What started as a field of 10 teams at the first annual Jerry Roberts Memorial Softball Tournament was whittled down to Lakeside Ford and Louisiana Home Care for the championship.

But the main focus of the tournament was not about wins, but about helping complete the finishing touches to the athletic facility that Jerry Roberts helped erect.

“Most of the equipment has been moved in, but we still want to update some of the older equipment,” said Graham Roberts, who helped organize tournament with Greg Naquin and Eddie Beach.

“I think a lot of people had a good time. I was pleased and excited with the tournament,” Graham said. “I think this is going to be an annual event.”

Naquin said he was happy with the turnout, and, like Graham, said he thinks this will be an annual event that will benefit the entire Vidalia High Athletic Department.

“I think the turnout was real good; I really did not know what to expect,” he said. “I just wanted to help Graham out.”

Naquin said with the help of Concordia Bank and Delta Bank, the tournament started out with $1,500, and Smith Printing, Louisiana Home Care, Lasyone Furniture, Vidalia Market, Hometown Sports, Lehmann’s Cash and Carry and Kaye’s Food Mart all helped make the tournament that much more of a success.

Vidalia High head softball coach Jeannie Hall, who competed for Louisiana Home Care, said she was also pleased with the way things went.

“The money will be dispersed and everybody will benefit,” she said. “There were good teams and good competition.”

Crystal Eznack who also competed for Louisiana Home Care said the tournament was also a good way of commemorating Jerry Roberts’ legacy.

“It means a lot to support this cause and his name because he did so much for the athletic program at Vidalia and for the kids who participate in the program there,” she said.