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

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to our extended Ohana in Hawaii on the passing of Sylvia Carey, grandmother to #1, Kolo Carey. Please know that your Ohana in Illinois' thoughts and prayers are with you.

Updated Photos

Check out our updated photos to see action shots from the fall season!

Laker Privileges

As a coach I often hear about the privileges athletes receive. I’m the first to agree that our softball players here at Lake Land College are entitled to certain privileges, which we constantly remind them to take advantage of. Below is a list of just some of those privileges our Lake Land softball players receive. They get the privilege to attend class every day on time. They get the privilege to sit in the front row, ask one intelligent question, and participate in class discussion each day. They get the privilege to turn their homework in complete and on time. They get the privilege to know on a close basis a nationally recognized faculty and administration. They get the privilege to get help from great tutors when needed. They get the privilege of attending softball study table 3 hours per night Monday through Thursday. They get the privilege of 1 to 2 hours of bus and 2 hours of hotel study tables for away and overnight softball games. They get the privilege to attend 2 to 3 hours of daily softball practice 6 days a week. They get the privilege of a 1 hour daily work out 6 days a week in the Lake Land College fitness center. They get the privilege to be held at a higher social and moral standard than the rest of the student body. They get the privilege to be a member of a nationally competitive softball team who for the third straight year in a row received the recognition as a NJCAA All American team. These are just some of the privileges that our Lake Land College Softball Athletes receive when they put on the Lakers uniform. So when people talk to me about the privileged athlete, I say “you bet”. Our softball players are proud of their school and the honor and privilege to serve at the pleasure of the students, faculty, staff, administration and board of trustees of Lake Land College. Always play to win, Coach Nelson

Featured Player - Aubrey Frank #42

2009 NFCA All-American

PERSONAL INFO:

Born: February 24th, 1990 Mattoon, IL on

Started playing softball: Around 8 years old

High school: Mattoon High School

Desired major: Business Administration

Siblings: One older brother – Austin (23 years old)

PERSONALITY:

Dream job: Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Personality off the field: Caring

Personality on the field: Focused

Who do you admire? • As an athlete? Albert Pujols • As a softball player? Jennie Finch • As a person? My mother Who are the people that have helped you? • In fastpitch? All of my past coaches and family

What is the best advice you have ever been given? • In fastpitch? Play with your heart and for the love of the game

What advice would you give to a young player just getting started in the sport? There is no glory in practice but without practice there is no glory – (practice only makes you better)

Are you superstitious? I am very superstitious. I have certain items I have to wear on game day and have a set routine I have to do before every game I pitch.

If you were a shoe, what kind would you be? A high heel because women who wear high heels show confidence in themselves and not everyone is daring enough to wear a high heel. It also shows sophistication.

Pets: two shitzu dogs, Scooter and Dallas. Dream car: A black Challenger

Hobbies: Scrapbooking and playing tennis and shopping Passion: family

FASTPITCH: What are you looking forward to the most during your 2010 season with Lake Land? Playing Wabash Valley and accomplishing our team goals

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to date? Moving on to play college ball and becoming an All American.

TRAINING: What exercise gives you the best results in achieving your fitness goals? Any ab exercise

What do you like to do on a day-off? Lift weights to make me stronger

FAVORITES: Food: Mashed Potatoes Vegetable: Corn Fruit: Strawberries Restaurant: Olive Garden Superhero: Superwoman Luxury item: tooth brush Vacation spot: Florida Athlete: Albert Pujols

A Note From Coach Nelson

Several years ago I had the opportunity to attend the Granada Gala, a huge fundraising event put on by Granada Land and Cattle Company in Houston, Texas. Hosting the event was the old TV comedian Red Skelton. He told a story that night that made a huge impact on my life. On one of his many flights, Red started a conversation with the gentleman sitting next to him on the plane. He asked the gentleman what he did for a living. The gentleman replied that he had just retired from a successful business. The two visited for a while then Red asked what the man was planning to do in his retirement. The man said that he was finally going to enjoy life. Red looked at the man and told him how sorry he was for him. "Sorry," the man said, "for what?" Because he did not enjoy the first sixty years of his life. From that point on I look at my life and the work I do in a totally different light. It is an insight that I keep in mind every day as I work with the Lake Land College Softball team.

Being a two-year college we turn over half our team every year, which makes for interesting and exciting new experiences, unique to each team. As we start off the 2009-2010 softball season, I will be watching our softball players deal with the stresses of studying through the wee hours of the night, performing all the daily activities that mom and dad used to do (laundry, grocery shopping, housekeeping, getting themselves up and out of bed every morning etc.), keeping up with their responsibility to the softball team, and suffering through occasional home sickness. We see the players start their college experience with their eyes wide open and their heads spinning. As coaches, at some point we find ourselves as teacher, priest, parent, and friend. But as time goes by we see our players becoming more adapted to their new surroundings, new friends and most importantly, conquering the most difficult task of time management. We coaches get to see these players earn a high quality education, meet new life long friends and gain those experiences needed to develop and grow into successful, hard working young adults. Watching our young athlete’s progress as they go through the first years of college is exhilarating to say the least.

Sure, there are some aspects of coaching that are less exciting, like helping players through injuries and sicknesses, sitting through three hours of study table each night, long bus rides to Florida, Arkansas and Alabama, and the continuous quest to obtain additional funding necessary to run a top collegiate softball program we are so proud of here at Lake Land. Yes, there are rumors that Coach Birk and I are known to still be at the office at 1:00 a.m or sometimes get into the office as earlier as 4:30 a.m. to start our day. Can you imagine having a job so satisfying and enjoyable that you cannot wait to go to bed so you can get up for work the next day? We do. I can truly say, without question that coaches have one of the greatest jobs in the world and yes, we are truly enjoying the first sixty years of our lives.

Always play to win,

Coach Nelson

Help Support Laker Softball!

Would you like to have your very own Lake Land Softball t-shirt or hat? Support Laker Softball by helping us raise funds for our 2010 season and receive a free hat or t-shirt! Interested? Then join one of the following clubs:

FOUNDER’S CLUB: $50– Receive a Lake Land Softball T-shirt

HOME RUN CLUB: $100– Receive 2 Lake Land Softball T-shirts

GRAND SLAM CLUB: $150 Receive 2 Lake Land Softball T- shirts and a hat.

BIG HITTERS CLUB: $250 + Receive 2 Lake Land Softball T- Shirts with 2 hats.

100% of your club membership goes to support the Lake Land Softball team.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “LAKE LAND SOFTBALL”

AND MAIL TO:

LAKE LAND COLLEGE

FIELD HOUSE

ATTN: LAKE LAND SOFTBALL

5001 LAKE LAND BLVD.

MATTOON, IL 61938

If you would like to support your 2010 Lakers, print the pdf below!

Featured Player - Mallory Bremer #00

2009 NJCAA Region 24 Freshman of the Year

PERSONAL INFO:

Born: 7/2/90

Age started playing softball: 4

Highschool: 2 ½ years at Carbondale and 1 ½ years at Pinckneyville

Desired major in college: Special education/ photo journalism

Siblings: 1 brother

PERSONALITY:

Dream job: Traveling the world taking pictures

One word describes your personality off the field? Outgoing

One word describes your personality on the field? Confident

Who do you admire? • As an athlete? Rick Ankiel • As a softball player? Amy Harre • As a person? My mother Who are the people that have helped you? • In Life? My mother, Friends • In fastpitch? Denny Throneburg

What is the best advice you have ever been given? • In Life? Life is hard but if it wasn’t we wouldn’t learn anything • In fastpitch? Play Hard and good things will happen

What advice would you give to a young player just getting started in the sport? Play hard and work to your best ability! If you were a shoe, what kind would you be? Flip Flops

What is the scariest thing you have ever done? Been lights out in a cave!

What is your favorite color? Orange Pets? 2 cats- Sam and Sassy and a yellow lab named Auggie

What is your dream car? A VW bus or a 4runner

What are your hobbies? Softball, singing, writing, photography

What are you passionate about? Helping others

FASTPITCH:

What are you looking forward to the most during your 2010 season with Lake Land? Having a good year and pitching my best

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to date? Being freshman of the 08-09’ softball year at lakeland

TRAINING:

What is your favorite exercise? Pikes aka abs

Is there an exercise you don't like doing or have to force yourself to complete? Running!

What do you like to do on a day-off? Relax, be a “normal” student

FAVORITES:

Food: Green bean casserole or bread

Vegetable: Green beans

Fruit: strawberries

Candy: skittles

TV Show: That 70’s show

MLB team: Cardinals

Tell us something that most people might not know about you? I speak german!

Sunday Night Supper

Every week we try to meet as a team on Sunday for dinner, or supper as Coach Nelson says. It's an opportunity for all of us to spend some quality family time together outside of the softball field, literally. We usually set up tables next to the field and make our dinner together. Before we eat we say our family greeting, "You are ohana" to the person sitting next to us. Ohana is a term that means family, which we inherited from our Hawaii native, Kolo. Our most recent Sunday night supper was at Coach Nelson's mom's house, better known as Big Al. We roasted weenies and smores, it was excellent! The girls even provided some entertainment, taking turns singing and doing impressions of each other. It was rather amusing.