The Knoxville Little League team of players ages eight, nine and ten qualified for the State Baseball Tournament in Davenport last week. The team had a fundraiser that brought in over $15,000 to help pay for expenses.

Rachel Garner, President of the Knoxville Little League, tells KNIA-KRLS News that the trip was so much more than just playing games. The players found plenty of time in the swimming pool and there was bonding with families who made the trip with some meals the group enjoyed together.

Garner discusses the sendoff from the community as the team left town, “One of the boys said no matter what we do, when we go to state we already feel like winners. I can’t believe all these people are out here just to cheer us on, it was such a big deal to all these boys.”

Garner said the Knoxville Little League is a program for boys and girls, age four through 12. The boys play baseball and softball is offered for the girls.

A total of 28 teams are in the league.