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Monday, June 04, 2007

Will Wins Killian Owen Award

The Little League Will and Matthew play in was created by the Mt. Paran Church of God, and has always emphasized Christian values. Coaches are encouraged to share weekly devotions with their team, each game begins and ends with both teams praying at home plate, and values like sportsmanship and fair play are held in as high esteem as winning. Mt. Paran has over 300 boys playing on at least 23 teams in six age groups.

Several years ago the league began honoring one player who exemplifies these Mt. Paran values, the Killian Owen Award. Killian was a Mt. Paran player who died from cancer several years ago. Killian’s older brother Pierce has been a teammate of Will’s. Ceil’s long-time friend, former roommate, and matron of honor Dawn is a cousin of Killian’s father. Last year’s winner was little James Whittington, a tiny boy with diabetes who played on Matthew’s 2005 Rivercats team. Several weeks ago the League President posted these qualifications for the award:

We are looking for a child that has a love for the game of baseball, but also more importantly is a light to all those around him or her. A Child that is always ready to spread happiness and joy even in the toughest of times. A child that readily lends a helping hand to his or her teammates and coaches without being asked.

Last night at the End of Season Celebration they announced Will as this year’s Killian Owen Award winner, in front of all the players, parents, and coaches of all the teams. The president said that Will had been nominated by several coaches, and had also been nominated in previous years as well. He said Will was an example of what Mt. Paran baseball is all about, and he is a fine example for the younger players, who Will frequently works and plays with.

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