Cloverdale to upgrade baseball diamond

CLOVERDALE -- The Cloverdale Athletic Department seems to be stealing some of the spotlight as it continues to improve its facilities.

Previously, the football program was approved for a practice field, and now the baseball field will be receiving a new look.

Cloverdale head baseball coach Bryan Archer spoke to the board Monday night about proposed improvements to the field, which include bullpen mounds, dugout extensions and a hitter-walking lane.

Archer will be adding pitching mounds along the field in foul territory to be used for warm-ups during games.

Currently, the entire team is unable to fit in the dugout. The organization will be creating a dugout extension to increase space for the entire team during practice and games.

"Our dugout's so small the whole team isn't able to fit in it," Archer said. "This will improve coaches' ability to properly monitor players not playing and waiting to play during games."

The dugout extension will be done by the baseball coaching staff along with Big J Construction. The cost for this part of the project is $150.

Finally, Archer spoke to the board on creating a hitter-walking lane. This would be used to eliminate trampling and killing of in-play grass from dugouts toward home plate.

"The overall purpose is to improve the CHS baseball facility for everyday use," Archer said. "(We) desire to host select tournaments such as sectionals in the future."

The overall cost, without an excavator, would be $200. If an excavator is needed the price will rise to $450. All costs will be paid from the Cloverdale High School baseball account.

Like many, it's time for the election of officers.

In a few swift motions, Duane Huge was elected as president, Bobbi Nees as vice president and Donna Fidler as secretary.

Debbie Rollings was appointed corporation treasurer with Lynn Lotz as deputy treasurer. The corporation attorney will be Karen Dutcher from Ice Miller.

In an effort to keep the construction on pace, the board approved the following resolutions: Resolution authorizing execution of amendment to lease, resolution receiving patrons petition, resolution assigning construction bids to the building corporation and resolution approving continuing disclosure undertaking.

Dan Sulkoske provided an update for the board, saying that the design of the remodel is moving along on pace. They will be advertising for bids in the upcoming weeks, in hopes of accepting a bid during next month's meeting.

The reassignment of Susie Strunk as cafeteria secretary and the hiring of Kyle Walter as a high school math teacher were also approved.