ASHLAND — Organizers expect 125 teams to compete in Southview Grace Brethren Church’s 27th annual WiffleFest tournament.
Elaine Hess is the church’s children’s director and organizer for WiffleFest, a three-day event. She’s helped organize the tournament every year since it began 27 years ago.
“The first year, we only had 17 teams,” Hess said Wednesday.
This year, 112 teams have already signed up. Organizers expect about 125 teams by the registration deadline. Teams have until midnight the day before their division begins to register.
Teams will arrive Thursday for the opening ceremony at 4:15 p.m. before the high school tournament begins at 5 p.m.
“Some of the adults have played all 27 years. So they started in the elementary bracket and now play in the adult bracket,” Hess said.
The tournament has become a tradition for many friends and families. Some travel from out of town and schedule their summer plans around WiffleFest each year.
The final day of the tournament falls on the Fourth of July. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, veterans will throw out the first pitch.
Middle school will be the tournament’s largest division this year. It has the most teams signed up and crowds of parents (their rides) and friends cheering them on. However, all age groups have fun with sportsmanship.
Hess said high schoolers will bring couches and lawn chairs to watch the games and support their friends.
The elementary and middle school tournaments have a “Wiffle While You Work” sportsmanship award. The award honors a longtime team for its positive attitude and respect. Volunteers nominate teams that display outstanding sportsmanship, regardless of where they place.
“Every year they played, they just played with class, sportsmanship and fun in mind,” Hess said. “Even though they won a few times, we just wanted to honor them and keep that sportsmanship going and (at the) forefront.”
Creativity is part of the tradition. Teams choose their name and often wear matching costumes. One of their favorites was “Swing and Amish,” when players dressed in Amish clothing to match their name.
Competition can stretch until 2 a.m. with the number of players competing. Hess said the late nights are a favorite for middle schoolers because they’re allowed to stay out past curfew. Volunteers keep the energy going by passing out warm chocolate chip cookies to the late-night groups.
Hot temperatures are expected throughout the weekend. Organizers will provide water and cooling stations for players and spectators needing air conditioning.
Players compete on 3:10-scale fields modeled after Major League Baseball stadiums. Names include Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium and Camden Yards. Organizers have kept the names of longtime fields The Jude and Jacobs Field.
Organizers say WiffleFest is one of the church’s largest annual community events, bringing together players, families and volunteers for a few days of friendly competition.
Tournament dates and times:
Thursday- High school division at 5 p.m.
Friday- Elementary division at 10 a.m. and middle school at 4 p.m.
Saturday- Adults division at noon.
