State Of The Art Indoor Training Facility Coming To Doherty High School Thanks To Generous Donor -ground Breaking July 16, 2025 (Photo) -07/10/25
Thanks to a generous donation from Andreas “Andy” Wilfong and his wife, Lisa, Thomas B. Doherty High School will soon be home to School District 11’s newest indoor practice facility. Construction on the state-of-the-art field house is set to begin in mid-July, with a ceremonial groundbreaking scheduled for July 16, 2025, at 10 a.m.
“This field house is possible because of Mr. Wilfong’s fond and influential memories of his time at Doherty and his commitment to supporting both current and future students,” said Principal Hillary Hienton.
Additional donations have also directly benefited Doherty students through academic and athletic scholarships, musical instruments, program support, Career and Technical Education (CTE) facility upgrades, auditorium renovations, student recognition awards, and campus beautification projects.
Mr. Wilfong shared that, "Building this field house is about investing in the future of Doherty High School. It will give current and future Spartans the space they need to train, grow, and compete at the highest level—on and off the field. Our students deserve a facility that matches their potential, and I’m proud to help make that a reality.”
The 1,800-square-foot indoor fieldhouse will offer a dedicated space for students and athletes to train when outdoor conditions are not ideal. In addition to supporting baseball, softball, football, color guard, JROTC, and other sports teams, the facility will also serve as a versatile space for academic use during the school day.
“The field house will provide much-needed space during the colder months and inclement weather,” Principal Hienton explained. “It will also be a tremendous resource for our athletic programs and other student groups, including our marching band and JROTC. With so many teams and programs on campus, having an additional indoor space is truly a gift.”
The field house is expected to open in December 2025, barring any construction delays.
“I’m incredibly thankful that Mr. Wilfong believes in Sparta and continues to invest so generously in our students,” said Hienton. “He truly embodies the spirit of ‘Once a Spartan, always a Spartan.’”
Mr. Wilfong added, “Providing for the field house exemplifies what my parents (Don and Christel Wilfong) instilled in me – success should be shared.”