- Feb 3, 2011
- 1,880
- 48
When we arrived in Medford on Monday, we received word that a forest fire centered about 30 miles north would likely cause significant air quality issues and those reports turned out to be true. By Wednesday, many people were walking around the complex wearing filter masks, and on Thursday, game times were shortened to 1 hour. The advance schedule for Friday was modified.
Late Thursday, the air began to clear a bit, so on Friday morning, the decision was made to adjust the schedule back to full-length (1:40) games....only they didn't make that announcement until most teams playing that morning were almost at the fields. That delayed Mojo's morning start about an hour and once her team won that game, that meant another elimination game at 9pm, which had been moved from the modified 4:30pm.
When the team arrived that night to warm up, however, they learned that their field was about an hour behind. The tournament had to use more fields to accommodate 12u and their bracket games aren't timed. When her team showed up, the game before their game hadn't even started yet, because the game before that one was still going.
A different field eventually opened up and they were able to start the game at about 10:15pm. Both teams had to play under the same conditions, and it ended up being a pretty exciting game as both teams were playing pretty much on adrenaline. Finally, at about 5 minutes 'til midnite, the umpire signaled time and Mo's team was moving on to Saturday. Although only team spectators were there to witness, that was 1 of the games people around the park were talking about on the weekend. Those who did get to see the game saw something pretty special IMO.
It was an interesting set of circumstances, but I'm glad both teams were able to complete that Friday night game with everyone healthy, especially since Mojo's team was already down to 9. As bad as I felt for our players and coaches for having to play so late, I know that things were tough on the tournament staff as well. They did a wonderful job of setting everything up for a terrific weekend of softball.
Late Thursday, the air began to clear a bit, so on Friday morning, the decision was made to adjust the schedule back to full-length (1:40) games....only they didn't make that announcement until most teams playing that morning were almost at the fields. That delayed Mojo's morning start about an hour and once her team won that game, that meant another elimination game at 9pm, which had been moved from the modified 4:30pm.
When the team arrived that night to warm up, however, they learned that their field was about an hour behind. The tournament had to use more fields to accommodate 12u and their bracket games aren't timed. When her team showed up, the game before their game hadn't even started yet, because the game before that one was still going.
A different field eventually opened up and they were able to start the game at about 10:15pm. Both teams had to play under the same conditions, and it ended up being a pretty exciting game as both teams were playing pretty much on adrenaline. Finally, at about 5 minutes 'til midnite, the umpire signaled time and Mo's team was moving on to Saturday. Although only team spectators were there to witness, that was 1 of the games people around the park were talking about on the weekend. Those who did get to see the game saw something pretty special IMO.
It was an interesting set of circumstances, but I'm glad both teams were able to complete that Friday night game with everyone healthy, especially since Mojo's team was already down to 9. As bad as I felt for our players and coaches for having to play so late, I know that things were tough on the tournament staff as well. They did a wonderful job of setting everything up for a terrific weekend of softball.
I really wish we'd gotten to do the jetboat, but the time slot with our friends was sold out, so we ended up passing. Glad you got to take that in. 
