There are several softball tournaments throughout the summer but perhaps none are as dear to Washington athletes and softball fans as the Bobby Andrews Scholarship tournament.
Andrews’ name has become synonymous with Washington rec softball over the years and there is no doubt the weekend-long tournament makes up his favorite two-days of the year.
“I’m real proud of it,” Andrews said. “Even through hard times I always feel blessed and it’s an honor to be around these athletes.”
The two-day tourney is highlighting by the awarding of the Bobby Andrews scholarship. To be eligible for the scholarship the candidates must play at least four years in the rec program and have a GPA of over 2.5.
This year, the recipients are Sydney Gurkin, Morgan Bryant, Jessica Lynn Cartwright, Kaitlyn Holt, Myriah Jade Mason, Kelly Kathleen Miller and Dangela Asby Willard.
“It means a lot to me knowing that we can help somebody,” Andrews said. “Some of them might be able to afford to go to college but some of them that apply have a tough time and it makes me happy to be able to help them.”
The scholarship awards athletes that will attend Beaufort Community College $1,000, while ones who go elsewhere will be gifted $500.
The tournament, which is heading into its 14th year, will begin Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the Sussiegray McConnell Sports Complex. The tourney will boast at least 25 teams that will compete in the 8U, 10U, 12U, 16U and 18U divisions.
Every year the tournament is filled with excitement and heart-touching moments but Andrews said what he likes the best is just enjoying the company of the athletes and spectators.
“Well, what I enjoy the most about it is being around the girls that are playing and talking to the adults,” Andrews said. “The thing that that is rewarding to me is to give out the scholarships and the trophies. The best part is seeing the smiles on their faces.”