Thu, Nov 26 2009
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There’s no place like home Fastpitch tourney to begin Friday BOB ETTINGERStar Beacon “Basically, any team is made up from the best players in an area,” Francis said. “My team (the Ohio Jaguars 18-and-under) has girls from Hubbard, Jefferson, Ashtabula and Kirtland. That’s a large area. The best girls from each area will be playing. The girls are all dedicated to softball and love the game. They are all trying to get better and they like working at it.”
Those looking to attend will be charged a $5 parking fee per car that’s good for the entire weekend. “It’s like going to the drive-in,” Francis said. “Fill the car up and get as many people in as you can for $5.” The tournament also serves as a college showcase for the older kids. Jefferson graduate Courtney Francis even got a Division I college scholarship to St. Francis (Pa.) University to play from Conneaut product Sabrina Lane through the tournament. “(Lane) heard of her during high school last year, but she came to the tournament just to watch Courtney and a few others,” Francis said. “This year we’ll have a few colleges in to look at the girls. “We’re getting more successful (in that area). We have a goal set and we’re not quite there yet, but we’ve got some time.” But it all comes back to being at home for the locals. “(The best part of being home) is the kids are able to play in front of people from the county,” Francis said. “There’s a big crowd. When we travel the kids make a good play, it’s just their parents cheering for them. They cheer for them all summer, so it just becomes normal for them. When we’re at home, the crowd is behind them and that’s exciting. As in any sport, when the crowd is behind you, you pick up your game. “All of the (Jaguars) teams practice at JAGS. The kids are going to appreciate the fact they can play in front of home crowds. And their friends and the family members that don’t get to travel with them will get to see them play for a change. When we’re in Toledo or Youngstown, those people don’t get a chance to see them play. It’s nice for them to see familiar faces in the crowd.” 
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