Playing surfaces in Grand Forks, East Grand Forks nearing game time

Apr. 1—GRAND FORKS — East Grand Forks Sacred Heart athletic director Logen Letofsky keeps a detailed, color-coded game schedule in his office.

Last spring, the color-coded system wasn't in the favor of local athletes.

"Last year we had too many colors, especially in red," Letofsky said.

A year after early April 2023 was setback by weather-related postponements, Greater Grand Forks athletic directors have a different experience this spring as playing conditions at area playing surfaces are ready to go or nearly ready — almost a month ahead of last spring.

A year ago, the first Grand Forks baseball or softball team to host a game was the Central and Red River softball teams, first taking the diamonds April 28.

This year, there's a chance local baseball and softball can play in Grand Forks on Tuesday, April 2.

The first scheduled outdoor spring events in Greater Grand Forks high school action are Tuesday, with Red River baseball and softball hosting games.

Oxford Sports Complex, formerly Apollo Park, is being closely monitored by Grand Forks officials.

"They're going to drag the field (Monday), and we're hoping that's going to help get the frost out," Grand Forks athletic director Mike Biermaier said. "We don't know if there's a whole lot of frost left. We're hoping after we drag that there's little to no water there. We'll make a decision by noon (Tuesday). There's a really good chance of playing."

Baseball in Grand Forks is in a unique position as construction continues on a renovated Kraft Field.

While Kraft Field remains under construction, Red River and Central baseball teams will use Diamond 4 at Oxford Sports Complex, known as Montgomery Field, which has an artificial turf infield.

At Kraft, construction crews are waiting for temperatures to reach 50 degrees in order to paint beams. After the beams are painted, the grandstand's roof can be completed. Work remains on seating and protective nets, as well. Electrical work will also be completed underground when the frost is out.

Once construction work is done, a certificate of occupancy can be obtained.

"We're still weeks away," Biermaier said of Kraft hosting games.

The Grand Forks track and field teams have participated in indoor meets this spring but outdoor meets may not be far away. The one event typically last to be ready for action is the shot put.

Grand Forks is scheduled to host an EDC indoor meet at UND's Pollard Center this weekend.

"We're seriously looking at moving outdoor to Cushman," Biermaier said. "Everyone would much rather be outdoor than indoor, even if the shot isn't ready. We'll make a decision on Wednesday."

In East Grand Forks, both East Grand Forks Senior High and East Grand Forks Sacred Heart host baseball games at Stauss Park.

"I think we're in better shape than a lot of places, which is kind of weird," East Grand Forks athletic director Scott Koberinski said. "Last week when we got snow, tennis nets weren't up and bases weren't out. (On Tuesday), those will be out. Our hope is to be on schedule at least for our home schedule, which starts next Thursday. That should be as planned ... for the first time ever."

For softball, Senior High plays at Central Middle School, while Sacred Heart plays at Lafave Park, a set of diamonds in a low-lying area near the Red River.

"When we went down there last week, it was still wet," Letofsky said of Lafave. "I'm optimistic for us to start playing games soon with the more sunny days we can have this week."

The Grand Forks Red River and Central girls soccer teams are scheduled to start April 9. Those games are on track to be able to be played as home games are played on the turf at Cushman.

Grand Forks golf teams are scheduled to start April 15. Local courses have yet to open, although officials expect courses to be on track to host events later this month.