The Battleford Bandits are ready for all comers. (Submitted/ Darren Russell)

By Nigel Maxwell

Play ball!

Battlefords hosting U15 Western Canadian Softball Championships

Aug 1, 2024 | 5:00 PM

A great weekend in store for competitive softball.

The Battlefords are hosting the U15 Western Canadian Softball Championships. Starting on Friday, the two tournaments (boys and girls) will be happening side by side at the Battleford Flats ball diamonds.

Darren Russell who is one of the tournament coordinators and the President of Battlefords Minor Softball Association, noted their bid to host was put in about six months ago.

“Over the last couple years, with Softball Sask, we’ve had a decent track record for hosting tournaments,” he said.

There are 10 girls’ teams and 5 boys’ teams, and the action starts at 10a.m. Russell noted they’ve got three teams from Saskatchewan, as well as two from B.C., two from Alberta, two from Manitoba and one from the Yukon.

Missing man

Battlefords RCMP issues update on missing man

Nov 09, 2024

LEST WE FORGET

'They fought for our freedom': N.B. paints commemorative crosswalks ahead of Remembrance Day

Nov 08, 2024

Best in Business

Annette's School of Dance takes home top BBEX award

Nov 08, 2024

“I’ve never seen the Yukon come to any Canadians or Westerns so I’m pretty excited about seeing those guys,” Russell said.

A lot of hard has gone into getting the Flats ready. (Submitted/ Darren Russell)

The tournament schedule can be viewed through the Softball Saskatchewan website. Russell, who is also an assistant coach on the host Bandits team, confirmed they are ready.

“We were the only team that knew we were coming here so we were building towards this all year and we are ready to go,” he said.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 5:30p.m on Friday and immediately following, the Bandits will play the Prince Albert Aces.

On Monday, three of the four championship games will be televised by Access Communications.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell