The 2019 Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program Class spent two days learning about Geary County this past week. One of their stops was Rathert Field where they were briefed on the history of the 87-year old ballpark and the current summer collegiate team that plays there, the Junction City Brigade.

Class member Dana Wiegand, Junction City said they participated in team building, trust building and communication during a trip to Rock Springs 4-H Center. The class also participated in a project where they responded to a challenge from the 2018 class. “Had some donations of socks, hats and gloves. I’m anxious to see how much we really brought in because there were a lot of bags there and it barely fit on the front seats of the buses.” The items will be provided to local school children in need by I.C.A.R.E.

Class member Jason Hudson said they learned about the history of Rathert Field. He has attended baseball games at the ballpark. “It’s a great time, so I got to learn a little bit about the history here which I was wondering about when I was here previously. ” Hudson added that he really appreciated how much the Brigade are involved in the community. “Getting the children out here in the summers, improving their lives.” Hudson pointed to one example where Brigade players went to the library to read to children.

Class members come from multiple area counties and Fort Riley. They will participate in a series of class sessions in different counties and at Fort Riley.