Oakville High School celebrated its new baseball and softball fields with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, May 9, before the Acorns squads took the field for home games.
The ceremony featured a speech from Athletic Director Christina Mootz, who honored three community members who helped cut the ribbon: Kari Doerge, a former Oakville player, coach and current staff member at the Oakville School District; current Superintendent Rich Staley; and Dan “Grandpa Dan” Jones, who has lived in Oakville for over 53 years and worked for the Chehalis Tribe for over 30 years.
Jones, who will turn 85 on May 19, cut the ribbon to celebrate the momentous occasion. Over the years, he has followed two of his children, 11 of his grandchildren and 19 of his great-grandchildren who play or have played for Oakville and Rochester schools and reservation tournaments.
Mootz gave a shoutout to the Oakville community for its support toward the athletic programs and the new fields.
“Today, we stand at the fields that have shaped generations — fields that have witnessed both victories and loss, teamwork, and the unwavering spirit of Oakville,” she said in her speech. “I want to thank all of you for joining us today. Your presence here is a testament to the strength and unity of Oakville and our community bonds, and we are honored to share this milestone with you.”
Oakville’s baseball team and softball team both qualified for the 1B District 4 Tournament this spring. The Acorns girls recently broke a 53-game losing streak that dated back to 2017 when they defeated Wishkah Valley in a 27-26 thriller.
