Parts of Belpre Soccer Club's facilities were photographed underwater on Thursday. The league's opening day, originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed due to flooding. (Photo courtesy of Evan Bevins)
As water pours into the Mid-Ohio Valley, local sports leagues and facilities are doing everything they can to get their spring seasons back on track.
Areas near the Ohio and Muskingum rivers have been severely affected by flooding, with some fields completely submerged as of Friday afternoon.
Marietta has been hit harder than anywhere else. MHS Athletic Director Cody Bendarik said the high school's baseball and softball fields, Don Drum Stadium track, tennis courts and the crew team's boathouse were all affected by flooding.
“Our boat program required us to move everything out of the boathouse.” He said. “Water was coming up on the floor so we were a bit scrambling to get everything cleaned up. The rowing team has a great support system in the Harmar Rowing Club, plus community members and volunteers who were also very helpful. I'm giving it to you.”
Benderrick was hopeful the Tiger Navy would be able to host its annual Lindamood Cup regatta on Saturday.
In the case of baseball and softball, they must wait for the floodwaters to recede, assess the damage, and begin cleanup.
“The road leading to the baseball field is paved, so you can’t actually drive to the baseball field yet.” Wendelik said. “Last I looked, the middle school softball field was completely underwater. The high school field was back up, but there was still a lot of water on the left and right fields.
“Even if the floods subside, it will take a lot of effort to get things back to normal. I'm trying to hold on until I can get back to the field.”
Marietta was forced to cancel the Bob Anacents Invitational Track Meet scheduled for Friday.
“We had to fully load everything on Don Drum and take everything out of the tunnel.” Wendelik said. “This is the first track and field meet in five years that we've had to cancel. We hope to be back there again next week. We need to disinfect the track. We need to protect the athletes from any germs or fungi. No one knows if there is.”
As for tennis, Marietta College athletic director Larry Heiser said courts will need electric cleaning once the flooding subsides.
MC's softball field was completely submerged under water, and the softball and baseball teams had to postpone their weekend games. But Heiser said while the baseball facility is in great condition, the roads leading to it are not.
“Entry is restricted as the road is flooded.” Heisel said. “We've made some changes that turn home games into away games. We've had great cooperation from other athletic directors and coaches as well.”
One school that is taking a positive view of flooding trends is Fort Frye. After the baseball and softball fields were completely underwater by the middle of last week, cadets went to work Thursday after the floodwaters receded.
“Everything is back to normal.” Fort Frye athletic director Matt Tullius said. “We actually had a middle school track meet (Friday), and the softball and baseball teams are back to practice. Fortunately, we're doing well. There was no major damage.”
Post-flood cleanup includes removing debris from fences, pressure washing surfaces, and hosing down dirt from dugouts.
“Our custodial staff did a great job.” Tullius said.
It's not just high school and college sports that have been affected. Youth soccer clubs across the region are feeling the impact.
Belpre Soccer Club's facilities have been completely covered in water, canceling the start of the 2024 spring youth season.
“The opening day was scheduled for Saturday.” said Rick Thiebaud, club vice president. “We've had to postpone, but we'll be able to get the season back. We won't know the extent of the damage until the water recedes. Our paint shed probably has 3.5 feet of water in it, so we'll be able to get a season back. We will lose some things, but nothing will disrupt our season.”
Belpre Soccer Club has over 600 children registered from U4 to U20. The 14 grounds will be used for games and practice.
“Members of our board of directors are taking this matter seriously.” Thiebaud said. “We want our kids to have a great experience, and we will do whatever it takes.” When we posted about our group on Facebook, many people volunteered to clean up. It's just a matter of when we can step in and make a difference.”
The league usually plays games on Saturdays. Depending on the delay in the season, a decision will be made on whether to extend the season to make up for it. Thiebaud also said playing some games on weeknights could be an option.
Contact Jordan Holland at jholland@mariettatimes.com.
