John Carroll Catholic High School Unveils $15 Million Renovation

Birmingham, October 13, 2025

News Summary

John Carroll Catholic High School has announced a transformative $15 million renovation of its athletic facilities. The project includes the first official Heisman Memorial Trophy plaque honoring alumnus Pat Sullivan, a celebrated football figure. Renovations will enhance athletic offerings with state-of-the-art installations such as synthetic turf, a six-lane track, and a new strength center. Funded by the John Carroll Excellence in Athletics Foundation, the upgrades aim to benefit student athletes and local youth sports programs, showcasing the school’s commitment to athletic excellence.

Birmingham – John Carroll Catholic High School has announced a significant $15 million renovation of its athletic facilities, a development that includes the unveiling of the first official Heisman Memorial Trophy plaque in honor of alumnus Pat Sullivan, a notable figure in college football history. The renovations aim to enhance the school’s athletic offerings and provide improved facilities for all athletic teams and local youth sports programs.

Pat Sullivan, who graduated from John Carroll in 1968, was a celebrated All-American quarterback for both the school and Auburn University in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He won the coveted Heisman Trophy in 1971 and later gained entry into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991. Sullivan passed away on December 1, 2019, after a prolonged battle with cancer. In 2016, John Carroll honored his legacy by naming the football field after him.

As the only high school in the U.S. authorized to display the official Heisman logo on its football field, John Carroll aims to celebrate Sullivan’s impact on the sport. The recent renovations are expected to enhance the school’s athletic facilities, showcasing a state-of-the-art approach to physical education and athletics.

The renovation project includes the installation of Shaw Sports Turf NXT 2.0 and a Benyon 100 track, with projected completion by August. Improvements to the field also encompass converting it from natural grass to synthetic turf, adding a six-lane running track, shot-put and high-jump facilities, and updating stadium lighting and fencing. A new 9,000-square-foot strength and performance center has been constructed as part of the overall upgrade, which also features enhanced baseball facilities.

These enhancements were funded by the John Carroll Excellence in Athletics Foundation, established in 2023 by alumni and families associated with the school. The foundation is committed to investing in the operational and educational facets of John Carroll while reinforcing its Catholic mission.

Bishop Steven Raica highlighted the renovations as a transformative initiative demonstrating vision, faith, stewardship, and dedication to the educational and athletic development of students. He acknowledged the significant contributions that these upgrades will bring to the athletic department, school community, and the broader Birmingham area.

John Carroll Catholic High School, the largest and oldest Catholic high school in the Diocese of Birmingham, has a long-standing tradition of athletic success across various sports disciplines. With the latest upgrades, it aims to further foster an environment of excellence and enrich the athletic experiences for current and future students.

Key Features of Renovation

• Value: $15 million
• Name of Honoree: Pat Sullivan
• Field Type: Synthetic Turf
• Track: Six-lane Benyon 100
• Strength Center: 9,000-square-foot
• Video Board: Largest Daktronics in Alabama high schools
• Baseball Facilities: Enhanced
• Foundation: John Carroll Excellence in Athletics Foundation established in 2023
• Completion of Renovations: Projected by August
• Significance: Only high school in the U.S. with official Heisman logo on football field

Background Context

John Carroll Catholic High School has established a legacy of excellence, not only in academics but also in athletics. The school’s commitment to continuous improvement reflects its mission to develop well-rounded individuals, equipped with the skills and perseverance necessary for success in life. The enhancements made through the renovation and the tribute to Pat Sullivan will ensure that this tradition continues.

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HERE Resources

John Carroll Catholic High School Displays Heisman Logo

Additional Resources

• Birmingham Times: John Carroll Unveils Renovations and Heisman Trophy Plaque
• Wikipedia: Heisman Trophy
• Bham Now: John Carroll Honors Pat Sullivan
• Google Search: John Carroll Catholic High School
• The Homewood Star: JCCHS Announces Athletic Renovations
• Google Scholar: Pat Sullivan
• AL.com: John Carroll High School Plans Upgrades
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Pat Sullivan
• Bham Now: John Carroll Breaks Ground on New Field
• Google News: John Carroll Catholic High School Renovations

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