Sports Editor

Going undefeated is a major challenge for any team, whether it be high school, collegiate, professional or in this case, recreational competition. So many things must go right during an undefeated season and injuries must be kept at a minimum.

This year, four teams playing in Troy’s city leagues ‘ran the table’, so to speak, and finished with unblemished records.

The Dixie Farm League Indians (ages 6-7) have the distinction of being the only baseball team to finish with a perfect 15-0 record in the league. The Dixie Angels Lugnuts softball team (ages 9-10) and the Dixie Ponytails Chicks softball squad (ages 11-12) also finished the year with 15 wins and no losses. The Dixie Belles Lookouts (13-15) finished the season 12-0.

"We are certainly proud of the accomplishment of these youngsters," said Troy Parks and Recreation Director Dan Smith. "To have four teams go undefeated in four separate leagues is an amazing achievement, given the level of competition and talent we have out on the fields."

Buddy Starling, who had the unenviable job of attempting to control 13 rambunctious six and seven year olds as head coach of the Indians, said he and his assistant coaches kept the youngster’s focus on the game of baseball at all times. As a result, his team responded with 15 straight wins.

"These kids were very focused about going out and playing good baseball," he said. "We (the coaches) had rules that they had to follow. We didn’t let the players eat or drink in the dugout and all of their uniforms had to be worn properly."

Kenneth Carter, head coach of the Lugnuts, said all of his players contributed to the Lugnuts’ perfect season.

"We didn’t win 15 straight by playing as individuals; we won them playing as a team. They should be proud of what they’ve accomplished because this is something they’ll take with them their entire lives."

Chicks’ head coach Doug Kitchens echoes Carter’s statement about teamwork being the main reason for his squad’s perfect year.

"We had one slogan from the first practice on, ‘if you make the plays you’re supposed to make and some of the plays you’re not supposed to make, we’ll be fine,’ and that’s what happened," Kitchens said. "But we couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of girls. The coaches enjoyed the season and so did the girls."