Shelton Floor Covering claims Fuddpucker title

Dusty slides, plenty of laughs and a whole lot of trash talking.

That was the 24th annual Fuddpuckers Draft softball tournament in a nutshell.

The two-day, six-team event Saturday and Sunday at Callanan Park in Shelton had a little of everything, including a few things that probably needed a couple of ibuprofen afterwards.

"We would like to thank all our players and coaches," co-organizers, and sisters, Kacy Fladager and Chelsey Ceniza said after the tournament concluded. "Without you, this tourney wouldn't be such a success."

The duo took turns thanking tournament sponsors, players, coaches and umpires, and then saved their final and biggest "thank you" for their mom, Scotti Crump, who co-founded the tournament with Elmer Harrell in the 1990s.

They also recognized long-time player and coach Dean Johnson, who died in October. A plaque honoring Johnson was placed on the backstop of the field's permanent bleachers. Johnson also coached and played for Flyers with members of his family in the City of Shelton recreational softball league.

"This is our first tournament without our beloved Dean," Fladager said. "We all now have a special place to be with him. He is so missed."

Each of the six teams played five games, with Fladager's team, named after sponsor Shelton Floor Covering finishing atop the standings.

Cline Construction was second, followed by Little Creek Casino, Jimini Paving, Bobs Tavern and Hanson/Maples Excavation.

Tournament all-stars were: Kobe Bogh, Stacey Foreman, Jesse Cabrera, Chase Tenda, Morgan O'Donnell, Adam Beeler, Dani Jones, Audra Oien, Paul Fredson, Louis Rodriguez, Brandon Chaney, Cammille Olinger, Jorge Zambrano, Dawn Myers, Breanna Buckley, Jazmyne Kish, James Reyes and Brandon Wright.

The men's most valuable player was Caleb Royter, while Nydesta Gouley was named women's MVP.

Ralph Delamarter was the men's batting average champion with an .882 average. Kelly Delamarter won the women's batting average crown with a .706 average. Brandon Moore won the home run title with six.

Alyse Plant was awarded the tournament sportsmanship award and Barb Rhoades (Bob's Tavern) was named best coach.