Viking Field House campaign kicks into gear
COEUR d'ALENE - A group of parents, coaches and other athletics supporters at Coeur d'Alene High School are kicking off a campaign to raise funds for a multi-sport field house at the school.
The building, once completed, will be dedicated in memory of 2010 CHS graduates Devon Austin and Ryan Reinhardt. The young men, both athletes, were killed in a September car crash in southern Idaho.
"The families are working very hard on this," said Lori Kaye Edinger-Gaboury, cousin of Paula Austin, Devon's mom.
Reinhardt played football for CHS and was a two-year varsity letterman. He was hailed in September by coach Shawn Amos as a hard worker who contributed greatly to his team's success.
Austin, a former catcher and basketball player at CHS, was drafted in the 45th round by the Chicago Cubs. He attended the College of Southern Idaho.
Edinger-Gaboury said that after Austin's death, she sent a letter to the Cubs, thanking them for fulfilling his dream of being drafted to play major league baseball.
"Another one of his dreams was when he did make it big, he wanted to do something for his school," Edinger-Gaboury said. "We're really trying to fulfill that dream."
The proposed building will be 100-by-75-feet with a 16-foot high ceiling. It will be situated in the southeast corner of the CHS parking lot.
Organizers plan to raise the total $150,000 cost to build the field house through private donations.
Once complete, the building will become the property of the school district, which will then become responsible for operating and maintaining it.
"Lake City (high school) has had a field house like this for a while," said CHS athletic director Todd Gilkey.
The facility will be used by various sports groups, Gilkey said, not just as a hitting facility.
The field house will provide a place for the football team to train when it rains, he said. The soccer team could kick a ball around inside. Fundraising campaign organizers report the field house is designed to be used to practice almost any sport, and can serve as a location to host banquets and other school events.
Organizers received the go-ahead for planning the Viking Field House in June from the school board. Trustees will consider approving the proposed project when they meet at 5 p.m. Monday for their regular monthly meeting at the Midtown Center, 1505 N. Fifth St.
Planning for the Viking Field House got the go-ahead in June from the school board. Trustees will consider final approval of the project Monday at their August meeting.
A fundraising event with food and drink specials, raffles, silent and live auctions and entertainment will take place Aug. 13 from 4-8 p.m. at Caddyshack, 1100 W. Prairie Ave.
Organizers are asking for donations, pledges or auction items.
Donations can be sent to Viking Dugout Club (501c3), 2707 N. Ninth St., Coeur d'Alene, 83814. They should be marked "Viking Field House."
Information: 661-9808