City, Rushmore Little League, family and friends honor Craig Tieszen
City and Rushmore Little League officials joined family and friends of the late Craig Tieszen to rename the Rushmore Minors Field as Craig Tieszen Field in field ceremonies June 13.
City Photo/Darrell Shoemaker
Dedication ceremonies were held this evening at the Rushmore Little League baseball complex for the naming of the Minors field as Craig Tieszen Field. Tieszen served 32 years with the Rapid City Police Department including as Chief from 2000 to 2007. He also served as a state legislator from 2009 until his untimely death last November.
The Rushmore Little League Board and the City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board unanimously approved the proposal last month to dedicate the field in Tieszen’s honor.
Mayor Steve Allender led a city delegation at the event that included Council President Jason Salamun, Council member Lisa Modrick and Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Biegler.
Mayor Allender along with Police Chief Karl Jegeris shared memories and stories of Craig. Salamun also shared comments as did Rushmore Little League president Jim Bussell.
Craig’s wife Deb provided an emotional sharing of Craig’s dedication and passion in all his endeavors and challenged the young players to live and play with Craig’s level of passion, fun and love of life.
After the ceremonies a game between the Rushmore Twins and Yankees was held.