Kiwanis Little League Host Fundraiser

by Erika Toman

The Falls Church Kiwanis Little League hosted their annual playerled fundraiser this past week and the players surpassed their goal by raising over $50k for the league. With over 500 children participating in the Hit-A-Thon throughout the week, it was a true community effort. The culmination of their efforts was celebrated Saturday night at the third annual Hit-A-Thon championship and Adult Home Run Derby under the lights at Westgate Elementary’s Art Eagle ballfield.

The Hit-A-Thon championship featured all of the top home run hitters from the Majors teams. Stepping up to the plate were Thomas Corcoran, Xander Wagner, James Gremminger, Liam Horgan, Sam Crean, Nate Landers, Aiden Ortiz, Kovas Plummer, Landon Tucker, Luca Pipia, Jack Mullin, and Teddy Greiner, all vying for the title of Hit-A-Thon Champion. The competition went down to the wire with Plummer edging out Ortiz by a final count of 6 – 5.

The Juniors division featured FCKLL players currently play- ing in high school. FCKLL alumnus Owen Growney (Senior at Marshall High School) was the big winner of the night with 6 home runs in the final round. His teammate Nathan Lake (Sophomore at Marshall High School) finished as runner-up with 4 home runs in the championship round.

Patriots have found their success.

While their season is not done and regardless of what happens this weekend in Durham, N.C. where they will face the national seeded Duke Blue Devils, the 2023 season will go down in the history books.

Justin hopes this title will help in recruiting and building the program as they look to be a leader in the DMV region.

If you would like to tune into this weekend’s pool play, the Patriots game will be aired on ESPN+ Friday, May 19th at noon. Tickets are available through the George Mason Athletic Ticket Office at am.ticketmaster.com/ gmu/23ncaasb for JUST $10. You can also contact Taylor Bosket, tbosket@gmu.edu or 703-993-4112.

For the adults division, Lauren Hoeck took home the trophy as the Women’s Hit-A-Thon grand champion, with Maureen Queler as runner-up. In the adult home run derby, Anthony Verdi reclaimed the title he first won in 2021. On his heels the entire time, Victor Waldron had an incredible showing and took