FUN AT THE REC: Local teams find success in tournament play in 2017
Published 3:00 am Tuesday, January 2, 2018
There was plenty of fun and excitement to be had at the Troy Recreation Center in 2017. Whether it was in the pool or in the diamond, local teams excelled both locally and throughout the state.
The Tiger Sharks, who have a history of success, continued it in the summer of 2017.
The Tiger Sharks participated in the State Swim Meet in Opelika over the summer and walked away with three state titles, all by Addison Bruner.
“I am proud of her,” said head coach Nicklaus Chrysson “She is one of the athletes that is determined and she is willing to work for what she wants. She truly does push herself during each practice. She loves it and would live in the water if she could.”
Burner competed in three events. In the 50-meter freestyle, 50-meter breastroke and the 100-meter freestyle. Bruner not only won her heats, but also posted the best overall time in each one of her races.
Bruner was one of 24 Tiger Shark swimmers to participate in the state meet.
On the diamond, Troy had 13 teams play in all-star tournaments at home and around the state.
The Troy Sportsplex hosted six different district tournaments over the summer including the 6-under boy’s baseball coach pitch, 8-under Coach Pitch Rookie, AAA Dixie Minor, AAA Minor Rookie, Ozone and Ozone Rookie tournaments.
The Troy Belles were the first team to claim a district championship when they defeated Luverne in dominating fashion 26-7. The Ozone team wrapped up sub-district title over Luverne 12-2, and the Sweetees won in dramatic fashion over Taylor-Rehobeth to also win the district tournament.
They weren’t alone; both coach pitch teams along with the Troy Ozone team also went on to represent Troy after winning their district championship.
The Belles, like they did in the district tournamen,t made easy work of the state tournament on their way to a 10-0 win over AUM to claim the state title and a spot in the World Series.
“It’s kind of surreal,” said manager Brian McLendon after the win. “It’s amazing that we were able to win tonight. These girls played with a lot of passion.”
The Troy AAA team hosted the state tournament. They began the tournament with back-to-back walk off wins over Alexandria and Moulton.
Troy got a win over South Bibb, before falling for the first time against Fairhope in a battle of the unbeaten. In an elimination game, Troy hit three homeruns by Jackson Booth, Kade Brookins and Cade Edwards. They went on to beat South Bibb 12-6.
Troy knocked off Fairhope 7-6 to earn a spot in the state championship game.
Troy’s quest for a state title came to a close when they fell to a heavy hitting Hueytown team 11-4
“This is a very talented group of 10-year-olds,” said head coach Adam Brookins after the loss,” I think the best thing is there is a lot of baseball left in the years to come.”
The Troy Junior Dixie Boys were the last team to get any action this summer. They advanced directly to the state tournament in Dothan. After knocking off East Montgomery, Troy advanced to play in the state championship.
On what was a hot, blistering day, Troy knocked off Opelika to claim the state championship, sending them to South Carolina for the World Series.
Along with the Belles and the Junior Boys, Goshen also sent a team in the World Series.
The Belles kept rolling in the opening round of the World Series by defeating
All three teams came up short in the series to end their summer.
On the pitch, Troy had three soccer teams make it to the state tournament. The 8u team as well as 10U team represented Troy at state as did Troy Arsenal, who went on to win the state championship.