Tech students build dugouts at Dallas HS

The Dallas High School baseball program is getting new dugouts and the students of West Side Career and Technology Center in Pringle are getting valuable experience.

It's a win-win for both Dallas and for our students in gaining experience of on-the-job training, said Leo Dragon, a co-op instructor and project coordinator at West Side CTC.

A year ago, West Side CTC students rebuilt the first-base dugout at Wyoming Valley West after it was damaged in the hurricane.

This winter, about 40 students the school's carpentry classes are taking part in the project to build first and third-base dugouts at the Dallas field.

Students ranging from freshmen to seniors are transported to Dallas two to three times per week in two groups – the morning class from 9 to 11 a.m. and the afternoon class from 2 to 4 p.m.

They're doing this in addition to their full-time academic schedule, Dragon said. We work around the academic schedules.

The students are building the 8-by-42-foot dugouts with pole-barn designs.

There are 6-by-6 posts resting on concrete footings, Dragon said. The students are involved in pouring footings. There is also an 8-by-10 storage area on each dugout with poured concrete floors.

The students are involved with pouring the floors.

Dragon said West Side CTC administrative director Nancy Tkatch worked with the Dallas School District administration in arranging the project.