The community gathered for hot dogs, desserts, and a celebration of the new softball field on Saturday. Honored guests were the contractors, builders, and workers who have worked through snow squalls, rain, and wind to make the new softball field a reality. From members of Trapper Creek Job Corps to community businessmen, the field has been a joint effort. Now, according to Florence softball coach, not only does Florence have one of the premier programs in the state, they also have one of the best facilities in the state.
“It’s a nice set up and we’re lucky to have it,” he said. “We will host the state Class B/C tournament in 2020 and that’s a nice recognition for the school.”
Mike “Otto” Thill was one of the first coaches for Florence and was at the helm when they began their championship runs. Over the last 20 years, Florence has brought home 10 state championships. When he retired from coaching softball at Florence, the field was named for him, and the name will continue with the new field.
Rilee Mangun, one of the seniors on the team was very excited to play on the new field. She said it was especially nice to be able to play on their home field instead of up at the park where they played last year.
“Playing my last year here makes it more memorable especially how they just put so much work into it,” said Mangun. “Coming from Florence to play softball with all these great older girls that have played before us and being able to play on the field that they’ve played on, to carry on the tradition to keep winning games, it’s pretty Indescribable.”
Originally the field butted up against a fence on the north side of the field and to access the visitor’s dugout or third base, players had to cross inside the field. The new field was moved 15 feet south to allow access but that meant the outfield had to be filled with about 30 truckloads of fill to make the field level. Now there is a warning track all around the inside of the fence. The concession stand isn’t quite finished but will feature changing rooms for the players also. A new sound system, more bleachers and clearer sight lines for the spectators.
The next home game will be May 2, 2019. This would be a great time to go down and check out the new facility.