Killam Thunder to represent Alberta in U18 Fastball Championship

Pictured (L to R): Back row: Manager - Deb Brodie, Assistant Coach - Stefan Cloutier, Shyann Kelndorfer, Brooke Lindmark, Amber Prichard, Kaylee Prichard, Tara Yuha, Megan Culbert, Coach - Lorne Cox, Assistant Coach - Jim Nichols. Middle Row: Sydney Kelndorfer, Ashley Golby, Lauren Brodie, Camryn Stenson, Kelsey Cloutier. Front Row: Cheyenne Nichols, Shaina George. — Pictured (L to R): Back row: Manager – Deb Brodie, Assistant Coach – Stefan Cloutier, Shyann Kelndorfer, Brooke Lindmark, Amber Prichard, Kaylee Prichard, Tara Yuha, Megan Culbert, Coach – Lorne Cox, Assistant Coach – Jim Nichols. Middle Row: Sydney Kelndorfer, Ashley Golby, Lauren Brodie, Camryn Stenson, Kelsey Cloutier. Front Row: Cheyenne Nichols, Shaina George.

The Killam Thunder will represent Alberta as team #1 at the Western U18 Fastball Championship in Battleford, Saskatchewan on August 1 to 4.

It was a tough season this year for the Thunder, but they saved their best for last. Provincials were held in Leduc, and after round robin play, Thunder were 1-3, winning their only game playing under the lights. The chances of us playing in the playoffs next day were slim to none, so we thought.

Miracles do happen and we were given a second life as there were tie breaker games to play; two, in fact. Thunder came out pitching, catching, throwing, and batting. They could do no wrong and won both games. The third game was the same, and with another win under their belts, they moved on to the semi finals. Fourth game for the day and they came out just as strong as the first. Another win and onto the finals playing the well rested Irma team.

Killam Thunder won silver. Irma will not be advancing to Westerns, so Killam will, in fact, be Team #1.

With five back-to-back games, only 40 minute break between them all, these girls soared! They took advantage of their second chance and made use of it the best way they knew how.

Twenty-eight innings were played that day, each one of them played at 110 per cent, giving it their all! They battled through sore muscles, taped thumbs and fingers, and fought hard. It was amazing to watch and brought many to tears.

The Killam Thunder consists of players and coaches from Alliance, Bawlf, Coronation, Forestburg, Killam, and Sedgewick. They have been together for four years and received medals each year at provincials. Thunder’s goal was to be at Westerns in five years. and they made it in four!

Submitted