The Midland Explorers Booster Club is gearing up for another week of world-class men's fastpitch softball.
Following the success of the 2010 International Softball Congress World Tournament in Midland, the Explorers Booster Club and the ISC will be teaming up again to
bring the championships back to the city from Aug. 10-18, 2012.
"We're excited," said tournament host co-chair Kyle Beane. "The ISC liked the fact that our committee has current players and former players that are close to the sport, not a tourism group."
The 2012 ISC will again use Emerson Park for its main base.
"The park lends itself perfectly to the tournament," said Beane. "It has three fields in close proximity to each other. The park itself is green and lush. The (Midland Parks & Recreation) does a great job of keeping it up."
Jeff Servinski, who played 15 years for the Explorers, joins Beane as co-chair, taking over for David Lach.
"Jeff gives us a local perspective," said Beane. "His organizational ability will help us and he has great connections in the community.
"David has added to his family and taken a different job, so he didn't feel he had the time to devote," added Beane.
After 20,000 people attended the ISC Tournament in 2010, the challenge is to attract more this time around.
"Softball is a good, family event," said Beane. "It's a highly athletic sport that not enough people know about. Hopefully, we can get Little League baseball and
softball teams out, along with other youth teams that will aspire to play softball at a higher level."
After a successful youth clinic during the 2010 ISC, the plan is for a repeat.
"We hope to have more of a presence with boys' and girls' clinics," said Beane. "Last year, we had University of Arkansas head coach Mike Larabee.
This year, we have a line on different, well-known people from both the softball and baseball world to speak."
The 2010 ISC attracted 50 sponsors, and the plan for 2012 is to expand that base.
"With the success we showed last year, we should be able to broaden our base of sponsors this time," said Beane.
As it did in 2010, the Midland Explorers Booster Club will draw heavily on the expertise of the Great Lakes Loons.
"We will be working with the Loons to get the fields ready," said Beane. "They're the marketing experts when it comes to local sports. They've got the hottest ticket in town."
Jarvis (Ont.) Travelers won the 2010 tournament with a 4-1 victory over Kitchener, while the Explorers took 10th.
This year's ISC will be held in the Quad Cities (Iowa) from Aug. 14-20.
