Softball field named for teacher and coach Myron Bird

"He loved softball; he loved baseball. That's why we're dedicating this field to him today," Cache La Poudre Junior High Principal Brian Williams told friends and relatives of the late Myron Bird on Sept. 30.

Bird, who died Aug. 16, 2004, of a sudden heart attack, taught mathematics for 32 years at CLPJH. During his tenure he also coached football, softball, basketball, baseball and track. He officiated volleyball, basketball and softball, and he played softball on various teams in and around Fort Collins.

The place where junior high students carry on his love of sports is now called Myron Bird Memorial Field.

Good friend Gary Ellerman crafted the tall archway at the field entrance, and school district staff painted it.

"This is a small token of what we can give Myron's family," Williams said.

The CLP staff also signed their names to softballs presented to Cathy Bird, Myron's widow, and to his mother, Georgia Frink.

Cathy Bird said she was very surprised to see the memorial archway at the ball field when she arrived for the dedication. "I thought there would be a small plaque on the wall," she said.