Kids enjoy Tricks and Treats at Troy’s Softball Complex

The Troy softball team served up all treats and no tricks last Wednesday evening at its annual Trunk-or-Treat event.  

Kids from the community poured onto the softball field as the sun set, hoping to score big on candy. The softball players and coaches all dressed up and facilitated the games.  

One such player, dressed as Bobby Boucher from “The Waterboy,” passed out candy from a cooler. 

“I think it's amazing to bring the community to the field, show them where it's at,” said sophomore pitcher Ella Cunnigham. “Then, when we play in the spring, they know, let's come support softball because they support our community. 

“It's been amazing. [The kids] love us, we love them, and it's just so fun to see everyone come out and support us just as much as we support them.” 

The coaches were all dressed as characters from “The Wizard of Oz,” with head coach Eric Newell as the scarecrow. They dress in a themed group every year. 

“This is a great way to engage in the community,” Newell said. “You know, our softball girls, I think, love it as much as the kids in the community, but it's something that's become an annual event, and it's something that we enjoy doing and enjoy connecting with the city of Troy.” 

Newell said the event long predates his time as a coach at Troy, but it's a tradition they certainly wanted to keep. 

“It makes it worth it, when you see [the kids] smiling and playing the games and getting the candy and then, for me too, it’s great watching our girls interact with these children and that makes it a lot of fun as a head coach,” Newell said. “We are so thankful that the administration allows us to do it, and that the city supports us so well.” 

Many community partners showed up to help with the event, including Troy Pediatric Clinic. Their “trunk” was actually a giant nose, inviting kids to pick their candy straight from the source … as a booger bag full of treat(ment)s.  

“It's been fun. It's been awesome,” said Shannon Heath, marketing director of Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network. “[This is a] very well-attended event, and I think that the kids have really enjoyed it.” 

The Trojans concluded their fall ball schedule on Oct. 29 against Coastal Alabama. See troytrojans.com for more information on the regular spring schedule.