Sometimes, victories are measured by more than just wins and losses. Although Goochland’s GYAA All-Stars didn’t win the Dixie League World Series, they returned to Goochland last week as winners.

  “It was a dream come true for a special dedicated group of kids from Goochland,” said head coach Greg Harlow. “The families had a great time in Gonzales as well as the players.”

  After winning the Virginia state championship, the team headed to Louisiana to compete in the Dixie League championship series. In their opener, Goochland let a tight game get away against Texas. The team then dropped their second game to Mississippi which removed them from the double elimination tournament.

  But overall, the losses didn’t detract from an unbelievable experience for both the players and the families who supported them in making the trip south.

  “All of our parents were able to make the trip and the kids loved the ‘road trip deal’,” Harlow said.  “We were able to do a lot of site seeing as a team, which was a great time for all. The team basically lived together for 4-5 days which they loved,” he added.

  The trip did yield the team some honors.

  “We won the Sportsmanship Award which shows our team handled ourselves well in two very close loses,” Harlow said.  “The team should be proud of this award, because when participating in highly competitive sports you must learn how to lose and well as win.”

  John John King captured second place in the Home Run Derby, which was a memorable moment for him. “It was fun to compete against the kids from the other states and to represent the Virginia team.  It was an experience that I will never forget,” King said.

  The team gathered support from Goochland as they progressed through three tournaments and Harlow said that enthusiasm wouldn’t be forgotten.

  “We definitely want to thank the community for the unbelievable support throughout all three tournaments,” Harlow said.  “We were getting texts, emails and calls from so many people pulling for us it was unreal.  We received great donation support from a lot of people and on the behalf of the team I want to thank everyone.”

  Harlow also had high praise for a group of kids who didn’t quit all season, and took their potential to the highest level.

  “This team is a great group who give 100 percent every time they take the field whether it be practice in Goochland or the Dixie World Series,” Harlow said.

The team returned home winners and represented their community well. The coach summed it up best. “We did not win the World Series in Gonzales but these guys are still champions.”