Bell Ringing

What do you think about when you hear bells ringing during the Holiday season? This winter we had the privilege of ringing bells for the Salvation Army outside Big Lots in Mattoon, IL. We had quite the experience! Ringing bells from 6 to 9 PM could get kind of lonely if you’re doing it by yourself. Fortunately, we got to pick partners to ring with. Having the personalities we do, we both decided to enjoy the time spent together. We figured out how to ring the bells to the Jingle Bells tune. We both did have a pretty good time ringing the bells, even though it was chilly outside. We really got in the mood for a while and perfected the Jingle Bells song with our bells, and had a little dance that went along with it. It wasn’t anything extravagant, but it was very interesting and helped to pass the time a little bit.

As customer got out of their cars, we asked them if they would guess our song after they were done shopping. Quite a few of them agreed, and the majority guessed correctly and donated their change. Being the outgoing people we both are, we had some kind of conversation with everyone that walked through the Big Lots’ doors, whether it be a “Hi, Happy Holidays” or a ten minute conversation while a lady took out all of the change in the bottom of her purse. Doing this has given me a greater appreciation for what I have and what I have been given.

Many times you walk by a person ringing bells and think that you will maybe give a cent or two whenever you leave the store. Well, after ringing the bells and standing out in the cold to do just that, we both have more respect for the people who do this on a regular basis and not just one time in their lives. Hopefully, next time I walk by a bell ringer, I will decide to give more than just a couple cents to people who have a whole lot less than us.

Kristin and Tori

The Freshman Transition

Every athlete dreams of playing sports at the highest possible level. Defined in the dictionary, a dream is a succession of images, thoughts, or emotions passing through the mind during sleep. A dream can also be defined as an aspiration or goal. The “dream” that most athletes wish to live is candy coated, let’s be honest. Athletes do not dream of waking up for occasional early morning work outs, nor do they dream about the hundreds of sprints they end up running over the course of their season. They dream of being the best. Athletes dream about being the “top dog”. Well in high school, life is good. Many college athletes were the top dog on their high school team. If you hold even the smallest amount of athleticism and understand the game, then any high school team will put you on the roster. Things change when you get to college. Signing your letter of intent is a relief, but a relief to what? College athletics is not the Candy Land world high school was. The “top dog” in college becomes every one of your teammates. The coach from high school that would baby you because they feared you might quit the team if you didn’t get your way does not exist. There are a variety of players to pick from in college if things do not go your way. The “freshman transition” has some obstacles. Two words every incoming freshman dreads: freshman stress. College is a completely new environment. You leave friends you knew since diapers, you leave your family, and you leave everything that was comfortable to you. That’s tough to do anyways, let alone adding the pressure of playing a sport. It’s natural. There is no stopping it. How we deal with the obstacles defines our mental toughness in a way. Michael Jordan’s story is backwards, yet it clearly shows how you must work through adversity to attain your goal. Michael was cut from his high school basketball team. He was determined to play, so he earned a spot the following years and ended up playing for North Carolina, a NCAA basketball powerhouse. Through his hard work and dedication he went on to become the “top dog” in the N.B.A. for some time. A quote from Michael that can sum up his experience is as follows, “If you’re trying to achieve, there will be road blocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” Things do not get handed to you as a college athlete. You must earn what you achieve. You will have to climb brick walls on and off the court/field. Don’t get me wrong, the freshman transition has a lot of good to go along with it. The candy coated part of the freshman transition is the new friends that you meet and the privileges you have as an athlete. You meet people that become friends like the one’s you had growing up. You will probably meet an unbelievable friend who, believe it or not, will probably be in your wedding one day. The experiences that go along with college will be with you for the rest of your life-good and bad. But the bad will eventually be forgotten and the good will be remembered. What is my advice to a college freshman? Take in all of the moments that pass by, good and bad, and let them make you a better person.

- Katie "Stones" Reiff

Featured Player - Maria Dust #24

PERSONAL INFO:

Born: January 6, 1990 at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Effingham, IL

Age started playing softball: I started playing ball at 3 and organized softball in first grade.

High School: Teutopolis High School

Desired major in college: Pre-Engineering (Civil Engineering)

Siblings: 2, Lora -18 and Holly - 13

Nicknames: Yo, Maria

Pets: -A dog (Odie); 3 horses (Flash, Pepper, and Duke); tons of cats (they really don’t have any names)

PERSONALITY:

Dream job: becoming a civil engineer and working for the state

Personality off the field: energetic

Personality on the field: aggresive

Who do you admire? • As an athlete? David Eckstein •As a softball player? My dad •As a person? Grandpa Dust

Who are the people that have helped you? •In Life? My parents and my family •In fastpitch? Previous coaches and especially my dad

What is the best advice you have ever been given? •In Life? Don’t compare yourself and what is happening to your life to other people’s lives. You don’t know what they are going through. •In fastpitch? Softball is a game of failure. Strive to be the best and succeed and you will succeed in life as well.

What advice would you give to a young player just getting started in the sport? -Always go hard. The one thing you can control is how hard you play the game.

Are you superstitious? Yes -I have a special place I have to stand in the dugout for all the games, and I freak out on anyone that stands in my spot. Also, I always have to ‘knock on wood’ if something hasn’t happened to me when someone says something that could be bad.

If you were a shoe, what kind would you be? -In my previous years I was a Wooden Shoe, but now I guess some kind of shocks.

FAVORITES:

Color: Orange Animal: Dog Dream car: A 1965 or 1966 Ford Mustang

Hobbies: Horse riding, golfing, softball, hanging with friends and family, hunting, and four-wheeler riding Food:Chicken parmesan Vegetable: Home-grown corn on the cob

Fruit: Oranges Candy: Butterfingers Restaurant: Ruby Tuesdays

Music: Country and some soft rock Cartoon character: Stewy Griffin (“Family Guy”) Superhero: Batman. A lot of people can identify with him. He could be anyone, and he has no real superhero powers.

Luxury item: my mp3 player TV Show: One Tree Hill Movie: “The Proposal”

MLB team: St. Louis Cardinals NFL team: St. Louis Rams

What do you splurge on? -Christmas gifts What are you passionate about? -sports

FASTPITCH:

What are you looking forward to the most during your 2010 season with Lake Land? -Having a good time playing softball and getting to know my teammates

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to date? -Getting a scholarship to play softball at Lake Land to help pay for college

What is your favorite position to play? -Third base

What exercise gives you the best results in achieving your fitness goals? -ab crunches and using the weighted ball

What do you like to do on a day-off? -Relax with family and friends and visit my grandparents

Tell us something that most people might not know about you? -I love to golf. I almost went to college on a scholarship for golf instead of softball.

The Turkey Game

Although this article was written by both Kristin and Nicole, there may be some parts where you will be able to tell who wrote what. The Turkey Game was a really big hit. Everyone had a great time even though the stakes were high. To start out, the biggest battle seemed to be if we would even get the game in. Weather did not seem to cooperate so the game was postponed and finished a week later. Another battle was whether we would have enough players. On the team, there are 2 or 3 athletes who were hurt. Some of the teammates from last year were brought back onto the field. However, once started the game was a blast.

First off, the teams were picked. Kristin’s team included herself, Sarah Wendt, Nikki Ramsey, Aubrey Frank, Geri Whitman, Maria Dust, Bri Athey, Kristen Winkler, and Amber Hane.

Nicole’s team included herself, Danielle Finke, Mallory Bremer, Tori Purcell, Jenn Murray, Katie Rieff, Kaitlyn Teager, Kolo Carey, and Jackie Trombi.

From here is when it really started. Kristin’s team did the smack talk. It is very easy to see the desire to win and the level of competition that the team was playing at. At some points, the team was split because of who was on what turkey game team. The day of the game, the smack talk was high and you could feel the tension in the air.

When started, it was very serious. Kristin’s team took an early lead 2-0. Nicole’s team was held scoreless up until the 3^rd inning when they scored a run. The score was 2-1 with one out in the top of the 4^th inning. It had been raining off and on during the game, but a downpour came so Coach Nelson called off the game. We decided to finish the game during the next week.

This time the games got a little crazy. We were allowed to wear whatever we wanted and the teams definitely capitalized on this. Kristin’s team did not really match besides their black shirts and pants. They wore bright colored socks and headbands. However, Nicole’s team matched very well with bright neon striped socks and white shirts. The teams decided to throw out the stakes and have fun. We decided to all cook one entre and bring it to the dinner. Everyone was going to play a new position and bat with their opposite hand. Nicole decided to pitch, but was taken out after the 2^nd batter by Tori. For Kristin’s team, Bri started out pitching and was also taken out after the 2^nd batter and replaced by our newest pitcher Nikki. She did so well Coach decided to put her in the bullpen. When the changes happened, batters returned regular. The final score was Kristin’s team winning 6-2. We all had a great time playing.

Now came the meal. Surprisingly everyone did an awesome job. There was some great food brought. Coaches got lenient and let us have dessert and soda! There were plenty of desserts to go around, including pie and rice krispie treats. There was turkey, potatoes, salad, macaroni and cheese, broccoli rice and green bean casseroles, and even Hawaiian beans. Nobody left hungry. The Turkey Game was a great idea that really brought the team together.

- Kristin Runde #3 & Nicole Runde #8

Featured Player - Brianna Kalyn Athey #32

PERSONAL INFO:

Born: Nov. 9 1989 in Terre Haute, IN.

Started playing softball: 6

High school: Casey-Westfield

Desired major in college: Nursing

Siblings: Two brothers

Nicknames: Bri

PERSONALITY:

Dream job: Nurse

Personality off the field: Outgoing

Personality on the field: Energetic

Who do you admire?• As an athlete? Albert P. •As a softball player? Jenny Finch• As a person? My parents

Who are the people that have helped you?• In Life? My family and friends • In fastpitch? My dad and coaches

What is the best advice you have ever been given? • In Life? Live like you are dying • In fastpitch? Be Here Now

What advice would you give to a young player just getting started in the sport?Love the Challenge

If you were a shoe, what kind would you be? Nike Shox

Pets: Shih Tzu: Emmitt Diddo Athey, Boxers: To many to name (we breed them)

Hobbies: Church, Other sports, and relaxing jogs

What are you passionate about? Life, you never know when it will end

FASTPITCH/TRAINING:

What are you looking forward to the most during your 2010 season with Lake Land? Working toward making it to Nationals and Winning It!

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to date? “shutting people up!” No better feeling than proving others wrong about your abilities.

What is your favorite position to play? Any! Give me the ball and watch what I do with it

What exercise gives you the best results in achieving your fitness goals?Jogging and abs

FAVORITES:

Color: Pink! Animal: White Tiger Food: Pickles Vegetable: Peas

Fruit: Pineapple Candy: Resses Restaurant: Road House

Music: Country, Hip Hop, Pop, R&B Superhero: Spiderman

TV Show: Gilmore Girls Movie: Definitely Maybe MLB team: CUBS!!!

Tell us something that most people might not know about you? I can be quiet! And although I am very intense I having a very caring side about me.

Leadership at West Point

For those of you that do not know me, this is my first year as the assistant softball coach here at Lake Land College. When Coach Nelson hired me, one of the things he stressed was that I should look at this as a "coaching internship." During my time here, not only would I be the Assistant Coach and in charge of the pitchers, but I'd also be spending time learning more about coaching by visiting several Universities and attending conferences. From these trips, I will improve my own knowledge as well as implement what I learn into the Lake Land Softball program.

I was very fortunate that Coach Nelson was able to set up my first visit to the United States Military Academy, better known to most people as West Point. My trip to West Point was not just to see the historic and beautiful campus, but to learn more about leadership. And what better place to go than an academy designed to train and prepare cadets for leadership positions in our nation's army. The mission states: "to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army." Over the course of 47 months, cadets attend classes and earn a degree just like any other college student, but at West Point they also go through military and physical development programs. Each of these three areas: military, academic and physical affect a Cadet's rank during their 47 months. Their rank affects their branch as well as their post upon graduating West Point. Therefore, being a Corps Squad athlete is a lot different than being an athlete here at Lake Land College, or any other college for that matter. I spent one afternoon with the Cadets, going to class, back to the barracks, to formation and to lunch. I asked them some questions and I found it interesting that to them, softball isn't exactly a top priority. Not that they don't care about it, but that in a way it takes away from all of their requirements with the military, academic and physical programs. In one of my meetings with Dr. Hennelly from the Behavioral Science and Leadership department, he described it well saying that at any other university, practice is the hardest part of your day, but at West Point practice is the nicest part of your day. Like the Cadets told me, he also said that Corps Squad athletics take away from something else. During my visit I spent time with many people including: Michelle DePolo (Head Softball Coach), Kate Stake (Assistant Softball Coach), Second Lieutenant Sarah Yates, Cadet Jennifer Parsons, Cadet Jennae Tomlinson, Command Sergeant Major Mahoney, Joe Sottolano (Head Baseball Coach), Dr. Hennelly(Head of the Management and Leadership programs in the Behavioral Science and Leadership department), Lieutenant Colonel McElrath, and Jeff Coleman from CEP (Center For Enhanced Performance). My time with each of them was beneficial, as they all shared with me their take on leadership from their perspective.

The basic questions that I asked about leadership were:

1. What are the qualities you look for in a leader?
2. How do you go about trying to develop leaders here?
3. Is there a difference in business(or athletics) and military leadership?
4. What is the most important aspect of leadership?

Here is what I learned about good leaders:

• They have strong character and are competent.
• They are team-oriented, rather than self-oriented.
• They do more than asked of them and they perform at higher standards.
• They exhibit self-sacrifice.
• Integrity is non-negotiable and flexibility is important - being able to admit one's mistakes.
• They know their people and invest in them.
• They are humble and they lead by example.
• They have the passion and desire for whatever they need to do.
• Communication is key.
• They have good time management skills - the ability to separate what's important and what isn't.

Dr. Hennelly stated that leadership is a sub-set of management and that the key is to get people to do things and exceed expectations without asking them to do so. He also stressed the importance of the leader understanding the follower and vice-versa. The follower must know what the leader's expectations are and in return the leader must understand what the follower is willing to do. When I asked about any suggestions to become a better leader, Dr. Hennelly recommended getting a leadership mentor and developing a social network.
At West Point, the Cadet honor code states that "A Cadet shall not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do." I found it interesting when Command Sergeant Major Mahoney shared a story with me about Cadets turning themselves in after breaking a rule. He also stressed that as a leader, one must understand that everyone is different and therefore should be treated differently. Giving equal rewards for un-equal performance is bad. Command Sergeant Major Mahoney shared with me, the importance of keeping subordinates' level of motivation up as their level of competence grows. He used an example that upon arrival at West Point, most cadets have a high level of motivation but their competence is low, and as they learn more and become more competent, they sometimes lose their motivation. It is important to find a way to train without crushing motivation.
Upon arriving at West Point, I heard good things about the baseball program and how the baseball players conduct themselves. In my meeting with the Head Baseball Coach, Joe Sottolano, I was impressed with his organization and how clear his expectations are for every aspect of the program. When I asked Coach Sottolano about leadership, the characteristics he stressed most were trust and communication. He emphasized the ability to admit mistakes and not trying to be someone you are not. Another thing that really stuck out to me was the idea to "practice better than Texas." What Coach Sottolano meant by that was, respect your opponents and the fact that they work hard, but then work harder. Trust in your preparation.
Lieutenant Colonel McElrath shared with me the importance of leaders knowing what they want to get accomplished, staying focused, and being clear on their expectations of others. He said that leaders should be passionate and emotional but stay poised and don't be afraid to make hard decisions. It is important to invest time in knowing the individuals that you lead; learn their motivation. When I asked about the most important characteristics of a good leader, Lieutenant Colonel McElrath responded that you are never successful without trust, confidence and respect from those you are leading.
In my meeting with Jeff Coleman from Center for Enhanced Performance, he shared with me what both individuals and teams have available to them through the Performance Enhancement Program. It is described as "the nation's most comprehensive training program for learning, practicing and mastering the intangible mental skills that underline human performance; confidence despite setbacks, concentration amidst distractions, and composure under stress." Those who take advantage of this amazing program learn to master the five mental skills: building confidence, goal setting, attention control, energy management, and integrating imagery. Jeff showed me some of the training techniques and the technology available to all the Cadets at West Point. Jeff explained to me how the body responds better to images than words and the importance of integrating imagery to one's training.
I cannot stress enough how amazing the whole experience was and how grateful I am to be given this opportunity. From what I learned on my visit to West Point, the thing I would most like to implement here at Lake Land is better communication through setting clear expectations and defining goals. I look forward to continuing my initial growth as a college coach over these next few months as well as sharing my experiences with all of you.

For Love of the Game,

Coach Birk

The Formation of a New Ohana

With the outdoor fall practice season behind us, Coach Birk and I took the day off (I know that is a rare event!). We both ended up back in Normal, where we both live when not coaching here at Lake Land College. By coincidence we ran into each other at Potbelly for lunch. After lunch we decided to go to a coffee shop and talk about our recruits; the different players that have committed, those we are still looking at, and what each brings to next year's team. It hit us both that not only are we putting together a new team but we are really in the process of forming our new family, or as well call it at Lake Land, our Ohana.

This is the time of year that high school senior softball players make their final choice on what college team they will commit to play for. Having gone through the recruiting process with my own daughter, I know first handed how terrifying and difficult this time can be. Not only for the player, but for mom and dad as well. The constant worries: is it the right decision, who will be my roommate, what happens if I get there and I don’t like it, or what if the players and the coach don’t like me. Or the big one: I will miss all my high school friends. I’m sure those of you who have been through it know exactly what I’m talking about.

Comforting my daughter who had all those same fears wasn’t easy. My reassurance that she would become closer to her new future teammates and the kids she would meet in college than her high school friends didn’t seem to help. But that is exactly what happens. They will be going to class and study tables, spending hours in the weight room, practices, endless bus trips to away games, and sharing all the highs and lows of discovering life while living away from home, together. They become best friends, maids of honor in each other's weddings, god parents to future softball players, and above all, they become a part of a whole new family. Parents will find that they will also be a part of this new family, along with getting to know their daughter’s new teammates and friends. Parents will also get to know each other and share the next few years on the bleachers, time at the hotel breakfast dining rooms, dinners and weddings. Parents will become very close as well. Just a little warning to parents, if you stop by to take your daughter out to eat, be careful as you will find yourself taking out a few of her new friends as well.

Anyway, as we sat at Coach Birk's favorite coffee shop talking about our recruits and next year's team, Coach Birk asked if I missed college. "Miss it?" I said, "I wouldn’t want to relive one day of high school but would give anything to be in college again." A sentiment she agreed with. Today reminded me of another rainy day I had with my two old college roommates, Booby Brooks and Ken Spice. Just hanging out like college kids do, we were joking, laughing and just having a great time together when Spicer looked at me and said, "How much happier can you be, than you are right now at this very moment? Could you laugh any harder, smile any bigger or feel any better than we do right now?" It didn’t take much thinking to realize he was right. Things will be always be alright with the world with members of my college family. It may be terrifying and scary, but it is an exciting time in any recruit's life right now, but in just a few short months it will be a new life experience, a new team, and of course, a new Ohana.

Always Play To Win,

Coach Nelson

Featured Player - Tori Purcell #19

PERSONAL INFO:

Born: 8/28/89 in Lafayette, Indiana

Age you started playing softball:10

High School: Wheat Ridge High School

Desired major in college: Sports Medicine

Siblings: An older and younger brother

Nicknames: Tor or tor tor

PERSONALITY:

Dream job: athletic trainer for a professional team

One word describes your personality off the field: Fun

One word describes your personality on the field: Commanding

Who do you admire?•As an athlete? Matt Holiday•As a softball player? Caitlyn Stem•As a person? My parents

Who are the people that have helped you?•In Life?My parents•In fastpitch?Dan Burns and Chuck Pringle

What are you passionate about? WINNING!!!

FASTPITCH:

What are you looking forward to the most during your 2010 season with Lake Land? Breaking last year’s records

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to date? Being First Team All Region my freshman year

What exercise gives you the best results in achieving your fitness goals? Doing any kind of lifts with my arms

FAVORITES:

Color: Burnt orange and green Animal: A standard poodle! Food: my mom’s creamy chicken and potatoes Vegetable: Tomatoes Fruit: Oranges

Restaurant: Olive Garden Superhero: The Hulk TV Show: That 70’s Show Movie: Gladiator Vacation spot: Skiing the Rockies during winter

MLB team: Colorado Rockies!

Tell us something that most people might not know about you? Most people might not know that I can carry a tune.

Scout Day

Last Wednesday, we had our 2nd and final scout day for the year. And just like last year we had another set of impressive four year coaches traveling in from Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Missouri and of course Illinois to look at our players. The Lakers went through a typical practice routine of throwing and defensive break-downs, outfield and infield, pitching, hitting and a mini-scrimmage, while four-year college coaches watched from the stands. The scout days were very successful with several of our players receiving offers and scheduled visits with the four-year schools. Scout Days will continue to be a huge recruiting tool for our Laker Softball Team.

Live the Privilege

Years ago, legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden recruited a young man by the name of Lew Alcindor out of Power Memorial High School in New York. Coach Wooden had to convince Lew and his family that it would be in his best interest to attend college completely across the country. Although Lew was heavily recruited by numerous major colleges, and offered full ride scholarships (in some cases more) to attend those colleges, he chose UCLA. When asked why he would do such a thing as leave his family and go somewhere he had never been, he stated that Coach Wooden didn’t promise him he would be a starter, or that he would play every game, etc. He only promised him that he would have the opportunity to “live the privilege” of being a UCLA Bruin. Lew was so impressed by Coach Wooden’s honest and sincere statement that he chose to attend UCLA. He then proceeded to lead his team to three national championships (freshmen were not eligible to play at that time) and later, after changing his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, became one of the greatest NBA players of all time.

I use the phrase “live the privilege” quite often when speaking with our student/athletes at Lake Land College. I firmly believe it is a privilege to be a college athlete. We want student/athletes who believe that also. I understand the commitment, dedication, and discipline required to be a college athlete and still maintain the academic standards we require. That is why understanding time management is essential in being a successful student/athlete. At Lake Land College we are far more proud of the accumulative Grade Point Average of 2.88 that our athletes achieved for 08-09 and the fact three of our teams achieved Academic All-American status for the year, than we are in the total number of wins and losses. We are blessed with a very caring coaching staff, faculty, and administration. We feel it is crucial that we do all we can to prepare these young women and men for what lies ahead in their lives. We all know that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. We continually evaluate what is working and what isn’t. Although it is imperative that we learn from the past, we must not live in the past. We must be able to relate to the present day student/athlete.

As Athletic Director I am constantly reminding our coaching staff and athletes that although we have six sports we are one team. This concept is essential to the overall success of our athletic program. It takes a united effort to succeed and we strive for success throughout our athletic program. We know that all good things come from work, and we are going to continue to work hard to represent Lake Land College in the most positive light possible. I encourage each and every one of us to “live the privilege”.

I leave you with one short poem:

No written word

Nor spoken plea

Can teach our youth

What they should be

Nor all the books

on all the shelves,

It’s what the teachers

Are themselves

-Unknown

Denny Throneburg

Athletic Director

Lake Land College

Week 9

Next to week 32, which is the last week of our school year and the NJCAA region 24 tournament, this week, week 9, is probably our most anticipated, stressful and worrisome week of the year for our Lake Land College softball players. Some say our NCAA D1 fall scrimmage schedule is tough in itself, our intense practices are hard enough, and the players’ school load and the occasional homesickness is the most stressful. But each of these combined does not equal what is going to happen this week, week 9. This week will combine all that we have learned and done to this point. Here is a list of just some of what is going to happen during this week, week 9.

8 week grade check: Every 4 weeks our players take a grade sheet around to all their instructors to find out what their current grades are. Grades are very important to us here at Lake Land College; the reason players are here is to get an education. Also, eligibility is different from high school. In high school, you may be ineligible due to a poor grade and you take a test and get the grade up and can play again. Well in college if you are ineligible at the end of the semester, you are ineligible for the whole next semester. There is no taking a test or doing extra credit; you can’t play - period. So to make sure our players do well, we have daily study table which is required for all players. But at the eight week grade check, any player with a 3.00 GPA or above is not obligated to attend study tables any more. So you can see why the eight week grade check is so important to our players. On the first grade checks turned in thus far, GPA’s ranged from a 3.2 to a 4.0, so it looks like Coach Birk and I are going to be rather lonely at study tables the second half of the semester.

Scout Days: This week, week 9, of every fall we host two Scout Days. This is where we invite 4-year-college coaches to watch our practices in hopes of getting our players recruited. Last year all our sophomores were recruited through our fall scrimmage schedule (that consisted of mainly NCAA D1 softball programs) and our Scout Days. So as you can imagine, the anticipation of these two days is quite stressful, especially to the upper classmen.

Turkey games: Week 9 is also the start of what we call turkey games. To our team this is civil war; it pits player against player and family against family (the Runde twins). This year Nicole Runde and Kristin Runde have been selected turkey team captains. Along with the coaches, they have a draft and each selects a team. These two teams will then participate in a best-of-three-game series with the losing team fixing Thanksgiving dinner for the winning team the Sunday before Thanksgiving. If you want to see two teams play hard, these would be the games to watch.

As you can see, Week 9 has a lot riding on it for each player. However week 9 also give players their first weekend off since they all arrived here August 21^st. Now they are all excited to go home and buy new pants that are a little smaller in the waist. Week 9 is also the final week of our fall outdoor practices, as we move into individuals for the final eight weeks. Besides the incredibly hard work our team has put in the classroom, the weight room and on the field, what I will remember most is the camaraderie and close friendships that have built up over this past eight weeks and the coming together of the 2009/2010 Lake Land College Softball Team.

Always Play to Win,

Coach Nelson

Featured Player - Geri Whitman #21

PERSONAL INFO:

Born: Aug.19,1990 in Greensburgh, Pennsylvania

Started playing softball: 8

High School: Albert Gallatin and Beth Center

Desired major: Undecided but maybe nursing or teaching

Siblings: Half sister

PERSONALITY:

Dream job: To work at Sea World

Personality off the field: Free spirited

Personality on the field: Focused

Who do you admire?• As an athlete? Sydney Crosby • As a softball player? Jenny Finch • As a person? My Aunt Sherry

What is the best advice you have ever been given in fastpitch? Never get satisfied

What advice would you give to a young player just getting started in the sport?- There will be many bumps in the road but learn to overcome them.

Pets: 4 dogs. One mut- Kolbie, Mini Yorkie- Rudy, 2 Beagles- Gun and Duke

FASTPITCH:

What are you looking forward to the most during your 2010 season with Lake Land? winning

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to date? Proving that I can pitch

TRAINING:

What exercise gives you the best results in achieving your fitness goals? Leg press

FAVORITES:

Vegetable: corn, Fruit: pineapple, strawberries, watermelon, Dessert: Ice cream, Restaurant: Olive Garden or Cheesecake Factory, Superhero: Superman Luxury item: Cell Phone, MLB team: Phillies, NFL team: Steelers, NBA team:Lakers