After five years and hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in our independent research study, the results indicate that fast-pitch softball is the fastest-growing sport for girls in the Augusta area.
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Well, maybe not five years and boatloads of cash.
OK, there was no actual research or money changing hands.
It's just that we get a lot of phone calls and e-mails about girls fast-pitch softball than anything else. If the interest in the sport is any indication, Augusta might soon be a softball powerhouse at the high school level.
The latest success story comes from the 14-and-under Augusta Flash all-star team, which took second place at the Camfast Fast Ball Tournament held last weekend in Covington, Ga.
The Flash split their first two games of the double-elimination tournament before staying alive with a 12-2 win over their local rivals, the Martinez-Evans Sting.
With that, the Flash advanced to the title game, where they fell to the Atlanta-based Chastain Park Travelers, 9-2.
Coached by Jeff Towe, the Flash play about two tournaments a month during the fall, and have posted three consecutive second-place finishes. Top performers at the Camfast tournament include pitchers Erin Gwaltney, Emily Olson and Lindsey Towe, stellar defense by center fielder Jennie Maxwell and the bats of Kristen Pitchford, Rachel Oates and Taylor Strouder.
The Flash will play three more tournaments before the season-ending Fall World Series on Nov. 8-10.
VOLKMANN UPDATE: Dr. Rudy Volkmann, head coach and director of the Augusta Fencers Club, placed 19th in the men's sabre 60-and-over division at the Veteran Fencing World Championships held Sept. 5-7 in Limoges, France.
The renowned Augusta musician qualified to represent the United States by placing third in the U.S. Fencing Association national championships in Austin, Texas, in July.
After more than 30 years in competitive fencing, it was Volkmann's first appearance in a world championship.
AIKEN IN THE GAME: Adult softball, flag football and basketball signups are underway at Citizens Park II for Aiken Parks and Recreation leagues.
Winter softball registration is through Oct. 14, and the season begins Oct. 27. Team entry fee is $250.
Flag football team registration is through Friday and league play begins Oct. 20. Team entry fee is $300.
An organizational meeting for Aiken's adult church basketball league will be held Oct. 14 at 7:15 p.m. at Citizens Park II. Team roster and entry fee ($285) deadline is Oct. 28 and league play begins Nov. 24.
Flag football officials are also needed. For more information, call Carlos Otero at (803) 643-4663.
NIGHT AT THE RACES: Several local drag racers will compete in the International Hot Rod Association's "Night Under Fire" races Saturday night at Carolina Dragway in Jackson, S.C.
The event will feature jet funny cars, AA fuel altered, the Super Shockwave Twin-Motored jet truck, and Limited Outlaw 10.5 classes. There also will be a fireworks show.
Gates open at noon Saturday. Time trials begin at 3 p.m. and races start at 7 p.m. Adult general admission is $20. Children under 12 pay $5. For more information, go to www.carolinadragway.com.
