The Fort Benning men’s post softball team will host open tryouts Jan. 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Gowdy Field.
Head coach Thomas Siter said he is looking to fill five to six positions to complete his roster before the new season begins in March.
Anyone with a passion for softball and the necessary skills will have the opportunity to join one of two teams of 15 players, which will compete in tournaments against other military installations in Georgia, Alabama and Florida, as well as teams in the Columbus Softball Association.
Siter said that team is looking for players who love tough competition, and share a love both for softball and the opportunity to serve their country.
Although Siter only needs to fill a few positions, he said he welcomes anyone to try out, even if just to practice with the team or to work with other players and coaches to improve their skills.
“They’ve got the ability to work with (us), come to the batting practices, work on their skills, hone in on their game and then hopefully be able to play for an installation team,” Siter said. “It’s not ‘You’re not good enough, see you next year.’ That’s not what the team is about.”
Being a player on the post softball team is not a special duty, but an additional duty. Soldiers who make the team will still have to maintain their regular duty responsibilities.
“Their duties come first,” Siter said. “I will never ask a commander to look at releasing a Soldier to participate in a sporting event over his priorities within his organization.”
Siter said the regular season will last from March through August. Players must be available for a minimum of two nights per week during the months of April, May and June, a minimum of two weekends per month during May, June and July, all weekends in August, and two nights per week during September and October.
“It’s got to take commitment,” Siter said. “You can’t have an individual who says they want to participate and then, all of a sudden, there are issues. We let the players know right up front only serious players need apply.”
For more information, e-mail Siter at thomas.siter@us.army.mil.
