North Hall's "Field of Dreams" opens

GAINESVILLE - An undeveloped "sow's ear" become a silk perse for the North Hall High School Lady Trojans Fast Pitch Softball Team Saturday.

For years the players had to share a field in nearby Murrayville but they now have a field of their own complete with concession stand, press box and dug outs.

Sky divers got dedication and official opening activities started with a jump from four thousand feet over a practice football field where they landed.

It was a short walk down to the new field, where Principal Gary Brown delivered the dedication and threw the ceremonial first pitch.

North Hall Varsity played the Lumpkin County Indians in the first scheduled game, the J.V.teams from both schools played the second game.

North Hall Fast Pitch Softball Coach Roger Fannin said the team's Field of Dreams has arrived

"All these people have been waiting for years and years to get this facility on campus and we're just really proud of it," Fannin said.

Weather conditions caused opening ceremonies to re-schedule for Labor Day weekend, but the rain stayed away this time.

Saturday's opening game at the new field was especially meaningful to senior players including Cheryl Case.

"It's a really good historical moment for North Hall, having our first soft ball field,"
Case said.

New athletic fields at older schools do not happen without community support, however.

Softball booster Lynne Smith said fast pitch softball has grown in popularity and athletic scholarships are offered in the sport.

"We're so excited,"Smith said.

"This school was built in '57 and this is the first ever home softball field that North Hall High School has ever had."