TOURNAMENT TO REMEMBER FALLEN BLET CANDIDATE
Ferree Tournament Set for Friday, Saturday

By Jon Mayhew
Publisher

LINCOLNTON -- Bats will be swinging for a good cause Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22 - 23.
It's the fourth annual Josh Ferree memorial softball tournament, which will be held at the Maiden Recreation Center in Maiden. Proceeds will go into a scholarship for people attending Basic Law Enforcement Training at Cleveland Community College.

Ferree, who was in BLET at Cleveland Community College, suddenly collapsed and died as he was heading into the woods as part of the training more than three years ago.

Retired North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper Jack Ferree, Josh's father, said the idea for the tournament came from Trooper B.E. Hipp.

The elder Ferree trained Hipp to be on the NCHP.

"Brent and Josh are the same age," said Jack Ferree from his Vale home. "Training Brent on the force is like training my own son."

Jack Ferree and his family are still coming to grips with the loss of their only son, which still remains a mystery.

"There's still really no closure on what happened to Josh," said Ferree. "We're leaning to sudden death syndrome, which is where the heart short circuits."

Although Ferree said there is no closure, the outpouring of love and support during the tournament is something the Ferree family appreciates.

"It's really surprised me," said Ferree. "It makes me proud and good that I have friends who support me."
Ferree added that each year of the tournament, a lot of people "show up and have a lot of fun."

"Everyone who comes out has a blast," said Ferree.

Brent Hipp said the reason for organizing the tournament three years ago is to honor his friend and trainer, Jack Ferree. It's also to remember his friend, Josh.

"Jack was good to me as my training officer," said Hipp. "My wife, Melony, and I felt led to do the tournament."

Last year, the tournament became open to anyone, according to Trooper Hipp. See the advertisement on The Carolina Scoop for more information including how to contact Trooper Hipp regarding the tournament.