Jim VanScoyoc, the legendary baseball coach from Norway High School, will be the head coach for the Metro team in the Japan-Metro All-Star Classic that will be played at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 13.

VanScoyoc, 72, led the Norway Tigers to 12 state titles from 1972 through 1990 with an overall record of 796-239 at the school. He also coached at Amana High School and finished his career with an overall mark of 850-254.

"We are delighted to have Coach VanScoyoc as the coach of our team," said Jim Ecker, president of the Metro Sports Report, which is staging the event. "I cannot think of a better man for the job and I'm sure our players will enjoy playing for him.

"It's always a pleasure to talk to Coach VanScoyoc about baseball and life. He is a legendary figure in Iowa high school baseball and a man of great integrity."

VanScoyoc was named the National High School Coach of the Year in 1983 by the American Baseball Coaches Association and three times was honored as the Iowa Coach of the Year by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association.

VanScoyoc is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame at William Penn, where he was a two-sport standout in baseball and basketball. He also is a member of the IHSBCA Hall of Fame.

VanScoyoc served as a scout for the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves during his career and worked as a pitching coach in the Detroit Tigers organization. He also served as an assistant coach at Kirkwood Community College and has been active in Perfect Game events.

Five of his players at Norway played pro baseball.

VanScoyoc and his wife, Sheryl, still live in Norway in the home that he built.

All tickets for the Japan-Metro Classic cost $5. Children 5-&-under will be admitted for free.

The gates will open Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. The pre-game ceremony will begin at 7 p.m.

The Kernels, the Premier Home Mortgage company and Iowa AAU are sponsors for the event.