Spring Break

As Richard Carpenter and Frank Pooler first penned, “Greeting cards have all been sent, the Christmas rush is through.” New Year’s celebrations and the obligatory resolutions have run their course. Believe it or not, 34 bowl games have come and gone and soon, a new Super Bowl champion will be crowned. The kids have returned to schools and campuses across the state, so naturally their thoughts have turned to spring break.

You remember the spring getaway to some exotic locale. Maybe Mexico and the likes of Cancun, Mazatlan or Acapulco this year? How about an island paradise: The Bahamas, Jamaica, or Tahiti? As cold as it has been lately, any warm sun splashed beach will do just fine, thank you: watch out South Beach, Myrtle Beach or any other beach betwixt!

But it your are looking for heat, fun in the sun, and heart pounding excitement, let me suggest you look no further than the Queen City where come April, the baseball will be hot, the weather fine, and the action on the field second to none.

Providing the back drop for the spring break hoopla will be the 23rd annual Jack Sink Tournament at Myers Park and the inaugural East Mecklenburg Spring Break Showcase at Dave Jones Field. All seven SW4A teams will be in action and each tournament field will be augmented with other local area star power making the gatherings two of the top spring tournaments in the state.

East Meck will lead off the week on Monday April 5th when they host follow loop comrades Butler and Independence. Joining the SW4A members will be defending MECA champion Hopewell, (20-6) now under the direction of former East Meck Coach Chet Greason, and defending South Piedmont 3A champion Marvin Ridge (22-4). Toss in ex SW4A affiliate Weddington (12-13), MECA runner-up North Meck (16-8) and Western 2A Regional finalist Mount Pleasant (24-8) and East Meck’s coach Clint Koope has done an excellent job assembling an eight team field that won 132 games last season as the opening act of the East Meck Spring Break Showcase. A round robin format will be used as four games a day on Monday-Wednesday are to be played at 11a, 1:00, 4:30, and 7:00.

Beginning on Tuesday, April 6th the area’s longest running spring tournament will resume. For the third consecutive year, the Jack Sink Tournament will feature four SW4A teams: Ardrey Kell defending 4A state champion, Myers Park 2009 SW4A tournament champion, Providence 2009 SW4A conference champion and South Meck against Charlotte Independent Schools Athletic Association members Charlotte Christian NCISAA 3A champion, Charlotte Country Day, Charlotte Latin, and Providence Day. The eight schools combined to win 147 games in 2009. Last year, South Meck was the only team to go unbeaten in the event giving the public schools bragging rights seven victories to five. A round robin of games are scheduled for the 6th – 8th at 11A, 1:30, 5, and 7:30.

Thus no need for TSA frisking, extended road trips, or making an early dash before all the chaise lounge chairs are gone to satisfy your spring break cravings. And if you are still in need of water, each site will be happy to supply you with a bottle. Only two dollars.

Schedules*
East Mecklenburg Spring Break Showcase
Monday April 5th
11:00 Hopewell vs. Weddington
1:00 Butler vs. Mount Pleasant
4:30 Independence vs. North Meck
7:00 East Meck vs. Marvin Ridge

Tuesday April 6th
11:00 Mount Pleasant v. North Meck
1:00 Marvin Ridge vs. Independence
4:30 East Meck vs. Weddington
7:00 Butler vs. Hopewell

Wednesday April 7th
11:00 Independence vs. Weddington
1:00 Butler vs. Marvin Ridge
4:30 Hopewell vs. Mount Pleasant
7:00 East Meck vs. North Meck

Jack Sink Tournament – Myers Park
Tuesday April 6th
11:00 South Meck vs. Providence Day
1:30 Providence vs. Charlotte Latin
5:00 Ardrey Kell vs. Charlotte Country Day
7:30 Myers Park vs. Charlotte Christian

Wednesday April 7th
11:00 Myers Park vs. Country Day
1:30 South Meck vs. Charlotte Latin
5:00 Providence vs. Charlotte Christian
7:30 Ardrey Kell vs. Providence Day

Thursday April 8th
11:00 Ardrey Kell vs. Charlotte Christian
1:30 Myers Park vs. Charlotte Latin
5:00 South Meck vs. Country Day
7:30 Providence vs. Providence Day

*Schedules subject to change