The Selma Times-Journal

The Von Doon Classic will be the stuff of legend – literally.

The first annual softball tournament and home run derby to be held March 30-31 received its namesake from a figure people familiar with Camp Grist know well.

“Every camp has a legend,” tournament organizer Will Barrett said. “Von Doon is the camp legend at Grist. He’s a werewolf, essentially. That’s why there’s a wolf on the flyers.”

The tournament will be held at the Selma City Softball Complex, and Barrett says he expects as many as 20 teams to participate. The event will begin with round robin play with pools of three or four teams, depending on the number of participants. The top teams from each pool will then move on to a single elimination championship round.

The tournament is sanctioned by the Alabama Softball Association and is for men’s C and D class teams.

All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Camp Grist Alumni Association, which raises awareness for the camp.

“The alumni association exists to ensure maintenance for the camp,” Barrett said. “We provide counselor training, and reunions for counselors and campers. Lately, it’s tapered off because the facilities are so run down. We’re trying to snap out of that rut.”

In addition to the games, there will be health screenings, events for kids and more.

Early registration is encouraged so the tournament field can be set, but teams may register as late as March 29.

Anyone interested in entering a team may call Barrett at 334-558-5283.