A Little History...
The Class of 56 met to plan for their 50-year reunion in 2005. Among those
classmates were some exceptional athletes who had represented Ritzville
High School “back in the day.” These Bronco athletes were privileged to
have had exceptional facilities to compete on when they attended R.H.S.
The problem? Like the athletes, the facilities had aged. The difference
though was that the athletes had aged gracefully and the facility had not.
Walter “Spike” Arlt, Doug Thiel, Gaynel Gering, Gordie Gering and Bill &
Marilyn Harder saw a need for improvements to their Alma Mater and the
dream began with full support of their class. Meetings were held with
administrations, coaches, athletes and businesses to discuss the needs of
the school and the town. The enthusiasm of “Project 56” gained momentum
over the next several months with more people wanting to become
involved.
Project 56 approached the Bronc Boosters for help. The Bronc Boosters
had $40,000 that had been previously raised by a group of volunteers in
hopes of building a new gym. That money was to be used for the
improvement of facilities for Ritzville School District so the Bronc Boosters
graciously gave Project 56 $25,000 of start up money.
Harold Undeberg, long-time favorite bus driver and track enthusiast,
always dreamed of an all-weather track for Ritzville. The world lost a great
man when Harold succumbed to pancreatic cancer. His dream continues
however, because of $25,000 that was donated to Project 56 by his loving
wife, Joanne and his daughters Heidi, Wendy and Val.
More generosity was blessed upon Project 56 when John Wellsandt
donated 17 acres of land adjacent to the Ritzville High School with the
provision the property be used for a softball and baseball complex.
Jim Leffel from the accounting firm of Leffel-Otis and Warwick
volunteered his expertise in non-profit agencies and not-for-profit
entities.
Project 56 has started the process. It was slowed by a nation wide
collapsed economy but continues to move forward.
In June of 2008, the tennis courts were refinished, new posts were made
and nets were purchased with donations to Project 56.
Adams County joined our team in 2009. Todd O'Brien and Scott Yaeger
have volunteered many hours to the design of the all-weather track. In-
kind labor will be used by the county during the building costs that will
drastically reduce costs for Project 56.
Ritzville Warehouse, Lind Union Elevator and the Ritzville Alumni
Association are also promoting fund raisers for the group. We are hoping
that the generosity of our farmers, landlords and alumni will help us reach
our $175,000 goal by the end of 2011.
The Class of 56 met to plan for their 50-year reunion in 2005. Among those
classmates were some exceptional athletes who had represented Ritzville
High School “back in the day.” These Bronco athletes were privileged to
have had exceptional facilities to compete on when they attended R.H.S.
The problem? Like the athletes, the facilities had aged. The difference
though was that the athletes had aged gracefully and the facility had not.
Walter “Spike” Arlt, Doug Thiel, Gaynel Gering, Gordie Gering and Bill &
Marilyn Harder saw a need for improvements to their Alma Mater and the
dream began with full support of their class. Meetings were held with
administrations, coaches, athletes and businesses to discuss the needs of
the school and the town. The enthusiasm of “Project 56” gained momentum
over the next several months with more people wanting to become
involved.
Project 56 approached the Bronc Boosters for help. The Bronc Boosters
had $40,000 that had been previously raised by a group of volunteers in
hopes of building a new gym. That money was to be used for the
improvement of facilities for Ritzville School District so the Bronc Boosters
graciously gave Project 56 $25,000 of start up money.
Harold Undeberg, long-time favorite bus driver and track enthusiast,
always dreamed of an all-weather track for Ritzville. The world lost a great
man when Harold succumbed to pancreatic cancer. His dream continues
however, because of $25,000 that was donated to Project 56 by his loving
wife, Joanne and his daughters Heidi, Wendy and Val.
More generosity was blessed upon Project 56 when John Wellsandt
donated 17 acres of land adjacent to the Ritzville High School with the
provision the property be used for a softball and baseball complex.
Jim Leffel from the accounting firm of Leffel-Otis and Warwick
volunteered his expertise in non-profit agencies and not-for-profit
entities.
Project 56 has started the process. It was slowed by a nation wide
collapsed economy but continues to move forward.
In June of 2008, the tennis courts were refinished, new posts were made
and nets were purchased with donations to Project 56.
Adams County joined our team in 2009. Todd O'Brien and Scott Yaeger
have volunteered many hours to the design of the all-weather track. In-
kind labor will be used by the county during the building costs that will
drastically reduce costs for Project 56.
Ritzville Warehouse, Lind Union Elevator and the Ritzville Alumni
Association are also promoting fund raisers for the group. We are hoping
that the generosity of our farmers, landlords and alumni will help us reach
our $175,000 goal by the end of 2011.
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