Dennis Clark
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE — Nearly two years ago, the premise behind Miss Softball America’s submitting a bid proposal to the American Softball Association to host a national youth softball tournament in Terre Haute was for a worthwhile purpose.
“The original idea was to recognize Wayne Myers for his lifelong service and dedication to softball,” Mike Telezyn stated.
MSA board members Telezyn and Jeff Jacso traveled to the ASA Convention in Oklahoma City in Nov. of 2008, returning in hand with that ASA bid awarding the rights to host the 2010 ASA 14U Class B Northern National Tournament (July 27-Aug. 1).
But the tournament’s focus changed a bit when Myers, the former ASA Indiana Commissioner, former ASA National President and Hall of Famer, passed away early this year.
“Now the tournament will remember Myers for what he did for the sport of softball,” Telezyn said. “Without him, softball wouldn’t be what it is today in the Wabash Valley.”
Telezyn, the tournament director, anticipates welcoming “roughly 40 to 50 teams,” which translates to about 2,500 people descending on Terre Haute’s MSA softball facility for the five-day run of the event.
Teams will be representing the states of Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Michigan, which make up the Northern National region.
“Last year, we hosted ASA Diamonds of the South and the ASA State Tournament. For [MSA] it’s a big undertaking. But it’s something we look forward to because we would like to host other national tournaments,” stated Darrell Williams, MSA Public Relations Director.
Williams cited the nearby example of Bloomington (Ind.) hosting several ASA National Tournaments and an ASA Class A National Tournament this year.
“It’s an actual economic boon to their city,” Williams said.
The first day of the tournament will be headquartered at Fairbanks Park for the opening ceremonies.
Starting bright and early on the next two days of the tournament, the teams will be involved in pool play for seeding from 8 a.m. to about 6 p.m.
The final two days will be devoted to working toward crowning a champion in a double-elimination format. The Aug. 1 date, a Sunday, is on the books in case of weather delays during the tournament.
But it won’t be all work and no play for the competing girls.
After the first day of pool play, the teams will return to Fairbanks Park for a tournament party from 5 to 9 p.m.
“A social outing for the girls. If there’s any band out there that can help us out, make a name for themselves and their music is [appropriate] for 14-year-old girls, we’d love to talk to them,” Williams chuckled.
After the second day of pool play, the scene will remain at the MSA ballpark facility for a skills competition. Trophies will be awarded to girls in various skills involving running, hitting and throwing.
Both Telezyn and Williams wanted to recognize the support MSA is receiving from David Patterson, director of the Terre Haute Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
“We welcome anyone in the community to come up with ideas to help us show off Terre Haute, which is not currently on the softball map. We would love their input,” Telezyn added.
For further information, you can check out the tournament website at www.terrehautefastpitch.com. Telezyn and Williams can also be contacted by e-mail at thmsa1@yahoo.com.
