Honoring a Friend   

By Marisa Lopez

    Timber Creek’s softball team will be stepping out on a new field this upcoming season in memory of the late Timothy Lee MacFawn, the team’s pitching and assistant coach, who passed away in August from a heart attack. Along with being a coach for the girl’s softball team for eight years, he was also a resource officer for Timber Creek.

    There will be an opening ceremony for MacFawn Field on February 17th at 6:45. As part of the ceremony, the new field sign will be revealed. The sign was designed and painted by Mr. Sloan, one of Timber Creek’s drawing teachers. The softball team will be selling tickets to the game for $10. The tickets include entry to the game and a meal from Gator’s Dockside. The food choices include a hamburger, chicken, or a pulled pork sandwich. A portion of the proceeds from the tickets go towards the team to help purchase new equipment.

   The passing of MacFawn has heavily impacted the team. The bond MacFawn shared with many of the teammates extended past the field. Cassidy Wismer, a four year varsity player, said that “[MacFawn] was like my second dad. We knew each other for almost my whole life because he was my dad’s best friend. I’ll miss how close we were and how he was always ready to help us with our technique and pitching.” Wismer will be speaking at the upcoming ceremony. “I’m really nervous about speaking in front of everyone. I know everyone’s families will be there; we were so close and I want my speech to be as perfect as possible.” The ceremony will feature speeches from other players, family members, coaches, and deputies. Varsity player, junior Alyssa Velez, said, “We’ve all bonded over our loss and hope to win a state title in his honor. We will be playing for him all season.” Velez added, “I’m glad we are honoring MacFawn in such a nice way because he deserves it. The team is definitely more dedicated this year because winning means so much more and it feels like there’s more at stake. We will feel the losses more heavily now.”