Root For ‘Em

I’m fixing to root for’ em!

I’m talking about the Jasper County seven and eight year old State Championship Girls Softball Team, the Dixie Darlings, who depart for the World Series on July 31.

I’ll be rooting for them because I’m proud of them. Kids need to be proud of things too. They want to be proud of their parents and grandparents, and of their schools and sports and other activities. This sense of pride tends to steer them onto the right road of life.

Civic pride seems to put them on the right track, and after observing two generations of kids participating in youth sports, it is my opinion this is an excellent way to develop the character and mind of young people enabling them to go on to a productive life.

According to their official website, the policy of Dixie Softball is to promote the development of strong character, a right attitude and a sense of responsibility and citizenship in youngsters, using the game of softball as a vehicle. It is the purpose of Dixie Softball to achieve this goal through fair play, good sportsmanship and congenial fellowship, with adult leaders providing the example.

What a fine mission Dixie Youth has! And notice the last part: “With adult leaders providing the example.” May the Good Lord take a liking to the parents and others who devote their time, resources and energy toward this goal, the ones who shun the damnable temptations surrounding them and cling to the well being of the kids, the family and doing the right thing.

I’ve driven countless miles and spent many a morning, afternoon and night at little league, middle school, high school and college fields, sometimes in the cold rain and sometimes in the blistering heat, watching kids attempting to make folks proud of them. And I’ve discovered if we give them that opportunity, they will usually make us proud of them.

I bought one of the World Series Bound Dixie Darling’s ribbons at the Market on The Square last Saturday, to help finance their trip. I’ll be putting it on my mailbox to show my support and pride of them. I suspect they’ll be there on the Square again this Saturday, so in between buying your tomatoes and butter beans, consider buying one of their ribbons and placing it at your place of business or home.

If you can’t do that and still want to contribute something to defray their trip expenses, go by the Bank of Monticello and they’ll be glad to take your contribution and deposit it into the Monticello Georgia All Stars Account.

You’ll be able to watch this group make you proud during the tournament by watching them live on the internet at: www.jockjive.com.

Remember these names: Gracie Hunt, Destiny Cook, Mackenzie Tripp, Erin Carter, Madison Abbott, Kenzie Abbott, Hailey Hooper, Jade Cole, Taylor Lawrence, O’neil Sealy, Annie Corbin, and Lucy Tuggle.

I’ll guarantee you these young ladies will go on to do great things, be outstanding citizens and be fixing to make us all proud.