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Southwest Mississippi Community College

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Baseball Challenge News Conference

Baseball Michael D. Gunnell, Southwest Sports Information

Bears set to open division play with Coca-Cola Challenge

l-r, Lee Kuyrkendall, Luke Gipson, German Hays, James Brumfield, Gary Nelson, Shelby Johnson, Alex Marshall, Ken Jackson
Southwest begins MACJC South Division baseball action Wednesday in a big way when the Bears travel to Wesson to face arch-rival Co-Lin in the opening round of the Coca-Cola Challenge powered by Powerade. The first pitch of game one is set for 3:00.
 
This marks the 7th year of the Challenge, but it is the first year the opening round has coincided with the start of Division play, thus adding another level of excitement. The final two games of the Challenge will take place April 6 at Southwest. In addition to the very important South Division games, also at stake in the Challenge are bragging rights for a year and a trophy.
 
The trophy has resided in Summit for the past two years and in order for the Wolves to regain it, they must win at least three of the four games between the teams.
 
All this and more was emphasized when representatives from both schools met recently in McComb and Brookhaven for news conferences to kick off the hype.
 
The goals of the Challenge were stated by Robbie Hamilton, one of the organizers. He said it was started “to raise awareness of the quality of play in MACJC baseball and to help raise money for both schools’ programs.” As part of their sponsorship, Coca-Cola has donated almost $14 thousand up to this point.
 
The company also gives players on both squads batting practice t-shirts and donates prizes which are given away during all four games of the Challenge.
McComb Coca-Cola Vice President/Division Manager James Brumfield he “was excited to be part of this (the Challenge). It’s good for us and good for the community.”
 
Southwest head coach Lee Kuyrkendall said he “appreciates what Coca-Cola does for the series. And I am excited to add another installment to the series.” He also said “the level of media coverage and the number of people who are talking about the games have increased since Coca-Cola (became the title sponsor).
 
In addition to the normal prize giveaways, something new has been added that is sure to add to the excitement. This year, a “Family Day Experience” will be up for grabs for the first game at Southwest on April 6.
 
As part of the “Experience”, the winners will be given the chance “Meet and Greet” the players and will be allowed to stand with the players for the National Anthem. A parent and their child will throw out the first pitch. Also, the winners will be given a game jersey and cap, as well as an autographed ball from both teams, an ice chest full of Powerade.
 
With each year of the Challenge, the level of excitement and size of the crowds has increased and this year should be no different. Plenty of fun and excitement is available for everyone and fans are encouraged to arrive early on both playing dates.
 
Both games will be available on the radio at WAKH 105.7 (K106) and on the internet at southwestbearathletics.com and k106.net. Fans can also listen on their smart phones by downloading the Tune In app and searching for k106.
 
 
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