The Gaffney Blue Thunder all-stars claimed the state Cal Ripken League championship for ages 8 and under on Saturday. The Gaffney Blue Thunder All-star team captured the South Carolina Cal Ripken State Championship on Saturday, June 30 at Duncan Park in Spartanburg.

The all-star team division is for ages 8 and under.

The Gaffney Blue Thunder team has won 13 straight games, and have won two other tournaments.

The team includes Colby Richards, Houston Wright, Bryson Ward, Josh Duckett, Jake Crocker, Noah McAbee, Klein Millen, Chad Williams, Heath Mullinax, John David Rogers, Trey McRobie, Luke Hamrick, Andrew Morris, and coaches Roger Ward, Billy Richards and Terry Wright.

This year's Southeast Regional tournament will be held in Newport News, Virginia on July 17 - 22.

Twenty teams will be participating in this tournament.

The South Carolina Recreation District will provide registration and tournament fees for the Southeast Regional tournament. However, all travel expenses, including food and lodging are not provided.

We are asking for your support to ensure that our team is given this great opportunity. All donations are tax deductible. For checks, please make payable to Gaffney Youth All- Stars.

For sponsorship or donations, please contact - Paula Richards - 487-9635/491-3685; Amy Ward - 488-3849/902-0400.