Craig Daily Press

Photo by Jerry Raehal

Members and coaches of the Moffat County Dawgs all-star baseball team pose with their District 3 championship banner and Rich Sadvar. From left are Wyatt Oberwitte, Brentten Ivers, coach Steve Ivers, Trent Parrott, Derek Maiolo, Ivan Nielsen, Josh Pritchard, coach Larry Maiolo, Tony Alonso, Sadvar and Aaron Cramer.

Photo by Jerry Raehal

Aaron Cramer, an infielder for the Moffat County Dawgs baseball team, signs the team’s District 3 Championship banner, which the team presented Friday to Rich Sadvar.

Before leaving Craig Friday morning to go to Colorado Springs for the Little League Colorado State Playoffs, members of the Moffat County Dawgs baseball team made one last stop — Craig Physical Therapy.

There, members of the 11- and 12-year-old little league all-star team signed their District 3 championship banner, which they won more than a week ago, and presented it to Rich Sadvar, shop owner and a longtime baseball coach.

“Rich has worked with most of these kids for four years,” said Dawgs coach Steve Ivers.

Sadvar is well known for his recent work as the Moffat County High School baseball team’s coach, winning the Western Slope Coach of the Year the past two seasons, while winning 89 percent of league games. However, his contract was not renewed by the school administration, which has been a controversial decision.

Sadvar’s work extended beyond high school kids, Ivers said, helping the younger children, as well.

Sadvar said he was touched by the all-star team’s gesture.

“It’s one of those things that you try not to get too sentential about, but it does mean a lot to me,” he said.

Sadvar said his involvement with the youths has been more on a one-on-one basis.

“I haven’t coached a team of theirs,” he said. “Individually, parents will approach me and ask me to look at their kid’s mechanics. …. So, it’s been more on an individual basis.”

Sadvar’s office walls are decorated with pictures of athletes he’s helped. He plans on hanging the District 3 banner on the same walls, once the team gets back from the state tournament — the Dawgs need the banner until then.

He joked with the team members that he wants another banner to join his collection, one stating the Dawgs are state champions.

The team starts that quest today, with a 10 a.m. game against District 5 champion, Tri Lakes. If the Dawgs win the double-elimination tournament — and bring back another banner, they qualify for the Southwest Regional Tournament in Waco, Texas.

“I think these kids have a real good chance,” Sadvar said. “They’re a great team.”

Jerry Raehal can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 204, or jraehal@craigdailypress.com