2012 SOFTBALL SEASON
Changes — For Classes 4A and 5A, regional tournaments will now be hosted by the top eight seeded teams in the postseason. Host teams must have a site that has two fields for play, must be able to charge admission, outfield fences that can be set at the NFHS standard of between 200 and 220 feet. Game times will be 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Thirty percent of each league automatically qualify for regionals, while at-large teams will be determined based on MaxPreps Freeman rankings. Geography will play a factor in seeding for regional tournaments. Aurora has a new entry this season in Vista PEAK, which got just enough players to come out before the start of the season.
Last season’s state champions — 5A: Legacy; 4A: Wheat Ridge; 3A: Valley
Aurora 2011 records: Grandview 16-7 (made Class 5A state tournament), Cherokee Trail 13-10 (made Class 5A state tournament), Rangeview 13-8, Regis Jesuit 7-12, Aurora Central 6-12, Eaglecrest 6-13, Smoky Hill 4-15, Overland 2-17, Gateway 1-15, Hinkley 1-17
Aurora 2012 coaches: Aurora Central — Alex Davis; Cherokee Trail — Dick Hormann; Eaglecrest — Yvette Hendrian; Gateway — Rob Varner; Grandview — Dave Thies; Hinkley — Rich Freehling; Overland — Kelly Jones-Wagy; Rangeview — Bob Bushman; Regis Jesuit — Charlie Williams; Smoky Hill — Mark Siemer; Vista PEAK — Scott Lilley
Key dates — First practice: Aug. 13; First contests: Aug. 17; Regular season completed: Oct. 6; Regional pairings posted: Oct. 7; Regional tournaments: Oct. 13; State tournament: Oct. 19-20 at Aurora Sports Park
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555