Powell Little League: Kirk Huffstetler Scholarship Fund
Powell Little League Hall of Fame
Since Powell’s inception in 1956, kids and families have been gathering at the park on Saturdays and evenings from April through June. We salute the innumerable hours of coaching, laughing, playing, and planning that have been a part of Powell. Many lives have been touched through strong leadership, encouragement, and camaraderie. It is in that spirit, and in celebration of our 50th year, that we begin our Hall of Fame. From time to time over the next 50 years, we’ll honor one of our outstanding former players, coaches or volunteers.
We begin by honoring Jack Huffstetler. Jack’s commitment to Powell Little League spans decades. He began with Powell in 1963, “persuaded” to coach his nephew’s team when an equipment bag was literally dropped at his feet.
In 1966, Jack was named the All-Star coach and took his team to Powell’s first ever District #2 championship and on to the state tournament. Jack continued to manage through the 1974 season. After a two year break, he returned to Powell Little League in 1977 to manage his own son’s Reliable Credit t-ball team. In 1979 Jack returned to the Major Boys division as manager of L&M Appliance.
In 1982 Powell Little League was building one of its strongest All-Star Teams since the infamous club of ‘66. Jack was selected to manage this latest crop of All-Stars. After weeks of practice, the 1982 team swept district and went on to the state tournament once more.
Jack managed in Powell for three more seasons. At the end of the 1985 season he returned the equipment bag that was dropped at his feet in 1963.
Jack gave countless hours to all his kids. From the spring afternoons he spent hitting pop flies until every outfielder caught the ball to the endless hours he spent throwing batting practice in Abernethy’s gym, every kid got his time. His infielders were always polished because of hours and hours of taking infield, and his pitchers and catchers dominated batters year in and year out. Jack was dedicated to these kids and this league– for 21 seasons. For this, we honor Jack Huffstetler as the first ever inductee to the Powell Little League Hall of Fame.
The Kirk Huffstetler Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Kirk Huffstetler Memorial Scholarship Fund began in the 2003 Powell Little League season. However, the relationship between the Huffstetler family and Powell Little League began long before that time.
In 1982, Kirk and his Powell Little League teammates went undefeated in the District 2 Championship Tournament, advancing to the State Tournament in Klamath Falls. Kirk’s father, Jack, coached the team to their first place finish.
During his years at Franklin High School, Kirk continued to build on the skills he gained in Powell Little League, earning a Portland State University baseball scholarship. After graduating from PSU, Kirk attended the Police Academy. He graduated in 1995, with honors, including the Vic Atiyeh Award and the Lee Brown Award for academics and tactics.
In addition to serving his community as an outstanding Portland Police Officer, in his personal time Kirk continued to give back to the community. With the help of the Police Activities League, Kirk organized sports activities and volunteered his time to the children of North and Northeast Portland.
From his years as a Little League player and All-Star, to his career as a Portland Police officer, and through his volunteer efforts helping the children of our neighborhoods, Kirk Huffstetler’s life embodied the spirit of perseverance.
Tragically, Kirk lost his life in the line of duty in May of 2002. As his family struggled to cope with their devastating loss, they kept returning to those wonderful memories of their Little League years. They contacted the members of the league’s board of directors to discuss a way to memorialize Kirk. With the generosity of Kirk’s family and friends, the Kirk Huffstetler Memorial Scholarship Fund was formed.
Through his memory, children will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy and learn from the Little League experience as Kirk did.
To make a donation to the Kirk Huffstetler Memorial Scholarship Fund, please contact Michael Craddock.
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| Jack "Huffy" Huffstetler |