With a flawless 43-0 record, the South Warren Spartans are currently ranked first in the state and top five in the nation. Tomorrow at 3:30 pm in Lexington, Kentucky, they take on Ft. Thomas Highlands in the state semi-finals. If they win, they will play in the state championship on Saturday; and, for one Spartans granddad, this is a dream come true.

 

Growing up in Franklin, Kentucky, I spent many evenings watching the neighborhood boys play Little League baseball. Among them, Mark Allen and his younger brother Gary, were standouts. Mark went on to a dedicated career as a coach and the Athletic Director in Butler County, Kentucky.

Mark’s granddaughter is superstar Layla Ogden, who pitches and plays first base for the Spartans. 

 

It is no easy task to win forty-three straight games. As with many elite athletes, Layla Ogden credits her teammates first. Their  cohesiveness and positive attitude even in the face of adversity is unparalleled. 

 

Last week in the quarter-finals against Madison Central, Layla hit a walk-off two-run homer to win the game and advance. Again, she gave the glory to a higher power and her teammates. When I asked granddad Mark how he reacted in that moment he simply said, “I cheered, I laughed, I cried.”

 

Can the Spartans win these last two games and record a perfect 45-0 season? Stay tuned. No matter the outcome, I know this: Mark Allen has a heart full of pride and joy. If you are a grandparent, I know you understand. 

 

Layla Ogden is a senior, and has signed with Western Kentucky University to play softball at the collegiate level. So granddad has many more games to attend in the future. 

 

For now…all eyes are on Lexington.

 

Let’s Go Spartans!!!!