GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – This week’s spotlight comes to us amid a sudden tragedy for a little league team from Greenville.
Coach Raymie Styons just last week talked about how proud he was of his 12-u team as they were set to head to the Little League Southeast Regional tournament.
As many know – Styons passed away unexpectedly on Sunday. We wanted everyone to hear in his own words why his team is this week’s sports spotlight.
Meet the Greenville Tar Heel Little League team 12u, a group bound by more than just a love for baseball—they’ve built a brotherhood on the field. Under the guidance of their dedicated coach, Raymie Styons, who passed away unexpectedly on August fourth, they thrived.
“There’s a lot of athletic ability in each and every one of them. We’ve stretched pitching and defense, and we have a nice mixture,” Styons said.
Styons last week, of course, praised their athleticism but highlighted where their true strength lies.
“I think the strength of the group is the unity and the amount of different things they all can do,” Styons said.
12-year-old catcher, Easton Meadows, shares what he cherishes most about playing with his team.
“It’s fun, and I get to be with my friends,” Meadows said.
The Greenville Tar Heels got to play this past weekend in the Little League baseball Southeast Regional and put on a strong showing before being eliminated. Before they set out for the tournament, Styons expressed his pride in his team, regardless of outcomes.
“We won the state championship. Fortunately, it was in Greenville and Wilson hosted the state tournament, so we didn’t have to travel far, and we beat six teams there,” Styons said.
Styons, as he prepared for the world series, he expressed confidence that they had found the key to overcoming past challenges. It was all about execution.
It’s worth noting that these impressive athletes come together from eight teams on the Tar Heel side of Greenville Little League. The league is divided into North State and Tar Heel divisions, with eight teams in each for ages 9 to 12.