Almuni tourney brings Bobcat nation together

The ninth-annual Eunice High Alumni softball tournament will be held Aug. 21 to 23 at the Eunice Recreation Complex.
According to tournament director Tara LeBlanc, the tournament is the highlight of the summer as alumni return to the Cajun Prairie Capital to reminisce at the ballpark with their former classmates.
“I enjoy seeing all the alumni come back together and have fun for a good cause,” she said.
“We are hoping for around 30 to 35 teams,” LeBlanc said, “and good weather.”
It costs $25 for each almuni and $30 for non-alumni spouse with a minimum of 10 players per roster.
LeBlanc said all the money raised goes to benefit academics and athletics at Eunice High.
“This is the only fundraiser that the Alumni Association has,” she said. “Without this tournament, we couldn’t do what we do for the school.
“This involves so many different groups from Eunice High working together for the same good cause.”
LeBlanc said it is exciting to see the newest graduates participate in the tournament.
“They start hearing them talk about playing when they begin their senior year,” she said. “They are really excited about being out there.
“There are some rivalries between years,” she said. “But they all have fun battling each other.”
LeBlanc said the older classes still participate as they support their children and grand children playing for their respective classes.
“We see mothers and daughters, fathers and sons all out there,” she said. “We even see four generations of Bobcats together at times.”
The captains’ meeting will be held Sunday and the teams will be finalized.
The Class of 2010 cruised a 12-5 win over the Class of 2012 to win the Rookie League title last year.
The Class of 1996 rolled to a 19-5 win over the Class of 1999 to capture the Minor League championship.
The Class of 1986-87 earned a 14-5 victory over the Class of 1988 for the Major League title.