The Montoursville Senior Little League All-Stars recently completed one of their best seasons ever by snagging a Pennsylvania State Championship. It would have been nice to win even more, but that does not diminish the fine championship season that they enjoyed.

The Montoursville Seniors won the Pennsylvania State Championship on July 15, 2018, with a perfect 4-0 record. They outscored their opponents 35-1. They had a .338-team batting average and a team on-base percentage of .458.

In the Eastern Regionals, they finished third in a 10-team field. They were eliminated by Wilmington, Delaware, 4-2, despite striking out 15 of their batters. Delaware went on to win the United States Championship for Senior League Baseball.

Manager Scott Metzger provided a summary of each of his players.

Jaxon Dalena “Jax” — pitcher, infielder. A great hitter with power. Versatile in the field.

Maddix Dalena — built like Tim Tebow. Played first base and pitched, and also played third base and catcher. Competition with his brother makes him a better player.

Mason Sechrist — outstanding defensive outfielder. He was a clutch hitter in States and Regionals.

“C.J.” Calogero Signor — he can play the infield, pitch, and catch. He has a very good bat.

Keon Burkholder — outfielder, pitcher. Good baserunner with great speed. Closed out game 2 of States with a save.

Peyton Mussina — second Base. Bats ninth in the lineup, but bats like a second lead-off man. Excellent eye at the plate, and is a good bunter.

Ediel Rodriguez — outfielder. Plays the game hard. Can play almost anywhere, including, pitch and catch.

Naaman Amos, — catcher, infielder. Naaman is a talented catcher who gives 150 percent effort every time and is a good hitter.

Heath “Dutch” Jones — catcher, infielder. He is the second youngest player on the team. Even though he had the least amount of playing time, he never complained. He was a great kid to coach. He has an incredible work ethic. His teammates love him and regarded him as an example.

“The assistant coaches on the team, Mike Mussina, and Bruce Jones brought great experience and knowledge and are true role models for these young men.

“These young men (players) dedicated themselves towards achieving a goal, which they accomplished — a state title,” Metzger said. “They had a blast and made some new friends. As a coach, I witnessed dedication, loyalty, and character over the past season. They played multiple sports, which will only make them better athletes.

“Prior to our second game at States, the team witnessed a horrific motorcycle accident on the way to the field. This gentleman had just left the field where he was watching the game prior to ours. The team was visibly shaken and had a hard time focusing that night. We learned that by the Grace of God he did survive, though his road will be long with extensive injuries, he did not have a brain injury, which was a miracle. Our team prays before each game, and we prayed for that man that night and did so every game afterward. Some of the folks at the tourney knew the family, and we had the kids sign a card and sent him a team hat, letting him know we were cheering for him in his recovery.

“I shared with them that life is too short. We do our best and be good to others. Be dedicated, loyal to your friends, and you will develop a charter for a lifetime. The last game we had in New Jersey we took a knee and asked that simple prayer again, along with one for one of our player’s mother who has an illness. This is why I have coached for the past 22 years. I hope to instill what is truly important in life. Another season of life, but a lifetime to cherish. These young men will be better practicing those values.