Rapid City ASA: Welcome

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) announced today the schedule for the 2008 Bound 4 Beijing Tour which will feature the 2008 USA Softball Women’s’ National Team competing in over 40 cities in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The tour will kick off February 9 with a game against back-to-back National Champions, the University of Arizona Wildcats.

"The Amateur Softball Association is proud to be able to organize the Bound 4 Beijing Tour for the National Team as well as for the softball enthusiasts across the U.S.," said ASA Executive Director Ron Radigonda. "It’s going to be an exciting year for our women’s program as they look to a fourth-consecutive Gold Medal and what better way to get it started than with a tour across the United States. Our local associations have done a great job in hosting these stops, providing the opportunity for our team to compete against the best teams in the country on American soil."

The 2008 Women’s National Team, who will travel to Beijing in August to defend their three gold-medals, will make 42 stops across the country competing in over 60 games. The team will compete against NCAA Division I opponents, Regional All-Star teams as well as International Competition.

"We’re excited to be able to travel across the country and showcase our talented team and hopefully get everyone excited for the Olympic Games," said Cat Osterman who will be making her second tour. "Some of the most talented softball players of the world are in the United states so it will be good to get out there and face some of the top athletes in the sport. It’s a great way to prepare for the ultimate stage, the Olympics".