Softball season leads off spring

It might be too late to plant early-blooming bulbs or too early to put in a garden, but this is the perfect time join the Catoosa County Adult Softball League at Jack Mattox Park on Pine Grove Road.

"We return each year because we enjoy the camaraderie we have developed with other area teams," said David Forester, who has played with a Burning Bush Baptist Church team for about 11 years. "We have found that softball is a ministry outreach and helps us touch people that we may not interact with otherwise. Over the years, we have developed some great friendships and friendly rivalries that make it fun to return each year."

That spirit of fun and fellowship is noted by many past and current league members.

"We have played in the adult church softball league for the last five years and I can't tell you how much fun it has been playing with Catoosa Recreation," said Chris Whittle of Rock Spring United Methodist Church. "They have been the best host for any softball league we have played for - they have made us want to keep coming back year after year. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give them an 11."

Recreation Department Athletics Coordinator Adam Wilson said that before the Mattox complex opened in 1999, teams played at fields in Ringgold or the Keith community.

"This is for all adults," Wilson said, adding the league consists of men's church/industrial and open divisions, women's church and open divisions as well as a co-ed open division, he said.

The league and the park has broad appeal.

GET IN THE GAMEWhat: Adult softball league sign-ups under way.When: Until March 25, teams can register and pay a $415 entry fee to participate in the spring league.Where: All play during the 12 game regular season and a double elimination tournament will take place at the Jack Mattox Recreation Complex.More Information: To sign up or to obtain additional information contact Adam Wilson, the recreation department's athletics coordinator, at (706) 891-4199 or visit the website at www.catoosarec.com.

"Our company really enjoys playing softball at Jack Mattox in the Catoosa County Adult Softball League," said Ronald Ramsey, regional vice president with Access America Transport. "It gives our employees a great chance to spend time together bonding outside of the office environment and builds on the teamwork theme that we strive to promote here. We look forward to playing in both the spring and fall leagues every year."

The 2011 spring season will consist of teams playing 12 league games, beginning April 18, followed by a double elimination tournament at the conclusion of the eight-week season.

Becky Swanson, a coach, said that without the Catoosa Recreation program, players have a choice of driving to Chattanooga or Collegedale if they want to play softball as an adult.

"Where else can you watch a ball game, walk around the track and watch ducks swimming on a pond? You can't get that in Chattanooga or Collegedale," she said.

And there is more to Swanson's choosing to play at the complex on Pine Grove Road.

"Coaching a young women's team, safety is always a concern for me and my players," she said. " At Jack Mattox Park, that is never a concern. This park is a very safe environment."

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