This past weekend, a cool event was held where eight top organizations got together and faced off with not just a series of games, but a process where points were scored per contest and totaled so there was an overall winner.

The 1^st annual Nor Cal Organizational Challenge was held in Salinas, Calif. and was hosted by the Salinas Storm fastpitch organization and tournament directors Armando Barragan and Warren Wyland.

Though the event was regional, it still consisted of eight of the top club organizations not just in California, but the entire country: All American Sports Academy, California Breeze, California Grapettes, California Nuggets, KG Hitters, Salinas Storm, San Jose Sting and Sorcerer.

The eight programs were invited to bring their 18U, 16U and 14U teams to play in the tournament.  In addition to the traditional winner for each age group, a special award to the organization that received the most overall points from their respective games at the three different age groups.

“This tournament had a new and exciting feel to it,” said Wyland, one of the event directors. “We had 24 very strong teams playing with great support from their families and friends.”

Despite having Saturdays schedule wipe due to rain, Sunday’s schedule started all teams off in single elimination play based on a blind draw that had taken place on Saturday and 1^st round losers went into a consolation bracket.

The top organizational winner was Sorcerer which won the 16U and 14U divisions. Additionally, the Sorcerer 18’s placed 2^nd behind the winner of the division, All American Sports Academy-Merrida.

“We had over 1,000 fans in attendance and long lines at the snack bar,” continued Wyland. “There was definitely a special buzz going around the facility and, to top it off, we had great college coach representation including several Pac-12 colleges.”

“I feel that we are on to something special here and anticipate many such tournaments in the years ahead.”

Here are the final overall standings:

1. Sorcerer
2. All American Sports Academy
3. California Breeze
4. Salinas Storm
5. San Jose Sting
6. KG Hitters
7. California Grapettes
8. California Nuggets