Taking on the world

 Three local softball teams placed at the recent ASA World Series, held late in July in Kansas City, Mo.?The local organization, Heat Softball, had three teams — 12 and under, 14 and under, and a young 18 and under team. Players are from the Hutchinson, Newton, Hesston, Halstead, Haven, El Dorado, and Chase County areas.?The 12U team, coached by Sam and Ray Salas placed first at the ASA World Series Tournament. The 12’s also placed second, going 15-1, in the Wichita Heights Softball League andfourth at the USSSA C State Tournament. They ended their season with a record of 27-8-1.?“After losing their first two games, the 12’s came from the backside of the bracket tying one and winning four straight games to win first place.?The 12’s also placed 1st in the catch and throw and base running contests at the tournament. Overall, the 12U team played with tremendous resiliency during extreme hot weather and numerous back to back games,” said Coach Sam Salas.?The 14U team is coached by Mark Hardtarfer, Carl Burns, and Brandy Roberts-Beer. The 14’s placed third at the ASA World Series and placed first at the Hutchinson OLG Fiesta Tournament this season.?“The girls played hard all season, even through some adversity. We started slow, but the girls came on strong at the end. I would like to thank my assistant coaches and I look forward to another great season in 2013,” Hardtarfer said.?The 18U team is coached by Victor Garcia, Gabe Morales, and Thad Willis. The 18’s placed second at the ASA World Series and placed third at the Emporia Energy Tournament.?“Our 18 team had only 1 player that was truly an 18U player. Most of them were first year 16U players we asked to play up and we played in the toughest open tournaments all season. These girls put up some impressive numbers during the season and were able to draw some college scouts specifically to watch our girls at the World Series. We went undefeated in pool play and took the No. 1 seed. We lost our first game in bracket play, but fought through back to back games, in the heat, to get back to the championship game,” said Coach Garcia.?Sponsors included Jordan Sports, Wendy’s of Newton, Karen’s Kitchen, Heart to Heart Vending, Central National Bank, Roofing Services Unlimited, Palomino Petroleum, El Cerrito Restaurant, and Stewart Sports owner Anthony Gonzalez.?Heat Softball will have tryouts this weekend, Aug. 18-19 at Centennial Park in Newton. All teams (10, 12, 14, 16, 18) will be looking for serious softball players for the 2013 roster. For more information contact Anthony at 316.727.1622 or email Anthony@G2Athletics.org for the tryout paperwork or www.heatsoftball.org