Mariners raising money for trip to Alaska

The 2007 Class A state champion Mission Valley Mariners are headed to Anchorage, Alaska, to represent the state of Montana in the American Legion Regional Championships. They will be the first team in Montana history to play American Legion baseball in Alaska and will take on the Oregon state champs on Aug. 17 in the first round. But now they need your help.

While the local American Legion league is paying for their tickets from Seattle to Alaska, the Mariners still face a huge bill in getting from the shores of Flathead Lake to the shores of the Puget Sound. Head coach Jami Hanson estimates that between the hotel bill in Seattle and the plane tickets from Spokane to Seattle, they are looking at an $11,000 bill.

If you would like to help support your local team of 15-19 year olds and ease their financial burden, please call Diane Locke at 676-6000 or Robin Wallace at 883-2902. You can also mail donations to PO Box 1396, Polson, MT 59860.

"We greatly appreciate any support," said Hanson. "The boys have earned the right to be the first team in Montana history to play ball in Alaska and I don't want them to have to worry about money. I want them to worry about kicking some Duck or Beaver tail."

Also, the drawing for the 1950's Chevy will be held this Saturday, as part of the Polson Festival Days events, but plenty of tickets are still available. The team will be selling those tickets this weekend, so look for the car, and team members, at the car show Saturday.