Conflict in the bleachers may now be solved thanks to the recent addition of a scoreboard to the varsity baseball field. Donated by Pepsi, the scoreboard was operational for FC’s 10-0 win over Mendota on April 1.

“The scoreboard will make it easier for fans and team members to follow the action,” John Hall, varsity coach, said. “The scoreboard helps with field beautification resulting in a more professional field which can draw more attention to our sports programs.”

Parent Joe Sanders assisted Hall in the installation of the board on the field ajacent to Alluvial Ave.

“I’m very involved in the baseball team,” Sanders, an administrative analyst for Fresno State, said. “Occasionally Mr. Hall needs someone to turn a wrench and I’m always here to help out.” Sanders’ son, Evan, ’03, plays first base on the varsity team.

“I think the scoreboard is going to make our games go a lot smoother and add a sense of professionalism,” Evan said. “Plus it make our field seem more our own.”

Susie Fisher, president of the sports boosters, called Pepsi and was able to prompt the donation. Fisher’s two sons, Sam, ’03, and Seth, ’04, play shortstop and catcher respectively.

“The boosters and I have been wanting a scoreboard for a long time, ever since the field went in,” Fisher said. “I have spoken with coach (Scott) Callisch and Pepsi in the past about donations and both didn’t think it could happen because of FC’s size.”

Corporate sponsors rarely make scoreboard donations to small schools with populations of 280 students Fisher said. FC seemed destined to wait for community donations to get one built.

“In the past our school did not have a large enough enrollment to qualify for such a large donation,” Fisher said. “However, when Pepsi found the field was along Alluvial on The Peoples Church campus, Pepsi’s spokesperson changed their mind because the scoreboard potentially would showcase its soda to church, school and event traffic.”

Hall agreed with Fisher and added that the both the church, school and Pepsi will have added visibility in Fresno. Peoples Church weekly draws about 5,000 atttendees to their campus programs apart from Fresno Christian’s student body. While the high school has 283 students, the elementary (356) and junior high (119) populations also bring students and their parents on campus each day.

“Pepsi decided to work with us not only because we sell Pepsi products but because they would benefit from the number of people that attend our games, school and the church,” Hall said. “All of our programs will benefit from the attention the scoreboard creates.”

“We are thrilled to have a quality scoreboard that will post our many Fresno Christian victories for years to come,” Jon Endicott, vice principal, said. “We appreciate the hard work of the many involved to make this happen.”

According to Gary Warkentin, business administrator, the athletic boosters paid for the installation costs and Rich Wathen of Wathen Castanos made the crane available.

Varsity baseball defeated Mendota, 10-0, on April 1 in the first game with the new scoreboard. Baseball next plays Firebaugh on April 8 at 3:30 p.m.