Lansdowne, PA – November 20, 2023
On a crisp afternoon, the William Penn School District (WPSD) community gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Rap Curry Athletic Complex Kerr Field, a state-of-the-art athletic facility that stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of two local legends.
The ceremony, held on November 16, marked the culmination of a long-awaited dream for the school district and the community. The $14.6 million project, funded in part by a Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant, transformed the once-overgrown field into a modern sports complex, complete with a turf field, track, lighting, bleacher seating, and concession stands. In addition, the baseball and softball fields have been updated and the parking lot upgraded.
At the heart of the event was the renaming of the complex in honor of Rap Curry, a beloved figure in the WPSD community. Curry, a former Penn Wood High School athlete, coach, and athletic director, passed away in July 2023 after a brief illness. His unwavering dedication to the school and his passion for sports left an indelible mark on generations of students and community members.
Curry’s wife, Gina H. Curry, State Representative for the 164th district, spoke eloquently about her husband’s legacy, highlighting his commitment to excellence and his unwavering belief in the power of sports to transform lives. “Rap was a force of nature,” she said. “His energy, his passion, and his dedication to our community were infectious. He believed that every child deserves the opportunity to shine, and this complex is a testament to that belief.”
The ceremony also paid homage to William T. Kerr, a former Yeadon resident who was the founder of the Flag Day Association of Western Pennsylvania and was instrumental in making Flag Day a national holiday – and for whom the field was originally named. Coincidentally, Kerr’s son Joseph was an athletic director at Yeadon High School, a precursor of Penn Wood. Although members of the Kerr family weren’t able to attend, Kerr’s grandson shared recorded marks during the ceremony to help celebrate the occasion and honor his grandfather’s legacy.
WPSD superintendent Dr. Eric Becoats underscored the significance of the new athletic complex, emphasizing its role in fostering a strong sense of community and pride. “This complex is more than just a place to play sports,” he said. “It’s a symbol of our commitment to our students, our community, and the values we hold dear. It’s a place where we can come together to celebrate our achievements, support our teams, and create lasting memories.”
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting, officially opening the Rap Curry Athletic Complex Kerr Field to the community. The event was a resounding success, bringing together friends, family, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate the legacy of two remarkable individuals and the promise of a brighter future for WPSD athletics.