The first step in this tournament was the formation of a Tournament Committee. This committee consisted of myself, three coaches from prominent area teams and a local woman softball player. We met monthly and discussed improvements, ideas and methods to rebuild the tournament. Contacting and attracting teams, obtaining media coverage and inviting professional celebrities were also discussed.

Local businesses were later contacted for sponsorship, but the support committee members had anticipated was not received. One positive note at this stage was that area teams were hearing about the Tournament Committee. They were appreciative of the efforts being made to organize a good tournament.

During subsequent months the volunteer committee developed many good ideas, but was limited in both resources and time. Help from other professionals was needed to (1) bring the women's tournament back to respectability and (2) attract 32 teams. Some good luck helped those goals be realized.

Sponsorship

In early March, The Snuggery Inn, a major restaurant in the Chicago area, heard about our committee's efforts. Having acquired an interest for this type of venture, it agreed to sponsor the tournament.

At the same time, Coors Beer was in the process of introducing its product in the Midwest. Our tournament provided a means for free advertising.

Chicago Radio Station WLS also jumped on the bandwagon. In exchange for free advertising, the station incurred tournament expenses. This included the cost of softballs, awards, umpires, scorekeepers, souvenir hats for the participating teams and postage. In addition, the three sponsors assumed the expenses of producing the informational flyers designed by the Tournament Committee.

Through the cooperation of various suburban park districts, nearly 5,000 flyers were distributed to teams and players in all areas of the State, including downstate Carbondale. The flyer stated that we were looking for "Chicagoland's Best," but teams were being sought statewide. In addition, WLS Radio advertised the tournament on the air for a week.

Successful marketing

The tournament was slated for July 20-21; registration ended July 10. Organized for double-elimination competition, it guaranteed teams a minimum of two games. The tournament fee was $50 per team. (Without sponsorship, the per team cost would have been $90.)

More than 100 calls requesting tournament information were received by the park district. A week before the

Illinois Parks and Recreation 32 March/April 1986

deadline, the 32-team limit had been reached. The Tournament Committee's last meeting focused on selecting and seeding teams.

The committee considered the information provided on team registration forms. This included past records, titles and years as a team; geographical location and past participation in the Morton Grove.tournament. Committee members also decided that, to avoid conflict in the host community, all Morton Grove teams would be protected; that is, they could not face elimination.

Quest for the best

The tournament ran smoothly with good weather, punctual teams, and qualified officials and maintenance personnel. Good sportsmanship was displayed throughout the event.

The tournament sponsors also participated by displaying tournament banners and operating concession stands for both spectators and players.

Plans are underway to
make the tournament an
invitational.

Excitement prevailed throughout the entire tournament. The five top teams received trophies, and the championship team also received tournament jackets. An All-Tournament Team was presented with awards for best defensive, offensive and most valuable players. This was indeed a major accomplishment for women's soft-ball.

The 1985 women's "Quest for the Best" softball tournament was just the beginning. Future plans include increased media coverage, an expanded Tournament Committee and designation of the event as an invitational.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR; Robert M. O'Shaughnessy was athletic supervisor at the Morton Grove Park District when this article was written. He is currently the acting superintendent of recreation facilities.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 13 March/April 1986