WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, submitted for the Congressional Record, a statement of congratulations to the Billings Big Sky Little League All-Stars for winning the Northwest Regional Championship and earning a spot in the 2011 Little League Baseball World Series, in Williamsport, PA.

“Championships are never given away, they are earned with hard work, perseverance, and a spirit of competition,” said Rehberg, a native and resident of Billings. “Montanans join me in congratulating the players and coaches of the Billings Big Sky Little League All-Stars for their remarkable on-field accomplishment.  And off the field, we also congratulate the family, friends, fans and fellow Montanans who make an activity like Little League possible.”

Billings Big Sky Little League is the first team from Montana to qualify for the Little League World Series. The group of 11-12 year olds will compete against the world’s top baseball teams as one of 16 national and international regional champions vying for the 65th Little League World Series title. The team’s first game will be Thursday, August 18, at 1:00 p.m. (Mountain) against the Midwest Regional Champion, Harney Little League, from Rapid City, South Dakota. The game will be televised by ESPN.

Submission:

History records important events and the people involved, which, on a grand scale, are significant to us all. But history is also recorded at the local level, and to mark a historic occasion in sports for a team from the great state of Montana, I recognize the Billings Big Sky Little League All-Stars who became the first team from Montana to earn the right to compete with the world’s best in the Little League Baseball World Series.

In the Northwest Regional Championship game, the Billings Big Sky All-Stars defeated Bend South Little League, from Bend, Oregon, 7 -1. The victory gave Big Sky Little League the regional title and a place in the 16-team field of national and international Regional Champions competing for the 65th Little League World Series Title.

Championships at any level are never given away, they are earned, and not just from one day of competition. Titles are won beginning with a love and respect for the game, a dedication to being the best you can be, and an appreciation for all those who help you reach for your goals.

The Little League logo carriers the words, “Character, Courage, Loyalty,” helping to promote strong values in our youth and our communities. Congratulations to the players and coaches of the Billings Big Sky Little League All-Stars for coming together in championship form, and for upholding the Little League values in sportsmanship and excellence. Your family, friends, fans and fellow Montanans are proud of your accomplishment. 

Billings Big Sky Little League All-Stars: (number, name, positions) 33-Ben Askelson P/C, 45-Sean Jones P/3B, 13-Pearce Kurth P/1B, 22-Brock MacDonald P/OF, 19-Patrick Zimmer P/SS, 2-Jet Campbell 2B, 1-Connor Kieckbusch 2B/OF, 25-Ian Leatherberry IF/P, 24-Dawson Smith 1B/OF, 10-Andy Maehl OF/C, 27-Cole McKenzie OF/IF, 11-Gabe Sulser OF, Gene Carlson - Manager, Mark Kieckbusch - Assistant Coach , Tom Zimmer – Assistant Coach

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