Lance French picked up a grass stain Saturday during the Arlington Summer Sizzle slow pitch softball tournament at Bell Creek Park.
The Arlington man earned it diving for a ball in the outfield.
“My brain just told my body to do it,” he said when asked why he'd given so much effort for the catch, which he did complete.
Each year, adults and kids take part in just-for-fun athletic endeavors during Arlington's annual Fourth of July celebration. Softball and a 5-kilometer run were among the top draws Saturday, while a four-square volleyball net was set up and ready for play, too.
“Well, it's usually pretty good fun,” French said, explaining why softball is a good Sizzle activity to keep for future years.
Luke Hammang and Kolby Tighe, meanwhile, enjoyed themselves during the 5K, which opens the Summer Sizzle each summer at 8:05 a.m.
“I love running with you, against you,” Tighe said.
“It's fun,” Hammang agreed. “It's a good time.”
Tighe picked up the race win, while Hammang, a Concordia University athlete, earned second and put in some work toward his next college cross-country season.
“Today I just decided to go out and have fun because I was supposed to do a workout today,” the Bulldog said. “So, I was like, 'Might as well just enjoy it. See some of my old friends.' It's a fun thing.'”
Tighe, himself, is preparing for his senior season as a Arlington High School runner, too.
“It was a nice Saturday run,” he said. “I was only a minute off my all-time 5K personal record, which is pretty exciting this early in the season.”
Though many enjoy the Summer Sizzle concert and fireworks more, some athletically-inclined folks believe the sporting events are worth it, too. There is, however, the slight risk of grass stains and sore muscles.
Was it really fun diving for a ball in the Bell Creek Park outfield?
“I'll let you know tomorrow when I can't walk,” French joked Saturday morning from the dugout.
