Rob Rusch, Male Player Category

Rob played upper level USSSA softball for 14 years. Rob started his career with the Coca Cola ‘C’ team in 1982 and finished his career in 1996 with Major teams Labtec and Rainier. Rob was the ultimate team leader with the ability to come up with the right hit in the right spot, whether it was a single or a mammoth home run. He was also one of the states’ most dominating impact players during his reign. Rob’s career .635 batting average and over 600 home runs rank as some of the states leading totals. He was also a spectacular 1^st and 3rd baseman during his tenure, providing many exciting moments with his defensive prowess. Rob  was voted to the Men’s State All Star team many times, but his crowning achievement was being named the “1992 Men’s State Player of the Year” by Slo-Pitch News. Rob won numerous All State, Regional and National MVP and Tournament awards. One of his career highlights was being part of the 1992 Ruth Realty 5^th place USSSA Men’s ‘A’ World team. Rob currently coaches a select 16 to 18 years old baseball team.

Michael “Oly” Olsen, Male Player Category

Mike has been involved in USSSA softball for over 20 years. Mike has been one of the best “pure” situational hitters to play the game in Washington State. He has always been able to hit the ball from line to line, or when needed, hit the mammoth home run. Mike boasts a lifetime batting average of .680 with approximately 600 home runs. Mike’s offensive prowess can only be rivaled by his fantastic defensive abilities. He played the majority of his career at second base, but also played third and pitcher. His quick hands and smooth fielding techniques solidified him as one of the state’s most dominant impact players. Mike was a member of the 1984 Men’s USSSA ‘A’ World Champion Price Enterprise team. He then later won the 1999 Men’s Church ‘A’ World, followed the next weekend by winning the 1999 Men’s ‘B’ Western World’s. Mike has won many All Tournament Team and MVP’s in State, Regional and National events. He still supports USSSA softball in Masters, Mixed programs and coaching in the Women’s program.

Erin Steele, Women’s Category

Erin has played USSSA softball since its inception in Washington State and she continues to play; her career has reached 30 years to date. Erin played her USSSA career with the Case Construction Company team, an upper level A/B program and excelled as a force to be reckoned with. Standing six foot plus, an imposing figure at the plate, she routinely forced the infield to be on their toes as the ball would rocket off her bat when she swung at the last possible second. Pitchers were always a bit nervous and Erin would consistently power a base hit through the holes, (many times for extra bases). She could also hit for power and when she did, it was usually the “clutch hit” needed to score runs. Erin played first base and with her height and reach she saved many “bad throws”. She was also an expert at digging out the low throws into the dirt or snagging the line shot. She was the anchor to the infield that resulted in many championships and countless wins for her Case team. Erin has won many All Star awards in tournament play and was an integral factor in her teams’ championship victories at the 1992 Regionals in Las Vegas, the 1995 Regionals in Fort Collins, Co and the State Championships in 1992. She was an All Star in the 1995 championship in Fort Collins. Erin states that the championship season of 1992 was her best year, however her consistent dedication, work ethic and “team player” mentality resulted in many seasons of great play on her part and good seasons for her team. She loved the “U-trip” program, especially the pitches, and always looked forward to the well organized tournaments.

Ozzie Williams, Manager/Coach Category

Ozzie Williams has been a Manager/Coach for 40 years, 26 of those with USSSA in and outside of Washington State. Ozzie had never played a softball game but he competed in tryouts and won a spot on a Cincinnati farm team in Salem playing ‘A’ ball. After three years he had progressed to AAA in California when an injury closed his playing years. After that he began Managing/Coaching various hard-ball teams. Ozzie began Managing/Coaching softball with the women’s team of Field Lumber just to “help out”. Since then he has Managed/Coached C and B Women’s teams and C to A Men’s teams. Some of the Men’s teams include JSG Softball Club, Mary’s Fine Foods, Field Lumber and Fairwood Assembly. Some of the women’s teams include Field Lumber and Fairwood Assembly. Ozzie has Managed/Coached his various teams to a total of 775 wins with only 106 losses for better than .880 winning percentage. Some of his most memorable wins include the 1995 Church Men’s ‘A’ World Champions, 1996 Men’s ‘A’ State Champions and 1996 Men’s ‘A’ Church State Champions, with a 3^rd at the 1996 Men’s ‘A’ World Champions. One of his fondest memories is beating Lighthouse of Texas for the 1995 Men’s ‘A’ Church World Title in Atlanta, GA where it rained all weekend. The water in the infield was over the players ankles. “We showed them all how to play in the rain and mud, Washington Softball!” Ozzie likes USSSA because it has a solid foundation and is always trying to improve the good Men’s and Women’s programs. USSSA provided a chance to travel and compete and he has been blessed with the great sponsors and players. Most of all, USSSA provided a venue to meet such fine coaches, umpires, players, spectators and sponsors. His wife Lorna has supported him every step of the way. Ozzie’s greatest satisfaction in softball is to minister to other men and women as he grew in the Lord and being able to teach and coach such great people. For Ozzie softball has been more of a ministry than a sport.   

Roger Wilson, Executive Category

Roger has been involved in the USSSA Washington since 1981.  He has been a sponsor, coach, player, tournament director and umpire.  In 1984 Roger became involved in the administrative end of the association.  In 1987 he became part of the USSSA Washington Executive Board as the Men’s Program Director and in 1989 became Co-Assistant State Director.  Several of Roger’s accomplishments include Chairperson of the Men’s Classification Committee.  He established the team travel fund, team point systems for all programs and developed the tournament director certification procedures.  Outside of the Men’s programs he has assisted with the Mixed and Women’s programs and the Hall of Fame Committee.  He has attended every National and State meeting since 1984 and has received numerous awards for his dedication.  Because of his continued efforts in USSSA slowpitch he was appointed the Northwest Divisional Vice President over six western states.  Since becoming the Co-Assistant State Director for Washington he works very closely with and advises the State Director.  We in USSSA Washington softball have all benefited greatly from his timeless dedication over the years.