Dixie Boys prep for state

By SHELIA MADER
Published: July 15, 2008

Optimist Park in Marianna will be filled with 10 teams in two age divisions of Dixie Boys baseball, all competing for a chance at the state title in order to move on to represent the State of Florida in the Dixie Boys World Series in August. 

The Marianna 14U Dixie Boys earned a spot in the tournament as the host team.

Garyn Waller is the head coach and will be assisted by Dennis Burch and Jeff Godwin. 

Both Burch and Godwin have experienced a state championship, Burch in 2004 and Godwin in 2006. 

Seven of the 12 players selected for this year’s all star team have at least one state championship under their belt with six of them experiencing two state victories.

Brandon Burch will anchor down second base in the tournament, having six years experience in the position. 

Burch was a member of both the 2004 Dixie Minors state championship team as well as the 2006 Dixie Majors Ozone state championship.

Zac Davis was a member of both state teams and will have time at third, shortstop and in the outfield. Davis may also see some time on the mound.  Jae Elliot brings the experience of two state championships to the field also. 

Elliott will be on the mound and in the outfield for the Marianna team.

Joshua Emmanuel will be looking for his first experience at a state championship title and will be positioned in the outfield. 

Chris Godwin will see time at third, in the outfield and on the mound and his experience in both state championships will ready him for those tasks.

With one state championship, Kaidd Golden will be working hard to land another one. Golden will share time between first base and the mound.

Kyle Griffin will be in the outfield and will be hoping to take home his first state championship title. Sean Henry and Brett Henry are both newcomers to the

Marianna Recreation Department baseball world and will both have outfield positions. Both Henrys are eager to experience a state victory.

Ryan Hughes has his eyes set on a third state championship title as he takes the field this Saturday.  Hughes will be in the outfield.

Ryan Riley, also a newcomer to Marianna baseball, will have duties between the mound and shortstop. 

This will be Riley’s first bid at a state championship.

Clayte Rooks will be behind the plate, bringing six years and two state championships of experience with him.

Waller is optimistic about the team’s chance at a state title, “You know a lot of these boys have been down the hill (Marianna High School) everyday working at the high school level and most of them have experienced a run at the state championship so it looks good right now.”

Opening ceremonies are Friday evening with Marianna scheduled to open play on Saturday at 7 p.m. against West Volusia.