Birmingham, AL, October 11, 2025
News Summary
John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, AL, has made history by becoming the first high school in the U.S. authorized to display the official Heisman Trophy logo. This milestone honors alumnus Pat Sullivan, a 1971 Heisman winner. The school’s $15 million renovation project includes many athletic improvements, from a new strength center to state-of-the-art turf. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Bishop Steven Raica and family members of Sullivan, highlighting the school’s mission to enhance student development and community involvement.
Birmingham, AL – John Carroll Catholic High School has made history by becoming the first high school in the United States authorized to display the official Heisman Trophy logo on its football field. This milestone commemorates Pat Sullivan, the esteemed 1971 Heisman Trophy winner and notable alumnus of the institution.
The official unveiling of the Heisman logo coincided with a ceremony attended by Bishop Steven Raica, who emphasized the event as a celebration of vision, faith, stewardship, and dedication within the school community. The John Carroll Excellence in Athletics Foundation spearheaded an initiative two years ago aimed at enhancing athletic facilities and programming that reflect the school’s Catholic identity.
The renovation project, which totals approximately $15 million, includes significant upgrades to various athletic facilities. Key improvements feature new state-of-the-art turf, a high-performance track, Alabama’s largest high school video board, and a new 9,000-square-foot strength and performance center. Additional enhancements comprise upgrades to the baseball facilities and the installation of new LED field lighting for softball, baseball, and football.
As part of the extensive renovation plan, the Bourbon Indoor Training Facility and several critical infrastructure enhancements were also introduced. During the recent ceremony, Bishop Raica blessed the newly designated Pat Sullivan Field, attended by members of the Sullivan family and close friends, including former Auburn quarterback Stan White, who reflected on Sullivan’s significant impact on his life and dedication to nurturing students’ morals and values.
The improvements made at John Carroll Catholic High School are set to benefit not only the school’s 67 athletic teams but also local youth sports programs throughout Birmingham. Pat Sullivan, who played three sports at John Carroll, went on to become Auburn University’s first Heisman Trophy winner and later served as head football coach of the Samford Bulldogs for eight seasons.
Bishop Raica highlighted the renovations as essential for uplifting the next generation of students, aligning with the school’s mission to focus on students’ physical and spiritual development. During the ceremony, a moment of prayer took place to honor lives lost in a recent church shooting in Minneapolis, symbolizing community solidarity.
The school is also implementing a new integrated curriculum partnership with local universities aimed at enhancing academic opportunities for its students. This initiative underlines the institution’s commitment to cultivating excellence in mind, body, and soul.
Key Features of Renovation
- First High School to Display Heisman Logo
- $15 Million Renovation Cost
- New State-of-the-Art Turf
- High-Performance Track
- Largest High School Video Board in Alabama
- 9,000-Square-Foot Strength and Performance Center
- Upgrades to Baseball Facilities
- New LED Field Lighting for Various Sports
FAQ Section
What significant achievement did John Carroll Catholic High School recently accomplish?
John Carroll Catholic High School became the first high school in the United States authorized to display the official Heisman Trophy logo on its football field, honoring alumnus Pat Sullivan.
What renovations were made to the athletic facilities at John Carroll Catholic High School?
The renovations included new state-of-the-art turf, a high-performance track, Alabama’s largest high school video board, and a 9,000-square-foot strength and performance center, among other improvements totaling $15 million.
Who is Pat Sullivan and what is his connection to John Carroll Catholic High School?
Pat Sullivan is the 1971 Heisman Trophy winner and a notable alumnus of John Carroll Catholic High School, where he played three sports.
What is the goal of the John Carroll Excellence in Athletics Foundation?
The foundation initiated a mission to enhance athletic facilities and programming that reflect the school’s Catholic identity.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Celebrating Alabama’s Star-Studded Alumni
John Carroll High School Breaks Ground on Stadium Upgrades
Alabama Football Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive with Big Win Against LSU
Rookie Quarterback Jayden Daniels Shines in Commanders’ Thrilling Victory Over Bengals
Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times
- WVTM 13
- ABC 3340
- Wikipedia: Heisman Trophy
- Google Search: John Carroll Catholic High School
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
