Beech Tree News Network

What began in mid-July has come to a close for the Butler County Middle School softball team.  The Bears wrapped up their season last week with 8th grade recognition night and a trip to the middle school state tournament for Regions 1-4, which was held in Owensboro.  Butler County finished with a 19-17 record, which was a winning season and the most wins in middle school softball history. 

On Thursday, October 1, the Bears recognized ten 8th grade players for their contributions to Butler County Middle School softball - several of whom have played since they were in the 5th grade.

Below are the 2015 8th grade players: 

#5 Ashley Thacker, daughter of Angie Thacker, Barbie Embry, James Thacker.
#21 Haley Peach, daughter of Sherry Whitaker and Robert Peach.
#9 Breanna Gidcumb, daughter of Andrew Gidcumb and Natasha Hampton.
#19Evyn Frazier, daughter of Amy and Barry Frazier.
#24 Emma Easley, daughter of Angie and Denny Easley.
#4 Hannah Chaney, daughter of Jamie and Jeff Chaney.
#25 Shalyn Bratcher, daughter of Ryan Bratcher and Crystal Deweese.
#20 Kailie Beasley, daughter of Donnittia and Randy Beasley.

#6 Jacie Ward, daughter of Jamie and Scotty Ward

#10 Bayleigh Alford, daughter of Jamie and Bronson Alford.

"We had a successful middle school softball season and these 8th graders were a big part of the reason why," said B.C.M.S. coach John Embry.  "These are outstanding young ladies who played hard all season and did an excellent job representing their school and community. It has been an honor to coach them and I am extremely grateful for the support of their parents, as well.  Just like in the classroom, parental support of coaches and athletic programs are essential to their overall success," added Embry.   

Former Butler County High School softball player and assistant coach Katie Kirby Gary (far right) is now teaching math at Ohio County Middle School and coaching the middle school softball team.

"It's great to see Katie enter the coaching ranks," said Embry.  "She started playing for me when she was in the 7th grade and coached on my staff.  She's was a great player and I'm sure she will be successful both in the classroom and on the field as a coach.  I just wish we could get her back in Butler County.  It's a loss to our school system when we aren't able to find quality educators and coaches who are from Butler County a job in our district," added Embry.