Off to a Strong Start: Webster 16, Affton 0

You can make all the plans you want when you’re coaching (or teaching) but flexibility is perhaps even more important. That comes into play on Thursday when the Nerinx game, at Kirkwood Athletic Association (KAA) will begin at 5 p.m. instead of the originally planned time.

We did play, as planned, but that was about it as the games moved to WGHS because the grounds crew at AAA couldn't get their fields ready in time. AD Jerry Collins jumped on the gator and opened up the field after this morning’s rain and the coaching staff and managers took it from there. By 4:15 game time, the field was in great shape and it was time to play ball. The JV took the field about 6 p.m. so time and light became a factor.

With the light dimming, the  JV Statesmen eclipsed the Cougars efficiently and expeditiously, closing the game out in the bottom of the 5-run 4^th inning to trigger the 15-run rule. Kelly Collins struck out 7 in her four innings of 2 hit, 0 walk ball. She was supported by strong infield play from Carissa Castro and Nicola Rikand, and a robust offense that banged out 9 hits to supplement walks and hit batsmen. Aggressive baserunning took care of the rest.

More importantly, the girls demonstrated spirit and support for their teammates and the loud bench never allowed the energy to wane. This kind of atmosphere and skill promises an exciting and enjoyable season. The coaches are looking forward to seeing just how high the ceiling of the this team will be, but it smells like Team Spirit to me.

Reminder: our next game is at 5 p.m. at KAA vs. Nerinx. Thanks to Erica Waelterman for the great pix!

Play Ball! Webster v. Affton Tomorrow

Weather permitting and the (Gravois) Creek don’t rise, we have our first pitch tomorrow at Affton Athletic Association fields, immediately following the varsity contest. The Cougars are a little short on players, but rather than cancel the JV, they will try to supplement with leftover or little used varsity players. I’m hopeful that will make the game more competitive. The JV will take the bus with the varsity (around 3 p.m.) and have the opportunity to cheer on their teammates for a while before getting ready for our own first pitch. I would expect we would start no sooner than 5:30, and, of course, perhaps later.

Before revealing the tentative (always tentative) starting lineup, let’s share some news. The Thursday game against Nerinx Hall at Kirkwood Athletic will apparently start around 5 p.m., assuming logistics can be worked out with the umpires. We have added a September 20 game at home vs. the Oakville Tigers. Expect that one to be competitive and a challenge. We are also looking to add a second game with Kirkwood, details to be announced.

Those games are to compensate for two others teams, Parkway North and Parkway West who will also be fielding hybrid JV squads, but without the Affton advantage of lights those games may be curtailed. It also kind of builds in insurance in the event of a rainout that cannot be rescheduled. Activities Director Jerry Collins has done a good job trying to ensure we get to play a full schedule.

The girls have done a great job in running a supportive but competitive preseason, making our job as coaches very difficult in deciding the lineup for this first game. In all my years of coaching (30+ years now), the starting lineup for Game 1 has never been the starting lineup for the season finale. I don’t expect 2017 to be any different. But below is (probably) what we’ll look like as we take the field tomorrow. Join us for another exciting season of Webster softball.

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)

3-Peat: Hancock Tournament Champions (Again)

We travelled to Affton Athletic Saturday to defend our title in the Hancock JV Tournament. Hancock HS was where I spent most of my teaching career and began my softball coaching career.

After some initial confusion as to opponent and location, we finally led off against Affton for the second time this year. Like our first tilt, this game also lasted (almost) 3 innings as Josie Krueger followed Jessica Peterson’s double and circled the bases on a hit and a misplay to end the game. Megan Hayes picked up her fifth win the circle with a 2-hit shutout, benefitting from a nifty double play in the first by Maya Litton to stifle the Cougars.

Game 2 pitted us against Parkway South which, behind Josie Krueger in the circle, was less dramatic than might have been expected, ending in a 5-inning 13-1 victory, put out of reach with a 6-run fifth inning. Our Alaskan import, Rebekah Riefle had the biggest hit, with a 2-RBI triple in the third. Solid defense backed Josie’s 7 strikeouts and the Patriots never really mounted any attack.

The championship contest, like last year, pitted us against DuBourg, which tends to bring some of the biggest, oldest looking JV players to the tournament, and then find all sorts of things to complain about. They did, however, bat all 10 team members. Allyson Peters took the ball but suffered a recurrence of her sore arm and we needed Josie to take over as we trailed 1-0 after a half inning. Claire Kellick answered that run with the obligatory Field 2 homer, a shot down the left field line to the fence, seemingly located in Grantwood Village. Five runs in the second, from the middle of the lineup, featuring hits from freshmen Maya Litton, Megan Hayes, Noel Spatola and Jessica Peterson, made my heart happy for those players and relieved any tension and worry. The game may have ended due to the time limit, but the outcome was no longer in doubt, and the Statesmen added their third straight trophy to the collection (we had never won this tournament until our current seniors won it as freshmen; weather cancelled that group’s chance to defend their title as sophomores).

What I really like about the Hancock Tournament, and the reason we play in it, is because we can bat the lineup and give every girl a chance to show off her skills, both at the plate and in the field. I get nervous that such an approach will cost us a winnable game, and when you’ve been as successful as we have been this year, it’s easy to get greedy and lose sight of our goal of building players. But look at the box scores and you can see that every player contributed and we got offensive production from the top, middle and bottom of the lineup. I’m proud of our girls and how they cheered for and supported each other. This trophy belongs to ALL OF THEM.

I’m trying to come up with a unique way to celebrate this season, which represents the most wins of any team I’ve coached in my career. This year has been special for many reasons and, if we can finish with a win against Cor Jesu, will set additional personal and team benchmarks. I have at least one oddball idea, but no matter what else I might decide to do to commemorate this special season, plan on a trip to Serendipity to spoil your dinner appetite after Tuesday’s game–on me, of course.

Coaching is also about teamwork, and I was lucky to have two strong assistants, Chris Fechtel and....

Kate Wylie

Junior Nicole Preston did a great job as our manager; she was an invaluable asset to both the team and me.

Taking advantage of a time gained by the quick win over Affton to reward some overdue stickers recognizing special achievements and games by our players.

We appreciated the support from the seniors responsible for starting this run of tournament success. 

As always, thanks to Amy Jo Love (and her apprentice) for the pix.