$3M in upgrades puts Armory on track to be sports mecca

Originally appeared in the Jersey Journal on Thursday, January 05, 2006

By JASON DEL REY

It wasn't exactly the most graceful relay exchange.

But when Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, state Assembly Speaker Albio Sires of West New York, acting Gov. Richard J. Codey and state Sen. Bernard F. Kenny of Hoboken passed a baton from one to another yesterday on the new track at the Jersey City Armory, it marked the long-awaited resurrection of a once prestigious venue.

The newly renovated building, with its more than $3 million worth of facility upgrades, attracted several local and state dignitaries as well as about 100 student athletes for its grand reopening yesterday.

The funds, $2.5 million of which come from the state budget, paid for a new running surface for the track and new basketball court as well as a four-sided scoreboard and lighting system that is on the way. With the renovations, officials said the Armory is expected to reclaim its place as one of the premiere athletic facilities in the state.

"It really makes a difference when your recreation director's name is Bob Hurley," Healy said of the legendary St. Anthony High School basketball coach.

But Hurley was not willing to take all the credit. In an interview after the event, he said he was simply the spark.

"I have certain recognition in the state as a basketball coach, but that doesn't get all that money," said Hurley, who is also the director of the city Department of Recreation. "It was the fact that Hudson County was so strongly represented in Trenton."

The remodeling also includes a regulation baseball infield and room for volleyball games, Hurley said.

"It's such a large facility that you can have five or six activities and not be dwarfed by the numbers," Hurley said.

The modernized track received stellar grades from local high school runners as well.

"It's a lot better on the legs," said 17-year-old St. Dominic Academy track team member Jill Lissenden, who was part of the school's 4x800 relay team, which captured a gold medal last month in the first event at the new Armory.

"No more shin splints," teammate Alison Komorowski, 16, added.

The Armory is scheduled to host the upcoming Mayor's Cup basketball game between Lincoln and Snyder high schools on Jan. 12 and the Jersey City Recreation 4th Annual Bill Read Memorial Track and Field Meet on Jan. 13, officials said. The venue will also house the HCIAA Relays countywide competition on Jan. 19 and the HCIAA Basketball Championship on Feb. 25.