Sept. 17, 2002
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Georgia Tech assistant softball coach Ehren Earleywine, who helped guide the Jackets to a record-setting 2002 season, was named to the USA Softball Men’s National Team that will represent the United States at the 2002 Pan Am Qualifier. USA Softball announced the 17-member team Tuesday.
This competition, which is slated for November 10-20 in Guatemala City, Guatemala, will mark Earleywine’s third stint with Team USA. A six-time men’s fastpitch All-American and 1999 All-World selection by the International Softball Congress, Earleywine also played for the United States in ’98 and ’99.
The men’s national team was selected after the players participated in the Men’s National Team Tryout Camp, held September 12-14 in Chula Vista, Calif.
The Pan Am Qualifier will be used to qualify teams for the 2003 Pan Am Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The United States has captured the silver medal in each of the past six Pan Am Games, dating back to 1979.
Earleywine recently completed his first season as assistant coach for the Jackets. In addition to serving as the team’s hitting and infield coach, he also coaches at first base during games.
In his first season at Tech, Earleywine helped the Jackets improve the team batting average 50 points, from .213 in 2001 to .263 last season. This improved performance at the plate was a huge part of Tech’s ACC championship season in 2002. The Jackets posted a school-record 52-18 mark and were ranked 18th nationally following the NCAA Tournament.
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