photo provided

9U Mount Pleasant players were recognized by Mount Pleasant Town Council last week. Pictured here from left are (front row) Athletes Jared Aden, Tyler Dienna, Luke Freudenheim, Huston Jones, Bobby Lupo, Chase Morrow, Ryan Pitts, Jaxen Rogers, Camden Roller, Michael Rusciolelli, John Vardzel, and Ryan Windom and Head Coach Jerry Vardzel, Asst. Bob Lupo, Asst. Andy, Rusciolelli, Asst. Allen Aden and Asst. Robert Windom. From left to right in the back row: Council members Paul Gawrych, Elton Carrier, Nick Collins, Craig Rhyne, Ken Glasson, Linda Page, Thomasena Stokes-Marshall, John Burn and Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails.

At the Aug. 10 Town Council meeting, Mount Pleasant Mayor Billy Swails and Mount Pleasant Town Council recognized the 9U Mount Pleasant Cal Ripken All Stars players and coaches for their participation in the 2010 S.C. State Championship.

Nicknamed the "Scrappy Mount P" for their traditional pre-game chants, athletes included Jared Aden, Tyler Dienna, Luke Freudenheim, Huston Jones, Bobby Lupo, Chase Morrow, Ryan Pitts, Jaxen Rogers, Camden Roller, Michael Rusciolelli, John Vardzel, and Ryan Windom.

Their coaches included Head Coach Jerry Vardzel, Asst. Bob Lupo, Asst. Andy, Rusciolelli, Asst. Allen Aden and Asst. Robert Windom.

The team won the District Tournament in Goose Creek in order to gain a berth into the state tournament. The team went 3-0 in Districts with a victory over Goose Creek and two wins over West Ashley. In the state tournament, hosted by West Ashley, the team defeated North Augusta to get another shot at West Ashley, whom they defeated for the 3rd time in all-star play. In the championship, they continued their success versus West Ashley with a fourth victory over them to capture the state championship. It is worth noting that the team had not lost a single game to this point, compiling a record of 7-0!

In the Cal Ripken Regionals in Varina, VA, they won their first two games by defeating teams from TN and NC and then lost the next two and ended up with a 2-2 record in the double elimination.