MONROE - Commemorating a long-term, record-breaking coach is not an easy task to take on, but Monroe High School softball coach Joe O'Leksy began initial plans with the help of members of the Board of Parks and Recreation on Wednesday.
"I think we probably should be doing something," O'Leksy said. "I think it's appropriate, with him being the third all-time (winning) coach in Wisconsin."
Dale Buvid posted 505 career wins during his 33 years as head coach of the Monroe High School softball team. That accomplishment earned him a place in the Wisconsin Softball Coaches Hall of Fame before his retirement in June. He guided the Cheesemakers to seven state tournament appearances, including a championship in 2003, and 11 Badger South Conference titles.
Now Buvid may soon see his name grace the scoreboard in Twining Park, dubbing the field in Buvid's name. O'Leksy also entertained the idea of a flag pole and plaque honoring the longtime coach, though admitted the cost may stall plans. He said that while a medium-sized pole "would be really, really nice," it also may come with an estimated $1,500 price tag.
Despite higher-than-expected costs, O'Leksy said he would work on fundraising. He planned to meet with the Monroe Booster Club to discuss how much the group could dedicate to honoring Buvid at the field. The board voted unanimously to support future plans through whatever means were available to them.
Board member Jeff Newcomer, who abstained from voting because of his position as activities director with the high school, voiced support for the renaming of the field and the installation of a flag pole.
O'Leksy said he would approach local organizations to see in what ways the groups could help as well. He named the Kiwanis Club, the American Legion and past players as possibilities. He added that he would solicit help through the use of the softball team's Facebook page.
"(Buvid) would appreciate it," O'Leksy said. "But he would never be the one pushing for it. He'd say, "thanks, but go spend the money on something else.' Which is, of course, why we should do it."
"I think we probably should be doing something," O'Leksy said. "I think it's appropriate, with him being the third all-time (winning) coach in Wisconsin."
Dale Buvid posted 505 career wins during his 33 years as head coach of the Monroe High School softball team. That accomplishment earned him a place in the Wisconsin Softball Coaches Hall of Fame before his retirement in June. He guided the Cheesemakers to seven state tournament appearances, including a championship in 2003, and 11 Badger South Conference titles.
Now Buvid may soon see his name grace the scoreboard in Twining Park, dubbing the field in Buvid's name. O'Leksy also entertained the idea of a flag pole and plaque honoring the longtime coach, though admitted the cost may stall plans. He said that while a medium-sized pole "would be really, really nice," it also may come with an estimated $1,500 price tag.
Despite higher-than-expected costs, O'Leksy said he would work on fundraising. He planned to meet with the Monroe Booster Club to discuss how much the group could dedicate to honoring Buvid at the field. The board voted unanimously to support future plans through whatever means were available to them.
Board member Jeff Newcomer, who abstained from voting because of his position as activities director with the high school, voiced support for the renaming of the field and the installation of a flag pole.
O'Leksy said he would approach local organizations to see in what ways the groups could help as well. He named the Kiwanis Club, the American Legion and past players as possibilities. He added that he would solicit help through the use of the softball team's Facebook page.
"(Buvid) would appreciate it," O'Leksy said. "But he would never be the one pushing for it. He'd say, "thanks, but go spend the money on something else.' Which is, of course, why we should do it."