HUNTINGTON -- The 750 fans in attendance at Saturday night's international friendly between the India U-16 National Team and the Marshall University Elite Camp All-Stars were not the only ones interested in seeing what both sides had to offer.
There were 14 college coaches counted in the stands taking notes during the game action and they saw some impressive play out of both sides.
The MU Elite Camp All-Stars featured some impressive speed and footwork, which the India officials said they hadn't seen to this point.
Meanwhile, the India U-16 team features a pair of standout forwards in Prem Kumar and Malasawmfela, who have led the team to outscoring opponents 22-2 in three outings.
It is expected that several players from India U-16 will make the India national team some time in the near future, but for those that might not, the coaches in attendance could look to recruit the players over to the United States.
Dr. Francis Saldanha, the man responsible for financially making the trip possible for India U-16, said that part of the reason he brought the team over was to not only promote the game of soccer, but also allow them to explore possibilities for their future.
And with the turnout at last night's contest -- the first ever international match played in Huntington -- it seems that Saldanha is not the only person taking interest.
SCHEDULE ADDITION: FS Sports WV, LLC, announced that the India U-16 National Team will face the Reading (Pa.) Rage Super Y League Team at 7 p.m. on July 24 at Schoenbaum Stadium in Charleston.
Reading agreed to the game after a game scheduled to be played in Morgantown fell through last week.
The Rage already has international game experience, defeating the Bermuda U-16 National Team 2-0.
HOME RUN HITTERS: Youngsters in little and Babe Ruth league baseball aren't typically known for their power at the plate, but this past weekend the all-stars proved that they're capable of rocking one out of the park at any time.
In the 11-12 year old title game Barboursville grinded out a 7-4 victory over Ceredo-Kenova. This was in large part because of one big time player that came up with one big time hit.
Cody Ballengee had already hit two homers in all-star play, and he absolutely crushed a two-run shot that left the park quickly and gave his team a 5-0 lead.
In the 14-year old Babe Ruth division, Josh Pierson launched another shot that was critical in launching Southeastern to a 7-2 victory over C-K.
With Southeastern leading 4-2 in the sixth, Pierson came up to the plate. He had never hit a home run in his life, but found the perfect time for his first, a three-run shot that set the final score.
Pierson was swarmed by his teammates for delivering a hit that he will never forget.
PIGSKIN PREPARATION: Any high school football coaches that have not done so yet, please send your 2008 schedules, including times, dates and game sites to Grant Traylor c/o The Herald-Dispatch, 946 5th Ave., Huntington, WV 25701. Those can also be faxed to (304) 526-2857.
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