The Field Looks Good, Coach.

I love this time of year. It's warming up and Spring is definitely here. After being cooped up for the winter, I really enjoy getting to take the boys out to the ballpark to watch some baseball.

When Coach took over the baseball program six years ago, well, let's just say that it needed some attention. Our kids weren't too excited about baseball it seemed, as evidenced by a string of losing seasons. The community didn't support the spring sports with the same enthusiasm seen in the fall. And, the facilities were, well, embarrassing.

The high school team plays on a city field. The city and the school work together to maintain it. Coach worked to change the attitude towards baseball around here. He started by raising expectations for his athletes and demanding them to take pride in the program. He also began a series of improvements to the facilities as part of his plan. The city has been gracious to support his ideas for improvements. They have helped provide materials and Coach has supplied the labor. Along with painting the dugouts, new bleachers, and a new pressbox, the most significant change has been converting the infield to grass. You cannot imagine the hours that have gone in to this project.

Some complain that spending money on a park is pointless. Others, who know so little, complain that you shouldn't take money from the school to athletic facilities. It's a city field, remember. The school doesn't really pay for it. But it's the same problem with all facilities. Athletics raises its own money. They also pay for themselves too. Money spent on sports doesn't come from the school. Ever. Besides, shouldn't we as a community be proud to have a nice baseball park for our kids to play in? Does it matter what condition the field is in? I think it does. Under Coach Bailey, the Bobcats have made 3 straight post-season appearances, so something is working. And, our park is as nice as any we play in.

Woodland hosted a baseball game on Tuesday. The field looked great, the best I've ever seen it. I know he's my husband, but if no one else will say it, I will. I appreciate the work and effort he has given to the team and the facilities. I understand how giving these kids a home field they can be proud of contributes to pride in the program as a whole.

Most people have no idea what goes in to the upkeep of football and baseball fields or even gym floors. If you've never had to be responsible for taking care of something like that, you can hardly comment on how it's done. For those of you worried about the school, make a donation. They'll gladly accept it.