Cernovich Field House

Kewanee Schools Foundation Receives $250,000 Towards New Field House

In exchange for generous donations received by the Kewanee Schools Foundation totaling $250,000 from Rick Cernovich, M.D. and Kim Cernovich, permanent naming rights have been extended by Kewanee School District to the donors whose wish is to honor and memorialize their fathers, George and Mike Cernovich, respectively.  Groundbreaking began on May 5 on the newly named Cernovich Field House which will be located at the south end of the Kewanee High School Football Field.  The new 2800 square foot field house will house 80 individual lockers, restrooms and showers for the football and track programs at Kewanee High School. 

An alum of Kewanee High School (Class of 1972), Dr. Cernovich has been in family practice for 36 years.  Owner of the Sheffield Family Medical Center, he has served on the KCUSD #229 Board of Education and was on the original Board of the Foundation.  Both he and his father, George (Class of 1952), are also KHS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, with Rick also named Honorary Boilermaker in 2019.  George owned and operated a Clark Oil station for 30 years.  

Also an alum (Class of 1977), Kim is the owner of Cernovich Auto & Truck Wreck, Inc.  His father Mike (Class of 1945), retired as an Illinois State Trooper, a position he held for 29 years. He founded M & K, which later became Cernovich Auto & Truck Wreck, Inc. 

“The Cernovich’s generosity and financial commitment to the Foundation and District are to be highly commended” stated Liz Breedlove, Executive Director of the Kewanee Schools Foundation.  “The Cernovich Field House will be a welcome addition to Kewanee High School. Their support is greatly appreciated.”

“Countless students will benefit from the new field house; a needed addition to the Kewanee High School football and track programs for many years.” stated Dr. Chris Sullens, superintendent of the Kewanee School District. “The current field house was constructed in 1938, and although it served its purpose since that time, a new facility was very much needed. The old building will be repurposed to accommodate storage, laundry facilities, and a space for physical therapy services.”

Pictured left to right:  Rebecca Baney, KHS Principal, Liz Breedlove, Kewanee Schools Foundation Executive Director, Dr. Rick Cernovich, Lori Christiansen, KCUSD 229 Board Vice President/Kewanee Schools Foundation Board of Directors President, Kim Cernovich, Dr. Jeff Johnson, KCUSD 229 Board President/Kewanee Schools Foundation Board of Directors Vice President, and Dr. Chris Sullens, KCUSD 229 Superintendent.