Genoa High dedicates newly renovated softball field

Genoa High School dedicated its newly renovated softball field last week. The facility received new dugouts, a new brick backstop and fencing, new concession stand, new scoreboard, new windscreen and the infield was redone. Athletic Director Matt Routson calls it “basically a complete overhaul.”

“The field renovation was much needed,” said Lisa Cruickshank, who helped oversee the project. 

“We used to have one of the best fields in the league back when Tom Kontak was the coach.  However over time and years, it desperately needed attention. Our school is very fortunate to have an amazing athletic boosters organization, and community individuals and businesses to fund these projects,” Cruickshank continued.

“GenoaBank has been a phenomenal support to our schools. The athletic boosters have had their hand in every athletic field project upgrade here including football, soccer, baseball and many other projects.  We are thankful that the softball renovation project was next on the list and finally became a reality.”

Cruickshank credits her father for motivating her to be involved.  

“My dad, Jere Witt prior to his passing was for many years involved in the athletic boosters and the levy committee.  He was instrumental in many prior projects working with longtime major volunteer supporters such as Dave Marko. ( I believe Dave installed every scoreboard we have at Genoa Schools amongst other projects. 

“When I asked Dave about helping with the new softball scoreboard installation, he not only installed it but also donated an  i beam necessary to complete it.  The softball renovation project was next on my dad’s list. I tried to pick up his vision with that especially given the need.  I know he would be so proud of the athletic booster organization, local sponsors, Genoa Bank and those who volunteered time into the project. 

“The girls softball program definitely will benefit from the project for years to come and should be very proud to call it their home field.  Thank you to all those who helped with the project. I am thankful to be able to carry on what my dad had started to benefit the female softball athletes and also be able to put sweat and blood into the project alongside my daughter (Caitlyn) who is currently a senior.

“These projects are not possible without our amazing athletic boosters, dedicated individuals and local businesses stepping up to do their part as Comets.”  

Construction and field upgrades were by Maumee Bay Turf (Brad Morrison), Apex Construction, Bryer Construction (Josh Bryer) and Edens Property Services (Sam Edens). Financing was by GenoaBank with the assistance of the Genoa Athletic Boosters (Kathy Large, Kim Lagrange, Amy Millner and Julie Welsh).

At the dedication, Keith Travers gave the welcome and opening remarks with special mentions given to Routson, Ben Olemacher, and Mike Ferguson. Acknowledgements went to 12 scoreboard sponsors, the boosters, GenoaBank, Kevin Katafias and Kathy Witt in memory of Jere Witt. Routson and Lisa Cruickshank threw out the first pitch.

Brick wall sponsors are Jere Witt and Kevin and Donna Katafias and supplies and installation by Dave Marko. Maintenance is provided by Supervisor Dan Kalisic and Larry Blausey. Construction of dugout cubbies, hooks and bat storage was by Ferguson, outfield wind screens by Mike Burrliola and Kathy Witt and painting by Witt,  Caitlin Cruickshank, Lisa Cruickshank and Joshua Garner.

The scoreboard sponsors are Baumann Ford/Chevy, Bricks2Clicks (Chuck Popovich), Edward Jones (Larry Dean), GenoaBank (Marty Sutter), Genoa Financial (Marty Sutter), Nissen Concrete (Al Nissen) and Rayz Café (Ray St. Marie).