The 2002 Men’s Class A Modified 10 Modified Pitch State Championship Tournament found seventeen teams going head to head at Meadville, PA’s Lincoln Avenue Field Complex.

Rustic Inn, managed by Kyle Krepps, advanced through the loser’s bracket to earn a position in the final championship series and defeated Pal Club of District 7 twice to claim the Class A State Championship.

PAL Club of District 7, managed by Bruce Plaski, defeated Unwired of Saxonburg, PA,12 – 10 in their first tournament game scoring four runs in the bottom of the 7th inning for the win. They then defeated Grace & Todd of Sandy Creek, PA, Rustic Inn to send them to the loser’s bracket in the winner’s bracket semi-finals. Pal Club was then awarded a forfeit win over Knox Chapel of the Fieldhouse League in Saxonburg, PA to earn their position in the Championship series. PAL Club was led on offense by clean-up hitter, Matt Bixler; first baseman Gene Franks; and shortstop, Mike Smith along with manager Plaski.

Rustic Inn defeated Star Grill of Saxonburg, PA. 12 – 11 in their first tournament game as they came from behind scoring four runs in the bottom of the 7th for the win. They then defeated Armstrong Beer of Kittanning, PA, 13 - 8 with Jay Reese in the circle, before being sent to the loser’s bracket by Pal Club in a semi-final winner’s bracket game. Rustic Inn then rallied to defeat Summit of Pine Grove, Pa in District 3, 10 – 0 behind Larry Daley and defeated Armstrong Beer a second time before being awarded a win over Knox Chapel in the loser’s bracket final to earn their position in the final championship series.

Old-timer Larry Daley who put together a great performance in achieving his first state championship led Rustic Inn in the circle. Clean-up hitter and center-fielder, John Rice, left fielder and manager Kyle Krepps; and second baseman and leadoff hitter Bill Bennett led Rustic on offense.

The Final Standings are
1. Rustice Inn.....7 - 1.....District 9
2. PAL Club........4 - 2.....District 7
3. Knox Chapen.....3 - 2.....District 9
4. Amstrong Beer...4 - 2.....District 9
5. Rowes...........2 - 2.....District 9
.. Summit..........3 - 2.....District 3
7. Hunter's Inn....2 - 2.....District 9
.. Italina Club....2 - 2.....District 7
9. Grace & Todd....1 - 2.....District 9
.. Coast To Coast..2 - 2.....District 9
.. Predators.......1 - 2.....District 9
.. Harley Davidson..2 - 2.....District 9
13.Bossman..........0 - 2.....District 3
...Fannies..........0 - 2.....District 3
...Star Grill.......0 - 2.....District 9
...Unwired..........0 - 2.....District 9
17.Lancaster........0 - 2.....District 2