Lance Hamilton has been working as a volunteer youth league coordinator for Heber Springs the past four years. Now he will get paid $32,000 per year, but the new Heber Springs City Athletic Director position calls for much more than organizing baseball and softball.
Wednesday was Hamilton’s first day on the job. He spent the early morning hours with Mayor Jackie McPherson preparing Sandy Beach for the upcoming fireworks show.
Back at his temporary office at City Hall later Wednesday afternoon, Hamilton spoke of his new duties. “I will be in charge of all the city athletics from children through adults. Baseball, softball, soccer, eventually basketball and we are going to try and implement a few new programs like the golf program we are running this summer. We are also looking at adult softball, basketball, volleyball and maybe even an adult racquetball league once we get the facilities in place at the community center.”
Although Hamilton will work with Parks and Recreation Director Stan Lee in the beginning, when the new Sports Complex is finished he will likely hold an office at the complex while Lee will be at the new Community Center.
“Stan is going to take over the Community Center and push that and leave all the fun stuff to me. The equipment, the uniforms, the scheduling, getting them signed up and making sure they have all the insurance they need for the particular organization they play in will be some of the things I do,” said Hamilton.
In Heber, there are several different leagues available for each age level depending on skill level and willingness to travel. For example, those looking to play USSSA baseball may have to travel more but the quality of competition is usually better than typical recreational city leagues that are run under Little League or Cal Ripken rules.
Hamilton said his experience playing a wide variety of sports while growing up in Dardanelle and his recent experience with the Optimist Club leagues of Heber will help him get acclimated with his new duties.
“I’m an open minded and fair person when it comes to the scheme of putting it all together and making it work. I’m not out there for one specific mold of child or athlete. If they want to go to the extreme we can do that but if they just want to play recreational we can do that too.”
Hamilton plans to use his contacts around the state to bring in various tournaments on a regular basis. The Arkansas Softball Association’s recreational league has inquired about Heber’s new complex as a spot for its state tournament and the 13-14 year old Little League is also interested in holding a Southwest Regional tournament at the complex, according to Hamilton.
“I’d like to have at least a couple of tournaments each month if not one every week. We hope to keep it a busy place and with the lake I think people want to come here so I think it will stay packed.”
Heber Springs, Ark. —
