(KTNC) - With the newly renovated fields at Dallas Jones Park soon to be completed, now is the time for the Falls City School District to begin a High School Baseball program. That was the crux of the proposal put forth to the Falls City Board of Education during Monday night’s meeting by a group that wants Falls City to field a high school baseball team in the spring of the 2013-2014 school year.
Robbie Craig pitched the proposal to board members. Among the advantages of a baseball proposal, Craig said the number of hours kids who play baseball are out of class are less than with other spring sports – track and boys’ golf. He also said it would present another opportunity for kids to earn college scholarships, and he noted that it’s easier for kids to catch the eye of a college scout in spring baseball than in summer Legion Baseball.
Craig said his experience with Legion Baseball tells him Falls City could compete against larger Class B schools. (play audio :41 “at that level.”)
Board members raised several questions about the proposal, including how adding baseball would affect other spring sports; funding for a baseball program; and how adding baseball would affect the district’s compliance with Title Nine.
Board member Ed Harris wondered if, considering smaller enrollment in elementary grades, there would be sufficient numbers to maintain the program in future years.
A suggestion was made to survey students to determine the level of interest in starting a baseball program. High School Principal Gale Dunkhas and Superintendent Tim Heckenlively commented. (play audio :48)
An increasing number of schools in Nebraska are offering varsity baseball. The increase prompted the Nebraska School Activities Association to go to a two-class system in 2008, and there were 26 Class-A teams and 27 Class-B teams as of 2012.
As for costs, the baseball group estimates it would cost $15,000 to start a baseball program – including coaches’ salaries, transportation, uniforms, equipment, and paying umpires – and $12,000 annually to maintain the program.
The board made no decision Monday night. They will form a committee to consider the proposal.
© MSC News
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
Local judge files for re-election
Atchison in running for national fireworks honors
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
LATEST STORIES
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Senator Ricketts staff to visit Falls City and Auburn
Richardson County Sheriff provides updates to Commissioners
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Marshall Co Commissioner files for re-election
Contested races in Tuesday Primary Election in Nebraska
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
RELATED STORIES
Falls City School District transportation report
Falls City School Board approves raises and personnel moves
Falls City Teacher participating in STEM program
Falls City School Board Vacancy Filled
"Sniffer Dog" Policy Moves Forward
Falls City School Board Approves Contracts
Bleacher Replacement Project Approved
Settlement Announced by Falls City School Supt