All Stars make history

Our Arrowhead Senior All Star (16 yrs. & under) Team made its second appearance at the World Series in the last three years. It has been an amazing run for some of the girls, as they have participated all three years.

During these years, the girls have accomplished more than any little league group in Arizona history, boys or girls. With three straight Senior District titles, three straight State Championship Flags and two-time Western Region Crowns the girls have more hardware than Mr. T.

Following up their 2005 sixth place finish, the girls made it to the final four and were one out from the World Title game which was broadcast live on ESPN. Had it not been for a questionable call, the ladies would have made it to the Big Time. It was a great run, but a little tiring, as we were on the road for 28 days out of 31.

I was honored to be the coach of such a talented group of young ladies. We took 12 girls from about an eight-mile area in North Glendale and battled teams from all over the globe. Over 700 Senior teams started out with the final 10, making it to the series.

With two straight wins over Mesa-Mountain View in Pinetop , AZ , the girls were on their way to the Western Region tournament in Missoula , MT.

Traveling through such cities as Salt Lake City , Las Vegas and Seattle, the girls and coaches all made it to Spokane for the three hour drive to Missoula . Twelve days later and another double-header sweep of Southern California meant a return trip to the Big Dance.

Flying through Minnesota on our way to Philly, we even crossed paths with the President. Once in Philly it was a five-hour limousine bus ride to Sussex County , Delaware . Eight days later it was a shot at the title and worldwide exposure on ESPN.

The girls were awesome and the greatest accomplishment was the fact that a high-ranking tournament official said, �The team from Arizona would get the Most Class award if there was one.�

My daughter Jamie had a great time and played just as well. She led our team in hitting at .608, In just 19 games, she scored 5 homeruns and 40 RBI. She also hit what was said to be the longest homerun ever at the World Series complex against the winning pitcher from Texas in the Championship game. It was estimated at 270 ft. or more.

All our girls did great and enjoyed an experience that they will never forget.

I would like to thank all the dart players who followed our team on the Internet, sent encouraging emails, and helped with things while I was gone; especially Brad Halley, who is always there when needed. Thanks to all of you.

Mike Bates