The Phil Rabon Field was officially dedicated Friday in between a pair of exhibition games involving Williston State College and Miles City Community College.
"I would like to thank all those who donated finances, labor (and time) to this great facility," Rabon said in a statement to those in attendance.
Rabon, originally of Velva, came to Williston State College in 1965. In roughly 30 years of service at the school, he served in a variety of capacities, including baseball coach, athletic director and women's basketball coach. He founded the women's basketball program in 1972.
"Williston State College is on the move," Rabon said in his remarks. "All you people that support (the school) now and in the future are going to have something to be proud of." The project to upgrade the field began in the spring of 2006 when the school approached a few members in the community for some donations to get the project started.
"As with all projects, this took us a little longer than we would have liked," said Williston State College athletic director Hunter Berg to those in attendance."But it's been rewarding."
The location where the field is originally had four softball fields on it. Over the years, it was turned into a baseball and football field.
According to Berg, a state mandate says the location where the field is had to be used for some sort of recreational use.
The dedication of the field is not the final step in the project.
"We by no means are done with this project," Berg said.
Rabon has a special place in his heart for those at Williston State College.
"This is the place where the people truly make the difference," he said.
In his remarks, Rabon expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all of his former players, friends, members of the community, the students, faculty and administration of WSC, and to his family, including his wife, Sharon
Comments
LYLE SORUM wrote on Sep 24, 2009 2:14 PM:
I was delighted to hear that Phil was recognized for his outstanding service to the Williston State College. The baseball field in his name is a great and appropriate jesture. I wish you well Phil, your friend "Zip" "
Jan Fougner Tucker wrote on Sep 23, 2009 1:26 PM:
I had Phil as a coach when I was on the first woman's basketball team, and I was lucky enough to be a co-worker at the college for 12 yrs. His energy never wore out, he is one wonderful, kind, motivating person! Hats off to Phil Rabon, he is one very special person that did so much for the college and the city of Williston. YEAH PHIL!!! "
Kristi Rabon Russow wrote on Sep 23, 2009 8:44 AM:
Rick Rabon wrote on Sep 22, 2009 1:23 AM:
Rick Rabon
Taipei, Taiwan "
Greg McNary wrote on Sep 20, 2009 12:36 AM: