State baseball tournament prep making progress

Work is well underway and will continue on improvements to Campbell Park, home of the Pinnacle Bank Horns Legion baseball teams.
With Imperial hosting the Class C Junior Legion State Tournament, organizers are working their way down a list of projects.
Fencing down the first and third baselines has been replaced.
On Saturday, 25 members of the teams and supporters were out removing sod and installing the warning track.
Tournament Director Carl Zuege said they removed about 7,200 square feet of grass and replaced it with about two to three inches of warning track dirt all the way around the field.
Horns Head Coach Bruce Peterson said they got a lot of it done on Saturday.
“There will be some more work along the edges and possibly adding a bit more rock where it settles but the hard part of that project is definitely done,” Peterson said.
After getting quotes for the project, it was decided that those associated with the team could do the work. Zuege said that saved an estimated $25,000 to $30,000.
“Big thanks to Dave Oxford, Brad Dillan, Pat Adel and the coaches for all of their help. The kids were tremendous,” Zuege said.
Peterson pointed out that dads, grandparents and coaches helped. Carrie Terryberry brought pizza for lunch and several people brought equipment that helped make the job easier, he added.
Projects like adding on to the dugouts are in progress, while other projects are being adjusted.
A gas line along the first base fence led to adjustments in that project.
Time constraints are also leading to evaluating what projects must happen and added stress, Zuege said.
“Everyone involved is knocking it out of the park so far. The work our kids did on the field was just spectacular,” he added.
Projects left to complete are a new flag pole, batting cage improvements, bullpens and bleachers/seating.
A new scoreboard, sponsored by Pinnacle Bank, will also be installed in the coming weeks.
“We are working to clean up the look of the curbside areas outside the fences, and our sponsorship banners and signage will also be added,” Zuege said, adding there is a plan to paint the press box, as well.
With the first game of the season scheduled for May 24, the clock is ticking.
“We are hoping to complete the majority of this before our first home ball games in late May, but will definitely have everything ready to roll by tournament time,” Zuege said.
The eight-team state tournament will be July 15-19.
Fundraising efforts remain in full swing.
Peterson said the community has been very generous.
Terryberry, Allison O’Neil and Tiffany Reeves are organizing fundraising.
Zuege said fundraising is going well and volunteers and any contributions are still being welcomed.
“We still have quite a few expenses to meet, like buying baseballs, paying umpires, lodging vouchers, etc.,” Zuege said.
Season quickly approaching
Peterson said the Horns have had 24 players practicing, as a group, at least twice a week and playing inter-squad games on the weekends.
“We’ll start meeting more frequently between now and our first game on May 24,” Peterson said.
While the Pinnacle Bank Horns may not be ready right now, Peterson said they will be playing baseball at a high level and ready to begin the journey to the state tournament by the time the first game rolls around.
“It’s a great group of players and I’m blessed to get to work with them,” Peterson said.