242 Teams, 11 Events: Windsor Wildcats Turn Mic Mac Park Into a Provincial Softball Destination

The Windsor Wildcats are in the middle of one of their busiest summers ever, hosting 11 softball events over six consecutive weekends at Mic Mac Park.

This weekend's schedule features an Intermediate tournament along with a U17 Tier 1 event.

Next weekend, the club will host a U13 provincial qualifier, while the busy stretch will culminate on the August 6 weekend when 60 teams are expected in Windsor for the U13 provincial championships.

In total, the Wildcats will welcome 242 teams over the six-week run.

"It's crazy," Wildcats president Rod Drouillard said with a laugh. "But we do it for the girls."

Drouillard said bringing major tournaments to Windsor allows local athletes to compete close to home instead of travelling across Ontario or into the United States throughout the season.

Hosting events also gives family members and friends a chance to cheer on the Wildcats.

"This way, families, friends and grandparents get to come out and watch them," Drouillard told Powerplay Sports. "It's nice that we have this here."

Mic Mac Park's nine softball diamonds also make Windsor an attractive destination for provincial events, with all fields located in one complex.

"Very fortunate that the city allows us to work it. They clear schedules so that we can host these events and it's a good thing."

The home atmosphere has also provided a boost for the Wildcats on the field. Drouillard pointed to the club's U15 team, which recently earned a berth for the upcoming national championships in New Brunswich, as an example of the energy created by competing in front of hometown supporters.

"There is a lot of energy. You get everybody here in one place as opposed to spread out, it's really good for the kids."