Across the board, local all-star teams have been praised this season for their class, character and sportsmanship toward their opponents, fans and umpires. Timeless values and life lessons are instilled every time a youngster puts on a jersey and that’s never been more evident. Off-the-field appearance, like on-the-field success, is certainly a product of coaching, parenting and teamwork.

The Washington 8U All-Stars made history in more ways than one on Tuesday in the final day of the 2015 Babe Ruth Softball World Series, held in Newberry, Fla. Riding a wave of success, the 8U All-Stars’ third-place finish in Babe Ruth’s inaugural 8U tournament was impressive, but it’s the team’s post-tournament award that merits even more applause.

The 8U All-Stars epitomized what Beaufort County recreation athletics is all about, bringing homegrown standards and manner to the national stage. In Tuesday’s closing ceremony, after receiving the third place trophy, Washington was honored with the team Sportsmanship Award not for the team’s 5-2 record and semi-final appearance, but the all-stars’ demeanor. Washington was selected from a pool of 14 teams.

A championship would have been a plus. However, being known as the country’s most respectful group of 8 year olds, perhaps, is just a little bit better.

For on-the-field performance, a trio of team leaders received awards of their own as well. Emaleigh Cherry and Peyton Youmans returned to Washington on Wednesday with tournament Gold Glove Awards, while slugger Melanie Rutledge took home one of the showcase’s most prestigious accolades. Rutledge was selected to the All-Babe Ruth World Team, a compilation of the tournament’s 10 best athletes.

If anything is certain, the future is bright for our young athletes in Beaufort County, win or lose.