One of the largest female fastpitch tournaments in the country is on deck in Okotoks.
The Foothills Fury Classic returns to Okotoks On Deck and community diamonds with the June 7-9 competition bigger and better than ever before featuring upwards of 110 fastpitch teams.
“It’s our biggest one yet,” said Foothills Fury Fastpitch president Tamara Spencer. “We’ve grown from roughly 60 teams to about 110 this year which is pretty phenomenal in a fast-growing sport in Alberta.
“We have teams coming from three provinces and a territory (Yukon) and we are Western Canada’s largest female fastpitch tournament and we might be one of the biggest in Canada now so that’s a pretty big accomplishment for Okotoks.”
The tournament has always put fun at the forefront with a premium placed on all of the extras from swag to prizes with Spencer citing On Deck as a terrific host site as well.
“The word is out that we’re the tournament to be at,” she said.
The competition features teams from the U19 to U7 divisions, 25 of whom are Foothills teams with a local team represented in every level of play.
On Deck built a specialized diamond for the Fury tournament’s U7 division.
The tournament’s growth mirrors that of the association at large.
The Fury has doubled in size over the past two years. In addition, the 2024 campaign has marked the debut of the Fury Elite program at the U17 A level.
“We’re featuring our first elite team that practised all year round and they travel internationally, Canada and U.S., they play tournaments and play in the Calgary Women’s Fastpitch Association,” Spencer said.
“We’re super excited to have that team with us. They make for some pretty exciting ball and we’re looking forward to showcasing them this weekend and hopefully putting a spotlight on that Elite division.”
There’s a parking fee of $10 per vehicle for the weekend, or $5 per day at On Deck. There’s no cost to attend at the other participating venues, including diamonds at Big Rock School, Westmount School and Good Shepherd School.
To find out more about the Foothills Fury Classic, go to foothillsfuryfastpitch.com, go to @FuryClassic on Instagram and find the 2024 Fury Classic on TeamSnap Tournament.
