Exposure softball event gives coaches look at talent

August 16, 2012

softball

"It's not whether you win or lose. It's how you play the game."

That old saying is more true at certain times than others.

When it comes to the 10th annual College Exposure Softball Tournament at the Starkville Sportsplex Saturday, it's important for the players to put on a good show.

The reason being there will be college and junior college coaches present scoping out talent for the future of their programs.

"There used to be a rule for junior college coaches that if they didn't have a school within their district, they couldn't come to a tournament," said Dan Moreland, who put together the tournament for the last 10 years. "They have lifted that rule so any of them can come and we've had a good response.

"We've had coaches from Division I, Division II and Division III and most of the junior college coaches that can come."

Moreland said it's important for the participating teams to realize that even though they might not have a senior good enough to play college softball, sometimes the younger talent shines through.

"If a coach starts watching them when they are in the 8th, 9th or 10th grades, they can track them to see if they get any better," Moreland said. "(Coaches) can come now, make one trip and see 18 teams. That way they don't have to drive to Jackson to see one game or somewhere else to see a game, just wait and see all of them together."

The tournament will help benefit the continued recovery of East Webster High School, which was destroyed by last year's April tornado.

Moreland has contributed funds to Delta State, Mississippi State and East Webster the last four years.

T-shirts will be available at the tournament which have the statement, "I helped build EWHS."

Starkville Academy plays three times in the tournament. The Lady Volunteers take on Manchester Academy at 10 a.m. (M&F Field), Marshall Academy at 11:30 a.m. (Southwire Field) and Jackson Prep at 2:30 p.m. (Cadence Field).