WESTLOCK – The Westlock Wild U13 boys' baseball team clinched provincial gold at their home game this past weekend.
The U13 boys – their first time playing in provincial competitions – edged out the Sylvan Lake Mariners in an 18-17 victory. The game, held on July 21, proved to be a nail-biter.
“There was some shock, but we were in a position to do well and have success,” said Coach Adam Dormer, about the team's unexpected triumph. “The kids came through.”
Dormer praised the team's focus and dedication, noting that their success wasn’t anticipated at the start.
“We entered the finals just to give the kids an extra three weeks of baseball,” he said adding that the kids were super excited to win.
“It was a great way to finish the year,” said Dormer, adding that none of these kids had played at the provincial level before.
U11 boys and U11 girls win bronze
In other provincial games, the weekend prior saw the U11 boys' and U11 girls' teams both secure bronze medals in Tier 4 provincials. The U11 boys competed in Leduc, while the U11 girls delivered their bronze-winning performance in a separate Tier 4 event in Wainwright.
Both Coach Cody Miller and Coach Dormer said that Westlock baseball teams haven't participated in provincials for at least 10 years.
Miller, who led the U11 boys, reflected on the teams' progress throughout the season.
“I think they just progressed at the right time between all the groups.
“All the groups, when they first came into it, it was a lot more competitive than what we were used to just playing locally,” he added. “Then when it hit provincials it was really, really competitive. They got together and were more impressive towards the end of the year.”
