Board spotlights Tokay High facilities reopening and Lodi T Rexes inclusive athletics

The Lodi Unified board used part of its March 10 meeting to spotlight recent facilities and inclusive-program milestones.

District staff, school leaders and coaches celebrated the completion of Tokay High School’s new baseball and softball fields and the reopening of its refurbished aquatics center. Tokay-affiliated coaches described the pool as "fabulous, absolutely gorgeous," and said the new turf and lights have allowed teams to practice and play home games without traveling out of the community. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and a series of events were held to mark the reopening.

The board also recognized the Lodi T Rexes, an inclusive athletics program for children with autism ages 4–10 that began at Lodi High and has expanded to serve dozens of athletes. Athletic director George Duenas and head coach Jojo (who introduced himself at the meeting) described rapid growth: the coach said the program grew from an initial goal of a dozen children to more than 100 participants and now plans additional events across the region. Student volunteers and coaches said the program gives young athletes opportunities to wear uniforms, participate in practices and enjoy community events; one student volunteer said volunteering "melted my heart" at seeing families’ reactions.

District staff presented commemorative items from the projects — including an old home plate and an artifact recovered prior to construction — and the board agreed those items will be displayed at Tokay High School.

Board members praised the partnerships, thanked facilities and maintenance staff, and encouraged the community to attend upcoming events and competitions under the new lights and facilities.