By Erika Toman

Majors Hit-A-Thon finalists. (Photo: Fred Keel)

The Falls Church Kiwanis Little League hosted their annual player-led fundraiser this past week and the players surpassed their goal by raising over $50k for the league.  With over 500 children participating in the Hit-A-Thon throughout the week, it was a true community effort.  The culmination of their efforts was celebrated Saturday night at the third annual Hit-A-Thon championship and Adult Home Run Derby under the lights at Westgate Elementary’s Art Eagle ballfield.  

The Hit-A-Thon championship featured all of the top home run hitters from the Majors teams.  Stepping up to the plate were Thomas Corcoran, Xander Wagner, James Gremminger, Liam Horgan, Sam Crean, Nate Landers, Aiden Ortiz, Kovas Plummer, Landon Tucker, Luca Pipia, Jack Mullin, and Teddy Greiner, all vying for the title of Hit-A-Thon Champion.  The competition went down to the wire with Plummer edging out Ortiz by a final count of 6 – 5.  

The Juniors division featured FCKLL players currently playing in high school. FCKLL alumnus Owen Growney (Senior at Marshall High School) was the big winner of the night with 6 home runs in the final round.  His teammate Nathan Lake (Sophomore at Marshall High School) finished as runner-up with 4 home runs in the championship round.  

For the adults division, Lauren Hoeck took home the trophy as the Women’s Hit-A-Thon grand champion, with Maureen Queler as runner-up.  In the adult home run derby, Anthony Verdi reclaimed the title he first won in 2021. On his heels the entire time, Victor Waldron had an incredible showing and took home the runner-up trophy.