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Barto Park Field dedicated in memory of former BOLT player Christian Hellriegel

About 70 former players, coaches, friends, club members and family members gathered for the dedication of the Christian Hellriegel Field on Sunday, Sept. 12.

The Optimist Club of Boyertown and Washington Township dedicated Barto Park Field in memory of Christian Hellriegel, 21, of Barto.

Hellriegel, a 2018 graduate of Boyertown Area Senior High School and former player for the Boyertown Boys’ lacrosse (BOLT) program, was killed in an ATV crash in Potter County in May.

“After the tragic passing of Christian Hellriegel, Optimist members and BOLT coaches Dave Johnson, Mark Palladino and Shawn O’Connor wanted to do something to honor Hellriegel. With help from Christian’s family they were able to set up a scholarship for a former BOLT and high school lacrosse player,” the Optimist Club announced in a release.

The club presented the first Christian Hellriegel Memorial Scholarship to John McGrath Jr. in June.

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The Optimist Club of Boyertown had built a field that the club uses for its flag football and boys’ lacrosse program. Shawn O’Connor presented to the Washington Township supervisors the club’s request to dedicate the field in memory of Hellriegel, naming it Christian Hellriegel Field.

Hellriegel’s parents Ed and Val thanked everyone for coming and talked about what the field dedication meant to them.

Darren Wallace and Jim Metzger shared memories and stories. Optimist District Governor Don Hickman and Governor Elect Lorin Ritcher also came out for the dedication.

BOLT coach Mark Palladino, the Master Ceremonies at the dedication, spoke of the impact Hellriegel had on his former teammates along with how much he improved as a lacrosse player.

“Dave (Johnson) said it best… Of all the time and effort Shawn, Dave and I have given to the Optimists over the past 12 plus years, this is far and away the most meaningful and impactful,” said Palladino. “It helps to establish a legacy for Christian and the Optimist values he lived his life by – even at the young age of 21. It helps to show what the club is all about and that above everything, we care about our community and will do everything in our power to help and support our youth.”

After the culmination of 12 plus years of volunteering, Palladino announced that his time with the Optimist Club has come to an end.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to give back than to be a part of this memorial. CH41”

The Optimist Club of Boyertown serves more than 1,700 youth in the Boyertown community with eight major sport programs. To become a volunteer or to join the Optimist Club of Boyertown contact club secretary Phil Haddad at 610-587-7754 or email at boyertownoptimist@gmail.com.

BOLT coach Mark Palladino served as the Master Ceremonies at the dedication of the Christian Hellriegel Field on Sept. 12. (Submitted photo)
New sign unveiled for Christian Hellriegel ...
New sign unveiled for Christian Hellriegel Field in Washington Township. (Submitted photo)
The Optimist Club of Boyertown and ...
The Optimist Club of Boyertown and Washington Township dedicated Barto Park Field in memory of former BOLT player Christian Hellriegel on Sept. 12. (Submitted photo)


Source: Berkshire mont

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