09/08/2026
The YMCA, Not Just Good for Kids
My name is Tom Ratzlaff, and yes, while raising my three children, the YMCA was a great resource for us.
My children all went to preschool through the Y. They all played youth soccer, T-ball, and flag football year after year through the Y. My kids grew, and their skills and confidence climbed.
It took me a while to realize, but as a young father all those years ago, the YMCA was helping me grow as well. With every sports season that came, a volunteering opportunity presented itself. As a youth coach, I was learning as much, if not more, than my players about working with kids, teamwork, patience, and being a positive voice.
Personally, the YMCA is also the place where I learned about Noon Ball. This was, and still is, a group of adults that meets three times a week to play pickup basketball games. The workouts are great, and friendships have been made. It always felt like more than that, though. These individuals are dads and moms, local professionals and workers, and volunteers in the Hastings community.
The YMCA benefits the community and families in so many ways. For me and so many others, it brings people together. It gave me an opportunity to get involved, grow, and give back a little.
— Tom Ratzlaff
