BY RICK DAGENAIS/SUBMITTED

The Wakefield/Waverly Ruritan Colt baseball team came together Wednesday for the second time, preparing to defend its status as Champions of the Appomattox River League for the past three consecutive seasons.

This year’s team features 15- and 16- year old players from the following schools: Southampton High, Southampton Academy, Tidewater Academy, Surry High, Sussex Central High, Prince George High, Colonial Heights High School, as well as Home Schooled youths.

As in years past, the competition will come from AAA schools in and around the Tri-Cities area of Petersburg, Hopewell and Colonial Heights. Coaches Paul Rogers (Tidewater Academy) and Tim Nixon (Southampton Academy) were faced with a dilemma early. Quite a large number of players had turned out — 22 to be exact. During the practice it was clear, the team was forming, players becoming more comfortable playing with each other, urging their new teammates on. Boys, who were competing hard against each other only weeks before are now teammates with one purpose in mind, making it four straight. After the team had practiced, the coaches called a meeting and Coach Rogers was emphatic when he said, “no player will be cut from this team”. Questions were asked concerning work schedules, various church and sports camps, and family vacations. A vote was taken between the players and the decision was made to go with one large team, instead of two teams.

Come out and support these boys, there is no charge. The team practices again on Monday, June 17 at 6 p.m. at the Southampton Academy Baseball complex. All home games are played at the Wakefield Baseball complex located on US 460 in the Town of Wakefield.