TSSAA Spring Fling 2019: Springfield softball community rallies around first trip to state tournament

MURFREESBORO — Daniel Owsley remembers when he had to cram as many players as he could into two cars. 

During his first couple of years as Springfield's softball coach, Owsley scrounged around trying to find parents to drive players to games. In one instance, he had to leave half his junior varsity team behind because there were not enough cars to take them to a game. 

Owsley, now in his seventh season, doesn't have to worry about that now. Springfield softball has undergone a community change, highlighted by the fact the team advanced to the state tournament for the first time. 

The Lady Yellow Jackets' season ended Thursday with a 2-0 loss to Knoxville Halls, but Owsley said more fans were in attendance at games and that the interest and support have increased. 

"Every year it's gotten better and better and better," Owsley said. "This was a big year. We're excited about the community."

During the Lady Yellow Jackets' 6-0 loss against Siegel on Wednesday, the bleachers next to Springfield's dugout were full. Marissa Dunn, who played at Springfield from 2012-15, noticed the change.

The team struggled during Dunn's time with the team and as a result, the support was not there. A lack of an on-campus field also led to low interest. The team used to play at American Legion Field, located at a park in the city. 

The construction of the on-campus field a couple of years ago began to change things.

"I just think they all really come together when things like this happen," Dunn said. "They did for football when they went to (the) state (championship in 2017) and now they have for softball. ... It seems like when big things like this happen, everybody comes out for it."

Gene Beck, who graduated in 1964 and coached at the school from 1969-86, sat right behind home plate Wednesday. Before this year, the softball program had only gone as far as the sectionals, reaching the game back in 1991. 

Springfield won its first state tournament game 4-2 over Hardin County on Tuesday and plays again on Thursday morning in an elimination game.

"The community support has been built the last four or five years," Beck said. "These girls have attracted a pretty good audience. ... It (brings) joy and just pride in your community."

Added athletic director Dustin Wilson: "This is what we're about. It's a small town, it's close-knit, it's traditional, even if it is softball. It's family."

Reach Luis Torres at ltorres1@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @LFTorresIII.