>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

ELGIN — It didn’t take La Grande long to get past its lone loss of the District 3 tournament, scoring four runs in the opening inning in a 17-3, four-inning rout Wednesday versus Milton-Freewater.

“I was a little disappointed we started out a little bit slow,” La Grande manager Allen Childs said. “We’re still having trouble throwing strikes early on in the game, but we came around with the bats, got a spark and then got things rolling.”

LA GRANDE LAUNCHER: La Grande’s Troy Williams connects with a pitch during the 11/12 All-Star Little League tournament. Williams had three home runs, but his team fell to Harney County 19-7 Tuesday. - The Observer/PAUL HARDER

Walks and errors derailed La Grande’s waltz through pool play during a 19-7 loss to Harney County.

“We hurt ourselves,” La Grande manager Allen Childs said. “Our pitchers fell behind in the count, and the Harney County batters made them pay.”

La Grande led 2-0 before Harney County scored nine times in the second inning.

GAMBILL-ING MAN: Josh Gambill went 4-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs for his La Grande 11/12 All-Star team. - PAUL HARDER/The Observer

Gambill propelled La Grande past Union County 13-5 Monday.

"What can you say,” La Grande manager Allen Childs said. “(Josh) did it all. He’s usually a little tentative, but not today.”

Gambill took matters into his own hands on the mound. He started the game, and struck out three batters in three innings of work.

SLICK VIC: La Grande native Vic Dubray will compete in the Mark Nichols Memorial Bullriding event at 7 p.m. Friday. - Observer file photo

This indented hat? Maybe it was from the bull grazing his head. He assumed it was. After all, that happened twice last year, so maybe it did again.

SIPP-ING VICTORY: Kenneth Sipp had a double for Union County. PAUL HARDER/The Observer

Trailing 3-1 after an inning, Union County found its rhythm.

Kenneth Sipp helped cap a four-run third with a double, and Union County pulled out to a 7-3 lead.

PORTLAND — EOU Athletic Director Rob Cashell has been named NAIA Region I Athletic Director of the Year, according to a news release on the university website.

The award is voted on by the athletic directors in Region I — which comprises 23 institutions across five Western states, as well as Canada.

Cashell, who’s in his seventh year at EOU, has been instrumental in recent athletic facility development on campus, including the completion of renovations to Quinn Coliseum, the replacement of the track and field throws facilities, and the renovation and naming of Peggy Anderson Field.

KACI AT THE BAT: Union County's Kaci Langford takes a rip at Sam Marcum Field Thursday. - Observer photo/PAUL HARDER

Union County fell in the 9-10-year-old All-Star game 8-2 Thursday at Sam Marcum Field.

It’s Milton-Freewater’s second straight trip to the state tournament.

Rikki Griffin did all she could from the pitching circle. Griffin struck out seven — including the first three batters of the game.

SHINING STAR: La Grande’s Isaac Chamberlain delivered two hits during a 4-2 win against Pendleton Wednesday. - submitted photo

The La Grande 9/10-year-old All-Star team punched their tickets to the state tournament after defeating Pendleton 4-2 for the district crown Wednesday.

J.C. Rodgers and Jake Workinger teamed up to halt  Pendleton’s bats.

SWIMMING SENSATION: 14-year-old Allie Godfrey won her 200-yard breaststroke race with a finishing time of 3:00.98. The Observer/Bruce Mason

Forget the air conditioners, wet towels, ice cubes and water.  Those are secondary. Just step inside the Veterans Memorial Pool building, absorb its sticky, stuffy, humid conditions, and suddenly, La Grande will not feel as scorching. 

Then again, maybe it will, because the La Grande Swim Club scorched its opposition at this facility Saturday and Sunday, winning the La Grande Invitational.

Shortstop Brandy Blackman monitors the infield situation Saturday at Sam Marcum Field. Observer photo/BRUCE MASON

As they chanted in dugouts, cheered on their teammates, and donned their jerseys, caps and mitts, little did they know, they were leaving even larger marks somewhere else, somewhere their young eyes could not see, but somewhere they could definitely touch.

Hearts. 

Big hearts.