Boxing, track day on the horizon; Aces retire coach’s number

It’s the only fundraiser for the Greenwave wrestling team, and it’s one of the best in the region.

The 23rd-annual Night of Fights features student-athletes competing against each other for one night to help raise funds for the wrestling program. This year’s event is April 28 at 5:30 p.m. at Venturacci Park Gym and is preceded by the Calcutta auction on April 24 at Sandwinds.

The annual boxing event is one of the best fundraisers not just in the county, but in the area. The boxing is surprisingly good quality as each boxer goes through several practices, learning technique especially. Many great fights have resulted from Night of Fights as the community packs the gym to rally behind the Greenwave.

If you haven’t been to the Night of Fights, then circle April 28 on your calendar. If only boxing were a high school-regulated sport.

VIP tables for six are available for $250 and include ring-side seating, BBQ dinner, beverages and dessert. Name and business will be displayed during the vent. The Calcutta auction will be on April 24 at Sandwinds where people will bid for boxers. For more information, contact Missy McCormick at 775-427-2641. Table seating is limited.

FALLON TRACK TO HOST ELEMENTARY MEET

Not as long of a mainstay as Night of Fights is Elementary School Track and Field Day at the high school.

The 13th annual event is April 19 at 9 a.m. as elementary school children in grades 3, 4 and 5 get a glimpse of the track life. Many of Fallon’s regional and state medalists participated in this event as it helped ramp up the interest level.

Registration forms are available at Numa and EC Best elementary schools. Registration is $10 and forms are due back to the elementary schools by this Wednesday. Late registration is $15. If you have any questions, call coach Steve Heck at 423-0154.

ACES HONOR BUTLER

I first met Brett Butler in 2009 when the Reno Aces held an opening-season dinner in February, just two months before the Triple-A team played its first game in downtown Reno.

He was humble and grateful for the opportunity to manage Reno’s first minor-league team since the Moana Stadium days. What has stayed with me since that night was his description of one of his most memorable experiences in the Big Leagues. It was his return to the ballfield after winning his battle with cancer. He described the first steps he took toward the batter’s box at Dodger Stadium as if he were in his rookie season.

Many years later, he was excited and motivated to help the Diamondbacks’ organization as he managed the Aces to a Triple-A title in 2012 before becoming the third-base coach for the Miami Marlins. The Aces honored Butler on Tuesday by retiring his number on Opening Day in Reno.

The honor couldn’t be any more deserving, especially after Butler was passed on being promoted to the Diamondbacks’ coaching staff.

Thomas Ranson can be contacted at lvnsports@yahoo.com.