From July 23-25, Saltcoats will once again be hosting a Provincial Ball tournament, this year, it’s the AA 11U Saskatchewan Provincial Championships. A total of 10 teams will be competing in the tournament including the Carnduff Astros, Grenfell Gems, Gravelbourg Lightning, Humboldt Dodgers, Macklin Lakers, Muenster Red Sox, Lanigan Pirates, Meadow Lake Sox, Luseland Athletics, and our own Saltcoats Lakers.
Saltcoats hosted Provincials in the summer of 2019 with huge success. Last year, Provincials were cancelled due to COVID-19 and it was uncertain whether they would be able to happen again this year. Mike Farquharson, head coach of the U11 team, is looking forward to a great weekend. “We were not sure the province was going to open that far or not, especially early in the spring. People were looking at doing things closer to home and there just didn’t seem to be that much on the go for a lot of families. I decided to put a bid in and to see what might happen. Saltcoats did such a good job of hosting 2 years ago that I am sure that had something to do with our successful bid.”
Mike believes hosting this provincial ball tournament is important not only for the players, but for the community as well. “We were given first hand proof that our children have come through the past two years with flying colours. We were able to overcome this obstacle,” he says, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is also important for the community to celebrate our children’s resilience. So many people in the town are willing to help, whether it be the dinner, score keeping, pitch counting or helping with the grounds. I am sure we are going to have lots of fans.”
Many businesses in the area have also stepped up to the plate and offered their support by sponsoring the event. For the list of sponsors, you can visit the Saltcoats Lakers 11U Provincial Team Facebook page
Mike is excited to see what this tournament brings for his team and is hopeful of a top place finish. “The team looks very good. We are hoping to play on Sunday in the semi-finals and then in the finals. We have already met so many of our goals, but most importantly we are playing ball in the summer.”
Be sure to head across the lake to watch some ball and cheer on the team!