Soccer nets slashed in alleged act of vandalism

Six soccer nets were destroyed over the weekend at Smith Fields in an apparent act of vandalism.

Donnie Bestwick, president of Project Whitefish Kids which maintains the fields, said the six nets are unusable and will need to be replaced at a cost of $200 apiece. The nets appear to have been cut horizontally just below the top of the goal post and down each side, leaving a large hole in the middle of the net.

The nets are on the north end of the park where the Whitefish High School boys and girls soccer teams practice and play. The fields are also used by the Flathead Rapids soccer program, among other groups.

Bestwick said the most likely culprits in these scenarios are high school students who are attempting a funny prank or just dislike soccer.

There are no security devices that can be reviewed at Smith Fields.

Bestwick said a police report was filed early Monday morning.

Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial on Monday afternoon said there are currently no suspects in the incident.