State baseball...what a ride.

Well, I've been absent from writing lately, but for a good reason. We've just finished the most amazing ride to the state baseball tournament. It's really hard for me to explain what it's like in a small town like this. Unless you've lived in one, and experienced it, it's hard to understand.

At the beginning of the playoffs, my son was able to start suiting up, to help with practices and warm-ups. No chance in playing, he knew that. But he loves being a part of the team, and is not afraid to help out. So he welcomed it. So he got to be part of this amazing playoff run.

After winning regionals, and sectionals, it was time to prepare for the trip to state - only the second time in our school history. Shirts were ordered, food organized, hotel rooms booked. The boys were honored at a tournament, and banners were made - all throughout town, and in the yard of each and every player traveling....

This was on the corner at the highway coming into town.

This is what we came home to after a day out of town.

The team would head over the day before. And we sent them off in style! With a police escort, road banner, and lots of Panther fans!

The semi-final game being an 8am game, we also went over the night before. The entire experience, from seeing Pittsville on the billboard at the field, to seeing our boys out there being announced, to our own hometown girl singing the national anthem. It was just such an amazing experience. Many tears, many cheers, and even though the game would be our last, a LOT of Panther pride. We could not be more proud of the job those amazing young men did this year. And an awesome chance for so many young players to go through this experience...

Congratulations Panther Boys. We are SO proud of you!