The Mangum Tigers are headed back to the Sate Class 2A State Baseball Tournament after winning the Regional Tournament in Apache last week.

The 24-8 Tigers are doing something that was accomplished only one previous time in Tiger baseball history. In 1987 and again in 1988 the Tigers earned a spot in the state tournament, now they are heading back after making their first appearance in 22 years in 2009.

After defeating Apache and Vanoss in the first two games of the Regional Tournament, the Tigers were pretty much in the driver’s seat, needing just one more victory to earn a spot at state. As it turned out they would face Apache. Mangum built an 11-6 lead going into the final two innings of play, but Apache came out strong, scoring 6 runs to defeat the Tigers 12-11. It meant one more trip back to Apache on Saturday where the teams would play for the Championship. It was all Tigers in a 16-2 blowout and Mangum would live to play another week.

The State Tournament begins Thursday at noon with Dale facing Pioneer. At 2:30 Lincoln Christian School will meet Latta with the Tigers hooking up with Oktaha at 5:00. The late game will feature Silo and Wister.

Read the full story in this week's edition of the Mangum Star-News or by reading the online edition (subscription required for online edition).