Tri‑City United softball coach asks board to explore spring‑training trip to Florida

Justin Lehrfeldt, who identified himself as the Tri‑City United head softball coach, presented a proposal to explore a weeklong spring‑training trip in Orlando (March 24–28) to combine structured practices and scrimmages with team‑building activities. “My name is Justin Lehrfeldt. For those of you that don't know me, I am the head softball coach here at Tri City United,” he said when introducing the plan.

Lehrfeldt showed lodging options (including a 15‑bedroom rental near the complex), described on‑site amenities and said boosters had agreed to cover the Airbnb and van transportation costs. He reported roughly $2,000–$3,000 already raised and said his goal is to limit players’ out‑of‑pocket cost to airfare (estimated $375–$450) and a camp fee of about $250. The initial plan would take juniors and seniors (about 16 players) with four chaperones.

Board members emphasized they were not opposed in principle but asked for a more structured daily schedule and clearer cost details before granting final approval. One member noted the district’s past practice of requiring more concrete scheduling and asked the coach to return with specific itineraries and commitments before the board votes. Lehrfeldt said many event organizers provide fuller schedules only after a group commits interest; he asked permission to continue exploring options and to bring back a detailed proposal.

The board did not take a formal vote to approve the trip at this meeting; they asked the coach to provide additional schedule and cost information and said the item could be placed on the January agenda for formal consideration.