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True to form, the soft-spoken Mantooth didn't want to talk about the milestone that took 32 years to accomplish. But pressed on the issue, the 54-year-old praised those around him, saying he was fortunate being captain of the ship.

 

"I've been blessed to be able to coach this long, and to have the kids we've had here, the Lord has really blessed me," Mantooth said.

 

"I love baseball so much. I've been fortunate to go from (Murray State University) straight into coaching and to be able to be around the game this long, and meet the young men who've played the game.

 

"I really feel funny (talking) about this because it's the kids who play the game."

 

 

 

But the night belonged to Mantooth, even as he tried to deflect the attention.

 

He said it was hard to pick one win out of so many that stood above the rest, but seven regional championship victories were memorable.

 

"Those are special because they're such big, big games," Mantooth said.

 

Perhaps his biggest win was over cancer that developed in his neck in 2004. Again, he got through it with the assistance of others.

 

"I could feel the prayers from people, the support of my family, my church family and the team," he said. "I knew it would be OK, it was just getting over the treatment."

 

Even cancer couldn't keep him away from the game. He was weaker but he still coached, showing the kind of determination that he wants to see from his players.

 

"And I couldn't do this without the support of my wife Sheree," Mantooth said. "It takes so many hours being with the team. I feel like this is my calling and her support is important.

 

"She thinks of the team as our kids, too."

 

 

Congrats to Coach Mantooth. A great baseball coach, and a great person.

Congratulations!! Sounds like a very admorable coach, person, and husband, great things always happen to great people!