Members of the Straughn Junior High baseball team have the chance of a lifetime as they suit up to compete in the 2017 Alabama State Games in Dothan on today.

“This is something that I have always wanted to do since I was high school coach,” Chris Thomasson said. “After we had one of the best junior high seasons in Straughn history this past year, a group of us parents got together and wanted them to keep playing together this summer.”

Thomasson is a former high school baseball and basketball coach and he will look to lead the young Tigers into the Alabama State Games.

“I guess I’m kind of coming out of retirement for this,” Thomasson said. “This is going to be a new experience for all of us, but I think it’s a great opportunity for the kids.”

While the team would love to come home with gold, Thomasson said the experience will be worth the trip.

“There is going to be a lot of good competition,” Thomasson said. “There are a few other school teams, but most of them are travel ball teams. If we can win three games tomorrow, we will be in the medal round, but as long as the kids go out there and give it their best it’s going to be a great trip.”

The players on the team are also excited about the chance to play at the state games.

“Having the chance to be state champs and win a medal is what I’m excited about,” Mason Turner said.

The Straughn team will start off the tournament today at 8 a.m., with a second game at 10 a.m.

Following the first two games, the teams will be seeded in a one-game elimination tournament.

“We just want to go over there play as hard as we can,” Thomasson said. “Just play hard and see what happens. In the long run, this is something that we think is going to help the future of this program.”