SRACLC Crusaders win Outdoor Sports Festival tourney

Submitted by Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County

On Sept. 13 and 14, the Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County's Special Olympics softball team traveled to the Rotary Park in Decatur to compete in the State Competition for the annual Outdoor Sports Festival.

The SRACLC Crusaders earned their spot in this tournament after winning their division of the Special Olympics district tournament in July.

The team's first game of the tournament was against the NISRA Lightning. The Crusaders came out strong, bringing in nine unanswered runs in the first inning and another six in the second.

During the bottom of the fourth, the Lightning got on the board with two runs. Thanks to the Crusaders' hitting, the team advanced to the championship games with an 18-2 win under their belts.

On the second day of competition the SRACLC Crusaders were up against the Cornerstone Jaguars to battle for the Special Olympics Division III State Championship title.

The Crusaders started the game off with some good hitting and baserunning, scoring five runs in the first inning. Thanks to shortstop Scott McNamee and first baseman Chris Walti's defense, the Crusaders managed to hold the Jaguars scoreless.

At the top of the second, SRACLC was unable to bring anyone home. It was during the third inning when the game really got interesting.

The Jaguars fought back and quickly brought in 5 runs of their own. The Crusaders proceeded to answer back with 3 more runs in the fourth, mostly thanks to Kevin Kinder's two-RBI single.

In the bottom of the last inning, the score was set at 8-5 Crusaders. The Jaguars were up to bat, and with some strong hitting on their part, they ended up with bases loaded. The game was close, but the Crusaders then pulled off a double play at second and first.

SRACLC was just one out from winning the State Championship when Lindsay Copeland sealed the deal by pitching a "K" to win the game.

"Our team went into this tournament with confidence and a strong desire to win. They hit well and their fielding was the best I've seen out of them. I am more than proud of how they played the game and handled themselves over the weekend. This team deserved the championship," said Kelly Weber, SRACLC coach.

In addition to offering many Special Olympics sports, team and individual, SRACLC also has many other programs available. Special events and weekly programs that span a wide range of activities are offered. Programs are provided starting at ages 3 and older.

For information or to register for programs, contact the SRACLC office at (847)-816-4866 or visit www.sraclc.org.

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