Polson youth softball roundup

It was a big weekend for Polson. Last week Polson softball girls went to Whitefish and Kalispell to compete. The Lady Pirates locked up the conference crown Saturday with a big win over Whitefish to avenge their only conference loss of the season. Head coach Larry Smith likes the confidence the girls have going into state.

The Kalispell Youth Softball Association put on a three day Midseason Tournament at the Kidsport Complex in Kalispell over that same weekend and tournament organizers did a great job of running things. The tourney hosted 14U, 12U and 10U teams from Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Polson, Thompson Falls, Ronan, Cranbrook B.C. and Plains. Competition was sharp with many tough games.

Polson girls took command and kept control to the end. Of the 33 teams that made the tournament, Polson was able to place as follows. The 14U Super 1 Foods team finished first with the Terrace Tigers ending in fifth after losing out to the Super 1 Foods team. In the 12U, Western States Wildcats took first and CenturyTel Cougars followed in third place, with the Subway Stealers not far behind in fifth.

Polson sent four 10U teams to Kalispell and almost swept the field. Fairchild Concrete Braves played awesome. In all six games not a single run was allowed and they finished first. It is the third year in a row that the Braves have won this tournament. Second place went to the Glacier Bank Pirates whose only loss was to the Braves in a hard fought battle in the championship game. Polson’s strong effort continued as the Cove Deli Monsters took third place with some great play. And the fourth team, the Edward Jones Angels, almost made it into the playoff after losing out in the next to the last game finishing fifth out of the 12 10U teams. After tough regular season games against the top three finishers, the Angels now realize just how good they really are.

The whole community is proud of what these girls have accomplished this season. The coaches and assistants deserve our thanks for the dedication and hours spent working with kids, prepping fields and organizing these programs. Larry Smith and his dedication to our High School Softball program and success over the years have given the Youth Programs a goal to attain. Tom Kenney has done a great job of running the Polson Youth Softball Program this year with Lisa and their kids spending countless hours running concession stands and helping out everywhere.

What a job the parents have done getting the girls ready for and to the practices and games. Getting windblown, dust in the eyes, rained on, cold, sun burnt and hit with foul balls have not kept them away. I am sure that there are many new acquaintances and friendships brought together because of these programs that will last a lifetime.

Let the sponsors know that you appreciate and support them for all that they contribute each year. This year is a difficult year for many sponsors yet somehow they came through. Without that support it would be very hard to have any program at all. 

Thanks to everyone involved, the community is really proud.