Thomas More Prep-Marian

After more than a year of planning and reconstruction, Billinger Fieldhouse on the campus of Thomas More Prep-Marian is set to reopen.

The first contest in the refurbished gymnasium will be Friday, when the junior varsity girls tip off at 4:30 p.m. The TMP varsity girls matchup against Oakley is scheduled for 6:15 p.m., followed by the varsity boys game.

Just over a year ago, TMP staff received notification that the State Fire Marshall’s Office assigned maximum number of occupants safely allowable in the bleacher area of Billinger Fieldhouse was 49 persons due to the current location and capacity of existing exits. This past summer, a 6-foot-wide fire exit was completed on the northwest corner bringing the capacity to 600. That exit was funded with existing savings. Work is expected to finish soon on a 12-foot-wide exit on the northeast corner through the generosity of the Leo and Albina Dreiling Charitable Trust. Upon completion, capacity in Billinger will be increased from 600 to nearly 1,100.

The Sports Booster Club, which supports all of our athletic teams, has asked for a pastoral dispensation to sell meat products, as well as non-meat options on Friday nights of athletic contests. This dispensation has been granted.

“It is important to remember the reason why Bishop Weisenburger challenged the faithful of the Salina Diocese to abstain from meat on Fridays. Choosing to not eat meat is also to be accompanied with prayers for our world and the challenges we face in a culture that creates a strain on our Christian values and morals,” TMP said this week on its website. “If we are unable to abstain from meat, extra penance and prayers are suggested as alternatives. As we conclude the season of Advent, we ask that every family discuss this practice and its purpose.”