Ephrata Invitational Wiffle® Ball
Tournament Circuits

(Last updated February 21, 2011)

ROOKIE CIRCUIT

(Grades 5 & Under) February 25th, 2012
2004 marked the Rookie Circuit’s debut in the Indoor War, catering to a younger group of Wiffle
® Ball enthusiasts; elementary school-aged children. The new circuit was designed to engage students in grades five and under in the tournament and introduce them to the energy and excitement of the annual event. Several rule changes have been made to accommodate the younger age bracket, however the fundamental playing rules and advanced strategies used for competing have remained intact. Among those rule changes is the addition of an extra fielder on each team and a seventh batter in the batter order. In the inaugural year, six teams competed in The Rookie Circuit. 

In 2010, and again in 2011, eight teams of youngsters competed in a double-elimination bracket throughout Saturday afternoon on Fields 3 and 4 in the "Junior High" gymnasium, culminating with a 6:00 pm championship game on Field 2 in the main arena.

 

JUNIOR CIRCUIT

(Grades 6-8) February 24th-25th, 2012
The Junior Circuit is one of two original circuits that has provided the tournament with a rich tradition of competition and excitement, and has helped shape the event’s current format. This circuit traditionally featured eight teams that competed in a double elimination bracket, however in 2005, the middle schoolers shattered the record for most teams in a circuit, doubling the eight-team format to make a 16-team tournament. That record was matched in 2008, as The Duct Tape Warriors emerged from a 16-team bracket to claim their second straight Junior crown.  The record-tying field once again helped to demonstrate this circuit's popularity that has evolved over the years. 

Students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade participate in the Junior Circuit, which begins on Friday evening and concludes with its circuit championship on Saturday evening at 7:00 pm. In 2011, twelve teams competed in a double-elimination bracket, and, as customary, kicked-off the Indoor War on Friday, with four games played across all four venues. 

 

SENIOR CIRCUIT

(Grades 9-12) February 24th-25th, 2012
The "main event" of the Indoor War is the original Senior Circuit. Started in 1994, this circuit has grown from three teams in Year One, to an eight-team double elimination format that always features a mix of fierce competition, advanced play, and some teenage creativity that has helped catapult the prestige of the annual event to new heights. Each year this circuit has become dependable for assuring spectator-entertainment with its wide variety of outlandish uniforms, student-participation, and thrilling games. The Senior Circuit was the first circuit to have team-coordinated uniforms, an all-female team, and a team dynasty, The Redmen, who boast several "generations" of team alumni. In 2009, this circuit appeared to reach its high-water mark by fielding a 13-team double elimination bracket that concluded with the crowning of Fightin' Irish's unprecedented third consecutive Senior title.  However, that record was then shattered in 2010, when 15 teams competed for a championship that started a two-year run for The Pedestrians, who won their second straight title again in 2011.

First pitch for the Senior Circuit traditionally follows several preliminary rounds of the Junior Circuit on Friday evening, and concludes with the circuit title game on Saturday evening at 8:00 pm.  The champions earn school bragging rights for 364 days and reserve their place in tournament history.
  In 2012, the Senior Circuit's double-elimination bracket will kick-off with the "first pitch" being thrown on Friday evening, as two games will launch off on Fields 1 and 2.  Later that evening, the Senior Circuit will pause for Friday's Skills Competition, as the qualifying rounds for both the
Dairy Queen® Dinger Derby and the Lil' Bevo's BBQ Throwin' Smoke Competition will offer Senior Circuit participants the opportunity to showcase their skills.  Second Day action for the Senior Circuit resumes Saturday morning and continues throughout the day.

 
 


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