One year ago this time, St. Boniface/St. Bonaventure priest Fr. Ross Burkhalter was preparing to showcase his softball talents in the first ever “Collar I-80” series.
When game time arrived, Father Burkhalter distinguished himself, sharing MVP honors for the Omaha Archdiocese with his play in the field and at the plate.
Fast forward to this coming weekend and softball fans will again find Fr. Burkhalter on the field at Werner Park.
“I had a great experience last year,” Fr. Burkhalter said Monday afternoon. “I’m looking forward to it.”
He said the first-ever game last year remains a cherished moment. “I was blown away with all the fans there last year. We’re hoping we’ll have even more fans come out this time.”
During last year’s game, he patrolled centerfield. With a new manager this year, he said he hopes to be back in the outfield. “I like it out there,” he said.
The game will be played Sunday night, starting at 5 p.m. at Werner Park in Papillion. There will be tail-gating prior to the start of the game. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.
Another face soon to become familiar to parishioners at Elgin and Raeville will be Father Kevin Vogel. Beginning July 1, Vogel will begin his duties as parish priest at the two churches. Father Burkhalter will be going to St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus.
Both men will be wearing the royal blue colors as they seek to “BEAT LINCOLN.” Fr. Burkhalter encouraged all attending the game to wear blue so as to outnumber the red-clad fans supporting the Lincoln Archdiocese.
