CLOQUET, Minn. - Every summer, thousands of Minnesota fastpitch softball players and coaches make it their goal to qualify for their respective state tournament. No matter what class, from elite to recreational, a state tournament is a state tournament and the quality of softball doesn't get much better than when those teams collide with each other.
This weekend, those teams will collide in Cloquet.
Braun Park will host the annual Class C 18-Under Minnesota State Fastpitch Softball Tournament Championships. The 17-team tournament is set to kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday morning, July 25, and conclude with the title match just before 5 p.m. Sunday evening.
Of the 17 most talented Class C teams in the state, four local Northland clubs will participate in the tournament, including the Cloquet VFW Silver Bullets, Cloquet Zone/Outdoor Advantage, Moose Lake and Duluth Central.
"I think it will be a competitive weekend," said Jeff Woollett, president of the Cloquet Youth Baseball/Softball Association and head coach of Cloquet Zone/Outdoor Advantage. "I'm excited for our girls to be playing this weekend because it's good experience for them and some will never get the chance to play in a state tournament again."
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Other than the softball, Woollett said the big-time tournament is a great opportunity to show off the beautiful Braun Park Complex - one of the nicest in the area.
"People always talk about the complexes down south and how nice they are," said Woollett, who has been preparing Braun Park all week for the tournament. "It's just nice to get some exposure to our complex up north. This weekend will be a good time."
With all teams guaranteed at least three games apiece, all four fastpitch diamonds to be used, and a grand total of 38 games to be played this weekend, one would be crazy not to swing by Braun Park and check out the action.
"Hopefully the weather holds out because it should be a lot of fun," Woollett said. "Anything can happen in these state tournaments. I'm definitely looking forward to it."
