BOONE, N.C.- Appalachian State University assistant softball coach Roman Foore has been selected to play on the 2013 United States Men’s National Fastpitch Team, as announced by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America.
The team will compete in an invitational tournament on Jan. 16-20 in Orlando, Fla., before traveling to Auckland, New Zealand for the ISF World Championships, which will be played Mar. 1-10.
Coach Foore attended USA Men’s National Team Selection Camp, which was held in late July in Ashland, Ohio where 29 men from around the country came to compete for the 17-man roster. The try-outs consisted of three practices and games a day in which a selection committee and coaches observed the players.
The selection committee also attended the ISC World Tournament, which was held in Midland, Mich. Aug. 11-17.
After his wedding on August 10, Foore left for Midland the next day in order to chase his dream. “My wife and I met while coaching against each other, she knew this was my goal and supported me through this.” said Foore. “She allowed me to leave and chase a dream, so I would like to thank her for her support through this process, I know there aren’t many wives out there that would understand what I was doing.”
Men’s fastpitch has been a part of Foore’s life since he was young. Growing up watching his father play, he started playing in 1998 right after he finished college and was fortunate enough to play along side his father that year, which he says was one of the best years of softball he has played in his career.
The United States will attempt to win its sixth World Championship title this year in New Zealand. When asked what the best part of the experience has been for him thus far, it all goes back to family for Foore, “This is a chance to represent the USA, for men this is the highest level that you can make,” said Foore. “My father was in the Air Force for 21 years and my mother was in the Army. The military wasn’t for me, but this is my chance to represent my father and the USA, our house is full of pride.”
Foore and his teammates will take-on reigning world champions, Australia, along with New Zealand, Argentina and Canada.
The first baseman from Rosemount, Minn., says that he is very honored to be a part of the team. “This was a goal of mine and put in a lot of hard work to make this a reality,” said Foore, “I just want to thank the people who have supported me through this process: my teammates, friends, family and wife. I look forward to putting on the red, white and blue.”