Jim Fair
The Northwood Little League Southeast Champions have plenty of support in the Greer/Taylors area.
Friday was a day off, of sorts, as the players and coaches spent overnight in Warner Robbins, Ga., after winning the Southeast Regional Championship on Thursday. Players and families had an opportunity to spend a little time together Thursday evening after the game, but afterwards many parents returned home to their jobs.
The players and coaches are now in the hands of the Little League officials. It began early Friday morning after breakfast. Coaches held a team meeting followed by the Little League officials telling the players exactly what to pack for their stay at Williamsport, Pa.
“The team got a big briefing on what they could expect going forward,” J.D. Nelson, Northwood information officer, said.
“Any given day we (parents and players) knew the dream could end,” Nelson said. “We had been with them through the District, Greenville County tournament, State Championship and now Southeast Regional. We’ve been driving up and back every night plus we all had jobs, too.”
Brad Johnson, a coach with Northwood, said the players will spend Friday night at the Southeast Regional complex and bus to Atlanta for a 6:30 a.m. departure to Pennsylvania.
The LLWS provides accommodations for 14 players and three coaches during their stay – which is at least 10 days. They will be accompanied by two hosts to events and who will help the team reach each destination – meals, practices, team and league meetings and appearances with the other teams.
Northwood’s first game is next Friday versus the New England regional winner. The team will play a minimum of three games including one against an international opponent.
Sixteen teams comprise an international tournament that will compete for the championship with the American champion playing the International champion in the final.
Family fundraiser:
The Northwood Little League is trying to raise $30,000-$40,000 for parents of the players to make the trip to Williamsport. The leads is asking corporations, businesses and residents to contribute online here.
“If anybody wants to write a check we will also be glad to drive and get,” Nelson said.