Buki4life80

Wonder who the kickback from Southhaven goes to.

Opperman is going to go with anything to keep it in Memphis. If I'm not mistaken he works at Autozone Park. Like Carter has a $$$$$ interest in it. Funny thing is. Don't they have a 3 day tournament in Middle Tennessee that has about 40-50 teams in it. Must have facilities somewhere. Oh ya forgot TSSAA doesn't get any of that money.

Please contact any news agency you can about how Ronnie Carter and the TSSAA does the ladies that play softball. Maybe we can get it moved back to Middle Tennessee like it should be. Its obvious Memphis doesn't want it. Preps - Spring Fling just doesn’t fly in Memphis By Douglas Fritz Press Sports Writer dfritz@johnsoncitypress.com As the games go on in Memphis, perhaps it might be easy to see the image of Ronnie Carter laughing heartily at the mention of how the TSSAA has stuck it to Northeast Tennessee for the second straight year. Carter, the executive director of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, would probably never actually laugh at such a notion, at least not publicly, but it has become liquid-crystal-diode clear that Northeast Tennessee ranks about as high on the TSSAA’s list of concerns as whether or not a state tournament is actually held within the boundaries of the state. Carter and Company — to be referred to as C&C for the rest of this column — ignored the concerns about the eight-plus-hour drive for residents of Northeast Tennessee and allowed the Spring Fling to be flung to the western-most corner of the state for the second straight year. C&C ignored the fact that parents of athletes in this area might miss the crowning achievement of their child’s athletic career because of travel distance, money for the trip or inability to get off of work. How many parents of Unaka baseball players or Unicoi County softball players couldn’t make the drive to Memphis to watch their kids cap off their athletic careers? It would be hard to find the exact answer to that question, but easy to answer the next question: How much does C&C care about the first question? After all, C&C cared so much about the situation that faced Unicoi County’s Amber Campbell last year – which was the choice of participating in the state tennis tournament or going to graduation – that they kept the Spring Fling in Memphis for a second year instead of opting out of the contract, being reasonable and moving the event to Middle Tennessee. Also on C&C’s ever-growing list of “Things to Ignore” are the incredulous looks from people who don’t understand why the state softball tournament was played in Mississippi. Once again, C&C loaded up their circus tents and forced competitors in that sport across state lines. Ridiculous, said one local coach. Yes, so wonderful and so numerous are the facilities in Memphis that C&C had to go to Southaven, Miss., to find a softball field worthy of Spring Fling status. Using that logic, why not play the event in St. Louis, Atlanta or Louisiana for that matter? And heck, why not call the winners “state and one-fourth champions,” claiming part of the Mississippi title as well? Just out of curiosity, does Mississippi play its state softball championship games in Tennessee? Actually the whole Mississippi thing makes a little bit of sense – if a person thinks like the TSSAA thinks. If C&C are going to make Northeast Tennessee drive further than it would take them to get to Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland or even Charleston, S.C., what are a few extra miles into another state going to matter once they get to Memphis? But Mr. Carter, sir, what about high gas prices? Since it costs right at $2 per gallon, that means well over $100 worth of gas for a bus hauling for Northeast Tennessee teams and players. That comes right out of area school budgets. But it doesn’t come out of Carter’s paycheck. So, sorry, but he’ll have to chip that one into the sand trap and deal with it later — like maybe after he retires. Funny thing about that sand trap: There are a lot of golf balls in there labeled, “Northeast Tennessee.” And these money issues aren’t confined to gas. There are extra hotel and food costs for teams who don’t want to travel eight-plus hours and play on the same day. As has been stated in previous columns, having the Spring Fling in Northeast Tennessee is no more fair than having it in Memphis – although now that it’s done, the TSSAA owes the Tri-Cities two Spring Flings. Will that ever happen? Not likely. Kingsport reportedly put together a “better” package – read “more money” – than Memphis to get the Fling in 2002. C&C said thanks, but we’re going west, young man. The TSSAA Board of Lack of Control could have reeled Carter in on that one, but the BOLOC doesn’t do that. One well-respected athletic director recently said all the BOLOC does is ask Carter his opinion, listens to what he says, and then rubber stamps his decision. And before people say something like, “Well, it’s just the Spring Fling and that only happens once a year,” remember that C&C stepped dangerously close to moving the basketball tournament to Memphis last year. Memphis isn’t a problem for C&C. It is simply an option. C&C’s home base is in Middle Tennessee, so going to Memphis is no different than going to Northeast Tennessee. But for those holding their breath for a Spring Fling in the Tri-Cities, plan on turning blue.

How much does it cost to get into the restrooms. Is toilet paper sold by the sheet or just stop and go. Somebody has to clean them up,you know. Memphis and the TSSAA took a good thing and ruined it by removing the sport and turning it into a business. Even managed to make sure a little of the money went to Mississippi. Maybe all the fine people of Tennessee will start taking their business to a neighboring state. Now that would open some eyes and you would see some changes made when the tax dollars start running short.

Why bother with opening ceremonies a day after competition begins. Opening cermonies on Weds. By then there has been 2 teams from each classification of baseball and softball eliminated. Thats 25% of the teams already out.Thinking of the players again I see. Schedule the next day so that they will get their money to spend an extra day. Then have opening ceremonies and charge people to see it. I guess thats to cover expenses also since facilities donated. MEMPHIS and TSSAA = nothing more than $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Its not Memphis. Its the fact that all the TSSAA saw when Memphis made their bid for the Spring Fling was the money signs. Before they ever awarded it to anyone they should have made sure the facilities were suitable to host the Spring Fling. It looks like they awarded on the money then started looking.Memphis has some great facilities I've seen them. Playing softball at a couple of complexs is no different than baseball. Here is where baseball will be played. Game Fields: Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway, Memphis, TN 38104 USA Baseball Stadium, 4351 Babe Howard Blvd., Millington, TN 38053 AutoZone Park, 200 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103 Gagliano & Sowell Baseball Fields, 2590 Mount Moriah Rd, Memphis, TN 38115 Briarcrest High School, 10101 East Raleigh-Lagrange Rd., Eads, TN 38028 Christian Brothers High School, 5900 Walnut Grove, Memphis, TN 38120 Nat Buring Stadium, U of M South Campus, Memphis, TN 38103 Its the TSSAA thats getting bashed more than anything. So I guess people need to talk to Mr Carter if you can. He doesn't seem to respond to coorespondence very well.

Since you are planning that far ahead. You better start checking out some of the freshmen at Unicoi County. Stephenson at 3rd is right now as good as I've ever seen. Glove and cannon arm.Unicoi County had a Freshmen catcher and 4 fielders that are going to be really good. Hopson,Stephenson,Culer Engle and Love who is also a good pitcher.

Why I'll bet Memphis State starts playing in Starksville.

We didn't have a complex with eight softball fields in good enough shape for Mr. Carter. We have a couple of city parks with 8 lame fields for slow-pitch softball, and we have a few complexes with four or six good fields, but none with 8 as of last year. Now, one of them is up to 8 (maybe even 9), but Carter said last year that if the people at Greenbrook were nice to them, then they would probably go back, even if there was a good enough one inside Memphis. If Memphis didn't have the facilities they should have never been awarded the tournament to begin with.Whats the difference in softball being played in multiple locations. Baseball is scattered all over Memphis. If the mighty Mr Carter would check I'm sure he would find people in the state of Tennessee would be good to him. Of course Southhaven is going to be good to him look what it gets them. Is baseball going to Arkansas? Tennis to Kentucky? Golf to Georgia? Soccer to Virginia. I'm sure those states would kiss his butt also. And maybe grease his palm a little.

So what you are saying is. The TSSAA is after the money and nothing else. Or did Greenbrook fatten up Mr Carters pocket. How were they so nice to him? Isn't taking royalties against the rules. If Memphis had the 8 fields why did they put the tournament in Memphis to begin with?

If Unicoi is so good how come they only beat Kingston 5-3? If you will notice little one. Five runs wins 99 out a 100 ballgames.

My thoughts also. Will they be Tennessee state champs or Mississippi champs. It is a shame with all the great facilities in Middle and East Tennessee the young ladies has to play a state tournament in Mississippi. I know it borders Memphis and is a good complex but it still isn't Tennessee.Guess that just goes to show that Memphis and the TSSAA doesn't care enough about the ladies. How the TSSAA could sit back and allow this to happen shows just how the the organization has become.Made all the money off them they can then cast them off to the side.Motel rooms, taxes, parking and all to another state. If Memphis can't support the Ladies move them to where they will be appreciated. Cities lined up that would love to host softball. Maybe its about time that someone had a big season ending tournament for the 3 divisions at the same time.

My thoughts also. Will they be Tennessee state champs or Mississippi champs. It is a shame with all the great facilities in Middle and East Tennessee the young ladies has to play a state tournament in Mississippi. I know it borders Memphis but it still isn't Tennessee.Guess that just goes to show that Memphis and the TSSAA doesn't care enough about the ladies. Made all the money off them they can then cast them off to the side.Motel rooms, taxes, parking and all to another state. If Memphis can't support the Ladies move them to where they will be appreciated. Cities lined up that would love to host softball.

You'll know by 12:00 Tuesday.

Heard talk this morning of Unicoi County coach Chris Bogart resigning. Anybody heard anything about it.

Unicoi County 5 Kingston 3 Natalie Lockner got win. Rachel Edwards 2-3 with a homerun Kellye Lingerfelt 1-3 run scored Stepanie Byrd 1 hit Elizabeth Weaver 1 hit Emily Bennett 1 hit run scored Lauren Hopson 1 hit More but I can't remember who. Congratulations to the whole Lady Devils team. Good Luck IN MEMPHIS!!!!!

My bad. So was Rachel Edwards and Emily Bennett was 2-4. According to WEMB radio Natalie is supposed to sign this afternoon with King College.

Grades I don't have a clue. Kellye could probably tell you. Game time is 7:00 as far as I know against Kingston.

As far as I know they never had a region team. Betsy started a girl I had not seen throw till tonight then they came with Edgars I think it was in the 4th.

That was Rachel Edwards. She is a jr.

Rachel had 1 hit

Final: Unicoi County 7 Elizabethton 0 Natalie got the win and also a grandslam. Kellye 2-3 and couple a great catches.

unacoy, schmunacoy I'll tell you something about the Blue Devils. They haven't been tha same since old man Baxter left. I'd reckon they can beat Rutledge and then Pigeon Forge (because Lizabethton shure ain't gonna beat Pforge) But when Gibbs comes to town, it's lights out. Parties over. It sure is. Whats Giggs coming to Unicoi County for? To sit in the stands and cheer a good team on. Game time is 7:00 Wed. Get to the game early and you can watch a party Unicoi County still. Just tell all the rest of the Giggs Players that since you all lost they must pay.

Post me what you want her to have and I'll make sure she gets it. Just e:mail ,nameEtc. I'll give it to her Monday. Its hard to get through her mail.

I've never seen their JVS play and happy doesn;t have desent a team in Middle School Unicoi County will be alright 3b Stenphenson Freshman ss Bennett JR 2B Leah Love freshman 1B Elizabeth Weaver Jr Pitcher tonight Rachel Edwards JR Centerfield Kelly Lingerfelt JR Catcher Lauren Hopson FR when stephanie Byrd gets a break Pitchers:Leah Love,FR, Rachel Edwards JR,Ashton johnson jr Throw in Elisha Engle and the toughest girl of the bunch Just know her as Marley but whenMandy Byrd blocked the 3rd base line on her without the ball Marley absolutly cleaned her clock.Knocked the hands back an hour. No lowering shoulders or anything illegal just right up Byrds front and down her back. Best I've seen in a few years. Real good kid with a great glove and arm. a position will have to be made for her next year