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© St. Petersburg Times, published February 7, 2001
NEW PORT RICHEY -- Kelly Skoulas feels Dixie Softball League administrators approved a World Series for the Angels division (ages 9-10) a year too late.
Had league officials given their okay before last season, the West Pasco president's daughter, Christina, could have pitched in a World Series last July.
West Pasco defeated East Pasco for the state championship in Zephyrhills last summer, which would have placed that all-star team in the Angels World Series.
Rather than dwell on the past, however, Skoulas now shares in the enthusiasm expressed by players, coaches and administrators from the two Pasco County DSL organizations.
"They're all really excited; the local coaches, the kids," Skoulas said. "It's a new dimension. Whenever they add another division (to play for a World Series) it's exciting."
Louise Jordan, East Pasco's longtime treasurer who resigned after last season due to health reasons, expressed mixed emotions about allowing 9- and 10-year-old girls to travel out of state for a competitive tournament.
"I think they're a little bit young," Jordan said, "but, of course, at that age they'd be with their parents (on the road) anyway."
While East Pasco vice president Tom Patterson said adding a World Series for the Angels might prove to be "overwhelming," he feels it's about time players in that age group have their own World Series, just like the other DSL divisions -- Ponytails (ages 11-12), Belles (13-15) and Debs (16-18). "I don't really think it's going to be too competitive," Patterson said. "They play long and hard all year anyway, and it's kind of a reward for them."
"This is something they always watched their older sisters play," Skoulas added. "At least it's something to shoot for."
West Pasco will field six Angels teams this season while East Pasco will field four. Both organizations will form all-star teams in all divisions to represent their programs and compete in state tournaments. Champions from the league's eight southeastern states will compete in the DSL World Series this summer.
Two DSL divisions, the Darlings (7-8) and Sweeties (4-6), compete in state tournaments, but not a World Series.
West Pasco's season begins March 3 at Oakridge Field off Seven Springs Boulevard in New Port Richey. East Pasco's season starts March 17, a week after Founder's Day in Zephyrhills, at the Jordan Complex off Airport Road.
DSL S.O.S.: West Pasco and East Pasco organizations seek volunteers to coach, umpire and keep score. Each program also accepts late player registrants.
In West Pasco, call (727) 848-0391. In East Pasco, call (813) 788-6417.
ALUMNI FOOTBALL GAME: An organizational meeting for Ridgewood's inaugural alumni football game is Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Candidates should bring an $85 participation fee for the fundraiser to benefit the school's athletic department.
For more information, call organizer Donnie Britt at (727) 842-3462 or (800) 825-2831.