Canton To Dedicate Stadium In Honor Of Late Coach, Rename 2 Athletic Fields

CANTON, CT — Canton officials will honor a longtime educator and coach who died in 2024 and recognize other influential figures in the school district's history during a stadium and athletic field dedication ceremony Saturday, Oct. 24.

The Town of Canton and Canton Public Schools will hold the ceremony at 2:15 p.m. at Canton Middle/High School, immediately following the junior varsity field hockey game and before the varsity game.

The ceremony will officially name the school's main stadium Nancy Grace Memorial Stadium in recognition of Grace's contributions to Canton students and athletics.

Two additional athletic facilities will also receive official names: deSimas Field, honoring Catherine deSimas, and Legends Field, recognizing past and present coaches who have contributed to Canton's athletic programs.

Nancy Grace Memorial Stadium

Grace, who died in September 2024, served Canton Public Schools as a teacher, athletic director, and field hockey and softball coach.

According to the school district's announcement, Grace's work in the classroom and on the athletic fields influenced generations of Canton students.

The stadium dedication will feature remarks from Canton Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jordan E. Grossman, Rebecca Truscio, a former player and Canton Intermediate School teacher, and Terri Ziemnicki, Avon High School's field hockey coach.

The Canton High School and Avon High School field hockey teams will participate in presenting a commemorative plaque honoring Grace.

Catherine deSimas Field

The upper field at Canton Middle/High School will be named deSimas Field in honor of the late Catherine T. deSimas and her contributions to education and the Canton community.

She retired from the Canton Board of Education in 1999 after 26 years.

The recognition restores a name previously associated with an athletic field on the school campus.

In 1999, a field was dedicated to deSimas and renamed in her honor.

That field was later removed during construction of the school's turf field and parking lot.

School officials said deSimas' commitment to education and community involvement helped shape the culture of Canton Public Schools.

Legends Field

The turf field at Canton Middle/High School will officially become Legends Field, recognizing coaches who have made lasting contributions to the district's athletic programs.

The designation will also establish a process for honoring additional coaches in the future.

Community members will be able to recommend current and former Canton High School head coaches for recognition.

A committee will review nominations based on several criteria, including coaching legacy, student and community impact, professional conduct, lasting influence and cultural contributions.

Selected coaches, regardless of sport, will have their names placed on a plaque at Legends Field.

The recognition is intended to acknowledge the leadership and mentorship that coaches have provided to Canton student-athletes throughout the school's history.

Dedication Ceremony

Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos will open Saturday's ceremony and Canton Board of Education Chairman Louis M. Daniels will lead the dedications of deSimas Field and Legends Field.

The Canton Booster Club will sponsor refreshments.

The ceremony will take place rain or shine.

Event details:

• What: Canton Stadium and Field Dedication Ceremony
• When: Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2:15 p.m.
• Where: Canton Middle/High School athletic complex
• Honorees: Nancy Grace, Catherine deSimas, and past and present Canton athletic coaches
• Schedule: Following the junior varsity field hockey game and before the varsity game
• Weather: Rain or shine

From Sept. 10, 2025: 'Canton High School Stadium Renamed After Late Coaching Legend'