Sheppard set to host MLK tourney Published Jan. 11, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 82nd Services Division is gearing up to host 14 teams at the 14th annual Martin Luther King Jr. tournament this weekend. Six men's varsity and eight women's varsity teams from nearby military bases will attend this year's event. The tournament is Jan. 13-15 at the Pitsenbarger and Levitow Fitness centers. While the attendance in past years has continued to grow, numerous budget cuts across the Air Force have caused some teams to either fund traveling expenses themselves or face not attending, said Brian Eskew, tournament director with the 82nd SVS. Men's teams from Fort Sill, Okla., Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Sheppard, Vance AFB, Okla., Brooks AFB, Texas, and Lackland AFB, Texas, will attend the event. The winners of last years tournament, Little Rock AFB, Ark., will not be attending this year. Women's teams from Tinker AFB, Okla., Fort Sill, Lackland AFB, Altus AFB, Okla., Dyess AFB, Texas, Luke AFB, Ariz., and Barksdale AFB will participate. Last years women's champs, the Barksdale Lady Bombers, will be returning to defend their title. (While in the past the tournament has been open to local civilian teams, tournament organizers decided to limit participation to military teams only this year, Mr. Eskew said. "We're looking for the teams to get here safely and for everyone to have a good time," Mr. Eskew said. For the men's tournament bracket click here. For the women's tournament bracket click here.