Behind the scenes with: Tona Lytle and Bonnie Flanagan

TONA LYTLE / Official softball scorer

Contribution to prep sports: Lytle spent 21 years as the softball coach at Chaparral -- where she also coached volleyball, golf, basketball and cross-country -- before retiring from coaching. She continues to teach physical education at the school, and also serves as an official scorekeeper for the annual regional and state softball tournaments. "I like to watch the kids play," Lytle said. "It's good softball, and it's a chance to watch some good games. And they don't holler at the scorekeeper -- most of the time." Lytle is responsible for keeping the official tournament scorebook for one field and makes the final decisions regarding whether a close play is scored as a hit or error. Lytle helped Chaparral to the 1983 state title in softball.

BONNIE FLANAGAN / Co-tournament director, regional and state softball

Contribution to prep sports: After 17 years as a high school softball coach and 21 years as a girls volleyball coach, first at Rancho and then at Cheyenne, Flanagan retired from coaching last year. Her involvement with prep sports is far from over, though, as Flanagan continues to serve as a director of regional state tournaments -- a post she has held since 1993. "It gives me a chance to see a lot of old friends," said Flanagan, who is working with co-director Barbara Chilson at this year's events. "I see quite a few former players and players we played against out here." Flanagan's responsibilities include making sure fields are ready for game action and hiring event staff. At Rancho, Flanagan led her team to two state softball titles.

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