Delgado Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Gayle and Tom Benson Athletic Complex

November 14, 2024

Delgado Community College is proud to celebrate the grand opening of its new 6,000 square-foot athletic facility, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing growth and development of the college’s athletic programs. The project was kicked off by a $1 million donation from the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, as well as significant contributions from donors through the Tradition Campaign for Delgado Athletics.

The college celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 13, 2024 with a packed house of hundreds of Delgado supporters. Representatives from city, state and federal partners were on hand including New Orleans City Council members, congressional representatives, Delgado Foundation Board members and alumni, family and friends of the college.

Delgado Chancellor Larissa Littleton-Steib, Ph.D., said, “This state-of-the-art facility reflects the excellence of Delgado’s athletic programs. Our student-athletes are leaders on and off the field or court, representing the best of what Delgado has to offer to all students. Student-athletes exemplify high academic achievement, strength of character and a commitment to excellence wherever they go.”

Athletics Director and Head Baseball Coach Joe Scheuermann expressed his gratitude to the donors, saying, “We are deeply grateful to the supporters of this project, whose commitment to Delgado Athletics will positively impact our student-athletes for decades to come. This new facility reflects our dedication to providing the best resources and opportunities for our students to excel both on the field, court and in the classroom."

Key Highlights of the New Facility:

• The Alan Oremus Locker Room is the first permanent locker room for the Delgado Baseball program, providing space for 40 student-athletes with lockers, showers and equipment storage.
• The Boh Brothers Tradition Room, named for Robert and Stephen Boh, serves as the facility’s main event space. During the academic day, it doubles as a study hall for all three sports, while also providing technology for film review and team meetings.
• The Ochsner–Andrews Athletic Training Room, developed in partnership with Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine, will provide daily treatment, rehabilitation and injury prevention services for Delgado’s nearly 100 student-athletes.
• The Richard Colton Office Suite houses administrative offices for the athletic department, named in honor of Mr. Colton's ongoing support, which includes funding critical to the baseball program’s recovery following Hurricane Katrina.

Gayle Benson said, "Tom and I have always believed in the power of education and the positive influence of sports in shaping young people’s futures. This athletic complex represents more than just a facility; it’s a place where student-athletes can academically and athletically thrive to reach their full potential. This is an investment not only in the future of these student-athletes, but in the future of New Orleans and Delgado Community College’s legacy in our city."

As the first junior college program in the state, the Delgado athletics program has performed consistently at a championship caliber, including six appearances for baseball in the NJCAA Division I World Series (1985, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2023) and numerous conference and regional titles. This facility will enhance the experience and better support student-athletes from all Delgado teams.

The facility is a testament to the enduring "Tradition" of Delgado Athletics, which has been a cornerstone of the college’s community involvement. The 2024 baseball and basketball rosters represent a diverse group of student-athletes from 35 local high schools and 34 Louisiana hometowns, underscoring Delgado's integral role in developing talent across the region.

Learn more about Delgado Athletics.