The ninth annual Nate Grill Softball Tournament will be played at the Marathon Community Park ball fields this weekend. Twelve teams — locals only — will slug it out to raise scholarship money for Marathon youth.
“This year’s contest features all local teams. Although the out-of-town competition from previous years was great, it became more about logistics to put on the event. We want the money to go toward scholarships, not expenses,” said organizer Lisi Cordova. “Lots of the players have been coming since the beginning and made friends with people in the community.”
Close to 200 players plus volunteers and spectators will gather at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 12. The first day of play is a long one, usually stretching until early afternoon. It starts all over again in the morning Sunday, April 13 at 9 a.m. and hopefully wrap up around noon.
The tournament honors the late Nathan Grill — a beloved and active member of the Marathon community — and also raises scholarship funds for Marathon high school students. Over the years, the tournament has awarded $65,000 in scholarships.
“Depending on the success of the tournament, we can give out 12 to 14 scholarships every year,” Cordova said. The awards, she said, are for all students and not just student athletes.
The community is encouraged to come out to watch the games, eat, drink and buy some T-shirts and raffle tickets. There will be beer, hot dogs, BBQ pork and more.
“We’ve taken something sad, losing Nate, and turned it into something positive by honoring him, doing something good in the community and giving back,” Cordova said.
For more information, call 305-304-6141.
First round of competition:
Saturday, April 12
9:00 a.m. Cowboy Bills/JJ’s Doghouse vs. Mike Noe Property Mngmt.
9:00 a.m. Aquarium Encounter vs. Mile Marker Party Rental Savages
10:15 a.m.. Brass Monkey vs. 5 Brothers/5 Brothers 2
10:15 a.m. O.F.F./Keys Fisheries vs. Quality Boat
11:30 a.m. winner of game 1 vs. Marques Butler Scholarship Fnd.
11:30 a.m. winner of game 2 vs. Alex Landscaping
12:45 p.m. winner of game 3 vs. Sparky’s Landing
12:45 p.m. winner of game 4 vs. Charlie’s Angels
