The 6u all-stars have more than 200 miles to trek to reach the Coach Pitch State Tournament in Cleveland, but they have their sights set on traveling even further.
“We want to win state and advance to the Invitational World Series in Center, Texas. That’s our goal. We’re going to be disappointed if we’re anything shy of that,” head coach Jacob Harrison said. “Obviously, we’re still proud of making it to state, but our goal is to win state and add to the testimony that the overall Columbia program has. Good ole Columbia has been sending teams to the World Series in both boys and girls, and it’s really a testament to the pride our town has in our program.”
Harrison said he has been amazed at how apt the 6u all-star squad has been to adhere for errors on the diamond.
“We’ve struggled at times, but these kids have done really well to adapt and learn. The willingness these kids have to learn at 6 years old to learn is unbelievable,” he said. “It’s really a testament to the parents and my coaching staff that helps me. They’ve done a great job.”
Where the team has really shined is in one of the least glamorous aspects but one of the most vital as well, especially in little league.
“The thing we’ve worked at since Day 1 that really sets us apart from the rest of our competition we’ll see is base running,” Harrison said. “We will be the best base running team there.”
The Columbia 6u all-stars play their first game in the state tournament Friday night against Cleveland American at 6:30 and will play either Laurel National or West Lauderdale Saturday morning at either 9 or 10:30, depending on Friday’s results.
Harrison said he thinks a change the team made in its district tournament could make a big difference.
“We’ve always been able to hit the ball pretty good. It’s amazing to see these kids hit the ball at 6 years old, especially with the change in bats,” he said. “But defensively we’ve made some adjustments that worked for us late into the district tournament, and we’re hoping to utilize in the state tournament.”
Pictured Above: Columbia 6u includes, from left, Trinity Reid, Collin Baughman, Kaden Pendarvis, Reece Odom, Kade Sistrunk, Slade Dawsey, Drew Rowley, Chandler Williamson, Brayden Dyess, Cash Harrison, Trace Wiesen and Gunner Forbes. | Photo Submitted
