Newport Central Catholic High School kicked off the 2026 soccer season in style by inaugurating its new on-campus stadium, the Robert J. Schneider field at the Ciafardini Family Athletic Complex. The opening night featured two exciting varsity soccer matches, showcasing the talent and spirit of the school’s athletic programs.
The girls soccer team set the tone with a resounding 8-0 victory over Mason County on August 10, marking the first-ever game played on the new field. Notably, Don Velten, who was the inaugural girls soccer coach at Newport Central Catholic, had the honor of presenting the game ball and conducting the ceremonial coin toss, making the event even more special.
Following the girls' triumph, the boys soccer team also celebrated a successful start to their season with a narrow 3-2 win against Simon Kenton on August 11. Matty Wagenlander, a proud alumnus from the class of 2003 and the owner of Punky’s Pixels, presented the game ball and participated in the coin toss. His company was instrumental in installing the state-of-the-art videoboard at the new facility, enhancing the game-day experience for fans.
The girls team is set to continue its season with upcoming home matches against St. Henry on August 15 and Calvary Christian on August 24, both scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the boys team will not play at home again until August 25, when they face Conner. The excitement around the new stadium is palpable, as it is not just a venue for soccer but will also host the Newport Central Catholic football team’s first regular-season game on August 21 against Lloyd Memorial, with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.
The Ciafardini Family Athletic Complex, which took five years to complete, was officially dedicated on April 14, featuring a mass and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The field is named in honor of Robert Schneider, a legendary coach who passed away in 2021. Schneider's impressive coaching career spanned from 1966 to 2009, during which he amassed 345 wins and led the team to state championships in 1984, 2005, and 2006. His legacy continues to inspire the athletes at Newport Central Catholic.
With the successful opening of the Robert J. Schneider field, Newport Central Catholic High School not only celebrates its rich athletic tradition but also looks forward to a promising season ahead. The community’s support and the dedication of former players and coaches have laid a strong foundation for the future of the school’s sports programs.
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