WESTLOCK – Dozens of ball players, family members and coaches gathered to celebrate another successful season at the Westlock Minor Ball Association’s year-end wind up.
The event at Keller Field June 21, included award presentations and a barbecue and saw medals presented to rally cap teams as well as individual heart n’ hustle and most improved player awards to higher division baseball and softball teams from 9U to 13U.
“We wanted a nice way to send the kids off and to watch their coaches play a game (with the Red Lions).” said kids division coordinator Chyan Brand. “It was a fabulous season — definitely a great turnout number-wise and quite a few new board members for Westlock Minor Ball. We had a great group of kids, great group of coaches and parent volunteers to help out which always makes the season go by quickly as well as enjoyable.”
More than 140 kids ages four to 14 registered for minor ball this season, noted Brand comprising a total of 12 teams in different age categories. The regular season began in early April and finished at the end of June with two ball tournaments — a girl’s softball tournament was held in Westlock and a tournament for 13U boys was held in Busby.
“They are just our year-end league tournaments. All of the league teams (in each division) meet and have some fun games together,” said Brand, adding Westlock teams play in the Pembina League.
A couple of highlights for the 2022 season included hosting the 11U tournament on June 12. Both 11U Westlock teams in Pool A and Pool B finished in second place and took home a silver medal, noted Brand, while another highlight was the baseball and softball camp hosted by the Red Lions at the end of May.
“We’ve already set a meeting to review the season, how it went and what we can do to improve and make the next season better,” Brand concluded.
Player Awards
9U Brown:
Heart and Hustle - Easton O’Quinn
Most Improved - Grayson Sjostrom
9U Brand
Heart and Hustle - Ryker Beamish
Most Improved - Lincoln Miller
U9 Softball Provencal
Heart and Hustle – Ellia Young
Most Improved - Alyvia Mortensen
11U McMeekin:
Heart and Hustle – Nathan Holt
Most Improved – Reid Bowker
11U Krauss
Heart and Hustle – Dylan Gibson
Most Improved – Kolton Krauss
U11 Softball Morkin
Heart and Hustle – Amelia Hala-Tumato
Most Improved – Adalee Alderman
13U Butler
Heart and Hustle - Dayce Madson
Most Improved – Noah McNelly
U13 Softball Krauss
Heart and Hustle - Sadie Budgen
Most Improved – Kate Wolff
