On Saturday, June 20th, the Frankfort Community High School softball program is being honored. There will be a first annual Redbird Alumni game.It has been thirty-five years since the inception of the softball program at FCHS. There will be a game and an alumni banquet.
Thirty-five years ago, sports in West Frankfort were a lot different.
There was no softball program until a young math teacher named Donnette Dean decided that FCHS needed a softball program.
Mrs. Dean was the first softball coach in West Frankfort history. Since this time there have been hundreds of women who have worn the red and grey.
There are a lot of former Lady Redbirds around the area. If you or someone you know is one of these 'Birds, let them know about this West Frankfort alumni game.
After thirty-five years of history, the softball program continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Tim Ricci has been the Frankfort Community High School softball coach for eight years.
He was an assistant for three years prior, working under Bob Powell.
A winning tradition was instilled in West Frankfort and this same stereotype holds true today.
The game is scheduled for 2:00p.m. Warmups and batting practice will start at 1:00p.m.
Introductions and announcements will commence at 1:30p.m.
Be sure to bring your glove and dress in the proper attire for the game.
If you don't want to play you can come and cheer on your old classmates or teammates.
The teams will be comprised of former Lady Redbirds. Once everyone has signed up there will be a blind draw to make teams.
"It really depends on the numbers what the teams will look like," commented Tim Ricci.
"If we have a good turnout this could really be fun for former players."
"This event should be a great time," added Ricci. "It's good to catch up with old teammates and friends. From my experience, if it has been a long time since you have played, it is definitely more rewarding to get one more chance for that elusive home run. Anybody who has played any high school softball is invited. No matter if you were the team captain or you barely played at all. We are trying to have every Redbird come back."
The banquet is scheduled for 6:00p.m. The dinner is being held at the Knights of Columbus hall, which is located on 110 S Monroe St. in West Frankfort. There will be a cash bar and dinner will be provided. The program will start at 7:00p.m. The entertainment will be provided by D.J. Terry Brooks of Music in Motion.
All coaches, players, and guests are invited to attend. Bring any high school memorabilia you would like to display.
In the event of rain, the game will be played on Sunday, June 21st, at 2:00p.m. The alumni will meet at 1:00p.m. However, the banquet will still be on Saturday the 20th at 6:00p.m.
"Please try and sign up as early as possible," explained Ricci. "It's cheaper if you sign up before June 1st."
If you have any questions contact Tim Ricci at (618) 218-1814 or e-mail him at: tim ricci@hotmail.com. Or you can contact Susan Patton at (618) 937-4000 or email her at: susanp@clearwave.com
If you have a name and address of a former player you wish to invite, please send the information to Susan Hood at: sjhood@wfschools.org.
West Frankfort, Ill. —
