One of the most popular stories we’ve ever done here on StudentSportsSoftball.com was our April 14 feature on Janie’s Inning, the heart-warming story of Janie Girouard, the team manager and “late inning specialist.” for St. Thomas More High out of Lafayette, La.

The genesis of the story on our site started with Lady Cougar All-State catcher Bailey Hemphill, an Alabama commit, who told us about Janie when we interviewed her (Bailey) for a spotlight profile.

Bailey’s mother, Christi, then did a fantastic job of providing information on Janie, the team and the significance of this innovative idea and its impact on the community.  

I got a nice letter from Christi this morning getting us up to speed on how the last three weeks have played out for the Louisiana high school and how Janie’s Inning continued to touch many, even throughout the playoffs…

 

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I wanted to update you on what has happened with Janie’s Inning since your article.

I forwarded the link to LHSAA [editor: Louisiana High School Athletic Association], and they posted it on their website.  Thanks to the internet and social media, Janie’s Inning has gotten a lot of attention.

St. Thomas More made the playoffs and traveled to Covington for the second round regional game vs. St. Scholastica Academy.  The coach at SSA had heard of Janie’s Inning, called Coach Wag (Andria Waguespack) and said they wanted to do Janie’s Inning win or lose.

STM won that game and SSA followed through — this was the first time Janie’s Inning was played in a playoff situation!

Moving on to the quarterfinal round at Fastpitch 56 in Sulphur, STM was set to meet up with Ellender H.S. from Houma.  I know the head coach at Ellender, Janie Trosclair (her daughter, Kyler Trosclair plays travel ball with Bailey and is a Memphis signee).

She contacted me and asked if they can do Janie’s Inning after the game.  Coach Wag contacted LHSAA, who okayed it (thanks in large part to the publicity from your article I’m sure) so long as time permitted.  STM won the game, and true to their word, Ellender played Janie’s Inning.

Here is a news clip [editor: video comes up after a 15 second commercial]:

P.S. – St. Thomas More won the Class 4-A championship… back to back champs, in more ways than one!