The Shawano Youth League tournament drew high praise from out-of-town participants on the first of three consecutive weekends of baseball and softball action at Memorial Field.
SYL President Dustin Beyer credited the entire community for making the opening weekend a success.
“It is a long process to get everything together,” Beyer said. “This is not going to happen unless you have a lot of volunteers in town; a lot of parents come on down and help out, which is really appreciated.”
The opening weekend featured 32 teams in three tourneys: 8U boys, 10U girls and 12U girls.
“Shawano is considered one of the oldest tournaments around the area,” Oconto 8U boys coach Jeremy Wusterbarth said. “I just enjoy coming back every year, and they run a great tournament. The fans are great.”
Wusterbarth, who was 10 when his father coached him in the tourney, this year coached his son, Ethan. In the last five years, the tournament has evolved into a vacation trip for the family.
“The kids love it.” Wusterbarth said. “It is great that they have campsites nearby.”
Menasha boys 8U baseball coach Bob Aykens experienced the tournament for the first time.
“This is our farthest tournament,” Aykens said. “It is worth it. Everybody that is here has been pretty open and friendly, and there is good sportsmanship.”
Aykens commended Shawano Park and Recreation Department officials for a well-groomed field and playing surface.
“When we are looking at tournaments for next year, when our board talks, I will let them know that Shawano is a good tournament,” he said.
Bonduel girls 12U softball coach Chris Gehm echoed the praise from other coaches.
“There is a lot of dedication here, as far as coaches, parents and even the high school programs,” Gehm said. “It is a dedication that sets Shawano apart.”
From Friday through Sunday, girls 8U softball, boys 11U baseball and boys 12U baseball will take over the diamonds. The boys 9U and 10U baseball tourneys cap off the local series from July 24-26.
