This York Team Gets 'Short End Of Stick': Graduate

ELMHURST, IL — A York High School graduate told the school board this week that she wouldn't trade her experience with the school's softball team for the world.

But she also expressed concerns with aspects of the program.

Lauren Derkowski, who recently graduated from York, was a pitcher. She was given a certificate during the board meeting for her role. She said she wanted to take the opportunity to advocate for the softball team.

"We have faced hardships such as limited indoor practice space and a public off-campus home field. Due to cold weather during our season, we often ended up practicing inside. However, we don't get much space to practice. It often feels like we are given the short end of the stick with limited time and space," Derkowski said. "We often see other teams being given prime practice time and space, which is something our program is striving for the future."

She said the softball field is another issue.

"Our field is off campus, which makes it very difficult for people to get there," Derkowski said. "As a freshman, you have to rely on an upperclassman to drive you to practice. Because if you take the bus, you don't arrive to practice until 30 minutes after it is scheduled to begin."

She also said, "Our field is also a public field, which means anyone can use it at anytime. We will show up before games just to find trash in the dugouts and on the field."

Meanwhile, Derkowski said, team members often see the baseball field at the school available.

"I have heard that there are plans to move our home field to campus, and I really, really hope those plans stay true," she said.

Linda Yonke, interim superintendent of Elmhurst School District 205, told Derkowski that it took courage for her to thank the district for her softball experience, yet also advocate for the team's needs.