It’s not often you hear a coach talk of making a visiting opponent’s trip to their home field a more pleasant experience.

But that’s just what North Coos Waterfront coach Brad Horning was discussing up until Thursday, as the team’s players, along with coaches and volunteers, worked overtime to spiffy up Clyde Allen Field in North Bend for the American Legion Class A State Tournament.

“We want to make it as welcoming as we can for the opposing people,” said Horning.

The team of players, coaches and volunteers logged many hours turning over the infield dirt, which had become quite dried out this summer. They also went to work painting the dugouts and planting a fresh crop of flowers behind the backstop.

“It’s a big area. There’s a lot to do,” said Horning.

Every player on the team worked a minimum three hours on the field, and folks like Sue Spring, who spearheaded the flower effort, and manager Bud Grant spent plenty of time helping out. And the actual American Legion contingent was nice enough to provide concessions for the opening banquet Thursday afternoon and evening. 

And, of course, Horning was there from the start.

“We want everybody to enjoy themselves,” he said.