TUSD board unanimously renames Cherry Field the Oscar Romero Ballpark

Tucson Unified School District’s governing board on Feb. 10 voted unanimously to rename Cherry Field at Tucson High as the Oscar Romero Ballpark at Cherry Field.

Principal John Lonza introduced the request and family members and former players gave testimony about Coach Romero’s four decades of service. Lonza asked the board to “consider renaming the Cherry Field Baseball Field to the Oscar Romero Ballpark at Cherry Field in honor of coach Oscar Romero” and described Romero’s coaching record and community contributions.

Multiple speakers described Romero’s legacy. Joanne Romero, his widow, said the family would feel “truly humbled and deeply honored” by the designation. Becky Romero Watson, a sister, said the naming would be “a lasting tribute to a life dedicated to education, student development, community service, and athletics.” Former players and colleagues recounted Romero’s mentorship and decades of volunteer work maintaining the field.

Board member Miss Ekstrom moved to approve the renaming, which was seconded and carried on a 5–0 voice vote. President Dr. Ravi Shah announced the motion passed unanimously.

The action was presented as an item of community recognition rather than a budgetary decision; board members and speakers emphasized Romero’s mentorship and local impact. The board paused briefly for a five-minute recess after the vote before resuming the meeting’s remaining agenda items.

The district will update its facilities signage and public materials to reflect the new name, the board said. No additional procedural conditions or funding items tied to the renaming were discussed during the meeting.