There is an old life lesson that states “We must learn to crawl, then stand, then walk, then run, and only then, fly. We can’t crawl into flying.”
The meaning is that there is a learning approach that involves taking small steps towards a larger goal and success comes from setting and achieving mini goals and appreciating each milestone conquered.
This past weekend, the Jackson Parish 7U boys All-Star baseball team played in their first ever state tournament. While the results of the two pool play and two championship bracket games weren’t what the dozen players and coaching staff hoped for, the experience was invaluable.
“This is the first time that these guys have ever been in a setting like this which can be very overwhelming,” said JP7U head coach Nick Sampey. “The guys learned from this and next year will be better prepared for this type of environment.
“I am very proud of our guys for the way they battled,” continued Sampey. “They never quit. Never hung their heads and gave it all they had till the last out was made.”
The 2024 Dixie Youth “Coach Pitch” Baseball State Tournament was played in Tioga, LA from Thursday – Saturday, July 4-7. Jackson Parish was one of 12 teams participating from all over the state. Three teams each were assigned to four groups for “pool play” on Thursday and Friday, with JP7U being bunched with Benton and Alexandria, two areas with a tremendous population advantage, in Pool D.
Losses to both relegated JP7U to a #3 seed in the championship bracket that was played on Friday and Saturday where they lost to Pool A #1 seed, Ville Platte, who ended up being the eventual state champion in the opening round. That put the locals into the elimination portion of the 12 team bracket where they lost to host Tioga, who was a #2 seed from Pool C.
Jackson Parish qualified for the state tourney by coming in third place teams in district 8 tournament competition played in Pineville. That in itself was quite an accomplishment being that was the first time ever that the group had ever played in such a setting.
While the coaching staff and players certainly would have liked to have had better fortunes at the state tournament, as stated in the old adage, success is measured by setting and achieving mini goals. One goal the team set at the beginning of the All-Star season was to make it to state. They did that! As result, the boys can walk away with their heads held high, knowing they were successful in achieving their goal.
Special thanks goes to Nick Sampey (head coach) and assistants Raimey Hall, Keith Johnson, Brittany Sampey and Taylor Mathews for taking the time to help teach the fundamentals of baseball to these budding young stars.
Also congratulations go to the members on the team: Kaden Blewer, Matthew Buchan, Uriah Hall, Davis Hudson, Oliver Lee, Kase Mathews, Reed McMillan, Rowan Sampey, Emmett Thomas, Luke Turner, and Lucas Womack.
For complete Dixie Youth 7U “Coach Pitch” State Tournament Results click here and follow the prompts.
