Softball Spectacular

Every August in Broken Arrow the Broken Arrow Varsity Softball Tournament is held. The tournament, started in 1985, consists of 32 teams. This year's tournament consists of 25 teams that were ranked in the top 15 of their class last season. The tournament will be held August 22 and 23 at Arrowhead Park in Broken Arrow. The tournament consists of each team playing 5 pool games with the winners of the pool playing each other. The tournament comes early enough in the season that it benefits teams in allowing players to get on the field and get six games under their belt. It also is valuable to the players in the recruiting process. "We have anywhere between 40 and 50 college coaches that usually come. It's good in that aspect, that college coaches get to see high school players from all over the state. It's a good opportunity for the kids to be seen," Broken Arrow head coach Randall King mentioned. The mixture of sixteen 6A schools, six 5A schools, six 3A schools, and four 4A schools makes this tournament special. Coach King spoke about the value of playing in the tournament for some of the smaller classes, "We get an opportunity to go against some of those sixteen 6A schools and some of the better smaller class teams. It's good for them. I know the teams that come really want to be here and play good competition and that's basically up and down the tournament because there aren't any weak teams." The quality of teams at the tournament is something that Broken Arrow head coach Randall King finds to be one of the biggest advantages to holding such a tournament each year. "We get to see good teams. Every one of the sixteen 6A schools finished in the top 20 last year in 6A," coach King was quick to point out. With a state tournament feel the Broken Arrow Varsity Softball Tournament is usually the place to be for softball fans. Coming out of the tournament teams have consistently done well come state playoff time. With multiple teams holding state championships, the Broken Arrow Varsity Softball Tournament could best be described as rich with tradition. "It's really competitive. The teams that come out of here usually go on to have some success throughout the year," coach King commented. Broken Arrow Varsity Softball Tournament Things You Should Know Who: ADAIR CATOOSA BARTLESVILLE MUSKOGEE BISHOP KELLEY COWETA BIXBY PRYOR BROKEN ARROW STILLWATER CLAREMORE UNION HILLDALE ENID JENKS SAPULPA MIDWEST CITY GROVE OOLOGAH MANNFORD OWASSO MUSTANG SAND SPRINGS CHOCTAW SKIATOOK TAHLEQUAH SEQUOYAH SPERRY McLOUD TULSA MEMORIAL CLAREMORE SEQUOYAH YUKON CANEY VALLEY When: August 22-23, 2008 Where: Broken Arrow Arrowhead Park (91st Street just East of Elm Place)