The 2004 Minor Softball Territorial Championships were held in Whitehorse this past weekend.

All games took place at the Takhini minor softball field and the Takhini Softball Complex.

Fourteen teams took part in the tournament, including several from Dawson City, Watson Lake and Beaver Creek as well as Whitehorse. Six teams competed in the Pee wee Division, four in the Mite Division and five in the Squirt Division.

Softball Yukon program coordinator Jean Poulin said the tournament went fairly well, with the weather cooperating.

'All of the kids had a great time,' she stated in an interview this morning, adding there was a hot dog lunch held for all of the coaches and athletes on Saturday, much to the delight of the out-of-town guests.

The out-of-town teams were certainly successful on the ball field, as Dawson walked away with a gold medal in mite action and a silver in the squirt category while Watson Lake claimed a gold medal in the squirt category and a bronze in pee wee.

'The kids played strong and they really improved with each game,' said Randy Carlson, who coaches the Watson Lake squirt team along with Brenda Olynyk, in an interview after the gold medal victory. We don't get a lot of games in Watson Lake.

'The kids get the glory. They worked hard at it. It was a good team effort by everybody.'

Nine-year-old Vanessa Carlson impressed her coaches, stepping in as back-up pitcher against 10-year-old competitors. Carlson's brother Jason is the regular pitcher. The coach was also impressed with Brianna Pucket.

'She had some great hits and great fielding,' said Randy Carlson. 'She's a strong player for our team. She practices all the time with her mom.'

Practice is something that can never be underestimated, added the coach.

'I think all the kids putting in the practice is the difference. And strong pitching makes the difference in this league.'

In other action at the championships, Whitehorse team Northwest Vaccuum Services came out on top in the Pee wee Division while Up North Adventures grabbed silver.

Pepsi took second place in the mite category while Office Supply Centre finished third.

The bronze medal in squirt action went to local team Herbie's Grocery.

The tournament marked the end of the minor softball season, which wraps up officially tonight with the last league games taking place. The minor softball year, which is generally a short one, began on May 3 this year.

'After school is out, everyone goes on holidays and has different day care setups, so it's difficult to get everyone out,' explained Poulin.

Adult softball, under the Whitehorse Co-Ed Slo-Pitch League, will continues to run throughout the summer. Games are played at various fields throughout Whitehorse.