Donors dig in for next stage of softball complex

Panther Pride and its partners broke ground May 20 at the site of a proposed pavilion, the latest improvement at the Oconto Falls High School softball fields. The 40- by 74-foot pavilion will include restrooms, storage space, a concession stand and a covered deck for spectators. The pavilion will be handicapped accessible. “Once it’s done, it will definitely be the nicest one in Northeast Wisconsin, definitely in our conference,” said Jerry Moynihan, OFHS athletic director. Attending the groundbreaking were representatives of four businesses that have donated or pledged a combined $150,000. It was the first time the major donors behind the softball field project were recognized together; an April 24 ribbon cutting ceremony was canceled due to the weather. Following the groundbreaking, Brent Hare, plant manager at Saputo’s Lena facility, presented a $25,000 check to the school district and Panther Pride, an organization working to improve outdoor sports facilities for student athletes. “I think it will be a great asset for the community, especially for the kids and for the health and wellness of the community,” Hare said. “It will be well-used.” “We can’t thank you enough. We appreciate it so much,” Moynihan said to the donors. Attending the groundbreaking with Hare were Randall Wissink, vice president/general manager of Green Bay 7UP Bottling, Dan DeGroot, president and CEO of Community Memorial Hospital, and Pam Langley, member services representative of Oconto Electric Cooperative. Community Memorial Hospital secured naming rights to the field with its pledge to contribute $75,000 over a three-year span. 7UP contributed $8,500 and committed to providing $40,000 over 10 years. Oconto Electric Cooperative contributed $10,000 raised through its 2013 employee charity fundraising effort. The fields were used for the first time this spring and are open to high school physical education classes, summer recreational leagues and the public. The Oconto Falls High School junior varsity softball team has played at the fields this season. Jeff Spaulding, of Spaulding Construction, will be the general contractor for the pavilion, built north of the high school at 210 N. Farm Road. The next phase in the development of the softball complex involves scoreboards and an irrigation system.