Matt O’Harver Photography

I was given an assignment to cover a Memorial Tournament at Arnold Athletic Association fields. Tanner Boynton lost his life at this very field last year playing a game he loved. He is from my home town and is remembered by all of the players, coaches, and parents. I’m hoping this tournament becomes a yearly thing and that his memory is never forgotten. While I never met Tanner I have photographed games he was at before, and his love of the game was easy to see. Tonight I covered a 9U game. Tomorrow I’ll see Tanner’s team.

Well as with all good thing they must come to an end. I have had such a good time following the youngsters playing little league the past few weeks, however De Soto 11 year olds had their year come to an end today at the state level of play. They had a great All Stars Season and should hold their heads high with how they played.

Tonight I was at a small reunion for the Missouri State basketball championship teams from 1988 and 1989. They were Jefferson Counties first State Basketball champions. And even tougher they did it back to back. I was fortunate enough to be a member of the DHS class of 1989 and experience this first hand with my classmates and friends. It was great to catch up with some of them at the reunion, and we were honored with the presence of Kim Mahn to whom a scholarship has been started in her name. One of the most amazing players to have ever played girls basketball in the state of Missouri.

Tonights little league action was seemingly over before it started. The De Soto team came out firing on all cylinders and beat Northwest 15-5 in a mercy run shortened game. Tomorrow they will face a tougher challenge and I’ll be there as well. Tomorrow night I’ll be at the reunion of the DHS State Championship teams from 1988 and 1989.

The 9 year old Championship at Twin City Little League fields was settled tonight between the TWin City team and Hillsboro team. Twin City came out on top and won the tournament. Congrats to both teams for a well played tournament. Friday starts the State level Play at De Soto for the 11 year olds.

After not having been to the new Busch Stadium, I took my family there today to watch the Cards take on the Diamondbacks. The Cardinals won 2-1 but more importantly I had a great time with my family and enjoyed the new Ball Park a lot. A great place they have put together there. And the weather could not have been any better.

The 9 year old Little League All Star tournament started tonight. I was on hand for the Twin City vs. Hillsboro game, and stayed for the De Soto vs. Perryville game. Twin City stayed on the winning track and defeated Hillsboro and Perryville was able to get past De Soto.

Safe at home

Rarick attempts to throw out runner at first.

Tonight I was able to finish off the local 11 year old Tournament one that has been delayed by rain and even by fog. Through it all the De Soto team has held their own and beat every team they needed too, to get to a winner take all game against a good Perryville team. They were able to win the final game and advance to the State Level, which will be hosted locally. Tomorrow night I’ll be at the opening night of the 9 year old games in Twin City.

This week is a bit of a lull, Tuesday night I’ll once again be at the De Soto Little Leagues for a bit of All Star Action, Wednesday I’ll be at Windsor High school to cover a Volleyball camp, Wednesday Night I’ll be over at the Sunset Park in Festus for some Youth Football camp coverage. Friday evening will find me at a LL game, where yet I don’t know. Saturday I’ll likely be at I-55 again this time hoping for no rain. Sunday I’m taking the day off and taking the family to see a Cardinals game in St. Louis.

Well the second day of a busy weekend had me again at the Little League All stars, then a quick change of clothes and off to watch some dirt track racing at the local dirt track. Mix of sun and clouds and high temps made for a bit of a long day, but how can I complain when I’m able to spend a saturday watching sports? Rain put a damper on the racing as they never got a heat started before the rains came. So I’ll be back probably again next weekend. Back to Little League tomorrow afternoon to finish off the weekend.