Washington 8U all stars punch ticket to Boone

Published 7:34 pm Wednesday, July 20, 2016

It took a ton of resolve from a group of young ballplayers, but Washington’s 8U all-star baseball team has earned itself a trip to the state-championship tournament in Boone.

The boys opened the Little Tar Heel tournament on Saturday in Williamston and lost their first game to be immediately relegated to the loser’s bracket. It was a tough setback right off the bat as the all stars had to collect themselves and get right back to business the following Sunday morning.

“They smiled and took it on the chin,” said coach Jason Arnold. “Sunday morning, we got up for an early start and played two games on Sunday just to stay alive. We won both of those and really got our momentum going to keep us going.”

Going into Thursday’s final game of the tournament, Washington had won four games in a row after losing on the first day. It culminated with Wednesday’s win over a stout Southern Pitt squad.

Arnold knew what the stakes were on Wednesday. He was approached by the district representative beforehand and informed that the winner of that game would be awarded the third seed in the state tournament.

The players on the field didn’t have a clue.

“I didn’t say a word to anybody,” Arnold said. “I kept it to myself. The game played on and we got to the sixth inning. The shortstop made two outs back-to-back and the third batter up for Southern Pitt struck out. We were up by one run and didn’t have to go up to bat.”

Once it set in that the win was sealed, the all stars were thrilled to live to play another game. However, they still had no clue of their bid for Boone.

“For a moment, the kids were in a couple seconds of silence,” Arnold said. “Then they realized they had won the game and they ran to the sidelines. We all kind of went crazy.

“I got them out of the dugout and on the field. I said, ‘Guys, do you know what that win tonight gives us?’ They all said, ‘Oh we get to play tomorrow!’ I said, ‘No, guys, we get to go play in Boone.’ They were real ecstatic and really happy — the parents, too. This is a great group of kids with supportive parents.”

No matter the age level, it takes a special group of athletes to bounce back the way Washington did. Arnold believe the capacity to make that happen boils down to the mentality he and the other coaches have instilled in their all stars since day one.

“One thing I pushed all season was to tell them to relax and that we’re having fun,” Arnold said. “I’ve carried that same idea through this all-star process. We’re having fun, we’re going to learn something and support our team. Those are the players that have great sportsmanship, tremendous teamwork and praise each other.”

They’re going to keep the same approach going into Boone. The all stars wrapped up the Little Tar Heel tournament Thursday. As they prepare for the state tournament, Arnold intends to do more of the same — encourage relaxation and fun. He said he’d give the boys the weekend off, allowing them time to go to the beach or do whatever else they’d like to do with family and friends. Then they’ll have a practice or two before taking off for the mountains.

No matter how things shake out from here on out, Arnold had one message for the team:

“For me as a coach, parent and player, this has been an absolute honor and a privilege to have these kids. It’s been special to put this together and do this,” he said. “It’s indescribable.”