John A. Logan College graduate Luke Hileman will represent his former college, and more important, his country next month at the 2010 Honkbal baseball tournament in Haarlem, Netherlands after being selected to play on the National Junior College Athletic Association All-Star team.

An outfielder, the Anna native has committed to play ball on scholarship this fall for Indiana State University.

“I’m real excited about the opportunity,” Hileman said of the all-star selection. “It will be nice to represent my country in this tournament. I consider it quite a privilege to be selected.”

Hileman, who will turn 20 the first day of the tournament or July 9, said practice sessions begin July 5 in Tampa, Fla. The United States opens with Chinese Taipei on the 9th. The meet is a round-robin format, meaning that the NJCAA-based team will play all teams participating in the six-team field. Other countries in addition to Chinese Taipei include: Japan, Cuba, Venezuela and the host Netherlands.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Luke to experience international baseball while traveling abroad,” said Logan head baseball coach and athletic director Jerry Halstead. “Not only will he be representing John A. Logan College and the NJCAA, but ultimately, the USA in a very competitive environment. Having myself experienced international baseball firsthand, I know that Luke is going to make some lifelong memories. We wish him the best.”

Righthanded pitcher Chuck Ghysels of Lincoln Trail College is the only other Region 24 player picked to the squad.

Dave Grant, President of the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association, said he is excited about the 24-man squad and believes it will compete well in Europe.

“This is a roster loaded with some of the best players in the NJCAA,” he said. “Hats off to all the coaches who nominated players. The selection process is finally over and our staff can now concentrate on preparing the team for this great tournament.”

The USA team will be led by head coach Jeff Willis of Louisiana State University at Eunice. He will be assisted by Marc Rardin of Iowa Western and John Stratton of Arizona Western.

Grant said the Netherlands tourney is one of the most prestigious international amateur baseball events in the world.

“It runs every year and this year marks the 25th anniversary of the event,” he said. “USA Baseball’s collegiate team won the 2008 tournament defeating Cuba in the title game.”

Tournament games in the Netherlands can be followed via the Internet at www.njcaausabaseball.wordpress.com. Links to live stats, video and audio of all Honkbal Tournament games, as well as additional information on the event can be found at www.honkbalweek.nl.