New Castle softball honored with new field opening
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Apr. 1—The past, present and future of New Castle softball were honored Saturday during a ceremony to open the team's new softball field.
"It's a great day to be a Red Hurricane," said emcee and local attorney Larry Kelly.
The new all-turf softball field, located next to George Washington Intermediate School, officially opened with the ceremony followed by the team's game against Mohawk, which also opened its new all-turf field last week.
Despite the rainfall, during the ceremony, past and present school district administration, school-board members and faculty were recognized, as well as city council members in attendance and former players and coaches.
Mayor Mark Elisco, current New Castle softball coach Laurie Lidak and former coach Kim Krueger threw out the ceremonial first pitches.
Special mention was given to the past softball coaches and players who have been inducted into the Lawrence County Historical Society Sports Hall of Fame: Lidak, Luann Grybowski, Kathy Kendra, Charlene Macri and Lynn Runyon Padice.
Current players cut the ceremonial ribbon. These were juniors Keara Mangieri, Olivia Hood and Aaryn McCarter and senior Racquelle Young.
For both the New Castle and Mohawk teams, current players brought out future softball stars onto the field as part of an "Adopt-a-Youth" initiative.
A special state citation was presented by state Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence), the New Castle Color Guard presented the colors during the National Anthem and a fireworks display was held just before game time.
"I think it's a special day for the kids," said New Castle Superintendent Dr. Gregg Paladina. "For the kids to have a field this nice, it's going to be an asset to these kids."
When asked what this new field means to her team, Lidak had trouble coming up with ways to describe her excitement.
She said she didn't expect the team to have a field like this.
"I never thought it would become this," Lidak said.
Lidak said having a turf field will allow more games and practices to be held. The field will be able to host local and regional playoff games and tournaments.
She added the players are appreciative for the field, and are more excited and energized to play this season as a result.
"They're excited to be here," Lidak said.
School-board member Anna Pascarella said she is excited beyond words for the field.
She said when she graduated from New Castle High School in 1982, the district didn't have an official softball team, but played slow pitch in different outside leagues.
Now, she said the program can continue to grow and flourish.
"I am beyond enthusiastic. This means a lot to me," Pascarella said. "I think this is a big deal. I can feel more excitement from the team."
Board member Robert Lyles said a lot of work and planning went into the new field, with he and Paladina wanting to thank everyone involved.
For former coach Leah Ann Williams, the new field is a far cry from the conditions the team used to play and practice on.
She said the team used to practice in the "catacombs" of the former high school building; she remembers when the team had to play in the "swamp" in Mahoningtown; she remembers the team and volunteers building the first softball field at George Washington and starting the junior high team.
"It's wonderful to see this for the kids. I'm just so happy for the kids," Williams said.
