Vidalia — Former Adams County Christian School softball coach Forrest Foster was named the new Vidalia High School softball coach Monday.

Foster, who resigned as ACCS softball coach in August, said he came to terms with Vidalia after an unexpected visit with Concordia Parish Superintendent Paul Nelson last week.

“Out of the blue, (Nelson) called me last Wednesday and asked me if I would entertain the idea,” Foster said. “I didn’t feel I had to get back into coaching now, but I told him I would listen to his offer. After meeting with him and some of the parents, I feel this may be God’s answer to what I’m supposed to be doing right now.”

Foster will bring Rut Horne, who coached some of the Viking players in tournament ball during the summer, alongside him as an assistant.

Vidalia principal Rick Brown said he was hoping to fill the vacancy quicker, but wanted to find the right fit. Brown believes he has with Foster.

“We were trying to find somebody who knew the region and had experience working with these kids,” Brown said. “It all fell in place last week, and I’m tickled to death with it. I hate it took so long, but they can’t start practice until December and January, so we’re not hurt by the timing.”

Foster transformed ACCS from a winless team 11 years ago into a team that was earning top 10 rankings status. His Rebels were ranked as high as sixth in MAIS AA this year. Foster met with the Vikings softball team for the first time Monday morning, and Foster said as many as 52 players signed up to play.

“That has to be a record,” Foster said. “I looked and I think we had 15 or 16 seniors. That’s a large group, and we have a great nucleus coming back. It’s exciting.”

Foster said he expects at least a 20-win season with the returning players, and told his new team that if they don’t have 20 wins at the end of the season, it will be a disappointment.

Foster left ACCS because “it was his time to go.” Foster, who coached the Rebels for the last 11 years, said he missed being around the ACCS players, but hopes to bond well with his new team.

“The girls were extremely exciting, and when I saw all the smiles on the kids face, I knew that’s what it’s all about,” Foster said.