Meeting Details Provide 2008-09 Task List

Last night, Varsity Head Coach Jim Marron laid out the tasks the softball programs players and parents need to accomplish in coming months. Marron also introduced Dave Kimmer as the new Varsity Assistant Coach (Kimmer coached JV last season) and Stephanie Hemmingson as the JV-2 Coach. Hemmingson is a recent graduate of Kenyon College where she pitched for the Ladies softball squad. The new JV coach - who is also a PE teacher at Beaverton - did not attend.

Marron handed out two important packets of information. The first was a fundraising package which included sample letters for players to send to friends and acquaintences who might want to support their softball careers. Marron asked that all players send out these letters, which have proven to be successful ways of raising money for the program. He also noted that outfield banners are available at a cost of $500 for 2 seasons. These are typically purchased by businesses or parents.

Marron noted that the program's major fundraiser - the Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction - will take place during basketball season. All players should plan on created a "basket" for the Silent Auction. There are many possible baskets and good ideas are available on the internet. In addition, Silent Auction items are needed. Almost anything can be a good auction item. If you would like to help with procurement or other event needs, please email Diane Evans at wagontire@yahoo.com. There is much work to do, and if everyone participates it is much easier to get it all done.

The second packet contained all the permission forms necessary for the team's spring break trip. These forms do not need to be completed immediately, but families should plan on getting them finished early so that there is no rush to complete them in the spring.

Marron noted that the location of the spring trip is up in the air - the previously planned trip to South Carolina is not going to work out as the schools Spring Break are at a different time in that state. Current possibilities include Northern California, Medford or Las Vegas.

Marron also laid out a general schedule. In late October, there will be "open gym" times available for pitching and hitting practices. These will continue through November and December based on the OSAA schedule. Tryouts will be in late February. The first week will be dedicated to activities such as conditioning and throwing. The second week will be on-field softball skills. He also noted that there are no restrictions on players participation in ASA softball practices or tournaments as long as they don't directly interfere with official BHS practices or games.

If at all possible, players of all skill levels should be working on their softball skills outside of open gym times. If your player does not have a winter skills workout opportunity, please contact the coaching staff.

Please note that if you are not receiving emails from Coach Marron (or if you would like to add a second or third email address for your family to the distribution list) please contact Jim at BHS.Softball@verizon.net.