Amundson opens new sports complex

PLAINS – Plains Day started early at the Wild Horse Sports Association Sports Complex as the field was officially dedicated in a short ceremony before the day’s baseball tournaments kicked off.

Alvin Amundson was on hand to deliver the ceremonial first pitch, to open field one of the complex, and the entire athletic area for public use.

Amundson was a big reason why the local Babe Ruth and Majors teams were playing at the brand new facility for their end of the year tournament.

He aided the WSA in their fundraising efforts by donating his house to the sports association, who then used the proceeds of the sale to make the dream of a new sports complex in Plains, a reality.

A long time resident of the Plains community, living in town from 1939 to 2012 wanted to give back, prompting his generous donation.

“I was very active in the Plains community and wanted to do something for the town,” Amundson said.

Amundson recalled the surprise on the WSA directors face when he informed them of his donation last year.

“They had no idea what I had in mind. They were in shock,” Amundson said.

Before Amundson delivered the first pitch to home plate, the VFW color guard was on hand for a presentation of the national anthem.

The infield of the new baseball field was ringed with local Babe Ruth teams, including squads from Plains, Ronan, Polson and Majors teams from Plains and Thompson Falls.

The grouping provided a vibrant and colorful backdrop as a few speeches were presented to mark the community effort involved in getting these fields finished one year ahead of schedule.

Before the ceremonial pitch was fired home, a short conviction was read as players, parents and attendees bowed their heads.

County Commissioner Carol Brooker was on hand and made sure to thank Amundson for his generous donation that helped get the complex off the ground.

“It would have happened, but not as soon,” Brooker said.

Following the commissioner’s remarks, John Zigler, assistant coach of the Plains Pirates of the Majors division, took an opportunity to address those in attendance.

“You people are the ones who made this happen. Applaud yourselves and applaud your community,” Zigler said.

With the speeches concluded all attention turned towards the field, where Amundson stood nearly 50 feet away, right on the edge of the pitchers mound to deliver his pitch.

Amundson reared back and fired a throw to a catcher from the Polson Babe Ruth team, ending the ceremony and opening the complex.

As a show of gratitude towards Amundson’s generous donation, the WSA officially named the new sports area the Amundson Sports Complex, with a sign on Airport Road marking it as such and thanking Amundson and his late wife Grace for their assistance.

The conclusion of the official ceremonies left the baseball fields open to the players and with a shout of “play ball” the two tournaments kicked off as parents and fans maneuvered around the two fields to watch their teams.

Following the opening ceremony Amundson received a baseball signed by all ten of the WSA directors.