Crete-Monee School District 201-U officially opened the new Warrior Stadium Sportsplex on September 12 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the long-awaited facility. Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese welcomed the community and expressed gratitude for their unwavering support in bringing this long-anticipated project to life.
Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese and Board of Education President Maurice Brown officially cut the ribbon alongside the Board of Education, district leaders, local officials, and community partners:
- Jason Okrasinski, Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations
- William J. Sawallisch Jr., Board Member
- Donna Fulcher, Village of University Park Trustee
- Elizabeth Venegas, Board Member
- Alex Gallegos, Board of Education Vice President
- Jamie Zite-Stumbris, Board of Education Secretary
- Joseph E. Roudez III, Mayor of University Park
- Janine Woolfolk, Board Member
- Katrina Seifert, Crete Trustee
- Jamie Healy, Village of Crete Trustee
- Lamont Holifield, Crete-Monee High School Principal
- Nelson Albrecht, Former Board Member
- Dr. Eric Melnyczenko, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel & Culture
“This dream has finally come to fruition thanks to the dedication of our team,” said Jason Okrasinski, Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations.
The Sportsplex is a multi-sport complex designed for football, soccer, track and field, and other events, such as conferences and Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state competitions.
“This new stadium represents more than just bricks, turf, and seating,” said Dr. Coglianese. “It represents opportunities for our students to grow, compete, and showcase their talents, and for our community to come together in celebration and pride. This is a facility that will benefit Crete-Monee for generations to come.”
The celebration continued with Senior Night, honoring student-athletes and participants in football, marching band, color guard, cheerleading, dance, and NJROTC. Families joined their seniors on the field for special recognition.
The evening wrapped up with the Warriors’ first home game of the season, a commanding 49-6 victory over Thornton Township High School. Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese kicked off the matchup with the coin toss, and halftime showcased spirited performances by the marching band, color guard, cheerleaders, and dance team.
The district invites the community to join in the excitement once again at Homecoming on October 3, 2025, with the kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at the Warrior Stadium Sportsplex.