SSUSA QUALIFIER LAUNCHED IN WILKES-BARRE, PA

Oct. 1, 2011 – Bernie White Pennsylvania State Director

WILKES-BARRE, PA. – The inaugural Summer Classic Tournament began here June 25 with six teams, all in the 50+ age bracket.

Those participating included major teams Northern Ohio Printing and Softball Junkies of Long Island, N.Y.; AAA teams 1st National Bank of Wyoming, Del., TNT Sports Club of Pennsylvania and a team competing for the first time, Lynch Construction of Pennsylvania; and the lone AA team was Mountainville Fire Co., also from the Keystone State.

The double elimination format pitted like classified teams in a best of three battle which all preferred because of even competition. The AA Mountainville FC team was a victim to attrition as they lost a few guys Saturday and could only field a team for one game on Sunday, but they were happy with the way they competed against the better teams.

More teams were expected to play in the tournament, but because of limited fields, organizers had to implement a Friday/Saturday format. That problem has been solved for the future as we have two more beautiful new fields being built to our specifications and ready this fall. I will certainly have 16-20 teams for the event next year and beyond.

It was a learning experience running this event but I tried to implement things that the teams and players wanted to make it a positive experience.