Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted - I really DO need to do a better job of this! As the Senior Women's Administrator for the Blugold Athletic Department, my focus during the "off season" shifts somewhat to more administrative responsibilities, so I guess I could use that as an excuse, if I were into making excuses. But I'm not really into that, so I'll just admit that I've dropped the ball a bit and move on......
Since my last post, the Blugolds have been busy with a lot of "off season" things - on Saturday, October 25th, some of the players participated in community service by helping with the tear down of Eau Claire Women Rock, an event that is held to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness. That is a cause that is near and dear to the hearts of Blugold Fastpitch, as assistant coach, Robin Baker's mother is a survivor. We are planning a Breast Cancer Awareness event associated with one of our games in the spring as well. Our volleyball team held a special event during one of their games this fall to help with raising money for Breast Cancer and they raised over $6,000! Kudos to Blugold Volleyball!
On October 26th some of our players attended the Blugold Marching Band concert, held in Zorn Arena. It was important for us to have representatives there as a "thank you" to the Marching Band. They have been very supportive of Blugold Athletics, so it's important for us to reciprocate that support.
The Blugold Softball Halloween party is always a "hoot" as we anxiously anticipate the costumes that are going to appear. This year was no different as we saw a resurgence of two former players from the 2008 team (although DNA would prove that it wasn't really them), we had Boo from Monsters, Inc., as well as a dresser (as in what you keep your clothes in in your bedroom). When we have team get togethers, the players are all assigned to bring something to eat - and the coaches supply the main course. In the case of the Halloween party, I'm afraid I set a precendent with Buffalo Wild Wings - no one left hungry and "B-dubs" will be the meal of choice in the future!
Other than studying hard as finals week draws near, the team has been out supporting their peers at other sporting events. They were in full force for the WIAC volleyball tournament, joined by athletes from several other sports, giving the Blugolds a great "home court advantage" and tonight they will be supporting the women's basketball team, which includes 2 softball teammates who will don eye black and cleats in the spring (Heidi Arciszewski - senior, and Jess Freagon - freshman). We're all anticipating a great game between the Blugolds and the Knights from St. Norbert!
As I write this I am sitting in "study hall", which we have each semester, one night per week, for 2 hours. Freshmen are required to attend, and then we have other academic requirements that must be met for players to "get out of" study hall after their freshman year. Study hall is supervised by either myself, or asst. coach, Robin Baker. We feel that our players have really benefitted from this opportunity and they actually requested to have study hall during finals week. We do open this opportunity up to anyone who wants to attend also, not just softball players or student-athletes.
I've gotten kind of long-winded tonight, but had a lot to catch up on. Until next time.......
Coach Huntington
