Participation key for State Games softball

By Staff
This is one in a series of stories highlighting the competitions that make up The State Games of Mississippi. The State Games are set for June 18-20 and June 24-27 in Meridian.
By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
May 11, 2004
As Mississippi's Amateur Softball Association (ASA) softball commissioner, E.T. Colvin knows a lot about his sport. He's currently in his 13th year as state ASA commissioner.
One of the events Colvin looks forward to each year is the annual State Games softball tournaments.
This year's tournaments are scheduled for June 19-20 at both Northeast Park and Sammie Davidson Complex.
Entry fee is $225 per team with a maximum of 15 players and two coaches for slow-pitch and $275 with the same player and coach limits for fast-pitch.
There will be six divisions in slow-pitch 18-under, 16-under, 14-under, 12-under, 10-under, and 8-under coach pitch.
In fast-pitch, there are four divisions high school (16-18 combined) 14-under, 12-under, and 10-under. A maximum of eight teams will compete in each division.
Most divisions in the past have played double-elimination brackets. Some of the lesser participated in divisions have played round-robin.
ASA rules will apply and teams must be ASA sanctioned in order to participate.
Over the years, the event has had more and more fast-pitch teams competing and Colvin doesn't see that changing any time soon.
Founding Gold Sponsors of The State Games of Mississippi are Rush Foundation Hospital and Meridian's Coca-Cola, while Gold Sponsors are The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, The Partnership For a Healthy Mississippi, Bell South and Meridian Airport Authority.
For event applications or schedules call 1-800-462-0205 or visit the State Games of Mississippi website at www.stategamesofms.org.