Staff report

Rowan Little League was  presented with the Carl E. Stotz Little League Community Award on Thursday at the opening banquet for the Southeast Region Junior and Senior League tournaments.

The banquet was held at West End Plaza.

Rowan Little League was honored for its volunteer service, for providing opportunities for local youth for 30 years of Little League baseball and 10 years of Little League softball and for serving as a regional host and World Series participant.

“At its heart, Little League is about community, about friends and families coming together to support a healthy, fun experience for their children and their neighbors,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League president and CEO. “Salisbury has fully embraced Rowan Little League and Rowan Little League is an integral part of the community. The city and league have been excellent hosts of our regional tournaments, welcoming families, volunteers, and players throughout the Southeast Region.”

Named in honor of the founder of Little League, the Carl E. Stotz Little League Community Award was created in conjunction with the 75^th Anniversary of Little League in 2014. The award is presented annually to a local Little League program.

Rowan Little League won the 2015 Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Ore., and was runner-up in 2016. Rowan also competed well in the Junior League Softball World Series in Kirkland, Wash., last summer.

“Last year, as tournament hosts, Rowan Little League and the city of Salisbury showcased just how important Little League is to the community,” said Jen Colvin, Little League Southeast Region director. “We’re excited to have these tournaments back in Rowan.”

The Junior League (ages 12-14) and Senior League (13-16) Southeast Regional tournaments start today at Salisbury Community Park.

There are five teams in the Junior League regional, including the North Carolina state champs from Rutherford County, the Rutherfordton, Chase and Forest City Little Leagues.

The regional winner advances to the World Series in Kirkland, Wash., on July 31-Aug. 5

Friday’s games — 10 a.m. — West Virginia vs. Florida. 12:30 p.m. — Tennessee vs. Virginia. 3:30 — NC vs. the West Virginia-Florida winner.

The Senior League Southeast Regional involves a six-team field and features a young Rowan Little League team that includes some of the veterans from the teams that reached the World Series.

The regional winner advances to the World Series in Roxana, Del., on July 31-Aug. 6

Friday’s games — 10:30 — Tennessee vs. Virginia. 1 p.m. — Georgia vs. Florida. 4 p.m. — West Virginia vs. the Tennessee-Virginia winner. 6:30 p.m. — Rowan vs. Georgia-Florida winner.