STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) – Zenoff Park is known for its softball games, especially the annual firefighters vs. police officers matchup, and on Sunday the teams were back and more motivated than ever to raise money for charity.
This year marks the 10th year of the “Guns ‘n’ Hoses” softball tournament, an event that not only brings firefighters and police officers from the Stevens Point and Plover areas together on the playing field, but also raises money for charity. All proceeds from the event are donated to local veterans programs.
“This year’s event is specifically raising funds to help repair all-terrain truck vehicles that allow disabled veterans to access the incredible trail system we have in Stevens Point,” said event coordinator Tracy Tauffener.
Funds raised from the event will also benefit Dream Flight, the Portage County Veterans Council Relief Fund and the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.
Over the past decade, Guns N’ Hoses has raised approximately $359,000, with more than $100,000 of that going to the Pfiffner Park Veterans Memorial in 2022.
“This year we expect to raise about $15,000,” Tauffener said.
The objective of the match is very important, but the chance to settle things is just that much more. Both teams went into the 2024 match tied and it was exciting time to see who would come out victorious.
“It’s always about having fun. We have a lot of veteran players, but right now our record and the officers’ record is 4-4. We want to break that record and bring home a win,” said Horses captain Ethan Przybylski.
He said his favorite part of the annual event is the social aspect of it.
“(I) enjoy the camaraderie between the two teams, the badmouthing of each other. It’s a lot of fun,” Przybylski said.
The fourth event will feature a mascot race, last year won by SPASH Panther and this year Sparky was up for the win, with the Dalmatians taking home the championship trophy and bragging rights.
This year the “Guns” won with a final score of 20-12. Currently, the Guns are in first place overall, but the “Hose” are looking forward to next year’s competition and trying to reclaim the title once again.
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