PRCUA: Sporting Events

The 56th Annual PRCUA Softball Tournament, sponsored by Pope John Paul II Soc. #1593, took place at Halmich Park in Warren, Michigan on Saturday August 21st. The morning started out overcast and comfortably cool as the players took to the fields. Resident V.P. Anna Sokolowski threw the ceremonial opening pitch to the batter: Pres. Wallace Ozog, with D. 10 Dir. Tommy Lisiecki stepping in as catcher.

Eight men's teams and two women's teams were entered in the tournament this year. The Michigan teams reigned supreme since, unfortunately, none of our out-of-state Societies were able to attend.

President-elect Joseph A. Drobot, Jr. came by to show his support. Other National Officers in attendance were Secretary-Treasurer Joyce Szarowicz, Vice President Bob Bielenda and District 10 National Director Barbara Toboy.

Tournament Co-Chairman, Christopher Ozog - the newly-elected National Director of District 10 - set up the brackets for the players and then took his place at the grill to cook up Polish sausages, hot dogs and burgers.

Officers from Pope John Paul II Society #1593 Celeste Grabowski, Julius Szymczyk and Bernice Adamkiewicz, along with Mark Ozog and Kevin Haranczek, prepared a lunch that everyone enjoyed. The weather was drizzily all afternoon but it never dampened the spirits of the players. The high spirits and sportsmanship of everyone made it a great day at the park.

The evening banquet started with music, drinks and delicious Polish fare organized by Co-Chairman Ralph Raczynski and his wife, Irene. Polish favorites were on the menu, including potato pancakes, pierogi, galobki, pork cutlets, cucumber salad and beets. The feeling throughout the night was that we were one big faternal family.

Outgoing National Officers President Wallace Ozog and Secretary-Treasurer Joyce Szarowicz were presented with softballs autographed by the winning teams. Allstars, MVPs, the first place women's team, St. Rita Paczki, the first place men's team, St. Stan Boomba Boys, and the men's second place team, St. Stan Young Boys were announced and congratulated. The awards will be distributed at a later date.

Resident Vice President Anna Sokolowski gave a gracious thank you to everyone who supported her in her re-election and to those who participated and organized the tournament. The raffle prizes of vodka, beer, Starbucks coffee and tea, t-shirts, caps and cash were awarded. The party was a fun ending to another enjoyable PRCUA Tournament.