Walton County Wolverines Win!

Malachi Sugars ready to bat      Written by and Photos by Shannon Schussler

Special Olympic baseball team the Walton County Wolverines fought hard and were victorious.  On Saturday, September 24, 2016, the Wolverines won the championship in the Eighth Annual Battle of the Bats, in the Modified Baseball Division (03) at the Forsyth Special Olympic Games. Coached by Walker Park Elementary P.E. coach Robert Jackson, the Wolverines won their first game against the Cobb County Bulldogs (5,0) in the double elimination tournament.

Dario Glenn with Coach Jackson

Last year, the Wolverines placed third in the tournament.  After the first bracket win this year, the Wolverines faced last year's winner the Big Dogs - Blue of Henry County.  Though the Big Dogs gained a victory in the second bracket (3,6), the Wolverines were not discouraged.  In bracket three, the Wolverines won against the same Cobb County Bulldogs from bracket one (4,2).  In their fourth straight game in 90 degree temperatures, the Wolverines faced the Big Dogs from Henry County once again.  With excitement that almost could not be contained, the Wolverines battled hard and claimed a victory against the Henry County Big Dogs (6.4).

Coach Jackson with players Malachi Sugars, Daniel Schussler, and Brianna Babb for the final game coin toss

Still hot and tired before the fifth and final game, Coach David Pettus told the team, "If you win this game, you get to pour ice water on Coach.  If you lose, he gets to pour water on you!"  In the beginning of the second inning, the Wolverines were down two to four.  Then, their bats got hot and the Wolverines won 16 to 4 in the championship game.

Back row from right:  Raeqwon Lackey, Lexi Gamble, Coach Rex Morris, Andrew Caldwell, Quadarious Lackey, Avanta Evans, Coach Robert Jackson, Damien Alley, Caleb Hoskins, Coach Dennis Hoskins, Coach David Pettus
Front row from right:  Dario Glenn, Brianna Babb, Naomi Green, Daniel Schussler, Christian Pettus, Malachi Sugars

After receiving the blessing of the ice, Coach Jackson declared, "I'm twenty degrees cooler!"  Coach then preceded to give free hugs to his team.
The team is made up of mainly students from Carver Middle School, but also includes students from Monroe Area High School, students who are home schooled, and students from The Bridge of Georgia.

Trophies for Wolverines

Wolverines

Additional congratulations to Coach John Arquette, Coach Steve Connelly, and Special Olympic baseball team the Walton County Warriors who placed fifth in their division.  "It was a fight, that last game." stated player Rod Smith.  Warriors roster:  Justin Jenkins, Emory Towler, Jon Ross Snell, Dustin Cleghorn, Rod Smith, Chris Ellison, Chris Reinhart, Stephanie Connelly, Sam Adams, Jamal Hendricks, Casey Craig.

Both teams would like to thank Coach Arquette, Coach Connelly, Coach Jackson, Coach Hoskins, Coach Pettus, Coach Morris, Player Coordinator Carla Gates, Snackman Curtis Pettus, driver Mr. Smalley, Walton County Special Olympic Chair Kim Wages, Walton County Special Olympics Supporters, Carver Middle School, Walton County Parks and Rec, and all the family and friends who cheered!