In a packed meeting room on Monday night, Moffat County School Board members witnessed an emotional and jubilant moment as they unanimously approved the addition of girls softball as an offered sport in the Moffat County School District.
The decision, met with cheers and tears, came after the district’s Executive Director of Secondary Ryan Frink made a compelling presentation on behalf of softball supporters.
Frink outlined the requirements for the new softball program, ranging from participation levels to available facilities, coaching staff and funding.
He emphasized how the addition of softball would not only fulfill these requirements but also help minimize the gender gap in compliance with Title IX.
The estimated startup costs for the program were noted to be around $10,000.
Frink proposed a partnership between the school district and community partners to share the ownership of the startup costs. He suggested that the district fund 50% of the startup costs, while supporters would undertake fundraising efforts for the remaining 50%.
According to supporters, the community response has been overwhelming, with numerous individuals expressing interest in funding and being involved in the program.
One key suggestion presented by Frink was the reallocation of funds originally earmarked for the scrapped boys and girls swimming program. With the funds already budgeted for swimming not utilized this year, Frink asked the board to redirect those resources to support the newly approved softball program.
Board member Krystal Fedinec voiced her support for approval, stating that “it’s one more door that we can open for these girls to have something in high school.”
She highlighted the positive impact of offering such opportunities, citing her own experience as a former softball player and expressing optimism that softball would continue to grow in the community if introduced.
“When I was young, (softball) was huge,” Fedinec recalled.
Frink also shed light on ongoing efforts to collaborate with the City of Craig’s Parks and Recreation Department to expand the community’s softball program, including the potential establishment of traveling softball at younger ages.
“The (current) longevity of that program in our community is very limited,” Frink told the board.
“If we have that door open (for recreation league and high school softball), I think you will continue to see that grow if we’re offering it,” Fedinec said.
Drawing parallels with the successful recent initiation of girls wrestling at the high school, Frink emphasized the importance and benefit of providing opportunities for female students in the district.
“We started girls wrestling with four girls two years ago, and now we’re at 20 girls who finished the season,” he said.
“I think the more opportunities that we can offer, the better — especially in such a small district,” Fedinec said.
Fedinec was also joined by fellow board members Cindy Looper and Laura Woodworth in praising the persistence of the softball supporters who have been in attendance at the the school board meetings since November.
Woodworth “commended (the parents) for not giving up” and added that it’s “a pretty awesome example that you’re setting for your children.”
The unanimous approval by the school board was met with elation from players and parents present at Monday’s meeting.
“It feels amazing,” said parent Tawnya Carter.
Looking ahead, the supporters are already gearing up for the next steps, with plans for summer ball, practice and preparations for the inaugural fall season.
“Now the fun stuff begins,” said parent Taylor Johnson.
Johnson shared that he’s also currently working on getting sanctioned baseball and softball in place “so that when these kids get done with rec ball, it’s not just over — these little girls (will) have a league to play in and train in.”
Parent Matt Carter said that his hope is that the community will also show up to support the players of all ages.
“I think (softball) is going to just explode,” Carter said.
Johnson emphasized Carter’s point, encouraging community members to “come out, show up, show these girls that they’re accepted in this community.”
Amid all of the excitement and planning for the upcoming season, high school player Teryn Carter was asked what she would tell other girls considering trying out the sport for the first time. Carter replied simply, “You’re going to love it.”