Ash Grove Field Upgrade

Referring to the previous entry below, perhaps the Ball Parents Association could revive the thought of installing an agrilime playing surface at Ash Grove Field.  The need is especially obvious during the rainy season that we are currently going through but agrilime fields will also assist when the next phase comes along..... when the fields that are played on while damp and sticky become as hard as Louisville's Main Street once the sun returns. 

Agrilime was considered two years ago but the idea fell through. I realize there are concerns about sprinklers since agrilime thrives on moisture but let's get a plan in place, a goal to strive toward. 

The City of Louisville needs to step to the plate to assist in this project.  The fact that the town mows the outfield and provides water for AG Field is appreciated.  But outside of that, the city does very little for youth activities.  Louisville is fortunate to have the SRA and Platte River State Park so very close so there isn't a pressing need for park provisions. The Ball Parents Association foots the bill for the summer ball program.... could the city help out with this project?

Rain Upsets Ball Schedules

As I write this, the rain continues to drip on the local ball fields causing concern for the coaches trying to reschedule games onto an already tight schedule.  We all appreciate the time the coaches spend on the fields with our young athletes but that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Just as much time and effort goes into the planning of practices, rescheduling games and the care of equipment and uniforms.  In my experience, it becomes a family task with all getting involved, whether fielding or making phone calls, hauling equipment from one location to another or offering moral support.

We should all be thanking these volunteers. Take a look at the busy schedule that is already in place at http://my.calendars.net/fieldsloune/ then try to picture re-scheduling games lost due to the weekend storms.... it's a tough task!

I appreciate the rain since we'll probably be dry in July but right now, I'd like to go to a ball game.

New Sports Facility a Possibility?

With the recent success of the Louisville High School track and field teams and the increasing numbers of athletes who have reported for duty, there have been some interest in building a hard-surfaced track on the LHS campus. 

This is not something new. The track and football facility topic comes up every 5-10 years but now might be some solid basis that could get this idea beyond the wish list phase.  Add to this the possibility of creating a first-class field for the new softball program and the idea gains even more momentum. 

With the current bond debt due to expire soon and with the philosophy of replacing one bond with another, the timing may be right. The last bond built a new library and new classrooms creating a high school wing to the K-12 structure.  Barring some internal problems that may not be visible, the elementary wing seems to be in great shape.... the entire building looks good! 

This opens the door for some of the "extras" that might have been placed on hold for so many years.

As long as this potential project allows for growth and not just for the current athletic programs in place the public will, more that likely, support it. Louisville has successfully passed bond issues on a regular basis but one cannot assume the same result on this issue.

One avenue might be for the school to partner with the city of Louisville to create a team that could create a facility that would be used by district patrons as well as the school's athletes. The city park is basically a seldom-used tennis court and a pavilion separated by a busy street. Now might be a good time to coordinate a project that would reflect well on the city of Louisville as well as the Louisville School District.

50th Anniversary of 1959 State Champs

This upcoming basketball season will mark the 50th anniversary of the 1959 Class C State Championship. One of the things we're thinking of doing at The Lions Den is to select the 25 top basketball players from the past 50 years.  A selection committee would be chosen to assist in the selection process.

Would do you think?

Louisville WeeWee Baseball

Those that don't believe that younger athletes respect and admire those that participate in varsity athletics should attend one of the Louisville WeeWee baseball games.

These 10-year-olds are fortunate to have Tyler Johnson as an assistant coach.  They look up to the 6' 3" LHS graduate in more ways than one.

Cass County Central Crush

The Lions Den is looking forward to covering the newest sport on the LHS athletic scene as the Cass County Central Crush softball team takes to the field in their inaugural season this fall.

With the CCCC joining the fall sports list, there will be plenty of excitement on the LHS campus.

Girls sports look bright for LHS with exciting newcomers joining experienced veterans on the Louisville volleyball and cross country teams... I can't wait!

State Track Meet Ends the LHS School Year

The completion of the Nebraska State Track and Field Meet on Saturday marks the end of the 2007-2008 Louisville Lions athletic season and a slow-down of the writing, photo taking and travel that is required to make The Lions Den (www.louisvillelions.com) a reality.

Louisville had a great year! A huge thanks to all of the seniors that we've covered the past four years.  Your contributions have helped to transition the athletic program to one in which the expectations are much higher than in previous years.Again, thanks and continued success in all your endeavors!

As for The Lions Den, we are preparing for the upcoming season with great anticipation.  If you would like to be part of the team, please contact me for additional information on writing and photography openings.