By Susan Monteleone
ELDRED — June 24, 2003 – The Eldred Little League hosted its annual season ending awards presentation this past Saturday.
In addition to the regular awards, five special awards were also presented.
Eldred Little League President Ken Smith presented baseball medals to all of the teams and special plaques with photos to all of the team coaches.
This year the Eldred Little League featured 14 teams, including tee-ball squads. Each team had one head coach with one or two assistant coaches.
At the event the league also held its annual election of officers. The officers for the 2004 season are: Paula Ferguson, Ken Jacobus, Steven Pitcher, David Mellan and Sonya Kidney. One director position still remains open, however.
The five special awards were presented near the conclusion of the event. The Eldred Little League Sportsmanship Award, which is bestowed upon the player who demonstrates character, loyalty and further conducts him or herself accordingly, went to Aaron Barnett of the Indians. The Mother of the Year Award is given to a mother who has dedicated countless hours to the children and further demonstrates teamwork and fair play. This year’s Mother of the Year Award went to Darlene Hollaran, who serves as a coach and has a child in all three divisions of the Eldred Little League.
The Yulan Fire Department received the first official game ball for its help and support of the Little League and for being the true Hometown Heroes.
Michael Frey, the coach of the Indians, received special recognition due to the fact that he will be retiring from his positions in the Eldred Little League.
Frey has been involved with the Little League for over 17 years as a coach and a director. He received a special certificate and an official Little League jacket.
The final award went to Eldred Little League President Ken Smith, who has put his heart and soul into the league.
“Ken took the league over when it was in jeopardy of being shut down. When we got Ken we got his whole family, a real package deal,” Frey said.
On behalf of the Eldred Little League, Frey presented Smith with a gift certificate to the Under the Pines Restaurant in Eldred.