McNicholas High School athletics are about to get a major facility upgrade.
McNicholas will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Byrne Family Baseball Complex on Oct. 20, the school announced on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The comprehensive facility renovation will include a new turfed playing surface, additional practice space and increased ADA accessibility.
The renovations are made possible by a gift from McNicholas alumnus Kerry Byrne and his wife, Missy. Their gift is the largest in school history, and will fund renovations to academic spaces in addition to transforming McNicholas athletics.
A member of the McNicholas class of 1983, Byrne has remained connected to his alma mater and is committed to creating opportunities for future generations
of Rockets. Currently the president of Total Quality Logistics (TQL) and a member of the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees, Byrne played baseball at McNicholas and UC.
"McNicholas has played an important role in the lives of multiple generations of the Byrne Family," Kerry Byrne said.
"The education, faith, discipline and friendships I gained during my time as a Rocket created a foundation that has stayed with me throughout my life. Missy and I are honored to support the school's mission and help ensure future generations of students have the same opportunities to grow academically, athletically, and spiritually."
The comprehensive baseball facility renovation will include a new, versatile turfed playing surface, new batting tunnels and training area, improved dugouts, a movable pitcher’s mound, improved bullpens, and increased ADA accessibility. The facility will add valuable practice space for the school's over 500 male and female athletes. The turf field will be available for soccer, lacrosse, cross country, football, and softball, as well as general sports performance training. The new turf will also reduce the number of games and practices that must be cancelled due to rain.
The field will be installed by the Motz Group, who have installed several other turf fields around Greater Cincinnati. Their latest projects included the new Roger Bacon and Princeton football fields. Motz also replaced the Ohio State University football field ahead of the 2026 season.
In addition to the athletic improvements, a significant portion of Byrne’s gift will support McNicholas’ Campus Master Plan, specifically the renovation and enhancement of academic spaces within the school building. These improvements will help create modern, engaging learning environments that support the evolving needs of today’s students and teachers.
"Today, we are not simply breaking ground on a new baseball facility; we are breaking ground on a new chapter for McNicholas High School,” said Bob Noll, president of McNicholas High School.
“Kerry and Missy Byrne’s historic generosity will create opportunities that will impact our students for generations to come, both on the athletic field and in our classrooms. We are incredibly grateful to Kerry and Missy for believing in our mission and investing in the future of McNicholas. This is what it means to build on our legacy while preparing boldly for what comes next."
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: McNicholas will construct Byrne Family Baseball Complex thanks to gift
