To the Editor:

One of the greatest entities in small towns are the Little League Baseball and Softball organizations that reside there.

Our coaches not only teach the game of baseball and softball, they begin to frame their minds with teamwork, sportsmanship, dedication and commitment.

While some view this responsibility as a chore, others embrace it as an opportunity to be a critical part of a child’s development.

Ronald Johnson played for Courtland as a young child, coached in our organization and is a member of our board of directors. Ronald coached both his kids through the organization. His sons are Chase, 19, and Carter, 17. Both played from tee ball all the way through our Colt division.

Ronald has coached 19 years and has coached multiple teams for 12 of those years.

We have seen him miss his kid’s high school games to be at practice with his tee ball and coach pitch teams. His dedication and commitment to our organization is amazing and has not wavered even as his kids no longer play for CYAA.

The servant nature does not stop with Ronald. His wife, Trina, also is an invaluable part of the organization. Trina serves as the major coordinator for our concession stand. Trina also keeps the scorebook for Ronald’s games and serves as treasurer on our board. People view Trina as the baseball mom for all of the kids playing for our organization. Along with Ronald, she too has not slowed in her commitment to CYAA even as her kids have aged out of the program.

As if this is not enough to honor, Trina and Ronald are instilling this servant nature into their children. Chase and Carter are regulars at the ball field serving as coaches or just helping out with whatever needs to be done.

As we continue in a time where volunteers are hard to find, Trina and Ronald serve at the highest level within our organization.

We are truly honored and blessed to have them as part of the Courtland Youth Athletic Association.

Lance Simms
Courtland