Four members of the state champion Williston High School varsity baseball team and their coach Jim Smith are honored by the Levy County Commission Tuesday. Shown from the left are County Commissioner Lilly Rooks, Anthony Griffeth, Commissioner Rock Meeks, Weston Smith, Commission Chairman John Meeks, Zach Tolodxi, Coach Smith, Dalton Vonderstrasse, County Commissioner Mike Joyner, and County Commissioner Matt Brooks. Some of the players were working at summer jobs and were unable to attend. Photo by Terry Witt.
By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter
The Class 1A State Champion Williston High School boys’ baseball team was honored with a proclamation Tuesday read by County Commissioner Matt Brooks, a Williston alumnus at the board meeting.
Brooks said the baseball team, known as the Mighty Red Devils, capped off their season of 22 wins and 9 losses with a 4-2 victory over Chiefland in the championship game in Fort Myers.
The team’s hard work, dedication, perseverance and commitment to and love of the sport of baseball that each player demonstrated carried the team through a remarkable season, he said.
“Whereas, the Williston High School Varsity Baseball Team victory in the 2019 FHSAA Class 1A State Baseball Championship will go down in the annals of time as one of the greatest moments in Williston High School Athletics history;
“And whereas, Williston High School has a rich tradition of excellence and accomplishment in academic and athletic competition, reflecting the highest ideals and traditions of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship;
“And whereas, the Williston High School Varsity competed in this sport throughout this historic and remarkable journey, with excellence and distinction, bringing credit to themselves, their parents, Williston High School and the community of Williston, Florida.”
“Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that the Levy County Board of County Commissioners, in recognition of the accomplishment by the Williston High School Varsity Baseball Team in winning the 2019 Class 1A State Baseball Championship, hereby congratulates the players of the 2019 Mighty Red Devils for a job well done and offers special recognition to Coach Jim Smith and his capable staff for the outstanding success in teaching these exceptional student athletes. The board encourages all citizens to commend and applaud the athletes and coaches of the Williston High School Varsity Baseball Team.”
Smith took time to commend Chiefland Coach Kyle Parnell, who is retiring, and the athletes of the Chiefland High School varsity baseball team for making it to the championship game and playing hard.
“This will probably never happen again, that two teams from the same county compete in the state championship,” Smith said. “It was great for us, but it’s a wonderful win for the county.”
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Board of County Commission Regular Meeting June 19, 2019; Posted June 19, 2019
