Coal Creek heads to Little League regionals
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The Coal Creek Little League team celebrates winning the state title last month. Photo: Coal Creek Little League
Lafayette's Coal Creek Little League team is headed to California to try and make Colorado baseball history.
Why it matters: Coal Creek carries Colorado's hopes of finally breaking through to the Little League World Series — something no team from the state has ever done.
Driving the news: The Coal Creek 12-U squad captured the Colorado title last month, punching its ticket to this week's Mountain regional finals in San Bernardino, California.
- They will compete in a double-elimination tournament with Utah, Nevada, Montana and Wyoming for a spot in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
What they're saying: "They've earned every bit of this opportunity through their hard work, commitment and the way they've played for each other so far," head coach Matthew Hiddle told us.
- Hiddle also credited the run to coaches, families and community volunteers.
- "This accomplishment belongs to all of them just as much as it does the players."
Zoom in: Boulder County has quietly become Colorado's Little League powerhouse.
- North Boulder Little League is coming off a run of three state titles in five years.
- Coal Creek's victory keeps the championship in Boulder County four of the past six years.
Yes, but: Colorado is one of just six states that has never sent a team to the Little League World Series, giving Coal Creek has a chance at history.
- "Now we have an opportunity to represent the entire state of Colorado," Hiddle said. "That's a responsibility we don't take lightly."
How you can help: The league is raising money to help cover travel costs for their trip to California.
What we're watching: Coal Creek takes on Utah at 1pm Saturday.
Meet the players:
- Aidan Penny
- Andrew Kotlarczyk
- Callen Haas
- Jacoby Irwin
- Jaxson Priefert
- Keagan Taylor
- Lange Youngman
- Nicholas Palomo
- Peyton Hammond
- Rory Pirnat
- Ryker Hiddle
- Trace Johnson
Coaches: Matthew Hiddle, Chuck Taylor, Sam Irwin and Stas Hammond.