The Summerlin South Little League team made history in August by becoming the first team from Nevada to win the U.S. Championship.
Since returning from the series, the team members have become local celebrities. On August 27, the Las Vegas community celebrated the team's victory with a parade. On September 15, the team lit the Al Davis Memorial Torch at Allegiant Stadium as part of the Raiders' first home game.
"I'm still coming to realize how great this is, and how lucky we have been to experience this," Brooks Fechser told KNPR's State of Nevada. He was one of twelve boys who went to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to represent Nevada and the Mountain West in the series.
The team ultimately won the U.S. Championship against Connecticut on August 23, but then lost the World Championship to Chinese Taipei. Brooks' father, TJ Fechser, was the team's head coach. He said they took the loss in stride.
"There was really, very little dwelling on [it]. The kids, very quickly, were playing wiffle ball after the game and having fun. They're kids."
As for the reception upon returning home, Brooks has enjoyed it.
"I was a celebrity for the first couple of weeks," said Brooks about returning to school. "My locker was filled with Diet Cokes because I drank a Diet Coke before every game, and everybody's just crowding me and asking, 'What was your favorite part?"
To which he replied, "probably playing different teams from around the world, and just like spending time with my friends in the bunks."
For TJ, it was an incredible experience for the father and son duo, one that he said he's still not ready to process fully.
"There's so much still to learn and enjoy," he said. "I foresee taking a break sometime in the winter, enjoying it, and hopefully enjoying it throughout our whole lives."
Guests: TJ Fechser, coach, Summerlin South Little League Team; Brooks Fechser, center fielder, Summerlin South Little League Team
