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KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — The most successful women’s softball team in Pacific interservice history is preparing to defend its Typhoon Classic title with a new coach.

Al Lozano, who had coached the Kadena Falcons since 2004, stepped aside last week due to extended work commitments and family concerns. His assistant, George Shaffer, also resigned.

David DeRemer, whose wife, Misty, plays for the Falcons, will be in charge when Kadena tries for its record 20th Pacificwide tournament title in the Typhoon Classic, slated for Aug. 31-Sept. 3 at Torii Station.

“The core of the team is here. The concepts are the same. We want to keep building on the four years and the core of what (Lozano) has built,” said DeRemer, 32, a technical sergeant from Watertown, N.Y., assigned to public affairs for Kadena’s 18th Wing.

“I hope we can do him proud and Kadena proud,” said DeRemer, who has served as base coach and part-time assistant to Lozano and Shaffer over his 2½ years on Okinawa. DeRemer also plays outfield for the American Legion open team.

Lozano, who works for Army and Air Force Exchange Service, expressed confidence that DeRemer could continue Kadena’s run of titles.

“He knows the game,” Lozano said. “He also knows all the players and already knows their specific talents and skills. He will be a good fit for the team.”

Typhoon Classic, Kanto Kup head Labor Day scheduleThe Kadena women and American Legion men’s team will defend their titles in the 21st annual Typhoon Classic, which is still open to men’s and women’s entries until Aug. 22, organizer Jim Perry of Torii Athletics said.

The tournament is a combined round-robin/double-elimination playoff event with five games minimum guaranteed per team, Perry said. It’s open to 12 men’s and six women’s teams that sign up and pay their $200 entry fee. For information, call DSN 644-4334 or 4169 or e-mail adrosor.perry@us.army.mil.

Entries are also being taken through Friday for the Kanto Kup tournament at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The host Yokota Warriors men’s and women’s teams will defend their titles in the event, also scheduled for Aug. 31-Sept. 3.

Organizers are hoping for as many as 10 men’s teams and at least four women’s squads.

The entry fee is $275. For information, call DSN 225-8889 or 8890.

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