2008 Woodie Awards
Softball Season Canceled, Team Rebuilds For Next Year
Dan Racciopo
Issue date: 4/15/06 Section: Flyer Sports
- Page 1 of 1
The first pitch for the softball team will have to wait 12 months while they rebuild and prepare for next season.
The softball season has been cancelled, due to the lack of participants making up the roster. Only eight girls were on the roster as of press time.
Last season, they were in a similar situation, but did field a team ending the season with a total of twelve players on their roster. However, last seasons close call became a reality this year.
The director of athletics (AD), Kevin McGinniss did not want to comment on why they played last year and not this year, as he was not in control when that situation presented itself, as he took the position on Oct.11 of last year and the softball season took place from April 5 through May 4, 2005.
Eight players are not even enough to field a team, as it takes a minimum of nine.
McGinniss had the duty to tell the eight girls who already signed up for the team that they would not be participating in softball this season.
McGinniss said "I wouldn't say they were totally surprised." He called the girls "understandably disappointed."
McGinniss, in regards to being able to field a team, said, "I knew it would be close." "I thought everyone was optimistic for 15 (players)."
McGinniss said they "lack a total program." "From A to Z we have to look forward to rebuilding this program."
"My goal for next year is that the women's softball team has 18 players," said McGinniss. He said he is looking to recruit from outside and within the school, saying everyone is eligible to play for them next season.
McGinniss said, "With all due respect (to those on the roster) we are almost starting from the ground up. It's a process. You have to lay down a solid foundation to build on."
He said that if one went by rule of thumb, it takes about three to five years to build a strong team.
As far as immediate goals, McGinniss said, "Our primary goal right now is to recruit." We have to recruit quality student athletes," he added. "We are moving ahead to make sure next fall we have a representable team."
Part of rebuilding began with a new head coach. Jacqueline Huffman was named interim head softball coach after the release of Joe Keelin, who coached years of women's basketball for the past two seasons and was scheduled to coach the women's softball team this season.
In a March 16 press release, McGinniss stated, "I am confident that she will take the steps necessary to move our softball program forward."
Last season, the softball team posted a 2-22 overall record breaking an over 80 game losing streak.
The softball season has been cancelled, due to the lack of participants making up the roster. Only eight girls were on the roster as of press time.
Last season, they were in a similar situation, but did field a team ending the season with a total of twelve players on their roster. However, last seasons close call became a reality this year.
The director of athletics (AD), Kevin McGinniss did not want to comment on why they played last year and not this year, as he was not in control when that situation presented itself, as he took the position on Oct.11 of last year and the softball season took place from April 5 through May 4, 2005.
Eight players are not even enough to field a team, as it takes a minimum of nine.
McGinniss had the duty to tell the eight girls who already signed up for the team that they would not be participating in softball this season.
McGinniss said "I wouldn't say they were totally surprised." He called the girls "understandably disappointed."
McGinniss, in regards to being able to field a team, said, "I knew it would be close." "I thought everyone was optimistic for 15 (players)."
McGinniss said they "lack a total program." "From A to Z we have to look forward to rebuilding this program."
"My goal for next year is that the women's softball team has 18 players," said McGinniss. He said he is looking to recruit from outside and within the school, saying everyone is eligible to play for them next season.
McGinniss said, "With all due respect (to those on the roster) we are almost starting from the ground up. It's a process. You have to lay down a solid foundation to build on."
He said that if one went by rule of thumb, it takes about three to five years to build a strong team.
As far as immediate goals, McGinniss said, "Our primary goal right now is to recruit." We have to recruit quality student athletes," he added. "We are moving ahead to make sure next fall we have a representable team."
Part of rebuilding began with a new head coach. Jacqueline Huffman was named interim head softball coach after the release of Joe Keelin, who coached years of women's basketball for the past two seasons and was scheduled to coach the women's softball team this season.
In a March 16 press release, McGinniss stated, "I am confident that she will take the steps necessary to move our softball program forward."
Last season, the softball team posted a 2-22 overall record breaking an over 80 game losing streak.
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