the entrance for the first time and the only word that came to mind was, wow!”
Participating in the ceremony were Mike Burrus, president of the school, Kapaun Mt. Carmel students Liz Stasiewicz and Spencer Rotolo-Utz, and Casey Bachrodt, who spoke on behalf of the family.
A reception was held afterwards in the KMC commons. Guided tours of the facility and campus were provided by members of the KMC Student Ambassador Corps.
Video online
Video clips of the complex and a few comments by Bishop Jackels are at youtube.com/dioceseofwichita.

Bachrodt had early ties to the school
The Coach Herm and Jackie Bachrodt Athletic Complex is named in honor of the late Herm Bachrodt and his wife, Jackie. Mr. Bachrodt served as the first athletic director and basketball coach at Chaplain Kapaun Memorial High School (and also St. Mary’s Cathedral High School) beginning more than 50 years ago. Kapaun played a key role in his early career, and Jackie supported him every step of the way. Throughout his successful careers in athletics and business, and throughout his retirement, he was always an avid Crusader.
The new athletic complex includes a 2,160-seat gymnasium, four locker rooms, a weight room, a wrestling room, an athletic training room, coaches’ and referees’ offices, a concession stand and a school spirit store. It encompasses approximately 43,000 square feet of new space.