ROCHELLE — Rochelle Little League President Tom Huels isn’t 100 percent positive that this is the first summer ever the Hub City has sent two All-Star teams to state.

No one he’s talked to has been able to refute the claim.

“I don’t think it’s happened,” said Huels, whose final stretch as President continues to be extended by the unprecedented success of Rochelle’s All-Star teams. “This postseason has been icing on the cake.”

After years of early exits, Rochelle Little League All-Star teams have won three district championships this summer. There’s also a new sectional banner hanging in town, thanks to an unlikely run by Rochelle’s Junior Leaguers.

“Just getting through the district level has been very difficult for us in the past,” said Huels, whose son was on the last Rochelle team to make it to state in 1999. “We’ve been lucky to get to the championship game, much less win one.”

With six postseason wins already under their belt, Rochelle’s Juniors opened play at the state tournament on Saturday as one of the five remaining teams in Illinois.

They are one of three remaining teams from Rochelle.

Next weekend, the 10-11 Softball All-Stars will compete in Illinois’ final four following a sectional bye. They swept Rock Falls last week to win the district title.

Rochelle’s 9-10 All-Stars also won a district championship by winning five straight games after an early loss. That team is currently battling in the Silvas Sectional.

“I think kids are playing more baseball now. The more you play, the better you get,” 9-10 Manager Rich Harvey said. “There are also a lot of people dedicated to helping these kids play, which is a good thing.”

Rochelle’s overall registration numbers have been down in recent seasons, but the quality of play has remained high. The Little League schedule is designed to allow kids to also play on weekend travel teams, which gives them even more opportunities to develop as players.

“They stick together,” Junior League Manager Bryan Scarbrough said.

For the complete article see the 07-25-2010 issue.

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