LIBERTY – Some have been recognized publically and some haven’t been recognized at all, but the City of Liberty wanted to make sure that each and every one of their recreation softball and baseball teams were recognized in front of members of the city council on Monday night.

Tony Boiter, Liberty Recreation Department Director and coach brought four Liberty teams to the city council meeting to tell them how proud he was of them.

All four teams made it to the state tournament which is something Liberty is very proud of. Two of those teams were awarded with the Sportsmanship trophy that is voted on by the state director and commissioner.

The first team recognized was the Dixie Darlings 7 and 8 year old girl’s softball team who won their district and finished third in the state tournament. They were awarded the Sportsmanship award.

The Coaches Pitch 7 and 8 year old boys joined Dixie Youth this year for the first time, winning their district title and participating in the state tournament. They were also awarded the Sportsmanship award.

The 14 and under Dixie Boys went to state which was hosted in Liberty for the third year. This was their first attempt at winning state.

The 18 and under boys team won their district beating Greer and played at state in North Myrtle Beach. They finished third in the state.

“Four teams made it to their state tournament,” said Boiter. “That is really impressive. But what’s more impressive is the attitude these players had during the season. The Sportsmanship trophies mean more to me than winning the state tournament. That really says something about our program and the people of Liberty.”

Boiter said that all of the coaches are volunteers who have other jobs and their own lives, but they came out there every day wanting to help the Liberty program out and turn it into something great.

“I really appreciate Tony (Boiter) and all the coaches,” said Councilman Michael Sheriff. “I would put our recreation program up against any other in the state. I want to thank everyone that is apart of it. Liberty is so proud of each and every one of you.”

Fall baseball and softball will begin Sept. 12. There will be 10 baseball teams and five softball teams. This will include t-ball up to age 18.

Football will begin Aug. 25 and will be played on Tuesday nights at the LHS stadium. Saturday, Aug. 29 will be Liberty Rec’s Jamboree Invitation. There will be eight football games throughout the day including a 9 a.m. kick-off of the 6-year-old peanut teams. There will be a game every hour and a half.

“Keep doing what you’re doing,” said Sheriff to Boiter.

“We are so proud of these kids and proud of the whole city,” said Boiter.