Carbowl Benefits Flood-Ravaged Baseball Field

The devastating floods of 2019 are not an event any Nebraskan will soon forget.

The floods took more than farms, fields, businesses and homes; for some youth, it took their summer fun. This year, the Potter Carbowl has decided to donate funds, from the BBQ competition, to assist the youth of Knox County who were robbed of their favorite summer pastime: baseball.

Knox County was one of many places along the Missouri River affected by the destructive flood. Infrastructure, homes, businesses, and livelihoods were swept away in one of the most horrible disasters Nebraska has experienced. Nebraskans, as well as people from all over the country, came together to help the flood victims rebuild. While things have progressed, recreational areas have had to take a back seat as the rebuild efforts focus on resources for everyday necessities.

After searching and making many phone calls, Carbowl Chair Drew Enevoldsen met Stacie Miller, a member of Knox County Economic Development at the Nebraska Tourism Conference. She shared about a group of kids in her county who had lost their ball field.

A few weeks later, four boys sat in a classroom, excited, as they anticipated a video call with Carbowl board members Drew Enevoldsen and BJ Juelfs to discuss their field. Enevoldsen called the meeting "eye-opening," as Landyn, Parker, Karter and Edward sat respectfully answering questions and sharing their stories.

"It was obvious Carbowl had found the right recipient," Enevoldsen and Juelfs agreed.

This field not only provided a space for local youth to play, but was home to four other towns in Nebraska, Lynch, Santee, Creighton, Niobrara, and Verdigre. The field was more than just a place to play a game. It was a place where friends and rivals came together, a place to get dirty, a place for belly laughs, friendly competition, and all-American fun.

The flood waters covered the field in mud and sand, with some places more than a foot deep. Photos showed the waters roughly five feet deep. When asked if there was anything that surprised them about the power of the water, Karter remarked his amazement at the ability of the water to wash away the dugouts, saying the team now only has a "plain bench" to sit on. The ball field lost both dugouts, fences, and the concession stand, which was their sole source of funding used to sustain the baseball program. They took nor asked for anything from the City or County to fund their beloved summer pastime.

When the flood came, the boys did not sit by idly, but were ready to lend a helping hand to the clean-up effort once the immediate danger had passed. "I helped dig a refrigerator out of mud," remarked one of the boys, while another recalled seeing propane tanks floating past boats rescuing people from the high waters.

"These boys are not heroes because of their outstanding baseball skills, or their knowledge of the game, but these boys embody the true Nebraskan hero. When disaster struck, they put away their baseball shoes, hung up their gloves and bats and went to work," Enevoldsen said.

The boys shared that they had written a book about the flood and interviewed people around town.

"Our teacher said we would want to remember this when we get older," said one of the Knox County sluggers.

Bev Krutz, their teacher, explained the boys were inspired by an author they met at Wayne State who wrote a children's book about the flood. They had 500 copies made and sold every one of them, donating the money to a community project. Their book can be seen at the Verdigre Public Library.

When the Carbowl staff asked if there was anything in particular they needed, wanted, or dreamt about having at their field the boys didn't have much to add. They just wanted to get back to playing the great American pastime. Juelfs began giving examples of ideas and when he mentioned a batting cage their eyes lit up. However, after some discussion they decided the concession stand was the most important.

Carbowl's gift will go toward rebuilding a concession stand and a batting cage. If anyone would like to contribute to Carbowl's donation, in either matching funds or smaller amounts, Carbowl will be sending the proceeds to them at the beginning of 2020. Checks can be left at the Potter State Bank payable to Lions Club or mailed to PO Box 67 Potter, NE 69156. Lions Club will keep a list of all contributors and send the list along with one final check on March 1.