8th annual “War in the Woods” tournament set for this weekend
Memorial Day Weekend holds different traditions for people. Some will descend onto the Jersey beaches and go toes up while enjoying funnel cake and the sounds of the ocean. Some will attend a parade or barbecue with family and friends. The Indian Mills Athletic Association has established its own tradition.
Playing baseball.
The IMAA is hosting The War in the Woods baseball tournament, Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26. This is the eighth edition of the tournament held Memorial Day weekend each year at the Shamong Recreational Complex on Forked Neck Road.
“Every year this event gets bigger and bigger,” IMAA President Dean Egan said. “It’s a carnival-like atmosphere down there. It’s something to see.”
Baseball players from nearby Tabernacle and Marlton to as far away as Pennsylvania and New York will compete in age brackets 8U through 13U.
Every field at the complex is used throughout each day to accommodate the large crowds.
Last year’s tournament boasted more than 50 teams.
“It’s our biggest fundraising event of the year without question,” Egan said. “With this we’re able to upkeep the fields and the complex. This tournament helped build the soccer complex as well.”
The success of War in the Woods stretches far beyond just baseball; it helps support IMAA’s softball, soccer, field hockey and basketball teams.
Egan was sure to mention that War in the Woods could not happen without the effort of the local community.
Some 130 volunteers contribute their time before, during and after the weekend.
Those helping will be at the fields 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the tournament.
“The amount of volunteers we get is truly incredible,” Egan said. “So many people give up their Memorial Day weekend to pitch in and make this event a success.”
There is no cost to watch the tournament or to park, and the IMAA prides itself on keeping registration costs low so teams can afford to participate.
“Obviously, there are not tons of corporations or businesses in Shamong Township, so a lot of the money we receive is people writing personal checks. It’s the people in the community making it happen,” Egan said. “IMAA treasurer Jim Scarpello and tournament director Tim Roach work to make this event better every year.”
Scarpello echoed Egan’s sentiment about Roach, saying that he really worked to turn this event into something special.
It is because of Roach’s dedication that this event is in its seventh year Scarpello said. A significant portion of the amount raised each year is donated to the athletic complex that is owned by Shamong Township, and the association always tries to reinvest some of the raised money.
“We’ve always had great support from the council and Mayor Shevelew.” Egan said.
Even if baseball isn’t your flavor, War in the Woods boasts an impressive food list to go along with the day’s action.
“Pic a Lilli Inn is there selling wings, we’ll have the snack stand operating with homemade burgers and fresh cut fries, not to mention we offer the best pulled pork sandwich you can find.” Egan said with a laugh.
With more than 60 teams already registered for this year’s tournament, Egan appears correct in saying this event will be bigger and more fun than ever.
For more information, visit www.imaa.org.
