Great turnout for local 4th of July tournaments

by Tad Barton
Independence Day festivities kicked off a few days earlier than normal in San Juan County this year. With July 4 falling on Monday, many took advantage of the three day weekend and began their celebrations starting on Friday, July 1.
The annual Midnight Madness softball tournament got things going on Friday night. Over 20 teams competed in the fast-paced, all night tourney.
When the dust had settled, and the sun had risen on Saturday morning, July 2, the team sponsored by Four Corners Healthcare and consisting of Travis Shumway, Caitlyn Shumway, Cordell Shumway, Presley Mainord, Billy Mendoza, Bree Hosler, Teal Palmer, Jade Palmer Yardley, Josh Redd and Mason Warenski, had claimed this year’s title.
The fun and games continued on Saturday, July 2 with San Juan Basketball’s 3-on-3 tournament.
Winners of the men’s division are Jordan Blake, Zach Brown and Jayden Torgerson. The youth division was won by Jensen Grover, Nate Grover, Jace Palmer and Ladd Ivins.
After the 3-on-3 tournament, the action moved to the San Juan High football field for the San Juan Football 4th of July 7-on-7 Tournament.
Four teams competed for bragging rights in the men’s division, and for the first time, two women’s teams entertained those in attendance as well.
The winning team for the men went undefeated through the entire tournament. The team is captained by Cameron Shumway and includes Travis Shumway, Dallin Shumway, Cole Palmer, AJ Slavens, Johnny Slavens, Max Slavens, Benny Royer, Ryan Lyman, Ammon Mitchell and Kylee Brown.
Summer Begay, Nizhonii Begay, Linda Larson, Alsieta Lameman, Nataiah Swenson, Brooke Lyman, Heidi Hiatt, Annette Adams, Jessica Roueche and Caitlyn Shumway filled the roster of team We’re Hot, winning the first ever women’s champs.