TRADE ALERT!
After years of playing Special Olympics softball with the Fairfax Cougars, Rich agreed to a trade to play for the Loudoun Rangers. The Gabriel Homes resident’s move was a surprise given his ties to his longtime friend and former coach.
Rich was happy to make the move when Rangers coach Tom Knight showed the athlete his vision for hitting and fielding. The Rangers traveled to tournaments across Virginia, and the season culminated in winning gold medals at the Virginia Moose Association Softball Tournament in Lynchburg. Rich manufactured several outs at first base and was responsible for a double play during the Rangers’ tournament run.
As soon as the season started, the trade paid off in spades for the Rangers.
They dominated an April ballgame against the Fairfax Supernovas 15-7. Many of the season’s later wins became nail-biters, including 5-3 and 8-7 results. The regular season ended with the Rangers going 4-2-1; the last game was a 10-10 tie.
Tournament of Champions:
When they traveled to tournaments, the Rangers won big. One match saw the Rangers’ best result of the season when they won 15-2. Rich’s favorite game this season was the Moose Tournament finals, where the Rangers dominated in a 10-2 contest. After the final inning, the Rangers jumped and celebrated as they received their medals and took photos at home plate. Coach Tom thanked all the support from local organizations that volunteered their time to the athletes alongside the coaches.
“I try to have good relationships with the players, families, and everyone around our team. Coaches should be upfront and honest, which breeds mutual respect for the players. Most of all, we care about our athletes having fun when they compete.”