Storm Cuts First Copper Classic in Tucson Short

June 1, 2013 – Ross McCulligan

TUCSON - The inaugural Copper Classic Championship kicked off here at Lincoln Park with 22 teams competing in three divisions in late January.

Arizona had been the home of many premier softball tournaments over the past decade, including the Southwest Championships and the popular Tucson Shootout.

Senior Softball-USA wished to extend its appreciation to Vince Trinidad and Tucson Sports for helping launch the Copper Classic and bring top-notch softball back here. Fred Moreno and Paul Land, of the Rocco’s 60’s team, were extremely helpful with field preparation and park concessions.

Unfortunately, a large storm interfered with the tournament and it had to be cut short. The forecast for Saturday was 100 percent rain, according to Assistant Director Rick Seifman. “We decided to get all the pool play games in on Friday based on the forecast,” said Seifman.

Winners were declared from pool play results, but needless to say, teams were disappointed with Mother Nature’s lack of cooperation.

Arizona Old School ended up being declared the winner in the 50AAA division by winning two consecutive pool play games, one against Arizona Legends, 20-17, and the other against Tucson Bandits, 21-20. Arizona Buldawgz took runner-up while the El Paso Spurs were declared third.

The 55AAA division was taken by Rio Grande 55’s after they defeated Just 4 Fun, 20-18, and then Tucson Buds/Los Buds, 8-6. Tucson Buds/Los Buds took second place, while Just 4 Fun was third.

Arizona Rangers won the 60AAA division with a plus 17-run differential in two games. They defeated Rocco’s 60’s, 17-14, in their first game and then Prescott Rockies, 20-6, in their second. One Time, took runner-up in the division and Drillers 60 took third place.

Los Vatos Viejos 60’s was declared the winner in the 60/65 Silver division in a forfeit by the other two teams in the division, Bennett Property Management and Sidewinders 65’s.

All Tournament Selections

Men's 50AAA - Arizona Old School - Ross Borland, John Underwood, Bob Curry, Jeff Buckner, Greg Colyar; El Paso Spurs - David Aguilar, Mike Becker

Men's 55AAA - Just 4 Fun - Kevin McCoy, Dale Ulrich, Phil Bowman

Men's 60AAA - AZ Rangers - Bob DuBarry, Ken Sheffield, Ed Kahle, Mark Barnes

Men's 55/60/65 Silver - Los Vatos Viejos 60 - Manuel Hurtado, Dan Bradfield, Alfonso Castillo, Bill Ong. Richard Schultz