Louisa, Ky. — John Mullins Softball (JMS) went undefeated last Saturday to capture the 2nd annual Corey Ryland Memorial Men’s softball tournament. Six teams battled the heat and played in honor of Louisa native Corey Ryland, a softball slugger who passed away last year suddenly at the age of 32. A lot of close games in this tournament made for a great day at the softball field.
Corey’s son Braxton, who is 10 years old threw out the first pitch to get the tournament underway on Saturday morning.
Good Ol’ Boys a local team from Louisa who Ryland played with before passing away finished second going 3-2 with both losses coming to JMS. Track Em Down/River Dawgs finished third.
Good Ol Boys finished 2nd Saturday
Red Heat another local team, Toney Express out of Huntington and Family Tradition out of Greenup Co. rounded out the tournament.
We would like to thank our sponsors, Todd Case Trucking and Boyd County Properties for helping us make this year’s tournament possible. Your support means the world to us.
Thank you to Hostetter’s Trophies & Plaques for the beautiful trophies, Dave Combs for the shirts, Coca Cola for the concession stand, Ft Gay United Methodist Church and Louisa Freewill Baptist Church for your help as well.
It takes a lot to pull off an event like this and we are forever grateful to all of the local businesses, residents and churches that pull together and support us along the way.
A special thank you to Chandler Shepherd for the autographed baseball he gave to Braxton.
Lastly, if you are around town and see anyone from the following list of businesses and residents, give them a big smile to let them know that their generous hearts are deeply appreciated.
Concessions/Raffle Donations and Volunteers:
Down Home Grill, Champions Barber Shop, Napa, Wellman’s Hardware, Kelly Bros Furniture, Amanda Cyrus Photography, Do It Best, Wendy’s, Save a Lot, Advance Auto, Giovanni’s, Ashley’s Salon, Citgo, Brown’s Food Service, Kickin’ Ash, Glitzy Boutique, Toro Loco, Louisa Tire & Auto, Legend’s Outfitters, Dee’s Drive Inn, Papa John’s, Katie Marskell, Bo Brumfield, Frank Canora, and of course, Lonzo Christian.
Corey’s teammates and family will never forget these special people. If Corey were here today, he would be amazed at everyone that has pulled together to keep his memory alive. I’m sure he was smiling down on all of us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!
Tournament directors are planning for proceeds from future tournaments to go toward a scholarship fund for baseball/softball players from Lawrence Co. that plan on going to college. It’s in the works, but probably won’t get it set up until after next year’s tournament.
Corey’s mom and her husband paid off the funeral expenses last year.
