To the editor:

On behalf of South Whidbey Little League I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the South Whidbey community who work so tirelessly to make our program a success.

This season we had nearly 200 players involved with our program and provided approximately 40 scholarships to cover the cost for those players in need. We were able to field 16 teams for players age 4 to 15 in both softball and baseball. None of this could have been possible without those individuals who stepped up to volunteer.

Every year it is a struggle to get volunteers to step up and this year was no exception. However, those that did, did the best job possible under the circumstances and I for one appreciate everything they did to make this a fun, albeit wet, season for our players.

When you meet the following people on the street please take a moment to thank them for being there to coach your kids: Jeff Fisher, Brian Sterba, Cody Haynes, Taylor Todd, Mandy Jones, J.J. Edwards, Shane Thrasher, Melissa and Ben Ziss, Angie and Arne Pratt, Olivia Batchelor, Steve West, James Petty, Jeff Daly, Mark Miller, Kevin Klopfenstein, Chris Schott, Curt Leroy, Nicki Fry, Greg Grady, Bill Patterson, Craig Antich, Eddie Sergeant, Henry Pope, Doug Holbert, Leif Albertsen, Bill Eckert, Jeff Hanson, Steve Eckert, Cyndi Wimberly and Bobbie Weitzel. (I apologize if I have forgotten anyone, the list was long).

In addition to our hardworking and dedicated coaches we had several volunteers who went above and beyond for our program. Jay Reafs, our umpire-in-chief, had the thankless job of finding volunteer umpires for all our games. Debbie Wilkie and Dee Boenish made sure our players had the equipment and uniforms they needed to look and play like a team.

Olivia Batchelor organized our rookie and T-ball divisions for those players just starting out in our program. Greg and Marie Grady organized the donation of our used equipment and uniforms to an orphanage in Mexico. Lori Sutfin was the force behind our concession stand this year, working hard to make sure it was staffed and open.  Bob and Audrey Wimberly helped her by making sure it was properly stocked for the season.

The owners and managers of Ken’s Korner Red Apple, Payless and the Goose Community Grocer made generous donations of food and beverages that helped us keep our costs down and make money to pay for those scholarships we made. Honeymoon Bay Coffee Company provided our coffee for the season. Our program wouldn’t be such a success without the support of these local businesses. Thank you!

Last, but not least, I want to thank the South Whidbey Little League board of directors for another great season and all players who showed up, rain or shine (maybe a little more rain than we wanted), with smiles on your faces and the love of the game in your hearts. You are why we all give so freely of our time. Thank you for making this all worthwhile. We hope to see you all back next year.

Thanks for a season of great memories.

DEBBIE HOLBERT

President, South Whidbey Little League