By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon 8U and Latta 10U Dixie Softball World Series Champions were recognized by the Dillon County Council on Wednesday for their achievements.
Two resolutions were passed—one in honor of the Dillon team and one in honor of the Latta team.
County Administrator Clay Young read the resolutions.
Dillon County Council Chairman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr. said that when they had two teams that could possibly win the World Series he thought that was impossible. He said he got to thinking about it and realized that it was possible because he knew who they were dealing with. He said these children have some of the best grandparents, the best parents that one could find anywhere and that they must have the best coaches in the nation. He said they were skilled players, set their goals high, met their goals, and worked hard.
Finklea said he hoped that they would hang these plaques on the wall and every time they saw it say to themselves that if they set their goals high in life and work hard, they can do anything they want.
Each player and coach was presented a personalized plaque from council. Councilman Stevie Grice handed out the Dillon plaques. Finklea handed out the Latta plaques.
Latta Coach Jake Hyatt pointed out the yellow flowers in each child’s hair. He said the girls wore the yellow flowers to represent a child they knew who had cancer and handed out a bracelet with that child’s name on it and her favorite Bible verse to every team on All-Stars.
Councilman Stevie Grice congratulated both teams. He said was they did was rare especially with two teams from the same county. He said they made him proud. He said he wanted to give special recognition to Councilman Robbie Coward for helping to secure the funds for them to go.
The teams received funds from council on a 6-0 vote with one abstention.
Finklea said he hoped to see all of these players again at the Celebration of Champions in Latta on September 5th.
After these remarks, Councilman Archie Scott presented a plaque featuring the Dillon World Series team to Councilman Grice, chairman of the County Council Recreation Committee, and a plaque featuring the Latta girls to Chairman Finklea.
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Watch this meeting on our website, www.thedillonherald.com.

PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON HERALD