The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

My, how a soccer program for little people has grown quite big. About two-thirds of the children eligible are suiting up for Big Sandy Soccer this year. "I had to order a bunch more stuff," said co-director Rachel Baumgarn, sorting through a bevy of equipment before Thursday's after-school practice.

A record 80 players have formed three U6 (ages 6 and younger) teams, coached by the tandems of Kelly McGrath and Brandy Terry; Katie Heppner and brother Riley Kurtz; and Jessica Butler and Heather Wolery. Two U8 teams are each under the tutelage of Baumgarn's co-director Petra Yirsa and LeAnn...