A NEW ERA OF MINUTEMEN PRIDE 
Concord Celebrates Completion of Jake Field, Sponsored by Everwise Credit Union

Concord Community Schools celebrated the completion of the new Jake Field, sponsored by Everwise Credit Union, on Friday, marking the opening of an athletic facility that will serve students, families, and the community for generations to come.

The district welcomed school leaders, students, alumni, community members, project partners, and sponsors to commemorate the completion of the $14.8 million construction project, a significant milestone in Concord's long-term facilities plan. 

The project was completed while maintaining the district's consistent tax levy and reflects years of thoughtful planning, responsible financial stewardship, and strong community partnerships, including the generous sponsorship of Everwise Credit Union. 

"Today is about much more than a new football field," Superintendent Dan Funston told attendees. "It is about creating a place where students can build memories, families can come together, and our community can continue to take pride in Concord."

Funston thanked the Concord School Board, district staff, community partners, contractors, coaches, and the many individuals whose vision and commitment brought the project to life. He also recognized former district leaders whose leadership helped shape Concord's tradition of excellence and acknowledged the lasting legacy of Larry "Jake" Jackowiak, for whom the facility is named.

Jackowiak served Concord Community Schools for 23 years as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes.

Funston also expressed appreciation for Everwise Credit Union, whose sponsorship and investment helped make the project possible.

"Their support demonstrates what is possible when community organizations believe in students and invest in the future of our community," Funston said.

Speaking on behalf of the Concord School Board, Vice President Tim Yoder emphasized the importance of investing in facilities that enhance the student experience.

"Projects like this are about investing in our students, our programs, and the experiences we want our students to have while they are part of Concord," Yoder said. "These spaces give kids a place to belong, be part of something bigger than themselves, and create experiences they will remember for years to come."

Concord High School Senior Drake Light shared what the new facility means to students.

“Jake Field is where we learn teamwork and leadership, and where we create memories that will last long after we graduate,” Light said. “Having a facility like this shows how supportive our community is. It shows that Concord wants students to have opportunities to succeed and be proud of where they belong.” 

The newly constructed facility features a synthetic turf field, an eight-lane track, expanded field event areas, new home and visitor bleachers, a press box, concessions and restroom facilities, team rooms, LED lighting, a new scoreboard, and play clocks. Concord's track is also one of only a handful of post-tension concrete tracks in Indiana.

Everwise Credit Union Regional President Randy Lemert reaffirmed the organization's commitment to Concord students and the broader community.

"Everwise is honored to partner with Concord Schools and invest in a community that means so much to so many," Lemert said. "These improvements will serve students, families, and fans for years to come, and we're proud to continue investing in the communities we call home."

The ceremony concluded with district leaders, project partners, sponsors, student-athletes gathering to officially commemorate the completion of the new field and facilities with an official ribbon cutting. 

More than a football stadium, Jake Field, sponsored by Everwise Credit Union, provides a year-round home for athletics, marching band, student activities, and community events. Designed to serve Concord students for decades to come, the facility reflects the district's continued commitment to providing exceptional opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

"This facility is for our students," Funston said. "It is a place where students will compete and perform, where families will gather, and where memories will be made."