I want to thank The Daily Sentinel and many others in Grand Junction for the wonderful experience that the Santa Fe College baseball team, family and friends experienced at the recent JUCO World Series.

2009 was the second time that Santa Fe College of Gainesville, Fla., has had the honor of representing the state of Florida and Gulf District at this marvelous event, the first time since 1985. We will never forget the experience and never be able to thank everyone properly for their hospitality.

However, I would feel the trip was incomplete without at least trying.

Thanks to you and all the other media for making our athletes understand the thrill of performing on the big stage. It is something that all college athletes should experience at some time.

Thanks to the JUCO baseball fans who filled the stands and the great people of the community who made me understand why this area is a great place to live, and if you can’t live there, a great place to visit.

Thanks to Jamie Hamilton, Harold Oetting, Art Becker, Mary Ellen Leicht and all the staff of the NJCAA and JUCO World Series for making this tribute to college athletes all that it is.

And a special thanks to the Sertoma Club and our hosts, Paul Bird and Jeff Carpenter, for making this group of underdogs from a faraway state feel very much at home.

God bless you all and keep up the great work! We hope to see you again soon.

JIM KEITES
Director of Athletics
Santa Fe College,
Gainseville, Fla.

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