Jeff Dossett (left) and Brett Fawcett of Foreman celebrate their team's success in the 2A State Softball Tournament by grilling hamburgers. The Fawcetts and Dossetts rented the RV campsites in Memorial Park for the duration of the tournament. [Click to enlarge]

Rector was buzzing with activity during the weekend, as some of the most talented players in the state came to town as part of the 2008 2A State Softball Tournament.

The tournament games were treated to near-ideal weather, as warm days filled with sunshine provided great conditions for a day at the park. Hundreds of fans enjoyed the softball, sun and small community feel which made the event a success.

Tournament director Mark Manchester was pleased with the three-day event, citing excellent crowds, good weather and talented softball teams. Manchester also noted the large crowds were comprised of both visitors and local fans.

Though teams came from Tuckerman, Bay, Midland, Cedar Ridge, Western Yell County, Jessieville, McCrory, Woodlawn, Des Arc, Johnson County Westside, Magazine, Bearden, Parkers Chapel, Dierks and Junction City, the visitors from Foreman may have been the most visual transplants to town.

Two families from Foreman, the Brett and Teresa Fawcett and Jeff and Pam Dossett families, utilized the RV area at Rector Memorial Park to bring their campers along on the trip and serve as a home away from home for the duration of the tournament. The families' stays were extended, as Foreman was in fine form during the event, winning all three of their games and earning a trip to Fayetteville for the 2A finals this Saturday.

With plenty of reason to celebrate and a warm welcome from the community, the Fawcetts and Dossetts say they enjoyed their stay in Rector and were provided with a unique opportunity.

"This is the first time we've been able to camp while at the state tournament," Teresa said. "It's really been a lot of fun. We're right here in the center of town. The ballfield is only yards away and we can have our games and then come back here in no time at all. We have a lot of family participation. There are nine families here, and we can all get together at the campers and have hamburgers after the game. It's really a good setup."

The families from Foreman are no strangers to banding together in a strange town to watch softball. The team has taken part in the last three state tournaments, winning the last two.

"We've been all over the state for softball," Jeff said. "It's part of the deal. It gives us all a chance to get together and enjoy things like this."

Though they've been guests elsewhere, Rector seems to have left an impression.

"Everyone here has been so nice to us," Teresa said. "We've been made very welcome. Several people have stopped by to talk with us and see if there's anything we need. Rector seems like a really nice place to live. We're happy to be here and thank everyone for being so friendly."

The level of hospitality shown extended even beyond the park. According to Teresa, the Fawcetts were shopping at Dollar General for styrofoam coolers to hold soft drinks when a local shopper purchased the supplies on behalf of the town.

"That was one of the nicest things," Teresa said. "It really made us feel good about being here."

The Dossetts and Fawcetts left Rector Tuesday morning. Through the efforts of the community and an outstanding softball team, the families took with them memories which will last a lifetime.