Working at Winning With Class: Webster 24, Parkway North 0

Still waiting for a true test. Parkway North might have been the weakest opponent yet, but our girls did a great job of “winning with class.” They kept their energy up despite the obvious mismatch (The Vikings recorded 6 outs against us, 3 of which came from “leaving early,” to which we called the umpire’s attention; a 4^th came from a bases loaded bunt). It was a challenge to even give outs without deliberately striking out, something I’d never ask a girl to do. In any case, our cumulative score for 4 games: 12.5 innings, 76-1.

Looking forward to a good practice tomorrow and more competitive games on Wednesday (away against Parkway Central) and Thursday (home against Kirkwood). The latter we fully expect to give us a true challenge. Parkway Central is kind of a “You never know.” It’s ranged from blowouts (our way) to a 3-2 loss just a few years ago. One thing we do know is that our girls will give a spirited performance and their best effort.

No practices on Friday or Monday, but we’ll work hard next Tuesday to get ready for Francis Howell Central (Wednesday) and Hazelwood West (Thursday), then another prep day (short but intense) getting ready for the challenging Fort Zumwalt Tournament. Every team member is guaranteed one start in every tournament. If your weekend schedule makes one game more accessible to parents and/or grandparents (I’m kind of sensitive to the grandparent thing, not that it has much chance of ever being an issue for me in an athletic competition), please let me know and I will try to accommodate. Also, I had more (good) pictures, but hotel internet is dreadfully slow. Check back tomorrow night to see if I was able to add some to this batch.

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)

2 Hot 2 Play 2 Long: Webster 16, Parkway North 0

When I learned the reason for the postponement of our game with Parkway North, that they wouldn't have enough eligible players until today, I pretty much anticipated how this would go, because it meant they had run around on the first day of school recruiting bodies to play softball. Even at that, they had just 9 players; not even all their prospective subs were eligible.

We took advantage to sub in early for this conference game, after the first time through the lineup. For all that, the girls did a good job of moving up in the box and waiting on the slow pitcher to hit several balls hard. We stopped stealing early and our pitching and the little defense we were required to show were too good for the Viking bats. Not more to say about this.

Tomorrow against Francis Howell Central should be much more challenging and enjoyable. Thursday we travel to Hazelwood West. We will have a short practice Friday to get ready for the Saturday tournament. I'll post more details and the bracket tomorrow.