Softball | 4/13/2017 10:04:00 AM

SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Black Hills State University softball team is set to host a First Responders Day, slated for Sunday, April 23 in conjunction with its doubleheader against Regis at 11 a.m.
 
The day will get started earlier as representative from the Spearfish Fire Department, Spearfish Police Department, Spearfish Emergency Ambulance Service and Lawrence County Sheriff's Office will be on hand to deliver the first pitch. Another first pitch will be thrown by Julia Gibson, mother of Clinton Johnson, one of five children who passed away in the tragic house fire in Spearfish on April 1.
 
The softball team will be wearing special uniforms with the names of the five children to honor their memories. T-shirts, similar to the special uniforms worn by the Yellow Jackets, will be sold at the game with proceeds benefitting those that lost loved ones in the fire.
 
"In a world that takes such little time to "thank" others for their time and energy, we as a team wanted to take our platform to publically thank all those whose job is to serve and protect," head coach Lane Leedy said. "We are so blessed as a community by these individuals and a game in their honor seemed fitting.
 
"In light of the recent tragedy, we wanted to provide a venue for remembrance and healing. To have representation from all area first responders and the addition of the families that were affected by such devastating loss is going to be very powerful. My hope for this game and the following events is that it will do just that."
 
Along with the first pitches, both BHSU and Regis will release balloons in memory of Phibie Joyce Moyer, 6; Clinton James Johnson, 7; Rhylin Zane Gee, 9; Justice Lillian Gene Roden, 9; and Tanlynn Crystal Rain Roden, 11.
 
Yellow Jacket supporters are encouraged to wear superhero costumes to the doubleheader as part of the 'Fantastic Five'. The Yellow Jacket softball team will have superhero hair ribbons along with the commemorative jerseys.
 
Following the conclusion of the doubleheader, the Yellow Jacket softball team will head to the Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center to help at the Caring Communities Benefit, which is set up as a kid's carnival and auction. The event runs from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is sponsored by National Mutual Benefit. The kid's carnival will have inflatable bounce houses, a photo booth, face painting, games, live entertainment, a silent and live auction along with food served. The money raised at the Caring Communities Benefit will be divided equally between all families affected by the fire.