Ewing Park baseball field usage came into question last night during Ellwood City Area School District’s Board meeting.
During visitor comments, Bill Garroway, coach of the Jr. High girls softball team and assistant coach of the girl’s varsity softball team requested the board consider the usage of Freidhoff Field in Ewing Park for the girl’s games.
“First class softball teams deserve the use of a first-class field,” Garroway said.
According to Garroway, the success of the softball teams and their championship streaks are enough of a reason for them to be able to use the field. He said the teams would only want usage of the field for games, not practices and that two changes would need to be made to allow such an arrangement including removal of the infield grass and the pitcher’s mound.
Currently, the teams practice and play at Steifel Park.
“The girls should not be forced to play in the dismal confines of Steifel Park,” he said.
Addressing Garroway’s concerns, Board member Michael Neupauer said that the Ewing Park fields were developed and built with Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation “sweat” and that all labor and money came from community members, teams, and fundraising.
Garroway said he didn’t feel that was a good enough reason for the girls not to be able to use the Ewing Park facilities for their games.
“I think that is a cop-out,” Garroway said.
Board member Renee Pitrelli questioned the feasibility of the teams sharing use of the facilities. Neupauer said based on the number of teams that currently use the facilities for practice and games, he questions the ability for the teams to co-exist. Board President Jennifer Tomon said more of a formal discussion is necessary before making any decisions.
Garroway said if his request is not added to the agenda for consideration he will revisit the board with an attorney.
“I believe this is Title IX discrimination at its best,” Garroway said.
ADDITIONAL READ: Letter To The Editor: Little League Field Usage
VIDEO: (source: ECASD YouTube.com Channel)
I thought that the stadium was built and available to ALL LHS sports? There have been sports other than baseball and football that have gotten media attention in a good way. Embrace what you have as a growing and progressive town!
As a former player, coach,commissioner and board member of ECABF I urge the school board to move forward with allowing the girls softball teams to play at Freidhoff field! This field was rebuilt with the backbone of the community through grants and the generosity of Joe Bellisimo. Due to the current lack of participation of summer leagues fielding of players you must utilize this beautiful field we built for the girls softball teams to enjoy. I years ago disagreed with modifying the field for softball but I think now is the time to fully utilize this field as much as possible due to the great condition and availability during the softball season and baseball season being played at different times.