The Magic of Calhoun Softball
The Calhoun Softball team enjoyed a spring break trip to Walt Disney World in Kissimmee, Florida. The dream began last summer when 3rd baseman, Brittany Norton asked Coach Keenum to take her to Disney World. The coach and the team decided to see if they could make it happen, and they did!
The trip became a reality after a culmination of many months of fundraising. According to pitcher Alicia Hall, "all of the hard work paid off." In fundraising, the Lady Warhawks captivated the Calhoun family with their performance of 'Whoopi and the Nuns' at the College Halloween Costume Contest. The talented Nuns, dressed in graduation gowns and habits, sang "I will follow Him" to win the grand prize ($150) at both Huntsville and Decatur campuses.
Several members of the team put their ingenious skills together to create TOY EXPRESS CHRISTMAS float for the 2006 Athens Christmas Parade. The players dressed as giant toys and created a toy box filled with traditional toys. The Lady Warhawks won second place ($600) to support their Disney-dream efforts. The Lady Warhawks hosted a "Field of Dreams" JV/Middle School tournament in March and sold hundreds of chicken sandwiches and concessions throughout the year to supplement their fundraising and see dreams come true.
see slideshow of photos from parade
Lest the team forget the purpose of the trip, softball competition was part of its purpose, so there were scheduled games. They began early as 2nd baseman Dee Isbell described "a sunrise warm-up for the 8:00 AM game." The team returned to campus with a 5 -1 record from the Walt Disney World Spring Event. The Lady Warhawks played New York's Monroe Community College (NJCAA's 2006 Division III champion), Sussex Valley of New Jersey, Chicago's Prairie State, and Hudson Valley Of Albany, New York. Enroute to see Mickey Mouse, the team split a doubleheader (4-3, 0-3) with ACCC powerhouse Wallace State of Dothan.
Upon arrival at the Magic Kingdom, most team members headed straight to Space Mountain to begin their Disney memory-book-making activities. It was an exciting and fun week for all as Lacey Keenum described it as "my favorite people in the 'Happiest Place on Earth'." For freshman Whitney Mooney, it was a time of team bonding, getting to know her teammates. According to Megan Hensley, Stevie Griffin, Elizabeth Mann, and Ashley Blankenship, the highlight of the trip was the fun time spent with their teammates and best friends at Disney World.
"Fears were conquered, thanks to the Tower of Terror" (Bre Lee) and the rollercoasters (Lindsey Lowery). "Disney was the best experience ever; I had a blast!" (Brittany Chaffin) and "Frisbee" was the word. (Kala Weatherly). Christine McLaughlin credits "Nort and Laura Leigh for teaching her all of the words to 'Little Mermaid'."
Left fielders, Kimberly Haney and Courtney Terry, "got pumped up as they soared over California" at MGM studios. Brianna Holt enjoyed her visit to Germany in Epcot so well that she lingered too long and experienced her first $25 taxi ride in order to meet team curfew!
For managers Doug Dutcher and Josh Ham spending 7 days with 19 females didn't compare with the exhilaration of the rollercoasters. Jenia Stephenson declared, "if you do not want to spend a week with Mickey Mouse, I won't trust you."
The team returned safely to campus, thanks to volunteer bus driver, Joel Lamar, the dad of a former player. Lady Warhawks vowed not to lose the magic upon return and are witnessing a true "Field of Dreams" experience. Ten ACCC State Championships, three NJCAA National Championships, and 16 years of competitive softball, the Calhoun Softball team will soon play in a new softball stadium on the Decatur campus.
The Lady Warhawks will host Southern Union on April 26 for the inaugural event. Yes, Brittany Norton, Calhoun softball is full of "the most magical days of your life!"
See photos from the trip!
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