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Lun1berja k Sports Page 7 Alpena Community College May 6, 2003 5 0 / 5 0 G am e S c o re L e a v e s New Softball Program Room For Im rovemen t ShouldAdvanceTeam BRODERICK KNIGHT Staff Writer From good times, to bad times, to tough times, to rough times, the Lady Lumberjacks have seen them all. With their record at 7 -7 they have lots of room for improvement. The ladies head coach, Noel Schlueter, stated, "We have learned more about our team chemistry, it's also a lot easier making the line-ups, since we're able to practice outside." Coach Schlueter is pleased with the teams playing abilities but she is still determined to cover and fix the little things. Noel believes that after the Rachael Bennett, a member of the team, said, "As a team we are great. We just need to work on our team attitude, fundamentals and we need to get focused." According to Emilee Werda, member of the team, "We are tied with Delta for third in the conference, but we should be in second." After playing St. Clair on April 25, 26, 27m their record improved to 11-9. The Lady Jacks lost one game on Friday the 25m but came back the next two days with a winning sweep. Coach Noel thinks the team still has a shot at regionals and even possibly state. LAURIE PUROL Staff Writer Fair, tough, and respected, Noel Schlueter, the head softball coach, is dedicated to developing a winning team Under Coach Frank McCourt, Noel was an assistant for one year. This is her second season as the head coach. Shannon Woloszykis her assistant, also in her second year. Coach Schlueter, formerly a pitcher, played ball for the University ofSouthRoridain Tampa for two years. She transferred to Central Michigan University and received a Masters in Exercise Science . . team gets their bunting and base running down they will be well off. "We just have to finish strong, and also let the 1st and 2nd place teams bump their own heads," Noel stated. Photo By JoBeth Johnson ACC's Softball team plays at Huron Shores Baseball Coach Woloszyk, formerly a catcher, played at Alma College for three years. This pitcher-catcher dual works well together to improve the softball program at ACC. Diamond. Ashley Yarrington Shares Softball Skills With Teammates Photo By JoBeth Johnson Ashley Yarrington waits for the batter to strike out. CONNIE IRLAND Staff Writer Ashley Yarrington is very focused and competitive, but still a team player, and a real asset to the team, said Assistant Softball Coach Shannon Woloszyka. Ashley Yarrington gets very caught up in whatever she does, and for .uch of her life that has been softball. What makes Ashley such an asset to the team is that she knows the sport well and is willing to share that knowledge with others. She is frequently seen on the field during practices showing others how they can improve their game said Woloszyka. Ashley has been involved in the game since she was young. She started off in T-ball and then softball. She got ,es,,yi~,,la.~lo~ a~, CJ"let::.cfJ ool<!>to'l:.e i.n.vi.tet, 11-ou to !>hop c/'l°i/, S" - 9" an.d 'Ceceive l / J tJff a e/oth..ln.3- cJ'u'l:.c/,.at,e & 25% tJff a 8,lfi CJ.tent. cft.pne.nu,etc ... an <:fief!. 3-lf't e_e-r.tifi.cate /J, alw"'a'~ a ,3-'C•at $,-r.aduatlon. 3-ift! CWe will De open. c/f.a.8- 8" u.n.tiL 7 p.,n. involved in the Junior Olympic Travel Team where she has traveled all over the United States. Since options in Gay lord were limited she joined the Grand Rapids Blaze. For three years she traveled to Grand Rapids for three hours of practice three days a week. she- got older and more ca ght up in high school she tr eled to Grand Rapids less frequently. This summer will be her last one with that team since the cut off age is 18. Ashley also enjoys working with kids. She has spent time helping out with softball and little league camps. She has helped them with their pitching, or has taught them to hold a bat. Ashley loves being involved and her participation has proven to be a real asset to ACC's softball team. od Schlueter strives for the entire team to grasp an understanding of why they do the drills at practice. By explaining the drills to the players, they then understand how they apply to game situations. Jennie Noffze, an outfielder, said "Coach drives us to perform to our full potential. She expects nothing less. The team feels that the players are the coaches' first priority. The coaches want to be with the team." Julie DePrekel, catcher/second base, agrees withNoffze. "Coach has high expectations for the team. She is fair but tough. The team respects her." The softball team has a tremendous amount of talent So many choices it'll go to your nead Save 75¢ on the Smoothie of your choice. l1mlt OM per customer. Pr-t before ordering. G~ onl)t ~e!'rtklpatlng locatlo115. ~good with a,;y ~• offers, "=""" )Mlere prphlblte<f. Cash value moo of a cent. Inside Lud's • Good for one week onl . Good for two weeks onl . this year said Schlueter. 'The key to winning is to maintain focus; the girls need to react to situations on the field instinctively. This comes from practice. The team knows my expectations up front, they respect that..." added Schlueter. Coach Schlueter says that Woloszyk and she compliment each other. Every aspect of the game is discussed between the two, from field situations to the chemistry of the team. Woloszyk agrees, "Coach respects my ability. I enjoy working with her." The program will improve, according to ACC Coach Schlueter, over time. Both coaches attend top level National Conferences which provide information to support Olympic level competition. In December of 2002, the coaches attended the National Fast Pitch Coaches' Association Conference (NFCA) held in Rorida. There were speakers from the Olympic team and top- notch coaches coming from throughout the United States. Every aspect of the game was covered in this conference. By developing clinics and camps, said Schlueter, we will be able to influence the area's softball programs, and ACC's future teams will become stronger as a result. ACC has the resources and ability at this level to help the surrounding area softball programs. Schlueter has future plans of holding clinics for softball players in fifth through seventh grade to begin with and then to build on that.