ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Diamondback Tactical, a softball team consisting of 15 Andrews Air Force Base members, were champions in the United States Specialty Sports Association's Men's Military World Tournament held in Orlando, Fla. Aug. 17.
Throughout the tournament the team excelled above 23 competitors comprised of the various branches of military service.
The games were held on the Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex with hundreds of fans and family in attendance, and players made their way to Florida earlier in the week by plane and privately owned vehicle.
"We played six tournament games and were undefeated up until Sunday, which was the final day of play. That was a feat for us, since we hadn't won a tournament all season," said Staff Sgt. Michael R. Curcio, 316th Logistics Readiness Squadron unit deployment manager.
In the final day of competition, the Diamondback Tactical played two games against the Tyndal Air Force Base Nomads. "We lost the first game, and if we lost the second, we lost the title," said Sergeant Curcio.
An Andrew's team member, selected as the Most Valuable Player out of the many participants in the tournament, helped to lead his team to victory. Staff Sgt. Eric "Frenchy" Rossignol, 89th Maintenance Group crew chief and pitcher for the Diamondback Tactical, was the one to receive this honor, said Staff Sgt. Larry Russell, 316th Security Forces Squadron protective services non-commissioned officer.
"In six games he only gave up 23 runs," Sergeant Russell stated.
At the bottom of the fifth inning of the final and determining game, an ill-fate befell this softball star. "He suffered from heat related injuries in the 95 degree weather," said Sergeant Russell. "He spent four days in a local hospital."
"With Frenchy going down, and with other injuries that our players had sustained, we thought we were going to lose it," said Sergeant Curcio.
Despite the team's misfortune, the players worked hard and summoned their talents to defeat the Nomads 10-9. They finished the tournament with a wins to losses ratio of 5-1.
"We were very happy and relieved," said Sergeant Russell. "Everyone came together when it mattered. It is pretty special to have represented the Air Force and Andrews through this nationally recognized tournament."
If interested in joining the Diamondback Tactical, tryouts will be in March 2009, and are open to all servicemembers, their dependents, and DoD card holders at Andrews AFB. Please contact Master Sgt. Leo C. Periera, 316th LRS unit deployment manager, at 301-858-2472.