The Fast-pitch division of the Macon County Girls Softball League wrapped up the 2002 season on Saturday by holding their annual divisional tournament. All six teams competed in the double elimination tournament, which continued non-stop throughout the day.

Teams from North Central Telephone, F&M U-lock, Washington Mutual Finance, Tri-County Electric, Citizens Bank, and Macon Bank squared off against each other on a hot July day to see who would emerge as tournament champs.

By 9:30 p.m., the final pitch had been delivered, the last out had been recorded and the final cheeseburger had been grilled.

As the dust settled on the field, congratulations were in order for the young ladies of F&M U-Lock, who had roared out of the losers' bracket to defeat Tri-County Electric in two consecutive games and claim the championship. F&M Coach Mike Compton said "the girls just refused to give up". Tri-County Electric was awarded the second place trophy for the tournament.

The battle for first place in the regular season was decided last Friday night in the final regular season game, which pitted F&M U-Lock against a tough Washington Mutual Finance squad. Both teams played hard on a muddy field and, in the end, F&M U-Lock took the regular season championship, with Washington Mutual Finance gaining the second place trophy.

The 2002 Fast Pitch Division All-stars were announced Saturday night as well, with the following players being name to the 14 - 15 year old All Star team: Chelsea Compton, Brittani McKenzie, and Annie Coley from F&M U-lock; Kayla Linville, Tabitha Key and Katie Andrews from Tri-County Electric; Meagn King and Tabitha Cross from Washington Mutual Finance; Kayce Wilson, Lindsay O'Hair, and Lindsey Shrum from Macon Bank and Trust; Jenna Coffee and Samantha Davis from North Central Telephone Cooperative; and Ashley Green from Citizens Bank.

The 11-13 year old All Star team consisted of : Maghen Brawner and Holly Compton from F&M U-Lock; Keshia Andrews from Tri-County Electric; Jenna Prock and Natalie Tuck from Washington Mutual Finance; Sara Dallas and Amie Shaw from Macon Bank and Trust; Chelsea Blankenship and Brandi Sircy from North Central Telephone Cooperative; and Rebecca Carter, Sarah Carter, Jordan White, and Jaclyn Carter from Citizens Bank.

The following young ladies, age 11 - 13, received "Honorable Mention" from the coaches of the division: Amber King from Tri-County Electric; Casey Russell from Washington Mutual Finance; Stephanie O'Hair from Macon Bank And Trust; Dani Tirjan and Kayla Sutton from North Central Telephone Cooperative.

The Macon County Parks and Recreation Association, Inc., would like to express our sincere thanks to the players for their sportsmanship and enthusiasm throughout the 2002 season; to the parents and dedicated volunteers without whom this league could not operate; to the umpires for their hard work and understanding; to the Macon County Board of Education for providing fields to play on; and to the sponsors who put our girls in uniforms and helped defray the expense of league operation.

As was recently mentioned at the end of the Coach Pitch Division season, you all deserve a standing ovation for your efforts this season.

It is the goal of M.C.P.R.A., Inc., to continue ot improve the Macon County Girls' Softball League in the coming seasons; not only by expanding the size of the league to involve more young ladies from our area, but by repairing and renovating the facilities on which they compete.

The M.C.P.R.A., inc., is comprised of an eleven member Board of Directors, who are all volunteers. Each board meeting is advertised in the local papers, as well as on the radio. We strongly encourage anyone who is interested in advancing the opportunities for the youth of Macon County to participate in character building sports, such as girls' softball, and to attend the meetings and take an active role in your community.