STARKVILLE — The 30th annual George Evans Memorial Softball Tournament will be much about memories.
Emphasis will be placed on those who have passed away recently and who has made an impact on the tournament through the years.
The tournament, which will be June 26-27 at the Starkville Sportsplex, is named after the late George Evans, who was a member of the Deacon and Trustee Boards at Second Baptist in Starkville and was a leader in the city, county, and state.
Tournament director William A. Person said the tournament is held in Evans’ memory but there are plans at this year’s event to recognize sportswriter Don Foster, former player Earnest Perkins, board member Dr. Doug Conner, former Second Baptist Church coach John Redmond, and Second Baptist Church Deacon Hollie Ford Jr. for their contributions.
“We thought we would give memory all of those gentlemen who have been so instrumental as we seek to run a first-class tournament,†Person said.
The double-elimination format will feature three divisions. Division I is open to men’s church teams, while Division II is open to men’s commercial teams, and Division III is open to women’s church and commercial teams.
Trophies will be awarded to the top team in each division.
Person said many activities make the tournament attractive for the community.
“There has been a good amount of interest in the tournament,†Person said. “We always have several community people come out and enjoy the weekend because they kind of look forward to it.
“We like for it to be nice and clean. We want people to show fellowship with each other in a very good spirit and positive ways.â€
Charles Evans, the son of George Evans, is the announcer for the tournament. He asks trivia questions and passes out gifts.
The deadline for tournament registration is June 24. There will be an open drawing June 25 at the Starkville Parks and Recreation office. The registration fee is $130, and all profits go to the Mississippi Sickle Cell Foundation.
For more information on the tournament, contact Person at 662-325-7400 or 662-324-0151, or the Starkville Park and Recreation office at 662-323-2294.
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