The third annual Hays Recreation Commission’s Opening Day ceremony was a success.

The event kicks off the spring baseball, softball and T-ball seasons by introducing each team on the fields of the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex in Hays.

The night also is used to honor the Mike F. Schippers Inspirational Coach of the Year for baseball and softball.

The Mike F. Schippers Inspirational Coach of the Year Award winners for this year were Megan Herrman and Kenda Leiker for softball, and Chris Corsair for baseball.

Megan was nominated by several parents on her coach-pitch team last season,” according to Hays Rec’s Keith Smith.

“They all said the same thing, and raved on how Megan, and her assistants, worked so well with the all the girls, and made sure every girl felt included as part of a team,” he said.

Kenda was nominated by her daughter, Kamree.

“We’ve always said, there is a special place in heaven for those who coach their son or daughter, and Kenda was so good, her daughter nominated her,” Smith said. “Kamree said her mother treats all of the girls on the team the same, and talks to each player and gets to know them as a person. She added her mother does a good job of making us work together as a team, and finds out each of our strengths”

Chris Corsair was nominated by both parents, and a player from his team from last year. They praised Chris’ attention to detail planning.

“All of the kids on his team grew as players and people from being around Chris and his staff,” one parent added.

Several members of the Schippers family were on hand, and presented the awards.

For more images of the night, visit Hays Rec’s Facebook page.