Koach’s Korner from Coach Koz

Hello Blackbeard’s Ballers’ Readers!

I hope each and every one of you is finding some holiday spirit at this time of year, despite the economic woes our country is experiencing. It’s a reminder that we should be thankful for whatever we DO have. As long as we have family and friends and our health, then we should all be thankful.

This fall semester has gone exceptionally fast. Although, the older I get, the faster all time seems to pass…especially when it’s vacation! We had a very productive fall with our team and hope that the hard work and improvements they made will show up in January when we commence team practice again. Due to NCAA rule changes, we were able to practice as a team longer this semester. It worked out wonderful as we got to stretch 28 practices over 45 days. That meant less time in skill work in the month of November, which was good news for Coach Kee and me because skill work means long hours out on the field.

Even though we battled some injuries and rehabilitations this fall (one shoulder rehab, one elbow rehab, two sprained ankles, two knee surgeries, and lots of other woes!) our team moved forward this fall in their skill work, conditioning, and overall strength. The highlight of the fall for me was watching them run a “team marathon relay” over the course of a week and run a 3:25 marathon. They each ran 1.5 miles individually, then completed the last 2.2 of the 26.2 miles as a team. It was a great team effort and they accomplished their goal of running under 3:30.

Coach Kee and I have enjoyed watching this team “define itself” this fall. Each year we wait and see what type of characteristics the team develops, how they deal with adversity, how competitive they are, and how they want to be defined by people outside the program. This season’s team is unique in that a number of individuals have stepped forward to lead in a positive manner, as opposed to one main vocal leader. It’s been a refreshing change to see many competent voices speak up!

Our team has continued its tradition of community service and academic pursuit. We conducted a very successful clinic in Washington, NC for the Dirt Devils Organization. I have to give a big thanks to that organization for also helping us in our annual can drive this year! The team also partook in volunteering at a local road race for charity, the Reindeer Dash for Cash 5k and 10 mile. They helped register all the runners and set up the course. This year we encouraged them to run the 5k as well! All of them ran and finished in respectable times. I ran the 10-miler and made sure to harass our kids as I ran past them in the race, telling them to close the gap. Needless to say, they got me back as I was finishing the race by yelling, “Close the gap!” Kudos to them!

I just want to thank the following people, who have made our fall successful and positive: Danny Wheel (strength coach), Jen Merrill (athletic trainer), Erin and Shakiyia (student trainers), Jamie Quinn (academic coordinator), Allen Lewis (Dirt Devils organization), Deb Aona (for all the goodies she sends our team!), the Shaw’s and Sutton’s (for always baking and/or cooking), and Jane Reel (for keeping a great website up and running!).

Well, I hope all our Pirate supporters have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Please travel safely! We look forward to the arrival of spring and a new season.

Merry Christmas!

Coach Koz

The East Carolina University softball staff will be conducting a 2-day coaches’ clinic January 24-25 for anyone interested in learning more about the game of softball. For more information go to http://www.blackbeardsballers.com/Coaches_Clinic_Flyer[2].htm

ECU Pitching Coach Keli Harrell, the record holder for strikeouts in CUSA along with several ECU records, is offering individual and group pitching lessons. For more information go to http://www.blackbeardsballers.com/Keli_Pitching_Flyer_1.htm