One of Drumheller’s softball stars is getting ready to head to nationals later this summer.
    Cersten Peters, a recently graduated Drumheller Valley Secondary School student, will be joining her team, the Calgary Xtreme, as they head to the Softball Canada Nationals in PEI on August 12.

Cersten Peters, left, with her father Doug. Cersten will be heading to the Softball Canada Nationals in PEI on August 12 with her team, the Calgary Xtreme. The team earned a spot after a strong, but shy of a medal, finish at provincials last weekend. Cersten has also signed to play with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns next season.

    The team earned the opportunity after a strong showing at Division A Provincials last weekend.
    The Calgary Xtreme started the tournament strong and ended up facing Calahoo in the medal elimination game. In the final inning, the Xtreme were down by two.
    “The Xtreme were able to advance runners into scoring position with no one out. Calahoo slowed down the Xtreme’s momentum by changing pitchers and bringing in their closer. The next Xtreme batter had a line shot past the pitcher which was played by the Calahoo infield. Then, a controversial call near second base was one out and a throw to first was the second out. The next Xtreme batter was not able to make full contact and was put out at first, ending the Xtreme’s chance of obtaining medals for the weekend,” said Doug Peters, Cersten’s father.
    Despite the loss, the team earned a spot at nationals and is preparing for the trip out east.
    Provincials also provided an opportunity to be scouted by several Universities. Cersten will continue her promising softball career after signing with the Lethbridge Pronghorns for the upcoming season.
    Cersten’s not the only member of the family who competed over the weekend. Brayden, who plays with the Calgary Adrenaline, joined her team at the U14 Provincial Championships.
    The team soundly won their first two games of the round robin, but lost their second two, putting them in a four-way tie for second place. In the ensuing playoffs, they fell behind against the Lloydminster Rebels and lost by one run.
    Brayden’s softball season is over, but she plans to return to the field next year.
    “Brayden is looking forward to next year as she has matured at a fast pace being only 12 years old competing in the U14 A division. The Adrenaline has may opportunities and goals for the 2014 season which she anticipates to be part of,” said Doug.
    Though Peters’ family had to travel back and forth between Drumheller and Calgary, the experience, like with many sports, has drawn them closer together.
    “We traveled 29,343 km this year to participate in winter training, spring training, preseason games, regular league games,  tournaments and Provincials,” said Doug. “(I) Loved the time we shared together. The memories will last forever.”

    Drumheller has an incredible opportunity this September to be a part of an international sporting event which needs the help of a few more volunteers to make it seamless.

The Tour of Alberta will be heading through Drumheller on September 6 and volunteers are needed to make sure the day runs smoothly.

    Excitement across the province is building for the Tour of Alberta, a professional, six-stage race that will crisscross the province with some of the top teams worldwide in the saddle. Drumheller is blessed to see the riders come through the valley twice.
    Stage 3 on Friday, September 6, will see riders head from Strathmore north through Rosebud and Drumheller. From there, they will head north on a loop and then finish at the World’s Largest Dinosaur.
    Community Enforcement supervisor, Greg Peters, says there are all kinds of volunteer opportunities for those wanting to help out with the prestigious event.
    He adds there are opportunities quite literally at every corner.
    “We need people to man every corner that intersects with the course, we need to have a course marshal there,” said Peters.
    He says he will also need volunteers for security as well as people to work at the finish line area and other venues to support the race and festival.
    According to the website, there will be a series of festivals complementing the event organized at the local level. This could include food, entertainment, or other celebrations highlighting the community.
    He said the way to sign up is to head to www.tourofalberta.ca and click on the volunteer link to register.
    Peters says there is a short form to fill out and he will receive a list from the organizers of who has qualified to volunteer for the race.
    “We need at least 50 more, and I may be being conservative,” said Peters.
    Mayor Yemen has offered one-month passes to the Badlands Community Facility for those who sign on as volunteers.
    For more information, go to www.tourofalberta.ca or contact Peters at 403-823-1363.