Peninsula College sources

Pirate fans, family members and friends honored the late Dr. Wally Sigmar on Saturday as Peninsula College rededicated the newly refurbished Sigmar Field in a special ceremony that was sandwiched between the Pirate women’s 4-0 win against Whatcom and the men’s 5-0 win over their Orca counterparts.

 

With both Pirate teams lined up across the new artificial turf field, accompanied by a few dozen children representing Port Angeles Youth Soccer. Peninsula President Dr. Tom Keegan and former board of trustees chairman Dan Wilder shared stories about their friend Wally in an emotional ceremony that included Jean Sigmar and her boys Erik and John, as well as family friends and even some of Sigmar’s former players.

 

Dr. Sigmar, who was named to the NWAACC Hall of Fame following a very successful coaching career at Skagit Valley Community College, came to Peninsula as the college’s fourth president in 1993.

 

He was instrumental in resurrecting intercollegiate athletics in 1997 and the college added a soccer program in 2000, the same year he died after a battle with cancer.

 

“I know Wally would be proud of the new facility and the fact that so many young promising athletes will be able to play on this incredible new field,” Keegan said.

 

“We’re very proud of this facility and pleased so many in the community and surrounding also have an opportunity to take advantage of this beautiful playing field.”

 

Since the field opened on April 1, more than 1,400 players have competed on the field’s artificial turf.

 

Sigmar Field is part of the Wally Sigmar Athletic Complex, dedicated in 2000.