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 | GBC = #1 at the BIG WOOD World Series in Chattanooga |
Swinging wood instead of aluminum did not slow down GBC's bats at the "BIG WOOD World Series" this past week-end in Chattanooga, TN. In 7 games, GBC cranked 2 HR's, 3 triples, 13 doubles, and 50+(wow) singles to capture the title of best at the BIG WOOD while only shattering 2 bats! Defensive play again was unbeatable. GBC beat Indiana Yankees in the first game by a score of 4-3 on Thurs. night. Friday GBC won both games, taking on the Chattanooga Colonels and winning 11-8 and then facing the host team, CHOO CHOO City Mustangs and routing them 9-1. Sat. am GBC won both games against the Chattanooga Cougars and the Seymour Eagles only giving up 1 run in each contest and scoring 9 and 12 respectively. Sunday am GBC faced the Chattanooga Cyclones in a close game but held them at bay in the bottom of the 7th. The Cyclones threatened with a hard line shot to 3B that was caught and a deep fly to left field ending the game by a narrow score of 7-6. The championship game pitted the CHOO CHOO's against GBC and this wasn't a contest with GBC winning 8-0 in five innings! Choo Choo Mustangs only had 1 hit while GBC cranked out 10. Great tournament, guys! | 2004 HYSA WORLD CHAMPIONS 16U |
Teams from SC, MD, OH, NJ, and NC came to Mt Pleasant HS July 1-4 to compete in the "Battle of the Rings" and the title of HYSA World Champs. GBC played through the 16-18U pool going undefeated. Impressive wins were recorded over Bergen Thunder(16U), NJ 22-2....Carolina Wildcats(17U) 15-1....Columbus Ohio Sharks(16U) 10-3....Clinton SC Stingers(18U) 14-0....and the Maryland Cardinals(18U) 9-3. After pool play, best records in the 16U and 18U were used for bracket play. GBC with a 5-0 record went to championship game at 2pm. An earlier game Sun am decided that Bergen Thunder would face GBC again. GBC cranked out the hits once again and their defense and pitching held Thunder in check. Final score GBC 12...Thunder 2. Total runs GBC scored in 6 games - 82.....Total runs allowed by GBC - 11! WOW!!! Now GBC players and coaches are looking forward to getting their HYSA Championship rings! CONGRATULATIONS, GBC!!! | GBC Takes 1st Place in the WVA MT. STATE CLASSIC II in the
18U Age Division! |
Eighteen teams from WVA, PA, Ohio, VA, Kentucky, Indiana and 2 teams from NC came to Beckley WVA to vie for the title of MT. STATE CLASSIC II Champs in the 18U age division. The top 2 teams in each of 3 divisions advanced to continue play on Sunday. GBC placed 1st in their division beating the Portage Cubs of Ohio 10-4, the Indiana Bulls, a favored team to win in the tournament, by a score of 6-3 and the FAB Panthers from Ohio, 6-2. After division play, 6 teams were left to advance on the road to the championship game. GBC was scheduled to play at 12pm on Sun., but because of scheduling conflicts waited for Stark Co, Ohio/Fungo Red Sox, NC to finish their game to see who they would play. After winning, the Stark Co. Ohio team chose to leave the tournament, automatically advancing GBC to the championship game. This would mean playing either the Pittsburg Blazers from Pa or once again meeting up with the Indiana Bulls; both considered as 2 of the strongest teams entered in the tournament. GBC waited anxiously to see which team would show up at Concord University to battle it out for the championship. As fate would have it, the Bulls were victorious. GBC was geared up about taking on this team again and anxious to start after waiting to play someone for 4 hours. With timely hitting, awesome pitching and superb defense, GBC won the contest 5-0! Not too shabby for a 16U team carrying only 9 players to this tournament playing against teams of 15 or more of mostly 17/18 year olds!!!
WAY TO GO GBC!
GBC's National Championship Ring |  |  | | Click on smaller images above to get a better view! |
**********************Photos in the "ALBUMS!"**********************  |  |  | | Click on smaller images above to get a better view! |
ROAD TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
GBC WINS NATIONAL TITLE!!! | *GBC opened 1st round pool play with a tough to swallow loss to the VA.Devildogs. After leading 5-2 in the 7th, the wheels started to come off with GBC losing 6-5 in extra innings.
*GBC bounced back strong with a 11-4 victory over the GA. Cobras. Nick Rogers went 6 innings with Brooks Dew closing the 7th. Drew Poulk, Wade Moore, and Matt Dezearn, added 2 hits each to highlight the GBC offense.
*GBC's next opponent was Team New England. Kendrick Burney was a one man wrecking crew, going the distance on the mound with a 4 for 4 performance at the plate, along with a homerun. Dusty Ackley tripled with 2 singles and Brooks Dew added a double and a single while Wade Moore doubled and tripled to help power GBC by Team New England.
*Our final 1st round game pitted GBC against the Simpsonville Silverhawks. Drew Poulk took the hill for 6 strong innings adding a triple and a single to help GBC to a 10-1 victory. Matt Dezearn closed for the Batting Center in the 7th. Seth Austin and Wade Moore added 2 hits to help GBC secure 1st place in the initial pool play. WAY TO BOUNCE BACK, GUYS!
*The Batting Center's Championship pool was a battle from VA, as all of our opponents were from our northern neighbor. Seth Austin, Dustin Johnson, and Zac Gantt took the mound for GBC with a combined effort, allowing the VA. Cannons just 2 runs on 7 hits. Brooks Dew, Zac Gantt, and Drew Poulk added 6 hits to pace the Batting Center's 10-2 victory.
* Our 2nd foe was the Va. Breeze. Zac Gantt and Matt Dezearn stymied the Breeze allowing just 2 hits. Nathan Cockman, Kendric Burney, and Dusty Ackley each added 2 hits along with Drew Poulk's towering homerun in his 3 for 3 performance, as GBC cruised to a 12-2 victory.
*Our final opponent was the Valley Express. Zac Gantt and Dusty Ackley kept the Express' bats at bay, while GBC took the win 9-2. | Nathan Cockman and Wade Moore were 3 for 4 at the plate. Lester Rivenbark and Matt Dezearn each went 2 for 2 along with Drew Poulk going 2 for 4. A total of 14 hits propelled GBC to a championship pool victory moving the Batting Center into the "Elite Eight."
*GBC faced a very determined Team New England in the final eight. Nick Rogers faced off against Brian Klink, in a hard fought game with the Batting Center prevailing 5-2 against one of the toughest pitchers we have faced. Both teams had 7 hits and great defensive play. Wade Moore came in to seal the victory for GBC. Dusty Ackley and Nathan Cockman had 2 hits each, as the Batting Center advanced to the Final Four and a much anticipated date with the East Cobb Astros.Congratulations to Team New England for an outstanding 2003 nationals!
*Drew Poulk and Kendrick Burney combined to pitch a gem, throttling the Astro hitters to 3 runs on 4 hits in a hard fought battle with GBC coming out on top 6-3. Drew Poulk added a double and a single to pace GBC's 9 hit performance against one of the top teams in the country. Dusty Ackley and Nick Rogers each added two singles. Zac Gantt's 2 strike squeeze, along with Seth's base clearing hit, certainly helped our cause. A total team effort by everyone, had the Batting Center rolling to a championship against the defending National Champion - Florida Hitmen.
*Wade Moore went the distance with an awesome pitching performance in the championship game for GBC, while the Batting Center bats stayed hot, scoring 2 runs in the 1st inning. Kendrick Burney and Dusty Ackley each had 2 singles, while Drew Poulk was 2 for 2 with 2 doubles. Nate Cockman, Wade Moore, and Nick Rogers each added a single. GBC never looked back, plating 5 more runs to secure a 7-3 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP victory. | WAY TO GO... GBC!!!
2003 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!! | | "A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!!!" | | Click on smaller images below to get a better view! |
| Our Dream - A National Championship! | Our dream is now reality and I am so proud to be a part of such a special group of young men. Memories to be cherished for a lifetime. I'll have to admit leaving my family at the airport, knowing they were in Sarasota and not seeing Clint play was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it was well worth it. To stand back and watch the celebration, and to see all your hard work culminate into a National Championship is a dream come true. The joy and happiness on each of your faces was priceless. I want to thank the parents for believing in these young men and your endless hours of travel and dedication to this team. I especially want to thank Lester and John for being the best coaches anyone could ask for. Your sons are truly blessed to have them. Surround yourself with good people and you'll look like a hero. Never a complaint about playing time, playing as a team, great defensive play, great pitching, and as always, that Batting Center hitting brought home the gold. I would like to write something about each and every player, but I could never finish. Each of you have a special place in my heart and I will cherish this victory for the rest of my life. You have raised the bar! Don't stop now! There can be so much more! I love you all!
God Bless,
Kevan | | | That's why you win!! That's the GBC way!! GBC finishes with a 55-4 record!
National Satistics
.342 Team Batting Average
.222 Opponent Batting Average
84 Runs Scored
26 Runs Allowed |
Friday, August 1
POEM by Kevan Before Nationals
  | Our Team - Our Dream! Our Team - Knows how to bounce back!
Our Team - Plays the game the right way!
Our Team - Never quits!
Our Team - Determined!
Our Team - Hits Hard!
Our Team - Plays hard!
Our Team - Has fun! Our Dream - A National Championship! AND OUR DREAM IS NOW A REALITY! |  |
Tuesday, July 15
GBC WINS JULY JAM
GBC came out smoking in the July Jam in Simpsonville, SC to take the tournament championship against the East Cobb Trojans.
GBC opened pool play against the SC Rattlers with a 10-0 win. GBC defeated our next opponent, the Simpsonville All Stars, by a count of 26-1. This game was highlighted by a 1st pitch of the game shot over the center field wall by Kendric Burney, only to follow it up with a grand slam later in the game. Brooks Dew added another dinger to propell GBC into our next game against a familiar foe, the NC Cardinals. Drew Poulk pitched GBC to another victory, keeping the tough Cardinal batters at bay while GBC plated 13 runs for a 13-3 victory. This game was highlighted by a towering homerun by Nathan Cockman and stellar defensive play by everyone. After winning our pool, GBC faced the East Cobb Trojans for the Championship. GBC never looked back, taking a 14-3 victory to claim the tournament Championship. Nathan Cockman added another towering shot during this contest along with very timely hitting by everyone! And yes, great defense also!!!
GBC outscored our opponents 63-7 in 20 innings! Way to go guys!!
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Tuesday, July 15
GBC WINS 2003 HYSA WORLD SERIES
The Batting Center bounced back from a tough loss in the State Championship game to capture the HYSA World Series Crown, defeating the Maryland Orioles 9-3.
GBC opened pool play against the Knoxville Thunder. The Thunder gave the Batting Center a hard fought game with strong pitching from both teams. GBC prevailed with a 2-1 victory.
Our next pool game pitted GBC with a very tough Maryland Oriole team. Two 2 run home runs spelled doom for GBC, as Maryland took the win 4-2 in 8 innings. GBC lost Seth Austin to a concussion during this contest from an errant fast ball in the 7th inning. GBC had to take an out, due to not having any subs, and we lost Seth for the rest of the tournament.
GBC bounced back Friday with a 21-2 win over the Columbia Cavilers to place 2nd in preliminary pool play.
GBC now faced the Hustlers out of Maryland for our 1st game in Championship Pool Play. GBC came out swinging with a 10-1 win. This game was highlighted by Drew Poulk's 4 inning-no hit-8 strike out performance and Dustin Johnson's 1st pitch Grand Slam.
Our next opponent to complete our Championship Pool Play was the Bergen Thunder from New Jersey. GBC took the win 7-3 to move on to the Championship bracket as the tournament #1 seed. GBC had a return visit from a determined Maryland Hustler team in our semifinal game. Up 6-2 in the 7th, GBC let down our guard with the Husters plating 4 runs to tie the game. GBC finally prevailed with a 2 run double by Dusty Ackley for an exciting 8-6 win. The final game set up a rematch with the Maryland Orioles. Timely hitting coupled with a determined group of young men, GBC put together one of our finest performances of the year to defeat one of the toughest teams in the country by a count of 9-3. Drew Poulk's gutsy pitching a long with his 3 run and 2 run homerun, certainly helped our cause.
These young men played great baseball and were rewarded with a well deserved HYSA World Series Championship! Congratulations to Kendric Burney, Dusty Ackley, Drew Poulk and Dustin Johnson for making the All Tournament Team!
Monday, June 23
GBC Finishes 2nd in NC St Championship
The GBC 15 & under ballclub finished a strong but disappointing 2nd place in the North Carolina State Championship tournament held this weekend in Concord. The team posted two solid wins in pool play on Friday & Saturday but ran into a scrappy & determined Diamondbacks club on Sunday afternoon.
Pool play began on Friday morning as the team posted a sound 19-1 decision against the Richmond Rockies. A close game was broken open in the top half of the 7th inning as the team plated 12 runs to win going away. Leading the team @ the plate was a deep solo shot by Drew Poulk & a grandslam by Trevor Mullins. The team benefited from a solid pitching performance by the combination of Matt Dezearn, Kendric Burney & Dusty Ackley.
On Saturday, the team made quick work of the Carolina Copperheads by posting a 14-4 decision in 6 innings. A solid hitting attack was led by Dusty Ackley with Nathan Cockman & Drew Poulk providing additional RBI support for the pitching staff of Nick Rogers, Seth Austin, Zac Gantt & Drew Poulk.
On Sunday afternoon the team met the Charlotte Diamondbacks for the 15 & under State Championship. Things were looking pretty promising through 4 complete innings as the team jumped out to a 6-1 advantage. But during the 5th inning the wheels came off as the Diamondbacks plated 8 runs to take a 9-6. An additional run was given up in the top half of the 6th as the Diamondbacks held a 10-6 lead. In the bottom of the 6th, the team bounced back by plating 4 runs to knot the game @ 10 led by a 3 run blast to deep leftcenter by Nathan Cockman. The two teams stayed tied until the 9th as the Diamondbacks plated 2 runs & only gave up 1 during the bottom half of the inning. Final score - Diamondbacks 12; GBC 11 in a wild, hard fought contest.
Congratulations to the Diamondbacks for winning the State championship. Let's bounce back guys in the upcoming Hartsell World Series.
Monday, June 16
GBC Posts 2 Wins in Maryland
On a weekend where the players were ready to test the waters against 16 & under ballclubs from the Northeast, rain once again followed the team to Maryland as Sunday's play was a complete washout. The team was able to post 2 victories on Saturday by a 11-0 shutout over the Kent Island Bucs out of Maryland followed by 8-0 victory over the Beckley Bash out of West Virginia. Both games found the GBC pitching staff on their game as the combination of Dusty Ackley & Lester Rivenbark shut out the Bucs & was followed by a brilliant one-hitter by Nick Rogers against the Bash. Numerous GBC players provided enough pop at the plate to send the team to victory although a tip of the cap goes out to Kendrick Burney's towering shot over the centerfield wall against the Beckley Bash. This was his 2nd homer of the young AAU tournament season.
On to Concord this weekend where the team will be playing for the NC State Championship. Let's go get it guys!!!!
Wednesday, June 11
GBC QUALIFIES FOR NC STATE FINALS
The GBC 15 & under team qualified for the NC State Championship finals to be held in the next couple of weeks by posting 4 straight victories this weekend in Kinston in the NC state playoffs. The team plated 38 runs with the pitching staff & solid defense only yielding their opponents 5 runs during the 4 game stint.
The team opened play on Saturday morning by posting a 9-0 shutout over the Richmond Rockies. Trevor Mullins pitched a strong 6 innings while getting relief from Zac Gantt during the 7th. A solid hitting attack was led by a bomb over the left field wall by Drew Poulk.
The second game of the day pitted GBC against a familiar & tough opponent, the NC Cardinals. A solid performance by the Cardinal pitcher kept the GBC batters off stride as the team could not get the key hit with runners in scoring position. GBC finally put it all together in their last at bat by posting 4 runs & won by a count of 4-2. The GBC 13 hit attack was paced by Matt Dezearn & Drew Poulk. Allowing only 6 hits over the 7 inning affair was a stellar pitching performance by Matt Dezearn & Kendrick Burney.
Sunday was a day of patience for the team as the ballclub did not hit the field until late afternoon due to rain in the Kinston area. The GBC bats came alive in their first game of the day as they posted a 12-2 decision over the Roberson Braves. The team was helped by a solid performance on the mound by Zac Gantt & Seth Austin. Sunday's 2nd game saw the team make quick work of the Carolina Titans by posting a 13-1 decision in 5 innings. A stellar job on the mound by Nick Rogers kept the Titan bats at bay as GBC posted runs early & often to support a fine pitching performance.
On to Maryland this weekend guys where we step up in age group. Let's bring our "A" game & show them how we play ball here in North Carolina.
Tuesday, May 27
GBC Wins Hickory Tournament
The GBC 15u posted four solid victories this weekend and won the Todd York Memorial Day tournament held in Hickory, NC.
Tournament play began for GBC on Saturday morning where the team posted a 7-3 victory behind solid pitching from Matt Dezearn & Dusty Ackley. In the afternoon session, GBC won over the Carolina Copperheads by a count of 6-1. The team won their pool on Sunday morning by posting a 5-2 victory over a solid Richmond Rockies squad.
In the Championship game, the GBC bats came alive as the team pounded out 14 hits enroute to a sound 11-2 decision over the Charlotte Diamondbacks. Solid defense & pitching helped post the team their 1st tournament victory of the young AAU season.
Next up for the team will be the 1st round of the North Carolina AAU State playoffs to be held June 6-8.
Tuesday, May 20
East Cobb Washout
On a weekend where the young men looked forward to their 1st tournament action of the Spring in addition to their 1st time together since the Fall, the team traveled to Marietta, GA to face stiff competition in the Triple Crown Tournament hosted by East Cobb Baseball. The tournament was held @ the East Cobb complex where the team got their first action on Saturday morning by playing the East Cobb Aztecs. A solid pitching performance by Zac Gantt & Nick Rogers along with solid play in the field held the Aztecs in check as the team posted a 5-2 decision. Highlights at the plate saw Nathan Cockman go 3 for 3 & Kendric Burney provide an impressive opposite field shot over the right-center wall @ 360 feet.
With 2 additional games on tap for Saturday afternoon & evening, the rains set in over the Atlanta metro area & completely washed out the remainder of the tournament. A disappointed & rejected ball club found themselves heading up 85 North on Sunday morning with only one game under their belt. On to Hickory guys where we hope for better weather.
Wednesday, November 20
GBC -THE 2002 FALL ST CHAMPIONS!
GBC defeated the Carolina Patriots 15-1 to open the Fall State Championships in Concord. The Batting Center Bats remained hot, defeating the N.C. Cardinals 14-4 in the second game to move into the championship game on Sunday. After jumping to a 6-0 lead in the first inning, the Batting Center looked in control for the win, but the Patriots gave GBC all it wanted, with GBC claiming the win 12-11. Not our best effort, but we're still proud to be the Fall State Champions! Our goal for the fall has been met, and now it's time for the challenges ahead. |
GBC FINISHES 2002 FALL SEASON 22-1.
GBC OUTSCORED IT'S OPPONENTS 251-60.
GBC'S TEAM FALL BATTING AVERAGE - .368
WAY TO GO, GBC!!! | |
center> 2003 Fall STATE CHAMPS!!!***Photos in the "ALBUMS!" | | | | Click on smaller images above to get a better view! |
ROAD TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
GBC WINS NATIONAL TITLE!!! | *GBC opened 1st round pool play with a tough to swallow loss to the VA.Devildogs. After leading 5-2 in the 7th, the wheels started to come off with GBC losing 6-5 in extra innings.
*GBC bounced back strong with a 11-4 victory over the GA. Cobras. Nick Rogers went 6 innings with Brooks Dew closing the 7th. Drew Poulk, Wade Moore, and Matt Dezearn, added 2 hits each to highlight the GBC offense.
*GBC's next opponent was Team New England. Kendrick Burney was a one man wrecking crew, going the distance on the mound with a 4 for 4 performance at the plate, along with a homerun. Dusty Ackley tripled with 2 singles and Brooks Dew added a double and a single while Wade Moore doubled and tripled to help power GBC by Team New England.
*Our final 1st round game pitted GBC against the Simpsonville Silverhawks. Drew Poulk took the hill for 6 strong innings adding a triple and a single to help GBC to a 10-1 victory. Matt Dezearn closed for the Batting Center in the 7th. Seth Austin and Wade Moore added 2 hits to help GBC secure 1st place in the initial pool play. WAY TO BOUNCE BACK, GUYS!
*The Batting Center's Championship pool was a battle from VA, as all of our opponents were from our northern neighbor. Seth Austin, Dustin Johnson, and Zac Gantt took the mound for GBC with a combined effort, allowing the VA. Cannons just 2 runs on 7 hits. Brooks Dew, Zac Gantt, and Drew Poulk added 6 hits to pace the Batting Center's 10-2 victory.
* Our 2nd foe was the Va. Breeze. Zac Gantt and Matt Dezearn stymied the Breeze allowing just 2 hits. Nathan Cockman, Kendric Burney, and Dusty Ackley each added 2 hits along with Drew Poulk's towering homerun in his 3 for 3 performance, as GBC cruised to a 12-2 victory.
*Our final opponent was the Valley Express. Zac Gantt and Dusty Ackley kept the Express' bats at bay, while GBC took the win 9-2. | Nathan Cockman and Wade Moore were 3 for 4 at the plate. Lester Rivenbark and Matt Dezearn each went 2 for 2 along with Drew Poulk going 2 for 4. A total of 14 hits propelled GBC to a championship pool victory moving the Batting Center into the "Elite Eight."
*GBC faced a very determined Team New England in the final eight. Nick Rogers faced off against Brian Klink, in a hard fought game with the Batting Center prevailing 5-2 against one of the toughest pitchers we have faced. Both teams had 7 hits and great defensive play. Wade Moore came in to seal the victory for GBC. Dusty Ackley and Nathan Cockman had 2 hits each, as the Batting Center advanced to the Final Four and a much anticipated date with the East Cobb Astros.Congratulations to Team New England for an outstanding 2003 nationals!
*Drew Poulk and Kendrick Burney combined to pitch a gem, throttling the Astro hitters to 3 runs on 4 hits in a hard fought battle with GBC coming out on top 6-3. Drew Poulk added a double and a single to pace GBC's 9 hit performance against one of the top teams in the country. Dusty Ackley and Nick Rogers each added two singles. Zac Gantt's 2 strike squeeze, along with Seth's base clearing hit, certainly helped our cause. A total team effort by everyone, had the Batting Center rolling to a championship against the defending National Champion - Florida Hitmen.
*Wade Moore went the distance with an awesome pitching performance in the championship game for GBC, while the Batting Center bats stayed hot, scoring 2 runs in the 1st inning. Kendrick Burney and Dusty Ackley each had 2 singles, while Drew Poulk was 2 for 2 with 2 doubles. Nate Cockman, Wade Moore, and Nick Rogers each added a single. GBC never looked back, plating 5 more runs to secure a 7-3 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP victory. | WAY TO GO... GBC!!!
2003 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!! | | "A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!!!" | | Click on smaller images below to get a better view! |
| Our Dream - A National Championship! | Our dream is now reality and I am so proud to be a part of such a special group of young men. Memories to be cherished for a lifetime. I'll have to admit leaving my family at the airport, knowing they were in Sarasota and not seeing Clint play was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it was well worth it. To stand back and watch the celebration, and to see all your hard work culminate into a National Championship is a dream come true. The joy and happiness on each of your faces was priceless. I want to thank the parents for believing in these young men and your endless hours of travel and dedication to this team. I especially want to thank Lester and John for being the best coaches anyone could ask for. Your sons are truly blessed to have them. Surround yourself with good people and you'll look like a hero. Never a complaint about playing time, playing as a team, great defensive play, great pitching, and as always, that Batting Center hitting brought home the gold. I would like to write something about each and every player, but I could never finish. Each of you have a special place in my heart and I will cherish this victory for the rest of my life. You have raised the bar! Don't stop now! There can be so much more! I love you all!
God Bless,
Kevan | | | That's why you win!! That's the GBC way!! GBC finishes with a 55-4 record!
National Satistics
.342 Team Batting Average
.222 Opponent Batting Average
84 Runs Scored
26 Runs Allowed |
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