Pictured above is renovated Robert L. Weessies Jr. Field where the Climax-Scotts varsity baseball team will play its first true home game of the season May 23 against Galesburg-Augusta.
Team allowed opportunity to host one
home game on renovated field May 23
By Bruce Rolfe
Besides striving to have a strong season, Climax-Scotts varsity baseball coach Kevin Langs hopes good memories can be created along the way as well.
This year’s team has already had its share of good memories, boasting a 11-2 record entering play May 13 at Mendon.
However the team is about to enjoy one huge bonus memory because of the generosity of a neighboring school district’s athletic director.
Climax-Scotts and Galesburg-Augusta play each other in the annual Cross River Rivalry game in baseball and softball each year. This year G-A was scheduled to host the game.
Because C-S has had to play all of its “home” games at Bailey Park while Robert L. Weessies Jr. Field was being renovated as part of a bond project, the Panthers faced playing all of their games away from C-S.
However when G-A Athletic Director Mike Woodard learned there was a good possibility C-S’ newly renovated baseball field would be available by May 23, he suggested the Cross River Rivalry game be played at C-S instead of at G-A, allowing the C-S seniors to play their last home game on their new field.
“Mike Woodard needs a lot of credit. I’m sure he’s getting some pressure from his people, so we appreciate him taking that pressure for our kids,” said Langs.
The C-S School District said approximately $1,000,000 for athletic related improvements including a new softball field and renovating the Robert L. Weessies Jr. Field, was part of a $16.2 million bond project approved by C-S School District voters for district-wide improvements.
When C-S seniors learned they will have an opportunity to play one game on the renovated field, the excitement in their voices and look in their eye showed how much they are looking forward to the May 23 Cross River Rivalry game against G-A.
“I’m super happy. Now we’re going to finally have a true home game for our senior year. I didn’t think we were going to get one at first,” said senior Logan Gilbert.
“Going into the season, we didn’t think we were going to play there at all. So the hopes that we’re even going to get one game just makes us so excited to be able to play there and have the opportunity,” adds senior Jackson Bagwell.
Having the opposing teams’ athletic director recommend a home game be given up so the seniors on the other team can enjoy one game on their new field was greatly appreciated by C-S seniors.
“Knowing that he (Woodard) would do that for us, have us play on our new home field for the first time, it means a lot. It means a lot to me and I bet it means a lot to the other seniors too. Can’t thank him enough for that,” said Gilbert.
The brick back stop, new infield, new dugouts, bull pens, batting cages and a big new scoreboard are very impressive.
Langs said he has already walked around the renovated Robert L. Weessies Jr. Field and his overall impression is it offers a good field to play on and the appearance is striking.
“The brick background, the back stop, the home plate area, the netting, it just feels really collegiate. The dugouts are absolutely gorgeous. I think the black fencing that they chose, really makes it kind of set off,” said Langs.
Langs is also impressed with the bullpens at both the baseball and softball fields, which he said also have a collegiate appearance.
Langs said the batting cages, which are double tunnel, compared to the single tunnel the team worked in, offers an opportunity for players to face live pitching or a pitching machine.
The outfield dimensions have changed slightly, mostly in right field where there is more of a straight line from right field to center field compared to a curve that was previously in place. Some of the other outfield dimensions will be different, however Langs said he does not know what the official measurements will be. He said the power alleys that were 345 feet will shrink to about 325 feet and the distance down the right field line might be reduced to 290 feet.
The players have enjoyed watching the progress being made on the field and have even had a chance to use the new batting cages.
“It looks really nice. The bullpens, they look college level. The batting cages are super nice. The back stops are really nice, the dugouts are really nice. Everything. Big scoreboard. I’m excited to play on it just talking about it. It’s going to be a fun day,” said Gilbert.
Not having a baseball field to practice on or host home games has created some challenges, however those times for adjustment have created more memories for the Panther baseball team.
The baseball team started practicing at the South Portage Little League complex, however the fee was $50 a day and the field wasn’t in great shape according to Langs.
The C-S School District was able to secure an agreement with the City of Battle Creek allowing C-S to practice at Nichols or Morrison Fields at Bailey Park for $25 each practice and $50 for each game played in C.O. Brown Stadium. Langs said both Nichols and Morrison Fields were groomed and well maintained by the City of Battle Creek, which he was very thankful for.
Langs said organizing trips to South Portage and later to Bailey Park for practices and games using school vans was a little bit of a annoying, but he said everything worked out fine.
“More then willing to do it and very appreciative that our community gave us a new baseball field and softball field. So whatever hassle we have to put up with this year, it’s well worth it,” said the C-S varsity baseball coach.
The underclassmen have watched the progress take place over the last year and can’t wait to get their opportunity to practice and play on the new field this year and the years to come.
Based on what they have seen so far, the underclassmen are impressed with what they will soon be calling their newly renovated home field.
“The infield looks really nice and smooth. It’s the best looking field in our entire conference, probably,” said freshman Bryce Birkam, who plays third base and pitches.
Freshman catcher Dane Sattler, likes the new bullpens that are located down the left field line.
“That was one of the big improvements and they moved the backstop up a little so I won’t have to run as far catching, obviously. I like that,” said Sattler.
C-S junior Kai Brown, who pitches and plays in the outfield, likes the new batting cages, which he feels will be easier to hit in.
“And there’s two of them so all of us will be able to get an at bat or more practice inside of those,” said Brown.
“I’m very excited to just practice on it, play on it with my guys. It looks super nice out there,” adds Brown.
Freshman Nyle Sattler feels having a renovated field and new softball field will build pride.
“We’re going to try to keep it nice, obviously, and we all want to play well,” said the C-S freshman.
Jamming into a school van and traveling to Battle Creek for practices and “home” games has been challenging, but the players say the inconveniences will be well worth it when looking ahead to what they will soon be playing on.
“It’s been a little difficult, just traveling every day. You’ve got to travel for practice too, so it’s been difficult. But it’s definitely been fun. We’re getting to know each other a lot better,” said Nyle.
“It’s been fun. We talk. Have fun conversations in the van on the way there, so it’s been going well,” adds Nyle.
While the team is focused on the current season, as the contractors put the finishing touches on the new field, it’s easy for the returners not to get excited about next season.
“We’re all looking forward to next year when we get to play on this new field,” said Nyle Sattler.
“For our kids, it’s been an incredible year. It’s one of those unique memories, practice (at other locations) and all that. So thankful we got a chance to do it. More then willing to do it. But it’s really nice if you’ve got a chance to be the first team to play on that field,” adds Langs.
The new softball field that sits next to the baseball field, is nearly completed but will not be ready to compete on by the May 23 game against G-A. Instead, the Lady Rams and Lady Panthers will play their May 23 game at C-S’ current softball home field, Roger Dilno Field behind the intermediate school.
Besides striving to have a strong season, Climax-Scotts varsity baseball coach Kevin Langs hopes good memories can be created along the way as well.
This year’s team has already had its share of good memories, boasting a 11-2 record entering play May 13 at Mendon.
However the team is about to enjoy one huge bonus memory because of the generosity of a neighboring school district’s athletic director.
Climax-Scotts and Galesburg-Augusta play each other in the annual Cross River Rivalry game in baseball and softball each year. This year G-A was scheduled to host the game.
Because C-S has had to play all of its “home” games at Bailey Park while Robert L. Weessies Jr. Field was being renovated as part of a bond project, the Panthers faced playing all of their games away from C-S.
However when G-A Athletic Director Mike Woodard learned there was a good possibility C-S’ newly renovated baseball field would be available by May 23, he suggested the Cross River Rivalry game be played at C-S instead of at G-A, allowing the C-S seniors to play their last home game on their new field.
“Mike Woodard needs a lot of credit. I’m sure he’s getting some pressure from his people, so we appreciate him taking that pressure for our kids,” said Langs.
The C-S School District said approximately $1,000,000 for athletic related improvements including a new softball field and renovating the Robert L. Weessies Jr. Field, was part of a $16.2 million bond project approved by C-S School District voters for district-wide improvements.
When C-S seniors learned they will have an opportunity to play one game on the renovated field, the excitement in their voices and look in their eye showed how much they are looking forward to the May 23 Cross River Rivalry game against G-A.
“I’m super happy. Now we’re going to finally have a true home game for our senior year. I didn’t think we were going to get one at first,” said senior Logan Gilbert.
“Going into the season, we didn’t think we were going to play there at all. So the hopes that we’re even going to get one game just makes us so excited to be able to play there and have the opportunity,” adds senior Jackson Bagwell.
Having the opposing teams’ athletic director recommend a home game be given up so the seniors on the other team can enjoy one game on their new field was greatly appreciated by C-S seniors.
“Knowing that he (Woodard) would do that for us, have us play on our new home field for the first time, it means a lot. It means a lot to me and I bet it means a lot to the other seniors too. Can’t thank him enough for that,” said Gilbert.
The brick back stop, new infield, new dugouts, bull pens, batting cages and a big new scoreboard are very impressive.
Langs said he has already walked around the renovated Robert L. Weessies Jr. Field and his overall impression is it offers a good field to play on and the appearance is striking.
“The brick background, the back stop, the home plate area, the netting, it just feels really collegiate. The dugouts are absolutely gorgeous. I think the black fencing that they chose, really makes it kind of set off,” said Langs.
Langs is also impressed with the bullpens at both the baseball and softball fields, which he said also have a collegiate appearance.
Langs said the batting cages, which are double tunnel, compared to the single tunnel the team worked in, offers an opportunity for players to face live pitching or a pitching machine.
The outfield dimensions have changed slightly, mostly in right field where there is more of a straight line from right field to center field compared to a curve that was previously in place. Some of the other outfield dimensions will be different, however Langs said he does not know what the official measurements will be. He said the power alleys that were 345 feet will shrink to about 325 feet and the distance down the right field line might be reduced to 290 feet.
The players have enjoyed watching the progress being made on the field and have even had a chance to use the new batting cages.
“It looks really nice. The bullpens, they look college level. The batting cages are super nice. The back stops are really nice, the dugouts are really nice. Everything. Big scoreboard. I’m excited to play on it just talking about it. It’s going to be a fun day,” said Gilbert.
Not having a baseball field to practice on or host home games has created some challenges, however those times for adjustment have created more memories for the Panther baseball team.
The baseball team started practicing at the South Portage Little League complex, however the fee was $50 a day and the field wasn’t in great shape according to Langs.
The C-S School District was able to secure an agreement with the City of Battle Creek allowing C-S to practice at Nichols or Morrison Fields at Bailey Park for $25 each practice and $50 for each game played in C.O. Brown Stadium. Langs said both Nichols and Morrison Fields were groomed and well maintained by the City of Battle Creek, which he was very thankful for.
Langs said organizing trips to South Portage and later to Bailey Park for practices and games using school vans was a little bit of a annoying, but he said everything worked out fine.
“More then willing to do it and very appreciative that our community gave us a new baseball field and softball field. So whatever hassle we have to put up with this year, it’s well worth it,” said the C-S varsity baseball coach.
The underclassmen have watched the progress take place over the last year and can’t wait to get their opportunity to practice and play on the new field this year and the years to come.
Based on what they have seen so far, the underclassmen are impressed with what they will soon be calling their newly renovated home field.
“The infield looks really nice and smooth. It’s the best looking field in our entire conference, probably,” said freshman Bryce Birkam, who plays third base and pitches.
Freshman catcher Dane Sattler, likes the new bullpens that are located down the left field line.
“That was one of the big improvements and they moved the backstop up a little so I won’t have to run as far catching, obviously. I like that,” said Sattler.
C-S junior Kai Brown, who pitches and plays in the outfield, likes the new batting cages, which he feels will be easier to hit in.
“And there’s two of them so all of us will be able to get an at bat or more practice inside of those,” said Brown.
“I’m very excited to just practice on it, play on it with my guys. It looks super nice out there,” adds Brown.
Freshman Nyle Sattler feels having a renovated field and new softball field will build pride.
“We’re going to try to keep it nice, obviously, and we all want to play well,” said the C-S freshman.
Jamming into a school van and traveling to Battle Creek for practices and “home” games has been challenging, but the players say the inconveniences will be well worth it when looking ahead to what they will soon be playing on.
“It’s been a little difficult, just traveling every day. You’ve got to travel for practice too, so it’s been difficult. But it’s definitely been fun. We’re getting to know each other a lot better,” said Nyle.
“It’s been fun. We talk. Have fun conversations in the van on the way there, so it’s been going well,” adds Nyle.
While the team is focused on the current season, as the contractors put the finishing touches on the new field, it’s easy for the returners not to get excited about next season.
“We’re all looking forward to next year when we get to play on this new field,” said Nyle Sattler.
“For our kids, it’s been an incredible year. It’s one of those unique memories, practice (at other locations) and all that. So thankful we got a chance to do it. More then willing to do it. But it’s really nice if you’ve got a chance to be the first team to play on that field,” adds Langs.
The new softball field that sits next to the baseball field, is nearly completed but will not be ready to compete on by the May 23 game against G-A. Instead, the Lady Rams and Lady Panthers will play their May 23 game at C-S’ current softball home field, Roger Dilno Field behind the intermediate school.
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