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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-08 South Bend to again host the U.S. Olympic Women's Seftball Team on the 'Bound 4 Bejing' tourL .a �Elr 716 41 `, • �+ M1 = 4WD - -* - -' _"ti .Ti i �.l x— .4. 9r, +•' ! ` �' __ v � ,� '*s 0i4,.* NEWS RELEASE March 20, 2008 Contact • John Byers, Softball Commissioner, 574 282 1449 Susan O'Connor, Director of Recreation, 574.299 -4768 ext. 244 Mark Bradley, Director of Marketing, 574.299.4768 ext. 240 South Bend to Again Host the U.S. Olympic Women's Softball Team on the " "Bound 4 Beijing" Tour SOUTH BEND, Indiana — The City of South Bend, the South Bend Parks & Recreation Department, the South Bend Regional Sports Commission, and St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center will once again host the U.S. Olympic Women's Softball Team. This unprecedented third event takes place on Thursday, June I9t", 2008, at the Belleville Softball Complex. The visit is part of the " "Bound 4 Beijing" national tour, which will stop in forty -six cities across the country, in preparation for the trip to China for the 2008 Olympic Games. The U.S. Olympic Team will compete against a college all -star team, comprised of the region's top collegiate women softball players coached by Dawn Austin, and assisted by her husband Steve Austin. " "We are very excited that the Olympic Women's Softball Team is returning to South Bend for the third consecutive Olympic cycle," said South Bend Mayor Stephen J. Luecke. " "Sports I / /ustrated ranked South Bend among America's Top 50 sports cities and we trust Olympians will catch this spirit and appreciate the high quality of the Belleville Softball Complex. We are proud to host an event of this stature and provide an opportunity for local residents and young athletes to see these world -class competitors, who will face off later this year in Beijing, China." Phil St. Clair, Executive Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of South Bend, announced the event will consist of one game beginning at 7:00 p.m. (EST), Thursday, June I9t", at the Belleville Softball Complex. The Olympic Team will be available for autographs and pictures approximately 20 minutes after the game has been completed. "On behalf of the South Bend /Mishawaka Convention and Visitors Bureau and the South Bend Regional Sports Commission, I am excited to welcome the United States Olympic Women's Softball Team to South Bend," stated Gary Wheat, who serves are Executive Director of the CVB and chairs the Commission. " "The team represents the finest qualities that our country has to offer, and it is an honor to showcase their talent in our community." (more) Tickets will go on sale Monday, March 24th, from 8:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m. at the O'Brien Recreation Center, 321 East Walter Street, in the Board Room. Tickets will remain on sale at the O'Brien Recreation Center March 25 — 28 (Tuesday- Friday) from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., and March 31 — April 14 from 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. If necessary, tickets will remain on sale at both O'Brien and also the Belleville Softball Complex, located off Mayflower road just south of Sample Street, 1 p.m. — 6 p.m. Ticket prices for individuals are $10 each, and $5 for youth 10 years of age and under. All seating will be by general admission with no reserved seating, on a first -come, first- served basis. In case of inclement weather, an autograph session will be held at an indoor location TBA. South Bend is the only Indiana city selected as part of the forty -six city tour. South Bend had the honor of hosting the team during the previous two tours: " "Aiming for Athens" in 2004, and "Central Park to Sydney" in 2000. A portion of this event is being underwritten locally by the St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center. For more information on Parks & Recreation Department events, facilities, or programs, call (574) 299 -4765 or visit www.sbpark.or . MM Dig- United States Women's Olympic Softball Team Exhibition Thursday, June 19th, 2008 Ticket Information Dates of Sale: Monday, March 24th, until tickets are sold out Cost of Tickets: Adults $10.00 Youth $5 (10 years of age & under) Ticket Outlets O'Brien Recreation Center March 24th —28 th 8:00 am — 7:00 pm 321 E. Walter Belleville Softball Complex (aft. April 14th if necessary) 1:00 pm — 6:00 pm Out of town ticket sales Contact John Byers, Softball Commissioner, 574.532.3507, or email jbyerssbas�sn.com , or go to the Belleville Complex web site under www.sbark.orci . NO REFUNDS will be given for any reason, including inclement weather. 70:701F 716 ••+M1_oW Apf r "'1. Tick lx— .-ti•�r�h'J`� -_y- ti '*s U.S. Olympic Women's Softball Tour Stop in South Bend Fact Sheet The City of South Bend, the South Bend Parks & Recreation Department, and the South Bend Regional Sports Commission will host the United States Olympic Softball Team on their " "Bound 4 Beijing" preparation tour The U.S. Olympic Team will be competing against a college all -star team comprised of the area's top collegiate softball players The exhibition game will be held on Thursday, June 19th, at the Belleville Softball Complex; game time 7:00 p.m. (EST), gates opening at 4:30 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Monday, March 24th, at the O'Brien Recreation Center, 8 am — 7 pm. After March 28th tickets will be available from 8:00 am — 4:30 pm. If tickets remain available after April 14th, they will also be on sale at the Belleville Softball Complex between the hours of 1 pm — 6 pm. The Complex is located at 1300 S. Mayflower Rd., South Bend. Out of town tickets coordinated by emailing jbyerssbasa @msn.com or by calling 574.532.3507 �. Ticket prices: $10 for adults; $5 for youth 10 years of age or younger All seating is general admission; no reserved sections; first -come, first - served i The U.S. Olympic Women's Softball Team will be available for autographs approximately 20 minutes after the end of the game. More information is available by calling the South Bend Parks & Recreation Department at 574.299.4765; and after April 14th, also by calling the Belleville Softball Complex at 574.282.1449 Bound 4 Beijing Tour Miles traveled during the six month tour: 379265 Bus Trips: ...... ...... .. ... ... .. .. ... ... ... .. ... ... ....... ...... ... ... .... e. ........ � I .... - ... aff .. ... .... "Uh ...... .... ......... ...... ... .... V 1 .... ... I& .. .. ........ .. ......... WORLD CHAMPIONS ......................... ............. . ..y..:.:. . S.t..a ...te H o...m....e..t..o .. Wn ........... . ...... ) ......... .... ........... January 13 Berg DI'lung February as Fernandez Hollowell April MDuran MOsterman MNuvern-ri la a W Florida Kretschman May MToldping June EML'apolo July M Abbott August MFlowers PM­ Kretsainian California Abbott Jung Berg lappin Bustro; Lowe Duran Mendoza Fernandez Nawman Finch Topping Galindo '%A d ey Hollowell September EllxHaast Bustos November IMMendoza M Watley December M-11 a 1; n d- ........ 8 ..................... ....... : : : : : : : : ......... :birth ::date . ... ... . Y. - .......... Miles From L. A. To Beijing6,257 Olympic Gold (12) Medalists P111,15::Ai- Fil M ars-To= Ft na Finch, Hollowell, Jung, Lowe UCLA Duran, Fernan di ei! JvJV 2008 Preview Since 2004, they have become mothers, spouses, coaches, and college graduates. They have on National Championships, World Cup titles, and a World Championship. They have ad- vanced their sport at the professional level and brought popularity through apparel, commercials and clinics. They have been devas- tated by an IOC decision that has changed their lives forever. Amidst the whirlwind of change during the last fourveans, the USA Softball Women's National team has endured. And one thing is forcer- tain; their dominance still rernams.rhev are ranked No. I in the scudd, posted a 24-1 record over the 200" summer events, and are armed and dangerous heading to Beijing. Leading the Back are three-time Olympic gold medalists, 14alana Berg Fx Referred to as one of the best outfielders in the world, Berg has captured gold at four World Championships and three Pan -American Games as well as received the honor of carrying the Ilag during closing ceremo- nies at the 2007 Pan American Games. Right-handed (Long, Beal"Ah, CaRI) makes her return to the National Team roster after a three year hiatus after having son Antonio in 2005. She has pitched in three Olympic Games, including earning the win in the circle of the 5-1 Gold medal victory over Australia in 2004. The next veteran group consists of two-time Olympic gold medalists '11 Btalfcl Carvr n (.',ourtm CaM,) and Sia<ev Nuvenm­jai �L,' %Aeri,4 Busies has established herself as one of the most feared hitters in the World and will look- to earn herthird Olympic gold medal Team USA will looE to her fora repeat performance of the 2004 Games where she broke two Olympic records; most homermis with five, most RBI with 10 and tied most runs scored at nine. Catcher -Suacey Nalvevallua iLa Verne; was an integral part in both the 2000 and 2004 Ofyinpic Games with homeruns in both gold medal games as well as wanking behind the plate in the final game. The UCLA graduate returns to the squad after taking off the 2007 season with the birth of her son, Chase. The 2004 Olympic Games brought eight new gold medal- ists to USA history. Known then as the rookies, these nine athletes are back in '08 with experience and knowledge. Two-time World Champion, ,ja,,nnila, Fbicja fi-ala, ffada CalH.' is back and brings rise ball strength to the Ruching staff. She will look- to become a two-time Olympian, after making the National Team for her seventh consecutive season. Finch has dominated in the circle, even coming back three months after having her son Ace in 2006 to compete the remainder of the season. Outfielder Jessic )vieklcioza ((,"'amarfflo Calif.) has been one of the lot) ran producers on the USA National Team since the 2001 season. In 2006, she played a major role in the I I.S. winning its first World Cut) as well as its set eriffiWorld Championship title, including hitting the game -win- ning lionicrum in the gold medal game of the World Championships. A utility plaver at first, third and catcher, T.--ina Fioa-ver�, fTl ,_son A� iz,) has been a solid player for the red, white and blue with six seasons of experience at the National level. She emerged this past 2007 leading the team throughout the summer with a batting average of 543 including her first career grand darn at the World Cap of Softball. A highly recognized shortstop, Xnlaslaa cVlo ley 0r vine D-Alif,) loins list- seventh National team after an exceptional 2007 season. She hit A66 with 27 four and a team high two triples, scoring 21 runs. She started all nine games at the '0 Olympic Games, tying a learn-best 12 hills; for a .400 average. A 2000 Olympic team alternate and 2004 Olympic team member, Keliv a. X C' Ka-a-ast-linlaia ilndian f', rh�)r Be,,,01, makes her second-consecutive season on the team roster after a vear absence. Kretschman played in all nine games of the 2004 Games and was the only one on the roster to hit at least one single, double, triple and homerun for a .333 average. Providing depth behind the CaRj enters the 2008 National team roster far her seventh season. Topping saw action in four games during the 2004 Olympic Games, going 446-6 for a .667 average. Ltyvx' � �: Jan au ! -J� tai ri 'Va! iev, al if,, returns at second base and has been a familiar face on the NanonalTearn level since 2002 when she made her fi nat appearance at the ISE VTorld Championships. She is a two-time World Champion and Pan American Champion and is looking to earn her second Olympic gold medal after drawing a team-high five walks during the '04 Games. A South paw from Houston, Texas, a "at ")swgmnlaal. Hlollst.0111, Texasl has emerged as one of the best pitchers in the world since 2004. Defeating some of the world's top teams, she has earned the start in the circle in big games including the championship games at both the 2006 and 2007 World Cup and the 2006 World Championships. Anrateinl C:alif,l, theyoungest mernberrafthe 2004 National Team at 19, served as an alternate at the 2004 Olympic Games. She had a stellar return to the National Team roster in 20071 hitting fourth on the team with a .480 (12-for-25) average. Completing the roster are the five young guns who have certainly made an impact on the team. Two pitchers, two infielders and an outfielder, these recent college graduates are ready to make their impact and bring home the fourth gold. Right - handed pitcher tic = train oa-vt-11 € S AU i 'st CaM,) ism herthird- consecutive vear on the National team after leading the University of Ari- zona to the 2006 WCWS title. She brings another right-handed pitcher to the pitching staff and carried her first World Championship title in 2006. In 15 appearances as a member of the National Team, Hollowell has posted an ERA of 0.19with a 7-1 record. Also in the circle is dornmant leftv'o, ollic,—Abbot- `.,,L as CaVA who completed her NC AA eligibility in 2007 setting several collegiate records. The youngest member ol"I'cam t1SA, she is a two-time team member and has also competed on the 2004 scurld University and 2003 Junior'scomen 'a National Teams. Third baseman And rea Dulnluo fqdma, C al , is making her third-con- secutive appearance on the National Team roster after spending time on the World I Iniversity, Elite and Junior team rosters. She is also a two-time World Cut) Champion as well as 2006 World Champion. Also in tire infield isVickv Galhclo N'lnion who combines for speed, power and defensive play as an all around player. Seeing time at second and designated player, Galindo is coming off an outstanding 2007 where she was second on the team with a .500 (18-for-36) batting average and no errors in the field. Last but certainly not least is lead-off Bitter CIliffliai Llawe Gn!�f) who is making her fourth consecutive appearance on the National team roster. Since 2005 this outstanding outfielder has contributed 741 hits and scored 60 runs, the third best of the team. Coaches for the 2008 USA Softball Women's Olympic Team will be I lead 'mcla all il", Caa add- a 0', cs� -,n, A from the University of Arizona, - - xwla' "Joic '� -r� if , C, '::f", Assir�-,anl: Cc kIYArcy(Sac Coach la a'. .1 -'a , -oajoflils rwhi.p.pany" N."JI and .`ll Msv a14 Colwh'john l.Iiat:- it iaa l f"aflf", from vtarffordlmiversftv. ro u the n every state in the o yin events that will Is a to th Itimate national champions you play 10-Und or tional Cham ver 1 on — e right t re the "Best of t in vour division. A�a memoer OT me aiso a pa most storied pro Sof- I Governi res a ning n is p u riare a w ire rzrp-� 9 )faM :D)all a 16"Iumi wu ■,,,,,,,,,ff,,,,,,f PROM CWAMaonr n Bound 4 Bei -i,10 T nformat — J F�7 0 k Ja pa ri S t Li n5 USA v., i r li 3'i -2 Ja y-i n V i c t o ry rir ASA AF1:1 0 1. Flf--• Rni i ri d 4 Rr•i in il To: rr Sch fi a i iffi r sII Terjl�ahi Boneless Wings $3,9�-L9 0 ................. 0 TO WWW'. LISASOFTBALL. COM FOR TICKET INFORMATION, NEWS RELEASES, PLAYERS BLOGS AND COMPLETE COVERAGE OF USA SOFTBALL 0 ................. 0 BOUND 4 BEIJING TOUR SCHEDULE FEB. 19 ........................................ Tucson,Ariz. FEB. 21- 24 .........................Palm Springs, Calif. FEB. 29-MARCH 2 ........ Altamonte Springs, Fla. MARCH 4 ........................................ Miami, Fla. MARCH 6-8 .......... ....................Clearwater, Fla. MARCH 19-21 ..... .....................Fullerton, Calif. MARCH 24-26 ................ Oklahoma City, Okla. APRIL 6 ..... ............................Las Cruces, N.M. APRIL 8 .................................... Houston,Texas APRIL 10 .......... ....................Greensboro, N.C. APRIL 12 ................................. Knoxville,Tenn. APRIL 13 .... ........................Johnson CityTenn. APRIL 15 .............................. Birmingham,Ala. APRIL 17 ................................ Ridgeland, Miss. APRIL 19 ....................................... Sulphur, La. APRIL 22 . ............................Los Angeles, Calif. MAY I .................................... Washington, Pa. MAY 3 ...................................... Plant City, Fla. MAY 6 ....... ............................Ann Arbor, Mich. MAY 8 ................ ..................Williamsport, Pa. MAY 10 ......................................... Bowie, M.D. MAY 16 ....................................... Visalia, Calif. MAY 18 ............................ Rohnert Park, Calif. MAY 19 .............................. Sacramento, Calif. MAY 22 ................................... Stockton, Calif. MAY 23 ................ .......................Salinas, Calif. MAY 25 ..................................... Prescott,Ariz. JUNE 5 ................................. FortWorth,Texas JUNE 6-8 ........................ Oklahoma City, Okla. JUNE 10 ....................................... Topeka, Kan. JUNE 12 ........... ............................St. Louis, Mo. JUNE 14 .................. ........................Normal, Ill. JUNE 17 ............................. Stevens Point,Wis. JUNE 19 ................................. South Bend, Ind. JUNE 21 .............. .......................Midland, Mich. JUNE 23 .............. .......................Ashland, Ohio JUNE 25 ...................................... Killeen,Texas JUNE 27 ..................................... Midland,Texas JULY 8 ...................................... Portland, Ore. JULY 10 .................................... Spokane, Wash. JULY 14-15 ............................... Rapid City, S.D. JULY 18 .................................... Springfield, Mo. JULY 20 .............. .....................Stratford, Conn. JULY 22 ................. .........................Xenia, Ohio JULY 24 ............................................ Salem,Va. JULY 26 ......................................... Irvine, Calif. NOTEA11 dates, times and opponents are subject to change.