Players look to bat a thousand

Annual showcase gives area athletes chance to attract attention of scouts

The second annual USSSA Two States Softball Showcase begins today at Grady T. Wallace Park, offering local athletes the opportunity to put their skills on display in front of 55 college coaches from around the country.

“It takes incredible effort from the city of Texarkana to fulfill our showcase,” Showcase director Sandy Dickson said. “We’ve been prepping the fields all week to make sure the athletes have the best possible fields to display their talents.”

Approximately 1,500 athletes signed up for the showcase, which commences today at 11 a.m. with a skills competition. The showcase follows Saturday and Sunday.

“If we can show the country that this is how you provide good, safe entertainment for kids and also give kids a chance to play for a scholarship, we can continue to have showcases here in Texarkana for the foreseeable future,” Dickson said.

With more than 50 high schools within a 50-mile radius, Texarkana is a key place for athletes from smaller schools to be evaluated by college coaches, without

having to leave the comfort of their personal bedroom.

“Multiple scholarships were offered during last year’s showcase,” Dickson said. “Why spend money somewhere else when you can stay home and be seen by more colleges in your own backyard? There’s a bunch of smaller schools in the area with athletes that can flat-out play. I believe those kids deserve the same exposure like everyone else.”

Dickson and the staff plan to hold more than 400 games over three days at Grady T. Wallace, Hobo Jungle and William Karrh Memorial parks.

“I have Texarkana behind me,” Dickson said. “I have the best town in the country behind what we’re trying to accomplish. I believe our city is blessed and the people are great.

“It’s a community effort, and we’ve had tremendous help from city officials to accommodate all the parks we need, and they really stepped up to make this thing great.