The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Softball To Host Generations Classic
10/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Oct. 14, 2009
Generations Softball Classic Information 
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB softball team will host the Generations Softball Classic this Saturday at 11 a.m. at George Ward Park in Birmingham. The classic will feature two games, the Birmingham Vipers Exhibition at 11 a.m. and UAB vs. Jefferson State at 1 p.m.
In addition to the games, there will be door prizes and a free kids entertainment area with games, inflatables, a photo booth and more. Immediately following the UAB softball game, the coaching staffs from UAB and Jefferson State will host a free softball skills clinic for girls ages eight to 18.
"We look forward to a fun-filled Saturday and would like to invite all ages to come out and participate in the activities," UAB head coach Marla Townsend said. "It will be great working with younger softball athletes as we host a softball skills clinic following our game with Jefferson State."
The Vipers Exhibition game, which will be played by two teams from the Birmingham Vipers fast-pitch softball organization, benefits geriatric education and training at the UAB Center for Aging. The event is to honor the late Vipers founder Jon Gerald "Jerry" Shurbet, who was a longtime supporter and patient of the UAB Center for Aging. The primary goals of the center include reducing illnesses among older adults and improving their quality of life.
"I am honored for UAB softball to host a benefit such as the Generation Softball Classic, especially honoring my close friend, Jerry Shurbet," Townsend said. "Jerry touched so many lives in the southeast and was very passionate about the sport of softball. He was an inspiration to me and I will always strive to pass on his love for the game."
Shurbet, who was inducted into the Alabama Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame, founded the Birmingham Vipers girls fast-pitch softball organization in 1996. He also opened an indoor training facility in Hoover, which provided local players with a place for pitching and hitting lessons and functioned as a training site for the Vipers. Over 70 of Shurbet's Viper players went on play college softball.
George Ward Park is located at 331 16th Avenue South (Green Springs Highway), approximately one mile from the UAB campus.
Admission is free and donations are welcome and appreciated. For more information please call (205) 975-5659 or visit www.aging.uab.edu/softball.
