Softball is more than a sport in Walker County. With some of the top teams and players in the state residing here, it’s a way of life for many young ladies. And March 10-12 at Memorial Park
Fields, the City of Jasper, Jasper Main Street and Coca Cola will again be hosting the SIAC Crossover Softball Tournament. “This is an event that has been coming to Jasper for more than a
decade,” said Mayor David O’Mary, “and its an impactful event for our city. There are more than 300 players and coaches for the 12 teams that come here and stay for 3 days, plus they each bring family and fanbases. We missed a couple of years due to COVID, but we are really pleased to have SIAC back in Jasper.”
Councilman Willie Moore and others in the community have cultivated this tournament over the years and have built lasting relationships with the schools involved, that often payoff when local players are noticed and receive scholarships. “This is an annual event that brings college coaches to Jasper, it is great for the city, it is good softball, and it has been faithful to Jasper for many years,” said Moore. “Schools from Kentucky, Georgia, and all over the southeast come to our town and play big time college softball. I encourage people to come out and watch these games beginning on Thursday. Miles College is the local host of the tournament, and we have had many Walker County young ladies attend school there, we should fill the stands with Miles Alums.”
A new twist for this year’s games, is the addition of local High School softball being played at Memorial Park Fields while the college games are going on as well. Greg Farris, a tournament
volunteer, and organizer set up the games based on high schools who had home games they could move to Jasper on these dates. “This year we will have Sumiton Christian, Oakman, Cordova,
Corner, Curry and Vestavia Hills all playing while our SIAC teams are playing.” Said Farris. “We really want to encourage supporters from all over the county to come out and watch these young
ladies play ball.”
The 12 teams that will come to town represent states from all over the southeastern footprint. The schools participating are Fort Valley State, Springhill College, Tuskegee, Lane, Kentucky State,
Albany State, Lemoyne Owen, Clark- Atlanta, Benedict, Miles, Savannah State and Allen University. The tournament will start Thursday March 10 th and continue through until Saturday the 12 th . The public is encouraged to go out to the fields at Memorial Park and enjoy Collegiate Softball during the weekend. Games start at 11 on Thursday and 10 on Friday and Saturday. And when you see the buses and the folks in town with their teams’ gear, let’s welcome them to Jasper with our unique hospitality. The 3 day tournament is supported by several local businesses and individuals, as well as local restaurants.
