Despite rainy forecasts (and back-up plans to move the event indoors), the weather cooperated and brilliant blue skies greeted alumni, current students, current and former D-E faculty/staff, and friends when they met on Solomon Field the morning of Saturday, June 11 during the EPIC 3X Reunion 2022 weekend. The occasion? The official Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the Schmid Athletic Complex, recognizing more than four decades of service to D-E by beloved administrator, coach and teacher C. Christian Schmid, aka “Schmiddy”.
The event fittingly followed a good-spirited set of early morning field hockey, lacrosse and soccer games for alumni, and marked the official naming 30 of the space where the new Schmid Athletic Complex will be built in honor of Schmiddy’s retirement in June 2022. Schmiddy is retiring from Dwight-Englewood after 43 years, and the naming, in the brief welcome remarks of Interim Head of School Pat Boig, “is being made in recognition of Schmiddy’s dedicated service as the Director of Athletics, Head Boys Soccer Coach, Lacrosse, and more.” The idea for the Schmid Athletic Complex originally surfaced 12 years ago, when a group of alumni and former players wanted to find a way to honor Schmiddy for all that he has done for generations of young people at D-E. The new complex will include a pavilion as well as landscaping and beautification of the area surrounding Solomon Field.
This special ceremony on June 11 was made that much more meaningful thanks to the presentation of a State of NJ Declaration honoring Schmiddy’s many contributions not only to D-E’s Athletic program, but to sports programs throughout New Jersey and the TriState area. To paraphrase SAC committe member, Jay Agresta ’84, “Schmiddy truly revolutionized how soccer was coached for generations of players.”
This presentation of the special State of New Jersey recognition was sponsored by the NJ General Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson, District 37 Legislative Office. Thanks to Realf Schermer ’87 who helped to secure this special resolution which honored Chris Schmid’s many contributions, not only to D-E’s Athletic program but to all the many athletic programs throughout New Jersey and the Tri-State area. A sshoutout is also owed to the following alumni in the Schmid Athletic Complex Volunteer Committee, who were present for the festivities: Michael Malhame ’88; Paul Marber ’78; Chris Anderson ’81; Adrienne Buda Anderson ’85; Ryan Goodman ’01; Dr. Luke Rigolosi ’91; Ann Cole Goodman ’02; Stephen Borg ’86 and Grebin Agramonte.
Schmiddy teared up when recalling the unwavering support of his wife Lisa, and son, alumnus Erich Schmid ’02, despite all the around-the-clock responsibilities associated with his coaching and other positions with the School. The event was then capstoned by the donning of white hard hats and circling around Schmiddy, Lisa and Erich for a photo as he held a symbolic blue shovel.
For more information on the campaign click here.
