Oxford welcomes NJCAA softball players with a Talladega night
by Brian Graves
May 19, 2025
Twenty softball teams from across the nation arrived in Oxford on Sunday, May 18, 2025, to begin the final leg of their quest for the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division II championship trophy, which awaits the winner of the NJCAA World Series scheduled at Choccolocco Park from May 19-24.
The teams were taken on a special tour bus lap around the Talladega Superspeedway and then dropped off at Big Bill’s Garage for a chance to meet each other and enjoy a BBQ supper.
It took a few tries for emcee Mike Parris, voice of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, to get the players’ attention, as most players found themselves crossing team borders to dance and sing together with the music coming from the resident DJ at Big Bill’s
Choccolocco Park manager Billy Thompson welcomed the players on behalf of Mayor Alton Craft, members of the city council, and the citizens of Oxford.
“You have definitely brought an energy to Oxford,” Thompson said. “It is our privilege to host you, and starting tomorrow you’re going to have to clock in and go to work. Our park’s motto is ‘The best play here,’ and we have the twenty best teams competing for a national championship. We’re excited to watch you do it.”
Patrick Barfield gave the players the official welcome on behalf of the evening’s venue, the Talladega Superspeedway, and taught the players how to yell the trademark phrase, “This is Talladega!”
Oxford Parks and Recreation director Don Hudson told the players they had already achieved a major accomplishment by earning their chance to travel to Oxford.
“I assure you we love for you to compete at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, and we wish you the best of luck,” Hudson said. “Now go, play ball, and have a great time!”
“This is a unique experience when you can come to a community that has something like this to offer to our student athletes,” said Danielle Laffer, NJCAA director of championships and event operations. “Being hosted in Oxford is always positive, and this opening welcome was well put together and we appreciate it.”
Find schedule information online here: https://choccoloccopark.com/calendar-of-events