Player-Coach Bob Shurmur

HOUSTON (TX) – “We’ve got a good ball team, and we’ll give them a run for their money.”

That’s what player-coach Bob Shurmur said about the City of Crossville 70+ softball team that will be playing for a national championship here June 24-28.

The team earned the trip to the national championship event thanks to a gold medal in the Tennesee Senior Olympic Softball tournament last year. It was the second year in a row the 70+ team had taken the state title, and this one earned them a trip to the nationals.

The City of Crossville sponsors the team, and will be providing $5,000 for the team to make the trip to Houston, helping with a large chunk of their expenses. Shurmur said several other local businesses have helped out, too, but the players and Shurmur’s Family Ties restaurant will pick up the balance.

Shurmur said nine teams from across the United States will be in the tournament – five from Texas, a pair from the Carolinas, and one from Delaware, in addition to the local team. “They will likely be playing with all-star teams, but we’re playing with the guys who got us there,” he said. “I think we’ll do ok.”

Click HERE for a look at the players on the team, all at least 70 years young.