TONY'S hustle inductees

Saturday afternoon three members of the Rocky Mount tennis team qualified the the state tournament next weekend in Burlington.  George Shannon and Landon Norwood swept through their first three matches until they met up with the doubles team from Fike.  It was a struggle but the Gryphons prevail winning in two sets to win the 3A Eastern Regional at Barton College.  They will try for the state doubles title starting next Friday in Burlington.

Singles player Tyler Brice lost one match in two days and the one he lost was the Regional final.  It is his first singles lost of the season but by finishing second he qualifies for weekends state championships.

I have been covering sports in eastern North Carolina a long time before many of you were born.  During that time I have met many people who are special people in their support of others and their support of athletics.   Many young people who I have watched that I have grown fond of because the way the play the sport they participate  in.  I call those my all hustle team.  Here is a small list of some of some special people in my eyes and two new members to my all hustle team.

Richard Sarmiento :  I don't know if any person has effected baseball in Nash County more in the last 25 years.  His love of baseball with financial backing and his ability of getting others to help.  Many teams have played in tournaments in Cooperstown and was a vital link in Babe Ruth Baseball sending teams to the World Series and almost winning in 2005.

Bill Reece:  Is there anybody in Nash County who does not know Bill.  If there is a ball game tonight some where near he will be there.  Met him when our last daughter Morgan played teeball ball at Englewood  on the same team as Bill's grandson David Williams who by the way is on my all time hustle team and proud to say graduates from Duke next weekend.

Joe Bell:  Have worked with Joe all ten years that I  have done PA for Rocky Mount Legion Baseball.  You just  don't know the time and effort he has given to Legion baseball.  Three children have been involved through the years in Rocky Mount sports an I bet many of their games he has on film.

Don Johnson:  I met DJ in the 80's.  He was at Chowan College  being a ref and I did the PA.  If I remember correctly it was  a Region Ten Junior College tournament and I did any time Chowan played I did radio and any other games did PA.  It is hard to be around DJ without feeling better.  He just had that glow that more people need.

Now my two new all Hustle team members.

Leroy Edwards Southern Nash:  I have maybe seen him play maybe ten games altogether.  I bet  there are many people who when they watch him play never know he has a handicap.  He has learned to over come his disability an play the game of baseball one handed. That's my kind of player.

Logan Pearce Rocky Mount:  I saw him the day he was born as Pat and I are great friends with his mom and dad.  He has through the years been about smallest player in the field but one of the best and he could always hit.  His high high school days he is grown up but this year his hitting has been sporadic but one thing has not left him defense.  He has not allowed his hitting to effect his play.  Made error first game of season and hasn't made one since.  That's my kind of ball player.

Time to starting looking for more people who are friends of athletics and the next hustle ball players!