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To the Editor:

What a great job by all involved when the Town of Ahoskie hosted the Tar Heel League District 7 All-Star Softball Tournament on June 28 through July 2.

I have personally witnessed such tournaments since my oldest son first played in one in 1981 and now I’m watching my grandchildren play. However, this one in Ahoskie, was without a doubt, is the best one I’ve ever seen.

Thanks needs to start with the Ahoskie Town Council and Mayor Weyling White for getting behind the effort to host such an event. Our Fire Chief, Michael Bradley, and his staff – to include his wife, Trish – handled all the operations of the tournament. Then we had Police Chief Jimmy Asbell and his officers out there each and every day – and even late some nights – making us all feel safe. Our Town Manager Leigh Etheridge was among those helping make the event such a big success, as did our #1 groundskeeper Joey Parker. He kept those three ballfields in tip-top shape.

It needs to be noted that the town’s fire trucks kept the college-caliber fields watered to help keep the playing surface at optimum level. They even brought in cooling devices to help keep everyone from over-heating, to include the umpires!

This was our community working in unison!

Steve Barnes, head of the Tar Heel District 7, expressed how impressed he was with the way the tournament was run by our town.

My granddaughter played in a doubleheader that ended at 11:30 pm one night, but yet everyone was still there working. By the way, her team – the Ahoskie 8U All-Stars – rallied to finish in third place!

The ballfields were immaculately groomed and excitement filled the air. It reminded me of the atmosphere witnessed during a NFL playoff game involving my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers!

As Dave Edwards, former Hertford County High School coach and now a youth sports umpire, said: “Ahoskie should be extremely proud of its present-day image.”

I agree with you, coach Edwards!

Chip Burby

Ahoskie