"This was Michael's first AAU national meet and being a newcomer to track and field, I think he did an outstanding job," Gambrel said. "He went up against people that have been jumping for years and with a lot more experience than he has, but he had the heart of a lion and never once gave up. I truly like his spirit and feel in the future he is going to be one that we will have to keep our eyes on."
Gambrel says all three participants have represented Danville well.
"These kids are really putting it out there for our little town of Danville," Gambrel said. "A great big thanks, too, to all those who helped support us getting there with donations. It really helped out a lot and means a lot to the kids."
Denson signs
Lincoln County's Devon Denson has signed to play baseball at Alice Lloyd College.
Denson, a pitcher and first baseman, has the strong throwing arm and fielding skills that the Eagles wanted to add to the lineup.
"On the mound, Devon throws in the low to mid 80's with a nice change-up and sharp curve ball," said Alice Lloyd assistant coach Jason Stowers. "We have also gotten a player that can really swing the bat and produce hard line drives to all fields."
Denson was also a starter on Lincoln's Class AAAAA regional championship football team last year.
Mustangs advance
The Morse Mustangs have moved into championship bracket play at the 15 and under USSSA Open National Championship in Crystal Lake, Ill.
"We finished second in our pool and ranked ninth out of 34 teams after pool play," coach Josh Loughry said. "We are one of 18 teams that moved on to the championship bracket. There are teams from nine states and teams from Canada, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic here. The Japanese national team is also here."
The Mustangs, 33-9, won four of five games in pool play with the only loss an 8-4 decision to the Southern Illinois Bullets.
The Mustangs were scheduled to play the No. 8 seed Upper Deck Cougars today in the double elimination championship bracket. If they win, they will face the South Oakland A's, who are ranked 15th nationally.
