The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Softball Federation president Ted Miller was quite pleased with what he saw at their Austin ‘King Snake’ Knowles National High School Softball Tournament.

Austin Knowles, the patron of the three-day event held in the Banker’s Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, was just as elated with what he saw. “It was a very good tournament and I enjoyed myself,” said Knowles, known as the ‘godfather of softball’ in the Bahamas. “I was glad to see that everybody was happy and they played well.”

This was the 16th year that the tournament has been held and Knowles thanked everybody in the BSF and the teams who participated in keeping his legacy alive. “There is a lot of enthusiasm among the young players,” he stressed. “They see what it’s all about and they try very hard to win the title.”

Miller said the tournament was successful in that they got to play all of the games scheduled. “We got through all of the games and crowned the boys’ and girls’ champions without incident,” Miller said. “So I think that speaks for itself. It was a successful tournament.”

Plans are now in motion for the staging of next year’s tournament, which is scheduled to move to Eleuthera, the home of Austin Knowles. “We are in talks with the Ministry of Education’s Sports Division to take the tournament to Eleuthera,” he said. “That is in motion. We just have to do our footwork now and make sure that it happens.”

Knowles said he heard the talk but, obviously for that to happen, a lot of work will be required. “We will see what happens. But I know I enjoy my weekend here when I come down for the tournament to be among the youth of the country,” he said.

Knowles, however, said by taking the tournament to the island known for its pineapples, maybe they will get the teams on the island to join Spanish Wells again.

For the 4th consecutive year, Spanish Wells Bulldogs took home the boys’ title as they routed Charles W Saunders High Crusaders 18-3. Spanish Wells girls had to settle for bronze. Charles Saunders won the girls’ title with a 17-7 win over Queen’s College. CR Walker Knights won bronze.

Charles Saunders also got another dose of victory as versatile third base/pitchers Khawan Dames and Mia Turner were named the respective MVPs of the tournament.