It's been a long time coming, but Cheboygan Little League got an opportunity to host a state tournament for the first time since 2008.
CHEBOYGAN – The energy was contagious.
The crowds were strong.
For the first time since 2008, Cheboygan Little League hosted a state tournament, as the opening day of the 8-10 minor softball competition began at multiple recreational fields on Friday, July 18.
Every 16 years, a different district gets a chance to bid for a state tournament to be held in one of their locations. Thankfully for District 13, which Cheboygan’s a part of, they were up. So, Cheboygan Little League president Robert Borowicz put in a bid to the district administrator, and what he got in return was something he was thrilled about.
“They picked us to host it,” Borowicz said. “Petoskey had (a state tournament) for the boys last year, so we just bid in for it, we wanted it, and we wanted it for the community.”
Games got rolling early on Friday as Rogers City opened its tournament with a clash against Taylor North, while Petoskey took on West Portage in an early afternoon matchup.
“The community supports us as a little league, so we’re happy to bring it back,” Borowicz said.
To make the venue an attractive one, Borowicz, along with many administrators, volunteers in the community, and helpers from the City of Cheboygan, had to put in great work. Now, major upgrades have been made at the little league, including a new concession stand that was just finished prior to the state of the tournament. In addition, upgrades to bleachers were also made.
“The city went in and did a grant for us a couple years ago to put up the new concession stand, which is fabulous,” Borowicz said. “The city has really stepped up and helped do a lot for the park."
Borowicz delivered praise to everyone who did their part in getting Cheboygan ready for one of the biggest little league tournaments in the state.
“(Secretary) Tammy Oikarinen is by far the person who drives everything,” Borowicz said. “She keeps track of all the volunteers and the board itself. Without them, we couldn’t do this. The city has also come in and done a ton of work. Scott Hancock, and to be honest, Dave Conlin, the hours he's put in – and 80 percent of it is volunteering his time.”
While this will be the last time Cheboygan will hold a state tournament for at least 16 years, Borowicz said hosting districts is a possibility as early as next year. Once the 8-10 tournament concludes, preparation will begin for the annual Cheboygan Chaos Clash softball event, which takes place Friday-Sunday, July 25-27.
“We love seeing all these people come to Cheboygan,” Borowicz said. “As volunteers, the board puts in hours and hours, but not only the board, but our families, the support of the community, and the volunteers that we have, the sponsorships throughout the community, just to take the time and energy to allow all these people to come here and support is nice. We’re having fun.”
The tournament wraps up on Tuesday when semifinal games take place at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 12 p.m. championship game at the River Field.
Bar-downski hockey team wins Frozen Four title
GAYLORD – Team Bar-downski recently captured the Frozen Four hockey tournament title in Gaylord, going 5-0 in the competition.
Team members included McKenzie Bur, Elijah Dombroski, Dylan Burn, Finn O’Grady and Connor Bucci.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan Little League hosts first state tournament in many years
Category: General Sports
