For three times in the past month or two, Great Bend’s shining Sports Complex has hosted state and/or regional tournaments. In all three, Great Bend hit home runs.
First there was the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Baseball and Softball Tournament at the facility April 30-May 3. That was followed by the Kansas State High School Activities Association 1A/2A baseball and softball tournament and, in short order, by a Hap Dumont Baseball tournament.
In each case, Great Bend Recreation Commission, Great Bend Park Department and other parties joined forces to make the events happen. There were, of course, an army of volunteers, countless hours of work, tedious preparation and clockwork organization.
Success doesn’t just happen.
Also, in each case, the fans, teams, officials and other participants could not stop talking about how friendly everyone was, how well run the tourneys were and how nice the facility was. These rave reviews only go to show that we can compete in the big leagues with cities much larger than us.
These are just the big examples. The city, rec commission and others stay busy all summer long utilizing the complex and bringing outside teams town.
When it comes to this new park, Great Bend did it right. They hit it out of the park.
Dale Hogg