BIG WASH CANCELS BIG 8 TOURNEY

Looking back on the recent weather history of the Cape Central Big 8 Invitational baseball tournament, a little rain was probably expected this weekend.

But the drenching thunderstorms that rolled through the area Friday completely washed away any chance of the high school tournament getting started this weekend. It seems rainy weather is becoming as much a part of the Big 8 tourney as home runs and stolen bases.

"Last year was the first time we were able to get all of the games played on schedule," said Central coach Steve Williams. "The other four years before that we've either had some of the games stopped or delayed because of rain."

Williams said the tournament has been postponed until next week with a new field of teams scheduled to participate. Only Notre Dame will be available for action next weekend from the original field of eight teams.

"A lot of the (St. Louis) teams can't come back," said Williams. "Several of them have other games scheduled or other commitments they can't work around."

But Williams already has six teams lined up for action starting next Friday. The four new teams in the tournament are coming from the Kelly Hawk Invitational which was also rained out this weekend.

Kelly, Scott City, Jackson, and Perryville have been added to the Big 8 field from the Kelly tournament. Williams hopes to find two more schools by Monday or Tuesday to fill out the tournament field.