Runner-Ups to Champions!

Everyone in Sutton knows that the first weekend in August is the Travis Carpenter Memorial Softball Tournament.  Travis Carpenter was the son of Neal and Terry Carpenter who live just a few miles down the road from Nathan's parents.  Travis was killed in a car accident on November 22, 2001 at the age of 26 years.  The co-ed softball tournament was organized in his memory.  This is a weekend of play that benefits local organizations and a scholarship fund given to local graduating students.

John and Jan have sponsored a team each year since the tournament originated in 2003.  Nathan, being an avid baseball player in high school, loved the idea of compiling a team of friends. The first few years of play, the team was named Team McKenzie.  However, after six years of earning the runner-up title, the team changed its name to The Runner-Ups. Finally, after nine years of participating, the team won the champion title. 

Neal Carpenter congratulating Nathan

Terry Carpenter giving the champion plaque to Nathan. 

(This picture was taken by The Clay County News.)

Nathan looking excited!

I had so much fun socializing with the Suttonites and watching a ton of softball.   John says I must be the good luck charm, however I ended up costing him some money because now he will have to get new shirts made.  Being able to witness the big win was a great ending to a fabulous weekend.