ASHLAND — It’s throwback weekend at the Wendy’s Spring Classic.
The 28th edition of the annual showcase is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday when Ontario takes on Strasburg-Franklin at Brookside Park. The 2021 Classic features 16 teams and, for just the second time in history and first since the inaugural event in 1994, all of them are from Ohio.
“A lot of teams that normally come from out of state were not allowed to travel because of COVID-19 restrictions,” tournament director John Davis said. “I was contacted by one of our New Jersey teams and they said they were planning to come. I told them they had better check to see if they were allowed to travel.
“They called back a few minutes later and said, ‘You were right.’ ”
While the field is made up strictly of Ohio teams, there’s no shortage of marquee names.
Hillsdale is making its 27th appearance in the showcase and owns a 33-30 all-time record. The Falcons have played more games and won more games than any program in Classic history.
Keystone will be making its 18th appearance and brings a 22-16 all-time record into this year’s event. Elyria will make the trip to Brookside for the 16th time and is 21-16.
In addition to Ontario, which is making its third appearance, and Hillsdale, other local teams playing in this year’s event include Ashland (26th appearance), Loudonville (24th appearance) and Madison (eighth appearance).
“We’re going to have a strong field again this year,” Davis said. “I’ve seen several of the local teams and they have been impressive. I know a couple of those teams are young, but they are still very good.”
Hillsdale opens play against Keystone at 5 p.m. Friday at Brookside West. Ashland and Loudonville meet at 7 p.m. Friday at Brookside Park’s main diamond and Madison takes on Norwayne at 7 p.m. Friday at Brookside West.
The good news is Mother Nature appears to be ready to cooperate. The forecast calls for a mix of sun clouds and temperatures in the mid- to upper-50s on Friday and Saturday.
The 2019 Wendy’s had to be canceled because of inclement weather and the 2020 Classic was lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. The only other cancellation came in 1999 because of weather.
“Every time I look at the forecast, it changes,” Davis said. “I’m afraid to look any more.
“Hopefully we’ll get all of the games played.”
