With the Southwest Regional Babe Ruth baseball tournament just two months away this week, tourney director Michael Catton says preparations are either ahead or on schedule, though there are a couple of needs still to be completely met.
One of the most pressing needs is for host families.
"We just need a few more families that are willing to take a couple of 14-year-old boys in," Catton said.
The tournament is scheduled from Aug. 6 through 11 at the Bryant High School field. It will feature State champions from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas in the Babe Ruth League's 14-and-under division along with the host Bryant team.[more]
"It's part of the plan to put on a successful tournament," Catton acknowledged. "And, by putting on a successful Regional, we'll be in line to bring a World Series to Bryant."
Part of all the Regional tournaments around the country is the hosting of players by local families, a chance for the boys to make new friends and to experience everyday life in another town. It also makes the tournament a little more personal to the families who get to know players from other teams and their families, providing them with a second team (along with Bryant) to root for.
Lifelong friendships have been known to be formed through the program and it's made the host city more of a home away from home for the visitors. A great example was the families that were forced to leave their homes in Texas in advance of Hurricane Ike. Some, who were in Bryant for the Regional Tournament earlier in the year, returned at that time.
Those interested in hosting this year or for more information, contact Sandy Orender at sdmo1@aol.com
Catton added, "We're always looking for corporate sponsors, food sponsors for our hospitality tent, any kind of sponsorship or volunteers. Anyone interested in helping out can contact me."
Catton can be reached at 831-9928 or by email at Michael@priority1inc.com.
