Lufkin Welcome Home Party Set Tonight for U.S. Baseball Champs
Back to back national champions...it's a very, very rare accomplishment, but these Lufkin All-Stars are an extremely special group of young men. A few of them were able to visit the Merrell in the Morning Show before heading off to the regional tournament in Albuquerque.
Last year, the 'Thundering 13' went to Williamsport, Pennsylvania and captured the U.S. title with several nail-biting wins along the way. This year, 6 from that team joined 7 other players to form the Junior League All-Stars (14 and under age group) to form the 'Fierce 14s'. Once again, a U.S. Championship was claimed, this time with the World Series in Taylor, Michigan.
The team will be landing Monday afternoon just before 6 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Then, they'll board a bus on their way home. The community is encouraged to come out to the old K-Mart parking lot to welcome the guys back to Lufkin. They should be in town sometime close to 8 p.m. There will be a short ceremony to introduce the team and show off their trophy.
The players and coaches are:
- #1 CAMERON JACKSON
- #2 GAVIN DEL TORO
- #3 CHARLIE DEATON
- #4 HUNTER DITSWORTH
- #5 KOLBY KOVAR
- #6 CHIP BUCHANAN
- #7 AIDAN WOOD
- #10 BEBO HINOJOSA
- #11 KYLE JOHNSON
- #12 SAM FLORES
- #13 CHRISTIAN MUMPHERY
- #14 RICKY RODRIGUEZ
- #15 MARK REQUENA
- HEAD COACH - ORALIO FLORES
- ASST. COACHES - RYAN DEATON, JUAN HINOJOSA
Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without Bud Maddux. This legendary baseball guru was the head coach of last year's team and was a major part of mentoring this year's team. Thanks, Coach!!
Official championship t-shirt orders are being taken by Sew Junkies. All profits will help the families offset expenses. Get more details here.