On hand for the donation were, left to right, Carl Huber,Celina School Board Member and Mariners vice president; Joe Hoying, Celina Booster Club and Mariners treasurer; Dr. Ken Schmiesing, Celina Schools superintendent; John Dorner, Celina High School Baseball head coach, ACME Baseball director; Traci Willrath, Celina Eagles Lodge 1291 club manager; Bill Montgomery, Celina Insurance CEO and Mariners president; Jeff Hazel, Celina mayor); Dave Maurer, Celina High School baseball assistant coach and Mariners general manager; Neil Schaffner, Mariners head coach; and John Bailey,Wright State – Lake Campus baseball head coach.
Courtesy photo
CELINA — The Grand Lake Aerie #1291 Fraternal Order of Eagles, Celina, Ohio recently presented a check for $50,000 to the Montgomery Field Legacy Fund.
Representatives of The Grand Lake Mariners, Celina High Bulldogs, Celina ACME and Wright State University-Lake Campus baseball teams accepted the check.
“The Eagles organization is proud to make the lead gift to the Montgomery Field Legacy Fund,” said Traci Willrath, Eagles club manager.
Baseball Coach John Dorner added, “We appreciate all of our local sponsorships for what they have done for our community and youth, who will all benefit in a big way.”
The second phase of the Montgomery Field renovation has begun. This includes the construction of a larger and safer third base dugout with a team restroom, umpire changing room and storage areas.
“Celina City Schools and its baseball program love being able to play at Montgomery Field. The continued updates and upgrades are a blessing for our local student athletes. What a great venue we have to offer players and fans which augments the great features our city has to offer,” said Superintendent Dr. Ken Schmiesing.
Bill Montgomery, Mariners president, replied, “The Eagles’ generous donation will jump-start the third-base dugout project which is estimated to cost $280,000. We greatly appreciate this fine gesture.”
“The foresight and generosity of both individuals and companies that have made the upgrade to Montgomery Field possible will make it the premier facility of its kind in our area and will help attract visitors to our community,” said Mayor Jeff Hazel.
Funding has been secured for Phase One, but donations for the first base dugout improvements are still being accepted to complete Phase Two. Contact Celina Baseball Coach John Dorner at 419-733-2235 for more information and sponsorship benefits.
