By By BRUCE HIXON – Sports Editor
Coaching Little League has been a lot like the aging of wine for Randy Denton. It has gotten better with age.
Denton has the longest current active coaching tenure in Brewton Little League with eight years of service. Denton actually has nine years of service overall with the league. Denton entered the program when oldest son Becker started playing and coached his teams for four years.
After Becker graduated to the Babe Ruth level, Denton dropped out of the coaching ranks for one season and became Brewton Little League president. The following year youngest son Conner entered Little League competition, and Denton returned the coaching ranks where he has served the past four years.
Denton has been an all-star coach in Brewton Little League all eight years he has been on the field. Five of those years have been as a head coach. This season Denton is the head skipper for the Brewton Age 11-12 All-Stars.
Denton has taken Brewton teams to new heights in each of the last two years.
Two years ago Denton guided Brewton's Age 9-10 All-Stars to its first district title in 15 years.
Last year he guided the 11-year-old all-stars to a district title and its first ever appearance in the state tournament.
One goal that has eluded Denton has been a victory at the state tournament level.
Denton said the development of fall ball on Saturdays has been a plus.
Denton said Brewton Little League has experienced growth within during its tenure.
Denton said the establishment of interleague play and the City Series with East Brewton have been good for both leagues.
Denton said his one year as president of Brewton Little League was an eye-opening experience.
Denton said he has tried to teach character and work ethic in addition to fundamentals during his years of coaching.
While some shy away from coaching their children, Denton said coaching his two sons has been a good experience.
Denton expects this season to be his last with Little League.