News archive


  • May 16, 2008

    The ground breaking ceremony of Thomas M. Brady Park took place on a very hot and sunny day. The Brady Family joined many guests and donors who gathered at 12:00 PM for a nice barbecue lunch on the field. At 1:00 PM, the Saint Mary’s Band entertained the crowd with various sports fight and victory songs including, the Saint Mary’s victory song, “The Horse.”

    At 1:15, Brother Edmond greeted everyone and thanked them for their generously and commitment to this important project. Brother reminded everyone that there was still work to be to done to get the remaining  funds needed to meet the $6 million dollar cost. Brother also gave special recognition to Tom Brady and his family for their deep commitment.

    Father Jason Lanzena gave a special prayer and blessing for the project. Following Father’s prayer and blessing, a series of photos were taken of the many guests with Tom Brady.

    The event came to an end with the Brothers inviting all the guests back to their home for cake.

    This was a great day in the history of Saint Mary’s!

  • November 2007

    Saint Mary’s is honored to name the facility “Thomas M, Brady Park”.

  • October 2007

    After five public meetings with the Albany Planning Commission and seven facilitated meetings with neighbors, Saint Mary’s finally completes the long (14 months)and arduous task of receiving City approval for the renovation of the track and athletic field. The project includes: new substructure, removal and installation of new bleachers, new landscaping along Posen Street and, most importantly, a new all weather track and all weather playing Field.

  • June 2007

    Fundraising total now reaches $3.6 million dollars from 240 donors. The campaign for Panther Park has involved the largest number of donors to any Saint Mary’s campaign

  • September 2006

    Saint Mary’s is blessed with a $1 million dollar challenge grant from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation.

  • August 2006

    The Fall issue of the Peralta Park Press is dedicated to the introduction of “Panther Park” The $5.5 million dollar project is the largest in Saint Mary’s history

  • June 2006

    Saint Mary’s submits an application to the City of Albany Planning and Zoning Commission which including the near future renovation of the outdoor athletic facilities.

  • October 2005

    Over 100 Saint Mary’s alumni, parents and friends participated in the 21st Olympic Club Foundation Golf Classic and Grand Auction on Monday October 17th at Olympic Club Lakeside. Saint Mary’s was designated a beneficiary of the event and by providing players, sponsors, auction items and willing bidders. Brother Edmond and Tournament Chair Matt Kelleher were presented a check for $65,000 at the banquet following play. The $65,000 grant was designated for the much needed renovation of our track and field.

  • December 2004

    John A. Sabatte ’36, AFSC donated $25,000 to be designated for the renovation of Saint Mary’s outdoor athletic facilites.

The Planning Process

In the fall of 2002, the administration of Saint Mary’s College High School concluded that the field could no longer be ignored. The President and Board consulted with Architect Hal Brandes, coordinator of the school’s Master Plan, and hired Beals Alliance to design an improved complex. Although a dream plan was drawn (one with a more elaborate field, additional tracks, field house with weight rooms, light stands, sunken dugout, and doubled bleachers), reality dictated a more modest schemen

When Beals Alliance first visited the Saint Mary’s field, they marveled that they “had never seen so much done with so little space.” Their final plans address our immediate use, maintenance and safety issues.