Saturday, October 6th, the Brownwood Lady Lions Softball team held a softball tournament to raise money for the Zaragoza family. Hector Zaragoza, a long-time custodian at Coggin Elementary, was killed in a car accident two days before school started this year.
“The event raised money to help his wife and kids with expenses,” said Amanda Sheffield, the BHS Softball coach who helped the Lady Lions team organize the event. “We had umpires who umped for free, concession workers who worked all day and night for free. We had people keep the clock and books for free, and we had several businesses sponsor the event as well. It was totally a community event.”
Around 135 people participated in the tournament, according to Sheffield, with around 300 or more in attendance.
“Nine teams participated,” said Sheffield. “Team Hector, which was teachers from Coggin, DaMix, Brownwood Rampage, No Show, Elite, Quit Your Pitchin, Beauty and the Beast, Hostile Take Over, and the River Bandits were the tournament teams. Brownwood Rampage and Hostile Take Over played in the championship, and Hostile Take Over won.”
The tournament started at 9 a.m. and lasted until around 2:30 a.m. raising a total of approximately $3,100.
“It was so refreshing to see a community come together to help a family whom Coggin Elementary loves,” said Sheffield, adding that Coggin Elementary Principal, Todd Lewis was a big help with the event. “I think the highlight for me was seeing the teachers at Coggin getting out there to play for a man they loved.”
Team Hector didn’t make it to the championship game, but the group from Coggin pulled together making a team that honored Zaragoza.
“After their last game they huddled together and said, ‘Team Hector’ all together. It was touching to see everyone rally together,” Sheffield said. “It was so refreshing to see all those who came out to support this event. God truly blessed this event because of the kindness and service of others.”
Pictured above are members of Team Hector. Below are benefit teams.
1st Place: Hostile Take Over
2nd Place: Brownwood Rampage