Tyler — Danny Elzner spoke with former Tyler Junior College baseball coach Jon Groth.

In 2007, TJC hosted the Junior College World Series for the first time and the Apaches won it all.

Groth said, "For me, that first year was a little crazy because we were hosting the first time and we're doing all the field work. I don't know if I got to smell the roses as much as I would have liked back then. But it's still one of my most cherished memories."

Tyler Junior College didn't make it to this year's World Series but Tyler will host eight other teams from seven states.

Groth said, "I'm really excited for the coaches and players coming in this week. This is something you play the game for. This is why you get up early in the morning and do the things you do. The sacrifices you make, they all come full circle when you get to a national championship like the World Series."