S.C. Senator Nikki Setzler speaks to the athletes and their families during the end of season banquet at West Columbia Post 79. On Monday, August 4, 2008, American Legion Post 79 in West Columbia celebrated the end of another season of American Legion baseball. This team, which is funded through donations and fundraising by ticket and snack bar sales at the games, included players from Brookland- Cayce, Airport, Swansea, Pelion, and White Knoll High Schools.

While the team gathered to enjoy a nice dinner and fellowship, they were also there to receive a gift from the Post.

For the past nine years, West Columbia Post 79 has raised money through a spring golf tournament to provide scholarships to those players who decide to further their education after high school.

So far the Post has given close to $50,000 in scholarships. These scholarships can be used for tuition, books, supplies, computers, anything the student might need for their education. They are not limited to those who go on to colleges or universities but can also be used for vocational education.

American Legion West Columbia Post 79 Commander Buck Buchanan opens the meeting. Scholarships are also given to players who have yet to graduate from high school and are held in their name until they graduate.

Head Coach Legree Oswald and a special guest, South Carolina State Senator Nikki Setzler, handed out the scholarship packets to the athletes. Athletes on hand and receiving scholarships were Jacob Coleman (Airport)- U.S.C.; Zach Sharpe (Airport)- U.S.C.; Matt Boulware (Brookland- Cayce)- U.S.C. Lancaster; Thomas Little (Brookland- Cayce)- U.S.C. Lancaster; Cory Matherson (Pelion)- N. Greenville College; Preston Sollee (Airport)- U.S.C.; Nick Miklosky (White Knoll)- Spartanburg Methodist College; Griff Spires (Airport)- U.S.C. Salkehatchie; Steven Griggs (Airport)- Undecided; Chance Farr (White Knoll)- Wofford; and Ryan Burt- U.S.C. Lancaster

Lucas Knight and Luke Beasley were also in attendance but have not yet graduated.

Senator Setzler said this meeting and his participation were not about politics or the upcoming election but about the athletes he and his office stand ready to assist in any way.

Legree Oswald, head coach of the American Legion Post 79 baseball team addresses the players and families during his speech. Herman Hite, Post 79's athletics officer reminded the players that "…once you are a member of Post 79 baseball, you are always a member..."

Head coach Legree Oswald acknowledged others in attendance who helped make the team a success including his brother Billy Oswald for his financial support and constant attendance at the games. He also mentioned Peden Rucker, a former player for Post 79 who came back this year to coach before going to play for the Rockford Riverhawks of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league.

Coach Oswald said, "This team was the greatest group of young men we have ever coached. You could take these players anywhere and never have to worry about their character It's not about the innings played, not about the wins and losses, it's about the relationships."

All of the speakers mentioned that playing organized sports allows young men and women to learn about character, discipline, and working as a team.

Since 1925, the American Legion, a not- for- profit community service organization, which is normally known for its stance supporting veterans and active duty military members, has sponsored a national youth baseball league.

Teams are formed from high school and college students, ages 14 to 19, from the community around the local American Legion Posts. Each American Legion baseball game starts out the same way with players lining up and reciting the American Legion Code of Sportsmanship;

afterwhich, The

National Anthem is played.

The Code of Sportsmanship

Keep the rules, keep

faith with my team mates,

keep my temper,

keep myself fit, keep a

stout heart in defeat,

keep my pride under in

victory, keep a sound

soul,a clean mind, and a healthy body.