The exact number of softball teams won’t be known until the captain’s meeting this afternoon, but Eunice High Alumni Tournament director Tara Fruge LeBlanc is excited about the sixth annual event set for Aug. 17-19 at the Eunice Recreation Complex.

“We may have a little bit of a decrease this year,” she said in the number of participating classes. “We will still have a good turnout.”

LeBlanc said the annual tournament has brought former EHS almuni back to town.

“I like the fact that the Eunice High alumni can stay connected better,” she said.

“They see each other every year instead of waiting every five years for a homecoming reunion.

“They see the people they actually went to school with,” LeBlanc added.

LeBlanc said last year’s tournament raised around $24,000 - money that is very important to the school.

“The funds are shared by all the organizations who choose to participate in helping with the fund raising of it.”

LeBlanc said groups like the Booster Club, library, band, cheerleaders, dance team, tennis, baseball and softball teams all help with the tournament.

“The staff of the school is the backbone of the tournament,” LeBlanc said. “They are the manpower of it.

“The faculty helps with the concession booths and other things,” she explained. “The student body also helps with the tournament.”

LeBlanc said the Alumni Association supports academics at Eunice High.

“We are huge donors to the Renaissance program, the Girls Pelican State representative as well as the fees for the Student Council officers to attend their national convention.”

“This is an event that people look forward to every year,” she said.

“They will spend a little money to help the school.”

Along with LeBlanc, Liz Hebert and Sandifer Burson serve as tournament directors.