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September 22, 2005New season begins for NCAA softball champsMichigan to use tournament as chance to bondByRecord-Eagle staff writer Elk Rapids Collegiate Softball Tournament Saturday 10:30 a.m. - Michigan vs. Michigan State; Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan Noon - Michigan vs. Western Michigan; Michigan State vs. Central Michigan 2:30 p.m. - Michigan vs. Central Michigan; Michigan State vs. Western Michigan Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Semifinals Noon - Finals/consolation Admission is $1 at the gate The defending NCAA national champion University of Michigan Wolverines are one of four teams that will take part in the 10th annual collegiate tournament that begins Saturday morning. Michigan opens against Michigan State at 10:30 a.m., while Central Michigan and Western Michigan play on an adjacent field at the same time. The tournament is the brainchild of ex-CMU standout Kathy Breece, former head softball coach at Elk Rapids. She said interest is high because of Michigan's 2005 title. "The phone has really been ringing," Breece said. "We've had people asking if (the Wolverines) are coming since they won the national championship. "I keep telling them, 'Yeah - and so is Central!' " Breece said with a laugh. "I think we'll have a big crowd. People are pretty excited." Tickets are $1 and are available at the gate. Breece said fans will be admitted beginning at 9 a.m. The Elk Rapids softball team will also be collecting donations for the Hurricane Katrina relief fund. Michigan head coach Carol Hutchins said Wednesday that the tournament is the Wolverines' first event as the "2006 team." Hutchins is trying to get her players to look ahead instead of back, she said, which explains why Michigan decided to leave its championship trophy in Ann Arbor. "We loved last year, but we're trying to focus forward," Hutchins said. "There's a time and place to think about last year, and this tournament isn't it." Instead, Hutchins said the Wolverines are using the event as a bonding experience. "We love this tournament. We love it in northern Michigan," Hutchins said. "We stay out at White Birch Lodge, sit by the fire, roast marshmallows and have a good time.
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