She hopes to see minor softball resurrected in the city this summer so other boys and girls can have a chance to try a new sport and learn to love it — just like she did.
Lukeman is part of a group working hard towards starting up a minor softball program in a number of communities on this side of the province in an effort to form a Western Newfoundland Softball Association.
Lukeman and company have generated a fair amount of interest in places like Corner Brook, Springdale, St. Anthony and Port aux Basques so she figures a west coast league is certainly possible.
While she hopes to see a fully fledged softball program in place over the next couple of years, this summer is all about getting players on the field to get them familiar with the rules of the games and provide training on how to master the different skillsets required to be a good fastpitch softball player.
The plan for this summer is to hold a number of weekend tournaments for the various age groups with hopes of holding a championship tournament at the end of the summer where teams will play for bragging rights to the Western softball crown in their respective age groups.
Organizers are trying to nail down dates for the weekend tournaments while securing qualified officials and volunteers to lend a helping hand, which she says will rest in the hands of each individual centre who is hosting any of the tournaments.
Lukeman is hoping to call some practices over the next few weeks to gauge interest if the weatherman co-operates. Anybody interesting in playing minor softball or volunteering in any capacity can contact Lukeman at 640-8413 or Ross Crocker at 216-1314.
