Bears eliminated from baseball tourney

The Bland County Bears Dixie Youth participated in the 2007 Dixie Youth Baseball League District Minors tournament held beginning July 7 in Independence.
The Bland County team was eliminated from competition after losses to Galax and Carroll County, but the coach praised his team’s effort.
“I am proud of each one of these kids who stuck with us through the All-Stars tournament” said Coach Randy Kiser. “This was my first year coaching at All-Stars and it was a tremendous experience.”
Tournament highlights for the young Bears squad included a double play against Galax.  Because of vacations and illnesses on the second day of play, many of the team stepped up to play new positions.
“Because our starting hind catcher was unable to attend the tournament because of a conflict with his vacation schedule, Isaiah Dalton stepped up to the plate with limited catching experience to start against Galax on Saturday,” Kiser explained.  “By the next afternoon, Dalton was sick with a stomach virus and was unable to catch in the game against Carroll County.  However, he and his sister Sydney, who was also sick, made it to the game so the team would not have to forfeit.”
The coaches huddled to come up with a substitute catcher at the last minute.  After asking for volunteers, one player stepped forward—Abigayil Clark.  The Bland Bears would be eliminated from the tournament on that day, however, Clark made a big impression with her catching skills.  “To get in there and do what she did took a lot of guts,” said Kiser.  “She improved with every throw and did not ever back out of the box.  She will definitely be on the starting roster for catcher next year.”
Others playing new positions included Kiersten Christian and Tristan Shelton at shortstop, Isaiah Dalton at second base and Jared Dillow pitching.
Lathan Delp manned third base. Dusty Kiser and Isaiah Boyd covered first and pitched for the Bears.  Sydney Dalton played right field.
“The experience was worth it,” said Kiser.  “I am proud of the good sportsmanship showed by all the members of this team.  The coaching staff—Tommy Clark, Phil Nelson and Brian Boyd—worked hard with the players to improve their skills for the tournament.”