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Dave Burroughs hates to waste opportunities. That said, it's no surprise that Cowley's baseball team capturedthe 1997 national title in its first trip to the World Series.The Tigers, who finished the season ranked 20th in the National Junior College Athletic Association poll,took the tournament by storm and became the darlings of Grand Junction, Colo., site of the 40th annualWorld Series."We weren't the most talented team out there," Burroughs said. "But in sports, sometimes you forget tomeasure a team's heart. And these guys had the biggest hearts out there. That's what won itfor us."Cowley, which finished 53-1 1, won five games and lost one en route to the national championship, includingfour consecutive after losing Game Two. It was a dream come true for Burroughs, in his 10th season atCowley, his assistants and the players."I've never come close to this, ever," said outfielder Josh McMillen. "This is really special. It's a greatfeeling."The Tigers were welcomed back to Arkansas City from the World Series, held May 24-31, with a statepatrol and police escort beginning in Wellington late in the afternoon of June 2. More fans picked up thechartered bus in Winfield, and theteam rolled into Ark City withabout 350 fans awaiting in front ofW.S. Scott Auditorium. The receptionsurprised the players."I thought there might be 15 or 20people waiting for us,"said JustinPirtle, pitcher. "We played in frontof 1 1,000 fans in the championshipgame, but that doesn't compare tocoming home to this."Many college and communitymembers addressed the coachesand players, who were front andcenter stage during the celebration.Burroughs held the national championshiptrophy high for everyoneto see.fllJune 2.