Wharton County Junior College recently held a grand opening ceremony for its new ballpark, Corbett Park. Pictured, from left, are State Rep. Phil Stephenson, Duncan Corbett, WCJC President Betty McCrohan and WCJC Athletic Director Keith Case.
WHARTON, TEXAS – More than 500 guests joined in the recent celebration of Wharton County Junior College’s new Corbett Park ballpark.
With sunny blue skies and mild temperatures providing the perfect backdrop, the Feb. 2 grand opening event attracted area residents, local and state elected officials, college employees and scores of baseball fans.
Elected officials attending the event included State Rep. Phil Stephenson, Wharton County Judge Phillip Spenrath, City of Wharton Mayor Tim Barker, Wharton County Commissioner Richard Zahn, Wharton County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Jared Cullar, Wharton County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Donna Wessels, City of Wharton councilmembers Terry Freese and Steven Schneider, Wharton ISD Board of Trustees members Steven Roberts and Sherrell Speer, Louise ISD Board of Trustees member Joy Williams, and WCJC Board of Trustees members Amy Rod, J. Paul Pope, Ann Hundl, Scott Glass and Larry Sitka.
Spectators were treated to free food, drinks and souvenirs provided by WCJC.
WCJC President Betty McCrohan welcomed the crowd, noting that the $1.7 million facility was made possible through the generosity of Houston resident Duncan Corbett.
“Mr. Corbett realized we needed a baseball park. He not only gave the money, he worked every day with the project directors, making sure that we obtained the best product we could get,” McCrohan said. “It goes without saying how committed he is to this community and to Wharton County Junior College.”
Corbett, a friend of McCrohan’s, was on hand with family and friends and gathered on the infield before throwing out the first pitch to Pioneers’ player Kalun Dronette of Lafayette, La. Capping off the event was a WCJC victory, with the Pioneers defeating the Coastal Bend Cougars in 10 innings, 8-7.
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