March 25, 2009

NORTHEAST SOFTBALL ANNOUNCES OPEN TRYOUT

BOONEVILLE, Miss. – Northeast Mississippi Community College Head Softball Coach Jody Long is opening up tryouts to all un-signed and un-protected high school seniors.

Northeast’s veteran softball mentor decided to make the move earlier this season and has ventured from the set date of a tryout.

Now, any senior that wants to tryout for the Northeast softball program will get a chance to when they contact Long.

“We want this to be open to everyone,” Long said. “When they are ready to show us their skills, we are ready to evaluate.”

The tryout will include throwing, hitting, bunting, fielding, base running and pitching/catching if applicable.

“(The Northeast program) wants someone that is dedicated to the game of softball,” Long said. “We want players that want to play at the next level, someone that appreciates hard work.”

Hard work is what the Northeast softball team has been about – winning seven of the last eight North Division titles and appearing in each Region XXIII championship game for six straight years from 2001-2006.

“Our top priorities are that they must have a heart and love for the game,” Long said. “We are looking for a play-making shortstop and above average hitters.”

Beginning with the 2001 season, the Tigers shared one North Division title (2001) and won the championship outright five times (2002-2006). Northeast has hosted the State/Region 23 Tournament twice (2002 and 2004) and battled through the loser’s bracket to win the Region 23 title and participate in the National Tournament in 2003.

“Next year, we want a lot of competition at every position,” Long said. “We treat this just like a job.”

Following a postseason appearance in 2007, Long's 2008 Tigers found their stride en route to a 34-20 record; including a 14-3 mark in division play, good enough to earn Northeast's seventh Mississippi Association of Community/Junior College’s (MACJC) North Division title in the past eight years.

For more information visit www.nemcc.edu, or contact Long at 662-720-7305, or email to jwlong@nemcc.edu.

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