Stephens memorialized at PHS

Patterson Lumberjills softball supporter Ned Stephens was memorialized Wednesday when it was announced following the Lumberjills’ game with Tara that a plaque honoring him would be placed at the Lumberjills’ Field in Patterson.
Patterson head softball coach Coby Minton said he was approached by several parents who were close to Stephens about honoring him and family friend Mike Accardo did the legwork to honor him.
His widow, Geralyn Stephens, along with his daughter, Casey Stephens, were told of the plans at the ceremony Wednesday. Casey Stephens is a senior on this year’s Patterson High School softball team.
“Mr. Ned was responsible for a lot of stuff that you see around this field,” Minton said. “He was responsible for a lot of work that was done, just the overall care of the field.”
The plaque will be affixed to the back of the backstop, Minton said, “that way he’s always at the field with us.”
Geralyn Stephens said the honor is “just an awesome feeling.”