By Jason Avery
News-Times Staff
For the second time in three years, Smackover will serve as the hosts of the 3A State Tournaments for baseball and softball.
The Arkansas Activities Association held the bidding for the 2018 regional and state tournaments on Thursday with Smackover being the lone school from Union County getting the opportunity to host.
"I think it's a great honor," said Smackover softball coach Dennis Steele. "We won't have to travel, so it will be great. The girls can sleep in their own beds. Hopefully, we can go a couple of steps further than we did last year."
Hosting the state tournament will also allow Smackover to show off their new renovations at both the baseball and softball fields.
"We are excited to have the best 3A teams in the state back in South Arkansas," Smackover baseball coach B.J. Greene said via text message.
"We as a school district are excited to show off the improvements we have made to our facilities since the last time we hosted the tournament.
"With the opportunity to host comes the possibility of even more upgrades. I believe it's a testament to our school district and communities that the AAA would award us this tournament two times in the last three years. Lastly, it takes volunteers to run state wide tournaments. We need more volunteers to come out and help us put on a top notch tournament."
Parkers Chapel placed bids to host the 2A South Regional Tournament for basketball, baseball and softball, as well as the 2A State Tournament for baseball and softball, but were turned away.
Poyen was awarded the regional tournaments for baseball, softball and basketball, while Pangburn will host the 2A State Tournament in baseball and softball.
Local fans hoping to attend a regional basketball tournament won't have too far to travel with Hampton hosting the Region 5-1A Tournament.