A Little History...
The Class of 56 meet 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.
The “Dream” was coming together. Wish lists were gathered from coaches,
administrators, businesses, parents, athletes and community leaders.
Keith Dixon of Landscape Architect was hired to develp an overall
conceptial design of the new facility.
Jim Leffel from the accounting firm of Leffel-Otis and Warwick volunteered
his expertise in non-profit agencies and not-for-profit entities. Additional
people beame involved with the original “Dream Team” to help develop a
state-of-the-art facilities.
Project 56 has started the process. In June of 2008, the tennis courts were
refinished, new posts were made and nets were purchased with donations
to Project 56.
The next phase with a proposed timeline of June, 2009 will include an all-
weather track, underground sprinklers for the football field and new
grandstands.
We have a dream; help make it a reality!
The Class of 56 meet 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.
The “Dream” was coming together. Wish lists were gathered from coaches,
administrators, businesses, parents, athletes and community leaders.
Keith Dixon of Landscape Architect was hired to develp an overall
conceptial design of the new facility.
Jim Leffel from the accounting firm of Leffel-Otis and Warwick volunteered
his expertise in non-profit agencies and not-for-profit entities. Additional
people beame involved with the original “Dream Team” to help develop a
state-of-the-art facilities.
Project 56 has started the process. In June of 2008, the tennis courts were
refinished, new posts were made and nets were purchased with donations
to Project 56.
The next phase with a proposed timeline of June, 2009 will include an all-
weather track, underground sprinklers for the football field and new
grandstands.
We have a dream; help make it a reality!
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email us at ritzvilleproject56@yahoo.com