By Steve Williams
It was worth the wait.
Central High’s softball program showed off its new field up on the ridge inside Tommy Schumpert Park Tuesday, April 21.
Little finishing touches here and there delayed the opening ceremony, but a beautiful late spring afternoon highlighted the field for the Lady Bobcats’ game against Union County.
A young Central team (5-12) battled for seven innings but lost to the Lady Patriots 10-4.
Before the contest began the National Anthem was played and special attendees were introduced.
Bryan Brown, System Athletic Director for Knox County Schools, and Central AD Ben Collins were among those on the diamond.
Knox County Commissioner Courtney Durrett threw the ceremonial first pitch, which was caught by Jordan Mayes, a captain on the CHS team her junior and senior years before graduating in 2025.
Mayes also is Angie King’s daughter. “I’m the one who fought for this field for eight years,” said King, a 1992 Central grad.
Commissioner Durrett, a CHS Alumnus and 1999 grad, added: “I helped get the field.”
Union County’s McKenna Porter and pitcher Kingston Brown each scored a run to give their team a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
The Patriots erupted for four runs in the third inning to up their advantage to 7-0. Eden Corum smacked a double into the right field gap, and Matlyn Graves added an RBI double down the left field line to ignite the big inning.
Central pitcher Brylee Gibson used her bat to give the Lady Bobcats their first run in the bottom of the fourth as she belted a RBI double to left-center to plate Amiah Torra.
Central made things interesting in the fifth, scoring three runs to cut UC’s lead to 7-4. The rally started with two outs. Ty Stewart got aboard on an error by the shortstop, Bella Collins hit a bloop single, Torra added an RBI single and slid in on a close play at the dish on Maddie Gloeckner’s two-run single.
Union County answered with three runs of its own to rebuild its six-run advantage. All three runs scored on either a wild pitch or passed ball. Krissy Dyer’s double to left center was the big hit in the inning.
Neither team scored in the last inning. Olivia Reed entered for the Lady Patriots in the fifth inning to protect their lead.
Gloeckner, Central senior and four-year starter, made two outstanding defensive plays in the game, diving for a catch in shallow centerfield and throwing out a runner at the plate after tagging up at third base and trying to score.
Maddie, who will be going to Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, Ky., to continue in softball and major in Nursing, commented after the game about the new field.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “I’m so glad to have it for my senior year and to be able to play with my teammates on this field. There’s definitely been some great memories here so far.”
James Swaney, who has been the Central coach for 12 years, said he’s doing a lot more work at the new field, but says he “loves it.” Previously, Fountain City Ball Park maintained the field where the Lady Bobcats played.
“As an athletic director, it’s incredibly rewarding to see this vision come to life,” said Collins. “This new complex represents more than just a place to play; it’s a commitment to our student-athletes, our coaches and our community.
“We’re excited to open a facility that matches the passion and dedication of our program, and we can’t wait to see the memories and successes that will be built here for years to come.
“What makes this moment even more special is the Fountain City community. Its pride, support and unwavering belief in our students are what truly make this place unique. This field stands as a reflection of that spirit and what can be accomplished when a community comes together.”
