Second Annual ‘Collar Classic’ Brings Priests and Seminarians Together for Softball Game
WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) –It was arguably the biggest game of the day on Sunday, June 22: The Collar Classic. Priests versus Seminarians for all the glory.
A base hit early in the game from the Priests scored Father Kurtis Gunwall out of St. Alphonsus for the 1-0 lead. The Priests made it a 2-0 game before the Seminarians got on the board. Deacon Richie Stenger from the St. Mary’s Seminary singled to bring in Paul Zach from the St. Paul Seminary.
The remainder of the game was dominated by defense. Father Jason Miller with Holy Rosary in LaMoure/ Assumption in Dickey made several great plays to help the Priests to the 2-1 win.
But, of course, winning was not the main purpose of the game.
“This is the second year that we’ve done it as a softball game,” said Kyle Metzger, the Vocation Director for the Fargo Diocese. “It used to be a basketball game, but we switched it to a softball game last year to play in the summer to bring out the crowds to kind of turn it into a picnic. We had chips and cookies and everybody could come out, bring their families, lawn chairs and just kind of socialize. The bishop came out so you could come out and see the bishop. Just everybody get together. It’s a feast day for Catholics . It’s the Feast of Corpus Christi, a Eucharistic holiday. So, we kind of wanted to add some joy to that.”
As seen in some of the highlights, the game was not easy-going. Both teams showed maximum effort and it was a great way for the Priests and Seminarians to spend some time together.
“Just, you know, anytime you get on a ball field, the adrenaline kicks in and you start having fun,” said Father Miller. “We like to compete, too. So, yeah, glad nobody got hurt, though.
Father Kevin Lorsung, a priest at Holy Cross in West Fargo added, “It was just really fun. I really think just the teamwork, you know. We are spread, you know, miles and miles apart as Brother Priests. So, to be able to just celebrate together, and to see the guys who will be coming and helping us in the future, that’s the bigger thing. The trophy is great, but the fraternity’s where it’s at.”
