Padua Celebrates Grand Opening of New Zavagno Athletic Center

Padua Franciscan High School officially opened the new Zavagno Athletic Center on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, board members, and community leaders filled the 29,000-square-foot facility, which is connected to the southwest corner of the school near Padua Stadium.

The dedication began inside the 14,000-square-foot gymnasium. Attendees gathered on the two full-size courts, which will be used for practices and games. The space holds 1,330 spectators.

Vice President of Advancement Tony Shuman ’91, who served as the emcee, was full of excitement and gratitude as the dedication began. “We would not be here without the generosity of so many,” said Shuman. “Every gift mattered and made a difference. And to those in attendance today, thank you. Your support means the world to us.”

President Dave Stec ’86 was beaming with pride as he delivered an emotional speech. “As we dedicate this athletic center, my prayer is simple. May every student who walks through these doors discover the gifts that God has placed within them. May every coach teach more than a sport. May every team become a family. May victories be celebrated with humility…and defeat accepted with grace, character, strength and perseverance…and faith deepened through community. And may every Bruin who leaves this space remember the simple prayer to St. Francis – ‘Praise be You, my Lord’.”

The building is named after alumnus Dave Zavagno ’72 and his wife Denise. “My ancestors came to this country and built a foundation with their hands,” said Zavagno. “Today, our family has the extraordinary privilege of helping build a foundation for those generations that follow us. While the name of the building says, ‘Zavagno,’ what happens inside belongs to all of you. It is my great honor, along with my wife and my entire family, to dedicate the Zavagno Athletic Center. Remember those who came before you, honor their legacy. Compete, deliver, win, and above all, make a difference.”

Several Franciscans blessed the new building, including Vice President of Mission & Ministry Fr. Bill McIntyre, OFM, Chaplain Friar Johnpaul Cafiero, OFM, and Director of Community Outreach Fr. Stephen DeWitt, OFM.

“May this athletic center always reflect the Franciscan values of joy, peace, hospitality, service and respect for every person,” said McIntyre. “As this school enters its most exciting month, keep our eyes fixed on Christ.”

After the program concluded, guests toured the facility. The additional 15,000-square-foot space includes a Grand Concourse, which houses a ticket booth, restrooms, and a concession stand for both stadium and gym events. Four locker rooms, a cutting-edge sports medicine room and the Athletic Department offices are now located in this space.

Guests enjoyed cookies and refreshments while viewing signage that celebrates Athletic Hall of Fame members and Achieving Excellence supporters.

Attendees received two items to commemorate the special occasion, including a small piece of the original gym floor and a token commemorating the Zavagno Athletic Center dedication on it.

The celebration concluded with a sense of gratitude and momentum for Padua’s future.

Throughout the next six months, Padua’s former gym will be renovated into a Performing Arts Center for both vocal and instrumental instruction, performances and theatrical productions.

The front of the facility, closest to the main lobby, will house a new vocal classroom and a new band room. The 1,500-square-foot vocal classroom will include an expanded Fine Arts office, storage areas, and a ticket booth and concession space. The 2,500-square-foot band room will include a director’s office, new individual practice rooms, and instrumental storage. The current band room and the current vocal classroom and office spaces located behind the stage will be renovated to create theatrical support spaces, including a scene shop, costume design room, and additional storage for the fine arts programs. Utilizing state-of-the-art acoustical design, the tiered 295-seat auditorium will include the expansion of the wings of the main stage, as well as an extended front stage. New lighting and sound systems will be installed to provide professional-level production experiences.