Campus Kickoff Starts LLB Series in Style

 –Photos by Jennifer A. Cline, writer/editor-One College Avenue; Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday;
Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer; Caleb G. Schirmer, student photographer;
and Valerie L. Fessler, director of annual giving

Amusement takes all forms while waiting for parade formation.

Director of Athletics Scott E. Kennell's son Ryan asks the grand marshal to autograph a baseball.

Rafael Correa, an information assusrance and cyber security major, escorts the Caribbean entry to the cookout.

Chow down, then "Batter up!"

Beanbag toss is part of the fun and games - before the real games begin.

The Europe-Africa team alights with hugs a-plenty.

Two-by-two, teams arrive on campus via River Valley Transit buses.

A Penn College welcome for the Latin American players and coaches

A home-state favorite, the Mid-Atlantic squad from Lewisberry, plays it cool on a tentside hill.

The youngsters get a taste of the media attention that will ramp up now that they're in the Series; ABC6's Nick Coit interviews members of the New England roster.

Thomas F. Speicher, writer/video editor (and WRAK's "Man in the Crowd" during the LLB World Series), and Tina M. Miller, director of marketing communications, provide cookout/parade volunteers with a rundown of their afternoon.

Orange-shirted student helpers Kayla M. Jackson, an exercise science major, and Semeon R. DeBarros, enrolled in aviation maintenance technology, eye a collectible pin from the Japan team.

Sitting pretty atop a campus landmark

Latin American players let their presence be known.

Sarah R. Shott (left), admissions representative, and Elizabeth A. Biddle, director of corporate relations, collect souvenir signatures.

Pittsburgh Pirates fan Dawn M. Cool, marketing communications coordinator, clutches a now-autographed Jim Leyland baseball card alongside the Bucs' former manager,

The Southwest team finds a friendly escort in Paula Neal, coordinator of instructional design and development.

Video from last year's Series helps pass the time.

A cordial campus makes Canada feel at home.

Nourishment for the long parade route ahead

Mac and cheese puts "comfort food" on the menu.

Teams get a President's Council welcome as they enter the picnic grounds.

Framed for a photo

A banner day for Australian national pride

"Selfie 'cat" has a busy day.

A moment with the mascot

College President Davie Jane Gilmour, who also serves as chair of the Little League International Board of Directors, welcomes the world to Williamsport.

Retired major league manager and parade VIP Jim Leyland inspires the teams.

Sarah S. Moore, Disability Services’ sign language interpreter/student support assistant, helps a deaf player throughout his Series stay.

Jim Leyland, among a handful of major-league managers to win pennants in both leagues, is a popular draw for players and coaches alike.

Wherever the Wildcat goes, fun follows.

Teams from Japan and Latin America mingle on common ground.

Players break the ice by swapping ballcaps.

With baseball in common, even rivals form photogenic friendships.

A Caribbean coach has an enjoyable start to his team's adventure at the end of the WIldcat's tail.

WBRE's Joe Garrison interviews the president during the parade.

Sarah R. Shott, admissions representative, obliges a “frame” photo of the Aussie team.

The Midwest team grabs a photo with two Penn College icons – the Wildcat and "The Rock."

Midwest players add their names to "The Rock."

The Mexico team commemorates a climb to the top.

West players grab a selfie with Sarah R. Shott, admissions representative.

The Japan team takes advantage of a photo op.

An enthusiastic future CEO is among “Future Wildcats” on the Penn College Grand Slam Parade float.

A future dental hygienist brushes up on her skills.

A future physician assistant listens to the president’s heartbeat.

Children’s Learning Center clients – “Future Wildcats” on the college float – grab high fives from their favorite mascot.

Parade-goers take a look at Penn College’s handout: A “What Does the Wildcat Want to Do When It Grows Up?” coloring and activity book.

A daring duo – Tina M. Miller, director of marketing communications, and son Evan – hand out Penn College coloring books along the parade route.

An enthusiastic future automotive technician, construction manager and medical professional.

Peeking inside the Wildcat coloring book.

A future welder carries his super-hero mask.

The Penn College float looks to the future.

Looking for Little League “gold.”

A group cheers on the Wildcat and the Penn College float.

A future chef waves to the crowds.

Valerie L. Fessler, director of annual giving, gives a wave to parade-goers.

Barbara J. Albert, director of the Children’s Learning Center, rides the float with the center’s “Future Wildcats.”

A young Penn College volunteer distributes coloring and activity books.

A member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ Baja Team helps distribute coloring books.

Jon Mackey, ’00, helps fill two little ones’ bags.

Catching the attention of the photographer.

Becky J. Shaner, alumni relations specialist, gives coloring books to youngsters.

Impressive from all angles – Penn College and the product (an off-road Baja vehicle that competes nationally) of a hands-on education.

Hillary E. Hofstrom, director of employee relations and compliance, provides coloring books to fans.

President Davie Jane Gilmour joins the children in welcoming the crowd.

We see the future, and it looks bright.

The Penn College parade entry makes its way east on Fourth Street.

Jeremy R. Bottorf, coordinator of intramural sports and campus recreation, helps to distribute coloring books.

The Wildcat obliges a fan with a hug.

The Wildcat waves to the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd on Hepburn Street.

Fans of the Japan team show their enthusiasm.

Sitting behind a robotic arm, a future engineer greets crowds.

The award-winning, Penn College-made Baja vehicle

President Davie Jane Gilmour acknowledges fans on the Community Arts Center balcony.

The Wildcat gives furry fives.

The Baja cruises through the final blocks of the parade.

The "Future Wildcats" float passes by a Penn College viewing station set up in the 900 block of West Fourth Street.

Members of the college's Residence Life staff add their enthusiasm to the Williamsport welcome. From left are coordinators Michael D. Penwell, Marceline Y. Salomon-Debrosse and Rachael E. Vetesse, and Timothy J. Mallery, assistant director of residence life/coordinator of housing operations.

Friendly waves make the Southwest team feel welcome.

A local event with international appeal is captured by Kayla M. Peters, a baking and pastry arts major.

The winner of the West tournament returns the crowd's support as it travels near the college.

Stacey L. French (center), an applied human sevices major, watches the parade with her son Ethan and Katie L. Mackey, coordinator of off-campus living/commuter services.

Making obvious their college of choice, a pennant-waving contingent exudes warmth.

More kindly college faces share the spirit of community.