Welcome Home Tribe!

With pride, our community welcomes home a group of young heroes called the Virginia Tribe! The Patrick County state champion 10 and under baseball team returned home late last week after competing in the USSA World Series in Lexington, S.C. While the Tribe did not win the World Series, this outstanding group of young players did bring home a consolation trophy.

After losing their first four games of the tournament and being placed in the consolation round, the Virginia Tribe came back to post two consecutive victories and earn the championship and team trophy in the USSA World Series consolation bracket. Each of the players also received individual trophies. The strong finish capped a remarkable season that was highlighted by a state title and a once-in-a-lifetime experience in South Carolina during the World Series. Each of the players, their parents, and their fine coaches should be as proud of their performance this season as our commuity is of them. It was a great honor just to make it to the World Series. The players have been outstanding young ambassadors for our county throughout the season...and we proudly welcome them back to Patrick County, home sweet home!

Congratulations to team members Trevor Belcher, Tucker Brown, Cayden Dalton, Landon Gunter, Isaiah Hall, Aubrey Hopkins, Eli Horton, Will Hylton, Jacob Martin, Nathan Perry, and Austin Vernon. The Virginia Tribe is coached by Laine Dalton, Ricky Vernon, and Garry Brown. We commend the parents of these players for their dedication, support, and encouragement. Also to be commended are the citizens in the community who supported fund-raising events that generated over $10,000 to pay for the team's trip to South Carolina.

A special event is being planned to honor the Virginia Tribe baseball team as well as the Patrick County Dixie Youth Minor and Major League All-Star teams, all of whom have had outstanding seasons. Kevin and Paula Polachek and I are organizing the event which has been temporarily placed on hold until the Major League All-Stars season is completed. Thanks to the many businesses and organizations that have made donations that will help to make the post-season event possible. Stay tuned to "The Great Day in the Morning Show" for details on when the "Welcome Home Heroes" celebration will take place and come out and honor the youth of our county!

Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!

Richard