Drive to turf Hiland baseball, softball fields is underway
The plans for the proposed turf infields for the baseball, left, and softball fields at Hiland High School will include adding turf to both the infield and surrounding foul territory on both fields. The committee behind the effort is hoping these fields will be utilized for community events and for school functions.
The Hiland High School baseball program is coming off two straight state championship seasons, and with one of the finest baseball complexes in the state, it is seeking to put the finishing touches on Lehman Field by adding a turf infield.
In addition, the district is hoping to do the same for the softball field, and while it will help both high school programs, the intent is to create more opportunities for the entire community to utilize the fields.
The fundraising committee that has been assembled is underway, connecting with area businesses and possible donors who are willing to support the project, which has an estimated cost of $443,760 for both fields. The work will be done by ForeverLawn, a highly experienced company that has done many fields of this type. The turf additions would cover the entirety of the infield and the area outside of both baselines and behind home plate.
The committee is hoping to secure funding for the program by mid-October so work can begin this fall and be completed prior to the 2025 spring season.
Seger Bonifant, Hiland athletic director and committee member, said moving forward on this project makes sense from many levels.
“There’s lots of pros with the turf project,” Bonifant said. “It’s getting games in, getting our practice in the springtime. It will increase usage for our Little League and Pony League teams, softball tournaments and more.”
Making the fields compatible for inviting increased community play was something the committee felt was very important, and once completed, the fields could be scheduled for use for other teams and events through the school.
Bonifant said the current fields are more than 20 years old and have many surface blemishes that could cause injuries and loads of maintenance. In addition, it will dramatically decrease the number of cancellations in the spring, when weather can wreak havoc on baseball and softball schedules.
It also will allow Hiland to host tournament games, both through the OHSAA and with local adult softball tournaments.
According to Hiland baseball head coach Chris Dages, adding a turf infield has been talked about for several years.
“It seemed like the right time to move on the idea,” Dages said. “Our community has always been super supportive of providing all of the athletic teams with outstanding facilities, and this is one more step in the process.”
While the baseball program has been skyrocketing to success as one of the premier small-school programs in the state, as evidenced by having captured the past two state championships in Division IV, the Hawks’ baseball program has seen great growth in interest and participation.
However, the softball program’s numbers have struggled recently, and Bonifant said not only will a new turf field entice more players to participate at the high school level, but also it will be a tremendous advantage for the youth program, one he said has really stepped up the past two years.
“Our youth softball program is really on the rise right now, and having turf down there is really going to generate some good, positive noise for the program,” Bonifant said.
He said area youth baseball programs are always looking for practice and game fields, and this will provide a perfect opportunity to enhance both the youth softball and baseball programs.
“Our hope is that these turf fields will be put to good use by the entire community,” Bonifant said.
He said he believes they have created a perfect fundraising committee for the project, one that is diversified and connects to many different community realms.
He said having the right people seeking donations who are passionate about the project is of vital importance.
“We are so fortunate to have the community support of people and businesses who are so willing to help out our student-athletes,” Dages said. “This gives them the best experience they can have here in high school.”
All donations will run through the Hiland Athletic Booster Club, and all donors will be recognized on field plaques for their contributions.
Pledges can be made as one-time donations or gifts paid out over either two or three years, in any amount.
Anyone wishing to make a pledge at this time may do so by making checks out to East Holmes Council Inc. and sent to Hiland Athletic Boosters Inc., P.O. Box 268, Berlin, OH 44610.
For questions call Bonifant at Hiland High School at 330-893-2626.