Wolves and Lady Wolves set to defend Coca-Cola Challenge titles

WESSON, Miss. – The 16th annual Coca-Cola Challenge presented by Powerade between Southwest Mississippi Community College and Copiah-Lincoln Community College is set to open this Tuesday, February 25 as the Co-Lin baseball and softball teams host Southwest in Wesson for single games beginning at 6 p.m. The challenge was originally started by the crew of the "Chasing Foul Balls" radio show with three goals in mind-one, to expose more people to community college baseball and softball with an emphasis on Southwest and Co-Lin; two, to provide a fun, family experience at the ballparks; and, three, to donate money to the programs of each school. Thus far, the challenge as raised and donated over $35,000 dollars split between the four programs.

"Giving back to the community is not a risk that Coca-Cola is taking, it is an investment," said McComb Coca-Cola Bottling Company Area Sales Manager Barney Albritton. "We want to say thanks for allowing us to be involved in these athletic programs and that we are very honored to be a part of this event."

The challenge features best-of-three series between the two schools and a trophy that is presented to the winner to retain for the next calendar year. 

"We are so thankful, not only for the financial contribution from this event every year, but for Coca-Cola and Chasing Foul Balls for being involved in the community," said Co-Lin softball coach Meleah Howard. "We are looking forward to a healthy competition and I'm thankful for Coca-Cola and Chasing Foul Balls for letting us be a part of it. We hope the trophy stays in Wesson this season."

This is the fourth year with softball included in the challenge. Southwest won the inaugural year, and the series split in 2018, 2-2, allowing the trophy to stay in Summit. A best-of-three format started in 2019, which the Lady Wolves won handily, 12-1, 5-1, to claim the trophy for the first time. Game three was suspended due to weather. This season will feature Tuesday's single seven-inning matchup in Wesson, followed by two games in Summit on Wednesday, March 25 at 3 and 5 p.m.

On the baseball side, the challenge will also start in Wesson. Game one of the series will be a nine-inning contest on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Games two and three will take place in Summit on Wednesday, April 1 as the Wolves take on the Bears at 3 and 6 p.m. in a 7-inning and 9-inning matchup. The Wolves won the event a year ago as Co-Lin's shortstop Josh Day hit a walk-off grand slam to win game one, 8-5, and the team took game two with a 12-2 run-rule victory. 

"Everybody from Chasing Foul Balls and Coca-Cola is so generous for putting this on," said Co-Lin head coach Clay Smith. "On top of the great game that is always fun and competitive against our rivals, this money that is donated is so helpful to our program so I want to thank everyone involved. We've been lucky to have had 'The Bat' [the challenge trophy] in Wesson last year, and I plan on keeping it with us this year."

All games during the challenge will feature drawings for prizes in between each inning and pre-game ceremonies including first pitches. Fans that are looking for a fun and exciting baseball and softball atmosphere can look no further than the Coca-Cola Challenge presented by Powerade.