Coaching Management 16.13 by Momentummedia

Coaching Management VOL. XVI NO. 13

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C O N V E N T I O N

NFCA NCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR Humboldt State University

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Clinic Schedule

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List of Exhibitors

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Circle No. 100

Coaching Management Softball Edition 2008 NFCA Convention Issue

CONTENTS

Vol. XVI, No. 13

MaMa

Hall of Fame inductee Donna Newberry

MaMa

Marco Island (Fla.) Marriott Resort

MaMa

Hall of Fame inductee Gary Bryce

HIGHLIGHTS

Convention Schedule. . . . . . 5 List of Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . 15 Products on Display . . . . . 29 More Products

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Advertisers Directory . . . 36 Extra Innings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Convention Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The NFCA celebrates its 25th anniversary in Marco Island, Fla. … Pre-convention seminar on improving players’ performance … Christine Grant to deliver keynote speech … Top coaches featured during three days of clinics ... National Fastpitch Coaches’ College provides opportunities for educational credits … Gary Bryce, Sandy Fischer, Eugene Lenti, Jay Miller, Donna Newberry, and Gary Torgeson are welcomed into the NFCA Hall of Fame.

COVER STORY

Humboldt State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Head Coach Frank Cheek and Assistant Coach Shelli Maher-Sarchett talk about leading their team to a national title, developing players, and recruiting in Division II.

HONORING EXCELLENCE

2008 Award Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The NFCA National Coaching Staffs of the Year … The NFCA Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year … The 2008 Easton Victory Club Award Winners. On the cover: After losing its first game in the NCAA Division II playoffs, Humboldt State University rallied to win 10 straight games and take home the national title. A Q&A with the HSU coaches begins on page 20.

Publisher Mark Goldberg Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Frankel Associate Editors Dennis Read, Greg Scholand Assistant Editors R.J. Anderson, Kenny Berkowitz, Abigail Funk, Kyle Garratt, Mike Phelps

Marketing Director Sheryl Shaffer Marketing/Sales Assistant Danielle Catalano Business Manager Pennie Small Art Director Pamela Crawford Photo Research Susan McGinn Administrative Assistant Sharon Barbell Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter

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.

Circulation Director Dave Dubin Circulation Manager John Callaghan Production Director Maria Bise Prepress Manager Neal Betts Assistant Production Director Jim Harper Production Assistant Natalie Couch Ad Materials Coordinator Mike Townsend unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Coaching Management, P.O. Box 4806, Ithaca, N.Y. 14852

Advertising Sales Associates (607) 257-6970 Diedra Harkenrider, ext. 24 Pat Wertman, ext. 21 Business and Editorial Offices 31 Dutch Mill Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 257-6970, Fax (607) 257-7328 info@MomentumMedia.com Mailing lists for Coaching Management softball are provided by the Clell Wade Coaches Directory. Printed in the U.S.A.

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NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW 25th Anniversary Celebration This year marks the 25th anniversary of the NFCA and we hope you’ll join us for a very special national convention, Dec. 10-13 at the Marco Island (Fla.) Marriott Resort. In addition to all the great features of past conventions, this year’s event will be a celebration of our growth and success during the past 25 years. A documentary film, NFCA prize trivia, increased opportunities to visit with NFCA Hall of Fame coaches, and a special Hall of Fame Red Carpet Gala will enhance the already popular convention format. Pre-convention activities include NFCC Course 404, covering Solid Team Defense and Strategy and a half-day seminar with Brandon Marcello, U.S. Olympic Softball Team Director of Human Performance. Wednesday’s activities feature golf and tennis tournaments and an opening reception sponsored by Louisville Slugger. Thursday morning offers committee and business meetings. The afternoon sessions open with the Assistant Coach Caucus and panels discussing issues facing softball and looking back at the Beijing Olympics. Friday features a continuation of business and committee meetings with panels focusing on hitting, coaching philosophy, outfield play, and drills. The signature event of the entire week, the Hall of Fame Red Carpet Gala, will take place at 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by the NFCA Hall of Fame Banquet when six new members will be inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame. The final day of the convention features the Coaching Staff of the Year brunch and the adidas Roundtable with five topics covered over a three-hour period. Saturday afternoon starts with Hara Estroff Marano, who will present a lecture based on her book, A Nation of Wimps: The High Cost of Invasive Parenting. Three afternoon sessions,

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including a catching clinic with Division I National Coach of the Year Clint Myers, conclude the regular convention schedule. NFCC 407: Winning Strategies for Game-Day Coaching follows as a postconvention course.

Enhancing Athletic Performance Brandon Marcello, The U.S. Olympic Team Director of Human Performance, will present a four-hour pre-convention seminar for NFCA members on Dec. 9, from 1-5 p.m., at the Marco Island Marriott Resort. In addition to his duties with USA Softball, Marcello also serves as the Director of Sports Per-

tain speed and strength, length of a warmup schedule on days with multiple games, and techniques to aid in athlete recovery so they can stay “fresh” for postseason play. The position-specific strength and speed development section will include several handson and interactive learning techniques. Marcello will cover drills to improve speed on the bases and out of the batter’s box, techniques to improve lateral movement and pitcher footwork, training techniques to use when a weight room is unavailable, and specific exercises for female athletes.

Grant to Deliver Keynote Speech Christine Grant, former Director of Women’s Athletics at the University of Iowa and the 2007 recipient of the prestigious NCAA President’s Gerald R. Ford Award, is the 2008 NFCA National Convention keynote speaker.

Brandon Marcello, USA Softball formance at Stanford University. He holds a PhD in sports nutrition from Baylor and a master’s degree in exercise physiology from Marshall University. Marcello will discuss many of the techniques used by top collegiate programs as well as Team USA. He will cover sportand position-specific training techniques that include warmup and recovery techniques, position-specific strength and speed development, practical game day nutrition, and answers to common softballspecific strength and conditioning questions. The warmup and recovery section includes techniques that can develop and main-

NACWAA and the Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association; received the Billie Jean King Contribution Award from the Women’s Sports Foundation; been selected as the 1996 NAGWS Honors Award

An associate professor for the Department of Health and Sports Studies at Iowa, Grant has a long history in the Title IX arena. She testified before Congress several times and served as a consultant for the Health, Education and Welfare Office for Civil Rights Title IX Task Force. She was a founding member of the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) and served in a variety of leadership roles within the organization, including president. She also served as president of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA). Her honors have been frequent and many. In addition to receiving the Gerald R. Ford Award, honoring an individual who has provided significant leadership as an advocate for intercollegiate athletics over the course of their career, Grant is also a member of the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) Hall of Fame. In addition, she has been named the National Administrator of the Year by

Christine Grant, keynote speaker Recipient; and received the 1998 NCAA Honda Award of Merit for Outstanding Achievement in Women’s Collegiate Athletics. A native of Scotland, Grant served as Director of Women’s Athletics at Iowa from the time the department was established in 1973 until her retirement in 2000. She graduated from the Dunfermline College of Physical Education in 1956 and was a field hockey coach and player in Scotland and Canada. She came to Iowa in 1969, receiving a bachelor’s degree in physical education as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in sport administration.

Teaching Moments The 2008 NFCA National Convention will offer an assortment of clinics and presentations by a wide variety of softball’s elite. At 9:30 a.m., Friday, (Dec. 12), Michigan State Head Coach Jacquie Joseph, LouisianaLafayette Co-Head Coach Michael Lotief, and Texas A&M Head Coach Jo Evans will present “The Hitting Debate.” Joseph is entering her 16th season as the head coach at Michigan State. A former NFCA

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NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW president (1995-1998), Joseph has also served as a member of the NCAA Division I Softball Committee (2002-2005). She has coached the Spartans to a record of 472-201-1, and her players have earned 39 All-Big Ten awards and 27 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Great Lakes Region honors en route to four NCAA regional trips. Entering his ninth season serving as co-head coach at Louisiana-Lafayette with his wife, Stefni, Michael Loteif is the driving force behind a Ragin’ Cajuns program that has become part of the national conversation. Louisiana-Lafayette advanced to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) in 2003 and again in 2008, when a young Ragin’ Cajuns squad knocked off top-ranked Florida in the opening game. Evans, who is entering her 13th season as the head coach at Texas A&M, was named the Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year for the third time last season. She has piloted two different teams to the WCWS, leading her alma mater (Utah) there in 1991 and 1994 before the Aggies posted back-toback appearances in 2007 and 2008. Following “The Hitting Debate,” Missouri State University Head Coach Holly Hesse will present “The Diamond of Success: A Philosophical Model for Coaching” at 11 a.m. Hesse is in her 21st season leading the Bears and is the winningest coach in Missouri State history with 528 victories. Her tenure includes two regular-season Missouri Valley Conference titles, four MVC Tournament crowns, and four NCAA Tournament appearances. Hesse is one of the founding faculty members of the NCAA Women’s Coaches Academy, which was created to enhance the skills and perspectives of women coaches and to aid in the retention of women coaches in intercollegiate athletics. Friday afternoon features a 2:30 p.m. session with two-time Olympic medalist Jessica Mendoza titled “Taking the Next

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Step: Advanced Tips and Drills for the Outfield.” A four-time Louisville Slugger/NFCA firstteam All-American, Mendoza is a two-time Olympic outfielder for Team USA. She completed her Stanford career in 2002 as the school’s all-time leader in batting average, hits, home runs, runs scored, and stolen bases. A member of Team Darfur and the president-elect of the Women’s Sports Foundation, Mendoza is also a board member of the National Education Association. The 3:30 p.m. session called “Drills, Drills, Drills,” will be presented by University of St. Thomas (Minn.) Head Coach John Tschida. The NFCA Division III National Coach of the Year in three of the last six seasons, Tschida became the first softball coach to pilot two different schools to NCAA Championships when he coached St. Thomas to the 2004 title. Tschida had coached St. Mary’s to the 2000 NCAA Division III title in his sixth season at his alma mater before moving to St. Thomas and winning a championship in his fourth season with the Tommies. An active instructor with the NFCC, Tschida has won three NCAA titles and has won over 80 percent of the games he has coached during his 15-year career. Saturday’s program opens with an adidas Roundtable featuring four different topics. Dana Cavalea, the Director of Strength and Conditioning for the New York Yankees will present the roundtable topic “Strength & Conditioning for Softball.” Cavalea is considered one of the bright young minds in performance training/ strength and conditioning. He specializes in the development in multi-planar strength, power, and speed. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Michele Smith will discuss “How to Correct Pitching Problems.” An ASA Hall of Fame pitcher, Smith was a four-time All-Big Eight Conference pitcher for Oklahoma State from 1986-1989, while also leading the nation in

home runs and twice earning All-America honors at the utility position. Smith went on to an extremely successful playing career both with USA Softball and with Team Toyota Shokki in the Japanese pro league. Arizona State Head Coach Clint Myers will present three separate sessions all relating to catching. Myers will discuss “Catching: Blocking and Receiving,” in the first hour, “Catching: Throwing on Steals and Pickoffs,” during the second hour and “Catching: Other Areas (Pop-ups/Bunts/Calling the Game),” during the final hour of the Roundtable session. The Head Coach of the 2008 NFCA/ NCAA Division I Coaching Staff of the Year, Myers led Arizona State to its first WCWS championship in June as the Sun Devils went undefeated in Oklahoma City and capped off the weekend with a two-game sweep of Texas A&M in the Championship Series. The fourth roundtable will be a Hall of Fame Panel on practice organization. At 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Hara Estroff Marano will present a lecture based on her book, A Nation of Wimps: The High Cost of Invasive Parenting. Marano has been the editorat-large of Psychology Today since 1991. She has written on many aspects of human behavior. Marano has also written for many well-known publications, such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Smithsonian, New York, USA Today, Self, Glamour, and Ladies Home Journal. Florida Head Coach Tim Walton follows at 2:30 p.m. with a one-hour session on “Offensive Strategies to Build a Hitter’s Confidence.” Walton coached the Gators to an NCAA-record 70 wins in 2008 (70-5), finishing as an NCAA semifinalist at the Women’s College World Series. Entering his fourth season at Florida, Walton also served as the Head Coach at Wichita State from 2003-2005.

The final non-NFCC session of the convention will begin at 3:30 p.m. Saturday when John Kuehl tackles “Mental Fundamentals: Taking Your Game to the Next Level.” Kuehl is the co-author of “Mental Fundamentals of Baseball and Softball.” He played six minor league seasons in the San Diego Padres and Oakland A’s organizations before a back injury ended his playing career. The son of a Major League manager, Kuehl grew up in MLB clubhouses and has a devotion to the importance of the mental game in baseball and softball.

Back to School The NFCA is offering two National Fastpitch Coaches College (NFCC) courses that will bracket the NFCA Convention. The pre-convention course, which will take place from Dec. 7-9, is Course 404: Solid Team Defense and Strategy. The instructors will be Alabama Head Coach Patrick Murphy, Iowa Head Coach

Patrick Murphy, University of Alabama Coach and NFCC Instructor Gayle Blevins, and Louisville Associate Head Coach Carol Bruggeman. This course is structured to help coaches learn how to put individual players together to build a defensive team. Participants will receive instruction on the following topics:

• Defensive sets and how to select the appropriate set for various game situations; • skills required to execute pickoffs and rundowns; • handling special situations including wild pitches, passed balls, dropped third strikes, and intentional walks; • responding to steals, extrabase hits, bunts, and slap hitters; • understanding angles, principles of jurisdiction, communication systems and primary/secondary back-up charts; • interpreting statistics and positioning your players with a purpose in mind;

• using the DP/Flex rule to your advantage; • pitch calling, pitching strategy and defensive game plans, and more. Patrick Murphy has worked with the Alabama softball program since its early days when he served as an assistant coach. After taking over as the Crimson Tide’s Head Coach prior to the 1999 season, Murphy has built the program into one of national prominence. Alabama has had a winning record in all 10 seasons and has made five appearances at the Women’s College World Series, including an appearance in the national semifinals last season.

Gayle Blevins has been Iowa’s head coach for 21 seasons after coaching at Indiana from 1980-87. She has led her teams to seven Women’s College World Series appearances, most recently in 2001. Blevins has won over 1,100 games as a college head coach while winning eight Big Ten titles and has been inducted into both the Indiana University and NFCA Halls of Fame. Carol Bruggeman recently completed her third season as the Associate Head Coach at Louisville after starting the softball program at Purdue (1994-2005). In her first season with the Boilermakers, Bruggeman led Purdue to the best

first-year record in Big Ten history (21-17-1). During her tenure, Bruggeman’s Boilermakers had 23 All-Big Ten selections, 24 All-Mideast Region selections, and one Louisville Slugger/NFCA first-team All-American. At Louisville, Bruggeman is responsible for recruiting and works primarily with the defense while also assisting with offense and game preparation. The class schedule for Course 404 includes instruction on Sunday from noon-6 p.m., Monday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Tuesday from 8 a.m.-noon. The Post-Convention course will take place Dec. 13-15. Course 407: Winning Strate-

2008 NFCA CONVENTION SCHEDULE Sunday, December 7 Noon NFCC Course 404 (through noon Tuesday)

Tuesday, December 9 1 p.m.

9 a.m. Business Meetings/College Groups

11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall open

12:15 p.m.

Easton Victory Club Luncheon “Building the Prepared Athlete: Success through Strength and 1:30 p.m. Conditioning” Pre-Convention Assistant Coach Caucus Seminar with Brandon Marcello, 2:30 p.m. USA Olympic Softball Team Softball Summit: A Look at the Wednesday, December 10 Issues Facing the Sport

8 a.m. Golf Scramble

10 a.m. Tennis Tournament

2:30 p.m. Awards & Hall of Fame Committee

3:30 p.m. Committee Meetings: Rules, Internet, and Diversity

5 p.m. General Business Meeting

7 p.m. Louisville Slugger Reception

Thursday, December 11 7 a.m. Adams USA Continental Breakfast

8 a.m. Committee Meetings: AllAmerican Regional Chairs, Camps & Clinics, Education & Publications, Nominating, Awards & Hall of Fame

4:30 p.m. Olympic Panel: Observations from Beijing

5:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Happy Hour

6:30 p.m. Division I Conference Meetings

9 p.m. Diamond Sports Hospitality

Friday, December 12 7 a.m. Schutt Sports Continental Breakfast

8 a.m. High School & Travel Ball Business Meetings and continuation of other group business meetings

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Exhibit Hall open

9:30 a.m. “The Hitting Debate” with Jacquie Joseph, Head Coach, Michigan State; Jo Evans, Head Coach, Texas A&M; and Michael

Lotief, Co-Head Coach, University of Louisiana-Lafayette

11 a.m. “The Diamond of Success: A Philosophical Model for Coaching” with Holly Hesse, Head Coach, Missouri State University

Noon Mizuno Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

Noon – 2 p.m. Silent Auction in Exhibit Hall

2:30 p.m. “Taking the Next Step: Advanced Tips and Drills for the Outfield” with Jessica Mendoza, two-time USA Olympian and President-elect of the Women’s Sports Foundation

3:30 p.m. “Drills, Drills, Drills” with John Tschida, Head Coach, University of St. Thomas (Minn.)

5:30 p.m. Hall of Fame Red Carpet Gala

6:30 p.m. NFCA Hall of Fame Banquet

Saturday, December 13 8 a.m. Texas Woman’s University Master’s Info Session

9 a.m. NFCA Coaching Staff of the Year Brunch

10:30 a.m.

“Strength & Conditioning for Softball” with Dana Cavalea, Director of Strength and Conditioning for the New York Yankees “How To Correct Pitching Problems” with Michele Smith, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and broadcaster “Catching: Blocking and Receiving” first hour; “Catching: Throwing on Steals and Pickoffs” second hour; “Catching: Other Areas (Popups/ Bunts/ Calling the Game)” third hour; all with Clint Myers, Head Coach, Arizona State “Hall of Fame Panel on Practice Organization”

1:30 p.m. “A Nation of Wimps: The High Cost of Invasive Parenting” with Hara Estroff Marano, author, and Editor-at-Large of Psychology Today

2:30 p.m. “Offensive Strategies To Build a Hitter’s Confidence” with Tim Walton, Head Coach, University of Florida

3:30 p.m. “Mental Fundamentals: Taking Your Game to the Next Level” with John Kuehl, co-author of Mental Fundamentals of Baseball and Softball

adidas Roundtable in three dif- 6 p.m. ferent time slots: 10:30, 11:30 NFCC 407 (through 2 p.m. and 12:30, with lunch provided Monday) at 12:30

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NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW gies for Game-Day Coaching will be taught by NFCC Director and former Northwestern head coach Sharon Drysdale, Michigan Head Coach Carol Hutchins, and Cindy Bristow, former International Softball Federation Director of Development and owner of Softball Excellence.

• make real-time strategy decisions based on game clips;

The schedule for Course 407 will include instruction on Saturday from 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Sunday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Monday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

This course focuses on the game-day experience. Students will develop and apply the skills of coaching through observation, analysis of game clips and real-time strategy decisions. They will: • analyze selected game match-ups, developing prospective game plans and discussing them in a group setting; • identify basic opponent game plans; • scout from within a game and assess opponent’s strengths and weaknesses;

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• address difficult coaching situations and brainstorm how to handle them; • recognize rules issues and answer questions relative to their resolution, and more.

Gayle Blevins, Iowa Head Coach and NFCC Instructor • evaluate team and individual performance; • discuss how to handle “teachable moments” during a game;

Sharon Drysdale spent 23 years and 1,155 games as the head coach at Northwestern, sending five squads to the NCAA Tournament, finishing as the second-winningest coach in Northwestern history in any sport with 640 career wins. She piloted the Wildcats to Women’s College World Series appearances in 1984, 1985, and 1986. In addition to working closely with the NFCC since her retirement from Northwestern, Drysdale also served as the Head Coach for

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the NPF’s New England Riptide from 2005-2007. Carol Hutchins, a 2006 NFCA Hall of Fame inductee, is about to begin her 25th season as Head Coach at the University of Michigan, where she has molded the Wolverines into one of the elite programs in collegiate softball. Hutchins coached the Wolverines to the 2005 NCAA Championship and eight Women’s College World Series appearances in the last 14 seasons. Michigan has captured 11 Big Ten regular-season titles, 11 NCAA Regional crowns, and eight Big Ten Tournament championships. Cindy Bristow has been involved in virtually every facet of softball throughout her 30-plus year career in the sport. An NFCA Hall of Famer, Bristow was an AllAmerica pitcher-first baseman

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NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW at Cal Poly-Pomona before playing professionally with the Santa Ana Lionettes. Her coaching career began as an assistant coach at Arizona State before she became Head Coach at New Mexico State and Wichita State, and Head Coach/General Manager of the Georgia Pride/ Florida Wahoos in the WPSL. A previous president of the National Softball Coaches Association, Bristow has also served as the National Director of Junior Olympic Softball for the ASA, director of National Teams and Coaching Development for USA Softball and Director of Development for the International Softball Federation.

Hall of Fame Welcomes Six Every year at the national convention, the NFCA inducts highly regarded members into

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the Hall of Fame, the most prestigious award given by the organization. In 2008, this honor goes to Gary Bryce, Sandy Fischer, Eugene Lenti, Jay Miller, Donna Newberry, and Gary Torgeson. Gary Bryce, a veteran of more than 1,400 games and nearly 900 wins, enters his 28th season as the Head Coach at Wayne State in 2009. Bryce has built one of the most successful collegiate programs in Michigan, compiling a 885-561-6 (.612) overall record in 27 seasons. Under Bryce’s guidance, Wayne State’s softball program has been nationally ranked 22 times in 27 seasons and made 14 appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament since its inception in 1982. Bryce’s 2003 squad became the first in school history to win the

Great Lakes Regional and advance to the NCAA Division II Championship.

of his teams have ever finished at or below .500 and all have won at least 21 games.

Bryce’s 885 wins rank seventh all-time among NCAA Division II head coaches. When he reached 800 career collegiate victories on April 15, 2006, Bryce became the 29th coach in any division to reach that mark in NCAA history. In 2008, the Warriors won their 15th Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title overall and the 14th during Bryce’s tenure. He has been named GLIAC Coach of the Year 10 times, most recently in 2007. After his 1983 squad won a school record 43 games, Bryce became the first GLIAC coach to be named the Division II Central Region Coach of the Year by the National Softball Coaches Association (now the NFCA). Only three

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Gary Bryce, Wayne State University Head Coach and 2008 Hall of Fame inductee Bryce has coached 17 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Americans during his tenure at Wayne State.

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Prior to Wayne State, Bryce amassed an impressive scholastic coaching career in Michigan girls’ softball and basketball, as well as boys’ baseball and wrestling, first in the Clawson public schools then with the Royal Oak public schools. At Royal Oak Dondero High School, Bryce taught social studies and coached the Oaks’ varsity softball squad for five seasons with a 130-36 (.783) record. He guided the Oaks to four Metro Suburban Association crowns, three state district titles, one state regional championship, and the 1979 Michigan Class A State Championship. As a student at the University of Michigan, Bryce played football and baseball at both the intercollegiate and intramural levels while earning his degree in physical education and social studies. He then earned a master’s degree and

a UM Certificate in Industrial Relations, also from Michigan. In addition to his coaching duties at Wayne State, Bryce is also an instructor of physical education in the Division of Health and Physical Education. From 1984-1992 he was the Warriors head women’s basketball coach, and he also served as WSU’s director for athletic development from 1992-1999. Sandy Fischer spent 23 seasons as the head coach at Oklahoma State University before retiring in 2001 as one of the winningest coaches in NCAA softball history. After arriving at Oklahoma State in 1978, Fischer and her teams garnered an impressive list of honors. The Cowgirls won nine Big Eight Championship and appeared in 17 AIAW or NCAA Regionals, winning nine of them. Oklahoma State

participated in the AIAW Nationals or the NCAA Women’s College World Series a

Sandy Fischer, former Oklahoma State University Head Coach and 2008 Hall of Fame inductee total of nine times, with its best finish coming with a second-place showing in 1982,

the first year the NCAA sanctioned softball. The Cowgirls made backto-back appearances at the WCWS in 1989 and 1990, then returned for consecutive appearances in 1993 and 1994. A fifth WCWS appearance came in 1998 when OSU finished fourth. Fischer’s best season was 1989 when the Cowgirls finished 46-6, won Big Eight and NCAA Regional championships and tied for third at the WCWS. That team—which included first-team All-Americans Michele Smith, Lisa Harvey, and Shari Johnson—spent much of the year ranked first in the nation. During her collegiate coaching career, Fischer mentored two Olympians—Smith, a twotime gold medalist for the U.S., and four-time Australian medalist Melanie Roche—12

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NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW first-team All-Americans, eight second-team, and eight thirdteam selections. Her teams also included 60 all-conference players and 49 All-Academic selections, headlined by Harvey’s selection as the 1993 GTE/CoSIDA Academic AllAmerica Player of the Year. Fischer concluded her collegiate coaching career following the 2001 season, finishing with a 900-373-3 career record. Her collegiate coaching honors include four Big Eight Coach of the Year selections, four NFCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year honors, and National Softball Coaches Association (now NFCA) National Coach of the Year recognition in 1988. After retiring from Oklahoma State, Fischer spent time coaching with the Professional Fastpitch Extreme (PFX) Tour and is the founder of Game-

time Training Tools, a company that started with a simple idea to help players improve their hitting mechanics using “Tee Stackers,” the company’s signature product. Originally from Quincy, Ill., Fischer pitched for Western Illinois University from 19711975, leading the Westerwinds to the Women’s College World Series semifinal on three occasions. She played professionally for the Connecticut Falcons from 1976-1979, leading them to four consecutive world championships. Fischer was also a member of the “Friendship Team,” which traveled to China in 1980. In 1990, she was inducted into the Western Illinois Athletic Hall of Fame. A charter member of the NFCA, Fischer has served the association in numerous capacities throughout her career.

In his 27 years at DePaul, Eugene Lenti has won 983 games and has taken four teams to the Women’s College World Series (1999, 2000, 2007, 2008) making DePaul one of only five programs since 1999 to have made four or more trips to the WCWS. Lenti is a master of teaching his players the game of softball but also the “game of life.” He challenges his players to become better people while in his program. He educates them about responsibility and accountability; qualities he demands both on the field and in the classroom. He stresses critical thinking and appropriate behavior and wants each of the women in his program to become exceptional human beings as well as extraordinary softball players. A remarkable 22 All-Americans have been crowned dur-

ing Lenti’s tenure. Eight of his student-athletes have been named conference Player of

Eugene Lenti, DePaul University Head Coach and 2008 Hall of Fame inductee the Year and another nine have earned conference Pitcher of the Year accolades.

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Lenti’s teams are known for being competitive from the first out to the 21st and for playing an exciting, aggressive and fundamentally sound style that is fun to watch. DePaul has made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances and 11 times has been crowned regular season conference champions. His pitching staffs are no stranger to the NCAA rankings as the 1998 group led the nation with a school record 0.60 ERA. That same season, Liza Brown was the national individual ERA champion. The 2003 pitching staff also left its mark on the NCAA rankings, finishing third nationally with an ERA of 0.83. A true believer that academics are a primary focus, Lenti ensures that athletes come to DePaul to be students

first and softball players second. Under his direction 17 student-athletes have been named Academic All-Americans while 29 were named Academic All-District, and 178 have earned academic distinction on the conference level. In 1999, Lenti and his staff were honored as the NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year while Lenti earned Mideast Coach of the Year honors. Lenti’s coaching staff was honored by the NFCA in both 2005 and 2007 as the Mideast Coaching Staff of the Year and he was named the Conference USA Women’s Coach of the Decade in 2005 after amassing a 105-21 record during the six seasons the Blue Demons competed in the league. Lenti and his staff have been honored nine times as either the conference Coach or Coaching Staff of the Year during his tenure.

Prior to DePaul, Lenti was an English teacher and chair of the English department at St. Francis DeSales High School. He is a 1979 graduate of DePaul with an English education degree. A charter member of the NFCA, Jay Miller is entering his 27th season as a college head coach and seventh at Mississippi State. He has won over 900 games and coached over 1,500 collegiate contests in addition to numerous offseasons spent working with USA Softball coaching national teams at various international competitions. Prior to Mississippi State, Miller spent 15 years as the head coach at the University of Missouri. Miller led the Tigers to a pair of Women’s College World Series appearances (1991 and 1994), five NCAA regionals, and league regular-

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season and tournament titles in 1991 and 1997.

Jay Miller, Mississippi State University Head Coach and 2008 Hall of Fame inductee Miller played men’s fastpitch in Aurora, Ill., during his high school and college years and started his coaching career as

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NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW the pitching coach at Purdue in the late 1970s, eventually becoming the Boilermakers’ head coach in 1980. Following two seasons coaching Purdue, Miller made the first of his two stops at Missouri, serving as the Tigers’ pitching coach. Over a three-year span, he helped the Tigers to the Big Eight championship and Women’s College World Series in 1983, and two other NCAA tournament showings. He left Missouri to take over the head coaching reins of now-NAIA powerhouse Oklahoma City University. OCU was an NCAA Division I school during Miller’s first year before moving to NAIA the following season. Miller coached Oklahoma City to a pair of NAIA top-five finishes, first in 1986 (second) and then in 1987 (fourth) and was named the District IX Coach of the Year in each of his last two sea-

sons. He was also selected the Southwest Region Coach of the Year in 1987. Miller’s involvement with USA Softball began in 1987 when he served as the housing coordinator for the Junior World Championships held in Oklahoma City. When softball was accepted as an Olympic sport in 1991, Miller was named a member of the first National Team Selection Committee charged with selecting the players and coaches during the 1993-96 quadrennium, including the inaugural U.S. Olympic Team which won gold in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Since 1997, Miller has served as one of the National Team coaches, coaching the USA Red squad to Gold at the 2001 U.S. Cup (now the World Cup of Softball) and a USA Elite team that took

runner-up honors at the 2002 Canada Cup and the 2003 Canada Cup Championship. He was an assistant coach for the USA National Team in gold medal runs at both the Pacific Rim Sports Summit and Intercontinental Cup in 2004. That same year, he guided the USA World University team to a gold medal at the first ever World University Softball Championships in Plant City, Fla. Miller coached the USA Elite squad to a silver medal at the 2005 Canada Cup, and the next summer he assisted the World University squad that won a gold medal in Taiwan and headed up the Junior National team that claimed gold at the Pan-Am Qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico. His most recent international success came in 2007 when his U.S. Junior National team won gold at the Junior World

Championships in Holland, the first for the U.S. since 1995. Donna Newberry embarks upon her 35th season as a collegiate head softball coach as the winningest head coach in NCAA Division III history with 858 career victories. She enters the 2009 season with a career record of 858-382-1 (.692 winning percentage) and an amazing 334-64-1 (.839) mark in Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play. Over the last nine years, her teams have posted a 38167 (.850) record including a 179-14 mark (.927) against OAC teams. Muskingum has swept through the OAC regular season and tournament and earned the No. 1 NCAA Regional seed in 10 of the last 11 years, including 2001 when it won the NCAA Division III Championship. Newberry has won 18 OAC confer-

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ence championships including a current streak of 11 straight, and has led the Muskies to the

Donna Newberry, Muskingham College Head Coach and 2008 Hall of Fame inductee OAC tournament every year since its inception in 1985. Muskingum has reached the

OAC championship game 22 times, including a current streak of 12 straight appearances. Her peers have selected Newberry as the OAC Coach of the Year 10 times and her coaching staffs have been selected NFCA Regional Coaching Staff of the Year seven times and National Coaching Staff of the Year once. More than 60 of Newberry’s players have earned all-league honors and at least one has been named a Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division III All-American in each of the last nine years with a total of 14 players accumulating 22 All-America honors. During her tenure at Muskingum, she has served on the NCAA Softball Rules Committee, was the National Chair of the NFCA All-America and Coaching Staff of the Year committees, and is currently serving on the NCAA Division III Softball Committee.

In addition to her softball coaching duties, Newberry also serves as the Assistant Athletic Director and as an Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education at Muskingum. She previously coached the Lady Muskies field hockey and women’s basketball programs, and her 403 victories in basketball makes her the only women’s coach in Division III history to surpass 400 wins in more than one sport. Each summer, Newberry leaves the Muskingum campus for an educational experience. She says the purpose of her journeys is to help her become a wiser person through gaining an understanding of the world. Her journeys during the summers of 1999 and 2000 were to Guyana where she has taught the sport of softball to the natives. Some of her other destinations have included trips to Colorado for Outward

Bound, the Betty Ford Center in California, and to Alaska to live with the Koyukon Indians. A 1973 graduate of Glenville State (W.Va.) College, Newberry also has a master’s degree in physical education from Ohio University. Gary Torgeson’s induction into the NFCA Hall of Fame is not his first such honor. The fourtime national coach of the year was also a 1994 inductee into the Cal State-Northridge Athletics Hall of Fame. During his 13 years at the helm of the Matadors softball program, Torgeson has collected a 646-216-8 record and a .744 winning percentage, which is the 17th-best winning percentage in NCAA softball history. Torgeson led Cal State-Northridge to four NCAA Division II national championships and 11 consecutive California Collegiate

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NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW Athletic Association (CCAA) conference titles.

Torgeson’s Matadors compiled a 48-9-1 overall record and a 20-2 mark in the Western

Torgeson was named the CCAA Coach of the Year five times as well as the NSCA Coach of the Year in 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1987 and West Regional Coach of the Year in 1987. In May of 2006, Torgeson was named the coach of the NCAA’s 25th Anniversary All-Division II Softball Team. In addition to four NCAA Division II titles (1983, 1984, 1985, 1987), the Matadors turned in three runner up finishes (1982, 1986, and 1990) with eight appearances at the finals site, including seven consecutive trips from 1982-1988.

play with a fourth-place finish at the 1993 Women’s College World Series. In 1994, Torgeson’s squad overcame major adversity when the Northridge earthquake hit on the first morning of double-day workouts in January of that year. In perhaps the finest season of his career, Torgeson and the Matadors persevered through the chaos and construction that ensued in the earthquake’s wake and the team finished 52-10 overall and 21-3 in the WAC to claim their second-straight conference crown.

Gary Torgeson, former Cal St. Northridge Head Coach and 2008 Hall of Fame inductee

Torgeson was also instrumental in helping Cal State Northridge make the transition from Division II to Division I. In their first year as a Division I member institution,

Athletic Conference (WAC), winning the league title. That spring, Torgeson and the Matadors returned to postseason

The dramatic season concluded for the Matadors when they were able to advance to the NCAA Division I Women’s College World Series. Taking the first two games of the series with wins over Missouri and Utah, Northridge dropped

a game to Oklahoma before rallying to win a follow-up contest with the Sooners to get to the Finals against Arizona. In a closely contested game, CSUN finished national runner-up, losing to Arizona in the championship game, 4-0. During Torgeson’s tenure at Cal State Northridge, Matador players earned All-America honors 24 times and 44 players earned All-Region honors with 61 Matadors honored as first-team all-conference. Torgeson’s coaching career was not exclusive to softball. He also served as the Matadors football coach for four seasons from 1973-1976. Recently retired as the Dean of Physical Education and Athletic Director at Sacramento City College, Torgeson served on the NFCA’s board of directors in addition to a stint as the All-America committee’s west region representative.

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NFCA CONVENTION EXHIBITORS 3N2 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 111 Atlantic Annex Point #1 Maitland, FL 32751 202-321-4409 www.3n2sports.com Sean Murphy Accelerated Baseball Technologies .14 217 Watson Street Ripon, WI 54971 920-748-6599 www.acceleratedbaseball.com Howard Hansen Adams USA . . . . .112, 113, 114, 115 610 S. Jefferson Cookeville, TN 38501 913-526-2109 www.adamsusa.com Gary Montgomery adidas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95, 96,97 634 South 170 West Ivins, UT 84738 435-673-0537 www.adidas.com Michelle Delloso Akadema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 140 5th Avenue Hawthorne, NJ 07506 201-776-6625 www.akademapro.com David Winder American International Sports Tours, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . .46 511 West 86th Terrace Kansas City , MO 64114 816-256-3828 www.aist.us Chad Wilkinson Anaconda Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 5 Corporate Drive Clifton Park, NY 12065 800-234-2775 www.anacondasports.com Fred Veronezi ATEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 655 Spice Island Drive Sparks, NV 89431 775-352-2822 www.atecsports.com Larry Leukhardt Bishop Family Enterprises . . . . . . .87 1727 Timber Oak San Antonio, TX 78232 210-232-8392 www.thepitchingpad.com Paige Bishop Bishop Family Enterprises manufactures a revolutionary training product call The Pitching Pad. The Pad is a trainning system designed to make pitchers’ workouts more effective. See ad on page 10 Boathouse Sports . . . . . . . . . . . .3, 4 425 E. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124 215-425-4300 www.boathouse.com Ariana Casanovas

BSN Sports/Collegiate Pacific . . . .63 1901 Diplomat Drive Farmers Branch, TX 75234 972-884-7445 www.bsncp.com Gary White Burbank Sport Nets. . . . . . .116, 117 325 Pogy Place Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 904-321-0976 www.burbanksportnets.com Eli Rowe Buster’s Design Team . . . . . . . . . .84 421 Second Street Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-913-2781 www.bustersdesignteam.com Ruth Crowe Clell Wade Coaches Directory, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 701 Main Street Cassville, MO 65625 417-847-2783 www.coachesdirectory.com Kerry Rose Cocoa Expo Sports . . . . . . . . . . . .35 500 Friday Road Cocoa, FL 32926 321-639-3976 x12 www.cocoaexpo.com Jeff Riddle Cocoa Expo Sports is one of Florida’s premier sports management and promotion companies. For 25 years, the company has owned and operated the highly regarded Cocoa Expo College and High School Softball Spring Training events. See ad on page 18 CyberAccess123, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .49 PO Box 288 Coram, NY 11727 919-434-3684 www.motionprosoftware.com Patrick McCabe Diamond Sports, Inc. . .69, 70, 75, 76 11130 Warland Drive Cypress, CA 90630 800-366-2999 www.diamond-sports.com Chris Coffing Disney Sports Attractions . . . . . . .71 P.O. Box 10000 Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 407-938-3801 www.disneysports.com Brian Mize Easton Sports . . . . . . .19, 20, 21, 22 7855 Haskell Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91406 951-545-9829 www.eastonsports.com Pam Newton Emask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105, 31 13308 Millard Avenue Milliard, NE 68137 402-884-7600 www.emasksales.com Jeff Evans

Extra Innings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 264 South Main Street Middleton, MA 01949 978-762-0448 x108 www.extra-innings.net Jesse Peterson Extra Innings is a premier name in indoor baseball/softball training centers. Each location offers year-round indoor practice facilities, professional instruction, and a nationally recognized pro shop. See ad on page 38 Fellowship of Christian Athletes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124 8701 Leeds Rd. Kansas City , MO 64129 816-892-1192 www.fca.org Donna Noonan Front Rush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 3505 Main Street Doylestown, PA 18901 866-634-1186 www.frontrush.com Colleen O’Hara Game Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 1101 Research Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63032 314-652-8935 www.markwort.com Herb Markwort girls got game . . . . . . . . . . .118, 119 131 Main Street Geneseo, NY 14454 866-600-9905 www.girlsgotgame.com Sherrie Paddon girls got game has innovative styles and top-quality branded products. The company’s uncompromising performance, fit, function, and personal service make girls got game the choice for women’s softball teams across the nation. See ad on page 3 H&B Louisville Slugger . . .77, 78, 81 800 West Main Street Louisville, KY 40202 800-282-2287 www.slugger.com Rob Partin Halo Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 9 Phair Street Gloversville, NY 12078 518-773-4256 www.bangerz.com Peter Leonardi Inside Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 5049 Emerson Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN 55419 952-948-1481 www.inside-edge.com Jay Donchetz

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NFCA CONVENTION EXHIBITORS International Softball Federation . .127 1900 So. Park Road Plant City, FL 33563 813-864-0100 x 229 www.internationalsoftball.com Bruce Wawrzyniak JKP Sports Inc./Jugs . . . . . . .99, 100 19333 S.W. 118th Avenue Tualatin, OR 97062 800-547-6843 www.jkpsports.com Chris Gross Longstreth Women’s Sports . . . . . .6 28 Wells Road Parkerford, PA 19457 800-545-1329 www.longstreth.com Ronnie Maurek M.A.S.A. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122 1413 Meridian Road Jasper, IN 47546 800-264-4519 www.masa.com Mike Schmitt, Sr. 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 11

Majestic Athletic/ National Pro Fastpitch . . . . .23, 30 100 Majestic Way Bangor, PA 18013 800-955-8555 www.majesticathletic.com Kathy Dosen Majestic Athletic is dedicated to performance on the diamond. Majestic is the on-field uniform for Major League Baseball, National Pro Fastpitch Softball, and leading college programs. See ads on pages 6 and Back Cover Markwort Sporting Goods . . . . . .36 1101 Research Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63132 800-280-5555 www.markwort.com Herb Markwort Mattingly Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 2 Enterprise Drive, Suite 407 Shelton, CT 06484 866-627-2287 www.mattinglybaseball.com Phil Dooley Mizuno USA . . . . . . . . .106, 107, 108 4925 Avalon Ridge Parkway Norcross, GA 30071 770-441-5553 www.mizunousa.com Cindy Peters

National Collegiate Scouting Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 1415 N. Dayton, Suite 4M Chicago, IL 60622 888-333-6846 www.ncsasports.org Joyce Wellhoefer Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program . .13 1128 S.E. 70th Avenue Hillsboro, OR 97123 503-848-7889 www.speedbat.com Dennis Tessicini Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program includes Nemo’s Speed Training Bat, three instructional videos, and now Coach Nemo’s new Triple Hitting Tee. It follows a speed circuit training format using underloading drills to increase bat speed and reaction time. See ad on page 17 Osborne Innovative Products . . .123 1413 S. Meridian Road Jasper, IN 47546 800-264-4519 www.sportsadvantage.com Mike Schmitt, Sr.

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Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . .38 P.O.Box 9473 Panama City, FL 32417 850-233-5070 www.visitpanamacitybeach.com Ann Gager PIK Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 PO Box 2108 Norwalk, CT 06852 877-845-7845 www.pikproducts.com Louis Seeley PIK Products is a baseball and softball training aid company offering reasonably priced products proven to get results at every level. See ad on page 12 Pro Batter Sports, LLC . . . . . . . .1, 2 15 Old Gate Lane Milford, CT 06460 203-874-2500 www.probatter.com Adam Battersby Pro Look Sports. . . . . . . . . .120, 121 37 East Center St, Ste 304 Provo, UT 84606 800-PRO-LOOK www.ProLook.com Brent Hekekia

GLIC Four-Time Champions GLIC Three-Time Tournament Champions Great Lake region Coach of the Year Overall record 654-350

Pro’s Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 410 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 14 Procut Hitting System . . . . . . . . TBD 1509 Lyford Road Rockford, IL 61107 815-229-2670 www.procut.com Tim Nolan Project David Missions . . . . . . . . .17 13095 S Mur Len Road Olathe, KS 66062 913-206-1533 www.projectdavidmissions.org William Edington Rawlings Sporting Goods . . . . . . .82 510 Maryville University Drive Suite 110 St. Louis, MO 63141 800-729-7770 www.rawlings.com Scott Autrey

MAC Eastern Division Five-Time Champions MAC Conference Champions ‘07, ‘08 MAC Tournament Champions ‘06, ‘08 Coach of the Year ‘04, ‘08 Overall record 603-471

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RevFire Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 14705 S. Blackfoot Drive Olathe, KS 66062 866-414-3040 www.revfire.com Dave Marinelli RightView Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . .88, 89 27 Middleridge Lane South Rolling Hills, CA 90274 310-377-9221 www.rightviewpro.com Don Slaught Ringor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54, 55 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 8

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NFCA CONVENTION EXHIBITORS Rip-It . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102, 103, 104 3506 St. Valentine Way Bldg. 8 Orlando, FL 32811 888-957-4748 www.ripitsportinggoods.com Matthew Polstein Russell/Spalding . . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 9 3330 Cumberland Blvd Atlanta, GA 30339 678-742-8000 www.russellathletic.com Phil Castrianni Schutt Sports . . . . . . . .109, 110, 111 2233 Holli Hill Lane Denton, TX 76205 800-426-9784 www.schuttsports.com Dianne Baker Scoutware, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 1444 N. Farnsworth Ave., Suite 404 Aurora, IL 60505 630-375-2003 www.scoutware.com Amanda Carmichael Slow the Game Down— Vision Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 1110 S. Coast Hwy, #203 Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949-715-9841 www.slowthegamedown.com Ryan Harrison

Softball Excellence . . . . . . . . . . .101 4211 Saltwater Blvd. Tampa, FL 33615 813-417-0238 www.softballexcellence.com Cindy Bristow Softball Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40, 41 1051 E. Nakoma San Antonio, TX 78216 800-882-1166 www.softball.com Mark Patterson Southwest Host Services . . . . . . . .74 P.O. Box 13808 Scottsdale, AZ 85267 970-223-6665 www.southwesthost.com Lisa Dixon Speedline Athletic Wear . . . . .52, 53 1804 N. Habana Tampa, FL 33607 813-876-1375 www.speedlineathletic.com Dave Aubuchon

Sports Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . .15, 16 P.O. Box 1529 Verdi, NV 89439 800-717-4251 www.sportsattack.com Kurt Brenner Sports Attack pioneered the innovative Hack Attack three-wheel softball pitching machine, which delivers every softball breaking pitch, from the riser to right- and left-handed drops. See ad on Inside Back Cover Sports Sensors, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . .66 11351 Embassy Drive Cincinnati, OH 45240 888-542-9246 www.gloveradar.com Al Dilz Sports Tutor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43, 44 3300 Winona Ave. Burbank, CA 91504 800-448-8867 www.sportstutorinc.com John Henderson Sports Tutor is a leading manufacturer of pitching machines for baseball and softball, including the HomePlate programmable model and the new TriplePlay. See ad on page 19

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Cocoa Expo Softball Spring Training Includes: Practice and game schedule based on coaches request Well maintained, centrally located playing ﬁelds Accommodations in our on-site dormitory, mainland or beautiful beach hotel Flexible meals plans…only pay for the meals you eat. Qualiﬁed umpires Game balls No spectator admission charge Fields dragged and lined prior to all games Located just 40 minutes from Orlando International Airport

Play & Stay On Florida’s Beautiful Space Coast - Sun, surf or sail along 72 miles of white sandy beaches - Jet ski or take an airboat ride on the Indian River - Home of America’s space program & NASA’s Kennedy Space Center - Take in a Major League spring training game at Space Coast Stadium, spring home of Washington Nationals. - Visit world famous Ron Jon’s Surf Shop and the historic Cocoa Beach Pier Visit our website at www.cocoaexpo.com to register your team for 2009 Spring Training

Cocoa Expo Softball Spring Training 500 Friday Road, Cocoa, Florida 32926 Call: (321) 639-3976 ext. 12 or email: baseball@cocoaexpo.com NFCA Booth No. 35

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Springbok Services, Inc. . . . . . . . .62 345 Inverness Drive South, Building A, Suite 130 Englewood, CO 80112 303-514-3924 www.springbokservices.com Keith Ninemire Stabilizer Solutions, Inc. . . . . . . . .98 33 S. 28th Street Phoenix, AZ 85043 800-225-5900 www.stabilizersolutions.com Jonathan Hubbs Swedish Baseball Softball Federation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 P.O. Box 418 Kingsgatan 19 Szovde, Sweden SE54128 46-500-44-77-85 www.baseboll-softboll.se Kristian Palvia Texas Woman’s University . . . . . .126 1600 N. Bell Avenue Denton, TX 76204 940-898-2578 www.twu.edu Dr. Sally Ford

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COVER STORY

NFCA NCAA Division II COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR

HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY BY ABIGAIL FUNK After losing their first game in the NCAA Division II Western Regional, the Humboldt State University Lumberjacks knew they faced a long, hard road. Despite entering the tournament as the region’s top seed, the Jacks would have to battle back through the losers’ bracket just to have a shot at advancing to the Division II Women’s College World Series. But the Jacks did just that, winning six games over three days to earn a trip to Houston for the Division II Spring Sports Festival. While the pace was a little less frantic there, the task was no easier as Humboldt had to survive a 10-inning opener, a 17inning semifinal squeaker, and a nailbiting 1-0 victory in the finale to claim the 2008 Division II crown.

CM: How did you prepare your team for postseason play? Cheek: We approach every team as if they were national champions. We put on our game faces when we assemble in the parking lot at the motel or when we walk on the field at home. We don’t ever want our players to be caught flat-footed, so Shelli prepares a scouting report on every team to eliminate possible surprises. That way, our players enter each contest knowing that if they do their job well, they will win. Practice is hard work and takes dedication, but winning is fun. What will you always remember from the tournament? Cheek: During our 17-inning game against Lock Haven University, Natalie Galletly, our number-three hitter and top run producer, came up with nobody out and runners on first and second. Now, solid softball says you want to bunt

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The perch at the top was a familiar one for both Head Coach Frank Cheek and Assistant Coach Shelli Maher-Sarchett, the NFCA NCAA Division II Coaching Staff of the Year. The two previously collaborated to win the 1999 Division II title with Cheek as Head Coach and MaherSarchett a player. And that experience came in handy as the duo guided a team that had only one senior in the starting lineup. Cheek’s second national championship came in his 20th season as Head Coach, which also ran his count of conference championships to 16 and regional crowns to five. He has led his teams to 16 straight playoff appearances while being named conference Coach of the Year a dozen times. Prior to taking

those runners over. So I called a timeout and told Galletly she had to get the ball down. She looked me in the eye and said, “Coach, I can hit her.” She was already 0-for-6 against this pitcher, but I looked her right in the eye and said, “Well then do it.” Then it was strike one, strike two, base hit. When a player tells me she can do it in a game like that, I don’t question it. That hit won the ball game. What was it like competing at the NCAA Division II Spring Sports Festival? Maher-Sarchett: What really stuck out is that when I went to the national championship as a player, the entire event was built around one sport. This time, there were four sports to worry about, and unfortunately, I don’t think softball got the attention it deserved for its national championship.

over the softball program, Cheek served as Head Wrestling Coach at HSU for 22 years. Maher-Sarchett was a three-time All-American third baseman and catcher for Humboldt State and is listed among the leaders in every career hitting category in the HSU record book, including doubles, where she tops the list. After serving as an assistant and then Head Coach at Dominican University of California, Maher-Sarchett brought her hitting expertise back to HSU in 2005. In this interview, Cheek and Maher-Sarchett talk about the challenges of recruiting in Division II, the importance of practicing pressure situations, and their philosophies on playing time.

Cheek: I think the festival approach really added to the overall experience and brought a new dimension to the national tournament. Everyone enjoyed the exciting events because they were free and accessible. The first day we got there we went to an aquarium, which was time well spent. We did the Habitat for Head Coach Humanity project, too. Frank Cheek And on the last night, there was a big barbecue, which was fantastic. But sandwiched in between we played ball, and that’s all we had time to do. We went to the dinners at night, but as far as socializing with other teams, we just didn’t have the time.

Guided by Head Coach Frank Cheek and Assistant Coach Shelli Maher-Sarchett, Humboldt State University won the 2008 NCAA Division II championship. The Lumberjacks’ first title came nine years earlier, when Maher-Sarchett was an All-American third baseman for Cheek.

Was there a big celebration when you returned home to campus after the tournament? Cheek: Our arrival home at the airport would have been spectacular since about 500 people were waiting there for us to land. But the weather at the airport was too overcast and we had to land in Chico and drive five hours before we made it home. The next day, though, about 400 people came to a local restaurant where we were honored. There was a live radio broadcast and we signed T-shirts and other memorabilia throughout the evening. My grandson got a lot of foul balls in Houston that he sold to me so the girls could autograph them, and we gave them to our fans and contributors back here in Humboldt County. We’ve also received congratulations from city, state, and national officials.

department notified people what times and channels we would be on. Winning the title in ’99 had nowhere near the positive effect on this community as it did this year.

Did the tournament’s media coverage play a role in your reception? Cheek: I’ll tell you, that championship game being televised did more for our program than anything we’ve done in the past 10 years. On top of that, our sports information director was at the tournament broadcasting the games on the radio, and we had great newspaper coverage back at home. The athletic

Unless a player believes extra work is going to make her better, she won’t put forth a good effort. By her senior year, Lizzy realized that if she wanted to be successful, she had to go the extra mile. She bought into the fact that if you want to be better than your opponent, you have to work harder than your opponent. We certainly won’t be able to fill Lizzy’s shoes by recruiting a freshman, so we

Senior pitcher Lizzy Prescott had an extremely successful year, capping the season with the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. What has it been like to coach her? Cheek: Lizzy improved each of the four years she was in our program. By the time she was a senior, she had learned to control her emotions over outside factors such as the weather, infield surface, umpires, and any lack of hitting. It was a learning process for all of us, and as the seasons went by, our relationship improved to the point where we could easily relate to each other.

hope our offense and defense can pick up the slack. You’re notorious for tough practices. What is your practice philosophy? Cheek: We try to make every drill in every practice session meaningful by keeping it as close to a real game situation as possible. By putting pressure on players during practice, they become acclimated to the pressure of a game. For example, in our bunting drills, if our players bunt a bad pitch or fail to get the bunt down, they run. The first time a player fails, she has the option to go double or nothing on her second try. If the players learn to take care of business in practice, they’ll have fewer jitters and play with confidence in the games. If somebody needs to practice something 100 times to get it right, we’ll do it 100 times. But there’s always

Assistant Coach Shelli Maher-Sarchett

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COVER STORY

the question of how much pressure to apply and when you come to the point of diminishing returns. We don’t want to destroy a player’s confidence. How do you critique your players in a constructive way? Cheek: During our practices and scrimmages, we take advantage of every teachable moment. For example, say there’s a runner on second. A ground ball is hit to the second baseman and the runner breaks for third. We’ll stop practice and talk about it because you just don’t do that. But I don’t want there to be hard feelings, so I say, “We’re doing this for the betterment of the team. You just happened to make the mistake.”

We take that positive approach, and if we fail—and we have—I blame it on whoever or whatever the failure should be blamed on. One year I blamed it on an umpire who called seven illegal pitches that cost us the ball game. Another year Lizzy was sick as a dog. To win a national championship, the stars have to line up. But when preparation meets opportunity, and you add a little luck, you win. Shelli, what was it like to come back to your alma mater as a coach? Maher-Sarchett: My experience on the ’99 team was great, but now coaching is such a rush for me. To see my efforts come to fruition as a coach is just amazing. My level of pride is similar to that of a parent—it’s very different from being a player. When I put the time and effort into making someone a better player, and they respond by doing well, I’m on cloud nine.

I tell them I’m going to put the best team out there that we can find. I’ve had players come into my office and say, “Coach, you’ve got your favorites and it’s not fair.” Well, you’re damn right I’ve got my favorites. A first-team All-American? I love her! I don’t lie to them. Whoever gets the job done is going to be my favorite. I tell them, “You have to work for your spot, especially if you’re an underclassman.” Being singled out can be especially tough on the older players because they feel they should have known better. But I don’t ever want a girl to leave practice with her head down and feeling inadequate. If I correct a player, later in practice I make sure to give her an opportunity to redeem herself. I might hit her a tough ball so she can make a great play on it. What are your team goals? Cheek: Our expectation is always the same from day one, and that is to win a national championship. The players know this even if we don’t say it all the time. I listen to coaches give themselves excuses for failure all the time by offering great accolades to each other. Well, we’re not in the business of praising other teams. We’re in the business of saying we’re going to win. Abigail Funk is an Assistant Editor at Coaching Management. She can be reached at: afunk@MomentumMedia.com.

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Leaving a head coaching position to come back to HSU and be an assistant was an easy choice. Ever since I decided coaching was what I wanted to do, I knew HSU was the place where I wanted to do it. The opportunity to come back to my alma mater and work with Coach Cheek was a great one. I get the chance to say that I played for and learned from one of the best in the sport. Of course, I plan on returning to head coaching, and I hope to be able to do it here at HSU.

Frank, why did you bring Shelli back into the program? Cheek: I knew Shelli’s attributes and she knew mine. She was already fully knowledgeable about our practice sessions, recruiting process, academic requirements, fundraising, and other facets of our program. We were off and running on the first day. She already knew most of the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) coaches and teams in California. Shelli also brought a computer-based approach to our program, which was sorely needed. I don’t even have to be there for practice, I know Shelli will get the job done. Shelli, what’s it like working with Frank now? Maher-Sarchett: Truthfully, it’s not always a pleasure working for him. It can be hard. He expects more from me than he does from our players, and I understand that. Coach Cheek was also tough to play for. He drove us hard every day to get the best out of us, and we produced for him like no other team had done here before.

Working with him now is different in that I can’t let go as easily as I could then. When I was playing, I was able to leave my emotions and hangups on the field. For example, if Coach Cheek yelled at me for doing something really boneheaded, I would take the criticism and fix it. Now, I still want to fix the problem, but I take it a lot harder because I feel I have more at stake. What is the recruiting picture like in Division II? Cheek: Based on our financial situation at Humboldt State, Division II is the best place for our program, though we do lose players who want to be in Division I. Our philosophy is that we prefer to recruit freshmen we can work with for four years, but we currently have three junior college players on our roster. Shelli does 90 percent of the recruiting. She does the screening, and I trust her judgment. When she wants me to evaluate a recruit, she already has confidence the recruit will be a good fit as HSU. Maher-Sarchett: One thing that has helped a lot is a program called the Western Undergraduate Exchange program. Basically, all the West Coast states have an agreement that doesn’t force students to pay out-of-state tuition if they’re from another West Coast state. Instead of paying by the unit, it’s a set amount that’s closer to what in-state tuition would cost. How do you divvy up scholarship money? Cheek: It can be a hard pill to swallow for prospective players to accept a smaller scholarship, but we don’t pull any punches. We’re up front with them about the lack of scholarship money from the beginning. Our main goal with that money is to better prepare for the future and not be caught without an experienced replacement for the following year. What are the biggest issues facing softball? Maher-Sarchett: I think young players making verbal commitments to schools is a problem. I’ve noticed in my recruiting work that this has become much more prevalent in the past two years. There are schools that have their recruiting classes set for two years from now when we’re still working on this year’s group. I don’t know how they do it, but some schools have that ability and they’re using it to attract great young players very early on. Cheek: These young players are forced into committing at an early age without knowledge of what their major might be, cost of attendance, or other social and financial issues. I wonder how some pro-

COVER STORY

grams are getting away with it. I think there’s some gray area here that needs to be addressed. We’re not even supposed to talk to them until they’re seniors, yet early in the season there are juniors, even sophomores, who have verbally committed. How do you approach coaching your batters? Maher-Sarchett: I believe in rotational hitting, which is very popular in Major League Baseball. A player’s swing is powered by the rotation of the hips and torso, so a player isn’t just using the movement of her hands and wrists. However, each batter is different. Some, I can just talk to and they get it. Others are visual learners and have to be shown. We’re pretty stuck on the way we like our batters to hit here, but if a girl can get the job done with an unconventional swing, I say go for it. However, if her swing isn’t working and she isn’t hitting the ball well, we have work to do—even if it means changing her swing. How do you handle issues surrounding playing time? Cheek: Shelli is more benevolent than

I am—on the field, I do not want to be challenged. In my office, we can take the gloves off and anything goes. If a young lady wants to know where she stands, I will gladly let her know.

it’s something I think Coach might need to know about I’ll bring it up to him, but that hasn’t happened yet. The captains and I try to figure things out ourselves first.

The ladies who come here already know what they’re getting into. My methods and procedures are quite well known in the state of California—we’re a no-nonsense program. If a player is not doing her job and we can’t correct it, we’ll get someone else to do her job the next year.

How do you keep a good work-life balance? Cheek: I don’t have a good work-life balance. I’m a dedicated coach whose work comes first. Unfortunately, my wife, daughter, and grandson have a secondary role as a result. In the summertime, I try to make up for those shortcomings. And during the school year, I have lunch with my wife, attend church, and walk in the bird sanctuary on Sundays. After 49 years as a coach, I’m getting better at spending quality time with my wife.

Frank, you’re 70 years old. What are your future coaching plans? Cheek: I am fortunate to have reached 900 wins, and once I did that, I realized that a goal of 1,000 victories is within my reach. I’ve always held coaches who achieve that goal in high esteem. Naturally, I’d like to leave a legacy at this institution, and 1,000 wins goes a long way toward that goal.

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HONORING EXCELLENCE

NFCA NATIONAL COACHING STAFFS OF THE YEAR NCAA Division I

NAIA

Arizona State University Head Coach Clint Myers along with assistant coaches Kirsten Voak and Robert Wagner piloted the Sun Devils to a 66-5 record, the Pac-10 title, and the school’s first NCAA Championship, sweeping Texas A&M in the Championship Series after posting two wins over Alabama and one over UCLA to advance to the series. The Sun Devils did not lose a game in postseason play. Arizona State’s 66 victories mark a new school record and included a 12-game winning streak to conclude the season. ASU had six players named to the Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-Pacific Region team with five earning Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America honors.

University of Mobile Head Coach Terri McCormick and Assistant Coach Maribel Riera led the Rams to a 42-10 record and advanced to the final day of the 2008 NAIA National Championship Game. First-year head coach McCormick guided the Rams to the Region XIII title and the fourth spot in the final NAIA Top 25 Poll.

NCAA Division II Humboldt State University Head Coach Frank Cheek and Assistant Coach Shelli Maher Sarchett led the Lumberjacks to the 2008 NCAA Division II Championship behind the pitching of senior Lizzy Prescott. After losing both games at the CCAA Championship Tournament, the Lumberjacks played host to the NCAA West Regional, where they lost to Cal State-San Bernardino before bouncing back with six straight wins to advance to the NCAA Championship in Houston. There, HSU opened with three straight wins, two of them requiring extra innings to reach the finals. HSU scored early against Emporia State and never looked back, posting a 1-0 victory following a home run by Natalie Galletly in the top of the first inning.

NCAA Division III University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Head Coach Leslie Huntington, along with assistants Robin Baker and Billie Buss, led the Blugolds to their first national title and a 36-11 finish. After falling in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) semifinals and receiving an at-large bid, Eau Claire won eight straight to capture the second NCAA title in any sport for the school. In the championship game, Huntington and her staff led the Blugolds to a victory over WIAC rival Wisconsin-Whitewater with a ninth inning walkoff home run. In her seventh season with the Blugolds, Huntington led her squad to its third straight regional appearance and second straight national championship tournament appearance. She also surpassed 200 career victories during the regional tournament, hosted by Eau Claire.

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NJCAA Division I Wallace State-Hanceville Head Coach Jayne Clem and Assistant Coach Tracy Grindrod led the Lady Lions to the NJCAA Division I title, becoming the first Alabama school to win the championship. Clem was recognized as the Karen L. Sykes Outstanding Coach of the Tournament. The Lady Lions advanced to Jayne Clem, Wallace the championState-Hanceville ship tournament Head Coach by winning the Region 22 Championship. WallaceHanceville finished the season with a 41-game winning streak over two months, including wins in all five national tournament games. The Lady Lions’ final record was 68-8. They also had a nationleading five Louisville Slugger/NFCA NJCAA Division I All-America selections.

NJCAA Division II Iowa Lakes Community College Head Coach Mike Bosch and Assistant Coach Megan Anderson led the Lakers to the NJCAA Division II Region XI Championship and a fifth-place national finish. Iowa Lakes finished the season with a 56-13 record. The Lakers had a pair of Louisville Slugger/NFCA NJCAA Division II All-Americans, infielder Stephanie Ochoa and outfielder Kimmie White. Brittany Brohmer was also named to the NJCAA Division II National All-Tournament Team.

NJCAA Division III Westmoreland County CC Head Coach Jim Roberts and assistants Lisa Octave and Dan Terlizzi led the Wolfpack to NJCAA Division III Region XX and District H Championships and a thirdplace finish at the NJCAA Division III Championship. WCCC fell to champion Monroe on the final day of the championship tournament. Three WCCC

players, Nikki Lindberg, Kari Margliotti, and Kelsey Criner, were selected to the all-tournament team.

Cal JC Sacramento City College Head Coach Bob Maglione along with his assistants Robert Cameron, Bob Newman, Bob Hayes, and Cindy Oseguera piloted the Panthers to a Big 8 Conference Championship and third-place finish in the California State Championship. Sacramento City College had three first-team All-Americans including pitcher Amanda Monday, infielder Lindsey Bruno, and outfielder Laeha Hill. The Panthers won the Nor-Cal Regional I and II playoffs to advance to the California State Championship.

NWAACC Mt. Hood Community College Head Coach Meadow McWhorter, Assistant Coach Kimi Daniel and Student Assistant Coach Rachel Davis led the Saints to a second-place finish at the NWAACC Softball Championship with four players earning All-Tournament Team honors. The Saints also had two players named to the 2008 Louisville Slugger/NFCA NWAACC All-America Team.

High School Broad Run High School (Ashburn, Va.) Head Coach Ed Steele and Assistant Coach Dave Morris led the Spartans to an undefeated (26-0) season, their second straight state championship, and the top spot in the final 2008 USA Today/NFCA Top 25 High School Poll. Broad Run hit .413 for the season and outscored its opponents 218-3. Four Broad Run seniors are moving on to play at NCAA Division I programs.

Travel Ball Head Coaches Gary Lagesse and Mike Batts along with Assistant Coaches Al Lierman, Pat Rzegoski, and Dan Bryant teamed to lead the Lemont (Ill.) Rockers 18U DD team to the 18A ASA National Championship. The Rockers opened the double-elimination Gold Nationals tournament with a 2-0 victory over the Orange County Dynasty. Following that game, Team Manager Jim (DiDi) DiGregorio passed away while en route to a team meal. Back at the hotel, the team voted to stay and finish out the tournament, despite the death of its coach. The Rockers returned to the field at 8 p.m. that night and proceeded to win an additional seven games to earn the title.

HONORING EXCELLENCE

NFCA REGIONAL COACHING STAFFS OF THE YEAR NCAA Division I Great Lakes Region: University of Michigan Head Coach: Carol Hutchins; Associate Head Coach: Bonnie Tholl; Assistant Coach: Jennifer Brundage; Volunteer Assistant Coach: Becky Marx Mid-Atlantic Region: Hofstra University Head Coach: Bill Edwards; Associate Head Coach: Larissa Anderson; Assistant Coach: Ryan Realmuto Mideast Region: Purdue University Head Coach: Kim Maher; Assistant Coaches: Linda Garza, Boo Gillette Midwest Region: Texas A&M University Head Coach: Jo Evans; Associate Head Coaches: Joy Jackson, Mary Joe Firnbach Northeast Region: Virginia Tech University Head Coach: Scot Thomas; Assistant Coaches: Al Brauns, Tiffany McVay South Region: University of Alabama Head Coach: Patrick Murphy; Assistant Coaches: Alyson Habetz, Vann Studeman Southeast Region: University of Florida Head Coach: Tim Walton; Assistant Coaches: Jennifer Rocha, Jenny Gladding West Region: University of Nevada Head Coach: Michelle Gardner; Assistant Coaches: Melanie Meuchel, Annie Stevens, Andy Dominique

NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region: Ferris State University Head Coach: Keri Becker; Assistant Coaches: Lesa Bickley, Chad Haberland Mid-Atlantic Region: Lock Haven University Head Coach: Kelley Green; Assistant Coach: Kelly Shannon North Central Region: Emporia State University Head Coach: Kristi Bredbenner; Assistant Coaches: Bree Beattie, Lauren Loucks Northeast Region: C.W. Post Head Coach: Jamie Apicella; Assistant Coach: Kelsey Walker

South Region: Barry University Head Coach: Danielle Penner; Assistant Coaches: Melissa Wiggins, Heather Gelbard South Atlantic Region: University of North Carolina-Pembroke Head Coach: Steve Johnson; Assistant Coach: Theresa Walker South Central Region: St. Edwardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University Head Coach: Amy Coulter; Assistant Coach: Lindsay Gardner

NCAA Division III

Midwest Region: Central Methodist University Head Coach: Pat Reardon; Assistant Coaches: Gene Reardon, Ross Dowell, Janeil Draffen, Danielle Dunn Southwest Region: Dickinson State University Head Coach: Guy Fridley; Assistant Coach: Jamie Jung Southwest Region: University of Houston-Victoria Head Coach: Keri Lambeth; Assistant Coach: Ryan Lambeth

Atlantic Region: Louisiana College Head Coach: Tim Whitman; Assistant Coaches: Aleshia Perry-Davis, Rawlen Scully, Leanne Shanks, Emilie Collins

West Region: California Baptist University Head Coach: Mike Smith; Assistant Coach: Bill Baber

Central Region: Muskingum College Head Coach: Donna Newberry; Assistant Coaches: Natalie Layden, John Ritts

NJCAA Division I

East Region: Montclair State University Head Coach: Anita Kubicka; Assistant Coaches: Kim Broking, Ryan Doty Great Lakes Region: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Head Coach: Brenda Volk; Assistant Coaches: Beth Bonuso, Steve Evans, Erin Weber Midwest Region: Wartburg College Head Coach: Kara Kehe; Assistant Coaches: Heather Zajicek, La Toshia Burrell New England Region: Rhode Island College Head Coach: Maria Morin; Assistant Coaches: Ken Stanley, Kristen Norberg Northeast Region Cortland State University Head Coach: Julie Lenhart; Assistant Coaches: Tara Schanbacher, Brad Posner, Mallory LeSieur, Katie Fusco West Region: University of Mary HardinBaylor Head Coach: Kasey Blomquist; Assistant Coach: Denise Lira

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

Midwest Region: San Jacinto College Head Coach: Kelly Saenz; Assistant Coaches: Dionna Lopez, James Perry, Kevin Mentzel West Region: Yavapai College Head Coach: Stacy Iveson; Assistant Coaches: Nicki Johnson, Lisa Parks

NJCAA Division II South Region: Johnson County Community College Head Coach: Kelly Latendresse; Assistant Coach: Lindsay Wells East Region: Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville Head Coach: Chuck Slater; Assistant Coaches: Fred Maril, Charles Saunders, Beth Slater, Marty Rouse, Rob Hess

High School East Region: Masuk H.S., Monroe, Conn. Head Coach: Jacqui Sheftz North Region: Susquehannock H.S., Glen Rock, Pa. Head Coach: Dave Pollick; Assistant Coaches: Don Mercadante, Katie Pollick South Central Region: Aledo (Texas) H.S. Head Coach: Kevin Cook; Assistant Coaches: Kelly Skidmore, Tricia Hackfield West: Region: Sheldon H.S., Sacramento, Cal. Head Coach: Mary Jo Truesdale

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HONORING EXCELLENCE

2008 EASTON VICTORY CLUB AWARD WINNERS NCAA Division I JoAnne Graf, Florida State University Margie Wright, Fresno State University Elaine Sortino, University of Massachusetts Scott Whitlock, Kennesaw State University Diane Ninemire, University of California Jay Miller, Mississippi State University Bob Brock, Sam Houston State University Robert L. Coolen, University of Hawaii Kathy Strahan, Sacramento State Bob Heck, Georgia State University Mark Cooke, Winthrop University Rhonda Revelle, University of Nebraska Joan Joyce, Florida Atlantic University Lu Harris-Champer, University of Georgia Jacquie Joseph, Michigan State University Mary-Ellen Hall, University of Houston Karen Linder, Kent State University Patrick Murphy, University of Alabama Sonya Wilmoth, University of North Florida Tracey Kee, East Carolina University Renee Luers-Gillispie, University of Central Florida John Rittman, Stanford University Drew Peterson, Campbell University Kathy Leitke, Western Michigan University Gary Ferrin, Loyola Marymount University Brian Kolze, University of the Pacific Fran Troyan, Lehigh University Dick Blood, Cornell University Paul Wetmore, Liberty University Chris Cannata, University at Albany Kathy Van Wyk, San Diego State University Stefni Lotief, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Roy Kortmann, Long Island University Kathy Rodolph, New Mexico State University Michael Lotief, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Shonda Stanton, Marshall University Richelle Woodard, Texas State University Shelly Hoerner, College of Charleston Kyla Holas, University of Houston Natalie Poole, Georgia Southern University Randy Schneider, Valparaiso University Karen Baird, Eastern Michigan University Shawn Rychcik, Boston University Angie Nicholson, Cleveland State University J Gaudreau, University of Oregon

Record Years 1,437-478-6 30 1,307-459-3 29 1,017-432-5 29 1,006-188 22 932-457 21 928-578 26 910-499-1 23 709-480-1 22 703-661-3 25 628-540-2 21 625-558 22 623-339 17 622-322 14 614-220-1 12 607-533 20 605-244 17 603-471-1 26 553-177 11 537-375 18 534-279-1 12 530-387 16 514-239-3 12 513-400-3 18 505-357-1 17 502-358 14 501-402-1 16 436-233-4 13 436-195 13 413-461-1 15 411-205-1 14 408-293-1 12 407-97 8 401-300-2 14 322-258 10 306-74 6 306-245 10 301-165-1 8 300-209 9 245-176 8 212-215 7 212-189 9 210-264 11 118-85-1 4 107-79-1 4 103-77 15

NCAA Division II Jan Hutchinson, Bloomsburg University, Pa. Judith Groff, American International College George DiMatteo, Lewis University Sandy Montgomery, SIU-Edwardsville Howard Okita, Hawai’i Pacific University

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1130-269-2 902-560-5 834-422 731-335-2 630-276-3

31 41 25 20 15

Les Stuedeman, University of Alabama-Huntsville Michelle Frew, Rollins College Brad Horky, Pittsburg State University Donna Fields, St. Mary’s University Jim Kiernan, Dowling College Paula U’Ren, St. Cloud State University Alvy Early, University of Arkansas-Monticello Dean Johnson, Caldwell College Michelle Caddigan, Wingate University Kevin Blaskowski, West Texas A&M University Christi Wade, Saint Leo University Travis Scott, Angelo State University Greg Jones, Winona State University Mike Davenport, No. Georgia College & State Univ. Jeff Franquet, Georgian Court University Scott Peterson, Univ. of Colorado-Colorado Springs Joe Elston, Newberry College Sue Kunkle, University of Southern Indiana Stacey Vallee, Francis Marion University Bob Allen, West Virginia State University MIke McGhee, Ouachita Baptist University Jennifer Banford, University of Minnesota Duluth Sara Headley, Mercyhurst College

618-209 519-303 510-325 504-179 501-463 426-197 419-233-2 404-199 404-197-2 403-391 403-268 326-128-2 315-130-4 311-130 229-184 219-188 217-207-2 215-145-1 136-62 132-90 105-102 103-77 101-127-1

13 15 17 12 23 11 12 14 12 16 12 8 8 8 7 8 9 14 4 4 5 4 5

804-272-3 717-295 610-208 533-92 525-313 514-257-4 425-113-2 421-228 335-206-4 315-145-1 313-105 310-226 309-203 244-139 240-58 231-71 212-173-1 205-96 205-133 201-269 124-76-4 118-80 111-125 106-89 102-97-2 102-121 101-62 101-170

24 23 20 14 23 21 13 17 14 12 10 13 13 9 7 8 10 7 9 12 5 5 6 5 5 6 4 9

NCAA Division III George Wares, Central College (Iowa) Bob Timmons, Coe College Denny Griffin, Alma College John Tschida, University of St. Thomas Sandy Douglas, Mount Union College Len Maiorani, St. John Fisher College Henry Christowski, Simpson College Donnie Fulk, Bridgewater College Maria Morin, Rhode Island College Lori Mayhew, Western New England College Penny Siqueiros, Emory University Bonny Brown-Denico, University of Southern Maine Bruce Weckworth, Curry College Jen Walter, College of St. Scholastica Tim Whitman, Louisiana College Mike Reed, University of Texas at Tyler Becky Hall, Wittenberg University Leslie Huntington, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Phil McElroy, Emerson College Dante Fedeli, Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Kama Tucker, Greensboro College Bill Saar, Neumann College Beth Goderwis, College of Mount St. Joseph Sandra Sanford, Allegheny College Tracy Cromer, Northwestern College Rich Paulhus, Framingham State College Erin Van Nostrand, Pine Manor Col./Pacific Lutheran Jennifer Benway, Lesley University

HONORING EXCELLENCE

NAIA Wes Holly, Milligan College Hal Wynn, Faulkner University Mike Smith, California Baptist University Marcella Vanlandingham, Ohio Dominican University Tracy Gastineau, William Woods University Jessica Jones-Sitzmann, Morningside College Lou Yacinich, Grand View College Tom Opdenbrouw, Lindsey Wilson College Anna Welsh, Bethel College (Ind.) Scott Fleming, Marian College (Ind.) Tony Segovia, Friends University Chad Slyter, Valley City State University Jay Kahnt, Ottawa University Devon Thomas, Brenau University Carrie Kosderka-Farrell, Concordia University (Ore.) Steve Babinski, MidAmerica Nazarene University Dan Hurst, Hannibal-LaGrange College Melanie Carter, Shorter College

NWAACC 603-344 513-414-1 445-159 420-284 405-221 330-214 216-210 205-187 201-96-1 129-85 117-64 117-115 111-150 109-77 109-107 106-93 105-223 100-26

20 17 10 13 11 10 8 8 6 5 4 5 7 5 5 4 7 2

629-327 509-110 434-212 425-120 423-188 316-407 241-117 240-111 227-129 216-122 140-86 123-65 120-52 105-110

31 10 11 9 11 16 6 6 6 6 4 4 3 4

829-327 723- 386 408-218 116-41 112 - 31 106-114-2 105-137-1

18 19 11 5 4 5 5

940-231 709-374 607-318-2 513-328 237-80 229-184-3 213-307 117-58

22 36 21 20 7 9 14 4

NJCAA Division I Max Mothersbaugh, North Central Missouri College Dale Atkinson, Indian River State College Rick Church, Blinn College Jayne Clem, Wallace State-Hanceville Gary Barfield, Motlow State Community College Jennifer Hightower, Alvin Community College Lana Ross, Iowa Western Community College Johnny Littrell, Columbia State Community College Andrea Gustafson, Seward County Community College Ed Schutte, Georgia Perimeter College Maria Winn-Ratliff, Western Nebraska Comm. College Rick Wells, Aiken Technical College Carlos Caro, Miami Dade College Ed Yanes, Brevard Community College

NJCAA Division II Heinz Mueller, Phoenix College Jim Davis, Lincoln Land Community College Mike Bosch, Iowa Lakes Community College David Brooks, Hagerstown Community College Chuck Slater, CCBC Catonsville Kimberly Palmer, Shawnee Community College Joe Yegge, Kirkwood Community College

Cal JC Brad Pickler, Cypress College Donna Runyon, Ohlone College Steve Cassady, Merced College Nick Trani, Saddleback College Doug Eastman, College of the Siskiyous Michelle Daddona-Moya, Riverside Community College Suzy Brazney, Golden West College Jackie Boxley, Citrus College

Mike Staudenmaier, Walla Walla Community College

317-200

1,139-336 817 - 218 627-438-3 623-176 621-101 504-107 500-197-4 446-194 422-133-5 414-282-1 413-284-3 406-109 324-58 318-151 316-81 316-116-5 315-174 310-243-1 305-64 222-45 220-54 214-86 214-78 209-92 209-77 204-38 201-59 201-103 200-115 126-100-2 120-50 113-40 112-45 109-73 108-19-1 102-42

22 29 20 26 27 12 29 12 13 27 21 17 15 18 17 15 19 26 12 10 8 9 13 12 9 11 8 12 10 5 6 7 5 8 5 4

807-472 624-175 525-269-30 504-210-17 450-215-7 217-89 209-127 206-86

25 14 15 14 6 8 18 7

High School Tony Scarbrough, Baker High School Denny Dock, Lakeshore High School Kent Chambers, Bob Jones High School Donald Peters, Clarkston High School Mike Lambros, North Davidson Sr. High School Bob Ligouri, Des Moines East High School Mary Jo Truesdale, Sheldon High School Dale Palmer, Sparkman High School George Randolph, Owensboro Catholic High School Steven Baker, Centennial High School Larry Friedrichs, Adlai E. Stevenson High School Bob Diez, Chamberlain High School Ken Fenik, Elyria High School Lori Miller, Jensen Beach High School Ed Steele, Broad Run High School Gary Walin, Thousand Oaks High School Jo Beth Weaver, North Cobb High School Edward McIntyre, Easton Area High School Val Weldon, Splendora High School George Lynn, Shadle Park High School Tony Ellis, Lakeview Ft.Oglethorpe High School Aimee Lonigro, Lincoln-Way North High School Brian Mitchell, Riverton High School Angelo Forte, Davidson High School Michael K. Tomooka, Buena High School Mike Scanlon, Amity High School David McCorkle, Clements High School E J Thomas, Paul VI Catholic High School Mitsy Shaklee, Borger H.S./Putnam City North H.S. Paul Woodruff, Albertville High School Chad Huggins, Lake View High School Jennifer L. Silata, Troy High School Heather Tucker, Summerville High School Jim McGowan, Hauppauge High School Scot Stuart, Colville High School Kelly Murdock, Mill Creek High School

Travel Ball Dianne Baker, Texas Elite 18U George Lynn, Spokane Sliders Gold Terry Burdette, 18U Heartbreakers Robert Earl Radford, Bayside Blues Phil Berry, Atlanta Vipers (Berry) Jim Goranson, Homer Hawks 16U Michael J. Sarro II, DYBA Lady Wildcats Michael Pagliaro, Bees Softball

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The NFCA believes that coaches are teachers ½rst, and that’s why it offers eight exciting courses to help improve your knowledge of the game.

Fastpitch Delivery You will receive 12 issues of the NFCA’s newspaper, Fastpitch Delivery. As hes Coac pitch Fast nal Natio

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Conventiion Program

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NFCA members receive discounted fees to attend the NFCA National Convention.

Recognition of fastpitch softball’s top players and coaches has been an integral part of the NFCA since its founding in the early 1980s.

NFCA members receive member discounts on instructional videos, books and CDs.

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Calendar NFCA members can submit pictures for the NFCA Calendar, distributed each December.

Directory Your name and contact info will be listed in the NFCA Directory, a great resource for networking.

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RECRUIT Top Recruit This “teen magazine” for youth fastpitch players is printed once a year.

Web Site Products

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Member ship Benefits

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National Fastpitch Coaches College

www.nfca.org As a member, you will be given your own password to access member-only features like the Skills and Drills Notebook. Circle No. 120

Coaching members receive:

J 12 issues of the NFCA’s own newspaper Fastpitch Delivery J Special access to members-only area on the NFCA Web site, including the Skills and Drills Notebook, an easy way to ½nd drills and coaching articles for your everyday needs J Player Awards — Players are eligible for AllAmerican, Scholar-Athlete and other ½eld awards J Coach Awards — Coaching staffs are eligible for regional and national coaching staff of the year awards, and head coaches will be honored for reaching win plateaus J Annual copies of the NFCA Directory and Calendar (sent every December) J Special discounts in the NFCA Web Store on videos, audios, books, softball equipment, clothes and more J Discounted prices to the NFCA National Convention and the National Fastpitch Coaches College courses J Registration of your camp in the Camp Network to receive the NFCA’s camp publication and other bene½ts J Representation of ideas to educational and softball governing bodies, and numerous networking opportunities

For more information or to join, contact the NFCA at 662.320.2155 or nfca@nfca.org.

PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY Cocoa Expo Sports 321-639-3976 www.cocoaexpo.com

girls got game 866-600-9905 www.girlsgotgamesoftball.com

Cocoa Expo Sports is one of Florida’s premier sports management and promotion companies. For 25 years, the company has owned and operated the highly regarded Cocoa Expo College and High School Softball Spring Training. This program annually attracts schools and clubs from throughout the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Cocoa Expo hosts year-round softball tournaments at the new Chain of Lakes Softball Complex. The facility features seven lighted state-of-the-art softball fields located along central Florida’s east coast. Cocoa Expo Softball Spring Training and Florida’s beautiful Space Coast combine to provide teams with a memorable spring trip experience. Circle No. 500

girls got game has innovative styles and top-quality branded uniforms. The company’s uncompromising performance, fit, function, and personal service make girls got game the choice for women’s softball teams across the nation. Featured here is the Adidas uniform with a mesh jersey and Adidas Game Pant. To view girls got game’s complete product line or to request a free catalog, call or go online today. Circle No. 502

Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program 503-848-7889 www.speedbat.com Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program is the recipient of the 2000 B&N Softball #1 New Product of the Year award. This program includes Nemo’s Speed Training Bat, three instructional videos, and now his new Triple Hitting Tee. Coach Nemo released his fourth instructional video, “Increase Your Bat Speed with Combo Drills,” in January 2008. This is a complete training program following a speed circuit training format that uses underloading drills to increase bat speed and reaction time. In the words of Dr. McDowell and Dr. Noebe of B&N Sports, “Your product is one of the few products that can truly be used for baseball and softball. It really does work.” Circle No. 501

You believe in women, and so does girls got game. The company offers performance-driven products for softball players who take their game seriously. Products include uniforms, footwear, team wear, equipment, and accessories. In-stock items ship the next business day, and customized items ship in two to four weeks. See the quality for yourself--call today to order a sample. Shown here is the Russell Conquest uniform with jersey and shorts. Circle No. 503 M.A.S.A., Inc. 800-264-4519 www.masa.com www.sportsadvantage.com The revolutionary Handozer is a complete infield grooming solution. It cuts maintenance time by 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 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 chainlink 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. 505 Ringor Corp. 877-274-6467 www.ringor.com The Diamond Gem women’s spike is available as of November 2008. It features Ringor’s Ring-Grip spike pattern and a neoprene tongue, and is available with a choice of two uppers. The Diamond Gem Mesh features a leather/mesh combination upper for reduced weight and added ventilation, and the Diamond Gem Leather features a durable allleather upper. Ringor’s Pro-Tec-Toes option is also available. Colors to choose from are: red/white, royal/ white, black/ white, and navy/white. Circle No. 506

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PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY Majestic Athletic 800-955-8555 www.majesticathletic.com The new Convertible Gamer Jacket shows why Majestic Athletic sets the standard for on-field per formance. Majestic’s Cool Base technology provides superior wind protection and breathability so players can concentrate on their game instead of the elements. Stretch fabrics and reversible sleeves enable full wear versatility—one, two, or no sleeves. The Gamer also comes in a traditional two-sleeve version, a quar ter-zip pullover with a funnel neck and front piping detail. Circle No. 507

Majestic Athletic sets the standard in on-field per formance apparel for baseball and softball. Majestic’s Cool Base Pro Style Wind Up softball jersey and per formance shor ts are crafted from advanced polyester fabrics to keep you dr y and cool so you can focus on your team’s per formance. Comfor t, per formance, and style, all from one uniform—that’s why Majestic is trusted on-field by National Pro Fastpitch. Circle No. 508

Pro’s Choice 800-648-1166 www.proschoice1.com Rapid Dry drying agent quickly wicks away excess water from your playing field and helps improve soil consisten-

cy. It’s not a dusty powder, like other quick-drying products on the market today. It’s perfectly sized for both stability and absorption. Rapid Dry’s sandlike 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’ll want Rapid Dry drying agent in your lineup. Circle No. 509

Ideal Practice Target With Life-Size Batter VIDEO ON WEBSITE

* Batter switches from right to left in seconds * Four-section strike zone with ball passes thru * Realistic practice without a catcher * 6’ x 6’ target with stands high-speed pitching, three-year guarantee

$190 for target, $290 for target with frame, PLUS UPS shipping Email or call with your zip code for UPS rates.

PITCHER’S MATE 270-586-6186 330 S. Main St., Franklin, KY 42134

www.pitchers-mate.com twinhitters@bellsouth.net Circle No. 121

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PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY Pro’s Choice is proud to introduce Pro Red topdressing, the newest player on the company’s all-star roster.

This infield topdressing boasts Pro’s Choice’s deepest red color, which will give your fields the color you want and the conditioning you need. It’s specially formulated to provide long-lasting red color and all the advantages you have come to expect from Pro’s Choice. Circle No. 510

Check out

www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

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. 511

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Sports Attack 800-717-4251 www.sportsattack.com With the Hack Attack softball pitching machine, simply adjust the wheel speed dials to throw fastballs above 80 mph, risers, drops, right- and left-handed curves, screwballs up and in to right- and 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

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granada

Producing hitters for 45 years! Sports Attack 800-717-4251 www.sportsattack.com

Go with a proven pitching machine to help your team at the plate. Our customers include numerous national champions and record-holders. • Perfect for Indoor/Outdoor Use • No Nets Needed • Takes Away the Fear of Being Hit By the Ball

(800) 547-5032

www.battingpractice.com Circle No. 125

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The Junior Hack Attack softball pitching machine is designed to develop serious young players. With a quick turn of the dials, this machine can throw fastballs above 60 mph, risers, drops, right- and left-handed curves, screwballs, and knuckleball changeups. The exclusive threewheel 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 4:01:51 PM sequentially11/11/05 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 $4,995. Circle No. 514

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Batting practice just got easier. With the TriplePlay from Sports Tutor, you simply push a button to choose the type of pitch you want. This pitching machine can automatically throw risers, sinkers, curves, drop curves, screwballs, and drop screwballs. The pitch Circle No. 127

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PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY speed is adjustable from 35 to 70 mph in five-mph increments, and it is digitally displayed. You’ll only spend about 30 seconds changing pitches. The softball is visible from the time it leaves the feeder’s hand until it is pitched, allowing hitters to more naturally time the pitches. TriplePlay also uses a three-wheel pitching mechanism for greater accuracy. Two large transport wheels make it simple to move to and from the field. A baseball model is also available. Circle No. 515 GameMaster Athletic 859-746-9800 www.sluggerupm.com The Louisville Slugger Instructo-Swing was developed to help hitters improve swing mechanics and technique. Included with the IS-5000 is a new drills DVD designed to showcase the power of perfecting the swing with the help of the Good Habit Bars and Angle Adjustment feature. Hitters can learn any hitting philosophy and use the Instructo-Swing to develop a swing that produces line drives, ground balls, and fly balls that carry. Circle No. 516

sional instruction, and a nationally recognized pro shop that carries the top names in equipment and apparel at the lowest advertised prices. Love baseball or softball? Want to run your own business? Then play ball with Extra Innings. To learn more about this winning franchise opportunity, go online today. Circle No. 517 The Pitching Pad 210-232-8392 www.thepitchingpad.com The Pitching Pad is a complete training 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. 518

Red Infield Conditioner Gray Infield Conditioner Professional Vitrified Infield Conditioner

Soft Touch Bases 866-544-2077 www.softtouchbases.com Soft Touch “progressive release” bases are designed to flex and absorb energy as a player slides into the base. In

Calcined Clay Drying Agent Calcined Clay Top Dressing Calcined Clay Professional Clay Bricks Home Plate / Mound Clay

Extra Innings 978-762-0448 www.eifranchise.com Extra Innings is a premier name in indoor baseball/softball training centers. Each location offers year-round

DIAMOND PRO

Professional Mound Clay Athletic Field Marking Dust

the case of uncontrolled slides, the “progressive release” action allows the base to flex until enough force is applied to “pop” the base free from its mount, unlike a stationary base. Circle No. 519

indoor practice facilities for ballplayers of all ages and ability levels, profes-

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MORE PRODUCTS Zingbat 866-ZINGBAT www.zingbat.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. 520 Cages*Plus 866-475-9148 www.cagesplus.com The primary advantages of a Cages*Plus batting cage are its affordability, portability, and durability. All Cages*Plus cages come with a protective screen for the pitcher or pitching machine. Two people can assemble the cage in about 20 minutes. Schools like to use it as an extra indoor hitting station. All cages come with a one-year moneyback guarantee. Cages*Plus is a small company that offers excellent customer service. Circle No. 521 California University of Pennsylvania 866-595-6348 www.cup.edu/go California University of Pennsylvania has helped build the character and careers of its students for more than 150 years. Cal U’s dedication to providing high-quality, in-demand programs to its students continues through the

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University’s Global Online 100-percent online programs of study. Through an asynchronous format, Global Online allows students the opportunity to complete coursework anytime, anywhere. All that’s required is a computer with Internet access. Go online for more information. Circle No. 522 DiGeronimo Aggregates 888-593-0395 www.digagg.com Game-On is a sports field soil conditioner that will not break your budget and will provide excellent results. It is a lightweight, expanded-shale 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. 523 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. 524 Earth & Turf Products, LLC 888-693-2638 www.earthandturf.com Earth & Turf has introduced a hydraulicdrive option for its MultiSpread model

320, a one-cubic-yard topdresser with an exclusive wide-spread beater. Normally driven by two-wheel ground drive, the model 320 with hydraulic drive offers several benefits for owners with tow vehicles equipped with a remote hydraulic valve and a minimum flow of six gallons per minute. With the hydraulic option, the speeds of the apron and beater are independent of ground speed. Both apron speed and beater speed are also infinitely adjustable independent of each other, providing excellent spreading flexibility for a wide variety of materials. Circle No. 525 Joyner Technologies, Inc. 770-867-1957 www.allstarbp.com Joyner Technologies received the American Baseball Coaches Association’s 2007 Best of Show award for its technologically advanced Allstar Ace 5000. This programmable multi-pitch video simulator features Sports Tutor’s HomePlate pitching machine and SurePitch synchronization system, making it an ideal fastpitch training tool. Coaches can choose from a wide variety of pitch types with different speeds and different locations, and also film their own pitchers. This video simulator is easy to operate with a remote start/stop and simple setup. Attractive lease options are available to accommodate all budgets. Circle No. 526 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

MORE PRODUCTS 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. This 85-page book 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. 527

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. 529 Why is the Advanced Skills Tee from Muhl Tech 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. 530

YOUR COMPLETE BASEBALL SUPPLY HEADQUARTERS

Fuller Five Landscape Supply 888-749-2880 www.fuller5.net Visit all the Fuller Five companies online. Click on Fuller Five Landscape Supply and review all the Diamond Dirt

products. The company also offers a variety of clay/sand blends used for topdressing and field build-up. While browsing, check out Fuller Five’s other product lines: golf sands, decorative stones, Fieldstone, Flagstone, pavers, wall systems, mulch products, D-Drain, and ground cover materials. Circle No. 528 Muhl Tech 888-766-8772 www.muhltech.com Muhl Tech Baseball & Softball offers equipment to make your practice time more productive. Since 2001, the

We specialize in secure online sales of sporting goods and sports equipment for individuals, teams, and schools. Netting Baseballs Bags Bats

company has been developing a line of “skill-specific” training equipment that gives hitters instant feedback with every swing. The products are designed

Gloves Field Equipment Mounds Softballs

Bases & Plates Batting Cages Pitching Machines Training Aids / Books / Videos

Quick service and quality products are our trademark. In business since 1993, we have 10,000 customers and would be honored to add Y-O-U. Most orders shipped within 24 hours by UPS. Come join our team and play BetterBaseball!

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Visit our online auction at: www.BetterBaseball.com Circle No. 129 BetterBaseball_CM1509.indd 1

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ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY CIRCLE NO.

“It works!” Bobby Cox

Professional baseball manager for over 25 years

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COMPANY

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109. . . M.A.S.A./Osborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

110 . . . Allstar Ace

135 . . . Majestic Athletic

(Joyner Technologies) .

. . . . 12

(Dustin Pedroia)

. . . . BC

126 . . . Beam Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

102. . . Majestic Athletic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

129. . . BetterBaseball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

106. . . Muhl Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

122. . . Cages*Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

116 . . . Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program . . . 17

114 . . . California University of Pennsylvania . 16

120. . . NFCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

117 . . . Cocoa Expo Sports Center . . . . . . . 18

111 . . . PIK Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

128 . . . Diamond Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

121 . . . Pitcher’s Mate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

124 . . . Earth & Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

113 . . . Pro’s Choice Field Products . . . . . . 14

132 . . . Extra Innings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

104. . . Ringor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

115 . . . Fuller Five

. . . . . . . . . . 16

133. . . Soft Touch Bases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

112 . . . Game-On Field Conditioner . . . . . . 13

107. . . SPI Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

101 . . . girls got game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

134. . . Sports Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

125. . . Granada Pitching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

118 . . . Sports Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

103. . . HighSchoolSports.net . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

123. . . TeamPacks.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

130. . . Hot Glove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

108. . . The Pitching Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

119 . . . Jump Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

131 . . . United States Sports Academy . . . . 38

105. . . Louisville Slugger UPM

127 . . . Zingbat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

(Diamond Dirt)

(GameMaster)

PRODUCTS DIRECTORY CIRCLE NO.

COMPANY

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531. . . Beam Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 541. . . BetterBaseball

(Easy Auction) .

. . . . . . 38

540 . . BetterBaseball

(nets and cages).

. . . . . 38

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507. . . Majestic Athletic

(Gamer Jacket) .

530 . . Muhl Tech

(Advanced Skills Tee) .

529 . . Muhl Tech

(training equipment)

. . . . 30

. . . . . 35

. . . . . . 35

521. . . Cages*Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

501. . . Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program . . . 29

522 . . California University of Pennsylvania . 34

511 . . . PIK Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

500 . . Cocoa Expo Sports Center . . . . . . . 29

542 . . Pitcher’s Mate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

536 . . Diamond Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

532 . . Power Systems

(Airope) .

525. . . Earth & Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

533 . . Power Systems

(Jumbo Reflex Ball)

. . . 37

517 . . . Extra Innings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

510 . . . Pro’s Choice

(Pro Red topdressing) .

. . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . 35

509 . . Pro’s Choice

(Rapid Dry) .

528. . . Fuller Five

(Diamond Dirt)

. . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . 30

523 . . Game-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

506 . . Ringor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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

534 . . Schedule Star . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

516 . . . GameMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

519 . . . Soft Touch Bases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 538 . . SPI Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

524. . . Game-On

(Red)

502 . . girls got game

(Adidas)

. . . . . . . . . . . 29

503 . . girls got game

(Russell)

. . . . . . . . . . . 29

512 . . . Sports Attack

(Hack Attack)

543 . . Granada Pitching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

513 . . . Sports Attack

(Junior Hack Attack) .

. . . . . . . . 31 . . . 32

535 . . HighSchoolSports.net . . . . . . . . . . . 37

514 . . . Sports Tutor

(HomePlate)

. . . . . . . . . . 32

537. . . Hot Glove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

515 . . . Sports Tutor

(TriplePlay) .

. . . . . . . . . . 32

526. . . Joyner Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

544 . . TeamPacks.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

527. . . Jump Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

518 . . . The Pitching Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

505 . . M.A.S.A.

(Fence Guard Lite) .

504 . . M.A.S.A.

(Handozer) .

www.HOTGLOVE.COM

508 . . Majestic Athletic

CoachingManagementOnline.com

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100 . . Adams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

840 McFarland Parkway Alpharetta, GA. 30004 USA

Circle No. 130

COMPANY

. . . . . . . . 29

539 . . United States Sports Academy . . . . 38

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

520 . . Zingbat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

(Cool Base)

. . . . . . . 30

MORE PRODUCTS Beam Clay® 800-247-BEAM www.beamclay.com Beam Clay®, a supplier to every Major League Baseball team, more than 150 minor league teams, more than 700 colleges, and thousands of towns and schools from all 50 states and many countries around the world, makes special mixes for infields, pitcher’s mounds, home plate areas, and red warning tracks, as well as infield conditioners and drying agents. The company also offers more than 200 other infield products, including regional infield mixes blended for every state and climate from bulk plants nationwide. Circle No. 531 Power Systems 800-321-6975 www.power-systems.com Revolve to evolve. All athletes can intensify their workouts with the new Airope. With handles like a jump rope and soft PVC balls on the ends, this weighted rubber rope creates swing resistance, intensifying cardio conditioning and recruiting the upper body. Perform traditional jump rope actions, incorporate it into sport-specific drills, or combine it with other equipment. It’s available in original and pro models—the pro has a thicker rope for increased resistance. Circle No. 532 Want to improve reaction time and hand-eye coordination? The Jumbo Reflex Ball from Power Systems forces athletes to make split-second decisions with its

erratic bounce patterns. When thrown against any hard surface, the dense rubber ball bounces softly yet unpredictably to challenge athletes’ reaction time while helping to improve their overall coordination and depth perception. This bright orange ball’s four-inch size makes it easy to handle. Circle No. 533 Schedule Star 800-258-8550 www.schedulestar.com Schedule Star’s patented Game Wizard™ saves you time and sets defaults for the things athletic directors

are always scheduling for your games, such as facilities, transportation, and departure and return times. When you schedule your varsity team for any sport, Game Wizard automatically schedules the sub levels of that sport. Schedule Star is all about keeping you ahead of the game. Go online to get started today. Circle No. 534 HighSchoolSports.net 800-258-8550 www.highschoolsports.net The Coaches Clipboard on HighSchoolSports.net has free tools for coaches to showcase their teams all in

one location. Coaches can save time using these tools to stay ahead of the game. Add, postpone, or cancel events and practices, enter scores and stats, access your team roster, and get cumulative player and team stats—all on HighSchoolSports.net. To start saving time today, go to HighSchoolSports.net and click on Coaches. Circle No. 535 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. 536 Hot Glove 800-554-3707 www.hotglove.com Make practice easier with the innovative Hot Glove Softball Caddy. Use it to pitch from, use it to pick up balls, or

use it to transport balls securely. The handles lock down to put the basket at waist height for pitching, then they lock up for picking up balls. The tough, lightweight polypropylene design holds 20 softballs. Also try the Baseball Caddy, which can hold up to 24 baseballs. Circle No. 537 SPI Nets, Inc. 866-243-6387 www.spinets.net SPI Nets’ full-ser vice net building facility offers top-quality nets at unbeatable prices. The company stocks and custom-builds a wide variety of nylon and poly batting cage nets, protective screens, and protective barrier netting products. All custom nets are guaranteed to be of the highest quality, and are built in the U.S. to meet all your needs. Call SPI Nets toll-free or go online to learn more. Circle No. 538

CoachingManagementOnline.com

MORE PRODUCTS The United States Sports Academy 800-223-2668 www.ussa.edu

BetterBaseball 800-997-4233 www.betterbaseball.com

The United States Sports Academy, known worldwide as America’s Sports University, is the largest graduate sport education program in the world. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the academy offers accredited sport-specific bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral (EdD), and continuing education programs in coaching, fitness, sports management, sports medicine, and sports studies. In 2008, higher education consumer advocate GetEducated.com rated the academy as the “best buy” in sports management. All courses are 100-percent online. Students can enroll and start anytime, from anywhere. Circle No. 539

BetterBaseball is a total baseball supply house, specializing in nets and batting cages that are custom-cut to any size you want. The company provides quick, friendly customer ser vice. BetterBaseball supplies ever ything, 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. 540 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. 541 Pitcher’s Mate 270-586-6186 www.pitchers-mate.com Pitcher’s Mate features a life-size batter that switches from right to left in seconds, and a four-section strike zone. Players can experience realistic practice without a catcher. The 6’ x 6’ target withstands high speed pitching and

Where the Game Never Ends Batting Cages

Professional Instruction

Pro Shop

Franchise Opportunities Available F

Love baseball or softball? Want to run your own business?

Then play ball with Extra Innings!

For more information, log onto:

www.eifranchise.com Or call:

978-762-0448 x108 This franchise is not being offered to residents of the following states: HI, KY, NE, ND & SD. This communication is not directed to any person in the states listed above by or on behalf of the franchisor or anyone acting with the franchisor’s knowledge. No franchise can be offered or sold in the states listed above until the offering has been registered and declared effective by the appropriate regulatory authority and the FDD has been delivered to the offeree before the sale within the applicable time frame. This franchise is offered only by delivery of a franchise offering circular.

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NFCA Booth No. 32

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MORE PRODUCTS has a three-year guarantee. $190 for target or $290 for target with frame plus shipping. Circle No. 542 Granada Pitching 800-547-5032 www.battingpractice.com Granada baseball and softball pitching machines offer a true pitch when used both indoors and outdoors. No nets are needed. The Granada system has been proven to increase a batter’s hitting on the field and in laboratory testing. Good batting practice should include at least 200 cuts a day without fear of the ball. Aggressive hitters will get 1,000 or more cuts a day. Granada has been improving hitting for more than 40 years. Circle No. 543

The Most Innovative On-Line Buyer’s Guide for Athletic Organizations AthleticBid.com is a free service to help buyers at schools and athletic organizations contact many companies in the most efficient fashion to request product specs and pricing information. • View the complete product lines of companies listed. • View catalog pages or spec sheets from many of the top companies. • Read a profile or description of select companies. • Send an e-mail directly to a supplier or make a request to be contacted by a company representative. • Request catalog and sales literature from companies. It used to take hours to contact dozens of companies to research products and plan purchases. With AthleticBid.com, it now only takes minutes.

See for yourself why more than 13,000 unique users each month rely on

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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 (twocolor print and number), one two-color print T-shirt, one two-color print pair of sweatpants, a promesh short (one-color print, seven- or nine-inch inseam), and one long-sleeve mock (two-color print). This six-item package costs only $75--with no art fees. Turnaround time is two weeks, and custom packages are available. Circle No. 544

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EXTRA INNINGS

CONTINUED ON… CoachesNetwork.com There’s no offseason in coaching, so Coaching Management keeps the information ﬂowing all year long on our Web site: www.CoachesNetwork.com. Here’s what you will ﬁnd when you visit.

Coaching Videos: Simple Strength: Want to strengthen your players’ hamstrings without using a leg curl machine? Try these hamstring bridges instead!

Self Control: Pitching is more than throwing hard. Here’s a drill that can help your pitchers learn to put the ball wherever they want.

More Articles: Weekly and archived articles designed to help you in your job. Coaching Life

Injury Prevention Student-Athlete Welfare Strength & Conditioning

Setting clear roles is one of the keys to dealing with parents. Just because the game or practice hasn’t started, doesn’t mean your players are immune from injury. When athletes want to play two sports in one season.

V isit daily for link s to stories of s pecial int erest to coa ch es from ne w spapers a cross th e coun try.

“No pain, no gain” can easily be carried too far.

www.CoachesNetwork.com Brought to you by

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