This week, the Hoisington USD 431 Board of Education continued its discussion of adding the late Blake Herres’ name to the Press Box at Eldon Brown Field. Consequently, the BOE is considering a change in the District policy in naming facilities.

The current policy states that:

The board will consider requests from school and community groups to name an athletic or other school activity facility, building, or a portion thereof for a person, provided the proposed name has special significance and/or the person has made an outstanding contribution to the school or the school system and has been deceased for at least 10 years. The board shall consider naming requests after they are recommended by the superintendent. 

This is the second time in three years that the board is looking to name a facility, not following its own policy. The first circumstance was to name the track in honor of Bill Kimble.

Dr. Herres passed away in March. The long-time Hoisington dentist served on the USD 431 school board for 12 years. Most notable is the years he was the broadcast voice of the Hoisington Cardinals. It was noted at the October board meeting that many community members have suggested that the district name the press box after Dr. Herres. The family has set up a memorial and has collected over $13,000 toward the renovation of the press box, Superintendent Patrick Crowdis said. “I would like to recommend we complete the improvements to the press box and then name the facility and dedicate it at the first home game next fall.”

Board President Dean Stoskopf said the board will consider removing the state’s recommendation of the 10 year cycle when naming facilities. “I understand why you wait the 10 years, but there are special circumstances, like this one, that deserves the recognition,” he said.