A remarkable story is underway at the Women's College World Series involving a southern Illinois native.
The Texas Tech softball program, making its first ever trip to the World Series, is headed to the 3-game championship series against Texas.
The Red Raiders head coach is Crab Orchard native Gerry Glasco.
Glasco spent seven seasons as the assistant softball coach at Johnston City High School in the early 2000's. In his last season at Johnston City, he led the junior high team to a state title.
Also during his time at Johnston City High, Glasco founded the Illinois Southern Force Softball organization and served as the head coach of the Southern Force Gold. The team finished in the Top 20 four times at ASA Gold Nationals and won the 2004 18U Gold National Championship.
He then began his college coaching career as an assistant at Georgia, with stops at Texas A&M and Auburn along the way. His first collegiate head coaching job came at the University of Louisiana, where he won 300 games. He took over the Texas Tech job in June of last year.
His associate head coach is his daughter Tara Archibald.
Glasco and Texas Tech will begin the championship series Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. The Red Raiders advanced to the title series after knocking off 4-time defending national champion Oklahoma.
