Stormy Season for Sports

Monday, Oct. 1, rain caused extreme flooding in Manchester. Anywhere from several inches to several feet of water covered the football field and softball diamond. This flood brought challenges to both sports programs.

Athletic director Matt Weis witnessed the flooding around 5 p.m. and saw water rising fast. Within five minutes, the water reached both Prospect and New Streets. “With as fast as it was rising, I knew we had to get cars moved as fast as possible and students away from the flood areas,” Weis said.

After seeing pictures of the flooded diamond, softball head coach Tiffany Rave was shocked. Rave hadn’t known about the flooding until on her way home from Monticello. “I had no idea it had rained so hard back home, and it wasn’t until I got closer to Delaware County that I realized the damage the rain had caused,” Rave said.

The softball clubhouse was also flooded. Player Emily Klostermann went to the clubhouse the day after the flood to survey the damage. She discovered the new box of game balls had been destroyed and the couch, chair, and refrigerator were covered in mold.

Klostermann said the damaged balls have been aired out and will be used for batting practices. If the furniture is replaced, it will be from donations.

Football was also affected. High waters submerged the football field causing practices to be moved to the fairgrounds. Coach Doug Winkowitsch said he had seen flooding like this about ten years ago so he wasn’t surprised.

Winkowitsch said even though the field was soft from the rain, the football players were able to play their game on Friday night against Charles City High School. “The football players always do a great job of adjusting,” Winkowitsch said.