It will be the two year anniversary of the construction of Bellarmine’s Booster Gym this November. The entire building is called the St. Ignatius Loyola Center. It has, since its construction, become a vital part to the Bellarmine community. Basketball games, spirit assemblies,\ and alumni gatherings have all been celebrated under its roof.

The new gym provides a great place for young athletes to practice, work out and perform to the best of their abilities. The gym has become a symbol to the Bellarmine community.

The main floor of the gym has been given a new and proper name, Fr. Jerry Chapdeline. It was given this name in honor of longtime priest of  Bellarmine for 26 years, Fr. Jerry Chapdelaine, or most commonly called around the Bellarmine community, Fr. Jerry.

Fr. Jerry feels, “privileged, honored, and humbled…” to be the new name of the Bellarmine gym. He was completely taken off guard when his name was announced. It was announced 2 years ago after the basketball match between Bellarmine and Stadium. Fr. Jerry jokes, “Usually they name buildings, statues, etc. after you once you die.”

The new gym and Fr. Jerry are both essential parts of the athletic and spiritual aspects of the Bellarmine community. Fr. Jerry is Bellarmine’s honorary chaplain, as well as head of the freshman football and C-team basketball teams. He also helps out with other Bellarmine teams. Likewise, the gym holds the All School Masses or the varsity basketball match. The gym and Fr. Jerry unite the entire community.

“This is a very special place,” Fr. Jerry comments on the new gym. Most would agree with him. The gym has been through it all, from assemblies to games to P.E. class. The new Booster Gym has become one of the most important parts of the Bellarmine community. The new name helps give the new Booster gym a whole new meaning. It is the entire Bellarmine community wrapped up in one building.