New baseball/softball complex opens

Community members throw out the first pitch before starting the games at the new baseball and softball complex. Pitchers are, from left to right, are Monty McGill, Kent St. Pe, and Dominic Benoit. Catchers are Clay McGill, Logan Jones, and Trey Minter.

    With basketball season wrapped up for the year, players who participate in both basketball and baseball or softball joined their coaches and teammates full time. Scrimmages and tournaments have teams fully immersed in the season and are playing on the newly-completed fields. After years on fields with no restroom or concession facilities, the teams and administration know that this is a huge step up for the district.

    “I am very proud of the community’s support to build a park that represents Buffalo in a positive light,” superintendent Lacy Freeman said. “To have restrooms, lights and parking all in a centrally located place is great for our kids. I hope the kids are appreciative of the work that went into the project and I want them to respect and take care of the facilities so they may be enjoyed for many years to come.”

    The new facilities have contributed to the players feeling that their seasons are off to a strong start.

    “The new field is great and we feel more equipped to do big things,” sophomore Logan Freeman said. “With the way we’ve been playing, we have a good chance at winning district.”

    The boys have also been equipped with new uniforms for this season. Fresh starts all around have positive hopes for the season running high.

    “Our new uniforms are awesome,” freshman Matt Gilliam said. “Along with the new field, we’re like a new team.”

    The boys aren’t the only ones with changes they are feeling positive about. The softball team has a new coach, Pat Roberts, and veteran players who are taking on the challenge of leading the team. According to sophomore Kendall Morales, everyone is “excited about the season.”

    “I believe that as a team we’re going to come together and overcome obstacles that we thought we couldn’t,” senior Taylor Rutledge said. “I know that I am going to have to step up and be a leader this season and show everyone what we can do.”

    Both teams are hopeful for a run in the playoffs this year and are ready to work for a long season.

    “I think that we’re going to have the chance to do a lot of great things,” senior Logan Jones said. “We’re going to come out and show a lot of people what we can do.”