By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
Silver Lake USD 372 christened new fields for baseball and softball Monday with a ribbon cutting followed by simultaneous doubleheaders with rival Rossville.
Silver Lake USD 372 school board president Jason Seele (second from left) cuts the ribbon dedicating Silver Lake's new baseball and softball complex Tuesday in Silver Lake. [Photo by Todd Fertig/TSN]
The Eagles swept the softball set, highlighted by senior pitcher Kendra Cook’s no-hitter. The baseball teams split their twin bill.
The fields are the latest result of a 2023 $16. million bond issue that is also producing new throwing facilities for track and field and a new weight room as well as a number of other projects within the district.
School children and members of the community – including former players and coaches – were on hand to witness the beginning of a new chapter for Silver Lake baseball and softball.
“Silver Lake has a long and storied tradition of excellence in softball and baseball,” school board president Jason Seele said during the ribbon cutting ceremony. “Our programs have built a legacy of hard work, discipline and success, earning championships, developing outstanding student-athletes and instilling values that last far beyond the playing field. This new facility is not just a place to play. It is a testament to that legacy and a promise to that future.”
Situated between the adjoining fields, which lie to the east of the grade school building, are restrooms and a concession stand. The complex – which cost about $4.5 million – was constructed by Meriden-based Mammoth Sports Construction, which installed the Silver Lake turf football field in 2021.
Seele said a committee of about 30 people, including current and former coaches, worked to gather information and help Mammoth design the facility. Design of the complex began in February of 2024. Mammoth broke ground on the fields in April and completed construction in December of last year.
“They had a vision for what they wanted this to look like and they were there every step of the way to bring this to life,” said Connor Harris, Director of Project Management for Mammoth. “I think they’re going to love it. I can’t wait to see what they do to continue the rich traditions that they have with this new facility.”
Throwing out ceremonial first pitches on the softball field were former player and coach Kathy Mohler Harrington and former player Megan Deiter. First pitches on the baseball field were thrown by former player and coach Alan Cunningham and Samuel Burton, representing relative Mike Burton and family.
Silver Lake senior pitcher Logan Cathcart notched a complete-game victory in Monday's 3-0 win over Rossville. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Senior shortstop and pitcher Logan Cathcart relishes the chance to play on the all-turf surface after spending three seasons on the school’s dirt field.
“This field is just a complete change and it's great,” Cathcart said. “We practiced hard and got in a lot of reps just to get used to (the dirt field) we had before, just to play the best baseball you can with what you’ve got. But it’s awesome to get perfect hops every time and the first baseman can really help you because he gets perfect hops to scoop.”
Cathcart spun a complete-game 3-0 shutout in the opener on the baseball field.
The second game was sent to extra innings when Rossville errors permitted Silver Lake to tie the score at 5-5 in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Rossville junior Cameron Miller scored the go-ahead run in the Bulldawgs' second-game baseball win over Silver Lake Monday in Silver Lake. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
But Rossville junior Cameron Miller picked up the visitors when he reached base on a hit-by-pitch and scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the top of the 10th inning.
Taking its first defeat of the season, the Eagles baseball team stands at 7-1. The Bulldawgs improved to 3-5 by taking the nightcap.
Silver Lake senior pitcher Kendra Cook christened the Eagles' new softball field with a no-hitter in Monday's 10-0 first-game win over Rossville. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Cook made the first game on the softball diamond a memorable one, holding Rossville hitless en route to a 10-0 win.
“I’m really grateful that we’re able to have this field. We’re very fortunate,” Cook said. “It’s good to have our old dirt field right across (the parking lot) so that we can practice on both.
“We play the game the same on either field. But I like pitching on turf because it feels like I have a little more power, and also, I don’t have to worry about the dirt on the mound.”
By winning the second game 5-2, the Eagles – who finished second in the Class 3A tournament last season – improved to 7-0 on the year.
“(Cook) is solid on the mound. She’s confident in what she does, and that confidence comes from (the fact) she’s worked her butt off to get here and now she’s enjoying it,” said Silver Lake coach Nick Hamilton. “All the seniors in general are providing some leadership. A lot of them played in that state championship game last year, and a lot of them are wanting to get back there.”
