By By Steve Swogetinsky / special to The Star
March 18, 2004
Softball season gets under way at the Sammie Davidson Complex Saturday with the first of many weekend tournaments.
The start is a little later than usual this summer because of improvements being made at the complex. Most notable will be the new dugouts on each of the four fields.
This will start a schedule of weekend tournaments that runs through August. V.L. Mott has 12 tournaments scheduled, including Saturdays.
Mott oversees the adult softball program at Sammie Davidson, which runs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Mott also has tournaments scheduled on March 27, April 3, April 10, April 24, May 1, May 8, May 22, June 4-5, June 12, June 26, and July 3. For more information, call 482-3639.
Other tournament dates and contacts are as follows: April 17, invitational, Tony Cole, 938-0244; May 15, USSSA Youth Tournament, Allen White, 527-6355; May 29 – USSSA Men's Tournament, Matt Taylor, 228-588-2236 (h), or 228-623-7512 (w); June 19, State Games of Mississippi, April Luke, 482-0205; July 9-11, ASA 10 &Under State, Rick Roberson, 482-4691; July 16-18, ASAS ASA 10, 12, 14 and under Class C' Fast Pitch, Rick Roberson, 482-4691; Aug. 14, Men/Co-Ed invitational, Charlie Turner, 485-1803; Aug. 21, Men/Co-Ed Invitational, Charlie Turner, 485-1803; Aug. 28, Men/Co-Invitational, 485-1803.
Bikes, running and more
This is going to be a busy season for runners, biker riders and duel-sport athletes.
On March 7, several local bike riders competed in the "Rouge Roubaix" 109-mile race that was held in Baton Rouge, La. According to the Meridian Velo, a local riding club, those going to the race included Curt Thompson, Kirk Gosa, Adam Stewart, Adam Bush and Becky Stanley.
Some of the upcoming events, according to the Meridian Athletic Association, include:
The Anderson Cup 5K on April 10. For more information, all Joel Johnson at 553-6622.;
The Bonita Classic 5K on May 1. This is sponsored by the Meridian Rotary Club with proceeds going to benefit the Wesley House. For more information, call Andrew Covington at 693-3916;
Meridian Velo will sponsor an open bike race on May 16. For more information, call Chris Trayal at 693-BIKE.
Challenger baseball league
registration under way
Registration is under way for the "Challenger Baseball League" through March 26.
This program is for children who are physically or mentally challenged and unable to participate in other baseball or softball programs.
The Challengre league uses the "buddy system" to assist athletes. Buddies help players with fielding, catching and hitting the ball. Parents can bring a buddy for each game, or one will be provided at the game.
Games will be played at the Sammie Davidson Complex on April 16, 23, 30 and May 7. There is no charge to participate in the program, and all players will receive a t-shirt. For more information, contact Sundi Hurst at 485-1904.
Youth baseball getting started
Members of the Meridian Youth Baseball Association will be busy this summer, running the programs at the Phil Hardin and Q.V. Sykes complexes.
The association has taken over the youth program that has long been run by the North Meridian Optimist Club.
The drafts have already been held for the 9-10-year-old and the 11-12-year-old leagues that will be played at Phil Hardin, and the 13-14-year-old league at the Q.V. Sykes Complex. Practice is under way for those teams.
The 15-18-year-old leagues have not been formed. Commissioners for the league are as follows: David Haggard, 9-10 year olds; Tim Miller, 11-12 year olds; Tommy McKee, 13-14 year olds; and, Rob Bullock, 15-18 year olds.