On Centre: Bald Eagle Area

Community pride to be on display

Chris Rosenblum

Before the State College Spikes battle the Auburn Doubledays at home Thursday, two other teams will take the field.

Bald Eagle Area Community Night will commemorate the memorable 2009 seasons for the valley’s high school softball and baseball players. The Lady Eagles won the Class AA state title with a 2-0 victory over Brandywine. By upsetting top-seeded Mount Union, the Eagles claimed their second consecutive District 6 crown.

Along the outfield warning track, the

squads will proceed, accompanied by their classmates in the BEA pep band.

“It’s kind of like a mini-parade,” said Devin Smith, a Spikes ticket account manager who helped organize the night.

But the hoopla isn’t all about diamonds. There’s a golden tribute as well.

Members of the Class of 1959 may be shocked to see their faces from 50 years ago on the scoreboard as they gather on the field. As of a week before the game, the Spikes had lined up 36 alumni.

They’re not the only graduates being honored. The Spikes hope to invite a few of BEA’s past state champion wrestlers. At least three have confirmed they’ll attend — Mike Maney from 1999, Doug Taylor from 1988 and Paul Packer from 1972.

Wingate Elementary School’s Flaming Eagles grappled with a tough challenge this spring. For besting 41 teams to win the annual Central Intermediate Unit Reading Competition, they’ll make an appearance on the field — though they’re not expected to knock any questions out of the park.

There even will be a special bleacher section for BEA fans. The Cheerleader Booster Club is selling the $7 tickets as a fundraiser. Call Lisa Talarigo, the club president, at 880-1057 or Kim Laird, club vice president, at 441- 4923 before the end of Wednesday.

Thursday also will be Paint the Park Pink Night, to promote breast cancer awareness and support Mount Nittany Medical Center. And it’s the regular Kids Eat For Free day, fans under 12 receiving vouchers for free hot dog meals.

This is minor league baseball, after all.

But for valley residents, the night will belong to them. Mix in the cheerleaders, and the pregame show — to start shortly after the gates open at 6 p.m. — promises to turn the ballpark into a celebration of local pride.

“(The kids) did a good job,” Talarigo said. “They need to be recognized. It’ll be a fun night.”

Chris Rosenblum writes about happenings in the Bald Eagle area. Send him news at crosenbl@centredaily.com or call 231-4620.