Mark Up Another: Webster 15, Nerinx 0

Early season games are a chance to find ourselves, to learn what we can do individually and as a team. So far there’s been a lot to like, although it’s important to note that we have yet to face significant competition. That may change tomorrow when we travel north to Pattonville to face the Pirates in our conference opener.

Nevertheless, we played another solid defensive game, used our speed with heady baserunning to supplement our hitting, and featured strong pitching as Taylor Knapp picked up her first JV win over our neighbors from Nerinx Hall. Nicola Rikand also made her debut in the circle and dominated the Markers.

But what is pleasing the coaches more than the easy wins or even good pitching and play is the energy emanating from the bench, the camaraderie of the team as they add to their cohesiveness to grow as a team. They continue to work hard to improve individually and collectively, enjoying the great game of softball while they grow as players. They are a joy to watch and coach, from pregame to postgame, we are having fun! Looking forward to having more as the season progresses.

On the Eve of the 2017 Season

As we begin (what I think is) my 40^th high school softball season, 22 at Webster. (At the end of this post, I have included an excerpt of a letter sent to Coach Gibson after the recently completed Sullivan Tournament. It helps explain why that number at Webster is so high. And I want to thank our parents for raising young women who practice good sportsmanship and for modeling it for your daughters.) Our first game is Tuesday against the Cougars of Affton at Affton Athletic on Gravois (4:15 start time).

We are carrying 14 girls this season. I mentioned it to the girls the other day, but there are two ways to get better: playing and practice. Girls don’t have much control over playing time, but you can remind her that every day, every practice, every drill, every warm-up, every catch and throw counts, and is a chance to get better and to demonstrate her skills and growth as a player. We have a deep squad, so encourage your player to work hard at improving all aspects of her game.

This blog will be updated (theoretically) after each game, complete with a summary, comments, and box score, and occasionally pictures, especially if a parent wants to take photos. I do have a camera that should allow for that opportunity – or you can use your own. If we have a parent or two who are scorekeeping nerds, there is a program (Game Changer) that works on an iPhone or iPad (data plan needed) that would allow other parents to follow the game in real time for those who can’t make it to whatever field we’re playing at. Let me know if either of these “opportunities” appeals to you (bobberndt530@gmail.com).

Occasionally I will post and/or tweet (follow at either @CoachBerndt or @berndtsbuddies (I don’t want to throw any assistant coach under the bus but I didn’t pick that handle nor will I actually send those tweets)) the projected starting lineup for that day’s game, subject to last minute changes due to absence, or injury, of course. Speaking of that, if your daughter will NOT be available for whatever reason, as much advance notice as you can provide will be appreciated.

I’m looking forward to the season, mostly because I like the way this team is coming together, rooting for and supporting each other. I’m lucky to be supported by three strong assistant coaches, Tim Cerutti (someone with whom I can share random cultural references), Dave Knapp, and Kate Wylie, as well as the varsity team of Head Coach Bryan Gibson, Sam Pitlyk, Chris Fechtel, Emma Buckles and Kyra Navia. That’s a lot of instruction available, although practices will be limited as the games get going. Speaking of which, here’s our schedule (we’re Road Warriors early) through the end of this month, including two under the lights:

August 22 – Affton at AAA Field (approximately 6:15 start, after the varsity)

August 24 – Nerinx Hall at KAA (6 p.m. start)

August 25 – @ Pattonville H.S. (finally an afternoon game, 4:15 start)

August 28 – @ Parkway North (following the varsity game, ‘til we run out of light)

August 30 – @ Parkway Central (4:15 start)

August 31 – vs. Kirkwood (4:15 start)

Excerpts from the letter mentioned above: 

Dear Mr. Gibson, athletic program members, and other Administrators,

Hello, my name is Brad Hinson and I am a certified MSHSAA softball, baseball, and football official.  I can’t say I have ever done this before but I have never seen what Webster Groves softball team showed before at any sport and at any level….

Webster Groves softball, was led with the highest sportsmanship and all around positive teaching methods for the students I have ever seen.  It started with the head coach, goes down to the players and to the fans.  I have never encountered such a team to call a game for…. Typically, most don't have respect for the rules and the continuity of the game they are playing and think the official has to be yelled at no matter what.  I have informed my colleagues in my associations if they ever get a chance to call your [Webster] games to jump at the chance.  It was truly a pleasurable experience to stand behind the plate and call pitches for your team.  The most professionalism I have ever seen on the field of play.  For the first time in over 8 years of officiating MSHSAA contests I can honestly say that they were an extension of the classroom.  Fantastic all around … and an upbeat attitude even when you weren't at your best.  The girls never showed defeat and they seemed positive all the way to the end and congratulated the other team on a job well done with an eagerness to be great sportsman and civil ladies like no other….

I really just want to thank you for making a hot, humid, and otherwise miserable weather day in a contest the most fun I have ever had.  If the softball teams speaks for all of your district if I move for my kids to be in a positive environment learning in a classroom, and sports, I will look at Webster Groves as your entire organization was quite impressive.  I hope to see you in the future ….

Sincerely,

Brad Hinson (MSHSAA Official #108904)

Oh No No for a Freshman Debut -- Webster 15, Nerinx Hall 0

A new coaching staff for our neighbors, the Nerinx Hall Markers. promises a brighter future, but growing pains will keep them from being competitive for at least this year. The good news for them is that they have Affton on their schedule. Somebody will get a win, although it’s not a game I would want to watch. But again we managed to get all 15 eligible players at least an at bat. 

Freshman Megan Hayes made her debut in the circle for the Statesmen and extended the no-walk streak started yesterday to 6 innings. She also didn’t allow any hits or runs as we ended the game on the 15-run rule and a 15-0 final.

Again the girls did a great job of showing respect and good sportsmanship for a weaker opponent, staying involved despite the score and, after some opening inning jitters, playing strong defense and hitting the ball solidly when it actually came over the plate, which wasn’t all that often. I try to walk at least 3 miles a day in the ‘hood (dodging the driving denizens of Laclede Groves as well as those who think those stripes at intersections are decorative), but not nearly as much as our team, so far, as we added 13 more walks today. Guin Ellsworth had a good day both behind and at the plate, as she drove in 4 runs.

The girls did a good job of not letting some very strange calls by the umpires disturb them. Just as well, as we might still be batting were it not for blue awarding 3 of Nerinx’s 8 outs via creative umpiring. We’ll save our questions for games where it might matter.

We’re looking forward to that getting started on Friday when we open our conference schedule at home against the usually tough Pattonville Pirates. They beat us 3-2 in 2013, we returned the favor, 5-2 in 2014, and played one of our poorer games last year, using 13-4. Statesmen vs. Pirates. Hmmmm. Too many possibilities to get in trouble, so I’ll just leave it there and hope to see you at the field. Thanks to Amy Jo Love for the pix.