By the time the Fort Lewis College Softball Under the Stars tournament ended Saturday, it didn’t matter much who won. Most players and fans were happy to make it to their cars.
Exhaustion was everywhere after the 31 teams from four states came together to play nearly 24 hours worth of slow-pitch softball to raise money for the Fort Lewis College softball team. Men’s, women’s and coed divisions began at 6 p.m. Friday, played through the night, and finished just shy of the full 24 hours mid-day Saturday.
Win or lose, everyone got their share of softball in, raised money for the FLC softball program, and had a heck of a good time in the process. The entry fee was $225 per team.
“Yeah, I’m tired, but this thing is always a good time,” said Durango’s Anthony Danner after finishing his eighth game of the marathon event. “It’s a great excuse to get all your old friends together, barbeque, and play some softball, so we love it.”
Each team was guaranteed three games in pool play overnight, but the real action was happening beyond the fences. When the diehards weren’t on the diamond, the teams joined the festival scene in the parking lot filled with tents, tailgating, grilling, music, cold beverages and laughs. The prize – or punishment – for making it through nighttime pool play was another bracket of games under Saturday’s hot sun.
The players weren’t the only ones dreary-eyed by Saturday afternoon. Skyhawks head softball coach Elle Fracker and many of her players took on umpiring and scorekeeping duties for the duration of the event. Though in “zombie-mode” like FLC’s Tristen Gilbert said she was, hosting the event was well worth the sleepless night considering the financial boost it brought to the FLC softball program.
“It’s really nice to see people come from all over to support us like this,” said Skyhawks junior Denae Fisher. “They know it’s just a fundraiser, and they don’t get much out of it other than a lot of softball and having a good time. Everyone had a blast last night. The parking lot was just a huge party.”
Whether there for a good time or some good competition, the love for softball and the willingness to help the FLC program was the common attraction.
“I love this game, and, by this time, I’m ready for another round,” Farmington’s April Sanchez said after her Con Safos team won the women’s championship. “I have been here since the first year, and I’ll keep coming back as long as they’ll have us.”
jfries@durangoherald.com
