Midstate Classic 2025 'the best one yet for Columbia'

The University of Tennessee Lady Vols softball team takes to the field Tuesday for the 2025 Midstate Classic collegiate tournament, which drew more than 3,000 attendees to Columbia's Ridley Sports Complex.

Columbia's annual Midstate Classic softball tournament not only went off without a hitch on its 10th anniversary, with many attendees claiming it was the "best one yet."

The tournament's headliner featured the return of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols versus rival Eastern Kentucky University Colonels.

Tuesday's collegiate tournament featured three games ahead of the headliner, beginning with Columbia Central High School squaring off against the Spring Hill Raiders, followed by Columbia State Community College and Calhoun Community College.

With more than 3,000 people in attendance, the 2025 Midstate Classic was a record attendance year, one which City Manager Tony Massey, a key figure in spearheading the tournament, said is a testament not only to the tournament's success, but Ridley Sports Complex as a valued asset for bringing new visitors to Columbia.

Tennessee's Saviya Morgan and teammtes hold the Midstate Classic trophy after defeating Eastern Kentucky in Columbia, TN, on March 18, 2025.

"It has been a couple of years since we have had the University of Tennessee here, and the turnout today shows that, because this place is about 90% orange, though Eastern Kentucky is certainly no pushover," Massey said.

It is also one of only a few tournaments like it in the state, Massey added.

The Tennessee Lady Vols softball team holds up the Midstate Classic trophy after defeating Eastern Kentucky in Columbia, TN, on March 18, 2025.

"This is the one day of the year, at least in the softball world, where Columbia is on the map," Massey said. "Outside of Knoxville, this is the only in-state place where the Lady Vols come to play, and that's pretty special.

"They don't go to Chattanooga or Murfreesboro, they come to Columbia."

Former Columbia Mayor Dean Dickey, also a prominent early voice of the Midstate Classic, was also in attendance Tuesday, saying that he couldn't be happier how the event has grown over the past decade.

Columbia Parks & Recreation Administrative Assistant Jill Carlson and former Columbia Mayor Dean Dickey attend the 2025 Midstate Classic collegiate softball tournament at Ridley Sports Complex on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

The tournament was canceled over three years due to inclement weather in 2024 and during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 and 2021.

"This is the best one we've had yet," Dickey said. "Of course, Tony helped to lay the groundwork. We are so happy these people keep coming back. It is exciting times for Columbia."

As a Columbia Parks and Recreation event, Director Mack Reagan said he was also thrilled at the tournament's success, and that even though it takes a lot of work, it is all worth it in the end.

"This has been our best, most exciting Midstate Classic," Reagan said. "Without a doubt, we have got the most attendance we've had in five or six years, the best games, best production, everything is going great. We couldn't ask for anything more from top to bottom."

Columbia Parks & Recreation Director Mack Reagan stands with Eastern Kentucky Colonels and University of Tennessee Lady Vols softball teams prior to kicking off Tuesday's Midstate Classic at Ridley Sports Complex.

First Pitch honors longtime Parks director and family

In addition to a full day of competitive sports, the 2025 Midstate Classic also paid tribute to longtime Parks & Rec Director Willie Morgan, who threw out the first pitch before the final game.

Former Parks & Recreation Director Willie Morgan throws the ceremonial first pitch kicking off Tuesday's Midstate Classic game featuring the University of Tennessee Lady Vols and Eastern Kentucky Colonels before his granddaughter Saviya Morgan, a 2024 graduate of Columbia Central High School, took the field as a standout player for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols.

To throw the first pitch representing a department he devoted decades of love to, Morgan said, was an honor, but more importantly that he got to share it with his granddaughter, Saviya Morgan, who also plays for UT's starting lineup.

"I enjoyed working for the city of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department, and it is a blessing getting to see my granddaughter play," Morgan said. "I'm glad that God gave me the opportunity to see this. It's something that will stick with me the rest of my life."

University of Tennessee Lady Vol and Columbia Central High School graduate Saviya Morgan takes to the field as part of the teams starting lineup for the 2025 Midstate Classic at Ridley Sports Complex.

A continued celebration for Columbia & college sports

The Midstate Classic continues to be a major draw for local women's sports, which in turn has also brought significant tourism dollars to the local economy.

Tourism & Marketing Director Kellye Murphy said the event is also just an all-around fun time of the year, and having really good weather to watch the games certainly helped.

"We love the economic impact of this event and the people coming in," Murphy said. "The weather is great, and we are thrilled everything has gone on without a hitch this year. This is definitely feel-good event and feels kind of like our kickoff to spring."

From a public safety standpoint, Columbia Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Cummins said the event couldn't have gone smoother, and that's because the department had a good plan to execute.

"This is a good event and a lot of folks come out, and we are truly prepared and have a plan we have been working on for years, and it just gets perfected more and more every year," Cummins said. "Safety is up, and we have most everything squared away to prepare for this event."

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder gives a pep talk to the University of Tennessee Lady Vols softball team prior to Tuesday's Midstate Classic at Ridley Sports Complex.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, who proudly sported his orange UT colors at the game, said the Midstate Classic is always a great time for many reasons, mainly because it is the time of year people start coming together outdoors, and it's also a lot of fun.

"This is always one of the best days of the year for me, but the scene and the weather of course is helping, but there seems to be just so much more excitement in the air," Molder said.

"The Midstate Classic is sort of our momentum swinging into spring, and of course we have Mule Day which will be here soon. It's bringing in crowds from all across the state, and it's pretty cool having the Lady Vols here in your hometown, here in smalltown Columbia."

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Midstate Classic 2025 'the best one yet for Columbia'

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