Illinois Family Supports William Carey University Softball
Hattiesburg, MS, July 3, 2008 - Monte and Jeanie Blue are not typical William Carey University Softball fans. They donate money to the program, come to as many games as possible, and even fly a WCU Crusader flag above their family owned funeral home. The difference in the Blues and other Crusader supporters is that the Blues live in Marion, Illinois.
The Blues also share their daughter, Kelli, a senior speech communication major, with the Lady Saders Softball team. “The Blues are amazing,” said Wendy Hogue, softball coach. “They are not only supportive of Kelli, but the entire team. They have one biological daughter on the team and about 20 adopted ones.”
The Blues travel to almost every home game and attended the national tournament in Decatur, Ala. where the Lady Saders placed seventh in the nation according to NAIA. The team also ranked first in the conference and region.
“At the first meeting we had with Coach Hogue we felt like we had known her for a long time,” said Mrs. Blue. “When Coach Hogue gave us a campus tour, we tracked down the president and he welcomed us to Carey and told us that when Kelli came to Carey we did not have to worry about her, that everyone there would take good care of her and they have.”
For parents living more than 500 miles away, the Blues appreciate the family atmosphere at Carey. “I would have to say that the first thing we liked about Carey was the reception we received from the very first visit to the campus,” said Mrs. Blue. “We visited other campuses and were greeted with warm receptions; however, Carey was different. It felt like they were waiting for us to arrive.”
“Being so far away from home can get hard at times, but my parents have been amazing throughout my years here at Carey,” said Blue. “I could not ask for more supportive parents and I thank God for them constantly. Their devotion to Carey, my softball team, and myself has earned them a huge amount of respect. I’m truly blessed and I love them so much for what they have done and what they continue to do.”
Kelli has played softball since the age of five. “I always dreamed of playing softball at the university level and I really can’t imagine my life without it,” said Blue. She found out about Carey by chance while attending a softball camp out west. “I wanted to attend a smaller university that was away from home,” said Blue. “After I first heard about WCU I contacted Coach Hogue and I just knew Carey was where I was supposed to be. Everything worked out so perfectly.”
“I feel that God definitely led Kelli to Carey for a reason,” said Hogue. “She has been a key player for us on and off the field for three years now. She is a team leader. She has the athletic ability as well as the people skills to be successful in such a vital role.”
Kelli is majoring in speech communication with a minor in Spanish. “I would love to work in public relations and eventually get my masters in international studies.” Until then, look for the WCU flag flying high above Blue Funeral Home in Marion, Illinois.
Whenever asked about the WCU flag flying above their family business, the Blues excitedly tell about the university, where it is located and how proud they are that their daughter plays on the softball team there. “We have had a hard time deciding whether it is true Christian hospitality, southern hospitality, or just a good combination of both that make us feel so welcomed at Carey,” said Mrs. Blue.
Plans for the 2008-2009 softball season continue. “After such an amazing season last year, it’s hard to believe that I’m even more excited about next year,” said Hogue. “We lost six seniors this year who were the heart and soul of the team for four years. They’re hard to replace, but we have been able to bring in a very talented group of young players. The amount of athletic ability will increase from past years. We are strongly anticipating another trip to nationals.”
The William Carey University flag is seen waving over the Blue Funeral Home located in Marion, Illinois.