Brother Martin High School Breaks Ground on Building For Champions: Re-Envisioning Farley Field

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, Brother Martin High School celebrated a milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for its multi-million-dollar capital campaign, Building For Champions: Re-Envisioning Farley Field.

“We have a storied history of meeting the needs of a changing world and providing the best facilities so that our students can always be at their best. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and these additions and improvements came through the effort, support, and loyalty of alumni, Crusader families, and benefactors who wholeheartedly love our mission," said Brother Martin President Greg Rando '77.

The groundbreaking followed the school’s annual Foundation Day Liturgy, bringing together students, faculty, alumni, families, and community partners to mark the beginning of a new chapter for Brother Martin High School. Principal Ryan Gallagher’00 said, “This project symbolizes the continued strength and growth of Brother Martin High School and is a tangible expression of our commitment to providing our students with exceptional opportunities for formation in the educational tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.”

Led by Gibbs Construction in partnership with Holly & Smith Architects, the re-envisioning of E.A. Farley Field is part of the school’s ongoing investment in enhancing facilities and strengthening its connection to the New Orleans community. The multi-million-dollar project includes, but is not limited to, installing synthetic turf, new LED field lighting, upgraded training areas, and state-of-the-art locker rooms, dugouts, and expanded spectator seating. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2027.

“This is a personal one for our family. My father, Larry Gibbs, is a proud Cor Jesu alumnus, Class of 1965, and the values he learned on this campus became the foundation of the company he started in 1976. We were proud to build the batting facility here in 2023, and we're honored to return alongside Holly & Smith Architects to create a field worthy of the young men who will train, compete, and grow here for generations to come,” said Lauren Gibbs, CEO and owner of Gibbs Construction.

The groundbreaking ceremony also celebrated the school’s long history and future in the Gentilly neighborhood, recognizing the generosity and commitment of those who have helped make this project possible.

For further information, please visit https://www.brothermartin.com/giving/capital-campaign/

List of Participants in Groundbreaking:

Ms. Lauren Gibbs, CEO of Gibbs Construction

Mr. Kevin Morris ‘89, President of Holly & Smith Architects

Mr. Phillip Catanzaro ‘97, and his wife Mandy, Co-Chair Couple of the Campaign Cabinet

Mr. Joe Exnicios ‘73, 2014 Alumnus of the Year, and Co-Chair of the Campaign Cabinet

Mr. Tim Bennett ‘03, President of the St. Aloysius Century Foundation, and Mr. Kenny Spellman ‘84, Chairman of the St. Aloysius Century Foundation and Brother Martin High School Director of Advancement

Mr. Larry Gibbs ‘65 CJ, 2021 Alumnus of the Year, and his wife Marian

Mr. Raphael Bickham ‘27, Student Council President, Mr. Greg Rando ‘77, President of Brother Martin, and Mr. Ryan Gallagher ‘00, Principal of Brother Martin

Mr. David Gallo ‘77, 2010 Alumnus of the Year and past chairman of the Brother Martin High School Board of Directors, and his wife, Jeanne

Dr. Hank Eiserloh ‘84, 2015 Alumnus of the Year and Chairman of the Brother Martin High School Board of Directors

Bro. Ronald Hingle, S.C.’78, Provincial of the United States Province, and 2026 Alumnus of the Year, and Mr. Thomas Mavor, Director of Schools, United States Province.

The Hon. Eugene Green, New Orleans City Councilman, District D

Mr. Chris Laiche ‘90, Project Consultant, and Mr. Scott Williams ‘90, Project Manager and Director of Facilities