Pictured are, back row, from left: assistant coach Vincent Povazsay, Dawson McLamb, Landon Williams, Zachary Tanner, head coach Keith Butler, Joshua Carter, Reid Grady, and Aaron Butler; and bottom row: Matthew Nunnery, Russ Ratley, Austin Peterson, Dylan Ivey, Dylan Fann, and Chandler Ray. (Courtesy photo)

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Sampson County Parks and Recreation’s 12U All Star baseball team competed in the SWAC (State Wide Athletic Committee) State Championship tournament this past weekend, July 26-29 in Spring Lake.

Teams participating in the State Tournament were the top two teams from their Region Sectionals Tournament. Participating was: Sampson County, Moore County, Holly Springs, Burlington, and Cary.

Sampson County took on Moore County for the first game of the weekend onThursday night. Coming out on top, Sampson would play again Friday against Cary. The All Stars sent Cary to the consolation bracket and would play again on Saturday, against Burlington. Burlington came out strong and handed the All Stars their first loss, sending them to fight it out in the consolation bracket. Moore County took out Holly Springs and Cary on Friday and Saturday, sending both teams home, and facing Sampson County again on Saturday. With storms rolling in, the All Stars and Moore County were only able to get in an inning of play before having to call the game due to lightening. Spring Lake officials postponed the game until Sunday.

Sampson County came out with a vengeance, wanting the State Championship title. Sampson County ended up winning against Moore County and were given a rest period to get psyched for the State Championship game again Burlington. After six innings of fighting hard for the title, Burlington was crowned SWAC State Champions for 2012. Sampson County was named SWAC 2012 State Champion Runner-Ups.

Sampson County Parks and Recreation is extremely proud of this group of players and coaches and know that they should be proud of their Runner-Up accomplishment,” rec officials said. “We are very proud of each and every one of our players for everything they have accomplished and for their outstanding show of sportsmanship through it all”.

Registration

Sampson County Parks and Recreation’s football and volleyball registration for the 2012 season is taking place now. Registration end Aug. 25 at the Main Office. Office hours are 8 a.m. until 7 pm. during the week and 9 a..m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays. They are located at 405 County Complex Rd, Clinton, in building B.