Softball battle benefits

Boone Police officer
By Melanie Marshall

Ten teams battled through a double-elimination softball tournament for a good cause Saturday. Funds raised at the event benefit Bradley Swift, 24, a Boone Police officer who has been diagnosed with leukemia.

Swift is expected to make a full recovery, but will miss an estimated six months of work due to medical treatments.

The tournament was organized by Braxton Eggers of Mountaineer Bail Bonds, Glen Kornhauser and Jeff Cox of Boone PD, Paul Norris of the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and Pam Norris (Swift’s aunt).

Approximately 20 volunteers helped take donations, t-shirt sales, umpiring and score keeping.

An estimated 700 to 800 people, including team participants, attended the event. The first game was played at 9 a.m. and the final game at 8 p.m.

The winning team was Cornerstone Church of Deep Gap, downing Boone PD in the final game with a score of 14 to 3. Other teams included Appalachian State University Police Department, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, Lenoir Police Department, Boone Fire Department and Watauga Medics, Clerk of Court’s office, area attorneys, Watauga County Fireman’s Association and Mountaineer Bail Bonds.

“On behalf of Bradley’s friends, family and coworkers, we want to graciously thank all participants, volunteers and fans who gathered for a full day of fun. We definitely reached our fund raising goal with this event. Not only did all participants show and play to support Bradley in his fight with leukemia and help with his expenses, but also for fellowship and bonding,” Kornhauser said. “Bradley has repeatedly told me to tell all involved he sends his sincere thanks and appreciation.”