Superintendent Stan Surratt pitched the first ball at the softball game against Mt. Pleasant on Feb. 13 at the newly turfed softball field. This was the first game the softball team has played on the field.

“I think the new turf is excellent,” head softball coach Meredith Grant said. “We have had some really bad weather at the start of our season, but  it hasn’t limited us at all.”

In honor of his part in the new turf, Surratt was asked to perform the first pitch. The ceremony was accompanied by a drum roll by the Lindale high school drumline.

“It was awesome watching Mr. Surratt throw the first pitch and having him out there,” assistant coach Ali Moore said. “He spoke to the girls before the game and gave them words of encouragement and that was just great to have.”

The school board approved the softball field to be turfed nine months ago. This was because the previous field was prone to flooding and needed a high level of maintenance. 

“We are very excited about the new softball turf,” Moore said. “We no longer have to stay very long after practice and games. It’s exciting to just get in and get out.”

To make their decision, the school board looked at the price of maintenance of the dirt field and work needed to keep it maintained. It was concluded that the new turf field would be more cost effective, and was implemented.

“The new turf has been such a blessing for our team,” varsity softball player and sophomore Kirby Kleam said. “I can’t thank the school board enough for granting us this gift.”

Since the field has been turfed, the softball team has not lost any practice time due to rain outs. A rain out is when a game or practice has been interrupted due to an excess of rain. 

“We are pushing the girls, really testing our limits right now,” Grant said. “They are showing up everyday and working hard with a good attitude. We are really excited for our season.”