BOGUE CHITTO – Coaches Scott and Denise Leggett presented ringsto each other and shared an embrace Tuesday afternoon in BogueChitto’s R.L. “Bob” Calhoun Gymnasium. They had exchanged weddingvows several years ago but yesterday’s event was special, too.

It was a ring presentation ceremony, recognizing BC’s 2010 statechampionship fastpitch softball team. Eighteen players, threemanagers, one statistician and two coaches participated in theceremony that was witnessed by an appreciative crowd of students,parents and fans.

BC assistant principal Mickey Myers served as emcee for theevent. He congratulated the players and coaches for theiraccomplishments.

“The Bible teaches, ‘In everything give thanks.’ Make sure youthank God for giving you the ability to play softball. Thank yourparents, too.”

The Lady Cats captured the fastpitch state title May 22, atFreedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland. They rebounded from an openinggame loss to beat Smithville 1-0 and 6-2 for the Class 1A statetitle.

“The team that made seven errors in Friday’s game was nowhere tobe seen Saturday,” Myers recalled. “Smithville had gone to theirmotel Friday night full of confidence, but you persevered Saturdayand overcame adversity.”

The Lady Cats finished 21-9 and won their first-ever fastpitchcrown. They had won the slowpitch title in 2007 and four seniorsproudly wore those rings to the ceremony.

BC won the 2010 fastpitch title with no seniors on the squad.Four juniors, shortstop Josie Porter, catcher Darcy Miller, pitcherToy Smith and second baseman Bradi Davis had led the team.

“I’m glad we got (rings),” said Porter, examining the sparklingtribute to their success.

Miller agreed. “I’m excited to get a ring. We outdueled ouropponents. We played for it and won it.”

Davis said she was impressed by the size of the ring.

“They’re massive,” she said. “This is a great accomplishment inour lives. I’m grateful we had coaches to lead us and show us howto be successful.”

Smith served as a pitcher and designated player.

“This ring is going to stay with me,” said Smith while examiningher award.

A slide show, presented and created by Holly Miller, entertainedthe crowd for a few minutes at the start of the program.

The rings were financed by two major fundraisers. Denise Leggettsaid the team sold 450 cases of chicken fingers, featuring 10-poundboxes. The team also sponsored a golf tournament at the BrookhavenCountry Club and it was well received.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank these girls and theirparents for supporting us,” said Denise Leggett. “I want to thankyou fans, too.”

Her husband agreed.

“We are grateful for what these girls do for us, win or lose,”he said. “You girls won it for the Bogue Chitto community.”

Porter, Miller, Davis and Smith were among the players in the BCstarting lineup to receive their rings first. The other starterswere centerfielder Mattie Avants, third baseman Adrienne Wallace,first baseman Alexis Givens, pitcher/left fielder Reagan Welch,right fielder Kerri McGehee and flex Lauren Wallace.