Spaghetti, softball, lots of sweets

Spaghetti and dessert were only two of the delectable treats offered by the Plains softball team, who spent Friday up to their elbows in tomato sauce trying to earn money for the upcoming season.

Since the school levies failed last election, Plains High School has been chopping funding for extracurricular activities. According to coach Russell Heward, the cutbacks left the softball team $6,000 short of their planned budget. Without money, the team can't travel to away games.

"Out-of-town travel is by far our biggest expense," Heward said. Trips require leasing a bus and driver, as well as paying for gas. Roughly half of the Trotters' games are on their home field this year. The rest are out of town. Since Plains' conference is made up of class B schools all over Western Montana, the Trotters can expect a lot of travel. Last year, state was held in Butte — another long journey. The Trotters are currently planning to play in 21 games and two tournaments.

Last Saturday's spaghetti dinner and dessert auction brought the Trotters $937 closer to their goal. The Trotters earned $351 from dinner admissions, $491 from the dessert auction (including a $40 pecan pie that went to John Holland after several rounds of trash talking), $67 from the donation jar and $100 from a banner purchased by Bill Moore. Banners will be hung around the field during the softball season.

"I'm very appreciative of the community and what they're doing for us," said Heward, who was only expecting to bring in about $500 from the dinner.

The softball players were also happy with the turnout. Both newcomers and old hands at the game said they were grateful for the chance to play.

"I've grown up with softball," said co-captain Keaton Jones, a senior. "I just have a passion for it that's so strong. It's a great sport, whether you're good at it or not."

Ken Saner helped keep the evening light as auctioneer.

"Did you know that the FDA declared all desserts bought at charity auctions 100 percent calorie free?" he joked.

Though Heward said Plains has a younger team this year, he expects the girls will do well because they have more experience overall.

"These girls could play during their younger years," he said. "Two to three years ago, there was no entrance program."

Whether they win or not, first-time team member Christian Beech expects the season to be a blast.

"I didn't do it my first year," said the sophomore. "But I saw how much fun they had last year and I wanted to join."