09/23/2026
TEAMWORK – COMMUNITY – INCLUSION – FUN – INTEGRITY – at its best on Saturday!
Weather – Thank you Jesus for the absolutely gorgeous day we have for this event, and keeping everyone safe.
Downs Family – Thank you for having such a shining example of a man and community leader, that we can have great reason to have such an event to honor his legacy, while also showing love to your family and our Challenger families. Also, continued thoughts and prayers for the Zimmerman family, and Sadie’s felt presence at our event.
Field/Facility/Lunch – Thank you Mike and Williamsport Lumber Yards management/staff for allowing us to use the field for our event, at no charge. Bases, field and sound system ready to go and thanks for the well-organized lunch at the pavilion. Mike’s time and effort working with me on this event was truly appreciated.
Buddies - Thank you Penn College coaches (Brett and Amber), as well as all the Wildcat baseball players that showed up to be buddies, assist with a few odd tasks and also help serve lunch to our players and families. If I may steal a line from “High School Musical” - “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat (93’ grad). Also, a special shout out to the loudest cheering section in right field – Penn College Lacrosse team.
Special guest - Thank you to Dugout and helper - One cannot go wrong with having Dugout as part of your sporting event, very much appreciated.
Team Hosts - Thank you – Uncle Phil, Aunt Miki, Uncle Brad, Uncle Mike G., Uncle Mike M. Aunt Tina and Uncle JJ. Friends to count on
PA D12 and Umpires - Thank you Tina, Doug, Bob, Lester and Sean. It was nice to have a game where no one was giving the umpires a hard time, well except for maybe the one pitcher on occasion. 😉
Northcentral PA – Thank you Brett, whom had showed up to our Sandlot Day in 2024, and the past two CDCC events in 2025 and 2026 to take pictures and share with our Community the images of what Challenger is all about, and the amazing athletes and people that make all this worthwhile.
Veteran Fred Packer - Thank you brother for your service, and what was one of the most meaningful aspects of our Opening Ceremony, beyond the players and bat presentation to the Downs family. This moment really hit home, especially as we pray for our country and others during this time in our world. As we prepared for the National Anthem during our OC, Fred recognized that there was not a visible or relatively close American Flag at our particular field, so he said he had one in his truck, and would run out and get it. With other Opening Ceremony comments taking place, Fred was back in no-time, flag in hand (pole), standing at the pitcher’s mound ready for us all to honor our country with the National Anthem. Please see the picture online with two of our Challenger players at home plate and Fred out at the mound with flag and patriotism on full display.
Damon Coberly from Jersey Shore Challenger - (National Anthem Singer) - Thank you my friend. I believe this will be the third time that you and Coach Jamie have sung the NA together. No one has asked us not to sing for future events, so we must be doing a good job.
Volunteers (set-up, ticket booth, photos, announcers): Thank you Teri, Phil, Jacob, Faith, Matt, Kelley, Kyle, Serenity, Kei, Steph, Downs Family, team hosts and the many others that stepped up for various tasks during the event. Thanks also to Rosanne and Sheena for your assistance behind the scenes.
Challenger leagues and Coaches: Thank you - Jessica/Gina (East Lycoming), Dean/coaches (Jersey Shore), Eric/coaches (Mifflinburg), Jamie/coaches (Montoursville), Tammy/RJ/coaches (Original) and Beth/Jim (Wyoming Valley). Getting players and families to commit a few hours of their Saturday made this tournament what it is, all about the wonderful athletes and the people that they really are.
Challenger event sponsors and donors: Thank you for your financial, product and community support.
Brian McClintock, Bruster’s Ice Cream, Chick-fil-A, Coach Dean Johnson, CSR Enterprise Networks, Economy Locker-Country Store, Fischer Agency, Gilson snowboards, Greenlight bats, Infinit Pins, Jamie & Stephanie Johnson, JanWay Company, Kieffer’s Dark Horn Woodworking, Kellogg’s/Kellanova, Lamar Advertising, Liberty Arena, Little League International and Museum, LutzGO, Montoursville Little League, Northwest Bank, Out Shine Promotions, PA D12, Potting Bench, Texas Roadhouse, The Gaetano Family, Villager Realty, Williamsport Lumber Yards, Wilkes Barre City Department of Health – “Courtesy of Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball”, Woodlands Bank
Mrs. Foster (Rhonda) - Thank you for always being supportive of not only the time dedicated to Challenger, but other community and organization groups that I commit time to during the year. You are the love of my life, even when you are at wits end with me!
Challenger players: Last, but far from least – Thank you for your spirit, dedication, vibrance, shining examples, smiles, antics, laughs, hugs, effort and love. We all love you very much and are so proud of each and every one of you! Can’t wait for a year-end bowling event and the 2027 Challenger season. Prayers for your school year, safety and families!
Coach Jamie
