For those thinking that state championships are only limited to high school teams in Bridgeport, the local Little League teams may have something to say about it. In the past several days, the Bridgeport Little League teams have pulled off something that Bridgeport Little League President Paul Paulsen said is likely a first ever in West Virginia.

 

The City of Bridgeport may have become the first team in state history to sweep all three state Little League Championships. While Paulsen is still trying to get concrete confirmation, here’s what is known for sure. The Bridgeport 9-and-10-year-olds won the state tournament in South Charleston; the 10-and-11-year-old team won the state title in Huttonsville and the 11-and-12-year-old team capped the hat trick with a state tournament win in Chapmanville.

 

“It’s my understanding that it’s never been done,” said Paulsen. “We hope to have a definitive answer soon. Regardless, it’s a pretty impressive feat.”

 

Former Bridgeport Little League President Jeff Mossburg, who is still involved and is a coach on the 11-and-12-year-old staff, agreed.

 

 “I’m relatively certain that’s the case,” Mossburg said. “I’ve asked our district administrator to give us a definitive answer. The administrator believes that’s the case.”

 

Now, the teams will be looking forward to see how that success does in regional competition. The 9-and-10-year-old team is actually competing today in Greenville, NC. They are part of the Tournament of State Champions and stand at 1-1 in pool play.

 

The team will battle Tennessee today at 6 p.m. With a win, they will enter bracket play tomorrow. The Tournament of Champions at this level is as far as teams compete.

 

The Bridgeport 10-and-11-year-olds will be in the same place this weekend. The Bridgeport squad will compete in that age group’s Tournament of Champions. Like the younger group, the Tournament of Champions is the final stop on the postseason circuit.

 

For the Bridgeport 11-and-12-year-old team, the journey is a little further. They begin postseason play this Saturday, August 2 in Warner Robbins, GA. The team will take part in the Southeastern regional. Unlike the younger squads, success in this tournament will advance the Bridgeport 11-and-12-year-old team into further competition.

 

Paulsen said the wins aren’t by accident. And he’s not attributing it all to talent.

 

“Certainly, we have kids that can play baseball, but this is a testament to a number of things. You have not only the families, their children and the officials of the league that are committed to being successful, but you have an entire community so very dedicated to doing well in all things, including athletics,” said Paulsen. “You see it in the sports groups from age five up to high school and you can see it in the results we’re getting this year.”

 

The recent state championships at the high school are something Paulsen said the youngsters are aware of. He said that the kids on the teams are trying to keep up with the elder counterparts and are enjoying it.

 

“Most of these kids have been part of those championship events by attending them. So many of them were at the state baseball tournament or at the state championship football game so they see how much fun it is to win,” said Paulsen. “They also see by the celebration that takes place just how tight the community is.”

 

Like the high school teams, winning has become contagious in Little League. Paulsen said the 12’s won their third state title this year, while the 11’s won their second.

 

Members of the 11-12 All Stars are AJ Goodwin, Drew Harbert, Hayden Hess, D’Andre Holloway, Ryan Knapp, Ben Mossburg, Emily Riggs, Nick Stalnaker, Cody Tomasik, Trent Tucker, and Gabe Zummo. The team’s manager is Wayne Goodwin and the coaches are Jeff Mossburg and Vinnie Zummo.

 

Members of the 10-11 All Stars are Jack BiFano, Cole Bracken, Nico DeFalco, Ryan Goff, Max Harbert, Drew Hogue, JD Love, Nathan Mullins, Nathan Paulsen, Quintin Reep, Devin Vandergrift, Frank Why III, and Tyler Wilkinson. The Manager is Bill Reep and the coaches are Gooch Holbert Chris Bifano.

 

Members of the 9-10 All Stars are Tanner Bastin, Jack Bush, Gino Cava, Cam Cole, Mitchell Duez, Christopher Harbert, Jaden Haywood, Gene Hutchinson, Randy Keener, Austin Mann, JT Muller, Adam Paulsen, and Casey Tomasik. The manager is Terry Cole and the coaches are Matt Duez and Aaron Mann.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo is of the 11-12, followed by the 10-11 and 9-10 Bridgeport Little League All Stars.