Details

Runyon Sports Complex

Pack The Park

The 21st annual Art and Lorraine Gonzales "Pack the Park" Youth Clinic took place on Friday, April 10, at Pueblo's Runyon Field Sports Complex in conjunction with the Thunderwolves’ Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) baseball game with New Mexico Highlands University.

Coaches and players from the CSU Pueblo baseball program and local high schools provided instruction for the clinic, which was open to K-8 players.

Each participant at the clinic will receive a free t-shirt, a hot dog, chips, and a drink. Participants wore their uniforms and brought their gloves and bats. They were instructed in hitting, fielding, throwing, and pitching. 

The goal of the Pack the Park was to provide local youth softball and baseball players with the best clinic and opportunity to experience CSU Pueblo baseball and Runyon Field.

Before the start of the RMAC game, the JSK Foundation donated $5,000 to the Runyon Sports Complex.

Below are pictures from the event. 

Donation helps Pueblo families with youth baseball, softball costs

By Jessica Skropanic
April 11, 2026
The Pueblo Chieftain

Kids in southern Colorado could see lower costs for youth baseball and softball, thanks to a $5,000 donation from the James S. Kunzman Foundation to the Runyon Sports Complex.

The donation is intended to help cover the rising costs of equipment and participation fees, the foundation announced. Funds will be used to purchase shared gear such as bats, balls, helmets, and catchers’ equipment that multiple players can use over several seasons.

"This support helps us meet a real need for kids and families in Pueblo," said Runyon Sports Complex General Manager Larry Romero in the announcement. "The cost of gear keeps going up, and this kind of donation helps us put equipment in kids’ hands and keep them on the field."

The donation was presented during the "Pack the Park" event at Runyon Field on April 10. Roughly 800 local children participated in a pregame parade before the CSU Pueblo versus New Mexico Highlands game. The event brought together families, coaches, community leaders, and supporters to keep youth sports accessible, the announcement said.

Runyon Sports Complex is a major hub for youth baseball and softball in the region, serving thousands of children each week, according to the announcement. For many families, the cost of participation can reach hundreds of dollars, making community support increasingly important.

"This is about keeping kids able to play today and building something lasting for the community over time," said Samuel Kunzman, president and founder of the James S. Kunzman Foundation, in the announcement. "We want to help cover the cost of the gear and support kids need, but we also want to create experiences and programs that bring families together and strengthen the baseball and softball culture in Pueblo."

Kunzman Foundation plans sports programs expansion.
Runyon Sports Complex and the Kunzman Foundation also said they're planning additional programs, including youth skills camps and community movie nights.

Events are designed to keep children engaged, bring families together, and build a deeper sense of connection around baseball and softball in Pueblo, the foundation said.

Tyler Borzileri, who played baseball with James S. Kunzman Foundation Founder and President Sam Kunzman at Otero Junior College, was instrumental in boosting the foundation’s efforts.

"Pueblo cares deeply about baseball and softball, and Runyon means a lot to this community. This was never meant to be a one-time gesture. It is the beginning of a longer-term commitment to helping kids and families here. It is important to remember where you come from and support the folks who supported you. That is what we are all about," Borzileri said in the announcement.

This story was created by Jessica Skropanic, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).