Annual River City Rumble begins today in Van Buren

Each year it seems as if the annual River City Rumble softball tournament in Van Buren grows more in prestige. With the tournament now in its 15th year, it may be the most competitive yet. The event runs today and Saturday at the Field of Dreams complex. Among the teams in the field include some potential state championship squads. Those include 7A-West powers in Bentonville, Bentonville West and Rogers as well as defending 6A state champion Sheridan. But that’s not all, Van Buren coach Andy Williams said. One of the top teams in 5A, Greenbrier, will make its River City Rumble debut this weekend. ?(We have) probably the top three teams out of our conference in Bentonville, Bentonville West and Rogers,” Williams said. “Then you throw in a strong Greenbrier team and a really strong Sheridan team, so just those five alone are probably three potential state champions. “As per usual, if you win this, you’re probably going to win the state championship whatever level you play in.” Williams added most of last year’s teams in the field have returned, with a couple of notable exceptions. Along with Greenbrier, Morrilton is back in the tournament after an absence of several seasons. “If we had more fields here, we could probably go with 32 (teams) to be honest. People love the competition and I think they like the format,” Williams said. “The out-of-town teams are treated like kings by our city. ... I’ve had to turn away multiple schools each year that call and want to get on the waiting list. Tournament action begins at 3:30 p.m. with two separate brackets. Alma will be involved in Bracket 1 action with a game against Rogers at 3:30 p.m. Then in Bracket 2, Van Buren takes on Morrilton at 5 p.m., while Scranton faces Bentonville, also at 5 p.m. The tournament resumes on Saturday morning with several bracket games. Then, it will be divided into two elimination brackets with play beginning at 1 p.m., with the finals of each bracket is set for 5:30 p.m.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Van Buren High School Athletics

ANNUAL RIVER CITY RUMBLE BEGINS TODAY IN VAN BUREN

BUCK RINGGOLD

Times Record | 3/30/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Van Buren High School Athletics