I "interviewed" Shelley and Nick Fontenot via e-mail this week to offer a parent's perspective on Little League and the World Series. Like the engineer she is, Shelley's answers are in blue and Nick's are in orange.
What are your official titles at work?
Assistant Engineer with the City of Lake Charles
ACTT (Anti-Crime Tactics & Training) Team Sergeant with the Calcasieu Parish Sherriff's Office (CPSO) and instructor at the training academy
What were the most exciting moments leading up the Williamsport?
Winning the championship game in Waco!
Winning the state championship in Shreveport. Everyone could feel the pressure between city rivals
(Lafayette and Lake Charles).
When did it sink in that y’all were heading to the big game?
The second the ball got by the catcher in Waco.
It makes me dizzy wondering how you wear so many hats! What’s your secret?
God and family. When I think back on past experiences through my life and think “ Wow, I’m glad I finished this” or ”I accomplished this task” or even “I plan on doing something in the future”, I take a step back and remember that I really haven’t done all of these things, at least not by myself. God has given me strength to see things through and my family is always right by my side. I have a great family, they are very supportive.
I have to agree with Shell, it gets pretty hectic, so you have to depend on each other and talk to God.
Who gets the most jitters during a game. Nick? Shelley? Kristine?
I would have to say Nick does. Although it is a feeling felt by all of us, Nick definitely feels it the most.
Shell is right. The jitters come from knowing baseball is a game of failure. Telling these kids four hits out of ten is a success is sometimes difficult.
I don’t want to cause a parental dispute, but where does Kennon get his athletic abilities from?
Nick played baseball and basketball when he was in school. In fact, I think his senior year St. Louis won a state title in basketball.
Kennon has been blessed with some athletic ability, but him understanding the game is his greatest strength.
As you know, South Lake Charles has made this trip several times in the past, but never gotten beyond pool play. How do you feel SLC is going to do?
Well, I am hoping for the best. I reminded Kennon before he left for PA that his Daddy and I are proud of him and to enjoy the LLWS experience. Also to be thankful and appreciative of all of the hard work each and every player has put into these games, practices and tournaments to get here. Regardless of the outcome up here, they have fought hard and never given up. They deserve it, they need to have fun and enjoy it.
And just to give you a perspective of where my son comes from, after I gave him my parental speech, he turned to me and said, “Momma, we are not going to Williamsport just to play, we’re going to win.”
I hope they can get to the next rounds, but it has been a total success.
How is Kennon enjoying Williamsport?
He loves it. He is really enjoying meeting all of the kids from around the country and world.
He is loving it. I told him to try and take everything in and enjoy it.
What other sports does Kennon play?
Football and basketball.
I got such a charge out of Kennon’s sister running up to him in Waco saying, “You won, Kennon, you won!” Is he as great a big brother as he appears to be?
He has a kind heart and sweet disposition. However, Kennon & Kristine are only 22 months apart they have their fair share of brotherly sisterly quarrels.
He takes care of his sisters, but Kennon and Kristine argue and fight all the time, but every now and then you can hear them talking about their lives.
If you’d like, tell us about your middle child? I understand she’s a pretty good athlete!
Kristine plays tournament softball. Kristine and Kennon compete during the season for the most homeruns. Nick and I have to separate on the weekends and travel with the 2 older 
kids, so there is a lot of texting and cell phone conversations 
regarding who did what at the plate or on defense between the two kids.
DeDe is a heck of a hitter.
So, that ends my interview. Of course, now I've got even more questions so will have to see if a follow up interview is possible. Hmmm...maybe Shelley's mom, Stephanie, and husband Robert Ryder would consent to a phone interview?
Regardless, is it any wonder that I'm a fan of the Fontenot family? Havng known Shelley since she was a teenager, it makes me so very, very proud to showcase her family here.
With less than 7 hours to go until the game, I realize that I'm more of Nick's nature insofar as nerves. From this morning's newspaper account, South Lake Charles is competing against an impressive team. One thing I know is that SLC knows how to fight back. I saw it in Waco first hand, and Coach Phillips referred to this ability in comments in today's American Press.
Good luck to the entire team, and "thanks Fontentots" for taking the time to answer my questions. Sure wish you could take me out to the ball game!
Comments(8)