After returning from their trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Penn., the team has already been recognized several times – and it’s just getting started.
On Monday, the team was asked to take part in a parade, Tuesday the players were honored with a special dinner at Roy’s BBQ and then on Wednesday they were guests of honor at John Calipari’s appearance in Russellville.
The new University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach greeted the players warmly as he shook hands with each of the Logan County All-Stars.
During his speech to the crowd gathered at the new Agriculture Extension Building, Calipari talked about just how special everything the team accomplished was.
“Against all odds they came together and took on the world,” Calipari said. “Right now, they aren’t able to see by the loss because they’re young and that’s all they can think about.”
Calipari, who was promoting his new book “Bounce Back,” said the players should look at what they did with pride.
Likely Logan County’s most successful sports team of any kind, the Little Leaguers won the state and Great Lakes Regional Tournament to advance to the Little League World Series.
The Logan County team went 0-3 in Williamsport – including an opening loss to the California team that wound up winning it all.
“Use it as a stepping stone – not a stumbling block,” Calipari told the players. “It was an amazing accomplishment. You should never lose sight of that.”
On Tuesday, the boys were treated to a free dinner and awards ceremony at Roy’s BBQ.
Several community leaders, including Logan County Judge/Executive Logan Chick, Russellville mayor Gene Zick, Logan County schools superintendent Marshall Kemp and Russellville High School principal John Myers were in attendance – along with former University of Kentucky basketball star Kenny Walker.
Chick presented a picture of the team, which he said will hang in the new Logan County courthouse when it is completed.
The team was also given awards by First Southern Bank.
The All-Stars aren’t finished playing celebrity yet, though.
Tonight they will be honored before a Bowling Green hot Rods game.
The team will take the field with the Hot Rods before the game for the national anthem at approximately 7 p.m.
Also, they will be honored at an upcoming Russellville city council meeting and a big celebration is planned at the Little League field at Memorial Park for September 12.
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