Photo/Tony Montoya T.J. Allison tries to score against Shawn Lanning during the Carey Jo Thomas Memorial Softball Tournament, held this past weekend in Wheatland.

From August 7th-9th, softball players from throughout the region gathered to remember Wheatland resident Carey Jo Thomas, and raise funds for a Memorial Scholarship in her honor.

Deb Wheeler of the Platte County Parks and Recreation District said the event was a “success beyond any of our expectations.”

“If any [individuals] were at the tournament, [they] would know what I mean,” Wheeler said. “There was such a feeling of camaraderie, there were so many old friends, new friends, family, people you haven’t seen in years, all come together for the Thomas family.”

The Huckfeldt and Sons team won the event, going through the Tournament bracket undefeated.

Wheeler added that this was also the same team Carey Jo had played on.

In addition to the tournament, there were also several raffles and silent auctions held to raise money. Auctions included services and ensembles from several members of the community.

Carey Jo was killed in a car accident near Glendo in 2008. She was an avid softball player, and was a member of several teams. She was attending college on a softball scholarship.

Wheeler said the Tournament was a great experience.

“Carey Jo would have loved it.”



For the complete article see the 08-12-2009 issue.

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