Marianna “Does It Right” for Dixie Youth Tournament Opening Ceremonies

7/24/08
The opening ceremonies for the Dixie Youth State Tournament were held Friday evening at the New Marianna High School facility. Over five hundred players, coaches, and supporters were in attendance, coming from locations throughout the state. With our own Royce Reagan as Master of Ceremonies, the players were given presentations from several local officials and sports figures, to kick off the five day tournament.
Representing the City of Marianna, City Manager Jim Dean welcomed all of the visitors to our area, and expressed his wishes for a great event. The highlight of the program came when Chipola Head Baseball Coach Jeff Johnson gave an inspiring "pep" talk to the youngsters.
The Marianna Optimist Club was in its usual level of dedicated service as they fed the crowd of over 500 a delicious fish dinner. William Long, club president, stated that over fourteen club members worked to cook and serve the attendees. It took over 200 pounds of fish (thirteen cases), and four hours of cooking to provide the community service. The meal cost the club over $1000, and was paid for from proceeds realized this year from the MERE concession operations. This wonderful, working civic organization is doing a wonderful job in its mission of supporting youth athletic programs in our community.
After the meal, the crowd moved over to the MERE complex for some "fun and games". All of the teams, totaling nineteen teams (ten in the 13 year old division and nine in the 14 year old division), bordered the infield for the opening ceremony, singing of the national anthem, and photo opportunities.
Next they dispersed into three groups for the individual competitions. On one field the "home run derby" was held, where selected sluggers from each team had five pitches thrown for long ball scoring. On another field a target was set up at home plate, and selected players were given three throws from center field to hit the target and score points. On yet another field the speed demons raced for the best time in a sixty yard dash.
It all meshed together into an inspiring, well organized, and entertaining opening ceremony. All of the participants left with heightened spirits, looking forward to the beginning of competition on Saturday.