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| Lady Patriot State Champions !!! |
For the 1st time in the history of our small, rural community, a "team sport" has brought home the State Title. It is only fitting that it be the Lady Patriots fastpitch softball team. No single sport has represented the school better or more consistently through the years.(click the link and read the story)
Raissa was right there rooting for them all the way. Fortunate to have been a part of the 2009 4th place team and the 2010 3rd place team, she along with every other girl who had ever donned a Lady Patriot uniform, was right there on the field with them in spirit. This victory can not be contained by just the players on the field. It must be shared with every player who preceded them, who helped build the winning tradition at Allen Co-Scottsville High. 14 consecutive District Titles. 6 Region Titles since 2000. 2-3rd's, a 4th, 5th, and 7th place finishes in the State.
And now a #1 !!
It was a classic "big school" vs "small school" showdown at the end as Ballard (from Louisville, Ky enrollment 1700+) came in as the #1 ranked team in the state. Ballard entered the tournament with a 35-4 record and had not lost to any team in the state of Kentucky all season. With the double-elimination format of the State Tournament, they left with a record of 39-6 both losses coming to the Lady Patriots. The Lady Patriots finished the season 41-4-1
I watched these girls from coach pitch all the way up. As I look back, much credit must be given to one dedicated parent who assembled a traveling team at the 10 and under stage. His vision was to get a group of the most dedicated local girls and help prepare them to have a shot at making the highschool team. In his dreams he wanted to see some of them get a chance to play at the college level. He challenged and encouraged the girls. He constantly had them playing up in age group. He would often say winning a tournament wasn't much of an accomplishment if you weren't learning and improving your skills. The traveling team name was Southern Ky "Pride". As I looked on the field during this State title run it occurred to me there was a lot of "Pride" on the field. No less than 8 of them had played for the "Pride" traveling team at one point or another.
As for the girls who donned the "Pride" uniform over the years..... at least 10 of them ... including Raissa .... are or will be playing at the college level.
I can't help but think of our very own Juan (Blind Squirrels) at this moment as he has coached girl's soccer over the years. Juan you may never know how much the time and effort you put in to helping young kids out will impact them through the years. My hat is off to you as well as all volunteer youth coaches.
The pride of a whole community rode to the State Tournament with these girls, as it had so many times before. This year they showed the whole state why.
So as we all return to our simple lives here in little ole Scottsville, Ky, we will all take a moment and reflect. Things sure feel a little cheerier here in Allen Co.
sorta like a little slice of heaven...........
Hardballers
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