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BISON
SOFTBALL NEWS |
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Hey there! This is the first issue of the Bison Softball News that will appear on the website. I am very excited about this because now you have to look up the website in order to get the information that will be here. (I always have a plan, they may not always work, but I always have a plan) IT'S THAT CHRISTMAS SEASON...
Anyway....Merry Christmas! I hope you all are having a safe, happy holiday. I hope you all get what you want for Christmas but also keep in mind the spirit of Christmas and what it really stands for. I , for one, feel extremely blessed because of my families. Families??? Yes, I have more than one that I consider family. I have my biological family, Sue, Allie, Maddie and Jake. I also have my extended family found in the athletes that I have to opportunity to work with and help improve their skills. I have the best job in the world working and coaching at Great Falls High. Thank you to all of you who make my life a joy. OPEN GYM SCHEDULE We have had a few open gyms since November. We have met on Tuesdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. There have been times when the basketball team has been in there late and we need to remember that the basketball team has priority since they are in their season. We can get ready off to the side or in the foyer if necessary. Please stay out of the way and keep the noise level down when the coach's are trying to give instruction. When the basketball team is finished we can get started. It is very important that we work together and respect the other's needs. Thank you for your cooperation. After the Christmas break, we will resume the open gyms twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Again, the purpose of open gyms is to allow you an opportunity to work on your game preferably the weaknesses of you game. Come ready to work and get better. Please don't turn it into a social gathering. We are always looking to improve that this is an excellent opportunity to do so. Remember your goals and what you want to accomplish. Visualize what you want to see happen and do whatever it takes to make it appear.
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UNIFORM SUGGESTIONS It has come to my attention that some of you want a "new" top for our uniforms. I am always open for suggestions, especially from the seniors. As in the past, we will fund raise through sponsorships and you will have an opportunity to earn your jersey if you don't want to pay out of pocket. Some suggestions have been, 1. A pinstriped top to go with our pants. 2. Another navy top with a different lettering used in front. Don't forget that we do have the black uniforms and we can use them if need be. If you have ANY suggestions, please let me know your ideas.
2004 POSTER DESIGN Again, this is a challenge every year. We have seen lot's of ideas and we need to come up with something unique. It is always easier to brainstorm with many brains participating rather than relying on Nap's , Barrett's and mine. (Together, we might make one). Please share ideas and thoughts with me so that I can get the wheels rolling.
COACH BARRETT UPDATE
Coach Barrett underwent an operation that fused his ankle. He has been bothered with this bad wheel for quite some time. You may have noticed that he lost a little speed and the bad ankle has altered his ability to moon walk. (and we thought it was because he's got no rhythm). Anyway, he has been laid up for awhile and was told not to put any weight on his ankle until February. If you know Randy, this will not be an easy task. He has sent out emails updating his conditions and his daily challenges. They are funny....no...more than that....they are hilarious. Please call him and wish him well....we need him to hit infield and demonstrate the "STOP, DROP AND ROLL" upon hitting the ball.
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NEW COACH HIRED As you know, Amy Birkenbuel has decided not to continue coaching with the Bison Softball team. Her decision is based on many factors but mainly the fact that she is getting married, wants to get her Master degree complete and didn't think she could put forth the time and effort she wanted to toward you and this program. I applaud her decision and wish her nothing but the best. It just shows you how unselfish she is because she didn't want to hurt this program in any way. Now for the good news....We are lucky to have, right in our building, Kylene Johnson. Kylene is a graduate of CMR, BYU and is a first year teacher here at Great Falls High. She played second base for the Rustlers the first year they one the State title. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach her during my three years as an assistant over there. Kylene, as a player, was very focused, very good and exhibited a great love for the game itself. She was the ultimate TEAM player and a great role model. I am so happy to have her on staff and I must let you all know that she had two coaching offers, CMR and here and she chose here! That tells you a lot about her and her loyalty to this school. Once practice starts you will see for yourself her enthusiasm, knowledge, communication skills and her love for the game. THE OUTLOOK FOR 2004 Well, I'm not going to sugar coat anything. We will have our work cut out for us. We will have to work hard and fight for every win. There are teams out there that are improving drastically. We need to keep pace with them. With what we have coming back, we should be able to compete with everyone in our conference. What are our weaknesses? Leadership always comes into play whenever you have a team competing in the sport. We need leaders that take the role as assistant coaches and help the team reach it's goals. Pitching will be tested this year. This is the first year we WON'T have a returning starter coming back. Hitting is always a concern. WE need to hit better. We need to have multiple hitters in the .300 avg. area. Other teams are doing it and we need to also. It will keep the pressure off our untested Pitching staff. Happy Holidays and God Bless. See you after Christmas -Coach O.
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