By Staff
RUSH CLASSIC – Meridian Rattler's Brettly Fletcher attempts to cut off Tuscaloosa Flying Falcon's Alex Albaradei. Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star
By Thomas Burton / special to The Star
October 20, 2002
On a breezy, fall day that is usually dominated by college football, soccer took the helm during the Rush Classic Soccer Tournament.
Two tournaments beginning at 7 a.m. were held Saturday in Meridian at the Jaycee Soccer complex and at Northeast Soccer Complex.
The tournament will conclude Sunday at the Jaycee Complex with play starting again at 7 a.m.
With 66 teams in competition, girls and boys from all over the state got a chance to meet and play each other.
Teams were in from Laurel, Jackson, Tupelo, and Tuscaloosa. Rankin and Newton county were represented also.
Both parks were alive with action as the referees graced the field. Parents cheered on their child win or lose.
Northeast park contained a laid back atmosphere, but once the games got going the parents got very vocal.
Parents and Grandparents were the factor, as they came in abundance to encourage the kids that teamwork is what it's all about.
There was no boredom on Saturday as action was all over the place. The only difficulty came when choosing which game to watch. Girls and boys battled it out for the top spot. It sparked excitement for everyone around.
The tournament is not only a great thing for the kids, but is good for the city. Meridian should be proud to host a tournament of its caliber.
The kids and parents still have one more action-packed day left. Games will continue into the championship rounds on Sunday.
Smith concluded by saying, "If everything goes as well as today, then tomorrow will be wonderful."
Bleachers were replaced by lawn chairs as cameras flashed in the background. The autumn classic proved to be a winner on this day.