JV Softball

By Janelle Vogel and
Rhonda Landwehr
“You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and the best you have to give.”

The JV 2002 softball season began with an unfamiliar sense, the cold, wintry weather not usually a distinctive characteristic of a softball season, and the presence of two new coaches. However, the tedious and not-so-exciting practices in the gym brought about a desire to get outside and play. Through hard work and the willingness to adjust to other positionS the JV team was well on its way to a thriving season. The first game of the season against Howard Lake may have brought the girls their first loss, but it initiated also the concept of team “pow wows”, which provided a team connection because the girls themselves expressed team achievements and successes and communicated the areas needing improvement. The remainder of the season had its positive attributes and its bumps in the road. A major obstacle was playing with the uncooperative weather. Other bumps in the road were the injuries that occurred throughout the season. (Remember girls, no participation in other activities, except softball, during the season.)

Nonetheless, the positive attributes overshadowed the bumps in the road. The team ended with an overall season record of 5-11, which proved to be a great improvement from the previous season. However, the win-loss record was not the only improvement that transpired. Other improvements included the hard work and determination to play their desired positions, insight to the mental and physical competence to not only play the game but also to win, the essential softball techniques and mechanics, and the positive focus that emerged as the season continued.

A final thought for the season. An admired and experienced coach once said to remember and express to your players “that it is only a game.” Therefore, no matter what the numbers in the scorebook reveal, you are all winners because as players and individuals you encompass values of life and athletics through participation and the dedication to get involved and have an impact.

The JV coaches would like to thank the JV team and those eighth grade girls who were willing to give their time and efforts as JV players as well as the Varsity girls for a memorable season.

Again, thank you for an awesome season, and we look forward to what next season will bring!

Also, a special thanks to Coach Riess for his 25 years!