Calexico set to host Section 7 Little League Tournament, with hometown team leading the charge

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A rare and exciting moment is unfolding this weekend in Calexico, as the city proudly hosts the Section 7 Little League All-Star Tournament and this year, it's not just about hosting.

The hometown 12U All-Stars are taking the field, representing District 22 after an undefeated run through the district championship.

The double-elimination tournament, which kicked off Friday night, features top teams from across Southern California, including Districts 41, 42, and 66.

The winner will move on to the Southern California Regionals with the ultimate dream being a trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Jessica Gonzalez, President of Calexico Little League, says this moment is one of the most special she's seen in her time with the program.

"It's definitely a very unique and one-of-a-kind opportunity not only for the city, but for the children," Gonzalez said. "These kids are used to traveling to San Diego for sectionals and beyond, and now they get to stay home and play on the fields they grew up on."

Games are being played at both Rivera Field and Legion Field, where the Calexico teams typically play their regular season. Gonzalez says the tournament could draw more than 200 people each night and that’s just counting players and their immediate families.

"This wasn't even on my radar," she said. "I had no idea it was our year to host until after the championship game. I was focused on preparing our boys to succeed. We handed out the rings, and I thought, 'Well, I guess we're off to San Diego now," and someone told me, 'No, you're hosting. It's District 22's year, and you won.'"

Gonzalez says from that moment, it's been nonstop planning. She's worked with vendors to make commemorative pins, met with city officials, and handled the logistics of what's shaping up to be one of the biggest local youth sports events of the year.

"I hit the ground running that Monday," she said. "I went to the city and said, 'Hey, we've got this honor, and it's not something that comes around often.' It's been a learning experience for sure, but we're doing everything we can to make it memorable."

This year’s 12U group, also known as the "Little League Division," is especially meaningful. It's the only age group eligible to advance all the way to the World Series in Williamsport, something every Little Leaguer dreams of.

"The 12U division is the holy grail," Gonzalez said. "This is what every kid in Little League hopes for. They’ve watched the World Series on TV. They saw Chula Vista make it, and now they realize...it's possible. It can happen here."

Many of the Calexico players have been together since T-ball, and Gonzalez says the emotions were overwhelming when they won the District 22 title.

"They had tears rolling down their faces," she said. "They know what it means, and they're playing their hearts out. We even had four players out of town for another tournament during that championship game, and we still pulled it off with just 10."

Calexico will open tournament play against Rios Canyon Little League, the District 41 champion, at Rivera Field. Rios Canyon is making its first Section 7 appearance in 45 years.

And while the dream of Williamsport may still be more than a few wins away, Gonzalez says this weekend is already something the players, their families, and the City of Calexico will never forget.