To start with, there were 21 teams entered in the State Tourney in Kokomo this weekend and 20 of those 21 teams played Saturday. Two (2) teams did not return Sunday, which is their option. I checked the roster for the one team that did not play, and was NOT surprised when I discovered there was no Mike on the roster.
When this event was posted back in February, it was listed as being played June 29-30. That alone should have told you Mike that the tourney could be a 2 day. When Hagy drew the bracket for 21 teams using the 3 game bracket, it was boarder line being a 2 day right from the start. Had the event been played at a facility with 4 fields in lieu of the 5 in Kokomo, it would have been a 2 day from the beginning.
Hagy was at Nortwest Park hours before the 9AMM start to meet with the ground crew and discuss the options. One option was to wash out Saturday and bring the entire bracket back on Sunday. That was not a favorable option as the championships may not have concluded until 10PM - midnight, then factor travel time and then most had to work Monday. The ground crew indicated that based on radar, and about when the rain would stop, they would shoot for a 3PM start. That was the direction selected. It is important to also point out that that Kokomo has an 11PM light curfew, so there was no way the tourney was going to be finished Saturday.
When a team enters ANY association's event, and once the bracket is drawn/posted, that team is responsible for the entry fee. Mike, your team was in the bracket and YOU elected to not play. The other 20 teams, played and paid.
The right thing for you to do now is contact Hagy and make the payment. I have been running events for over 31 years and Hagy 17 years, and the decision that was made was the correct one. I am sure the other 20 teams were thankful for the ground crew and the opportunity to compete for a State Championship.
If you care to discuss this, please contact Hagy 765-461-5093 or JIm Kimmel 765-730-0891
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