HUNTERSVILLE — The joy was palpable as hundreds of Christ the King High School students and staff excitedly filed into the new Fulford Athletic & Activity Complex Jan. 19 for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing.
They were joined in the gymnasium featuring royal blue bleachers by dozens of family members, donors and clergy to mark the blessing of the 21,800-square-foot building. It includes a full-sized court and two cross courts in the gymnasium, expanded seating for more than 720 spectators, men’s and women’s locker rooms for home and visiting teams, and athletic director and trainers’ offices.
“This is such a wonderful day for Christ the King,” said Principal Dr. Carl Semmler. “What could be better than opening this palatial gathering space, which will bring together athletes, fans, worshippers, musicians, thespians and families?”
Father John Putnam, school chaplain and pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, conducted the blessing and ribbon cutting on behalf of Bishop Peter Jugis who was unable to attend.
He commented that the creation of the high school over these many years, and now the new multipurpose facility, “shows how willingness, and patience and obedience to God can bring about something that is tremendous and something that can be a blessing for years and years to come.”
This $6.4 million project is the second major expansion in the high school’s 12-year history. Donors gave generously to help make the dream of this facility a reality.
The facility’s namesakes, George and Pattie Fulford, knew the value of a Catholic education growing up in Virginia, and felt compelled to help Bishop Jugis and the Catholic Schools Office build both the high school and the original gymnasium addition.
“We are so pleased that the enrollment has grown so much that a larger facility was needed for athletics and other activities,” Pattie Fulford said. “We think the new Fulford Athletic & Activity Complex is wonderful and we’re proud to be part of the growth for all students at Christ the King.”
Athletic Director Markus Duckworth believes the new complex will take the school’s athletic program to the next level. “It gives us more space for our athletes to work out, it allows our coaches to run more efficient practices, and it makes the game day experience much more enjoyable for our fans. Because of this, I believe we will see our teams reach new heights and continue to compete at a very high level," he said.
Senior Will Zuhosky, a member of the basketball team, is in awe of the new facility. “The new gym is jaw dropping. It brings out a whole new level of excitement and enthusiasm from the community and it’s fulfilling to see all of the hard work put in by so many different people finally come to fruition. Christ The King is a special community filled with generous and determined families and this beautiful gym shows that.”
Brooke Lamp added that, "As a student and a cheerleader, it has been an amazing experience to be able to come together with the community in our own new gym. It feels like an incredible fresh start with all the benefits of our new facilities, and I am looking forward to continuing to make memories in the new gym.”
The gymnasium is also home to a full-size stage with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems for student performances and school-wide events.
“Having this performance space means everything to the drama students,” said Sarah Varricio, a member of the language arts staff who assists with theatrical performances. “Up until now, we have had to rehearse in the hallways, cafeteria, and common areas as well as rent a performance space. Now they have a proper stage and already I can see how proud they are.”
Julie Caperton, a parent, donor and member of the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Board, offered a few remarks during the presentations. “Dr. Semmler said that all of this is for all of you, our students, our Crusaders, but really it is much bigger than that. What all of this is for, are the future Crusaders who will be in this building, in this gym. That will go on for decades,” she said.
Caperton told current students she hoped they would send their children and grandchildren to this school. “That is really what we felt (would happen by building the facility). It’s the power and the promise of a Catholic education for generations to come.”
— SueAnn Howell. Photos by Troy Hull
