Midwest Athletics dominating play

The Midwest Athletics baseball team has won three tournaments this season, which has resulted in being bumped up one division to Majors. The team is (from left): FRONT -- Jacob Durossette, Lane Ketterman, Zach Denton, Brett Norton and Easton Mitchell; MIDDLE -- Clayton Hixson, Cole Sanderson, Austin Carter, Alex Payne, Grant Wolfe and Derek Nagel; BACK -- coaches B.G. Wolfe, Matt Ketterman, Marty Nagel and Doug Sanders. (Submitted photo)

The Midwest Athletics are going out with a bang during their final season together as a team. With high school just around the corner, their final youth season will soon be at an end.

Although most of the team is from Nevada, there are three players from Fort Scott: Clayton Hixon, Jacob Durossette and Zach Denton.

The Athletics began playing together in 2003, where they started out as an 8-year-old AA team. In just two years they claimed second place in the state of Missouri. After that winning season, they were then bumped up to AAA where they have remained until now.

The players are now 14 years old and are so far having a dream season. This season they have played three tournaments in the AAA division winning all three. They have defeated four Major division teams in these tournaments.

Due to their domination thus far, the Athletics were recently bumped up to the Major division. Their first official Major win came last weekend and their record stands at 18-2 for the season.

In United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) power rankings, they are currently ranked fourth in the state of Missouri and 40th in the nation.

Already halfway through the season, there is a very bittersweet feeling. The player's parents are proud and happy for their success, but will also miss the family unit the team has become over the last seven years. Friendships have been formed that will last for years to come, and memories that will last a lifetime.

The A's would like to thank all who have supported and sponsored the team through the years. Without them, the team's success would not have been possible.