1950s Blackouts=Glow-in-the-Dark Baseball

May 15, 2023

Baseball in the dark? Leave it to Hap.

Perhaps one of NBC founder Hap Dumont’s wildest ideas – of which there were many – was to turn the lights off.

During World War II city-wide blackouts were instituted which required businesses and homes to turn off their lights so that population centers were not easily identifiable to potential enemy aircraft.

Dumont brought the blackout to the baseball diamond for one night during the war. For an exhibition game, he painted the balls, bats, bases and uniforms with a phosphorescent paint and then turned off the lights.

General Electric, intrigued by the concept, offered to attend the exhibition to check out the spectacle.

However, by all accounts, it was a disaster. The lack of depth perception made it almost impossible to play the game safely. On the field, light from the surrounding neighborhood affected the usefulness of the phosphorous and Dumont scrapped the idea before it ever saw the light of day.

Dumont quipped, “I haven’t given General Electric’s laboratories any competition since.”

Nevertheless, the fluorescent ball used, which he dubbed the Glo-Ball, made a return over a decade later.

Dumont used the Glo-Ball during the 1958 tournament (with the lights on) and even experimented with it in an exhibition game in Wichita between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago White Sox.

It drew positive reviews from players – including Stan Musial – who played in that Wichita exhibition with the Cardinals.

A year later the ball went on sale to the public for $2.50.

A fluorescent ball would resurface in the Major Leagues in 1973 when Oakland A’s owner Charlie Finley introduced a fluorescent orange ball for two spring training games.

As Finley had predicted, the ball seemed to benefit the hitters. On March 29, 1973, in a matchup between Catfish Hunter (Oakland) and Gaylord Perry (Cleveland), a combined 16 runs were scored on 27 hits including six home runs. George Hendrick, who hit three of the homers that day said, “…maybe I was just lucky. I couldn’t pick up the spin of the ball.”

In fact, none of the hitters could pick up the spin because the entire ball including the stitches had been dyed orange. After poor reviews from the Major Leaguers at that time, the use of a fluorescent ball in baseball seemed to die in 1973, but its legacy at the National Baseball Congress lives on.

MLB Pitch Clock Has Roots in Wichita’s National Baseball Congress

April 28, 2023

If you’ve been following Major League Baseball this spring one thing you’ve undoubtedly noticed is that baseball games are faster…much faster. With the introduction of the pitch clock this year, game times are down over 30 minutes from the 2022 season, as of mid-April.

According to Morgan Sword, Executive VP of Major League Baseball, in reference to the pitch clock “…it’s probably the biggest change that’s been made to baseball in most of our lifetimes.”

WHAT YOU MOST LIKELY DON’T KNOW, is that sixty-one years before MLB implemented the “biggest change of our lifetimes”, it was Raymond “Hap” Dumont and the National Baseball Congress who first instituted a 20-second timer with penalties for infractions.

The 20-second pitch clock had technically been in the MLB rule book since 1901, but Dumont’s announcement in January 1962 for the National Baseball Congress’ annual tournament marked the first time that a pitch clock would be enforced in organized baseball.

Dumont and his team worked with Timex to install a timer on the scoreboard prior to the ‘62 tournament in Wichita. If a pitcher failed to deliver a pitch within 20 seconds of receiving the ball back from the catcher a horn would sound and a “ball” would be called. Hitters were timed as well. They had 20 seconds to be in the batter’s box after the previous batter had either made an out or reached base, and a “strike” was called on the batter if they were tardy.

Dumont, as he always did, added his own flair to the pace of play initiative, instituting a 90-second clock between innings as well. For Dumont, the quicker pace meant that more games could be played in the tournament, which meant more money for Dumont and tournament stakeholders.

Of the 64 games during the 1962 tournament, only 14 violations occurred and according to Dumont game times were slashed by 25 minutes.

There was one slight hiccup. During a quarterfinal game, rain short-circuited the timer rendering it unusable. That game, between the Ocala Merchants (FL) and Grand Rapids Sullivans (MI), lasted three hours and 12 minutes.

After drawing rave reviews from players, managers, scouts and fans, Dumont predicted that within two years Major League Baseball would adopt his timer.

Turns out he was only off by 59 years.

2023 NBC World Series Announced

January 10, 2023

National Baseball Congress World Series

The National Baseball Congress World Series, powered by Evergy, and Wichita State University announced a two-year partnership, solidifying a home in Wichita for the historic tournament for 2023 and 2024.

“We are thrilled to call Eck Stadium home for the next two years, and to bring the tournament fully back to Wichita” said NBC Tournament Director Katie Woods, “Wichita has been the home of the NBC since 1935, and the Wichita State athletic department has been great partners as we work to make the 89^th year a fantastic one for both teams and fans.”

The NBC World Series is the country’s premier summer collegiate baseball tournament, and features teams from across the United States annually. The NBCWS was founded in 1935 by Hap Dumont in Wichita and was played at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium through 2018. Known for its unique promotions and high-quality baseball, the National Baseball Congress has had more than 800 former players go on to play Major League Baseball.

“Wichita State Athletics is honored and blessed to continue our long-standing partnership with and support of the NBC Tournament,” said Senior Associate Director of Athletics Brad Pittman. “Eck Stadium, Home of Tyler Field, is a premier collegiate baseball facility capable of providing a first-class student-athlete and participant experience.”

Sixteen teams are slated to participate in the 2023 NBC World Series, with bids being announced over the summer, prior to the tournament. Defending champion Santa Barbara Foresters (CA), as well as the runner up Hays Larks (KS), both receive guaranteed bids for their finishes in the 2022 NBC World Series.

“For 2023 we are focused on two things – improving the experience for fans by bringing back the fun and energy that the NBC has been known for in Wichita, and improving the team experience and competition,” said Woods. “On the team side that includes increasing team compensation by more than 25%, creating a team ambassador program, building a better network of transportation, meal and entertainment partners, and solidifying the bids earlier. For fans, that means a simpler ticketing format, bringing back the Coleman Hill experience where fans can bring their own food and (non-alcoholic) beverages, added entertainment, and more partnerships throughout the community.”

Tickets to the 89^th NBC World Series will go on sale in June. More information can be found year-round at NBCBaseball.com, or on social media at @NBCBaseball.

Be the first to know about NBC updates by signing up for the NBC World Series Insider HERE

2022 NBC All-Americans Announced

August 25, 2022

NBC All-Americans Announced for 2022

WICHITA, Kan. – The 2022 NBC All-Americans all played key roles in advancing their respective teams through the 88^th NBC World Series powered by Evergy. The Santa Barbara Foresters claimed their 10^th National Championship, becoming only the third team in NBCWS history to win three championships in a row. Foresters manager Bill Pintard was selected as Manager of the Year. The presenting sponsor for the NBC All-American Team is Hook Bats, www.hookbats.com. Each All-American will receive a customized commemorative bat.

2022 NBC World Series All-American Team

Pitchers

Anthony Brady Seattle Studs (WA) 1.50 ERA, 1-0 Record, 2 APP, 18 Innings, 15 K’s, 1 BB

Will Maynard Hutchinson Monarchs (KS) 0.00 ERA, 2 APP, 12.33 Innings, 16 K’s, 1 BB, 5 Hits

Brady Rose Hays Larks (KS) 0.75 ERA, 2-0 Record, 12 Innings, 14 K’s, 3 BB, 4 Hits

Parker Smith Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) 1.50 ERA, 2-0 Record, 12 Innings, 11 K’s, 2 BB

Catchers

Alex Birge Hutchinson Monarchs (KS) .250 BA, HR, 6 RBI, 1.000 FLD %, 33 PO, 2-4 TOS

Infielders

1B – Gavin Kash Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) .520 BA, 13 Hits, 8 RBI, 6 2B, .760 SLG%, 1.000 FLD%

2B – Gianni Horvat Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) .500 BA, 8 Hits, 6 RBI, .563 SLG%, 1.000 FLD%

3B – Sawyre Thornhill Hutchinson Monarchs (KS) . 385 BA, 5 Hits, HR, 3 RBI, .615 SLG%, .467 OB%

SS – Ryan Leary Liberal Bee Jays (KS) .500 BA, 6 Hits, .583 SLG%, .571 OB%, .941 FLD%

Outfielders

Lenny Ashby Cheney Diamond Dawgs (KS) .500 BA, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Hits, 1.200 SLG%, .615 OB%

Leo Jiminian Hays Larks (KS) .421 BA, 3 2B, 8 Hits, 1.000 FLD%

Nick McLain Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) .571 BA, HR, 5 RBI, 12 Hits, .952 SLG%, 1.000 FLD%

Utility

Nate Rombach (C/DH) Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) .434 BA, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 2B, 10 Hits, 6 Games, .869 SLG%

Designated Hitter

Ronnie Bailey Lonestar Baseball Club (TX) .333 BA, 5 RBI, HR, 4 Hits, .583 SLG%, 2 SB

Manager – Bill Pintard, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)

MVP – Gavin Kash, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)

Home Run Trophy – Nate Rombach, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)

Leading Prospect to the Majors – Gavin Kash, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)

Eric Pintard Most Inspirational Player – Leo Jiminian, Hays Larks (KS)

Best Team Offensive – Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)

Best Team Defensive – Liberal Bee Jays (KS)

Best Team Pitching – Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)

Leading Pitcher – Will Maynard, Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)

Leading Hitter – Nick McLain, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)

Michael Dean RBI Award – Gavin Kash, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)

Outstanding Local Player – Brady Pacha, Haysville Aviators (KS)

Hap Dumont Award – William “Bill” Polzin

Plans being made for 86th NBC World Series

June 1, 2020

by: Chris Arnold

Posted: May 28, 2020 / 11:21 PM CDT / Updated: May 29, 2020 / 07:29 AM CDT

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – For 85 years, through both the Great Depression and World War II, the NBC World Series hasn’t missed a beat.

While the coronavirus pandemic has put the clamps on the sports world over the past few months, the annual Summer baseball classic is moving forward.

“We are planning to play the NBC World Series to start sometime in July or early August,” said Kevin Jenks, Tournament Director/General Manager for the NBC World Series.

While teams have come from as far away as Alaska in years past, Jenks says that might not be the case this year.

“Typically, we’ve had a field of 30-32 teams, we are probably going to be looking at something like half that now,” said Jenks.

In years past, the NBC World Series took place at Lawrence Dumont Stadium. In 2019, it moved over to Eck Stadium at Wichita State University, while Riverfront stadium was being built.

“We do have an agreement in principle with the Wind Surge that we will play down there, but we are at the mercy of Major League Baseball right now,” said Jenks.

With the Wichita Wind Surge season hanging in the balance, the NBC World Series could potentially be the first event held at the new ballpark.

“If they don’t have any other events and if they feel the NBC World Series makes sense to have the first major event there, then that’s great, that’s fantastic,” said Jenks.

In order to make it all happen, Jenks says there will need to be fans in the stands.

“We couldn’t hold the NBC World Series without fans, so, we will need to meet a minimum requirement basically of how many fans, we are still looking at that from a lot of different models,” said Jenks. “We will make sure that the safety of our players and our fans first and foremost.”

Jenks says they are looking at two different scenarios revolving around the 86th NBC World Series.

He says one would be the opportunity of the NBC World Series being played earlier in August. Another scenario would include starting up in mid-August.

What does MLB plan to return mean for Wichita Wind Surge, NBC World Series?

May 12, 2020

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) Will the Wichita Wind Surge take the field this summer? Will the tradition-rick NBC World Series played in Wichita every late July into August go on as scheduled?

These are a couple questions Eyewitness News looks into following Major League Baseball’s announced plan to begin its 2020 season on July 4.

The news from the MLB is something Wichita Wind Surge owner Lou Schwechheimer says is a welcome first step for baseball fans. The Wind Surge is a Triple-A affiliate for the Miami Marlins.

Schwechheimer says he’s been in constant communication with league officials and that any decision regarding when the Wind Surge could play would come from Minor League Baseball. He adds that seeing baseball in Wichita is important, but not as important as keeping players, workers and fans safe and healthy.

As Wichita’s new professional team waits for news on whether it’ll be able to make its debut this summer, one of the game’s oldest tournaments in Wichita also waits to see if it can go on.

“The plan is to play the NBC World Series this summer, going 86 years strong,” says NBC World Series General Manager and Tournament Director Kevin Jenks. He says tournament officials are working through their own set of obstacles in hopes of avoiding a break in the tradition,from trying to find host families for players, working with amateur leagues across the country and talking with local health officials.

Jenks says the ideal time frame is for the tournament to still happen in late July and early August, but with nothing set in stone, he says the talks with Sedgwick County health officials are constant.

But unlike Major League Baseball, Jenks says the NBC World Series couldn’t go on if fans can’t attend the games.

“If we are in a situation where we can’t have fans in the stands, then the NBC World Series won’t happen,” he says. “Just the revenue that comes from the tickets and everything associated with people attending the game, that would certainly limit us.”

Jenks notes that the NBC World Series wants to be something for the entire Wichita community to enjoy, but more importantly wants to make sure playing the tournament is the right thing to do.

“We are just going to play the hand that we are dealt and go from there,” he says. ‘Right now, we are planning to play and are looking forward to it.”

USA Baseball to Continue Offering Online Community Clinics

May 5, 2020

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball announced today it is expanding its offerings of online Community Clinics through the month of May in an effort to support coaches and parents currently enrolled in its Coaches Certification pathway. The free clinics will take place on the following dates:

Wednesday, May 6 from 9 p.m.-12 a.m. ET
Wednesday, May 13 from 12 – 3 p.m. ET
Saturday, May 16 from 12 – 3 p.m. ET
Wednesday, May 20 from 9 p.m. -12 a.m. ET (En Español)
Wednesday, May 27 from 12 – 3 p.m. ET

Registration for each clinic is now open with limited spots available on CoachClinics.org.

The Coaches Certification pathway is a free three-tiered program consisting of ascending levels: “A” Certification, “B” Certification and “C” Certification. All of the levels contain a series of courses that cover topics such as health and safety, creating a positive team environment, recognizing and responding to misconduct, practice planning, game management and skill-specific development.

This program requires the participation in a Community or Regional Clinic in order to obtain a “C” Certification. The clinics are typically held year-round at facilities nationwide in partnership with the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association and GameChanger, but will be hosted online for the first time ever in 2020. The clinics are run by veteran coaches from all levels of baseball in order to proliferate a culture of continuing education, development and mentorship.

Committed to co-host the online clinics are coaches from Cal State Fullerton, Flower Mound Marcus High School (Texas), the Minnesota Twins, the University of South Carolina, USA Baseball and Wabash Valley Community College.

Upon completion of the certification, coaches simultaneously satisfy the training requirements set forth by Senate Bill 534 (SB 534) and also begin the process of becoming Pure Baseball compliant. In November 2018, USA Baseball announced Pure Baseball, a zero-tolerance policy regarding abuse constructed in cooperation with SB 534 and the policies created by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. To concurrently become Pure Baseball compliant, coaches need only submit to and pass an annual background check, which can be done at USABDevelops.com through USA Baseball’s service provider, JD Palatine.

For more information on the Coaches Certification program and to begin the courses required to complete certification, visit CoachClinics.org. In addition to this new program, all courses and resources for players, coaches, parents and umpires on USABDevelops.com are available at no cost to users and aim to provide a positive baseball experience for all.

Wichita Bids Adieu to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium

October 30, 2018

Wichita Bids Adieu to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium

The banging and clanging of metal tools striking against steel seats echoed throughout Lawrence-Dumont Stadium; the ping and pangs were loud enough to even disrupt the ghost of Ray“Hap” Dumont, who convinced the City of Wichita to build the stadium to host his semi-amateur baseball in 1935. Many still claim that his presence can be felt since his death at his office in the building 46-years-ago.

On this day, fans were allowed to grab a piece of history or a slice of childhood memories with chair sale. The cash-only event allowed fans of Wichita baseball to purchase seats for as low as $5 for the red seats, $20 for the red/tan seats, and $35 for the blue seats. Fans were encouraged to dig into their toolboxes to be able to remove a seat, or even a row of four, from its foundation on the main concourse.

A total of 250 seats were sold on Saturday according to Troy Houtman, Director of Parks and Recreation. The rest will be given donated to local universities, community colleges, and high schools in the area. A few of the seats will be on display at various bus stops, art galleries, and trendy neighborhoods in town.

After the stadium purge of seats, the “Farewell to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium” began featuring a collection of food trucks, a celebrity softball game, movie screenings, and a firework show. It was a proper send off to a facility that has been the catalyst of copious amounts of memories. Within a few weeks, it will be razed to make way for a new Triple-A ballpark that hopes to create a new tradition of its own beginning in the 2020 season

“Generations have come and gone with Lawrence-Dumont Stadium,” said Kevin Jenks, NBC General Manager/Tournament Director. “Members of the Lawrence and Dumont families attended and it’s hard for them. The NBC has a great relationship with both families. Charley Lawrence and Hap Dumont are responsible for the stadium being built in 1934. Its impact isn’t felt just by those families, LDS has contributed memories for thousands of fans and players over the years.”

The scoreboard will be donated to a local high school, it’s lighting possibly salvaged if it can’t find a new home, and other parts auctioned off to the highest bidder. All remnants of the stadium’s former tenant the Wichita Wingnuts were auctioned off a few weeks ago. Pretty soon there will be nothing but peanut shells that need to be swept up from the building’s main concourse.

The city will pay as much as $83 million for the redevelopment of the property that will also include a new pedestrian bridge that will cross the river, a three-tier building for retail and office space, and other infrastructure. The construction will begin in April of next year and when finish has a capacity for 10,000 fans with fixed seats and social areas.

The NBC will also utilize the stadium for one week during the summer for its amateur World Series while the yet-t0-be-named Triple-A ballclub, currently operating in New Orleans, is on the road. The new stadium will also be home to an NBC museum and office space. Next season, NBC World Series will be held at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University during the construction.

“We’re excited to play at Eck Stadium”, added Jenks who said that more teams have inquired about participating next season in the tournament. “Its amenities are great for our fans and our teams will like the pre-game prep/practice area much more. The only challenge is going through the “get ready” process of moving a new facility for the first time in 85 years. The operations staff at WSU has been professional and accommodating to our unique needs of a two-week event.”

The city hopes to attract 888,400 visitors to the baseball facility that can also be used 10 days a year for charitable and community events. A ballpark village with an outfield entrance will be situated along the river with businesses hoping to fill in the south end of the stadium. Mayor Jeff Longwell said at the official announcement that Arkansas River has been vastly overlooked.

“We have literally turned our backs on this river for decades and decades and decades and now we are embracing the river as the great amenity it should be.”

The ballpark would be completed by March 15, 2020, while the team commits to a 20-year lease with an initial rent payment of $350,000 annually, before it is adjusted to inflation every five years.

It is indeed an end of an era in Wichita; the old ballpark was once serviceable as a home to minor league baseball, but wouldn’t be able to hack it anymore under its current conditions. Although full of nostalgia for many who remember their first time watching a game underneath its old grandstand, the city is due for a modern ballpark to satisfy the appetites and empty the pockets who now attend the game as more of a social event.

The over the eight-decade run of LDS is a strong testament to its stubbornness and unwillingness to cede to more modern ballparks, but at the dawn of the next decade, there will be a state of the art ballpark offering perhaps everything architects in the past have overlooked when designing similar facilities.

“It is a bittersweet situation,” added Houtman. The current Lawrence-Dumont Stadium is 84-years-old and it has so many memories to folks here in Wichita, but the infrastructure is so outdated and the mounting costs of repairs and upgrades have made it fiscally impossible to renovate or sustain in its current state. It is my hope that the folks from Wichita will make many new memories and experience at the new stadium.”

That feeling is also shared by Jenks who knows that it was inevitable to build a new stadium for both a minor league team and amateur tournament.

“All that said, a new stadium is desperately needed. It should have happened 10-15 years ago. The next generation of NBC fans will grow up in a beautiful facility. Plus, the NBC museum will showcase our tradition, history, and nostalgia that so many people have helped build.”

In an age were many ballparks are being knocked down after less than 25 years, an 84-year-old ballpark is something to truly appreciate. However, it is time for a new ballpark that hopes to create as many memories as Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. If there was ever a city waiting for such a moment, it is definitely Wichita, Kansas.

by Marc Viquez | Oct 19, 2018 |

Farewell Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on October 13

October 3, 2018

Hosted by City of Wichita Parks and Recreation, City of Wichita and Wichita District 4

Wichita, help us bid farewell to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium on Oct. 13, starting at 2:30 pm. The event will include the Collegiate High School Marching Band, two exposition softball games, a tribute to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, The Astronauts Band, fireworks, food trucks: Kona Ice NW Wichita, U-Hungry TRUCK, Hot-2-Trot Gourmet Hotdogs and Bar on Demand mobile bartending and more!

A huge thank you to Waste Connections Inc., Farmers Insurance Group and Schreck Financial Group LLC for sponsoring the event.

National Baseball Congress has made a ‘contingency plan’ to leave Lawrence-Dumont

June 30, 2018

BY HAYDEN BARBER

hbarber@wichitaeagle.com

The National Baseball Congress World Series has had a home since 1935, but it might be time to move.

Kevin Jenks, NBC general manager and tournament director, said the 84-year-old non-profit organization has made plans in the event that Lawrence-Dumont Stadium is not made available in 2019. The Wichita Wingnuts announced May 3 that 2018 would be their last season there for the same reason.

The NBC has reached an agreement in principle with Wichita State to use Eck Stadium for its 2019 tournament in the event the city informs the organization of the stadium’s future. The move could cause a smaller tournament field and shorter time frame.

NBC World series games have been played at Eck in the past, but not the entire tournament. Jenks said this is the “contingency plan.”

“It’s never come down to a cost issue at playing at Wichita State,” he said. “It’s always just come down to history. It’s our home. … It would probably be an upgrade from a facility standpoint, but the only thing is that it’s not Lawrence-Dumont.”

Raymond “Hap” Dumont founded the NBC World Series and convinced the city to build a stadium. Jenks said he told the city if it was built, he would bring a nationwide tournament to Wichita.

Eighty-three years later, the NBC World Series is the “largest and the longest continuous sporting event in the country,” Jenks said.

Jenks could not give specifics on the deal with WSU firstly because they have not been ironed out, but secondly because the fate of the NBC World Series is not decided. The city has not informed the NBC of whether the stadium will be available.

“Once the new stadium is built, should Lawrence-Dumont be torn down this year, we would go to Wichita State for one year or two years, whatever it is,” Jenks said. “We have been told by the city we’ll have a home at the new stadium when it’s built.”

The city office declined to comment on the status of Lawrence-Dumont for the NBC and whether there is a plan in place for a new stadium.

The Wingnuts’ future, like the NBC, is in the air as well, general manager Brian Turner said in May. He said the team will announce the team’s future during the 2018 season, which started May 18.

The Wingnuts declined to comment on the status of those decisions.

For the NBC, the seeming fate has been looming for years, Jenks said. Although the city’s announcement on the Wingnuts’ future gave a precursor, the reality is still harsh, he said. The stadium should have been updated or torn down 15 years ago, Jenks said.

“The stadium is not doing well health-wise,” he said. “It’s old. And from an amenities standpoint, there are upgrades that are needed, and I agree that the money spent to update the stadium comes too close as to what it would cost to build a new stadium.

“I have a business side and a personal side to how I look at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. I know there will be several nights this year at 2 in the morning that I’ll sit in the stands and walk around the stadium and think, ‘I’ll miss it.’ ”

For now, Jenks and the NBC are focusing on the world series starting July 27. While the NBC leadership is prepared for the move if it comes, Jenks said he is not completely ruling out staying at Lawrence-Dumont.

The NBC is preparing marketing content surrounding the 84-year history of the world series and Hap Dumont, but Jenks said he has requested the city give him an answer about the stadium’s future before the start of the NBC World Series. That would allow the NBC to “properly commemorate” the world series at Lawrence-Dumont.

Still, even amidst all the uncertainty, Jenks said all is calm as preparations continue.

“I would say panic level is at a zero on a scale from 1-10,” he said. “Right now, it’s laser focused on getting everything together. And whatever happens after that, happens.

“The organization, the event isn’t going anywhere. We’re on much more solid ground than we have been in many years.”

Wichita Bids Adieu to Lawrence-Dumont Stadium

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