The folks in Converse are very proud of their Converse Ladycats softball team who won the Louisiana High School Athletic Association 2023 Non-Select Division V State Championship. And on Friday evening, May 19, they turned out in mass to show their pride and support.
The event was sponsored by Mayor Troy Terrell and the Village Council, including Council Members Rodney Rutherford, Travis Womack and Chrissy Ebarb, as well as Clerk Sonya Ryan, Assistant Clerk Fran Mouser, Utility Supervisor Doug Williams, Chief of Police Davis Gentry and Asst. Chief Jacob Bridges.
The Converse team captured the victory by defeating Quitman High School, 2-1, in the championship game. This was the first ever state title for Converse and the Wildcats were the only team to score a run on the dominant Quitman team throughout the playoffs.
The Converse team also received a stellar pitching performance from Avery Prine, who pitched all nine innings, allowing just three hits and one run, and struck out 17 batters. On the offensive end, Abby Friday and Macie Morgan contributed one RBI each.
Mayor Terrell would like to thank Lane Paddiewith the Converse Coffee Café and Missy and K-Wall Sepulvado for preparing the food, and he thanks Lane Paddie, Michelle Counts, Fran Mouser and Sonya Ryan for serving the food.
He also issued a word of thanks to Principal Mrs. Terri Webb, Head Coach Chris Brumley, Associate Head Coach Daniel Litton, Assistant Coaches Ashlee Bennett and Derek Morgan, Assistant Principal Lamar Boudreaux, Athletic Director Rhonda Byrd and School Board Member Terrell Snelling.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, a native of Converse and younger brother of Coach Chris Brumley, issued a letter of congratulations, writing, “High school athletics play a vital role in the development of student athletes, cultivating a wide array of positive personal and team habits. Those habits, more often than not, translate into lifetime skills enhancing one’s life and lives of those within the circle of engagement. Further, sports programs provide meaningful community impact - particularly in small towns like Converse.”
Supt. Brumley said he followed the team to the State Championship, adding, “As an alumni, former teacher, coach and principal of the school, I was enthusiastic. This is a memory that will never be forgotten by the student athletes, coaches, parents and school community - nor should it be forgotten.”
Rep. Ted Bagley presented a copy of House Concurrent Resolution No. 76 which commended the team. The resolution was also supported by Rep. Alan Seabaugh, Rep. Rodney Schamerhorn and Sen. Louie Bernard.
Converse Principal Terri Webb issued the following statement: “What a wonderful celebration and heartfelt acknowledgement of success! The Converse Ladycats, Coaches, and entire Converse school want to thank Mayor Terrell and the Village of Converse for the kindness, thoughts, best wishes, banners and all of the many ways of Congratulations that were bestowed last night. These lasting memories are in our hearts and will press forward to future teams and seasons of success!
“Thank you to the community that fed everyone with happy smiles and for all working together to make so special! Thanks to Randy Bostian and Marion Koss from BDC Radio for the live broadcast, and Rep Bagley for the resolution and uplifting praise! Thanks to Coach Mike for the supportive and encouraging challenges to maintain this State Championship and for taking time to really care about our athletes hearts!Thanks to Harold Brumley for the support and for relaying the message from our State Superintendent Cade Brumley! We appreciate our Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and the leadership and devotion to keep us safe! Thanks to Chief David Gentry and Asst Chief Jacob Bridges for the many games they made safe! Thanks to Officer Speedy Santos for his loving protection! Thanks to Lane Paddie and The Ricky Sepulvado family and the many fans that prepared and served the food!
“These girls and coaches are STATE Champs and soar with the strength that the fans, parents and grandparents, friends, community and school instilled in their hearts! With that being said, they never gave up and never broke their internal bond!
“Our Superintendent Wright and our School Board Trustee Snelling never wavered on support and encouragement as our faculty and staff matched cheering and making everything work for our games!
“Thanks to Bro. Chuckie Clark and Bro. Brian Rankin, as they provided our spiritual blessings and guidance in prayer!
“Larry Patrick and Coach Walter Litton passed magic down through the years for our Softball program! Magic happened again with Coach Daniel Litton and Coach Chris Brumley! History was made for Converse 2023! What a ride! Thank you to all that contributed to the thrill of a lifetime for not only our school but our beautiful, spirited and talented Ladycats! REPEAT IN 24!