McWiffle is crowned champion of Wifflefest XXIII high school tournament
ASHLAND — Ashland police officer Adam Wolbert threw a strike with his ceremonial first pitch to officially get Wifflefest XXIII underway Friday night on the grounds of Southview Grace Brethren Church.
The high school tournament featured 23 teams — 21 on the boys side and only two for the girls.
But the two girls teams were not fazed and were up for the challenge of competing in the male-dominated tournament.
Chesnie Patton, who will be a sophomore at Ashland High this fall, is the captain of The Village Idiots.
“It just fit us really well,” Patton said of the team’s name. “We’re just a bunch of goofballs who got together. I have no hope of us winning, but I think we’ll just have fun.”
Patton is competitive in nature, though.
“I have four brothers, so it’s kind of how I am,” she laughed. “I really like softball, so this has always just been fun for me. We never win, but it’s nice when we get close.”
Patton played a good deal of wiffleball in her younger years. This is her fifth year competing in the annual event.
“I did with my brothers growing up,” she said. “They did make me competitive. I think it’s a great idea. Whoever came up with this is a genius.”
Elaine Hess, one of the coordinators of the four-day event, was helping guide the various teams to their respective fields. She said between 50 to 70 volunteers help Wifflefest run smoothly.
Mapleton girls basketball coach Daryl Young was on hand to serve as one of the many volunteer umpires, saying it was his first time in that capacity.
Mya Donatini, also an upcoming sophomore at AHS, is the captain of the Heavy Hitters.
“This is actually my first year, and I just went with my friends,” Donatini said. “I’ve seen it for a couple of years, and my cousin did it, and it looked really fun, so I wanted to try it.”
Donatini played a big role in getting her team together.
“A lot of my friends said, ‘Yeah, I’d love to do it. It sounds really fun,’” she said. “And then she asked one of her friends, and we all just came together.”
Donatini played wiffleball at times while growing up, but it was mostly just for fun and at school.
Similar to Patton, Donatini is also competitive. When asked if she wanted to beat the boys, she responded with a wide-eyed grin.
“Yes,” she said. “I love sports. I play a lot. I’m only doing it because I think it’s fun. It’s a good thing to try since there’s not many girls teams.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how it goes.”
McWiffle wins title
In the championship game, McWiffle beat Dinger City 3-0.
Playing for McWiffle were Andrew Fanello (captain), Hunter Church, Shae Sparks and Andrew Smolensk.
Playing for Dinger City were Dalten Miller (captain), Tyson Ringler, Jen Workman and Owen Barker.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: McWiffle wins Wifflefest XXIII high school tournament
