Coaching management 15.13 by Momentummedia

Coaching Management VOL. XV NO. 13

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$7.00

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NATIONAL COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR University of Arizona

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Convention Schedule

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Award Winners

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List of Exhibitors

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Coaching Management Softball Edition 2007 NFCA Convention Issue

CONTENTS

Vol. XV, No. 13

HIGHLIGHTS

Convention Schedule. . . . . 10 List of Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Products on Display . . . . . . 32 Products Debuting . . . . . . . . 37 More Products

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Advertisers Directory . . . . 36

Convention Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The NFCA hosts clinic sessions with top names in the profession covering all of the game’s aspects … Tanya Porter and Karen Johns lead a pre-convention seminar on using video to develop players and scout opponents … ESPN’s Carolyn Peck provides motivation in the convention’s keynote speech … National Fastpitch Coaches’ College offers unique opportunities for educational credits … Legendary coaches Henry Christowski, Judy Groff, and George Wares are inducted into the Hall of Fame … Dee Abrahamson earns the NFCA Distinguished Service Award.

NCAA DIVISION I COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR

University of Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Head Coach Mike Candrea, Assistant Coach Larry Ray, and Assistant Coach Nancy Evans talk about working together as a team, teaching the mental and physical game, and overcoming challenges to lead the Wildcats to a second consecutive national title.

HONORING EXCELLENCE

2007 Award Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The NFCA National Coaching Staffs of the Year … The NFCA Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year … The 2007 Easton Victory Club Award Winners. On the cover: Taryne Mowatt threw every pitch in the University of Arizona’s 2007 Women’s College World Series games, setting records for shutouts and strikeouts. Story begins on page 22.

Publisher Mark Goldberg Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Frankel Associate Editor Dennis Read Assistant Editors R.J. Anderson, Kenny Berkowitz, Nate Dougherty, Abigail Funk, Greg Scholand, Laura Ulrich Art Director Pamela Crawford Photo Researcher Susan Morrello Business Manager Pennie Small Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter

Marketing Director Sheryl Shaffer Marketing/Sales Assistant Danielle Catalano Circulation Director Dave Dubin Circulation Manager John Callaghan Production Director Don Andersen Assistant Production Director Jim Harper Production Assistant Jonni Campbell Prepress Manager Miles Worthington IT Manager Julian Cook IT Assistant Jayme Peck

Advertising Sales Associates (607) 257-6970 Diedra Harkenrider, ext. 24 Pat Wertman, ext. 21 Ad Materials Coordinator Mike Townsend Administrative Assistant Sharon Barbell Business and Editorial Offices 31 Dutch Mill Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 257-6970, Fax (607) 257-7328 info@MomentumMedia.com

The Coaching Management softball edition is published in October and November by MAG, Inc. and is distributed free to college and high school coaches in the United States and Canada. Copyright © 2007 by MAG, Inc. All rights reserved. Text may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Coaching Management, P.O. Box 4806, Ithaca, N.Y. 14852 Printed in the U.S.A.

Printed in the U.S.A.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW The Best Deal in Town The Las Vegas Hilton will host the 2007 NFCA National Convention from November 28 to December 1. Sitting just off the Las Vegas Strip, the Las Vegas Hilton is a staple of “The City That Never Sleeps.” It guarantees elegant accommodations and amenities in 3,000 beautiful rooms and suites. Also available on site are tennis courts, a newly renovated spa, and a full-size swimming pool.

The latest innovations in softball equipment. More than 80 companies are expected for the Exhibitor Show on November 29 and 30. Learn about the newest in softball training technology and

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Preconvention Seminar: Tanya Porter, USOC senior sport technologist, and Karen Johns, 2008 USA Olympic assistant coach, will conduct a four-hour preconvention seminar on “Using Video To Develop Players and Scout Opponents.” Learn how to get the most from your video to improve practices, teach, and scout. (See “Training Tools” below.)

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Keynote Speech by ESPN broadcaster Carolyn Peck, a former head women’s basketball coach at the University of Florida and one of the nation’s top motivational speakers. (See “Major Motivation” at right.)

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Clinic sessions covering all of the game’s aspects: Learn valuable drills and tips from some of the best speakers in softball today. Veteran coaches, athletes, and nationally-known experts tell their secrets. (See “Voices of Experience” on page 4.)

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

Johns recently joined the NFCA staff after 12 years of

operations. Johns was also a successful player at the collegiate and international levels. The dynamic approach in this seminar will teach attendees how to best develop, select, and effectively use video in player development and scouting, even if they’re not working with a large staff. Some of the key areas to be covered include how to use video in developing players, when to use (and not use) videotape during instruction, how to develop efficient scouting techniques, how to identify your own tendencies and avoid being predictable, and how to develop specific offensive and defensive strategies for your team.

The Hilton offers all kinds of entertainment, mainly in the Hilton Theatre, where Elvis Presley staged his 1969 comeback concert. For Trekkies, Star Trek: The Experience also calls the Hilton home, giving fans the opportunity to beam aboard the USS Enterprise with some of the show’s most famous characters. Convention highlights include:

Karen Johns, she will conduct the four-hour clinic on “Using Video To Develop Players and Scout Opponents.”

Major Motivation The Las Vegas Hilton pick up great discounts at the silent auction, on display Thursday.

collegiate coaching to become the NFCA’s Associate Executive Director. She also will serve as an assistant coach

Forums to discuss changes in softball and the future of the sport will be held on Thursday and Friday and will feature caucus/business meetings for the individual membership groups. It’s the perfect time to discuss key issues.

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A native of Jefferson City, Tenn., Peck was a two-time prep All-American and was named Tennessee’s Miss Basketball before going on to play at Vanderbilt, where she received her communications degree in 1988. After a two-year stint in the Japanese Professional League, Peck started her coaching career as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee, the University of Kentucky, and Purdue University.

The National Fastpitch Coaches College. This program provides a unique opportunity to earn continuing education credits by learning from some of the greatest coaches in the game. (See “School Days” on page 5.)

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Training Tools Tanya Porter, Senior Sport Technologist in Performance Services for the United States Olympic Committee, has over 20 years of experience at the USOC, focusing on handson service and applied sport technology solutions for USA National Teams. Along with

The keynote speaker for the 2007 NFCA National Convention will be Carolyn Peck, onair talent for ESPN’s women’s and men’s college and pro basketball broadcasts. Known as one of the nation’s top motivational speakers, Peck is the former women’s basketball coach at the University of Florida.

NFCA Associate Executive Director Karen Johns for the USA Olympic Softball Team in Beijing in 2008, primarily scouting, working with catchers, and handling game

After a promotion to head coach for the Boilermakers for the 1998 season, she led Purdue to Big Ten titles her first two years and won the 1999 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship with a 34-1 record. Her accolades include 1999 Associated Press National Coach of the Year, 1999

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NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW Peck coached and served as general manager of the WNBA’s Orlando Miracle from 1999 to 2001 before taking the Florida Gator reins from 2002 to 2007. She served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Junior World Championship qualifying team in 2004. Peck is a recipient of the inaugural Trailblazer of the Game Award, presented by the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. The award recognized “the poise, character, style and grace that make her a role model for young women of all races, colors and nationalities.”

Carolyn Peck, ESPN broadcaster and keynote speaker Women’s Basketball Coaches Association National Coach of the Year, and 1999 Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Voices of Experience The 2007 Convention will host clinics by some of the best softball athletes and coaches in the world, including presenta-

tions by Monica Abbott, Mike Candrea, Sue Enquist, Lisa Fernandez, Bill Hillhouse, Kelly Inouye-Perez, Eugene Lenti, Jay Miller, Pat Murphy, Tori Nyberg, Cat Osterman, Greg Riddoch, Michele Smith, Kirk Walker, and Teresa Wilson. Mike Candrea, Head Coach at the University of Arizona and recently named Head Coach of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team, has been extraordinarily successful in both the international and collegiate arenas. At the 2007 NFCA National Convention, he and the University of Arizona coaching staff will explain their success in the 2007 Women’s College World Series, launching the convention’s clinics with “Winning No. 8: How They Did It.”

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No stranger to the honors podium, Candrea has taken

his team to the WCWS 19 times and won eight national titles. In 22 years, his teams have made 21 trips to the NCAA tournament and 19 trips to the WCWS. Candrea has been named Pac10 Coach of the Year or CoCoach of the Year nine times. On the international level, he helped propel Team USA to a perfect record of 9-0 and the gold medal in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, and continues to lead the national team. He also has led the USA Women’s National Team to two World Cup titles (2006, 2007), two Canada Cup titles (2002, 2007), and the ISF World Championship title in 2006. Strength and conditioning for pitchers is always an interesting topic, and conventiongoers will have a chance to learn from two of the great-

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est pitchers to ever play the game. Cat Osterman, a fixture on the USA Softball scene since 2001, helped lead the national team to gold medals at the 2007 Pan American Games and 2007 World Cup. As the youngest player on the 2004 Olympic team, Osterman appeared in three games, registering a 0.00 ERA with 23 strikeouts. Prior to competing in Athens, she was a perfect 16-0 during the pre-Olympic tour, recording 170 strikeouts in 74.2 innings of work. The only collegiate player to win the USA Softball Player of the Year award three times, Osterman led Texas to the Women’s College World Series in 2003, 2005, and 2006. She finished her collegiate playing career as the NCAA’s all-time leader in strikeouts (2,265) and average strikeouts per seven innings (14.34), and twice received the Honda Award for softball. She was named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year in each of her four seasons with the Longhorns and was named the conference’s Female Athlete of the Year three times. Coming off an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, Monica Abbott was the first draft pick of the Washington Glory of National Pro Fastpitch. She’s one of the most accomplished pitchers in NCAA history, holding NCAA career records in strikeouts (2,440), wins (189), shutouts (112), games pitched (253), games started (206), and innings pitched (1,448). In her senior season, Abbott led the Lady Vols to the NCAA championship game by going 50-5, with a 0.68 ERA, and an NCAA record 724 strikeouts. In addition, she threw 23 no-hitters and six perfect games. She was a first team All-American all four seasons at Tennessee, was a three-time WCWS first team all-tourney selection, and the

2007 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. One of the most interesting topics should be a showdown on the mechanics of the game’s most important position: the pitcher. Three wellknown pitching authorities— Texas Tech’s Teresa Wilson, Northwestern’s Tori Nyberg, and international pitching instructor Bill Hillhouse—will explain, debate, and demonstrate their philosophies.

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After leading the University of Washington Huskies to 10 straight NCAA tournaments and six NCAA Women’s College World Series appearances, Teresa Wilson begins her fourth season at the helm of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. She began her career building successful programs at the University of Oregon and the University of Minnesota. Now in her 21st season, she has a 802-446-1 record as an NCAA Division I head coach, including 12 NCAA postseason berths and national championship game appearances in 1996 and 1999.

and the Virgin Islands. Hillhouse also saw success on the field as a men’s fastpitch pitcher at the highest levels of the sport. • Greg Riddoch, manager of the Eugene Emeralds, a Class A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, will help coaches understand how to teach hitting in a whole new light. Before returning in 2007, Riddoch managed the Emeralds for six seasons, from 1975 to 1976 and from 1978 to 1981, posting 227 wins, three division titles (1975, 1978, 1980), and two Northwest League championships (1975, 1980). Riddoch currently stands second on the Emeralds’ all-time managerial wins list.

Development for the Cincinnati Reds (1985) and the Milwaukee Brewers (1999-03). The Pac-10 will be well represented on the convention stage by former UCLA Head Coach Sue Enquist, current UCLA Head Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez, UCLA Assistant Coach Lisa Fernandez, and Oregon State Head Coach Kirk Walker. Enquist and Inouye-Perez will present “Defining Roles and Coaching Staff Interaction,” while Fernandez and Walker will team up to discuss “Pitching Adjustments: How To Make and Practice Them.”

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The SEC, another powerhouse conference, will be represented by University of Alabama Head Coach Pat Murphy and Mississippi State University Head Coach Jay Miller. Alabama’s Pat Murphy, Alyson Habetz and Vann Stuedeman will cover “Hitting Adjustments: How To Make and Practice Them,” while Miller will cover “Situational Defensive Strategies.” Another new feature at this year’s convention will be a field in the middle of the exhibit hall. Eugene Lenti, who led the DePaul Blue Demons to the WCWS in 2007, will cover “Competitive Drills and Demonstration,” followed by two-time Olympian Michele Smith, who will demonstrate “Progressive Pitching Drills.”

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Tori Nyberg’s third season as Northwestern’s pitching coach saw the Wildcats advance to the WCWS, where they finished No. 4 in the final polls. Nyberg and staff helped coach the Wildcats to a record 52 wins in 2007, with three players named NFCA AllAmerican for the second year in a row. As a player, Nyberg compiled 53 wins in the circle and earned All-Pac-10 honors her junior and senior seasons. Her best collegiate season came in 2002 when she posted a 26-11 record with a 1.51 ERA for the Stanford Cardinal. Bill Hillhouse is employed as a pitching coach/instructor by national and club team programs in the Philippines, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, and Guatemala. He’s also worked with club teams in the Bahamas, Belgium, Colombia, the Netherlands, Venezuela,

Tori Nyberg, Northwestern University Assistant Coach and convention pitching clinician Riddoch has held a variety of positions in baseball, including three years as manager of the Padres (1990-92). In addition to his major league managerial experience, Riddoch has twice been a major league bench coach, first with the Padres (1987-89) and then with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1998-99). Riddoch was Director of Player

School Days For the sixth year, the National Fastpitch Coaches College sessions are being held in conjunction with the national convention. Providing softball instruction unlike any other in the country, the NFCC takes a single aspect of the game and covers it thoroughly over a threeday span. Perfect for coaches who are seasoned veterans

COACHING MANAGEMENT

NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW as well as those new to the sport, the NFCC’s in-depth presentations, featuring some of the top names in the game, immediately hook those who step into their first class. “I have been coaching for 12 years and feel like I’m a good coach,” says Robert Wiebort, Head Coach at Irvine (Calif.) High School. “Then I attended the NFCC and was blown away by what I still don’t know!”

Not only will the quality of information impress course attendees, but the educational opportunities are tremendous as well. The program offers credit that can be applied to continuing education units, a Master Coach program recognized by the NFCA, and a master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in coaching from Texas Woman’s University (TWU). Coaches can pursue one or more of these routes to becoming more well-

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rounded, or simply take courses for the fun of furthering their knowledge. The two continuing education units, which are administered through Mississippi State University, can be obtained while also pursuing one of the other options. The completion of two courses earns participants a star certificate toward the unique billing of Four-Star Master Coach, which is obtained upon the finish of all eight courses. The NFCC graduated its first class of four-star master coaches during the 2005 NFCA National Convention, and has seen 41 coaches receive the prestigious distinction. Several of the coaches who graduated in the inaugural class of four-star master coaches also decided to further their collegiate education through the master’s degree opportunity that has arisen through a relationship between the NFCC and TWU. Forty-seven coaches have decided to earn their master’s degrees while obtaining the wealth of information the NFCC courses have to offer. The NFCC helps coaches improve the way they teach the game and communicate with players while putting more W’s in the win column and staying passionate about the game. There is no one better to help coaches than some of the top names in the game, who conduct the various NFCC courses around the country.

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The list of NFCC instructors for the 2007-2008 academic year is once again impressive, including the Head Coach of defending national champion University of Arizona and United States Olympic Team Mike Candrea, former Arizona State University Head Coach Linda Wells, Oregon State University Head Coach Kirk Walker, University of Alabama Head Coach Patrick Murphy, University of Texas Head Coach Connie Clark, Fresno State University Head Coach Margie Wright, University of Michigan Head Coach Carol Hutchins, Mississippi State University Head Coach Jay Miller, University of Nebraska Head Coach Rhonda Revelle, St. Thomas University Head Coach John Tschida, Hofstra University Head Coach Bill Edwards, former Texas Woman’s University Head Coach Dianne Baker, and many more. “I had a great experience working as an instructor for the NFCA Coaches College,” says University of Oklahoma Head Coach and NFCC instructor Patty Gasso.

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“The information presented is very thorough and innovative. I learned more as an instructor than I have at any coaching clinic or convention. If you want to get the most out of your coaching career, I strongly recommend getting into the NFCA Coaches College.” This year’s schedule includes six courses offered in 12 different locations. Prior to the convention, the NFCC will offer its reworked Course 406, which now covers Analyzing and Applying Team Skills and Strategies. The revised offering will focus on techniques for base coaching, giving signs, real-time strategies for different game situations, and much more in a classroom and field or gymnasium setting. Following the conclusion of the national convention at the Las Vegas Hilton, the NFCC will offer Course 405, Team

Carol Hutchins, University of Michigan Head Coach and NFCC instructor Offense & Strategy, which will take an in-depth look at playcalling, offensive strategy, and developing a solid offensive game plan.

“The NFCC gives coaches at all levels an increased opportunity for success,” says University of Georgia Head Coach Lu Harris-Champer. “The courses explore concepts on an in-depth basis while allowing room for differing opinions so you can develop your individual coaching style. These courses are a must if you want to learn from proven leaders in the sport of softball and be inspired to be the best coach you can be for your players.”

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Two classes, Course 408, Coaching Observation and Practice and Course 403, Fielding, Throwing, and Position Play, will once again be held in conjunction with the WCWS in Oklahoma City, Okla. Other locations for courses during the 2007-08 academic year include San Diego, Calif.; Denton, Texas;

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“The University of Alabama has been privileged to host an NFCC course, and the entire Alabama coaching staff was amazed at the depth of the topics covered,” says Murphy. “We were skeptical going into the weekend, but came away believers in the amount of information gathered. I highly recommend these courses to any coach at any level.”

Every year at the national convention, the NFCA inducts its most highly regarded members into the Hall of Fame, the most prestigious award given by the organization. In 2007, that honor goes to legendary coaches Henry

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NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW Christowski, Judy Groff, and George Wares. ■ Henry Christowski. While pursuing his fastpitch playing career, Christowski also had his sights set on becoming a high school principal. Instead, he found himself pushed toward a coaching career that led to state championships, national championships, and ultimately, the NFCA Hall of Fame.

“I was up for the principal’s job at a school, and at the end of the fall softball season, the softball coach resigned,” he says. “The district superintendent told me he needed a softball coach for the program to continue, and explained I would be doing him a favor, since he had two daughters playing at the time. It came across that if I wanted the principal’s job, then I needed to do this favor. It was supposed to be for one year, but we can see where it led.”

Henry Christowski, Simpson College Head Coach and 2007 Hall of Fame inductee After winning over 400 games at Norwalk (Iowa) High School and over 150 at Indianola High School, Christowski moved to West Des Moines Dowling High School, where he guided the program to its first state championship in

COACHING MANAGEMENT

1992. He compiled a 272-70 record at Dowling from 1989 to 1996, when he was offered the head coaching job at Simpson College. In his first year coaching college softball, Christowski guided the Storm to a 31-10 mark and an NCAA regional title that advanced the team to the final eight in the nation. “It was a shock making it to nationals our first year, really because I didn’t have any idea what it took to get to nationals,” he says. “I came in thinking I would have a big learning experience seeing how college ball operated. I had no idea about regionals and playoffs. I thought by the time nationals came around, I would be working again with the team at Dowling.” That first-year success helped cement his decision to retire from the high school coaching ranks. In the 12 years since, he has compiled a 396-101-2 record that places him 32nd in the NCAA among active Division III coaches. His .796 winning percentage ranks behind just one other active Division III coach and two others in Division III history. The percentage also places him eighth among coaches in all three NCAA divisions. The only coach in NCAA history to win 200 games in the first five years of coaching a program, Christowski has led the Storm to two national championships, four regional titles, six regional appearances, and four IIAC championships. Despite the records, Christowski considers coaching more of a hobby than an occupation. “My primary goals have always been to make sure my players have a good time and learn things about softball and life,” he says. “We won state and national championships, and those things are nice, but they really don’t define a program and what you can

accomplish. Winning is always important, and I will never downgrade it—but there are different ways to win. The fact that I accomplished something as a coach wasn’t nearly as important as what my kids accomplished.”

Judy Groff, American International College Head Coach and 2007 Hall of Fame inductee Judy Groff. For American International College Head Coach Judy Groff, coaching is one of the greatest challenges of all. It’s evident, however, that Groff has met that challenge head-on to build one of the finest coaching careers in NCAA Division II history and earn a place in the NFCA Hall of Fame.

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Groff began her coaching career in 1969, and has compiled a record of 860-512-4, making her one of only five coaches in Division II history to collect 850 career wins. “I don’t think about how long I have been coaching,” Groff says. “It seems like I have been coaching all my life. I plan to keep coaching until I get tired of it. I am like the Energizer bunny—I keep going and going.” During her tenure, the Yellow Jackets have tallied 30 winning seasons, including 20 of the last 23. Groff led the Yellow Jackets to back-to-back NCAA

Northeast Region titles and a pair of berths in the Division II national tournament in 1996 and 1997. The Yellow Jackets have won 30 games 18 times, and her team has averaged 32 wins per season since 1984. She has guided AIC to eight Northeast-10 Conference regular season championships and three NE-10 tournament titles (1987, 1996, and 2003). She has also led her teams to five berths in the Eastern College Athletic Conference tournament (ECAC) and three ECAC crowns (1986, 1988, and 1991). The eight-time Northeast10 Coach of the Year was inducted into the National Girls and Women in Sport Hall of Fame in 1999 and was inducted into the Connecticut Scholastic and the Collegiate Softball Hall of Fame in 2003. In the spring of 2006, Groff earned an honor that is rarely bestowed upon active coaches when the softball field at AIC, previously known as Yellow Jackets Field, was renamed the Coach Judy Groff Softball Field. The long list of awards and accomplishments denotes Groff’s coaching success, but according to her, what happens off the field means more than wins and losses. “Since I am a college coach, I think that the social, physical, and academic aspects are all very important,” Groff says. “My goal is for every player on my team to graduate, and so far they all have. The most rewarding thing about coaching is watching people grow. In other words, I enjoy watching people mature into adults, graduate and be happy.” Groff’s success on the field has led her to many victories. In 1999, she coached her 1,000th game in a contest against Saint Leo University. In 2000, she recorded her 700th career victory in a 5-2 win over Bryant in nine innings. She tallied her 800th career win on

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NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW April 23, 2003, with a 3-2 victory over LeMoyne College. “I enjoy my job,” Groff says. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t still be here. I have accomplished a lot in my life, and my desire to continue to coach is still very present.”

George Wares. After planning to make his living as a high school counselor and basketball coach, George Wares changed direction, leading him to a coaching career that landed him in the NFCA Hall of Fame. His coaching career began at

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Noon NFCC Course 406 (through noon Tuesday)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 1 p.m. “Using Video to Develop Players and Scout Opponents” Pre-Convention Seminar with Tanya Porter, USOC, and Karen Johns, USA Softball National Team Assistant Coach

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 8 a.m. Wilson Golf Scramble 10 a.m. Tennis Tournament 3 p.m. Assistant Coaches Caucus 4 p.m. Committee Meetings: Rules, Awards and Hall of Fame, Internet, and Diversity 5 p.m. Opening Business Meeting with keynote speaker Carolyn Peck 7 p.m. Louisville Slugger Reception

Nesco High School in Zearing, Iowa, when a group of softball players asked him to be their coach. “At first, I said no,” Wares says. “So they asked me to at least take a look at their pitcher. I did, and I said yes. That’s

2:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. Division I Conference Meetings 2:30 p.m. “Winning No. 8: How They Did It” with University of Arizona Coaching Staff, the 2007 NFCA Division I Coaching Staff of the Year 3:25 p.m. “Strength and Conditioning for Pitchers” with USA National Team pitchers Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott 4:20 p.m. “Hitting Adjustments: How To Make and Practice Them” with University of Alabama Coaching Staff 6 p.m. Diamond Sports Hospitality

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30

7 a.m. Schutt Sports Continental Breakfast 8 a.m. High School and Travel Ball Caucuses; other caucus meetings 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Exhibit Hall open 9:30 a.m. “Defining Roles and Coaching Staff InTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29 teraction” with Kelly Inouye-Perez, Head 7 a.m. Coach, UCLA, and Sue Enquist, former Adams USA Continental Breakfast Head Coach, UCLA 8 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Committee Meetings: All-American “Competitive Drills and Demonstration” Regional Chairs, Camps and Clinics, with Eugene Lenti, Head Coach, DePaul Education and Publications, Nominating, University Awards, and Hall of Fame 11:30 a.m. 9 a.m. “Progressive Pitching Drills” with Caucus/Business Meetings by Group: Michele Smith, two-time Olympic gold NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, medalist and current ESPN commentator NCAA Division III, NAIA, NJCAA, Cal Noon JC, NWAACC Mizuno Lunch in the Exhibit Hall 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 2 p.m. Exhibit Hall open “Different Perspectives in the Pitch12:15 p.m. ing Debate” with Teresa Wilson, Head Easton Victory Club Luncheon Coach, Texas Tech University; Bill Hillhouse, international pitching consultant 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. and former award-winning men’s fastSilent Auction open

how I started, and it’s really snowballed from there.” In seven years at Nesco, Wares posted a 214-94 record, taking three squads to the state tournament and being named All-Area Coach of the Year three times. Fol-

pitch pitcher, and Tori Nyberg, Pitching Coach, Northwestern University 4 p.m. “Hitting: Learning Better When Seeing It in the Mind’s Eye” with Greg Riddoch, manager of the Eugene Emeralds and former MLB manager 6 p.m. The Game hosts Hall of Fame Reception for banquet attendees 7 p.m. NFCA Hall of Fame Banquet

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 8 a.m. Texas Woman’s University Master’s Info Session 9:30 a.m. NFCA Coaching Staff of the Year Brunch 11 a.m. Adidas Roundtable at three different time slots: 11 a.m., Noon, and 1 p.m., with lunch provided at 1 p.m. “Team Unity for a Championship Team” with Sandy Montgomery, Head Coach, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville “Strength Training for Hitters” with Dr. Brandon Marcello, Strength Coach for the USA Softball National Team and Baylor Softball “Tee Drills” with John Tschida, Head Coach, University of St. Thomas “Outfield Play” with Mark Eldridge, former Head Coach at Palomar College 2 p.m. “Situational Defensive Strategies” with Jay Miller, Head Coach, Mississippi State University 3 p.m. “Pitching Adjustments: How To Make and Practice Them” with Kirk Walker, Head Coach, Oregon State University, and Lisa Fernandez, three-time Olympic gold medalist and UCLA Assistant Coach 6 p.m. NFCC Course 405 (through 2 p.m. Monday)

2007 NFCA CONVENTION SCHEDULE 10

COACHING MANAGEMENT

lowing that success, he moved to Pella High School, where his team scored two runner-up finishes in the state tournament. Moving to NCAA Division III, Wares coached softball and assistant coached men’s basketball at Central College before taking over softball full time. In his 23 seasons as Head Softball Coach, he has compiled a 780-256-3 record, which ranks him third in NCAA Division III annals for victories, and a .752 winning percentage that rates him fourth all-time in Division III. Among active Division III head coaches, he comes in second in career wins and first in NCAA tournament berths and NCAA tournament victories. Wares guided the Dutch to five national tournament

ing on top a yearly goal. “I’ve always believed in setting the bar high,” Wares says. “The high expectations I’ve placed on the program have helped with some of the successes we’ve had. When you win that first national championship, you realize that it can be done. Once it happens, you have a better measuring stick for what has to be done to do it again.”

George Wares, Central College Head Coach and 2007 Hall of Fame inductee appearances in a row, including four national titles. That first title in 1988 made Wares realize that the goal could be achieved and made finish-

While continuing to set the bar high for his teams, he has never said how long he plans to lead the Dutch. Aided by an outstanding staff that includes his wife, Alicia O’Brien, as Associate Head Coach, Wares finds himself newly invigorated. “You get to a point in your career where you’ve lost a little bit of that fire you started with,” he says. “Now, all of a sudden, I get to coach with my wife, who

brings a lot of experience and a great deal of credibility. Just to sit and talk with her about the game has been a real refresher. She’s just as passionate about the sport as I am, and it’s relit my fire.”

By the Book Growing up in Wilmette, Ill., Dee Abrahamson knew she wanted to be a teacher. Little did she know that goal would take her through 19 years as a collegiate softball coach and be the defining characteristic that led to her National Fastpitch Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award. Abrahamson earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, where she studied to be a teacher and was a member of the swim team, and stayed to earn

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NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW her master’s degree. “I was a swimmer at Western Michigan as an undergraduate,” Abrahamson says. “I had an opportunity to stay there as a graduate assistant coach. It was a great experience, and it allowed me to get in the world and be employed. I had a great time, and it led me to the place I am today.” She took her first job as an instructor at Lincoln Trail Junior College, where she played a vital role in the founding of the women’s sports program. After proposing the LTJC begin competitive women’s athletics, Abrahamson found herself named head coach of almost all the sports, including softball, volleyball, and women’s basketball, as well as the combined men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams.

She stayed at Lincoln Trail from 1975 to 1979, when she accepted a position as head softball coach at Northern Illinois University, where she stayed until 1994, compiling a 416-286-5 career record that included a WCWS berth in 1988.

NCAA Softball Secretary Rules Editor Dee Abrahamson, winner of the NFCA Distinguished Service Award

Although Abrahamson no longer stands in the third base coach’s box, she hasn’t stopped coaching. After retiring from the softball field in 1994, she was named the Associate Athletics Director in charge of internal affairs at Northern Illinois. The change shifted her focus from coaching student-athletes to mentoring coaches who were entering their first experiences. “I really never stopped coaching,” she says. “I had to change my audience, which wasn’t softball players anymore, to staff members.”

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Since 1996, Abrahamson has been mentoring coaches in another way—as NCAA Softball Secretary Rules Editor. Her most visible responsibilities include editing the rulebook and representing the softball rules committee. She also serves on the Amateur Softball Association Council as vice-chair of the fastpitch rules committee and is a member of the equipment standards committee. It’s only fitting that the NFCA presents its Distinguished Service Award to someone who tackles so many different roles. To Abrahamson, news that she would be receiving the honor came as a complete surprise. “It was unexpected,” Abrahamson says. “I have had a great time doing this job. I’ve met some great people along the way. I do this job because I really like it.”

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10/1/07 10:57:07 AM

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Circle No. 121

NFCA Booth No. 301

NFCA CONVENTION EXHIBITORS 3N2 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .714 111 Atlantic Annex Point #1 Maitland, FL 32751 877-362-1440 www.3N2Sports.com Marty Graham Accelerated Baseball Technologies . . . . . . . . . . .720, 722 217 Watson Street Ripon, WI 54971 920-748-6599 www.AcceleratedBaseball.com Howard Hansen Adams USA, Inc. . . . . . . . . .912, 913 610 S. Jefferson Cookeville, TN 38501 913-526-2109 www.adamsusa.com Gary Montgomery adidas . . . . . . . . . . . . .900, 901, 902 634 South 170 West Ivins, UT 84738 www.adidas.com Michelle Delloso Akadema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .628 317 Midland Avenue Garfield, NJ 07026 973-772-7669 www.akademapro.com David Winder AKH Sports, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . .405 1464-253 Garner Station Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27603 919-342-3348 www.hplate.com Bill Rathbun AKH Sports, maker of the Measuring Plate portable bullpen, is a small, family-owned sporting goods manufacturing company located in Raleigh, N.C. See ad on page 18 American International Sports Tours, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 511 West 86th Terrace Kansas City , MO 64114 816-256-3828 www.AIST.us Chad Wilkinson Anaconda Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .712 5 Corporate Drive Clifton Park, NY 12065 800-234-2775 www.AnacondaSports.com Fred Veronezi ARK Digital Systems . . . . . .603, 702 2515 Brant Road San Diego, CA 92103 503-750-3330 www.arkdigitalsystems.com Don Powers

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Athletic Training Equipment Company . . . .400, 402 8750 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue Chicago, IL 60631 775-352-2800 www.ATECSports.com Craig Kopkash Athletix, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .710 320 Cottage Grove Circle Pataskala, OH 43062 800-844-8326 www.athletix.com Teresa Ralston Bailey’s Innovative Products . . . .115 2149 West Cascade, Suite 106A, #37 Hood River, OR 97031 509-427-5835 www.baileysinnovativeproducts.com Jim Bailey Big Z Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126 11204 Dover Court Yukon, OK 73099 405-373-3253 www.PitchingPractice.com Steve Zawrotny MS, CSCS BMI Sales Group, Inc (Zingbat) . .114 7750 Archer Road Justice, IL 60458 708-563-0500 www.zingbat.com Scott Wadja Zingbat teaches the batter to stay inside the ball, allowing the ball to be hit harder, more often. See ad on page 33 Boathouse Sports . . . . . . . .500, 502 425 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124 215-425-4300 www.boathouse.com Bill Reifsnyder BSN Sports/Collegiate Pacific . . .112 1901 Diplomat Drive Farmers Branch, TX 75234 800-527-7510 www.BSNCP.com Steve Easterling Burbank Sport Nets. . . . . . .529, 531 P.O. Box 16198 Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 904-321-0976 www.burbanksportnets.com Eli Rowe Buster’s Design Team . . . . . . . . .324 303 East Geneseo Street Lafayette, CO 80026 303-666-7415 www.bustersdesignteam.com Ruth Crowe Clell Wade Coaches Directory, Inc. . .633 701 Main Street, Cassville, MO 65625 417-847-2783 www.coachesdirectory.com Karan Wade-Nickle

Coaching Mangement . . . . . . . . . .10 31 Dutch Mill Road Ithaca, NY 14850 607-257-6970 www.momentummedia.com Mike Townsend Coaching Management publishes three issues per year for high school and college head softball coaches in the U.S. with targeted editorial, product information, and ads. Coast to Coast Softball . . . . . . . .128 P.O. Box 604 Manchester, CT 06045 877-373-2068 www.CoasttoCoastSoftball.com Shelly Koehler Combat Baseball . . . . . . . . .100, 102 1350 Thornton Avenue, Suite 4 Pacific, WA 98047 425-864-1669 www.combatbaseball.com Tiffany Toleson Cutters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .728 2650 S. 46th Street, #105 Phoenix, AZ 85034 602-381-5434 www.cuttersgloves.com Gary Bethea Dartfish USA . . . . . . . . . . . .101, 200 3650 Brookside Parkway, Suite 300 Alpharetta, GA 30022 800-655-3850 www.dartfish.com Justin Hanzlikk Decker Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .533 6912 N. 97th Circle Omaha, NE 68122 800-431-5128 www.deckersports.com Brian O’Brien Diamond Sports, Inc. . .329, 331, 333 11130 Warland Drive Cypress, CA 90630 800-366-2999 www.diamond-sports.com Chris Coffing Disney Sports Attractions . . . . . .108 P.O. Box 10000 Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 407-938-3801 www.disneysports.com Brian Mize Easton Sports . . . . . . .906, 907, 908 4066 N. Redwood Avenue Rialto, CA 92377 909-854-4940 www.eastonsports.com Pam Newton

Emask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .302, 304 8319 N. 30th Street Omaha, NE 68112 402-884-6285 www.emasksales.com Jeff Evans Extra-Infielder.com . . . . . . . . . . .706 1997 Oak Park Drive Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925-705-1088 www.Extra-Infielder.com Tim Griffith Fellowship of Christian Athletes . .120 8701 Leeds Road Kansas City , MO 64129 816-892-1192 www.fca.org Donna Noonan Finch Windmill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .700 P.O. Box 97 La Miranda, CA 90638 714-523-5659 www.finchwindmill.com Doug Finch Front Rush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .724 3505 Main Street Doylestown, PA 18901 866-634-1186 www.frontrush.com Brad Downs

girls got game . . . . . . . . . . .604, 606 131 Main Street Geneseo, NY 14454 866-600-9905 www.girlsgotgame.com Sherrie Paddon Innovative styles, top-quality branded products, uncompromising performance, fit, and function, and service that’s second to none make girls got game a leading choice for competitive women’s teams. See ad inside front cover H&B Louisville Slugger . . 228, 230, 232 800 West Main Street Louisville, KY 40202 800-282-2287 www.slugger.com Rob Partin Since 1884, when John A. “Bud” Hillerich hand-turned a white ash bat for Pete “The Gladiator” Browning, the finest hitter of his day, the name Louisville Slugger has been synonymous with the game’s greatest players and teams. See ad on page 9

High Tech Vision Training . . . . . .127 24223 47th Avenue S.E. Woodinville, WA 98072 206-409-6928 www.hightechvisiontraining.com Tom Davidson House of Pitching . . . . . . . . . . . .602 1102 Ardmore Avenue Erie, PA 16505 814-392-3369 www.HouseofPitching.com Bill Hillhouse Inside Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .608 5049 Emerson Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55419 952-948-1481 www.inside-edge.com Jay Donchetz JKP Sports Inc./Jugs . . . . . .224, 226 19333 S.W. 118th Avenue Tualatin, OR 97062 800-547-6843 www.jkpsports.com Chris Gross Liflong Products . . . . . . . . . . . . .804 3200 S. Country Club Road Melbourne, FL 32901 877-543-5664 www.liflong.com Larry Thompson

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NFCA Booth No. 726 10/31/07 10:31:51 AM

COACHING MANAGEMENT

NFCA CONVENTION EXHIBITORS Longstreth Women’s Sports . . . .805 28 Wells Road Parkerford, PA 19457 800-545-1329 www.longstreth.com Ronnie Maurek M.A.S.A./Osborne Inc. . . . .501, 503 1413 Meridian Road Jasper, IN 47546 800-264-4519 www.MASA.com Grayson Goodness M.A.S.A. distributes a full-color 104page sporting goods and field maintenance catalog. The company carries a wide assortment of baseball, softball, soccer, and football equipment at discounted prices. See ad on page 19 Majestic Athletic/ National Pro Fastpitch . . .401, 403 100 Majestic Way, Bangor, PA 18013 610-588-0100 www.MajesticAthletic.com Michael Riha Markwort Sporting Goods .605, 607 1101 Research Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63132 800-280-5555 www.markwort.com Herb Markwort

Mattingly Baseball . . . . . . . . . . . .509 2 Enterprise Drive, Suite 407 Shelton, CT 06484 866-627-2287 www.mattinglybaseball.com Shari D’Amico Miken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201, 203 415 East South Street Caledonia, MN 55921 507-725-5483 www.mikensports.com Mike Rommes Mizuno USA . . . . . . . . .432, 430, 428 4925 Avalon Ridge Parkway Norcross, GA 30071 770-441-5553 www.mizunousa.com Cindy Peters Monsoon Interactive— OnLetterhead Branded Email . . .630 360 South Reynolds Road Toledo, OH 43615 866-665-3887 www.Onletterhead.com Bill Findley More Than ERA . . . . . . . . . . . . . .632 11038 Hildreth Court Camarillo, CA 93012 805-491-3379 www.morethanera.com Larry May

National Collegiate Scouting Association . . . . . . . .129 1415 N. Dayton, Suite 4M Chicago, IL 60622 888-333-6846 www.ncsasports.org Amanda Rawson Nemo Speed Hitting Program. . .532 Box 402 Lincoln City, OR 97367 541-764-3313 www.speedbat.com Dennis Tessicini Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program was founded by Dennis Nemo Tessicini, former professional teacher and highly successful Head Baseball Coach at the high school level for more than 36 years. Coach Nemo resides in the beautiful state of Oregon. See ad on page 7 Nokona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .802, 803 9001 E Hwy. 82, P.O. Box 329 Nocona, TX 76255 940-825-3326 www.nokona.com Rob Storey

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www.worldsport-tours.com Circle No. 110

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Circle No. 111

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OB Team Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . .629 809 S.R. 125 Hamersville, OH 45130 877-379-9051 www.obteamsports.com Byron Oberschlake OB Team Sports manufactures the AccuPitch Fast Pitch Mat, one of the most durable and longest-lasting mats on the market. It’s guaranteed not to slip, slide, scoot, or mark up the gym floor. See ad on page 24 OnDeck Softball . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 1102 Tomahawk Lane South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 530-573-1624 www.ondecksoftball.net Joann Allister Outer Edge Performance . . . . . .704 P.O. Box 140014 Edgewater, CO 80214 303-458-1909 www.outeredgeperformance.com Mary Marcantonio Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . .505 P.O. Box 9473 Panama City Beach, FL 32417 800-327-8352 www.thesportsloversbeach.com Ann Gager PIK Products, LLC . . . . . . . .110, 111 P.O. Box 2108 Norwalk, CT 06852 877-845-7845 www.pikproducts.com Louis Seeley PIK Products is a baseball training aid company offering reasonably priced products proven to get results at every level. See ad outside back cover Pitching Essentials . . . . . . . .625, 627 16772 W. Bell Road, #110, Box 405 Surprise, AZ 85374 602-751-5887 www.pitchingessentials.com Mike Kenneth Pro Look Sports. . . . . . . . . .609, 708 37 East Center St, Ste 304 Provo, UT 84606 800-PRO-LOOK www.ProLook.com Brent Hekekia Pro’s Choice, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .113 410 N. Michigan, Suite 400 Chicago, IL 60611 800-648-1166 www.proschoice1.com Dave Cygan Pro’s Choice products are a leading choice of professional groundskeepers to build and maintain winning ballfields, season after season. See ad on page 21

ProBatter Sports . . . . . . . . .326, 328 15 Old Gate Lane Milford, CT 06460 203-874-2500 www.probatter.com Adam Battersby ProBatter Sports, LLC, is a world leader in the production of video pitching machines. ProBatter machines are the ultimate softball training aid, created by coaches who believed there was a better way to teach and practice hitting. See ad on page 17

Promats, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208 1900 E. Lincoln Fort Collins, CO 80524 800-678-6287 www.promats.com Ken John Rank One Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . .631 P.O. Box 1044 Sanger, TX 76226 214-336-5865 www.rankonesport.com Wayne Poage

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NFCA CONVENTION EXHIBITORS ProBatter Sports . . . . . . . . .326, 328 15 Old Gate Lane Milford, CT 06460 203-874-2500 www.probatter.com Adam Battersby Promats, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208 1900 E. Lincoln Fort Collins, CO 80524 800-678-6287 www.promats.com Ken John Rank One Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . .631 P.O. Box 1044 Sanger, TX 76226 214-336-5865 www.rankonesport.com Wayne Poage Rawlings Sporting Goods . . . . . .107 510 Maryville University Dr., Ste. 110 St. Louis, MO 63141 800-729-7770 www.rawlings.com Dave Bracci RevFire Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .525 14705 S. Blackfoot Drive Olathe, KS 66062 866-414-3040 www.revfire.com Dave Marinelli

NFCA Booth No. 405

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Rightview Pro . . . . . . . . . . .429, 528 27 Middleridge Lane South Rolling Hills, CA 90274 310-377-9221 www.rightviewpro.com Don Slaught Ringor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117, 119 7929 SW Burns Way, Suite C Wilsonville, OR 97070-7678 800-746-4670 www.ringor.com Gary Killingsworth Ringor is a manufacturer of premium baseball and softball footwear, performance apparel, and team bags. Ringor’s patented designs are acclaimed for comfort and made from the finest materials. See ad on page 20 Rip-It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .615, 617 3304 Dozer Court, Ocoee, FL 34761 888-95RipIt www.ripitsoftball.com Matthew Polstein Russell/Spalding Team Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123, 124 3330 Cumberland Blvd Atlanta, GA 30339 678-742-8000 www.russellathletic.com Sarah Walsh

Schutt Sports . . . . . . . .229, 231, 233 1200 E. Union Avenue Litchfield, IL 62056 800-426-9784 www.schuttsports.com Dianne Baker Scoutware, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . .601 1444 Farnsworth, Suite 404 Aurora, IL 60505 630-375-2003 www.scoutware.com Andy Clark Slow the Game Down— Vision Training . . . . . . . . . . . . .527 1110 S. Coast Highway, #203 Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949-715-9841 www.slowthegamedown.com Ryan Harrison Softball Oregon - Xelerator. . . . .530 8955 Pueblo Street N.E. Salem, OR 97305 503-856-9177 www.SoftballOregon.com Ken Roudybush

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Softball Sales . . . . . . . . . . . .131, 133 1051 E. Nakoma San Antonio, TX 78216 800-882-1166 www.softball.com Joey Squilla South Padre Island Nets, Inc. . . .121 2001 Amistad Drive San Benito, TX 78586 956-276-9598 www.spinets.net Carlos Garcia Southern California ASA Players Assoc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .227 7381 Pheasant Run Road Riverside, CA 92509 951-360-5388 www.socal-asa.com Lorrie Ivie Southwest Host Services . . . . . . .504 P.O. Box 13808 Scottsdale, AZ 85267 480-481-9852 www.southwesthost.com Linda Hitchens Speedline Athletic Wear . . .330, 332 1804 N. Habana Tampa, FL 33607 813-876-1375 www.speedlineathletic.com Dave Aubuchon

Sports Attack . . . . . . . . . . .624, 626 P.O. Box 1529 Verdi, NV 89439 800-717-4251 www.sportsattack.com Kurt Brenner Sports Attack manufactures quality sports training equipment. With 35 years of experience designing machines, the company offers softball, baseball, volleyball, and tennis training devices. See ad on page 3 Sports Sensors, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .600 11351 Embassy Drive Cincinnati, OH 45240 888/542-9246 www.gloveradar.com Al Dilz Sports Tutor. . . . .807, 808, 809, 810 3300 Winona Avenue Burbank, CA 91504 800-448-8867 www.sportstutorinc.com John Henderson Sports Tutor manufactures the HomePlate programmable pitching machine for baseball and softball. See ad inside back cover

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Sports USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .433 26072 Merit Circle, Suite 112 Laguna Hills, CA 92653 949-215-0481 www.sportsusaelite.com Kim Cass SportsDiamond.com . . 619, 621, 718 12246 42nd Street N.E. St. Michael, MN 55376 763-463-5015 www.sportsdiamond.com Darren Hansen St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission . . . . . . . . . .205 13805 58th Street North, Suite 2-200 Clearwater, FL 33760 727-464-7200 www.floridasbeachsports.com Kevin Smith Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. . . . . . . .225 33 S. 28th Street Phoenix, AZ 85043 602-225-5900 www.stabilizersolutions.com Sandy Fischer Stabilizer Solutions specializes in natural and fiber-reinforced surfaces for sports, recreation, and landscaping. The company manufactures a line of quality products for baseball and softball fields. See ad on page 24

NFCA Booth No. 501, 503 COACHING12/28/06 MANAGEMENT 5:27:17 PM

NFCA CONVENTION EXHIBITORS Stromgren Supports . . . . . . . . . .726 P.O. Box 1230 Hays, KS 67601 800-527-1988 www.stromgren.com Barbara Bielser Stromgren Supports develops and manufactures sports medicine devices and hot/cold therapy products for the ankles, knees, elbows, and back. See ad on page 15 Summit America Insurance Services . . . . . . . . . .214 7400 College Blvd., Suite 100 Overland Park, KS 66210 913-327-0200 x114 www.summitamerica-ins.com Janice Briggs Team Sports Planet . . . . . . . . . . .118 1241 Carpenter Street Philadelphia, PA 19147 877-703-2070 www.teamsportsplanet.com Brian Kerrigan Texas Woman’s University— Dept. of Kinesiology Master’s Program . .125 Department of Kinesiology Denton, TX 76204 940-898-2575 www.twu.edu Sinah Goode

The Creativity Warehouse . . . . . .716 631 Conestoga Trail Chanhassen, MN 55317 952-949-3063 Kirk Harrington The Diamond of Success . . . . . . .300 2333 W. Chesterfield Boulevard, B Springfield, MO 65807 417-234-8451 Holly Hesse The Game, LLC . . . . . .216, 218, 220 16 Downing Drive Phenix City, AL 36869 334-291-5151 www.2thegame.com Troy Corbin The K Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122 118 Jack Russell Court Nazareth, PA 18064 917-797-6576 www.the-K-factor.com Melissa Marotta MarMadia is specifically geared toward training tools that help pitchers reach their maximum potential. See ad on page 39

TPS Top 96. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .613 23 Bald Rock Drive Wayland, MA 01778 508-545-2660 www.TPSTop96.com Ken Hill Triple Crown Sports. . . . . . . . . . .801 3930 Automation Way Ft. Collins, CO 80525 970-223-6644 www.triplecrownsports.com Stephanie Klaviter Turface Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . .507 750 Lake Cook Road, Suite 440 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 800-654-8793 www.turface.com Charlie Vestal Under Armour . . .207, 209, 306, 308 1020 Hull Street Baltimore, MD 21230 888-4-ARMOUR www.underarmour.com Joie Schmitz Uniforms Express . . . . . . . .104, 106 111 Bay Boulevard, Suite A Chula Vista, CA 91911 888-661-7044 www.uesports.com Don Hufnagel

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Circle No. 116

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COVER STORY

NFCA NATIONAL COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA BY GREG SCHOLAND

When a program is as successful as the University of Arizona, it’s tempting to assume the wins come easily. But that was hardly true for the Wildcats at this year’s NCAA Division I Women’s College World Series. En route to earning a second consecutive national title, the team, led by Head Coach Mike Candrea, fought its way through five elimination games before adding an eighth WCWS trophy to its awards case. Candrea’s success is truly unparalleled. His teams have made the WCWS in 19 of the past 20 years—the only absence coming in 2004, when Candrea took a break to prepare the U.S. national team for its gold-medal performance at the Olympics. He’s a member of the NFCA Hall of Fame, and has received the Pacific 10 Conference Coach of the Year award 10 times, most recently in 2007. Even with this success, Coach Candrea is the first to point out that he hasn’t done it alone. His coaching staff includes Assistant Coaches Larry Ray and Nancy Evans, and Volunteer Assistant Coach David Feinberg. In this interview, Candrea, Ray, and Evans talk about teaching the mental and physical game, how they’ve seen college softball change on and off the field, and what they see in their program’s future.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

MIKE CANDREA, HEAD COACH

a hit. So I spend a lot of time focusing on my players’ mental approach to the game.

CM: You’ve been on both ends of close WCWS finals. What separates a winning team from a losing team? Candrea: By the time you reach the finals, there usually isn’t a large difference in talent between the two teams. It usually comes down to special performances—which team has more players who raise their game that extra notch when called upon. Sometimes it’s just making the right play at the right moment, whether it’s a great slide in an extra-inning game or a great pitching performance to get the team out of a jam. That’s what championship play is all about.

The way I do it varies from year to year. This year, instead of talking all the time, I inundated the team with literature. I’d post different things in the dugout throughout the season, the players would read them, and eventually everyone found a few that really hit home.

How do you train players to give those special performances? There are so many unpredictable elements in softball, but one thing we have full control over is our preparation. I want our kids to feel prepared, physically and mentally, to go out onto the field at any given moment, in any situation, and be confident they have the skills to win. When that happens, they’re not overthinking the game—they’re just reacting and trusting the things they’ve done all year. Softball is primarily a game of failure: The outcome is often determined by a critical mistake. If players are going to be successful, they need to be ready for anything. How do you talk to players about mistakes in a way that fosters confidence? We don’t pretend bad things never happen, because that’s simply not realistic. When someone makes a mistake, we want her equipped to put it out of her mind and move on. If someone is 0 for 10 at the World Series, I want her to go to the plate for the 11th time still believing she can get

One was a sheet about the “three I’s”: intelligence, immediacy, and intensity. Intelligence is the ability to make sound decisions and play smart. Immediacy is a sense of urgency in accomplishing a task. Intensity is the belief that now is the time to give the game everything you’ve got, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I wanted them to think about those three things before they took the field. And at the bottom of the sheet, I wrote, “With our A game, we can beat anybody. Anything less, and they can beat us.” Another sheet was all about identifying self-defeating thoughts and behaviors that undermine performance. We call them gremlins—invisible creatures that prevent athletes from doing their best, including fear, anger, anxiety, self-consciousness, perfectionism, stubbornness, and lack of motivation. It’s important for all of us to look honestly at ourselves and identify our gremlins. In sports, as in life, the first step to success is getting out of your own way. What’s the biggest difference between trying to win your first title and trying to repeat? Winning for the first time is so emotional that sometimes you can lose a little focus, and you have to fight that. I remember in 1991, the first time we won the World Series, it seemed like the last out took four days. Everything slowed down and we found ourselves thinking about all the bad things that could happen. With experience, that equation flips around. You think about all the good things that can happen because you’re so close to winning.

The Wildcats won their second consecutive WCWS championship with a combination of intelligence, immediacy, and intensity.

In the 2007 WCWS, Taryne Mowatt threw every pitch for your team. How did you decide she could go the distance? It was an easy decision because we really had no other options. By the time we reached the World Series, Taryne was used to being our go-to pitcher. She’s the type of player who wants to be out there when it counts most. She told me she was ready to throw until her arm fell off. My pitching decisions are much harder when I’m working with the Olympic team, where I have Finch, Osterman, Abbott, Fernandez, and Hollowell to choose from. Sometimes there’s a real advantage to not having options. Some of my best college teams have had lineups that were pretty well established early on. It takes pressure off the kids because they can make a mistake or have a little slump and not feel someone’s breathing down their neck. This year’s WCWS set new records for strikeouts and shutouts, with Mowatt leading the way. Is pitching becoming too dominant? I think softball has a good balance between offense and defense. The last time we felt offense needed a boost, we moved the pitching circle back from 40 to

43 feet, and I believe that served its purpose. Not only did it increase offense, but it also brought more nuance to the pitching game. Pitchers used to be able to dominate batters just by throwing hard, and that’s not as true anymore. To be a great pitcher today, you’d better focus on movement and off-speed pitches. Pitchers have to be smarter—they have to get ground balls and fly balls and play defense, and they have to vary their pitch selection to keep hitters off-balance.

athletes and coaches need to find ways to keep themselves in control.

As for all the strikeouts and shutouts, one big factor is that scouting has gotten better than ever. Coaches are charting opposing hitters’ weaknesses and preparing pitchers to take advantage of them. So I see low-scoring games at the World Series largely as a compliment to coaches and pitchers for doing their homework.

What’s one issue in college softball you wish more people were talking about? I think the sport is in great shape overall, but we can’t assume that what’s good for baseball is also good for softball. Sometimes it seems like we make decisions based on what baseball is doing, and that’s not right. For instance, baseball moved its start date to March, and we’ve talked about following their lead, but people need to remember that we’re two completely different sports.

The NCAA has placed a renewed emphasis on sportsmanship in softball. Have you noticed changes in on-field conduct over your career? I think the game has gotten more intense, and sportsmanship problems are always a potential side effect of that, but I haven’t seen a huge difference. With more fans and more TV cameras today, it’s easy to let emotions run high, and

When I was a younger coach, I sometimes let my emotions do the talking. Back then I had a 72-mile commute to and from work, and I’d find myself driving home from games thinking, “Why did I say that?” or “Why did I let myself act that way?” It helped me realize the importance of stepping back and thinking about how my actions affect the entire program.

Besides that, I’d really like to see the fences moved back to 220 feet all the way around. We have that in international play, and I think it’s a much better game because it puts a premium on outfield play, gets the triple back in the game, and

COACHING MANAGEMENT

COVER STORY

alleviates some of the problems with bats becoming too powerful. I know it would create major problems for some facilities, but it’s something I’d like to see discussed.

the game can feel very fast, and that’s when they lose control. The difference between practice speed and game speed can really hurt some players.

You’re taking a hiatus from the Wildcats this season to work with the national team. What is the biggest difference in coaching the two squads? One big difference is how great the national-level athletes are at learning and making adjustments all the time. Here’s a good example: At the Olympic level, I’ve seen players have three bad at-bats during a game, but add something new about the pitcher to their mental database each time. On their fourth at-bat, they get a hit. At the college level, a player having three bad at-bats is more likely to get down on herself or frustrated that she’s having a bad game.

Has that observation affected the way you run your practices at Arizona? It sure has. Everything we do in practice is at a very quick pace. If the game is as fast in practice as it is during competition, you’re better prepared to compete.

Another difference is the Olympic-level players’ ability to slow the game down. At the college level, especially for freshmen, Greg Scholand is an Assistant Editor at Coaching Management. He can be reached at: gs@MomentumMedia.com.

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What will be your team’s biggest challenge in the coming year? Every team changes, and our team has changed quite drastically. Most strong teams are strong up the middle, and we’re replacing our shortstop, second baseman, and centerfielder this season. A key to our success will be the incoming freshmen making contributions right away. As for Taryne, she’s not going to surprise anyone this year—they all know about her, so she’ll have to bring her A game to the ballpark every time. And all our players are working to be more consistent. It’s great to have a championship to look back on, but the real question in softball is, “What have you done lately?”

Larry Ray joined the Wildcats’ coaching staff in 1985. He left in1996 to start a new softball program at the University of Florida, where he amassed a record of 169-106 in four seasons before returning to Arizona in 2002. Today, he works primarily with slap hitters and infielders, and also spearheads the team’s recruiting. CM: How do you teach slap hitting? Ray: As with any skill, you don’t want to make clones of everyone. I try to take what they’re already good at and expand on it, and I have a few fundamentals that I feel everyone can benefit from. For example, I try to get players to run as short a distance as possible. I’ll have our slap hitters move up in the box as far as they’re comfortable, so when their left foot crosses over, they’re already headed down the

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COVER STORY

line. We also work on pitch selection, so players are prepared to hit ground balls and force the defense to make plays. What is the most common flaw you see in slap hitters? Some players have problems with consistency in their footwork, and it prevents them from getting a fast first step. When I see that, we work on developing a technique that will get them moving down the line as quickly as possible while still feeling natural. What are your top priorities in recruiting? It’s not too difficult to spot the best players at a tournament. But I also care a lot about intangibles—how they handle success and failure, what their attitude is, what kind of teammate they are—and those things are harder to evaluate. When I’m at a tournament, I’m not just watching the field. I look for the way players interact in the dugout, the way they talk to coaches and teammates, and how they react when they make a mistake. How much do those things matter? I think one of our biggest strengths at Arizona is how well our team meshes on a personal

level. Our players are unselfish and very supportive of each other. At this year’s World Series, I honestly thought there were several teams with better overall talent, but we played so well as a team, and that helped make the difference. If you could change anything about the recruiting process, what would it be? Over the last several years we’ve been restricted in our opportunities to evaluate recruits, and I’d like to see that reversed. Ultimately, athletes are the ones hurt by that schedule. Our signing period is in November, and we can’t go out after that. But I think Thanksgiving and Christmas tournaments around the country would be great opportunities for teams to find players to fill their needs. It would also give more opportunities for high school players to get onto a college roster. Do you see yourself making a return to head coaching? I’m really happy here. Mike treats us all like head coaches, and we’ve each got our areas to be in charge of. If the right opportunity came up, I’d consider it, but I love Tucson, I love U of A, and I love this program.

NANCY EVANS, ASSISTANT COACH With a .939 winning percentage pitching for the Wildcats in the mid-1990s, Nancy Evans has the best win-loss ratio in NCAA softball history. She finished her playing career with a sterling 124-8 record and two national titles (1994 and 1998), and was named the Honda Softball Award winner and National Player of the Year as a senior. Evans joined the Arizona coaching staff immediately after graduation as a volunteer assistant, and became a fulltime assistant coach in 2001. She works primarily with pitchers and catchers. CM: What is your approach to developing pitchers? Evans: It starts with realizing that each one has her own personality, style, ways of performing, and sources of motivation. I never take a cookie-cutter approach. The first

COACHING MANAGEMENT

COVER STORY

thing I do is get to know them on a personal level. I take an interest in them not just as softball players but as people, and once we’ve established mutual trust and respect, it makes everything else so much easier. It also means they’ll trust me when it comes to things like conditioning, because they know everything I have them do is aimed at making them more successful. What do you emphasize in conditioning? One of our biggest priorities is cardio training. I’ve experienced the long season as a college pitcher, and I know that cardio work and strong legs are extremely important. Lots of pitchers have strong arms, but if their legs get tired, they’re done. I have our pitchers do cardio even when the rest of the team doesn’t. It was a battle at first, but after a 60-game season when someone is throwing eight games in seven days and still feels great, they realize it pays off. How do you approach the mental game? Coach Candrea believes the mental game is very important, and I completely agree because I know how much it’s helped me. I was also a sports psychology major in college, so I’ve become pretty good at talking to players about their mental approach to the game.

With pitchers, so much is about confidence. When I look at Taryne, for instance, and the progress she made between the start of last season and the World Series, it wasn’t that she got a lot stronger or developed new techniques—she improved because she developed the mental skills of confidence, mental stamina, and toughness. How do you help pitchers develop those intangible skills? I give mental routines to help them deal with mistakes or negative thoughts during the game. For instance, if a pitcher gives up a home run, of course that feels really bad. She’ll have her back to home plate as she’s watching the ball, and I’ll tell her not to turn around again until she’s dumped those negative feelings outside the circle. I’ll even give her a short phrase to repeat to herself about how that pitch is in the past and can’t be changed, so she has to focus on getting the next batter out. By the time she turns around and faces the plate again, she has a clear head. Has the college game changed much since you played? The game itself hasn’t changed a lot, but bat technology has come a long way. We definitely didn’t have the same pop in our

bats that players do now. I wasn’t a home run hitter in college, but when I take batting practice with these new bats, I hit them out all the time. It’s a shame I didn’t have these bats when I played. Do you make it a priority for your players to learn other positions? Every day. I want them to understand every aspect of the game, to the point where they could become head coaches after they graduate. The more knowledgeable and skilled they are playing defense, the more they’re helping the team. Our pitchers field ground balls at every practice, and I want them to think of themselves as infielders in the circle. Even if an athlete comes in only having been a pitcher, she’s usually excited to learn other roles. What do you see in your professional future? My goal is to be a head coach someday. I’ve learned so much working with Coach Candrea and the rest of the staff here, and I’ve really come to see this program as a family. When I become a head coach, I want to create the same kind of atmosphere, because I’ve seen first-hand how it makes success possible.

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No. 14

FASTPITCH DELI

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By Lacy Lee

October 2005

Baker Publisher

majority in favor to win reinstatement. “The USOC is dedicated Just recent- turn in 2012,” USOC to see to President Peter it that women’s softball team media ly back from summit. “We’re Ueberroth does not miss a fluence said at the meeting hopeful and, its people 2006 U.S. with Olympic International women’s sport.”to reconsider a decision in a humble way, hope that was a Olympic ComUeberroth’s bad decision to try and into eliminate mittee (IOC) fore the baseballstatements were not a as supportive international October. The Presid for baseball, federation ent result but that was requested vote in February. – 54-50 against Jacques be– has encouraged its vote, which was Rogin early ge, Don Porter Porter seemed baseball to push for another was optimistic softball athletes buoyed by his October about softball’s Michele Smith, who accompanied him. meeting with Rogge, along spent a little The athletes, cerns on the chances of led by two-timewith the six 2012 Olympic future of softballover an hour with the getOlympian, Games to support IOC head, ting back on as an Olympic reconsideration expressing Porter, president in London. the sport while their conprogram for The IOC president, of the close of the International body of softball asking the said, “I hear vote taken in Singapore President Rogge Softball Federation in the world He commended support to your passion last July. – said, “We bring the issue (ISF) – the the athletes for your are very optimistic governing developing softball and the ISF back In July, the for their hard sport and share it.” of gaining IOC members to the session for a Other athletes and advised that the needed a majority work in promoting needed revote in February.” voted softball “door who met with ley (Canada) of 53 votes and baseball Rogge were is open” for reconsideration. and 52 in favor Maria Vasquez off the program. and 52 against, to remain in London’s Jelena rakami Tomic (Croatia), (Spain), Joanna (Japan). ISF Softball with one abstention. lineup, and Although Alison BradDirector of Bouzou (Greece) the final vote meeting. for the Games softball officials originally Competition was Laurie Gouthro and Miyami MuIt is not known February beforeuntil 2016, IOC members were told softball also attended if the wouldn’t be can request the members would the Winter Games eligible Games, but after Torino, February meeting is a new vote in Turino, softball’s only at their the host committee the IOC need to submit the motion. Italy. At least one-third session in ball may be too doesn’t meet again until chance for the 2012 venue. If it passed, far along in of July 2007. softball would the 115 its planning Some think “It’s going by 2007 to require a to have to include a softthink time be at Torino,” will work Porter said against us.” of re-inclusion. “If it isn’t, I Special Release to Fastpitch Texas senior Delivery pitcher Cat sport by the Women’s Sports Osterman was honored winner at a press conference Foundation on Monday,as the Sportswoman at the 26th of the Year at the Waldorf-Astoria Oct. 17. She Annual in a team was presented on Monday With the honor,Salute to Women in as the award Sports morning and Osterman female athlete. was also honored becomes the Awards Dinner. first-ever active The Women’s collegian to Sports Foundation be honored following criteria: as the top selects the annual Sportswoman Every athlete has at least of the Year invincible. based on the A truly exceptional one crowning moment When a series in her career athlete has many such when she being eligible of high points comes feels completely moments in a particular for the Women’s champions year, the athletethroughout her athletic Sports in career. performances the individual category Foundation Sportswoman earns a special distinction that and of the Year Award. Each of Athletes were distinguish them from team sport category are honored year, their considered gust 1, 2004, for extraordinary for the award peers. and July based on their 31, 2005. public. The Athletes are athletic achievements winners are nominated determined by sport governing between Auby voting members bodies and of the Women’s the Cat Sports Foundation Osterman, and See Sportswoman, as she becomes the Texas Longhorns’ senior pitcher, page 25 the first active in women’s makes history college athlete athletics from to win the the Women’s top award Sports Foundation.

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NFCA NATIONAL COACHING STAFFS OF THE YEAR NCAA Division I

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University of Arizona Head Coach Mike Candrea, along with assistants Nancy Evans, Larry Ray, Dave Feinberg, and student assistant Alicia Hollowell, have been named the 2007 NFCA Division I Coaching Staff of the Year. Candrea and his staff led the Wildcats to a second straight national title and the eighth in program history this past season. UA finished the year 50-14-1 as it fought off five elimination games at the Women’s College World Series en route to hoisting the trophy and earning the No. 1 ranking in the final USA Today/NFCA Top 25 poll. The Arizona coaching staff guided the team to a 10th Pac-10 title that earned it a 21st consecutive NCAA tournament berth.

Oklahoma City University Head Coach Phil McSpadden and Assistant Coach Bobbi Towers have been named the 2007 NFCA NAIA National Coaching Staff of the Year. McSpadden and Towers earned the accolade after guiding OCU to an NAIA-record eighth national title. The Stars finished the season with a 53-6 mark. Oklahoma City won the Sooner Athletic Conference title with an impressive 21-1 mark.

College of the Siskiyous Head Coach Doug Eastman and Assistant Coach Larry Cook have been named the NFCA Cal JC Coaching Staff of the Year. Eastman and Cook led Siskiyous to a 48-4 overall record and a berth in the state championship tournament after rolling to a 4-0 mark in the playoffs. The team finished second in the state overall rankings and first in the EASTMAN North Division poll as it went 19-1 to win the program’s third Golden Valley Conference title.

NCAA Division II Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Head Coach Sandy Montgomery, along with assistant coaches Valerie McCoy and Shannon Evans, have been named the 2007 NFCA Division II National Coaching Staff of the Year. The SIU-Edwardsville staff earned the accolade after guiding the Cougars to the program’s first Division II softball national title. Montgomery, in her MONTGOMERY 19th season at the school, led SIUE to the NCAA tournament for the eighth straight season. The Cougars finished the year with a 49-8 record and a 19-5 mark in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. SIUE won its last 16 games and 25 of 26 as it finished No. 1 in the final NFCA Division II Top 25 poll for the first time.

NCAA Division III Linfield College Head Coach Jackson Vaughan, along with assistants Lisa Allen, Greg Herman, and Ben Blosser, have been named the 2007 NFCA Division III Coaching Staff of the Year. Vaughan and his staff led the Wildcats to their first national title after finishing 45-7 overall. His team included seven players who batted over .400, and collectively the ’Cats hit at a .388 clip. Eighteen team records were established, including home runs (50), stolen bases (133), and winning percentage (.865). Linfield’s pitching staff posted a 2.35 earned run average, while two Wildcats earned Louisville Slugger/ NFCA All-American honors.

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NJCAA Division I Chipola College Head Coach Belinda Hendrix and Assistant Coach Jimmy Hendrix have been named the NFCA’s NJCAA Division I Coaching Staff of the Year. The Lady Indians capped a 57-6-1 campaign by hoisting the 2007 NJCAA Division I national championship. Chipola also captured the Panhandle Conference title and finished the year ranked first in the NJCAA Division I poll after winning 14 of its last 15 games.

NJCAA Division II Phoenix College Head Coach Heinz Mueller and assistant coaches Hank Schrader, Christa Pfeninger, and Dallas Kuhlman have been named the NFCA NJCAA Division II Coaching Staff of the Year. The coaching staff won national honors for the third straight year after the squad won its fourth straight NJCAA Division II national title in its eighth consecutive national tournament appearance.

NJCAA Division III Monroe Community College Head Coach Robb DiGiacomo and Assistant Coach Chuck Sciortino have been named the 2007 NFCA’s NJCAA Division III Coaching Staff of the Year. DiGiacomo, in his eighth year at the school, and Sciortino guided the team to a second straight softball national title as it swept four games at the DIGIACOMO national tournament and outscored its opponents 57-6. The national championship capped a tremendous season for the Tribunes as they finished the year with a 35-game win streak en route to a school-record 52-2 mark. MCC led NJCAA Division III this season in win/loss percentage and batting average.

NWAACC Everett Community College Co-Head Coaches Mandi Johnson and Randy Smith earned the NFCA NWAACC Coaching Staff of the Year Award. Johnson and Smith guided Everett to the NWAACC Championship Tournament after the team finished the season 44-10. ECC also claimed the Northern Region regular season championship with a 33-3 record in league competition.

High School Valencia (Calif.) High School Head Coach Donna Lee and Assistant Coach Carrie Mitchell have been named the 2007 NFCA High School Coaching Staff of the Year. Lee and Mitchell guided Valencia to the Division I San Francisco Section Championship with a 32-1 record. Valencia capped the year with the No. 1 ranking in the final USA Today/NFCA High School Top 25 Softball poll, making it the first team in the poll’s history to run through the entire season in the top spot. Under the duo’s leadership, Valencia also clinched titles at the Bullhead City Tournament of Champions, Michelle Carew Tournament, and the Best of the West.

Travel Ball Worth Firecrackers Head Coach Tony Rico, along with assistants John Drakes and Don Minard, have been named the 2007 NFCA Travel Ball National Coaching Staff of the Year. Rico, Drakes, and Minard guided their team to the 2007 ASA Gold national championship following a second-place finish in 2006. The Firecrackers finished the year 103-21-4 and won the 2007 Canada Cup Futures title. The squad also finished third at the Colorado Fireworks Tournament.

HONORING EXCELLENCE

NFCA REGIONAL COACHING STAFFS OF THE YEAR NCAA Division I Great Lakes Region: Ohio State University Head Coach: Linda Kalafatis Assistant Coaches: Ali Viola, Erica Beach, Kim Doran Mid-Atlantic Region: Hofstra University Head Coach: Bill Edwards Associate Head Coach: Larissa Anderson Assistant Coach: Ryan Realmuto Mid-Atlantic Region: Long Island University Head Coach: Roy Kortmann Assistant Coaches: Bill Gehrke, Margie Masters Mideast Region: DePaul University Head Coach: Eugene Lenti Assistant Coaches: Liz Bouck, Lindsay Chouinard Midwest Region: Baylor University Head Coach: Glenn Moore Associate Head Coach: Mark Lumley Assistant Coaches: Britni Sneed, Jimmy Hubble Northeast Region: Virginia Tech Head Coach: Scot Thomas Assistant Coaches: Al Brauns, Tiffany McVay, Alan Bayse South Region: University of Tennessee Co-Head Coaches: Ralph and Karen Weekly Assistant Coaches: Marty McDaniel, Stephanie Humphrey-Sayne Southeast Region: University of Florida Head Coach: Tim Walton Assistant Coaches: Jennifer Rocha, Jenny Gladding, Kristen Butler West Region: University of Hawaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i Head Coach: Bob Coolen Assistant Coaches: John Nakamura, Dee Wisneski

NCAA Division II Mid-Atlantic Region: Lock Haven University Head Coach: Kelley Green Assistant Coaches: Kelly Shannon, Danielle Fraser North Central Region: University of Nebraska-Omaha Head Coach: Jeanne Scarpello Assistant Coaches: Michala Cimino, Kevin Dunn, Cory Petermann Northeast Region: LIU-C.W. Post Head Coach: Jamie Apicella Assistant Coach: Kelsey Walker

South Region: Florida Southern College Head Coach: Chris Bellotto Assistant Coaches: Jeff Lang, Julianne Dunham, and Al Bellotto

NAIA

South Atlantic Region: Columbus State Head Coach: Tiffany Tootle Assistant Coaches: Brad Huskisson, Jessica Bottoms

Great Lakes Region: Bethel College Head Coach: Anna Welsh Assistant Coaches: Samantha Creakbaum, Stephanie Hochstetler, Jeff Welsh

South Central Region: Angelo State Head Coach: Travis Scott Assistant Coaches: Claudia Lopez, Kelly Rhyne West Region: California State, Stanislaus Head Coach: Jan Schefkowitz Assistant Coach: Paul Cavan

NCAA Division III

East Region: Shorter College Head Coach: Melanie Carter Assistant Coach: Al Thomas

Midwest Region: William Penn University Head Coach: Mike Christner Assistant Coach: Steph Christner West Region: Point Loma Nazarene Head Coach: Dave Williams Assistant Coaches: Cheryl Schaefer, Ruth Atkins

Atlantic Region: Emory University Head Coach: Penny Siqueiros Assistant Coaches: Gary Anderson, Michele Hawkins, Bill Hudson

NJCAA Division I

Atlantic Region: Bridgewater College Head Coach: Donnie Fulk Assistant Coaches: Priscilla Halterman, Danny Conley, Skip Eger

West Region: North Idaho College Head Coach: Don Don Williams Assistant Coaches: Casi Reisenauer, Ron Bradstreet, Tammy Bradstreet

Central Region: DePauw University Head Coach: Bonnie Skrenta Assistant Coach: Clyde Spencer

NJCAA Division II

East Region: Moravian College Head Coach: John Byrne Assistant Coaches: Ron Cardinal, Rachel Mowrey, Geoffrey Deen, Mark Bentz, Heather Bortz

Midwest Region: Texarkana College Head Coach: Leslie Messina Assistant Coach: Sena Horne

Midwest Region: Parkland College Head Coach: Chuck Clutts Assistant Coach: Brooke Freeman East Region: Lansing Community College Head Coach: Bob Every Assistant Coaches: Jerry Murphy, Robert Dunham

Great Lakes Region: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Head Coach: Leslie Huntington Assistant Coaches: Robin Baker, Billie Buss, Nicole Pederson, Rachel Lemon

High School

Midwest Region: Washington University in St. Louis Head Coach: Leticia Pineda-Boutte Assistant Coaches: Stacy Mui, Kris Caldwell

North Region: Greenville High School Head Coach: Jerrod Newland Assistant Coaches: Beth Arnold, Carol Paul, John Davis

New England Region: Rhode Island College Head Coach: Maria Morin Assistant Coaches: Ken Stanley, Kristen Norberg Northeast Region: Plattsburgh State Head Coach: Sean Cotter Assistant Coach: Jamie Trudeau

East Region: Toms River East High School Head Coach: Debbie Schwartz Assistant Coaches: Dawn Dziedzic, Michelle Neveling

South Region: Baker High School Head Coach: Tony Scarbrough Assistant Coaches: Henry Snow, Ricky Wharton, Jerry Rodden South Region: Trinity Prep School Head Coach: Kathy Finnucan Assistant Coaches: Kevin Griffin, Scott Burmeister, Dee Starling South Central Region: Garland High School Head Coach: Cindy Mosteller Assistant Coach: Jennifer Robertson

COACHING MANAGEMENT

HONORING EXCELLENCE

2007 EASTON VICTORY CLUB AWARD WINNERS NCAA Division I Mike Candrea, University of Arizona Gayle Blevins, University of Iowa Yvette Girouard, Louisiana State University Joyce Compton, University of South Carolina Carol Hutchins, University of Michigan Eugene Lenti, DePaul University Donna J. Papa, University of North Carolina Ralph Weekly, University of Tennessee Teresa Wilson, Texas Tech University Patty Gasso, University of Oklahoma Jo Evans, Texas A&M University Frank Reed, Tennessee-Chattanoooga Karen Mullins, University of Connecticut Maria Di Bernardi, Villanova University Karen Weekly, University of Tennessee Megan Bryant, Stony Brook University Ken Eriksen, University of South Florida Holly Hesse, Missouri State University Lisa Navas, North Carolina State University Scot Thomas, Virginia Tech Kirk Walker, Oregon State University Craig Coleman, Robert Morris University Bridget Orchard, Fordham University Katie Flynn, James Madison University Kerri Blaylock, Southern Illinois University Pete Langlois, Southeastern Louisiana University Aimee Devos, North Carolina-Charlotte Windy Thees, University of Memphis Tim Walton, University of Florida Darren Mueller, North Dakota State University Mark Montgomery, Centenary College (La.) Jamie Pinkerton, University of Arkansas Gordon Eakin, Brigham Young University Stacey Sullivan, University of Maine Heather Tarr, University of Washington Mandy Roczniak, Central Connecticut State Mickey Dean, Radford University Jeanine Gunther, Lafayette College Jenny Condon, Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo

Record 1,316-297-2 1,136-529-5 1,122-351 1,106-482 1,031-384 932-463-6 839-488-4 827-282-1 802-446-1 801-267-2 725-433 721-244 715-450-5 602-462-8 549-198-1 521-503 509-261-1 501-479-2 500-224-1 434-288 421-324-3 408-371-4 329-187-3 323-332 315-132 306-392 300-401 227-143 216-111 213-111 212-173 206-226 201-93 112-98 112-66 111-298-2 109-32 107-116 101-56

NCAA Division II Chris Bellotto, Florida Southern College Frank Cheek, Humboldt State University Vickee Kazee-Hollifield, Carson-Newman Lori Meyer, Minnesota State University Mankato David Hanna, Coker College Kris Mort, Mesa State College Dan Burns, Lincoln Memorial University Jamie Apicella, C.W. Post-Long Island University David Kuhn, Delta State University Lesa M. Bonee, Nova Southeastern University Kathy Stewart, Northern Kentucky University Ken King, LeMoyne College Pam Knox, Western Oregon University Kelley Green, Lock Haven University

1,028-306 922-227-2 733-207 707- 504-3 604-163-1 414-242 409-296-1 343-134 335-199 319-263-1 318-149 316-153-3 301-290 246-120

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Years 27 28 28 32 24 26 23 20 21 17 22 16 26 24 11 20 11 19 17 12 13 17 10 13 8 13 13 7 5 7 7 7 5 5 3 9 8 5 3

26 19 21 23 18 14 13 9 9 11 9 10 13 8

David Deiros, Florida Gulf Coast University Dana Lillard, Regis University Susan Anderson, University of Central Missouri Kristi Bredbenner, Emporia State University Richie Bruister, Henderson State University Chantiel Wilson, Abilene Christian University Bob Bartel, Concordia University-St. Paul Steve Johnson, North Carolina-Pembroke Ginger Chaffinch, Georgia College Gretta Melsted, Augustana College (S.D.)

232-65-2 228-130 211-195 143-38 124-75 119-95 115-63 109-150 104-51 103-120

5 7 9 3 4 4 3 5 3 4

NCAA Division III Donna Newberry, Muskingum College 817-370 623-342 Karla Wolters, Hope College Jeff Annis, Gustavus Adolphus College 526-103 Deb Pallozzi, Ithaca College 524-254 Jim Kulawiak, North Central College 520-219 Julie Lenhart, SUNY Cortland 516-255-1 Gina Loudenburg, Wheaton College (Mass.) 504-188-3 Charlie Beach, Keene State College 502-322 Faye Perkins, University of Wisconsin-River Falls 427-350-2 Janet Lloyd, Chapman University 427-144 Margie Knight, Salisbury University 413-105-2 Dick Bailey, Colby College 408-271-3 Kim Wilson, Rowan University 406-184 Linda Detra, Arcadia University 317-169 Mike McKenzie, Aurora University 313-116-2 Linda Wage, Clark University 306-195 Kara Kehe, Wartburg College 225-135 Orie Gentile, La Roche College 224-103 Damian Williams, Willamette University 219-218 John Dumaw, Brockport State University 202-133 Jamie Smyth, Saint Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Maine 200-185 Danny Fish, Maryville College 126-76 Laurie Nevarez, University of Redlands 120-42 JP Richards, Edgewood College 120-87 Rachel Turoscy, DeSales University 114-193 Diana Pepin, Eastern Connecticut State University 114-113 Lance Kingery, Nebraska Wesleyan University 114-109 Bonnie Skrenta, DePauw University 107-82 Billie Blackwell, Centenary College (N.J.) 106-145-1 Stella Porto, College of Staten Island 103-65 Tina Phillips, University of Pittsburgh-Bradford 103-50-1 Cheryl Milligan, Tufts University 102-53

33 29 25 19 19 18 18 22 20 14 11 23 17 13 10 19 8 11 12 9 10 5 4 5 10 6 6 5 10 5 4 4

NAIA Wendy Spratt, Columbia College Terri Knecht, Savannah College of Art Dave Williams, Point Loma Nazarene University Mike Hampton, Iowa Wesleyan College Myra Minuskin, Saint Xavier University Ed Lehotak, Bellevue University Jeana Howald, Mount Vernon Nazarene Jerry Breaux, Evangel University Coby Mackin, University of Mobile Keith Kramme, Midland Lutheran College

13 13 10 14 13 11 18 14 9 12

508-232 436-255 426-145 426-301 424-255 413-195 400-306 400-269-2 325-155-3 324-308-1

HONORING EXCELLENCE

Brandie Paul, Martin Methodist College Chris Wilcoxson, Reinhardt College Emily Moore Russell, Lee University Frank Greene, Concordia University (Neb.) Tori Raby-Gentry, University of Virginia-Wise Greg Stewart, Oregon Tech Todd Buckingham, Indiana University Southeast

311-241 211-116 209-88 201-140-1 131-83 102-35-2 101-160

10 8 5 7 4 3 6

NJCAA Division I Jami Lind, Florida Community College Susan M. Painter, Gulf Coast Community College Don Gines, Louisburg College Kate McCluskey, Eastern Arizona College Mark Dicus, Seminole State College Tommy Ramos, Midland College Jayne Clem, Wallace State Community College Brenda Pena, Pensacola Junior College Greg Shivers, Central Alabama CC Beth Keylon-Randolph, Chattanooga State Tech Dr. Nancy Keenum, Calhoun Community College Karie Linsenmeyer, Northern Oklahoma College Don Don Williams, North Idaho College Joel Prickett, Odessa College Armando Quiroz, Pima Community College Belinda Hendrix, Chipola College Leslie Messina, Texarkana College

928-375 632-192 608-272 546-425 506-159 419-126-2 357-112 327-180 315-103 313-69 313-90 303-220 244-250-1 212-177 205-76-1 137-41 105-73

22 13 15 18 9 9 8 10 7 6 7 10 11 6 8 3 3

NJCAA Division II Ed Hargrove, Cowley Community College Dennis Clark, Kankakee Community College Jim Overturf, Kirkwood Community College Paula Maloley, Grand Rapids Community College Bob Every, Lansing Community College Chuck Clutts, Parkland College Art Kasak, Triton College Brian Dewey, Mercyhurst North East Scott Reese, Ancilla College Mary Jo Vrba, North Iowa Area CC

823-283 800-272 526-352 509-471 343-57 333-98-2 126-119 117-62 108-192 106-142

23 25 20 21 8 7 4 5 6 6

NJCAA Division III Robb DiGiacomo, Monroe Community College Nicholas A. DeGennaro, Sussex County CC

245-74 103-54-1

8 4

Cal JC Robert A. Maglione, Sacramento City College Sonny Stupek, Shasta College Lisa Bassi, Fullerton College Debbie Huntze-Rooney, San Jose City College Darci Brownell, Sierra College Michelle Daddona-Moya, Riverside CC Suzy Brazney, Golden West College Lisa Field, Santiago Canyon College

1,008-346 612-306 609-297 441-221-4 309-84 198-161-3 191-287 12-25

27 21 20 16 9 8 20 1

NWAACC Matt Loes, South Puget Sound CC

224-184

COACHING MANAGEMENT

High School Ralph Wiktor, Romeo High School Andy Behmlander, Reese High School Kathy Finnucan, Trinity Preparatory School Tommy Orndorff, Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell High School Mike Teshkoyan, Caldwell High School Janice Williamson, Bryan High School Loa Kay Bowthorpe, Union High School Laneigh Clark, Pearland High School Mike Dyson, Centennial High School James McClanahan, Elkins High School Wes Worrell, Bishop Kelly High School Christina Christmas, Mason County Central David Halter, Bell High School Angelo Matz, Delaware Valley High School Jennifer Brown, Vestavia Hills High School Scott Hall, Pendleton Heights High School Paul Moore, Lassen High School Scott Libby, San Antonio Taft High School David Stewart, Wayland-Cohocton High School Amy Sullivan, Pelham High School Bob McFall, Evansville Memorial High School Deborah Loughlin, Spencerport High School Luann Zullo, Nutley High School Doug Kesler, Madison County High School Jerrod Newland, Greenville High School Jason Shirey, Fayetteville High School Tom McCall, Milford High School Ken Dischler, Park Falls High School Jeff Kuespert, Williams Bay High School Kaylyn Bayly, Countryside High School Mark Rhoten, St. Pius X High School Jason Blair, Parkland High School Linda Bouvet, Sault Area High School Cynthia Zea, Plano Senior High School Anthony LaRezza, Immaculate Heart Academy

606-174 514-209 507-147 506-57 500-91-2 416-166 400-128 325-322 315-104-8 306-84 305-88 302-113 301-151 300-130 240-62 228-54 223-115 213-84 213-83 212-116 209-71 208-154 207-120 206-102 128-27 118-19 117-77 114-99 114-51 108-35 105-32 104-65 103-284-1 103-42-1 102-24

25 25 24 22 21 19 22 16 14 12 14 13 18 20 5 9 10 10 15 7 9 16 12 9 5 4 7 11 8 5 5 6 12 5 4

International Allan Schwartz, Calahoo Erins

1,200-250

Travel Ball Ben McKinney, Carolina Cardinals Milton Simmons, Sports Plus Scott A. Smith, Texas Bombers-Black Lynn Snodgrass, Northern Colorado Xplosion Duane Cretin, Team Indiana U16 Donnie Schwirtlich, South Texas HotStuff Edward Loweth, Indiana Nitro 16U Lewis Boehm, Texas Comets Stan Kolbe, Washington Senators Bob Bilafer, Black Ice 16U Larry Geyer, Idaho Golden Gloves Christian Sweeney, Bayside Blues Mark Goodacre, Fury Ken Fry, East Coast Elite Gold

927-364-7 803-393 695-206 657-252-26 610-213 441-169-11 406-235 302-120 225-106 211-81-4 161-56-1 142-57-5 128-89 103-23

9 22 6 14 11 9 17 6 8 6 8 3 6 5

COACHING MANAGEMENT

PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY Zingbat 866-ZINGBAT www.zingbat.com

M.A.S.A., Inc. 800-264-4519 www.masa.com

Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program 503-848-7889 www.speedbat.com

Zingbat™ offers the Trainer Series product line. This economically priced version of the regular Pro Series Zingbat is ideal for youth players. The Trainer Series teaches batters basic swing mechanics. The Composite Zingbat Trainer is available in one length and weight (30 inches, 17 ounces), while the aluminum Pro Series can be customized to meet your team’s specific length and weight requirements. Call today for a free instructional CD or video. Circle No. 500

M.A.S.A. has welcomed the new Fence Guard Lite to its family of fence guards. Fence Guard Lite is priced for the tightest budgets. It protects against chain-link fence injuries, increases fence visibility, and can add beauty to any field. With the addition of Fence Guard Lite, M.A.S.A. now offers three grades of Fence Guard: Premium, Standard, and Lite. All three feature exterior-grade UV-resistant polyethylene construction that is maintenance-free and designed to last for many years. Call or go online today for more information. Circle No. 503

Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program is the recipient of the 2000 B&N Softball #1 New Product of the Year award. The program includes Nemo’s Speed Training Bat, three instructional videos, and now the new Triple Hitting Tee. Coach Nemo will be releasing his fourth instructional video in December 2007. This is a complete training program following a speed circuit format using underloading drills to increase bat speed and reaction time. In the words of Drs. McDowell and Noebe of B&N Sports, “This product is one of the few products that can truly be used for baseball and softball. It really does work.” Circle No. 505

Louisville Slugger 800-282-2287 www.slugger.com The Louisville Slugger TPS Catalyst changed the face of fastpitch softball in 2005, when it propelled the Michigan Wolverines to a Women’s College World Series title. Two years later, the Catalyst continues to dominate fastpitch, and will continue to do so in 2008 with another new model. The TPS Catalyst is offered in -8 ounce, -9 ounce, and -10 ounce models. Its stiff handle and flexible barrel give players the ultimate in performance, feel, and durability. Circle No. 501 The TPS Female Fastpitch Glove from Louisville Slugger features narrower finger stalls and smaller wrist openings for a snug fit and great control. BruiseGard padding offers added protection in the palm and finger areas, and Dye-Thru lacing enhances durability. Coolmax finger linings wick away perspiration from the player’s hand for control and comfort. Circle No. 502

COACHING MANAGEMENT

The revolutionary new Handozer from M.A.S.A. is a complete infield grooming solution. It cuts maintenance time by

Pro’s Choice 800-648-1166 www.proschoice1.com Pro’s Choice Red infield conditioner is designed to meet the challenges of wet, dry, or compacted infields. This

up to 75 percent and gets professional results. Traditional grooming requires four steps: a nail drag is used to create loose dirt for smoothing, a leveling device levels the field, a roller is typically used for firmness, and a finishing drag mat makes the diamond sparkle. The new 30-inch-wide Handozer features all four tools on a compact frame designed for one-person operation. Call or go online for more information. Circle No. 504

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legendary product is the first choice of professional groundskeepers for building and maintaining winning softball fields season after season. It manages the moisture on your field, keeping it in top playing condition. Pro’s Choice Red infield conditioner is the all-star veteran of the Pro’s Choice lineup. Circle No. 506 Rapid Dry drying agent from Pro’s Choice quickly wicks excess water away from your softball field and helps

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www.FundraisingForSports.com improve soil consistency. It’s not a dusty powder, and its granules are

PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY RevFire 866-414-3040 www.revfire.com

perfectly sized for both stability and absorption. Rapid Dry’s sand-like texture even improves footing on slippery surfaces. Just pour it on any wet spots and get back in the game, fast. When you need a game-saver, you want Rapid Dry drying agent in the lineup. Circle No. 507

Easier to use than a radar gun, the RevFire measures the spin of pitches as well as the speed. Adopted by college teams and clinics

across the country, coaches report dramatic results—pitchers throw a more effective breaking ball when they receive spin rate feedback. The RevFire is quickly becoming standard equipment among high school programs, private instructors, and serious pitchers. Go online to learn more. Circle No. 510

Grand Slam Pitching Machine 800-GRAND-SLAM www.agrandslam.com Grand Slam is one of the most effective pitching machines for working batters’ hand-eye coordination. Its selffeeding reservoir holds more than 60 golf ball-size Wiffle® balls and allows batters to take 50 swings in five minutes. Each pitch is guaranteed to hit the strike zone. It’s ideal for indoor training or outdoor use—all you need is 16 to 20 feet of free Untitled-1 space. Forty-eight balls and a lifetime warranty are included. Circle No. 508

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PIK Products, LLC 877-845-7845 www.pikproducts.com www.baseballtrainingaids.com The patented EZ Tee is lightweight, durable, and portable. The legs fold for EZ storage—no more clunky home plates. Use it with a golf ball-size Wiffle® ball for sharpening hand-eye coordination, or with a baseball or softball. The friction collar makes for EZ adjustment. The rubber topper is flexible so it won’t damage game bats. It allows the hitter to strike the ball more cleanly, so the tee stays upright. The EZ Tee was voted Best New Product at the 2007 American Baseball Coaches Association show. Circle No. 509

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NFCA Booth No. 114 COACHING MANAGEMENT 33PM 11/2/06 3:26:27

PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY Ringor Corp. 877-274-6467 www.ringor.com Ringor’s women’s Diamond Star is specifically designed to be the ultimate softball shoe, blending durability, comfort, and lightweight per formance. The Diamond Star is available in a metal spike and a nonmetal TPU model. Mid-high models and Pro-Tec-Toes models are also available. The Diamond Star is the per fect team choice, with 10 color options: red, royal blue, maroon, black (pictured), green, white, navy blue, purple, orange, and pink. Circle No. 511 Sports Attack 800-717-4251 www.sportsattack.com All pitches, one machine—with the Hack Attack softball pitching machine, simply adjust the wheel speed dials to throw fastballs above 80 mph, risers, drops, right- and lefthanded curves, screwballs up and in to rightand left-handed hitters, and knuckleball changeups. This machine has a unique three-wheel design that provides complete ball vision, lifelike timing, and pinpoint accuracy for college and serious high school athletes. Circle No. 512 The Junior Hack Attack softball pitching machine from Sports Attack is designed to develop serious young players. With a quick turn of the dials, this machine can

COACHING MANAGEMENT

throw fastballs above 60 mph, risers, drops, right- and left-handed curves, screwballs, and knuckleball changeups. The exclusive three-wheel vision allows the hitter to see the ball clearly, just like with a live pitcher. At 75 pounds, it easily fits into a compact car, even a Mini Cooper. Circle No. 513 Sports Tutor 800-448-8867 www.sportsmachines.com The HomePlate Softball programmable pitching machine can simulate any pitch that batters are likely to face. It can throw a 70-mph riser, a 50-mph drop pitch, a curve, and a slider with only seven seconds between pitches. Store up to eight different pitches in each of the eight different programs. Programmed pitches can be thrown sequentially for specific hitting drills, or randomly to simulate game conditions. Choose the auto-feed model, which holds up to 40 12-inch dimpled softballs, or the hand-feed model, starting at $4,495. Circle No. 514 Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. 800-336-2468 www.stabilizersolutions.com Stabilizer Ballyard Products designed the Hilltopper product line specifically for the game of softball. The Hilltopper family is a leader in all-weather field amendments. These products shed water from the playing surface and are dust-free. They do not require water for installation or maintenance. This innovative line includes the Hilltopper Mound & Homeplate Clay, Hilltopper Infield Mix, Hilltopper Warning Track Mix, and Hilltopper Conditioner. Whatever your style of play, Hilltopper delivers. Circle No. 515

Stromgren Supports 800-527-1988 www.stromgren.com The Heel-Lock ankle support (model 329) from Stromgren emulates a professional tape job, providing excellent ankle support and eliminating costly taping. It’s not bulky, it’s easy to put on, and it fits comfortably in either the left or right shoe. The Spandex™ sock applies comfortable compression to the foot, and the permanently attached heel-lock straps help control severe eversion and inversion. The Heel-Lock is available in black or white. For more information, call toll-free or visit the company online. Circle No. 516 The Low Rider softball sliding shorts (models 1363 and 1364) from Stromgren provide athletes with comfort and compression to support muscle stability and keep protective pads in place. Hip and thigh areas in both the five- and seven-inch inseam models are protected with antimicrobial padding, while the Hydro-Flex moisture-wicking system keeps players dry and cool. The Low Rider is designed with a Coolmax® gusset panel for feminine hygiene. This product is sold exclusively through team distributors nationwide. Call toll-free or visit the company online for more information. Circle No. 517

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PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY girls got game 866-600-9905 www.girlsgotgamesoftball.com girls got game features performance-driven products for women’s softball players who take their game seriously. The company offers topquality branded products from Mizuno, Under Armour, Russell, Nike, adidas, Oakley, and more. Russell’s All Star Performance Uniform, normally $80, is available for just $59.98. To request a catalog or for more information, call or go online today. Circle No. 518 OB Team Sports 877-379-9051 www.obteamsports.com OB Team Spor ts is the maker of the AccuPitch Fastpitch Mat, one of the

most durable, longest-lasting mats on the market today. It’s guaranteed not to slip, slide, scoot, or leave marks on gymnasium floors. The company also carries a full line of field maintenance and fastpitch equipment from batting cages to softballs, plus a wide variety of training aids. Call today and let OB Team Spor ts help you design a winning program. Circle No. 519 World-Sport 800-496-8687 www.worldsport-tours.com

of athletes’ age, skill level, or sport, World-Sport takes care of all the details, leaving the coach free to plan strategy and enjoy the sights— simply choose a destination and World-Sport does the rest. Along with quality competition, your team will experience one-in-a-lifetime sightseeing and cultural activities. Lunch at the Leaning Tower of Pisa? No problem. A team photo with kangaroos and koalas? No worries, mate. Players, coaches, parents, and boosters all enjoy outstanding tours as you travel the globe with World-Sport. Circle No. 520

World-Sport is an innovative company that coordinates exciting national and international travel programs for all kinds of sports teams. Regardless

A COACHES BEST FRIEND The best in artificial turf for your next baseball, softball or other sport facility.

800-959-1844 • 888-566-8966 www.diamondturf.net Circle No. 126

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COACHING MANAGEMENT TeamPacks_CM1513.indd 1

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ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY CIRCLE NO.

COMPANY

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COMPANY

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121 . . . Atec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

129. . . Personal Pitcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

123. . . Beam Clay® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

132 . . . PIK Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC (Imerys) .

. . . . . . . 12

103. . . BetterBaseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

108 . . Plus5 Field Marker

110 . . . Diamond Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

112 . . . ProBatter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

126. . . DiamondTurf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

118 . . . Pro’s Choice Field Products . . . . . . 21

102. . . Game-On Field Conditioner . . . . . . . 4

116 . . . Ringor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

114 . . . GameMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

133. . . Softball-Tips.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

100 . . girls got game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

101. . . Sports Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

122. . . Jump Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

131 . . . Sports Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

105. . . Louisville Slugger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

119 . . . Stabilizer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

115 . . . M.A.S.A. Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

109. . . Stromgren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

. . . . . . 18

125. . . TeamPacks.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

117 . . . Memphis Net & Twine Co. . . . . . . . 20

130. . . The K Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

127. . . Mighty Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

128. . . The Pitching Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

106. . . Muhl Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

107. . . WeatherBeater® by Colorado Lining . 12

134. . . National Fastpitch Coaches Assoc.. . 27

111 . . . World-Sport Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

104. . . Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program . . . . 7

124 . . . Zingbat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

113 . . . Measuring Plate

(AKH Sports)

120. . . OB Team Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

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COMPANY

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537. . . Beam Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 525 . . BetterBaseball

(Easy Auction) .

524. . . BetterBaseball

(nets and cages)

. . . . . . 38

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509 . . PIK Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 531. . . Plus5 Field Marker

(Imerys) .

. . . . . . . 38

539 . . Power Systems

(Power Base Trainer)

543 . . Diamond Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

538 . . Power Systems

(Power Program) .

540 . . DiamondTurf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

507 . . Pro’s Choice

(Rapid Dry) .

527. . . Game-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

506 . . Pro’s Choice

(Red infield conditioner)

(Red) .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

. . 40

. . . . 40

. . . . . . . . . . 32 . . 32

510 . . . RevFire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

530 . . GameMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

511 . . . Ringor

(Diamond Star)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

529 . . girls got game (NFCA Awards Program) . 38

522 . . Ringor

(GameSpeed) .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

518 . . . girls got game (performance-driven ) . . . 35

512 . . . Sports Attack

(Hack Attack)

508 . . Grand Slam Pitching Machine . . . . . 33

513 . . . Sports Attack

(Junior Hack Attack).

532 . . Jump Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

541. . . Sports Products Consultants . . . . . 40

501. . . Louisville Slugger (TPS Catalyst) . . . . . . 32

514 . . . Sports Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

502 . . Louisville Slugger (TPS Fastpitch Glove) . 32

515 . . . Stabilizer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

503 . . M.A.S.A.

(Fence Guard Lite) .

504 . . M.A.S.A.

(Handozer) .

. . . . . . . . 32

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . . . . . . 34 . . . 34

516 . . . Stromgren

(Heel-Lock ankle support)

517 . . . Stromgren

(sliding shorts) .

. . 34

. . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . 37

542 . . TeamPacks.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

533 . . Memphis Net & Twine Co. . . . . . . . 39

523 . . The K Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

534 . . Mighty Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

544 . . The Pitching Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

521. . . Measuring Plate

(AKH Sports)

535 . . Muhl Tech

(Advanced Skills Tee) .

536 . . Muhl Tech

(training equipment)

. . . . . 39

526. . . WeatherBeater® by Colorado Lining . 38

. . . . . . 39

520 . . World-Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

505 . . Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program . . . 32

500 . . Zingbat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

519 . . . OB Team Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Circle No. 133

COMPANY

. . . . . 38

528. . . Game-On

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PRODUCTS DEBUTING AT THE SHOW AKH Sports, Inc./The Measuring Plate 888-406-4347 www.hplate.com

Ringor Corp. 877-274-6467 www.ringor.com

The K Factor 917-797-6576 www.the-k-factor.com

The Measuring Plate is perfect for all levels of play in baseball and softball. It’s simple to use and has a lightweight double-wall design. It is ideal for pitching practice and warmup anytime and anywhere. Pitcher/catcher camps and clinics for all ages can benefit from the Measuring Plate, and it can add a new dimension to indoor training and off-season practice away from the field. Advanced uses include flat practice (baseball pitching), pitching rehab (all levels), and private instruction and training centers. It features rugged UV- and weather-resistant HDPE plastic construction with adjustable 60’ 6” fiberglass tape. Circle No. 521

Ringor’s GameSpeed™ product line is designed to promote game-specific movements. All apparel products within this line are specifically made for softball players seeking garments that are designed to control moisture and regulate core body temperature. Ringor’s GameSpeed products take the next step by allowing “flex” during softball-specific movements. This is best highlighted by the Women’s GameSpeed Shirt from Ringor. This garment is available in red, royal blue, maroon, green, white, navy blue, grey, purple, and black. Circle No. 522

The K Factor is a fastpitch training tool that’s specifically designed to enhance a pitcher’s performance on the mound. Coaches, parents, and athletes know the mechanical hardships pitchers can encounter with their training and how frustrating it can be. The K Factor helps build strong, independent, successful pitchers by increasing arm speed, maximizing the length of the arm circle, adding overall velocity to pitches, strengthening the wrist snap to create better breaks on pitches, and developing strong and healthy muscle memory. Circle No. 523

BETTER PROTECTION.

It’s time for a better way to train. Perfect Pitches through Perfect Practice

New PROTEK Gloves. Finally, exclusive under-mitt impact protection. You won’t even know what hit you.

Baseball or Softball. BETTER Accuracy. BETTER Control. No need for a catcher. BETTER GRIPPING.

The Pitching Pad The Professional Pitching System

1.866.517.7810

mightygrip.com

www.thepitchingpad.com Circle No. 128

Circle No. 127 MightyGrip_CM1513.indd 1

210.232.8392

PitchingPad2_CM1513.indd 1 10/22/07 4:17:31 PM

COACHING MANAGEMENT 37AM 10/31/07 9:55:56

MORE PRODUCTS Betterbaseball.com 800-997-4233 www.betterbaseball.com

DiGeronimo Aggregates 888-593-0395 www.hayditegame-on.com

BetterBaseball is a total baseball and softball supply house, specializing in nets and batting cages that are custom cut to any size you want. The company provides quick, friendly customer service. BetterBaseball supplies everything, including bases, plates, mounds, gear, and hardware. All team equipment needs can be found easily online, or you can call the company toll-free for more product information. Circle No. 524

Game-On is a sports field soil conditioner that will not break your budget and will provide excellent results. It is a lightweight, expandedshale product that absorbs more than 20 percent of its weight in water. Game-On is more durable than clay products and tends not to break down into fine particles. The Game-On product line also includes Game-On Red topdressing, Game-On warning track mix, and Game Dry drying agent. Game-On is available both in bags and in bulk. Circle No. 527

Want to save even more on great products at the Betterbaseball.com Web site? Try the new Easy Auction feature. Each item up for bid is described in detail and a product image is shown. Get fantastic deals on everything from bats and gloves to windscreens and practice balls. Go online to learn more, and you’ll be placing bids in no time. Circle No. 525 Colorado Lining 888-546-4641 www.weather-beater.com Protect your field with WeatherBeater®’s athletic covers. The company’s products include field covers, sideline

covers, infield shields, windscreens, event flooring, gym floor covers, custom logo printing, and more. WeatherBeater, by Colorado Lining, has more than 28 years and half a billion square feet of experience converting plastics for various industries. For literature and more information, call today or visit the company online. Circle No. 526

COACHING MANAGEMENT

Game-On hits a home run with Game-On Red topdressing. GameOn Red has a brick-red color and gives your field that professional finishing touch. It offers a more consistent bounce, and the deep red color allows your infielders to see the ball more easily. Game-On Red is available in bags and in bulk. Circle No. 528 girls got game 866-600-9905 www.girlsgotgamesoftball.com girls got game has announced a commitment to the NFCA’s Academic Awards Program. Investing in the academic goals of athletes is a priority for girls got game. This commitment is being made not only to the sport of softball, but also to the growth and development of the student-athletes who strive for excellence in their daily lives. Circle No. 529 GameMaster 800-646-4225 www.gamemasterathletic.com The new and improved Instructo-Swing was developed to help hitters practice and learn how to swing a bat the correct way. When training with the

InstructoSwing, the good habits bars help the hitter to develop the correct swing path to the ball. The new angle adjustment feature helps develop the type of swings that produce line drives, hard ground balls, and fly balls that carry. Circle No. 530 Imerys 800-552-9671 www.plus5linemarker.com Plus 5 is licensed as the official marking material of the NFHS. It’s easy to apply and produces a whiter line, and it is also good for turf. This economical product is harmless to skin and clothing. Plus 5 complies with NCAA and NFHS rules for athletic marking materials, as well as the “safe use” requirements of the Consumer Safety Act, Public Law 92-573. Circle No. 531 Jump Stretch, Inc. 800-344-3539 www.jumpstretch.com “Don’t Ice that Ankle Sprain!” by Jump Stretch founder Dick Hartzell and Dr. Michael Shimmel will introduce you to the FlexBand Ankle & Strengthening Traction Technique, which is designed to reduce pain and swelling and to speed recovery time from ankle injuries. You will never deal with a sprain the same way again. The book is 85 pages long, includes a companion DVD, and covers horizontal traction, vertical traction, deferred pain, and more. It also includes testimonials from athletes and healthcare professionals. Circle No. 532

MORE PRODUCTS Memphis Net & Twine Co., Inc. 800-238-6380 www.memphisnet.net Memphis Net & Twine makes its products in the United States, offering batting cages and backstops to meet customers’ exact specifications. The company also fabricates custom windscreens out of vinyl-coated polyester in 11 different colors. These windscreens can be made to any height or width. Memphis Net & Twine also sells benches, stadium bleachers, and tip-n-roll bleachers. Circle No. 533 Mighty Grip 800-449-2143 www.mightygrip.com Catchers and first basemen can protect their glove hand with Protek, Mighty Grip’s innovative inner glove, made of pliable goat leather and a proprietary

space-aged shock absorbing material. They can also get a grip with Mighty Grip’s grip-enhancing powder. Mighty Grip powder is bodyheat activated to enhance grip on the ball and bat without transferring. You can apply it as often as needed without messy buildup. Better than pine tar, you don’t need as much and it washes off with soap and water, leaving no stain. Circle No. 534 Muhl Tech 888-766-8772 www.themuhl.com Why is the Advanced Skills Tee used by more than 2,000 high school and college programs? You get instant feedback with every swing. Its unique forward arm

and outside barrier help develop a nice swing path and keep the hands inside the ball. The tough polyurethane construction will give you years of worry-free use. Try one this season, and if you don’t like it, Muhl Tech will buy it back. Circle No. 535 Muhl Tech Baseball & Softball offers equipment to make your practice time more productive. Since 2001, the company has been developing a line of “skill-specific” training equipment that gives hitters instant feedback with every swing. The products are designed to withstand heavy use during high school and college team practices. Muhl Tech also offers its own line of batting cages and screens, sold direct to save you money. Circle No. 536

P ERSONAL P ITCHER COACH’S OFF-SEASON SPECIAL Time ONLY $99 Limited Offer!

Meet The Original Golf Ball Pitching Machine! • • • • • •

Fastballs to 60mph Exit Velocity RH/LH CURVEBALLS/Cut Fastballs 24 Balls & AC Adapter Included 2-Year Warranty, All Parts & Labor 100 Ball Capacity w/Autofeed Discounted Accessories Available: Tripod, 4-hr. Battery, Extra Balls, etc. • Weighs Only 5 Pounds Fully Loaded • Save $55 (or more), Our Best Offer EVER!

Offer Good Through Nov. 30thd e ro o o e G o Or er or

ed by ber ujo

The accuracy, speed & variety of Reta pitches allows a player to use PIT, CMM il Value — Pitch Isolation Training, unique to AG P rice O $154 the Personal Pitcher. Simply set the Save NLY $99! type of pitch and keep swinging until $55! it’s easy! Then work on another pitch! NO other golf ball machines, nor do most standard machines, offer this feature! Call for Accessory Discounts! Add $15 shipping. Visit website to see a video presented by Chris Richard, MLBPA.

TO ORDER CALL (800) 474-8243 OR VISIT

www.personalpitcher.com USE CMMAG

IN THE

Circle No. 130

NFCA Booth No.122

PROMO CODE ON ORDER FORM (PO’S OK) Circle No. 129 COACHING MANAGEMENT

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10/26/07 2:06:54 PM

MORE PRODUCTS Beam Clay® 800-247-BEAM www.beamclay.com Permanent pitcher’s mound and batter’s box pads save time and money. These specially formulated red polyurethane pads are buried two inches below the surface and eliminate deep holes. They reduce maintenance in high-wear areas by 95 percent, while providing the safety and feel of properly maintained clay. They’re tougher and longer lasting than granulated rubber or artificial turf pads. This option is great for high-use fields, and for ballfields where coaches or parents repair the mound and home plate areas—simply drag the infield mix back over the pads. Circle No. 537 Power Systems, Inc. 800-321-6975 www.power-systems.com The Softball Power Program, exclusively from Power Systems, is a 12-week training program designed to bolster the speed, agility, and explosiveness of softball athletes. The program includes a Pro Agility Ladder, a six-pound Power Med Ball, a Lateral Stepper, a VersaDisc, a Power Chute (large), a Power Throw-Ball set (7, 14, and 21 ounce, softball size), a nylon carrying bag, and the Power Program manual and DVD. Circle No. 538 Train more athletes in the same amount of time with the new Power Base Trainer from Power Systems. This anchoring system eliminates the need for a partner when training solo or in a group. Users can perform forward, backward, lateral, vertical, or jumping movements. Load the Power Base Trainer with weight plates (minimum of 90 pounds) and train up

COACHING MANAGEMENT

to four athletes by attaching the fully sheathed resistance tubing to the four welded metal loops on top. Circle No. 539 DiamondTurf www.diamondturf.net Supreme DiamondTurf 36 is designed to withstand pivoting steel spikes for optimum performance and outstanding durability. Its monofilament polypropylene surface is ideal for softball because it has no pile direction, resulting in more consistent ball roll. Supreme DiamondTurf 36 comes with an optional five-millimeter foam pad, and can be enhanced with custom inlaid logos and colors. The turf carries an eight-year warranty and is available through Collegiate Pacific (888-5668966), Tomark Sports (800-959-1844), and VPI Sports (800-244-4457). Circle No. 540 Sports Products Consultants 800-474-8243 www.personalpitcher.com Accurately keep track of pitch speeds from pee wee to pro with the patented ScoutWatch. You just press and release on each pitch. It features an automatic pitch counter, timedown-the-line, and umpire mode. This product is used by pro and college scouts at functions where radar is prohibited. ScoutWatch is just one of the many great products available from Sports Products Consultants. Save $10 when you use the promo code “CMMAG” on your order form. Circle No. 541 TeamPacks.com 877-302-0548 www.teampacks.com TeamPacks.com offers sports programs quality uniforms and practice wear. For baseball and softball programs, TeamPacks offers the Home Run Pack, which includes one hooded sweatshirt

(two-color print), one performance batting practice top (two-color print and number), one twocolor print T-shirt, one two-color print pair of sweatpants, a pro-mesh short (one-color print, seven- or nine-inch inseam), and one long-sleeve mock (twocolor print). This six-item package costs only $75—with no art fees. Turnaround time is two weeks, and custom packages are available. Circle No. 542 TXI/Diamond Pro 800-228-2987 www.diamondpro.com Diamond Pro offers a complete line of professional groundskeeping products: infield conditioners, calcined clay, mound and home plate clay, bricks, marking dust, and infield and warning track mixes. The company offers fast and convenient delivery. Diamond Pro’s vitrified red clay infield conditioner is available in bulk nationwide, and is easy to handle and apply. Truckloads are available in 10-, 15-, and 24-ton loads that save you both time and money. Circle No. 543 The Pitching Pad 210-232-8392 www.thepitchingpad.com The Pitching Pad is a complete system designed to make pitchers’ workouts more effective. Using the markings on the Pitching Pad as reference points, pitchers are forced to focus on location, and by seeing exactly where each pitch lands, they’re better able to make needed adjustments. The numbers are laid out like a clock, allowing the pitcher to perfect a 12-6 curveball or a 10-4 sinker. Suggested daily workouts, a pitching chart, and simulated game instructions are included. Circle No. 544

HomePlate

BY SPORT S T UT OR The P ROGRAMMABLE Softball Pitching M achine THROW A DIFFERENT PITCH EVERY 7 SECONDS

• Risers, drops and curves up to 70 MPH • Simulate opposing pitchers • 40-ball auto-feed or hand feed models

from $4,995

BASEBALL MODELS TOO!

1-800-448-8867 FREE brochure

SPORTS TUTOR The Sports Machine Company

www.sportsmachines.com Sports Tutor, 3300 Winona Ave., Burbank, CA 91504

Come see the HomePlate in action at the NFCA Show in booths 807-810 Circle No. 131

Contact your local team dealer or call 877.845.7845

www.pikproducts.com

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