Coaching Management 18.13 by Momentummedia

Coaching Management VOL. XVIII NO. 13

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C O N V E N T I O N

Back On Top A Q&A with the UCLA coaching staff ■

Convention Schedule

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List of Exhibitors

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CONTENTS

Coaching Management Softball Edition 2010 NFCA Convention Issue Vol. XVIII, No. 13

Hall of Fame inductee Chris Bellotto

Convention Schedule . . . . . 4 List of Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . 12 Advertisers Directory . . 24 Products on Display . . . . . 25 More Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Now Playing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Hall of Fame inductee Melinda Fischer

Hall of Fame inductee Rhonda Revelle

HIGHLIGHTS

Convention Preview.................................................................... 3 San Diego hosts the NFCA national convention from Dec. 8 to 11 … Sport psychologist Brian Cain presents a pre-convention seminar on “Peak Performance Softball” … Best-selling author Jon Gordon delivers the keynote address … Coaches College provides opportunities for educational credits … NFCA inducts Chris Bellotto, Melinda Fischer, and Rhonda Revelle into the Hall of Fame.

COVER STORY

Back On Top............................................................................................... 16 The NFCA Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year—Head Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez, Assistant Coach Lisa Fernandez, and Assistant Coach Gina Vecchione—talk about leading the Bruins to the NCAA Division I title, the program’s first national championship since 2004.

Honoring Excellence

2010 Award Winners.......................................................... 20

The NFCA National Coaching Staffs of the Year … The NFCA Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year … The Easton Victory Club Award Winners. On the cover: The 2010 UCLA Bruins celebrate their victory in the Women’s College World Series. Story begins on page 16. Cover photo by Dana Johnson Publisher Mark Goldberg Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Frankel Associate Editors Abigail Funk, Dennis Read Assistant Editors R.J. Anderson, Kenny Berkowitz, Patrick Bohn, Mike Phelps Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter

Marketing Director Sheryl Shaffer Business Manager Pennie Small Administrative Assistant Sharon Barbell Circulation Director Dave Dubin Circulation Manager Sandra Earle Ad Materials Coordinator Mike Townsend

Art Director Pamela Crawford Production Director Maria Bise Production Assistant Natalie Couch Graphic Artist Trish Landsparger Prepress Manager Neal Betts

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

The Coaching Management softball edition is published in October and December by MAG, Inc. and is distributed free to college and high school coaches in the United States and Canada.

returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Coaching Management, P.O. Box 4806, Ithaca, N.Y. 14852. Printed in the U.S.A.

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2010 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW Live, Learn, Love … Coaching

San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina

From beaches to nightlife, San Diego provides a fabulous setting for this year’s NFCA National Convention, scheduled from Dec. 8 to 11 at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina. Located on the waterfront, the Marriott is within walking distance of many of the city’s premier attractions, with a trolley stop located across the street from the hotel for traveling beyond downtown. The four-day event, which has the theme “Live, Learn, Love … Coaching,” will bring more than 1,000 coaches from all levels of fastpitch softball to the West Coast for fun, fellowship, networking opportunities, and a chance to learn more about the game they love. Preconvention activities begin on Sunday, Dec. 5, with the National Fastpitch Coaches College (NFCC) Course 403: Position Play & Individual Defensive Skills, which emphasizes how to analyze and teach the skills required to play each of the nine positions. Course 404: Solid Team Defense & Strategy focuses on how to build a strong defensive unit through classroom instruction, video analysis, and live practice. The annual tennis and golf tournaments begin on Tuesday, and the convention itself starts Wednesday morning with “Peak Performance Softball: Making Masters of the Mental Game,” a fourhour seminar led by Brian Cain, a high school athletic director and expert in sport psychology. Committee meetings will be held that afternoon, followed by a general session with keynote speaker and best-selling author Jon Gordon, who will share how to “Create a Culture of Greatness.” The exhibit hall opens Thursday morning with more than 80 companies demonstrating the latest in softball training technology, a Softball Summit, and presentations on “Team Chemistry: An Important Part of the Winning Formula” by UCLA Head Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez and “Teaching Pure Throwing Skills that Last a Lifetime” by Frozen Ropes founder Tony Abbatine. That evening, Mizuno hosts happy hour in the exhibit hall, and the NFCA holds a mentoring workshop for all attendees. Friday features a continuation of business and committee meetings with presentations focusing on strength and conditioning, injury prevention, and building

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successful coach-athlete relationships. The signature event of the week, the NFCA Hall of Fame Banquet, will take place at 6:30 p.m., when Chris Bellotto, Melinda Fischer, and Rhonda Revelle are inducted into the Hall of Fame. The final day of the convention features the Coaching Staff of the Year brunch; a “Drills, Drills, Drills” box lunch concentrating on pitching, catching, and team defense; and sessions on mental toughness, hitting, contracts, and new playing rules. That evening, as the convention formally closes, the NFCC’s post-convention offerings begin with Course 405: Explosive Team Offense & Strategy, which teaches ways to manufacture more runs, and Course 406: Solid Team Defense & Strategy, which examines theories, methods, and tools to maximize players’ abilities to learn your system.

Peak Performance Brian Cain, an expert in the field of sport psychology, will present a four-hour preconvention seminar on “Peak Performance Softball: Making Masters of The Mental Game.” Cain’s PRIDE (Personal Responsibility In Daily Excellence) Program will be a key component of the presentation, along with a discussion of fundamental and advanced mental skills you can use immediately to make a difference in your program. Learn how to: • Develop core covenants that serve as the foundation of any successful team.

• Get your athletes to play in the present—one pitch at a time. • Give yourself a better chance to win by focusing on the process, and by structuring pre-game and in-game routines. Cain will also provide strategies to increase the intensity of practice and ways to make practices more gamelike. A former baseball coach at Cal State Fullerton and high school softball coach, Cain has worked with top athletic teams Brian Cain across the country, including University of Alabama softball and various teams at Auburn University, Cal State Fullerton, Coastal Carolina University, James Madison University, University of Iowa, University of Maryland, University of Mississippi, University of Tennessee, University of California, Vanderbilt University, and more. Cain has worked as the Peak Performance Coach of the Washington Nationals baseball team, along with three Ultimate Fighting Championship world champions and the Austrian and Russian Olympic organizations. Cain is currently a high school athletic director in Vermont and travels close to 40 weekends a year to work with colleges and Coaching Management 3 ABCA Booth No. 339 & 341

2010 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW high schools across the country developing coaches, athletes, and teams in peak performance and mental toughness.

His most recent book is Soup: A Recipe to Nourish Your Team and Culture (2010). These publications have dotted The New York Times Best Sellers list, as well as being featured on CNN and NBC’s “Today Show,” in addition Jon Gordon to Forbes, Fast Company, O Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.

“Brian came highly recommended to me by several coaches across the country,” says Patrick Murphy, University of Alabama Head Coach. “He was very instrumental in the success of a very young team at Alabama in 2010. His presentation of the mental game is excellent and had my team’s attention the entire time.”

Keynote Speaker A graduate of Cornell University, bestselling author and keynote speaker Jon Gordon has spent the past two decades traveling around the country as a motivational speaker. Gordon speaks primarily to businesses, schools, hospitals, and other professional organizations, stressing his ideals behind staying motivated and focused. His plans call for an intense work ethic, as well as a high level of energy to complete specified tasks.

The Atlanta Falcons have brought Gordon to speak to the team in each of the past three training camps. Falcons’ head coach Mike Smith met Gordon when he was working as an assistant coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Smith first arranged for Gordon to speak in Jacksonville, and has since made him a regular guest in Atlanta. During the off-season, the Falcons have a book club with some of Gordon’s works.

He has authored five books: The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy (2007); The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work (2008); Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else (2009); and The Shark and the Goldfish: Positive Ways to Thrive During Waves of Change (2009).

The Miami Heat have done something similar with Gordon’s ideas, implementing the 10-step plan from The Energy Bus into their daily practice routine. This plan helps build a baseline for approaching life and work with the kind of posi-

tive, forward thinking which leads to true achievement.

Clinics and Presenters Learning takes center stage with numerous clinics and speakers scheduled to present at the 2010 NFCA Convention. The annual get-together of softball coaches allows a unique opportunity to learn and brainstorm about the game in a powerful and educational setting. Thursday features the annual Softball Summit. This is a unique opportunity for coaches in all divisions to participate in a question-and-answer session about the state of today’s game. The Softball Summit has grown steadily and has now become one of the more popular events of the convention. Later that afternoon, the focus shifts to more of a classroom setting with individual instruction and noted speakers on a variety of topics. UCLA Head Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez, who led the Bruins to their 12th national championship this past spring, will present “Team Chemistry: An Important Part of the Winning Formula.” Inouye-Perez is beginning her fifth season at her alma mater, having led the Bruins to a pair of appearances in the Women’s College World Series.

2010 NFCA CONVENTION SCHEDULE Sunday, December 5

Noon NFCC Course 403 through noon Tuesday NFCC Course 404 through noon Tuesday

Tuesday, December 7 10 a.m. Tennis Tournament 11 a.m. Golf Scramble Shotgun Start

Wednesday, December 8

8:30 a.m. “Peak Performance Softball: Making Masters of The Mental Game” with Brian Cain, Peak Performance Expert 1:30 p.m. Committee Meetings 4 p.m. General Session, with keynote speaker Jon Gordon on how to “Create a Culture of Greatness” 6:30 p.m. Louisville Slugger Reception

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Thursday, December 9

7 a.m. Adams USA Continental Breakfast 8:30 a.m. General Session: Bat Testing 9:15 a.m. Caucus business meetings by group 11 a.m. Exhibit Hall open until 6:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. Easton Victory Club Luncheon 1:30 p.m. Softball Summit 3:30 p.m. “Team Chemistry: An Important Part of the Winning Formula” with Kelly Inouye-Perez, Head Coach, UCLA 4:30 p.m. “Teaching Pure Throwing Skills That Last a Lifetime” with Tony Abbatine, Founder and International Director, Frozen Ropes Training Centers 5:30 p.m. Mizuno Happy Hour in the Exhibit Hall

6 p.m. Division I Conference Meetings 7 p.m. Mentoring Workshop 9 p.m. Diamond Sports Hospitality

Friday, December 10

7 a.m. Schutt Sports Continental Breakfast 8 a.m. Continuation of business meetings 9 a.m. Exhibit Hall open until 1 p.m. “Techniques and Strategies for the Left -Handed Short Game” with Tony Rico, Owner and Instructor, Softball Connection, and Head Coach of the Worth Firecrackers 10 a.m. “Strength & Conditioning for Softball” with Teena Murray, Director Olympic Sports Performance, University of Louisville 11 a.m. Exhibit Hall Drawings—Exhibit Hall closes at 1 p.m.

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2010 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW Tony Abbatine will discuss “Teaching Pure Throwing Skills that Last a Lifetime.” Abbatine is the founder and international director of the Frozen Ropes Training Center. As the catalyst behind the Frozen Ropes teaching model, Abbatine is responsible for the training program and instructional model used at all Frozen Ropes locations. Abbatine has also authored numerous books dealing with player development. On Friday, coaches are encouraged to attend “Techniques and Strategies for the Left-Handed Short Game.” This presentation will be given by Tony Rico, owner and instructor for Softball Connection and Head Coach of the Worth Firecrackers. Based in Huntington Beach, Rico has trained softball players for more than two decades in the art of the short game. Rico stresses the importance of today’s softball players understanding responsibility and influencing others in a positive way. Teena Murray will speak on “Building Bullet-Proof Softball Athletes.” Murray is the Director of Olympic Sports Performance at the University of Louisville. In her seventh year at UL, Murray oversees the strength and conditioning and performance nutrition programs for the all of the school’s Olympic sports teams. She works primarily with women’s soccer, women’s basketball, and softball.

1:15 p.m. “See a Fast Game in Slow Motion” with Ryan Harrison, Slow the Game Down Visual Performance Training 2:15 p.m. “How and When We Adjust to Speeds and Locations” with Don Slaught, President, RightView Pro 3:15 p.m. “The Most Critical Success Factor to Any Sports Program: the Coach-Athlete Relationship” with Bo Hanson, Four-Time Olympian and Coaching Consultant 4:15 p.m. “Knee injuries , Prevention and the ACL PEP Program” with Kate Grace, RPT, OPA-C, founder of Kate Grace Physical Therapy 6:30 p.m. NFCA Hall of Fame Banquet

Saturday, December 11 8 a.m. TWU Master’s Info Session

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In the Friday afternoon session, Ryan Harrison will present “See a Fast Game in Slow Motion.” For the past three seasons, Harrison has been working with International Softball and professional and amateur baseball and football teams. He will speak on ways to enhance performance skills with digital technology. Speed training resumes with “How and When We Adjust to Speeds and Locations,” by Don Slaught, president of RightView Pro. RightView Pro offers a full line of training systems for baseball and softball players and coaches. The RVP Instruction Players were designed for both coaches and players who want to get an in-depth look at the game’s best players. All of the Instruction Series products walk the user through the specific skill, instructing the user what to look for, explaining why it is important, and suggesting drills to reinforce the correct moves.

“Creating Scoring Opportunities When Running Bases” with Linda Garza, Head Coach, Wright State University “NCAA Rules Discussion” with Dee Abrahamson, NCAA Secretary-Rules Editor 11:30 a.m. “Key Elements of the Rise Ball” with Mike White, Head Coach, University of Oregon “Outfield: Developing the Last Line of Defense” with Mike Larrabee, Head Coach, University of Arkansas “Athletic Sports Testing” with Frank Spaniol, Professor, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Medical expertise will be provided by Kate Grace, RPT, OPA-C, in “Knee Injuries, Prevention, and the ACL Pep Program.” Grace is the founder of Grace Physical Therapy, one of San Diego’s most progressive, privately-owned physical therapy practices. During this presentation, coaches will learn how to better deal with athlete injuries, including the physical therapy process designed to help get athletes back on the playing field more quickly. Today’s hot legal topics take center stage on Saturday during “Hot Topics for Softball Coaches,” presented by Tracy Warren of Seitzer/Caplan/McMahon/Vitek. Warren will be discussing contracts in today’s economy, competing to keep your job, claims by today’s players, and claims by today’s coaches.

Bo Hanson, a four-time Olympian and coaching consultant, will speak about “The Most Critical Success Factor to Any Sports Program: The Coach-Athlete Relationship.” In this forum, coaches will receive tips on how to better interact with today’s student-athletes. Coaches will be advised on how to build the player-coach relationship, beginning with

9 a.m. NFCA Coaching Staff of the Year Brunch 10:30 a.m. “Hot Topics for Softball Coaches: Contracts in today’s economy; Competing to keep your job; Claims by student-athletes; Claims by Coaches” with Tracy Warren, Seltzer/ Caplan/McMahon/Vitek Attorneys

the recruiting process and continuing through post-playing career days.

At the same time, NCAA SecretaryRules Editor Dee Abrahamson will be discussing recent rules changes as well as possible changes on the horizon during an “NCAA Rules Discussion.” This time period also will allow coaches to learn a little more about the offensive side of the game when Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Associate Head Coach Linda Garza presents “Creating Scoring Opportunities when Running Bases.”

12:30 p.m. “Drills, Drills, Drills” with Connie Clark, Head Coach, University of Texas (pitching) Carol Bruggeman, Associate Head Coach, University of Louisville (team defense) Michelle Venturella, Head Coach, University of Illinois at Chicago (catching) 2 p.m. “Drop the Lecture and Teach the Drop: A Guide To Teaching the Drop Ball with Drills” with Beth McClendon, Head Coach, Florida International University 3 p.m. “Mental Skills & Toughness Training” with Spencer Wood, President, Icebox Athlete 4 p.m. “Hitting Lessons for the 21st Century” with Martin Rubinoff, Lead hitting instructor at the Texas Baseball Ranch 6 p.m. NFCC Course 405 through noon Monday NFCC Course 406 through noon Monday

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2010 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW Coaches will have additional options in the next hour to learn about multiple aspects of the game. University of Oregon Head Coach Mike White will provide some invaluable pitching tips during “Key Elements of the Rise Ball.” University of Arkansas Head Coach Mike Larabee talks about defensive strategy in “Outfield: Developing the Last Line of Defense” and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Professor Frank Spaniol discusses numbers during “Athletic Sports Testing.” In the next hour, “Drills, Drills, Drills” will allow coaches to better maximize their use of practice time. Many aspects of the game will be covered in an instructional format led by University of Texas Head Coach Connie Clark (pitching), University of Louisville Head Coach Carol Bruggeman (team defense) and University of Illinois at Chicago Head Coach Michelle Venturella (catching).

instruction during “Drop the Lecture and Teach the Drop: A Guide to Teaching the Drop Ball with Drills.” Icebox Athlete President Spencer Wood follows with “Mental Skills & Toughness Training.” The convention concludes with “Hitting Lessons for the 21st Century,” presented by Martin Rubinoff, lead hitting instructor at the Texas Baseball/Softball Ranch.

Master Coach, along with becoming eligible for a master’s degree in coaching, pending acceptance to TWU and the successful completion of four additional TWU online courses. For those seeking an advanced degree, the courses can also be used toward continuing education units for teachers through a partnership with Mississippi State University.

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This year’s NFCC schedule includes nine classes representing seven of the eight courses in the NFCC curriculum. Two of the most popular courses, Explosive Team Offense & Strategy (Course 405) and Game and Coaching Observation (Course 408), will be offered twice.

Since its inception eight years ago, the National Fastpitch Coaches College (NFCC) has become one of the premier educational opportunities in all of coaching. Offering cutting edge instruction from some of the biggest and best names in softball, the NFCC has continued to mold coaches of all ages and levels from travel ball to NCAA Division I.

Founded in 2002, the NFCC is a major component of the NFCA’s goal to provide its members with quality educaThe weekend of learning heads down tional opportunities each and every year. the stretch that afternoon with three Through a partnership with Texas Wommore informational presentations. Florian’s University, coaches who complete all da International University Head Coach 217-431_ExScience_3.4x4.8_4C:Layout 1eight 1/8/10 AMtitle Page 1 courses11:10 earn the of Four-Star Beth McClendon will give pitching

Course 408 started the new year of NFCC classes in late August at the NPF Championships in Sulphur, La. Participants not only had the opportunity to see some of the biggest names in softball on the field, but were able to hear off-field critiques from two of softball’s top coaches—Chuck D’Arcy, Assistant Coach of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, and John Tschida, University of St. Thomas (Minn.) Head Coach.

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2010 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW Adding to the value of the course in Sulphur, participants were given access to the post-game press conferences. Allowing course participants to see players and coaches react following a live game situation provided them with an experience that can’t be found in a textbook. If the reaction of attendees in Sulphur is any indication, 2010-11 will be a banner year for the NFCC. “I absolutely love everything about the NFCC,” says Coach Erica Harwell of Menard (La.) High School. “So far, my experience with each class has been superior. I could not rate one above the other. The interaction with the instructors and class is truly priceless. I brought my assistant this year, and he fell in love with it as well. The class ignites my passion for the game and gives me so much to bring back to my program.” Game and Coaching Observation will be offered again at the 2011 Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla. The class instructors will feature NFCA Hall of Famer Dianne Baker, as well as D’Arcy and Tschida.

The other class being offered at the 2011 WCWS is Explosive Team Offense & Strategy (Course 405), with Hall of Fame instructors Sharon Drysdale and Bill Edwards along with Phil McSpadden. Course 405 will also be held at the convention, and for the first time, two separate classes will be offered both Chris Bellotto before and after Carol Bruggeman the convention. Before the convention, coaches will have the choice of taking Position Play and Individual Defensive Skill (Course 403) with Hofstra University Head Coach Bill Edwards, San Diego State University Assistant Coach Stacey Nuveman, and Fresno State Head Coach Margie Wright, or Solid Team Defense and Strategy (Course 404) with University of Washington Head Coach Heather Tarr,

retired University of Iowa Head Coach Gayle Blevins, and DePaul University Head Coach Eugene Lenti. A post-convention edition of Course 405 will be taught by retired Northwestern University Head Coach Sharon Drysdale, University of Arizona Head Coach Mike Candrea, and University of Florida Head Coach Tim Walton. University of Louisville Associate Head Coach Carol Bruggeman, University of Michigan Head Coach Carol Hutchins, and Ithaca College Head Coach Deb Pallozzi will team up for the post-convention Solid Team Defense & Strategy (Course 406). The location of the four classes at this year’s convention has been divided between San Diego State University and the University of California-San Diego. As a bonus, transportation between each campus and the convention hotel, the Marriott Hotel & Marina, will be provided. By taking a class before and after this year’s convention, participants can earn one of four stars required to become a Master Coach, with one star being award-

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2010 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW ed for successful completion of two separate classes. Rounding out this year’s slate of NFCC classes will be a pair of courses offered at campus sites during November. Carrie Dever-Boaz, former Head Coach of National Pro Fastpitch’s Washington Glory; Hall of Famer Jay Miller, Head Coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team; and John Tschida will lead Winning Strategies for Game Day Coaching (Course 407) in Rosemount, Minn. The Art of Championship Coaching (Course 401) will be taught in Columbus, Ohio, by retired University of New Mexico Head Coach Susan Craig, retired University of Iowa Head Coach Gayle Blevins, and University of Nebraska Head Coach Rhonda Revelle. With so many of the top names in coaching serving as instructors, it is easy to see why coaches continue to enroll in the classes. “The courses of the NFCC are an excellent source of technical and strategic information, taught by excellent coaches from top programs throughout college softball,” says David Hannah, manager of

the Hit Away 18U squad. “Participation in this program has completely changed the way I approach the game and coach my players. In addition to gaining new technical knowledge of the game, I have learned how to present information to players, helping them be more successful on and off the field.” However, while the students in the classes continue to develop personally and professionally from the courses, they are not the only ones who benefit. Many coaches who have led courses over the year have become ambassadors for the program and continue to praise the NFCC for what it means to the softball coaching community. “I had a great experience working as an instructor for the NFCC,” says former instructor and University of Oklahoma Head Coach Patty Gasso. “I learned more as an instructor than I have at any coaching clinic or convention.” Along with providing high quality instruction from experts and legends of the game, the NFCC continues to be

one of the best values in coaching education. With classes starting at just $225 for 18 hours of instruction and lunch on Saturday, coaches can take two to three NFCC courses for around the same price as one class at most colleges or universities. Whether striving to be a Master Coach or just looking for new ideas, attending an NFCC class is the best way to refine your offensive and defensive strategies, refresh your teaching techniques, and revamp your drill portfolio.

NFCA Inducts Three Into Hall Every year at the national convention, the NFCA inducts its most highly regarded members into the Hall of Fame, the most prestigious award given by the organization. In 2010, those honors go to Chris Bellotto, Melinda Fischer, and Rhonda Revelle. • During 30 seasons as Head Coach at Florida Southern College, Chris Bellotto has built the Moccasins into one of the nation’s premier NCAA Division II

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2010 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW softball teams. With 1,042 career victories, she is the 13th winningest coach in NCAA softball and the fourth winningest coach in Division II history. In 1979, softball was offered for the first time to students at Florida Southern as a club sport, and although she was just a student, Bellotto began her run as he only coach in program history. Over the next three seasons, Bellotto Chris Bellotto enjoyed significant success as a coach, and in 1982, the Moccasins made the move from club team to intercollegiate athletics. Over the next three seasons, the Moccasins went undefeated in the Sunshine State Conference, which sponsored slow pitch, and continued their dominance in 1985 when league made the transition to fastpitch.

Her teams won every Sunshine State conference championship from 1985 to 2000, along with earning eight regional crowns and the 1993 NCAA Division II National Championship. The Moccasins’ 95-game conference winning streak that stretched from 1985 to 1989 is still the longest Sunshine State conference winning streak in any sport. Bellotto and her staff have been named as the NFCA Division II National Coaching Staff of the Year, and have received 10 Regional Coaching Staff of the Year and 15 Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year awards. She is a member of both the Polk County Sports Sunshine State Conference Halls of Fame and is a charter member of the Florida Southern Athletic Hall of Fame. • From helping lead Illinois State University to a collegiate national championship as a player to guiding the Redbirds to seven NCAA appearances as a coach, Melinda Fischer has devoted most of her adult life to her alma mater, and as a result has become one of the most successful coaches in college soft-

ball today. In 25 years as Head Coach at Illinois State, Fischer has developed a legacy of success. With 849 career victories, she is one of the most successful coaches in the NCAA and the winningest coach in the history of both the Illinois State athletic department and Missouri Valley Conference softball. As a graduate assistant at Illinois State, Fischer began her coachMelinda Fischer ing career in both women’s basketball and softball. Upon completing her master’s degree, she was hired as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Eastern Illinois University. The next year, she became Head Softball Coach as well, and after two years of pulling double duty, returned to Illinois State.

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2010 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW Since becoming their Head Softball Coach in 1986, Fischer has led the Redbirds to 11 regular-season conference championships and three tournament crowns. For her achievements on the field, Fischer has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year six times and has earned the NFCA’s Coach or Coaching Staff of the Year award on two separate occasions. She is also a two-time inductee into the Illinois State Athletics Hall of Fame, as both a player and a coach. She has served as NFCA second vice president, chair of the Division I AllAmerican Committee, and the tournament director of several NFCA Division I Leadoff Classics. Currently, Fischer volunteers as the director of the annual NFCA convention, helping coordinate responsibilities for the entire event. For her work with the Association, Fischer was honored in 2002 with the NFCA Distinguished Service Award. • During her 20-year tenure at the University of Nebraska, Rhonda Revelle has

made “Husker Softball” synonymous with success, notching 680 wins to become the winningest and longest-serving coach in the history of Nebraska athletics. Revelle’s journey began as a player, where she helped lead Rhonda Revelle the Huskers to the first NCAA Women’s College World Series in 1982. After graduation, Revelle spent one year as an assistant at California State University, Hayward (now California State University, East Bay), and two years at Nebraska Wesleyan University, including one as a head coach. From there, she earned her master’s degree at San Jose State University while serving as the Spartans’ assistant coach.

In 1992, Revelle took over the reins as head coach at her alma mater. Since then, she has led the program to 16 consecutive winning seasons, 15 NCAA tournament appearances, 12 Top 25 national finishes, six Big 12 titles, three 50-plus win seasons, and two Women’s College World Series appearances. Throughout her career, she also been heavily involved with NFCA, having served as chair of the Division I AllAmerican Committee and on the executive board as second vice president, president, and past president. She is also an instructor for the Association’s National Fastpitch Coaches College. Revelle’s extraordinary work both on and off the field has not gone unnoticed. She is a three-time conference coach of the year, a three-time regional coach or coaching staff of the year winner, a 1997 inductee into the Nebraska Softball Hall of Fame, the 2003 Downtown YMCA Co-Volunteer of the Year, and the recipient of the 2007 Dr. Barbra Hibner Trailblazer Award.

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2010 NFCA CONVENTION EXHIBITORS 3N2 Sports.........................516 111 Atlantic Annex Pt. #1 Maitland, FL 32751 www.3N2Sports.com Sean Murphy Adams USA.................413, 415 610 S. Jefferson Cookeville, TN 38501 www.adamsusa.com Gary Montgomery adidas.........................110, 112 5055 N. Greeley Ave. Portland, OR 97217 www.adidas.com Michelle Delloso American International Sports Teams, Inc...........................511 3887 SW Harbor Dr. Lee’s Summit, MO 64082 www.AIST.us Chad Wilkinson

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Extra Infielder.....................411 1997 Oak Park Dr. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 www.Extra-Infielder.com Tim Griffith Fellowship of Christian Athletes.......................... Foyer 8701 Leeds Rd. Kansas City , MO 64129 www.fca.org Donna Noonan Front Rush..........................408 3505 Main St. Ste. 215 Doylestown, PA 18901 www.frontrush.com Brad Downs Frozen Ropes Training Center............................. Foyer 12 Elkay Dr. Chester, NY 10918 www.frozenropes.com Anthony Abbatine

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Mattingly Sports.................116 2 Enterprise Dr., Ste. 407 Shelton, CT 06484 www.mattinglysports.com Jake Pelletier Mizuno USA........500, 502, 504 3520 Ridgewood Dr. Loomis, CA 30071 www.mizunousa.com Larry Brushett MotionPro! By CyberAccess123, Inc.....715 P.O. Box 86 Cary, NC 18914 www.motionprosoftware.com Patrick McCabe National Collegiate Scouting Association.........................510 1415 N. Dayton St., 4th Floor Chicago, IL 60642 www.ncsasports.org Joyce Wellhoefer National Pro Fastpitch.....................701, 800 3350 Hobson Pike Hermitage, TN 37076 www.profastpitchcom Gaye Lynn Wilson National Scouting Report, Inc..........................602 128 Total Solutions Way Alabaster, AL 35007 www.nsr-inc.com Gaye Lynn Wilson Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program..............................801 1128 SE 70th Ave. Hillsboro, OR 97123 www.speedbat.com Dennis Nemo Tessicini On Deck Sports..........712, 714 88 Spark St. Brockton, MA 02302 www.ondecksports.com Christine Murphy OnlineSkills Coach.com..........................610 2611 Internet Ste. 109 Frisco, TX 75034 support@onlineskillscoach.com Raphael Smith Own The Zone Sports.........416 2807 Bald Eagle Ave. NW Salem, OR 97304 www.ownthezonesports.com Liam Woodard

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2010 NFCA CONVENTION EXHIBITORS Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau................................704 P.O. Box 9473 Panama City Beach, FL 32417 www.visitpanamacitybeach.com Ann Gager

Bruce Hekekia Since 1996, Pro Look Sports has offered highquality, custom-made uniforms at prices that won’t bust your program’s budget. See ad on page 11

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SKLZ...........................506, 508 5823 Newton Dr., Ste. 130 Carlsbad, CA 92008 www.sklz.com Scott Strohman Softball Excellence.............405 4211 Saltwater Blvd. Tampa, Florida 33615 www.sotballexcellence.com Robin Pokoj Softball Oregon .................803 9280 SE Eola Hills Rd. Amity, OR 97101 www.softballoregon.com Ken Roudybush Southern California ASA Players Assoc.................. Foyer 7381 Pheasant Run Rd. Riverside, CA 92509 www.socal-asa.com Lorrie Ivie

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Coaching Management

2010 NFCA CONVENTION EXHIBITORS Southwest Host Services....314 3412 Rolling Green Dr. Fort Collins, CO 80525 www.southwesthost.com Linda Hitchins

Sports Tutor is a leading manufacturer of ball machines for baseball and softball as well as tennis, volleyball, and soccer. See ad on page 7

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COVER STORY

In the 2009 postseason, UCLA cruised through NCAA Division I regional play with a perfect 3-0 record only to be eliminated from superregional competition on the second day. The 2010 Bruins were determined not to let that happen again. In fact, Head Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez was convinced the team could win the national championship. The Bruins started the season strong, winning 13 of their first 14 games, including five consecutive mercy-rule victories. But two months later, they hit a slump, suffering five defeats in their first six Pac-10 games. After finishing the regular season 40-11 and taking second place in the conference, the Bruins needed a spark heading into the NCAA tournament.

Back On Top UCLA: NFCA NCAA Division I Coaching Staff of the Year

In Oklahoma City, UCLA slugged its way to a 16-3 victory over the University of Florida, handily defeated the University of Hawai’i 5-2, and advanced to the championship round with a 5-2 win over the University of Georgia. Fighting for the title against the University of Arizona, the Bruins rallied with a pair of home runs to win the first game 6-5 and followed with a 15-9 victory in the second game to notch the program’s 12th national championship. Along with the title, UCLA earned NFCA NCAA Division I National Coaching Staff of the Year honors for Head Coach Inouye-Perez, Assistant Coach Lisa Fernandez, Assistant Coach Gina Vecchione, and Volunteer Assistant Natasha Watley. In this threepart interview, the coaches talk about what it took to bring the title back to UCLA, the expectations of the program, and how they work together.

Coaching Management

Richard Clifton

They found it immediately, hitting 11 home runs in three games and recording a come-from-behind victory over Fresno State to win the regional title. In the super-regionals, the Bruins swept the University of LouisianaLafayette, winning 10-2 and 10-1 and setting a single-season school record with 97 home runs on their way to the Women’s College World Series.

Kelly Inouye-Perez, Head Coach

Just the third head coach in UCLA history, Inouye-Perez has been a part of Bruin softball for the past 22 years. Starting as a freshman in 1989, she helped lead the Bruins to three national titles in five years, and in her 13 seasons as an assistant under Head Coach Sue Enquist, the Bruins reclaimed the NCAA Division I championship three more times. Since taking over the reins in 2007, Inouye-Perez has posted a 183-49 record (.789), and was named Pac-10 Coach of the Year in 2009.

CM: As you started the season, what did you tell players about your expectations? Inouye-Perez: I wanted everyone to play to our standards. Our focus and vision is to maintain a powerful culture and compete for however long it takes. Our expectation is to be able to win, but we take it one pitch at a time. In a nutshell, it’s all about respecting the game. What was your biggest challenge? We had a number of injuries from the fall to the end of the season, but we were able to overcome them with the depth in our lineup. Different people stepped up, filled roles, and allowed us to not miss a beat.

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COVER STORY

Experience and focus. We knew how to compete in 2010. We learned a lot from the 2009 season, when we fell short of our goal, and players used that to motivate themselves this season. What is your coaching philosophy? It’s based on the philosophy of the program, which is about keeping our priorities straight. The family and culture of the program come first, along with the ability to manage both academics and athletics. If your family is strong, and your academics are good, then you’ll play great softball. It’s as simple as that. What role did Lisa Fernandez play in this year’s success? Lisa did a great job working with pitchers on physical mechanics, game strategies, and pitch selection.

What role did Gina Vecchione play? Gina did a great job with the outfielders, but she also provided a great deal of positive energy, showing we can accomplish anything as Bruins. That was an important piece of our confidence as a team. How does the coaching staff work so well together? We’re a family. We’ve all experienced Bruins softball as student-athletes and our goal is to continue the tradition. We stick together as a family knowing that UCLA softball is a way of life, not just a job. How were you able to keep the team focused during the World Series, when former UCLA Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Wooden passed away? What we learned from Coach Wooden is that you don’t have control of what

Don Liebig/ASUCLA

What was the main difference between the 2009 and 2010 teams?

Megan Langenfeld hit four homers to earn the trophy for Most Outstanding Player.

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COVER STORY happened yesterday or what’s going to happen tomorrow. You have to create a masterpiece in the present moment, and that’s what we did. We focused on taking advantage of the opportunities in front of us, playing up to our own expectations, and controlling the momentum of the game. At what point during the postseason did you think this team was capable of winning a national title? The day before the start of the Series, we had a great practice. We only had a short amount of time to fit in everything we needed to do, but the way we approached practice gave me a good sense of what was to come. What are your memories of the first game in the 2010 World Series? The first game against Arizona was a challenge, and it gave us a great deal of energy and confidence going into the next day. I’ll never forget the feeling we had of not making the game feel bigger than it was, and just focusing on playing great softball. There was an excitement, but there was also a great calm. What did you learn working as an assistant under Sue Enquist? I learned that I have a responsibility to maintain the history and philosophy of this program. Ultimately it’s not about us as coaches, but about getting the girls to play the best they can and be at the top of their game at the end of the season. That is something that UCLA softball has historically done. We pull together, and when we do, great things happen.

Coach Photos: Don Liebig/ASUCLA

Lisa Fernandez, Assistant Coach

One of the most recognizable names in softball, Fernandez, now in her 12th year at UCLA, has been an assistant coach for four of the Bruins’ national title-winning teams, and has coached eight Bruin hurlers to 13 All-American awards. 18

Coaching Management

As a player, she was a three-time Olympic gold medalist, three-time Honda Award winner, and four-time first-team All-American at UCLA. CM: How does your experience as a player help you coach? Fernandez: It gives me a perspective on what it’s like to be inside the lines. I can use my playing experience to help the girls make the best possible decisions on the field. It makes me a better resource, because I’m able to relate to how players feel. What have you learned by working with Kelly Inouye-Perez? I’ve always been very skilled in terms of the mechanics of the game and the X’s and O’s. But Kelly has helped me become more well-rounded in all the different aspects involved in coaching great athletes. What are your memories of the final game? I was so proud of the team. You know your good players are going to do what good players do, but the role players made huge contributions, too. They had as much to do with us winning the national championship as the stars, and seeing them get some key experience will help us in our goal of going backto-back next year.

Gina Vecchione, Assistant Coach

Now in her 11th season as an assistant, and with three national championships on her coaching resume, Vecchione works with the UCLA outfielders and hitters, and serves as the team’s first-base coach. An All-American and three-time All-Region outfielder at UCLA, Vecchione helped the Bruins win an NCAA championship as a player in 1982. CM: What did you learn in the transition from player to coach?

Vecchione: The biggest thing I learned from Sue Enquist was that every player learns at a different rate. A player may get it in a week, she may get it in a year, or she may not get it until five years down the road. But every player learns, and eventually they get it. What is the most important issue facing softball today? Getting back in the Olympics—the day they removed softball from the Olympics was the saddest day in the history of our sport. Softball is a tremendous game, and it’s played all over the world. It’s unfortunate that it’s not a part of the Olympics anymore, but I hope someday it will come back. At what point during the regular season did you think this team could win the national championship? In late February and early March, we were beaten by Ohio State and UC-Riverside back-to-back. We were in a bad place, but we were able to come back the following week and beat a tough North Carolina team 1-0. That was the kick-start to our season. Then during the first weekend of May, we swept Oregon and began firing on all cylinders. Many people said we were peaking at the right time, but we had been playing well for the last month of the regular season. Everybody knew their role and embraced it. They believed in each other, were confident, and had a calmness about them. What are your memories of the final game? We just kept punching. Who would have thought that Arizona could score nine runs in the game—and lose? That just doesn’t happen at the World Series. In the second inning, when we were up 6-0, I thought it was going to be our night. Then in the fifth, when we scored seven more runs, I knew we were going to win. It still gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.

James Ybiernas is an Assistant Sports Information Director at UCLA, where he covers softball and women’s volleyball.

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HONORING EXCELLENCE

National Coaching Staffs Of The Year NCAA Division I Led by fourth-year Head Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez, assistant coaches Lisa Fernandez and Gina Vecchione, and volunteer assistant coach Natasha Watley, UCLA finished the year 50-11, going undefeated in postseason to earn the program’s 12th national title.

NCAA Division II Head Coach Bryan Nakasone and his staff—assistants Howard Okita, Roger Javillo, Jon Coralles, and Richard Nomura—piloted Hawai’i Pacific University to its fourth consecutive Pacific West championship and second straight invitation to the NCAA tournament. The Sea Warriors hosted both the regionals and super regionals, where they persevered after losing a game in each round, then scorched through the championships with a perfect 4-0 record, including a thrilling come-from-behind win against Valdosta State University to claim the school’s first NCAA title in any sport.

NCAA Division III Under Head Coach Janae Shirley and assistants Bill Galloway, Dani Miller, and Guy Shirley, East Texas Baptist University reached the national championship for Janae Shirley the first time in school history. Its 5-4 championship win over Linfield College marked the Tigers’ third comeback victory, and 15 of the team’s 23 tournament runs were scored in the fifth, sixth, or seventh innings. ETBU closed its season by winning eight straight games in regional and national championship play, with the Tigers trailing or tied in the last two innings of six of those victories.

NAIA In 2010, Head Coach Phil McSpadden, Assistant Coach Bobbi Bridges, Pitching Coach Harold Copas, and Strength

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Coach Guy Cook led Oklahoma City University to a 45-14 record before losing 4-3 to Simon Fraser University in the championship game. The Stars earned their Phil McSpadden way into this year’s national tournament by winning the Sooner Athletic Conference tournament title for the third straight year.

NJCAA Division I In her 11th season at Wallace State Community CollegeHanceville, Head Coach Jayne Clem, along with Assistant Coach Tracy Grindrod, led the Lady Lions Jayne Clem to a 62-9 record and a second-place finish at the national tournament for the second consecutive year. Wallace State went 19-1 in league play and won the Alabama Community College Conference North Division title. The Lady Lions went on to win the ACCC and Region XXII titles, before fighting their way out of the elimination bracket and into the championship game with a 6-2 final record at the national tournament.

NJCAA Division II Muskegon Community College Head Coach Matt Houseman and assistants Colleen Morse, Ryan Schalk, Brandon Bard, and Felicia Smith guided the Jayhawks to the program’s first-ever national title and ended the season with a record of 59-9. In addition to winning the national championship in their first national tournament appearance, the Jayhawks’ banner year also included winning the Michigan Community College Athletic Association and NJCAA District G championships. The 2010 season also marked the third straight year that Muskegon qualified for the District G tournament.

NJCAA Division III Working with assistants Jessica Williams and Meagan Hennessy, Head Coach Bo Scannapieco took Brookdale Community College to the national championship. After winning their 15th Region XIX Championship, the Jersey Blues advanced to the NJCAA Tournament, where they won the program’s third national title in less than 10 years with a perfect 4-0 record.

Cal JC After taking an early lead against the defending champions, Cypress College held on to win its sixth state championship and its first since 2006. The Chargers, directed by Head Coach Brad Pickler— who also won his sixth championship—and assistant coaches Dennis Blas, Mandy Rockwell, Mike Hicks, and Christa Saindon, finished the year 42-6.

High School Dunnellon (Fla.) High School, under the leadership of Head Coach Kevin Fagan and Assistant Coach Susan Williams, won the Florida Class 4A State Championship Kevin Fagan to close the 2010 campaign with a 31-1 record. The Tigers have now gone 63-2 over the past two years, and along with leading Dunnellon to two straight state championships, Fagan and Williams have helped the Tigers achieve two top five final rankings in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 poll.

Travel Ball Led by Head Coaches Jesse Martinson and Doug Myers and assistants John Petrie, Steve Amaya, Steve Harrington, Rob Baca, and Ed Kelly, the 2010 Orange County Batbusters claimed titles at the Colorado Fireworks tournament, the ASA 16U national tournament, and the first ESPN Rise National Softball Championship.

CoachesNetwork.com

HONORING EXCELLENCE

Regional Coaching Staffs Of The Year NCAA Division I Central Region: University of Louisiana at Lafayette Co-Head Coaches Michael Lotief, Stefni Lotief; Assistant Coach Chris Malveaux Great Lakes Region: University of Michigan Head Coach Carol Hutchins; Associate Head Coach Bonnie Tholl; Assistant Coach Jennifer Brundage; Volunteer Coach Becky Marx Keogh Mid-Atlantic Region: Fordham University Head Coach Bridget Orchard; Assistant Coaches Emily Friedman, Bob Baxter; Pitching Coach Mike Forsythe Mideast Region: East Carolina University Head Coach Tracey Kee; Associate Head Coach Natalie Kozlowski; Graduate Assistant Coach Keli Harrell Midwest Region: University of Missouri Head Coach Ehren Earleywine; Assistant Coaches Melissa Tucci, Pete Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amour; Volunteer Assistant Coach Phil Bradley

South Region: Valdosta State University Head Coach Thomas Macera; Assistant Coach Ashley Mayhue; Graduate Assistant Coach Kristina Ely

West Region: California Baptist University Head Coach Mike Smith; Assistant Coaches Bill Baber, Kristen Karanzias

Southeast Region: North Georgia College and State University Head Coach Mike Davenport; Assistant Coaches Brad Davis, Kaelin Farrington

NJCAA Division I

South Central Region: Midwestern State University Head Coach Brady Tigert; Graduate Assistant Coach Kasi Carroll; Volunteer Assistant Coach Kim Stiles

NCAA Division III Atlantic Region: Christopher Newport University Head Coach Keith Parr; Assistant Coaches Todd Winegrad, Chip Bailey, Erin Dudley, Lindsey Kelly, Ashley Carlson Central Region: DePauw University Head Coach Bonnie Skrenta; Assistant Coaches Haleigh Spencer, Bob England

Northeast Region: Long Island University Head Coach Roy Kortmann; Assistant Coaches Bill Gehrke, Krystal Mejia Forbes; Volunteer Assistant Coach Jessie DePippo

East Region: Moravian College Head Coach John Byrne; Assistant Coaches Ron Cardinal, Leah Holmes, Sarah Maulorico, Amy Rogers

Pacific Region: University of Washington Head Coach Heather Tarr; Assistant Coaches Gina Carbonatto, Lance Glasoe, J.T. Amico

Great Lakes Region: Aurora University Head Coach Mike McKenzie; Assistant Coaches Taylor Peterson, Lauren Stull

South Region: University of Alabama Head Coach Patrick Murphy; Associate Head Coach Alyson Habetz; Assistant Coach Vann Stuedeman; Graduate Assistant Coach Ashley Holcombe

Midwest Region: Luther College Head Coach Renae Hartl; Assistant Coaches Tracy Hjelle, Teri Olson, Danielle Armbruster

Southeast Region: University of Tennessee Co-Head Coaches Karen Weekly, Ralph Weekly; Assistant Coach Marty McDaniel; Volunteer Assistant Coach Marc Weekly

NCAA Division II Atlantic Region: Bloomsburg University Head Coach Jan Hutchinson; Assistant Coach Susan Kocher, Dee Wolfe Central Region: Metropolitan State College of Denver Head Coach Jen Fisher; Assistant Coaches Wes Madrill, Vanessa Becerra, Bre Padgett East Region: Molloy College Head Coach Susan Cassidy-Lyke; Assistant Coaches Ray Cassidy, Michelle Martini-Tripi Midwest Region: Wayne State University Head Coach Gary Bryce; Associate Head Coach Pat Kent; Student Assistant Coach Sarah Berry CoachesNetwork.com

Midwest Region: Blinn College Head Coach Rick Church; Assistant Coach Jami Ingram West Region: Salt Lake Community College Head Coach Mary Kay Amicone; Assistant Coach Kate Nygaard

NJCAA Division II Midwest Region: Iowa Lakes Community College Head Coach Mike Bosch; Assistant Coaches Megan Anderson, Jessica Van Loy South Region: Johnson County Community College Head Coach Kelly Latendresse; Assistant Coaches Lindsay Wells, Ashley Olerich

Cal JC North Region: Sierra College Head Coach Darci Brownell; Assistant Coaches Rich Murray, Jim Wetzel, Betty Zamora, Michele Granger, Cortney Jones South Region: Cerritos College Head Coach Kodee Murray; Assistant Coaches Bud Murray, Joe Soldan, Nicole Deel

NWAACC

New England Region: Eastern Connecticut State University Head Coach Diana Pepin; Assistant Coaches Peter Maneggia, Clyde Washburne, Bill Mullins

Clackamas Community College Head Coach Jessica Buel; Assistant Coaches Denise Nasuta, Dustin Bare

Northeast Region: Ithaca College Head Coach Deb Pallozzi; Assistant Coaches Nicole Loudin, Dan Raymond, Hannah Shalett, Jill Janke

High School

NAIA East Region: Belhaven University Head Coach Rick Fremin; Assistant Coaches Alana Fremin, Mallory Meadows, Shaunte Fremin Great Lakes Region: Olivet Nazarene University Head Coach Ritchie Richardson; Assistant Coaches Amanda Jensen, Tiffany Lanoue, Erin Salzman Midwest Region: MidAmerica Nazarene University Head Coach Steve Babinski; Assistant Coaches Kevin Juber, Hallie McMillen

East Region: Pearl River (N.Y.) High School Head Coach Mike Carlacci; Assistant Coach Jeanne Donnelly; Junior Varsity Coach Billy Donnelly; Modified Coach Lauren Daley North Region: Riverton Parke (Ind.) High School Head Coach Joe Cox; Assistant Coaches Penny Cox, Randy Wilburn, Dave Chambers, Brandon Grindle South Central Region: Pearland (Texas) High School Head Coach Laneigh Clark; Associate Head Coach Michele Hayden; Assistant Coaches Lori Boyd , Angela Flores West Region: Juneau-Douglas (Alaska) High School Head Coach David Massey; Assistant Coaches Glen Alt, Dennis Powers, Brian Buck, Ashley Larson, Mary Ann Love

Coaching Management

HONORING EXCELLENCE

2010 Easton Victory Club Award Winners Coaches in bold are being honored at the convention

NCAA Division I

Record

Mike Candrea, University of Arizona

1,414-328-2

Margie Wright, Fresno State University

1,386-500-3

Frank Reed, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

831-307

Lana Richardson, Southeast Missouri State University

802-583

Robert L. Coolen, University of Hawaii

789-520-1

Rosemary Holloway-Hill, University of Louisiana-Monroe

734-921-3

Frank Griffin, Stetson University Jacquie Joseph, Michigan State University Julie Brzezinski, Fairfield University

723-388 650-593 605-541-5

John Rittman, Stanford University

599-277-3

Carol Bruggeman, University of Louisville

582-392-2

Veronica Wiggins, Florida A&M University

559-607

Kathy Leitke, Western Michigan University

543-404-2

Jamie Spitale, Western Michigan University

543-404-2

Craig Coleman, Robert Morris University

491-432-4

Roy Kortmann, Long Island University

473-335-2

David Kuhn, University of Central Arkansas Katie Flynn, James Madison University Karen Yoder, University of California-Davis

417-284 414-403 316-363-3

Jeff Savage, Delaware State University

307-266

Brian Campbell, Youngstown State University

307-207

Amy Kvihlaug, St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University

207-245

Dale Martin, Fairleigh Dickinson University Holly Van Vlymen, Western Illinois University

190-192 129-127-1

Jennifer Herzig, University of North Carolina-Greensboro 125-175 Jennifer Teague, University at Buffalo

100-106

NCAA Division II Jan Hutchinson, Bloomsburg University George DiMatteo, Lewis University Sheilah Gulas, Ashland University David Hanna, Coker College Ron Faubion, Southeastern Oklahoma State University Alvy Early, University of Arkansas-Monticello Travis Scott, Angelo State University

1,215-288-2 911-459-6 697-357 676-219-1 585-244 512-260-2 426-153

Kathy Stewart, Northern Kentucky University

405-220

Sean Cotter, University of Massachusetts-Lowell

310-216

Susan Anderson, University of Central Missouri

309-258

Todd Bradley, University of the Incarnate Word Stacey Vallee, Francis Marion University Gretta Melsted, Augustana College (S.D.) Sara Headley, Mercyhurst College Susan Cassidy-Lyke, Molloy College

213-183-1 211-194 204-97 201-179 144-173-1 119-126

Don Kennedy, Missouri University of Sciences & Technology 103-90

Coaching Management

29-12

Jovon Times, Johnson C. Smith University

18-23

NCAA Division III George Wares, Central College (Iowa)

870-294-3

Denny Griffin, Alma College

669-234

Julie Lenhart, SUNY Cortland

639-285-1

Hallie Cohen, William Paterson

621-375-4

Deb Pallozzi, Ithaca College

621-299

Jan Forsty, Bethany College

606-379-3

Len Maiorani, St. John Fisher College

573-289

Kris Herman, Williams College

501-272-4

Kim Wilson, Rowan University

500-220

Bill Rosner, Fontbonne University

45-35

Mike McKenzie, Aurora University

419-140-2

Maria Morin, Rhode Island College

401-226-4

Linda Detra, Arcadia University

362-229-1

Benda Volk, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

361-162-4

Donna Koczajowski, U.S. Coast Guard Academy

314-198-1

Kara Kehe, Wartburg College

308-171

Mike Reed, University of Texas-Tyler

308-90

Jamie Smith, St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College (Maine)

285-226

Renae Hartl, Luther College

248-121

Betsy Hipple, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges

232-153-1

Tom Ciccarello, SUNY Geneseo

217-136

Heather Stone, Western Connecticut State University

216-186

Laurie Nevarez, University of Redlands

216-80-1

Diana Pepin, Eastern Connecticut State University Don Danklefsen, Trine University

Mike Davenport, North Georgia College & State University 412-137

Diane Lokey, West Chester University

Gwen Kagaoan, University of Hawaii-Hilo

Wes Landrum, Frostburg State University

207-148-1 154-82 129-104

Gino Olivieri, Alfred University

121-70

Janae Shirley, East Texas Baptist University

105-36

David Hicks, Rhodes College

94-86

NAIA Phil McSpadden, Oklahoma City University

1222-296

Ritchie Richardson, Olivet Nazarene University

686-258

Wes Holly, Milligan College

673-372

Evelyn Bean, McKendree University

634-419

Deb Thompson, Spring Arbor University

620-525

Wendy Spratt, Columbia College (Mo.)

617-275

Mike Smith, California Baptist University

570-168

Myra Minuskin, St. Xavier University

518-313

Jerry Breaux, Evangel University Brandie Paul, Martin Methodist College Keith Kramme, Midland Lutheran College Al White, Madonna University

494-327-2 441-282 416-365-1 409-222

CoachesNetwork.com

HONORING EXCELLENCE

Emily Russell, Lee University Anna Welsh, Bethel College (Ind.)

337-129 301-112-2

Lou Reale, East Hampton High School (N.Y.) Laneigh Clark, Pealand High School (Texas)

441-108 426-346-4

Jim Farrell, Cornerstone University

214-213

Larry Poe, Independence High School (W. Va.)

413-169

Rick Fremin III, Belhaven University

186-95

LouAnn Hopson, Chesterton High School (Ind.)

409-238

116-23

David Miller, Smithtown High School West (N.Y.)

407-190

102-47

Karen Karch, Charleston High School (Ill.)

402-398

Jason Anderson, Central Baptist College Keri Lambeth, University of Houston-Victoria

Bryan Poulter, Colfax-Mingo High School (Iowa)

Junior College Dennis Clark, Kankakee Community College

950-301

Heinz Mueller, Phoenix College

929-355

Donna Runyon, Ohlone College

775-397-1

Sonny Stupek, Shasta College

714-345

Lisa Bassi, Fullerton College

705-340

Tim Mackin, Lower Columbia College Joe Overturf, Indian Hills Community College

660-153 617-410

Jayne Clem, Wallace State Community College-Hanceville 550-139 Debbie Huntze-Rooney, San Jose City College

547-251-2

Mike Bosch, Iowa Lakes Community College

525-236

Eric Geldart, Young Harris College

516-348

Sandra Taylor, Bakersfield College Bob Every, Lansing Community College Elaine Colvin, Alabama Southern Community College

437-379-3 479-82 347-303

Lana Ross, Iowa Western Community College

323-149

Andrea Gustafson, Seward County Community College

315-159

Maria Winn-Ratliff, Western Nebraska Community College 225-125 Carlos Caro, Miami Dade College Joe Yegge, Kirkwood Community College

203-88 201-153-1

Armando Quiroz, Pima Community College

193-81-1

Art Kasak, Triton College

190-168

Nicole Bethurum, Arizona Western College

40-22

Kim McCall, St. Louis Community College-Meramec

17-42

High School Tony Scarbrough, Baker High School (Ala.) Jim White, Clear Creek Amana High School (Iowa) Kent Chambers, Bob Jones High School (Ala.) Jim McGowan, Bay Shore High School (N.J.) Tom Stasik, Flint Powers Catholic High School (Mich.) Andrew F. Behmlander, Reese High School (Mich.) Perry Peterson, Barrington High School (Ill.) Ron Havelka, Downers Grove South High School (Ill.)

1,208-392 723-113 713-476-4 636-88 617-563 613-231-5 562-131 525-131-3

Edward C. McIntyre, Easton Area High School (Pa.) Amy Diagle, West Monroe High School (La.) Dan Wiedman, Marquette Catholic High School (Ill.) Bob Hammitt, Marist High School (Ore.) John Wayne Harris, Good Hope High School (Ala.)

342-116 335-262-1 327-118-8 326-182 318-67 277-119-1

Brian Mitchell, Riverton High School (Kan.)

260-82

Todd Banaszak, Clarence High School (N.Y.)

245-121

Paul Bushong, Howell High School (Mich.) Jim Piazza, Keystone High School (Ohio)

228-144-2 222-33

Michael Thompson, Frankfort High School (Mich.)

220-74-3

John Ford, Garden City High School (Kan.)

214-150

Aado Kommendant, Raritan High School (N.J.)

211-48-1

Milton Simmons, Essex High School (Va.)

209-127

Cheryl Weaver, Champion High School (Ohio)

207-69

Bob Lance, Norwayne High School (Ohio)

202-200

Charles Tackett, Tippecanoe High School (Ohio)

202-126

Anthony LaRezza, Immaculate Heart Academy (N.J.) Ken Dischler, Chequamegon High School (Wis.) Kent Early, Bentonville High School (Ark.)

182-40 165-122 139-40

Julie Detjen, Minn. Valley Lutheran High School (Minn.)

135-128

Todd Nickerson, Mazama High School (Ore.)

117-107

Shane Staten, Southaven High School (Miss.)

117-59

Jeff Roberts, Van High School (Texas)

112-29

Donna Swilley, D’Iberville High School (Miss.)

104-39

Todd Petersen, Papillion-LaVista High School (Neb.)

100-12

Dennis Joe Cox, Riverton Parke High School (Ind.)

93-48

Charles Lindsay, West Chester East High School (Pa.)

53-18

Mike Ponsiglione, St. Joseph by the Sea High School (N.Y.) Kevin Halley, St. Pius X High School (Mo.)

29-0 25-25

Tom Angioletti, Our Lady of Peace Academy (Calif.)

18-9

Brad Brubaker, Columbia High School (Pa.)

14-8

Travel Ball Robert Wenk, Case Batbusters Gold (Calif.)

1,765-414

Jim Dransfield, West Milford High School (N.J.)

523-106

Ken Bailey, South Carolina Bandits 18U

1,057-510

Fran Scislowicz, Rochester Adams High School (Mich.)

522-298

Tony Scarbrough, Tony’s Angels

1,005-252

Jim Bates, McCutcheon High School (Ind.)

514-193

Milton Simmons, Sports+Plus (Va.)

Julie Folliard, Richards High School (Ill.)

508-212

Nick Mazza, Georgia Crush Fastpitch

Nancy Acerrio, Hilltop High School (Calif.)

500-181

Terry Burdette, 18U MD Heartbreakers (Md.)

Loa Kay Bowthorpe, Union High School (Utah)

496-110

Edward Loweth, Indiana Nitro

Art Kasak, Morton High School (Ill.)

457-200

John Ford, Garden City Spirit/Magic/Dusters (Kan.)

315-160

Michelle G. Jones, Berrien Co. High School (Ga.)

456-129

Bob Alexander, Aledo Ladycats-Alexander (Texas)

146-71-6

Greg Blakey, Mt. Zion High School (Ill.)

453-202

Michael Maybaum, Alpharetta Youth Softball (Ga.)

101-50

CoachesNetwork.com

924-463 871-381 600-301-36 466-259

Coaching Management

DIRECTORY

Advertisers Directory Circle #

Company

Page #

Circle #

Company

Page #

123. .AAE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 101. .Aer-Flo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 106. .Athlete Assessments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 114. .Cages*Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 102. .California University of Pennsylvania. . . . . . . . 6 121. .Coaches Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 117. .GameMaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 105. .GameTime Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 126. .Gatorade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC

108. .Human Kinetics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 122. .Louisville Slugger/Game Time Sports Systems.29 110. .M.A.S.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 120. .Memphis Net & Twine Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 107. .Muhl Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 115. .NFCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 113. .NFHS Coach Certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 127. .Pocket Radar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 116. .Prep Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Circle #

Company

Page #

109. .Pro Look Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 111. .Ringor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 103. .SPI Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 125. .Sports Attack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC 104. .Sports Tutor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 112. .Stabilizer Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 130. .The Nutrition Edge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 100. .ZAMST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

Product Directory Company

Page #

511. .Aer-Flo (Bunt Zone). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 516. .Aer-Flo (Tuffy Windscreen). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 514. .Aluminum Athletic Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . 28 518. .Athlete Assessments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 530. .Cages*Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 517. .California University of Pennsylvania. . . . . . . 29 501. .GameMaster (InstructoSwing). . . . . . . . . . . . 25 509. .GameMaster (UPM Swing Rep) . . . . . . . . . . . 27 527. .GameTime Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 522. .Gatorade (Nutrition Bar/Shake) . . . . . . . . . . . 30 512. .Gatorade (Protein Recovery Shake). . . . . . . . 28 528. .Human Kinetics (Jump Rope Training). . . . . . 31

Circle No. 116

Coaching Management

Company

Page #

521. .Human Kinetics (Nutrient Timing). . . . . . . . . . 30 519. .Louisville Slugger/Game Time Sports Systems.29 504. .M.A.S.A. (JUGS pitching machines). . . . . . . . 25 507. .M.A.S.A. (Osborne screens and nets). . . . . . . 26 535. .Memphis Net & Twine Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 513. .Muhl Tech (Advanced Skills Tee) . . . . . . . . . . 28 526. .Muhl Tech (training equipment/product line) . 30 534. .Pocket Radar, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 515. .Power Systems (Power Stepper). . . . . . . . . . 28 520. .Power Systems (Reflex Ball) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 524. .Prep Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 533. .Pro Look Sports (soft tackle twill). . . . . . . . . . 26

Circle #

Company

Page #

532. .Pro Look Sports (uniforms) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 502. .Ringor (Diamond Gem) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 510. .Ringor (Endurance Turf Trainer). . . . . . . . . . . 27 525. .SPI Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 500. .Sports Attack (Hack Attack). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 508. .Sports Attack (Junior Hack Attack). . . . . . . . . 26 506. .Sports Tutor (HomePlate). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 505. .Sports Tutor (TriplePlay Pro). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 503. .Stabilizer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 523. .ZAMST (IW-2 Icing Set). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 529. .ZAMST (Thumb Guard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Circle No. 117 CoachesNetwork.com

PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY More Movement

The Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine’s three-wheel design changes the breaking pitch plane by simply adjusting the wheel speed dials. There’s no timeconsuming, awkward adjustments between pitches, and the Hack Attack provides significantly more spin. With a quick turn of the dials, you can effortlessly throw fastballs, risers, drops, and right- and left-handed screwballs up and into the hitters. Every pitch has power and accuracy.

Sports Attack • 800-717-4251 www.sportsattack.com

Circle No. 500

the Proper Swing

The InstructoSwing batting tee helps batters of all ages learn the proper swing path to the ball. The angle adjustment works with all the major hitting philosophies being taught today, and it allows batters to choose a downward, level, or upward swing path. The InstructoSwing works with both rightand left-handed batters. The good-habit bar supplies instant feedback to the batter on bad swings without damaging the bat. GameMaster • 800-646-4225 www.sluggerupm.com

Circle No. 501

Perfect Pitch

M.A.S.A. carries numerous types of JUGS pitching machines to enhance even the best of programs. These machines are made of heavy-duty steel to last through the most difficult and intense practices and games. They feature a realistic underhand release point that’s great for fastpitch softball, and the digital speed readout controls the exact speed required. The machines are also ideal for fielding practice, with 360 degrees rotation and angle adjustments that allow users to throw pop-ups, grounders, and fly balls. For more information, call the company’s toll-free number or visit its Web site.

M.A.S.A. • 800-264-4519 www.sportsadvantage.com

Circle No. 504

Into the Mix

Want a true homefield advantage? What if you were able to practice on your field while other teams are still waiting for theirs to dry or thaw out? Hilltopper Infield Mix, the first “waterless” infield mix, is natural soil enhanced with polymer. The polymer binds the soil, making it stable during rain, snow, or drought. It never needs any water, and there’s no mud or dust—so stop waiting and start playing. Stabilizer Solutions • 800-336-2468 www.stabilizersolutions.com CoachesNetwork.com

Circle No. 503

Push-Button Convenience

Batting practice just got easier. With the TriplePlay Pro Softball Pitching Machine, you simply push a button to choose the type of pitch you want, including risers, sinkers, curves, drop curves, screwballs, and drop screwballs. The pitch speed is adjustable from 35 to 70 miles per hour, and 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 Pro uses a three-wheel pitching mechanism for greater accuracy, and two large transport wheels make it simple to move to and from the field. TriplePlay Pro Softball Pitching Machine costs $2,895, and a baseball model is also available. Sports Tutor • 800-448-8867 www.sportsmachines.com

Circle No. 505

Cleat of the year

With the Diamond Gem, Ringor has met the demand of players for a lightweight cleat, and in typical Ringor fashion, the company has exceeded expectations by adding comfort and durability. The Diamond Gem, which has been awarded the APMA Seal of Acceptance and voted the Fastpitch Cleat of the Year, features a leather and mesh upper, full-length EVA midsole, and Ringor Shock Sock footbed for extra cushioning that promotes proper foot function and foot health. Ringor • 877-274-6467 www.ringor.com

Circle No. 502

Just What You Want

Pro Look Softball is where tradition meets innovation. Combine the latest in materials technology with the unique ability to create any style uniform for one low price, and you get an unmatched uniform ordering experience. Pro Look uniforms are so good that they are backed with a two-year manufacturing warranty. Call the company for your free custom design mock-up. Pro Look Sports • 800-PRO-LOOK www.prolook.com

Circle No. 532

In the Pocket

The Pocket Radar™ is the next generation in radar technology. The world’s smallest fullperformance radar gun is the perfect tool for coaching and scouting. It is surprisingly affordable, easy to use, and small enough to slip into your pocket. The Pocket Radar™ is so discreet and convenient you can take it anywhere, yet it has incredible precision and range, with the ability to measure a softball pitch from over 120 feet with accuracy of plus-or-minus one mile per hour. Pocket Radar, Inc. • 707-546-5448 www.pocketradar.com

Circle No. 534

Coaching Management

PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY Strength & Longevity

Clear Vision

The Junior Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine’s three-wheel design allows you to see the ball clearly all the way through the feeding motion, acceleration, and release, just like a live pitcher. The hitter sees when to stride and the angle of release, giving her an actual live-arm sense of timing and location.

Sports Attack • 800-717-4251 www.sportsattack.com

Circle No. 508

Since 1996, Pro Look has developed award-winning uniforms for title-chasing athletes. The company is proud of its innovation and attention to detail. Its garments work with athletes when they need it most. Pro Look fabrics and construction methods stand up to abuse, season after season. The patented “soft” tackle twill technology creates fabric that is soft to the touch, while maintaining traditional strength and longevity. Combine soft tackle twill with innovative jersey fabrics and make your next set of uniforms virtually unstoppable. Pro Look Sports • 800-PRO-LOOK www.prolook.com

Net Gain

M.A.S.A. offers a wide variety of Osborne screens and nets. Osborne protective screens have been highly regarded by coaches as some of the most durable and versatile equipment available. Maximumstrength #72 braided nylon netting and HD galvanized steel ensure years of performance. Innovative features include rotating and telescoping legs for compact storage, height-adjustable frames for infinite positioning and transport options, and swivel-style L-screens top for right- and left-handed pitchers. The company’s wide variety of sizes and styles can meet any requirement. M.A.S.A. • 800-264-4519 www.sportsadvantage.com

Circle No. 507

Circle No. 533

Program Your Pitches

The HomePlate Softball programmable pitching machine can simulate any pitch that batters are likely to face. It can automatically throw a 70-mile per hour riser, a 50-mile per hour drop pitch, a curve, and a slider with only seven seconds between pitches. Coaches can store up to eight different pitches in each of the eight programs. Programmed pitches can be thrown sequentially for specific hitting drills, or randomly to simulate game conditions. HomePlate comes with an auto-feed system and a 40-ball capacity, and costs $6,595. Sports Tutor • 800-448-8867 www.sportsmachines.com

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GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE

Training & Conditioning presents The Nutrition Edge, a compilation of the very best articles on sports nutrition published in T&C magazine over the past decade. Whether you are a sports medicine professional, an athlete, a parent, or a sport coach, this book will give you the edge you need on the topic of sports nutrition. Chapters and case studies include: • Nutrient timing • Pregame meals • Recovery nutrition • Losing weight • Gaining weight • Football two-a-days • Hydration • Caffeine • Vegetarian athletes • Nutrition during rehab

ORDER NOW...go to www.training-conditioning.com or call 877.422.5548 Ext. 11

IC K PR BOO

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Coaching Management

CoachesNetwork.com

PRODUCT LAUNCH

Louisville Slugger UPM Swing Rep GameMaster www.sluggerUPM.com 800-646-4225 Circle No. 509

provides instant feedback to the batter on proper swings • Lightweight design for easy setup and configuration • Portable and completely mechanical, with no need to retrieve balls • Great for use indoors or out, which allows for year-round training

Unique features:

• Perfect for any age or skill level • Great for individual or coach-driven training • Easily incorporates other training aids and drills to maximize training time Benefits for the user:

• The Patented SwingTRAK system

Ringor Endurance Turf Trainer Ringor www.ringor.com 877-274-6467 Circle No. 510 Unique features:

• Leather upper • Full-Length REVA midsole • Ringor Shock Sock footbed • T2 Traction outsole

Memphis Net & Twine Co., Inc. Made in America

Free Catalog

Benefits for the user:

• Easy cleaning and care • Extra cushioning • Excellent durability • Superior traction

THE ONLINE SOURCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COACHING

Call 800-238-6380

Our top quality nets are custom made to your specifications. • Baseball Cages, Backstops, Protector Nets & Pitching Machines • Golf Driving and Barrier Nets • Soccer and Tennis Nets • Lacrosse Backstop Nets, Windscreens and much more!

VIEW

Educational videos, including skill instruction and drills

READ

Coaching-specific articles and information

FIND

Helpful tips on handling off-the-field demands See our Web Page at: www.memphisnet.net or e-mail us at: sportsinfo@memphisnet.net

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Coaching Management

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11/8/06 10:08:14 AM

TESTIMONIALS

Protection for Softball Pitchers

MORE PRODUCTS Bunt Here, Not There

Widely accepted as one of the best bunt trainers available today, the Bunt Zone features an on-field-color-coded target system that teaches bunting skills by visualization. Made with durable vinyl-polyester mesh, it is easy to install, remove, and clean. Yellow, green, and red areas clearly show where to bunt—and where not to bunt—for a hit or sacrifice. Lightweight and easy to store, the BuntZone is used by many college teams and ships immediately. Aer-Flo, Inc. • 800-823-7356 www.aerflo.com

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Balancing Act

Osborne Innovative Products Softball Pitching Screens were developed specifically for the needs of softball coaches and players. The company offers either center or side cutouts, which allow pitchers to stay completely protected, and are shipped fully assembled. The screens are available in two sizes, 7’ x 6’6” and 7’ x 8’, and offer height-adjustable, telescoping swivel legs, #72 braided nylon netting, a heavy-gauge Flo-Coat galvanized steel frame, and single or double netting. Here are some programs that use Osborne screens: All Star Baseball Academy Bentworth School District Central Methodist University Dublin High School Fennimore Community Schools George Mason University Harnett Central High School Holland Christian High School Iowa State University Lindenwood University Mansfield University Nevada Community School Ohio Power Softball Pasco High School Tennessee State University Texarkana College University of Alabama

M.A.S.A. 1413 South Meridian Road • Jasper, IN 47546 800-264-4519 • Fax: 812-634-2036 www.sportsadvantage.com

Coaching Management

G Series Pro Protein Recovery Shake provides balanced nutrition for consumption after exercise to help jump-start recovery. With carbohydrates for glycogen restoration and an effective amount of protein containing all the essential amino acids needed to help support muscle recovery after training or competition, G Series Pro Protein Recovery Shake provides a nutritional bridge between an athlete’s workout or competition and their next meal. Gatorade • 800-884-2867 www.gatorade.com

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Instant Feedback

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, the company will buy it back. Muhl Tech • 888-766-8772 www.muhltech.com

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Keeping Score

In softball, scores and stats are everything—and The Donkey puts your people at the perfect level to keep tabs on all the action. It features all-aluminum construction with a main four-foot high platform and a sliding bench that allows easy access to the scorer’s table. A vinyl canopy and optional drop-down side weather screens provide protection from the elements. The Donkey is available with lockable wheels to make it portable or mounting leg supports for permanent location. Visit the company’s Web site or call toll-free for more details and options. Aluminum Athletic Equipment • 800-523-5471 www.myaaeworld.com

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First-Step Quickness

The Power Stepper is a great tool to develop strong lateral movement for fielders and base runners who want to enhance their game. Start with intermediate resistance to teach and perfect skill, and then graduate to advanced and elite resistance. Each unit includes a 10-inch tube and padded cuffs with Velcro straps, and the padded ankle cuffs are extra long to accommodate a wide range of users. Power Systems, Inc. • 800-321-6975 www.power-systems.com

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MORE PRODUCTS Built for the Long Haul

Made of Vipol matrix mesh, Tuffy is one of the world’s toughest windscreens. With over 50 percent more microfibers than its competitors, it is virtually tear- and puncture-proof. It is the only windscreen with lock-stitched ends and corners, eliminating the unraveling problem of conventional chain-stitched competitive products. Available in 15 colors with chroma-bond multi-color imprinting, Tuffy will upgrade the longevity and appearance of any baseball, softball, or tennis fencing. It’s protected by a four-year factory warranty. Aer-Flo, Inc. • 800-823-7356 www.aerflo.com

A DD THE BIGGEST NAME IN BASEBALL A ND SOFTBALL TO YOUR FIELDS...

Ballﬁeld Maintenance Materials

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Never Stop Learning

California University of Pennsylvania’s Global Online programs offer an exceptional 100-percent online learning experience with the convenience of an asynchronous format. Complete your coursework anywhere, at any time that’s convenient for you—all you need is a computer and Internet access. California University of Pennsylvania • 866-595-6348 www.cup.edu/go

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Coaching Breakthroughs

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Everyday Clay

A total sports site. Awesome freebies, win prizes, post ads, get sports news all for free on this open and free access site.

Sports feed 24/7 from ESPN Circle No. 519

Get up to date results through our site. Sports crawl and all. Tons of other neat features on this free site, you gotta check it out.

Follow the Bouncing Ball

The Reflex Ball is the perfect tool to develop hand-eye coordination and reaction time. Due to its unique shape and design, the ball bounces erratically, requiring users to adapt and adjust. The fourinch Jumbo Reflex Ball has a softer bounce and larger size, making it easier to catch. The three-inch Reflex Ball offers a faster, more dynamic bounce. Power Systems, Inc. • 800-321-6975 www.power-systems.com

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Hundreds of products for all sorts of sports. You can buy right online.

Louisville Slugger/Game Time Pitchers Mound/Batters Box Clay is screened heavy clay with a natural red color. It has higher clay content, and can be mixed with other products or used as a stand alone everyday maintenance clay. To play like a professional, use Louisville Slugger/Game Time Pitchers Mound/Batters Box Clay and the rest of the company’s lineup of products. Louisville Slugger/Game Time Sports Systems • 800-520-0512 www.gametimesportssystems.com

800-520-0512 Louisville Slugger® is a registered trademark of Hillerich and Bradsby Co.

For coaches who are serious about improving performance, Athlete Assessments provides the key tools to breakthrough performance. Identify your players’ individual strengths, limiting behaviors, and unique motivation strategies. Know how to push your players’ performance buttons, improve communication, and develop stronger team bonds. Coaches can be confident about how their team works and turn around performance issues before they result in a loss. Get your free Coach’s Pack today. Athlete Assessments • 760-742-5157 www.athleteassessments.com/cm

www.gametimesportssystems.com

.com

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who are we? Aluminum Athletic Equipment Co. wanna stop by? 1000 Enterprise Drive • Royersford, PA 19468 phone ? 800-523-5471 • 610.825.6565 fax? really? 610.825.2378 what’re our games? Track & Field • Football • Soccer Lacrosse Field Hockey • Baseball • Softball

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Athletic Management Coaching Management

MORE PRODUCTS Net Gains

Peak Performance

Gain the ultimate advantage with Nutrient Timing for Peak Performance. With guidelines specific to training and competition and sample meal and snack plans, you’ll see how certain nutrients, taken in precise amounts at specific times, can improve consistency of energy, speed recovery, increase the building effects of strength training, diminish muscle breakdown, improve immune function, and minimize risk of injury. Human Kinetics • 800-747-4457 www.humankinetics.com

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Body Fuel

G Series Pro Nutrition Bar and G Series Pro Nutrition Shake are a convenient bridge between meals that help elite athletes meet their daily calorie needs. With a mix of high-quality protein, simple and complex carbohydrates, fat, and a blend of 15 vitamins and minerals, G Series Pro Nutrition Bar and G Series Pro Nutrition Shake help keep athletes’ bodies fueled and nourished for training and competition.

Gatorade • 800-884-2867 www.gatorade.com

Circle No. 522

Elbows, Backs, and Shoulders

The Zamst IW-2 Icing Set for shoulder and back provides easy wrapping and immobilization of up to three ice bags. The set is ideal for the R.I.C.E. procedure since the dual strap design enables accurate placement of the ice bag and adjustable compression of the affected body part. Easy to apply and adjust, it is perfect for elbows, back, and shoulders, and can also be used on other joints. The Zamst IW-2 Icing Set contains two large ice bags, and replacements are sold separately. Zamst • 877-926-7887 www.zamst.com

Coaching Management

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Go “Skill-Specific”

Muhl Tech Baseball & Softball offers equipment to make your practice time more productive. Since 2001, the company has been developing a line of skill-specific training equipment that gives hitters instant feedback with every swing. The products are designed to withstand heavy use during high school and college team practices. The company also offers its own line of batting cages and screens, sold direct to save you money. Muhl Tech • 888-766-8772 www.muhltech.com

Circle No. 526

Resource Management

As a premier resource for softball equipment, GameTime Athletics has your team covered. Find hundreds of softball equipment items and accessories on the company’s Web site, and call toll free for a free estimate. Mention the ad in this issue and receive a free Double First Base with the purchase of one truckload of Redfield warning track mix and/or infield conditioner. GameTime Athletics • 877-891-2476 www.gametimeathletics.com

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A Big Hit

Order direct from the factory for the highest quality at the lowest price. Every hat and visor is custommade using premium materials, and Prep Gear Headwear’s embroidery is among the best in the industry. There are no set-up charges. Just call the company’s tollfree number to start working on your design. You can receive your order in four to six weeks. In this economy, can you afford not to call Prep Gear?

SPI Nets, Inc. • 866-243-6387 www.spinets.net

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Head of the Class

Prep Gear Headwear • 800-279-7060 www.prepgear.com

SPI Nets’ full-service 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 deflective barrier netting products. All custom nets are guaranteed to be of the highest quality, and are built in the U.S.A. to meet all your needs. Call the company toll free or go online to learn more.

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The primary advantages of Wheelhouse batting cages are their affordability, portability, and durability. All Wheelhouse batting cages come with a protective screen for the pitcher or pitching machine. Two people can assemble the cage in about 20 minutes. Coaches like to use it as an extra indoor hitting station. It is easy to install the baffle, which is provided, and creates two hitting stations for soft toss drills. All cages come with a one-year moneyback guarantee. Cages*Plus • 866-475-9148 www.cagesplus.com

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CoachesNetwork.com

MORE PRODUCTS All Thumbs

The Zamst Thumb Guard is made of a unique thermo-plastic material that conforms to the thumb’s shape for perfect support. The Thumb Guard can be reshaped up to 50 times, and all materials are washable. It is ideal for softball players and its short length and compact, low-profile design enables natural movements and makes it possible to wear underneath gloves.

Zamst • 877-926-7887 www.zamst.com Circle No. 529

By the Book

Ready to take your workouts to the next level? Turn to the system that top athletes have come to rely on. Jump Rope Training includes workouts for a variety of sport skill and fitness components such as endurance, strength and power, speed, agility, and balance. The book includes the latest on rehabilitation of sport injuries and optimizing body composition for performance.

Human Kinetics • 800-747-4457 www.humankinetics.com Circle No. 528

Meeting Your Specs

Memphis Net & Twine makes its products in the U.S., offering batting cages and backstops to meet customers’ exact specifications. The company also fabricates custom windscreens out of vinyl-coated polyester in 11 different colors. These windscreens can be made to any height or width. Memphis Net & Twine also sells benches, stadium bleachers, and tip-n-roll bleachers. Memphis Net & Twine Co., Inc. • 800-238-6380 www.memphisnet.net Circle No. 535

CoachesNetwork.com

WEB NEWS Site Focuses on Ankle Support and Health Active Ankle’s newly designed Web site includes a wealth of offerings, from a Community of Sport forum and photo gallery where athletes, coaches, parents, and athletic trainers can post and share information to an entire section on ankle health. The company offers printable guidelines on injury treatment and prevention, step-by-step videos demonstrating the treatment and rehab of an ankle sprain, and strengthening exercises to keep ankles strong and healthy while wearing Active Ankle braces for added protection.

www.activeankle.com

Multi-Functional and Easy to Navigate At the BigSigns.com Web site, users can learn about the company’s newest and most popular products, see its proven versatility in design, and understand why it is a trusted national leader in stadium graphics. The user-friendly site showcases an electronic portfolio of projects with sharp photos and in-depth product detail. There are product installation manuals and instructions, tabs for art uploading and proofing, and a link for a quick quote. While online, see how BigSigns.com can help build your sponsorship revenue and elevate your stadium graphics. Get inspiration for your latest project as well.

www.bigsigns.com

New Site Offers Advanced Features and User-Friendly Function M.A.S.A. is proud to announce its newest Web site. This enhanced site offers extensive search fields, high-quality photographs, and of course all the latest field maintenance, baseball, softball, football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and multi-sport accessories. Whether you’d like to purchase a gift certificate, get info on the pool truck program, find up-todate info on M.A.S.A.’s next show or demo, get a quote, or just place an order, the new site is sure to get you what you need. The company would also love to hear suggestions on how to improve and make your experience even better, so check out the customer service tab and share your thoughts and ideas.

www.sportsadvantage.com

Sites That Can Help Knock Out Pain

Performance Health/Hygenic Corp.’s Web sites align with the company’s primary brands and research initiatives. Visitors will find product specifications, educational resources, FAQs, and testimonials. The sites also feature a “Where to Buy” locator tool that enables consumers to easily find healthcare professionals who sell Biofreeze and Thera-Band products. Market-leading Thera-Band and Biofreeze healthcare and fitness products provide preferred solutions that help clients manage pain, improve strength, and restore function. The Thera-Band Academy’s Web site, www. Thera-BandAcademy.com, is a free resource designed to provide a large, searchable library of research, evidenced-based protocols, and exercise instructions for healthcare professionals and consumers.

www.biofreeze.com www.thera-band.com

Coaching Management

Watch It Learn It Teach It

Hall of Fame Coach George Wares offers this deceptive base running play.

University of Florida Head Coach Tim Walton explains how to establish a team philosophy.

Coaches Network offers an array of educational resources, including instructional videos from some of the top coaches in the country. You can now comment on videos you like and share them with your coaching friends. We also have articles that can help with the off-field side of the job, including nutrition, working with parents, and developing leaders.

X X

Hack attack Softball PitcHing MacHine MoveMent Made faSt. The three-wheel design changes the breaking pitch plane by simply adjusting wheel speed dials (no time-consuming awkward throwing head adjustments between pitches).

MoveMent tHat deliverS everytHing. Three-wheel design provides significantly more spin. With a quick turn of the dials you can effortlessly throw fastballs, risers, drops, rightand left-handed screwballs up and into the hitters. Every pitch with power and accuracy.

MoveMent Made eaSy. Quickly move the Hack Attack Softball Pitching Machine on and off field, just tilt it, unsocket legs and easily roll on two transporting wheels.

if MoveMent iS your keyword, tHe Hack attack Softball PitcHing MacHine deliverS it all.

sportsattack.com

P.O. Box 1529 | 2805 U. S. 40 | Verdi, NV 89439 | tf 800.717.4251 | ph 775.345.2882 Circle No. 125

NFCA Booth Nos. 805, 807

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