Another Pilot Cup to remember

Ever wonder how much noise 4,000 running feet make? Newport-Mesa

residents might have found the answer during the past week if it

weren’t for the 2,000 shouting children attached and the thousands of

others cheering them on.

In other words, once again the Daily Pilot Cup youth soccer

tournament was a bigger and better success than the year before.

There were 126 teams consisting of third- through sixth-grade boys

and girls, more than a 25% increase. The numbers are so huge that

teams had to be divided into different divisions -- gold and silver.

That change illustrates the key to the tournament’s success: It

has grown smartly under the management of Kirk McIntosh. This year,

the added divisions allowed for better balance among teams and more

winners. And that meant more fun and more exciting competition for

all the players and their supporters.

The four gold-division winners showed the most competitive

heartiness. Mariners Christian boys and the Andersen Dolphins girls

claimed the third- and fourth-grade titles. In the fifth- and

sixth-grade battles, Carden Hall’s girls and Rea Elementary boys took

the honors. It was Rea’s fourth straight in the age group and

Andersen’s third. Mariners Christian and Carden Hall’s wins

successfully defended their titles.

But judging by the teams’ reactions to their victories,

familiarity is not breeding contempt. Youthful exuberance was far

more than a trite phrase during these games. Our kids showed spunk,

determination and a focused will to succeed -- all traits that youth

sports are meant to build.

Each year, the Daily Pilot Cup, itself, builds up more and more.

It is becoming hard to imagine what other heights the tournament can

reach. But it will be fun to watch where it goes.