Coshocton softball hosts autism awareness games

A special event will happen Saturday, April 4 when the Coshocton High School softball team plays a double-header against Tusky Valley. The teams will play to raise awareness of autism with special uniforms for the day and T-shirt sales to raise money.

The games will be played at Alvin Aultman Field, the softball complex beside Stewart Field in Coshocton. The first game will begin at noon and the second around 2 p.m. There is no cost to attend the games.

Peighton Lahna is the head varsity coach for Coshocton softball. She played for Coshocton as a student under her sister Danielle Patterson’s coaching, and they had an autism awareness game then.

“I watched how it brought not only our team together, but families whose children were diagnosed with autism,” Lahna said. “I have had the opportunity to work with children diagnosed with autism throughout my career. I also know that a lot of my athletes and/or mentors to my athletes are directly affected by autism, so we’re playing this game to raise awareness.”

Prior to the event, T-shirts will be sold to raise money. Lahna also is hoping families who have a person with autism will attend the games.

“We are planning to run our concession stand that day, along with having a bake sale and a couple little stands with different things to purchase,” Lahna said. “We are also looking for donations from local businesses to have raffle baskets.”

Coshocton softball’s portion of the proceeds from the shirt sale, raffle baskets and bake sale will be donated to the ASK Autism group. ASK Autism is a local parent support group.

For more information about the games or to donate, email Lahna at peightongore@gmail.com.