Kristina Sumfleth | Democrat Pitcher Taylor Van Keuren helped Sullivan Funk win the first-ever Rob Potter Softball Tournament held last weekend at the Roscoe Firemen’s Field. Andrew Yager (in the background) hit a grand slam in the title game.

Who would have
Funk it?

Story by Kristina Sumfleth
ROSCOE — July 26, 2013 — Sullivan Funk won the first ever Rob Potter Softball Tournament this past weekend at the Roscoe Fireman’s Field. The tournament was created in honor of the late Rob Potter, longtime sports editor for the Sullivan County Democrat who passed away more than a year ago.
Rob was known as the man with a camera around his neck and a pad in his hand, frequently seen at sporting events taking photos for both schools and local events, especially summer softball games.
The event was organized by Casey Pazzalia and Chuck Husson who assembled six teams to play in the double elimination tournament.
“It was a great way to get a bunch of people together for a good cause and to have a good time,” said Casey Pazzalia, who was both an organizer and player. “I think there was a great balance of competition and fun.
“It meant a lot for this tournament to be in memory of Rob because you know he would have loved to have been here. He was a fixture in our county and in the sports scene so it is important that his name lives on. We are looking forward to doing it next year.”
Harry O’s, Sullivan Funk, Rockland House, Meola Construction, Possematto’s, and Hot Shotz were the six teams in the competition and after three days of play, Possematto’s and Sullivan Funk advanced to the championship round. Possematto’s scored an 8-5 victory to stave off elimination and set up a rematch in the final game.
Led by Andrew Yager’s grand slam home run, Sullivan Funk bounced back with a 16-7 victory to win the tournament.
Throughout the weekend, the Roscoe Fire Department ran a concession stand selling food and beverages, raising money for the fire company. All of the tournament proceeds will be directed to cancer research and the Callicoon United Methodist Church, of which Rob Potter was a member.
Organizers anticipate making this an annual tournament in Rob’s honor, hopefully attracting more teams and adding a chicken barbecue.

MONGAUP VALLEY —The fifth annual Sullivan County Deputy Sheriffs Association Cops vs. Firefighters Softball Tournament will be held the weekend of July 27-28 at Eddie Collins Memorial Field in Mongaup Valley.
The top three teams will be receiving trophies. There will be raffles and food and beverage sales. Proceeds will benefit an area resident, Morgan Wilcox, who is battling cancer.