Huntley Project School District has joined a regional trend by approving a proposal for a high school baseball program for the 2024-2025 school year. Billings School District 2 has also announced a baseball program in the last year. Huntley Project Activities Director Tim Kaczmarek informed the board that after surveying students at Huntley, he was able to identify around 26 students who were interested in joining a high school team, including four of which who already play in the American Legion league in town. Season conflicts between Billings SD2 and American Legion helped spur Kaczmarek to start a baseball program in Huntley. Kaczmarek said, “Our kids are missing out on a couple months of practice due to Billings programs pushing the Legion season into the summer.” This program will provide Legion-participating students the opportunity to continue building skills in a team setting. Overall, the program will provide one more opportunity for students at Huntley, according to Kaczmarek.
As for funding, the program will be self-funded for the first three years and then be re-evaluated by the school district at the end of that period of self-funding. Kaczmarek informed the board that he has begun the process of securing grants and sponsors for the program. Kaczmarek stated Scheels Sporting Goods has agreed to cover all startup costs for the program, up to $19K. After the initial startup costs, the program will then need to fundraise for an estimated $10K to $15K for operating costs including travel and the hiring of umpires. Kaczmarek was confident in the program’s ability to sustain itself through admissions, grants, and sponsorships.
The first baseball season for Huntley Project will start in March 2025.
