On October 25th, 2024, Team Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) brought the heat to the National Guard’s 8th Annual Suicide Prevention Community Resource Fair and Kickball Tournament at Papago Park Military Reservation. Clad in our finest BBBS t-shirts, we were ready to kick some serious ball and maybe snag a few new Bigs and partners along the way!
A Bright (and Early) Start
The day started bright and early, with our dedicated squad arriving at 7:45 AM—because punctuality is key when you’re aiming for the championship title! Team Captain Ed Stokes led our charge, accompanied by Carrie Emmons, Ashley Doyle, Jessica Hurtado, Dennay King, Megan McCullough, Eric Brown, Eva Siler, Liz De la Fuente, AnnMarie Pattan, and Jolie Armstrong. We even had our very own paparazzi, Kaylin Wojciechowski, capturing all the action while Izzy Tovar and Eliza Eckman, worked the crowd, chatting up potential Bigs and connecting with National Guard members eager to share resources.
Game On!
After a rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner and an inspiring speech from a Guard member who’s battled cancer, the tournament kicked off! With our first game set for 9:45 AM, we took to the field to practice our moves. There was sunscreen application (mandatory!), hydration station vibes, and a delicious breakfast sandwich fuel-up.
Huddles & Hustles
Right before game time, Ed gathered us for a team huddle. Positions were announced, strategies were shared, and another uplifting speech fired us up. With a team cheer that could rattle the stands, we were ready to claim victory!
Let the Games Begin!
The match started off strong, thanks to our phenomenal pitcher, Jess, who threw like a champion. We had jaw-dropping catches, sneaky stolen bases, and, most importantly, an abundance of team spirit that could light up the whole field.
The highlight of the day came when Ed kicked a double, followed closely by Jess, who made a spectacular play that allowed Ed to steal home. It was a proud moment for Team BBBS! Despite our score of 1 to their 7, we were the true champions of fun.
Celebrations and Awards
After our epic showdown, we returned to our station to hear from Ed once again, who delivered another powerful speech. Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for: the awards ceremony! Ed snagged the title of Best Coach (no surprise there!), Eric was crowned Most Spirited, Dennay took home the MVP Jr. award, and our superstar pitcher, Jessica Hurtado, was named the All-Star MVP.
But the icing on the cake was when Arizona National Guard Adjutant General Kerry Muehlenbeck jumped in to celebrate with us during our post-game huddle. Talk about a dream team moment!
Looking Ahead
As we wrapped up the day, the camaraderie and connection were clear: this event was one for the books! We can’t wait to participate again next year—this time with not one, but TWO BBBS teams ready to battle for the championship title. Watch out, 2025, because Team BBBS is coming for you, and we’re bringing even more spirit and enthusiasm to the field!
Here’s to a fantastic day, unforgettable memories, and our mission to support every Little and Big in our community. Until next year—let’s keep kicking it for a cause!
