As the years have progressed, so to have Pampa sports as a whole. Pampa has become respectable in every sports category over the last few years, and this is verified by what our Pampa 8U All-Star team has accomplished thus far. This team has competed in two tournaments and come out with a combined record of 12-2. Now they have the opportunity to represent the Southwest Region at the World Series in Jensen Beach, FL. They are the first team in Pampa Optimist Youth Club history to earn an invitation to this tournament. We caught up with Head Coach Kevin Hunt to get some more information on the team.
Tell us about the team.
This is the Pampa Optimist Youth Club 8 and under All-Star Team.
How long has this team been together?
The coaches of the league voted on the All-Star Team at the end of the regular spring season. The team has been practicing together only since about June 1.
Who are the coaches and players?
Coaches are Kevin Hunt, Ryan Cloud and Kyle Daniels. Players are Cassidy Stanhope, Carsyn Hunt, Maddison Dildy, Lynsey Brotherton, Bentley Brooks, Brianna Cloud, Briley Daniels, Hope Scribner, McKinley Daniels, Tiffany Cotter, Jolie Groomer, and Reagan Archibald.
Tell us what the team has achieved so far.
This team won the Babe Ruth West Texas State Tournament by going 4-0. The tournament had 8 teams (Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, Dumas, Brownfield, Denver City, Seagraves and Pampa). By winning, Pampa got to represent West Texas at the SW Regional Tournament in Mountain Home, AR. 10 teams played in this tourney (Hamburg, AR - Four teams from Mountain Home, AR -- Covington County, Alabama -- St. Charles, Louisiana -- Pierre Part, Louisiana - Tri County, AR - Pampa, TX). Pampa went 8-2 and lost in the championship game to Hamburg by a score of 8-7. Hamburg was unable to go to the World Series so Pampa was invited to represent the Southwest Region at the World Series in Jensen Beach, FL.
How can the City of Pampa and local businesses help this team?
The team would appreciate any donations, but most of all we just want the city to pray for safe travels and just cheer us on.
Who is the person to contact regarding donations for the team?
Kevin Hunt: 661-8654
Shawna Hunt: 595-0758
Ryan Cloud: 662-8165
Holly Cloud: 663-9411
Kyle Daniels: (806) 672-6733
Theresa Daniels: (806) 690-3560
Do you have any events planned to help with donations?
We are having a car wash on 7/23 at Advance Auto Parts from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
We are having Bats and Bows Party at Central Park on 7/23
Michael and Ceeli Hunt are having a painting party where they are donating half the proceeds to the team.
Vinyl All Things has teamed up with our All-Star Team to sell vinyl decals, and Mikala Fugason is donating half the proceeds to the team.
AT&T are accepting donations for a chance to win a free Samsung Galaxy S7 or UE Boom and all proceeds go towards the team. Winner will be drawn July 28th at the Team "Dunk Your All-Stars & Bake Sale" in the parking lot of AT&T form 4:30-6:30.
Pampatx.com believes in neighbors helping neighbors, how can the community support this team?
We need to raise approximately $25,000 to help get these amazing girls to Florida. This is going to be a 3,000 mile round trip, spread out over 10 days possibly. So financial donations would be appreciated. Prayers for safe travel also appreciated.
These girls have earned the right to represent the Southwest Region through hard work and dedication. They will not only be representing the Southwest Region but they will also be representing the City of Pampa. We are asking that the community and local businesses pull together to help these young ladies fulfill this once in a lifetime opportunity. All the resources and donations will be used towards getting the girls back, lodging, and meals. 