Seniors will be invading Kaua‘i’s biggest small town of Hanapepe for the 29th Annual Hawai‘i State Senior Softball Tournament from August 4-6, with opening ceremonies starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, August 4. 39 teams from the Big Island to
Seniors will be invading Kaua‘i’s biggest small town of Hanapepe for the 29th Annual Hawai‘i State Senior Softball Tournament from August 4-6, with opening ceremonies starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, August 4.
39 teams from the Big Island to Kaua‘i will compete in five divisions for the state’s top prize. There are 13 teams from the Big Island, 11 from O‘ahu, 8 from Maui, and 7 teams from Kaua‘i. The A division, featuring the top-flight teams, include Kaua‘i’s champ, the Rookies, Nakoa, Cami’s Lounge, Aikane, Hilo Pomaikai, Kohala, Bad Company, and Honomu Seniors.
The B division has the likes of West Kaua‘i, Express, Harleys Dragons, Hui Ohana, Waimea Paniolo, Hawaiians, Kona Gold, and Ku‘ikahi.
Meanwhile in the C division, Kaua‘i’s K-Makule, Maui Raiders, Yankees, Pu‘ukapu, Hamakua, Lihu‘e A’s, Action, and Carquest are all challenging each other for the division title.
Kawaihau of Kaua‘i, East Kaua‘i, Toro’s, Vikings, Hui O Na Kolohe, Pu‘uwai Opio, Golden Eagles, and Aces are a part of the D division.
Rounding out the field is the E division, which features Mustangs, Kuku’s Aces, Hamakua Coast, Guava’s, Farmers, Cane Fire, and Papaiko.
Kaua‘i Senior Softball league manager Pat Rosa, who’s in his 12th year on the job, says that this is the biggest tournament on Kaua‘i, as far as the amount of teams coming down to participate.
“This tournament should be a huge boost to the economy on the westside,” Rosa said. With this being the third week in a row to host softball or baseball tournaments for the westside, with the Kaua‘i Fantasy Softball Tournament, the Carlsbad Goodwill tournament, and the upcoming State Senior Softball Tournament, the westside looks to keep bringing in the dough.
The last time the senior softball tournament was held on Kaua‘i was four years ago, as the tournament celebrated it’s 25th year. “This is a great way to get reaquainted with old friends from around the islands and fellowship is the key for this huge event,” Rosa said.
At one of the softball tournaments in the past, Rosa commented that one of the player’s loved the game so much, that as he rounded the bases and crossed home plate, he sluggishly made his way into the team dugout and literally retired.
“He just wanted to be a part of senior softball so bad, that he said that this is the place that he wanted to die,” Rosa said.
The stories and traditions continue from August 4-6 at Hanapepe Ballpark, with the first pitch starting at 9 a.m.
