By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
BRISTOL – It’s that time of year again as the Eastern Regional portion of the American Legion Tournament is underway and the squad from Bristol was looking to knock off some of New England’s best squads.
Bristol Post 2 has been preparing for the National Region 1 Tournament for months and was ready to host all the Northeast State Champions this week.
As the host, at Muzzy Field, the Bristol team also has been preparing for play each day, as it hoped to knock off the state champions in the double-eliminate event on Wednesday, Aug. 5 going through Sunday, Aug. 9.
This past January, a committee of dozens of volunteers was formed to ensure that the event would be held with the experiences of the past several tournament events known to Post 2.
Post 2’s local chairman, Art Ward and Post 2 General Manager Paul LaFleur believed that Bristol would prove to be a successful host.
Many local businesses have stepped up to donate funds, provide in-kind services or products or to
provide volunteer assistance.
The City of Bristol and the Chamber of Commerce have been instrumental in the support of the event and the Double Tree Hotel was the host hotel for the teams as they arrive this coming Tuesday.
National Legion representatives were on hand to ensure that the event plays out with ease.
The eight teams will be hosted with a pre-event banquet by Post 2 at the Swedish Club on Tuesday, Aug. 4, which was an invitation-only banquet.
Games were played at Muzzy Field in Bristol.
Bristol Post 2 last hosted this event in 2008, and as host team, Bristol won the Championship event and was one of eight teams nation-wide to go to the American Legion World Series in Shelby, North Carolina.
They hope to repeat as champions.
Regional Schedule:
Aug. 5 – Four games to be played, beginning at 9:30 a.m. – Bristol played at 7:30 p.m., following opening ceremonies.
Aug. 6 – Four games to be played, beginning at 9:30 a.m. -Bristol played at either 4:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., depending on previous game outcome.
Aug. 7 – Three games will be played, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Aug. 8 – Two games will be played in the semifinal round.
Aug. 9 – One or two games could be played, depending on previous results for the championship round.