It seems like high school spring sports season just started, but here we are with just a few weeks left before the State Track Meet. The Class A meet will be held on May 20 and May 21 in Charleston at Laidley field. Make your plans to head south for the best event of the season. It looks like some of our teams will be bringing back some hardware this year once again. It’s a great chance to compete against the best in the state, and some of those are right here in Wetzel and Tyler County. The regionals will be held on May 13, in St. Marys and Doddridge County. Those meets will be the qualifying events for the state meet the following week.

Magnolia held it’s first regular season track meet in several years at the track by the football field on Thursday evening. It was great to see the track put to use and other teams coming into town to provide competition.

Tyler Consolidated looks to be one of the top baseball teams in the state in their Class, and a recent trip to Myrtle Beach to play some of South Carolina’s top teams had to help them prepare for the upcoming sectional starting May 9.

Two of the best ball games all season were played between Hundred and Cameron. In the first contest at Cameron the Dragons won a 2-0 decision despite a one hit game by Hundred ace Chrisitain Fluharty. Lance Harty from Cameron threw a no hitter in the contest. Hundred hosted Cameron on Friday April 23, looking for revenge, but some hard luck gave the Dragons a 1-0 win to capture both games of the season. Fluharty is without a doubt the best pitcher I’ve seen this season and in a long time. On Friday he threw his third no-hit game this season, but still managed to drop the game to Cameron’s ace Lance Hartley who tossed a one hitter and struck out 21 hitters. It was definitely a pitcher battle as Fluharty set down 17 batters on strikes, but an error or two let a run score to give the Dragons a win despite no hits.

Paden City girls took second place in the Mason Dixon track meet with the shuttle hurdle team claiming first place. Hallie McDonald came up big in the 100 meter and 300 meter hurdles. Freshman Lexi Mathis took second in the 3200 run. Look for the Wildcat girls to send several to the state meet.

WV Mountaineers baseball team is having a banner year and have won games over several top ranked teams including Oklahoma State and a big win over Texas Tech another top team. The Longhorns roll into town on Friday for a three game series. Lets hope we take all three.

While speaking of baseball, I watched a game at Bruce park last week, I can remember watching all those fast pitch softball games that were held there in the summer months. You always had to watch where you parked your car to keep from getting a broken windshield or a few dents in the metal. I thought I was out of range with those little leaguers playing last week, but sure enough one got a hold of it and I received a nice dent.

Bruce park is a great park for kids, and the ball field when the lights come on is a sight to see. It’s a special park and always has a good crowd. The outdoor basketball court is a regular gathering place and on warm nights is normally filled up with teams playing and some waiting to get a turn. This past week there was activity at the tennis courts, basketball courts, and the little league field nearly every night including Sunday. While on the subjects of parks Sistersville, Middlebourne and Paden City ball fields have all been busy and Sistersville basketball courts have had players out most nights.

If you get an opportunity, make a trip to one of the areas ball fields and watch a little league or T-Ball game, nothing beats watching the little ones, most of the time you get to see something unusual, but guaranteed you’ll hear plenty of moms and dads, and grandparents cheering on their favorite players.

It sure is fun to watch those little guys playing the game. Some of them have real talent. You will be sure to see some of the next big high school stars as they learn the game and hone their skills on the little league fields. Hats off to all those volunteering their time to make it all happen and for helping these youngsters learn the game. Coaches have a huge impact on the kids, so if your coaching be patient with them and expect them to make mistakes. Teach them the game to the best of your ability and remember they are just kids!