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Troy Post 70 has made a habit out of American Legion World Series appearances and will look to continue that this week as they head to North Carolina for the American Legion 19U Southeast Regional.

Troy heads into regional competition on the heels of sweeping its way to a State Championship and an overall record of 25-4.

“It’s been a really good summer,” Post 70 coach Ross Hixon said. “Even in our four losses we haven’t lost a game by more than two runs. Everything has been competitive and this team, itself, has been fun to be around.

“We have a really good group of guys off the field and on it. With any team, you have a couple of guys you somewhat worry about being in public with them being 18-19-year-old kids, but these kids have been very easy to deal with. They play hard, they’re very respectful and are a great representation of our program.”

Post 70 – representing Alabama – will face off against teams from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Puerto Rico. This is the first time a team representing Puerto Rico has made an American Legion 19U Regional in a number of years.

Heading into regionals, Hixon has had a simple message for his team.

“We practiced on Saturday and my message to the team was, ‘Just play hard,’” Hixon emphasized. “That’s really been our message from day one; give effort, energy and attitude. Those are three things we can control.

“If they’re on this team we know they have talent, that is indisputable, but it’s about your attitude, effort and energy when you show up. If they do that, we feel like the outcome on the scoreboard will be favorable.”

While Post 70 wants to capture another World Series Crown, Hixon is emphatic that the most important thing is the effort that they display on the field.

“I just want our guys playing fundamentally sound, wherever that takes us,” he continued. “As long as we do that, and give our best effort, we can tip our hat no matter how the games go.”

Troy Post 70 will open things up on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. against Florida in the opening round. The winning team from regional will move on to the World Series, which begins on Aug. 11 in Shelby, NC.