APRIL 20 UPDATE

COMMITMENTS

Lizzy Prescott, P, San Jose, to Humboldt State

Ashley Allen, CA Breeze Gold/Van Meter, to University of New Mexico

Elizabeth Whipkey, 1^st, Case Batbusters, to Eastern New Mexico University

Samantha Rodriguez, IF, Sorcerer Gold, to Marshall University.

Stephanie Sabo, C,UT, Michigan Finesse, to Eastern Michigan.

Mandy Hill, P, Battle Ground HS/Glacier Gold, to Portland State

MONDAY’S NFCA SCOREBOARD

Apr 19, 2004	Southern Illinois Kansas	5 3	10 Innings
Apr 19, 2004	Iowa Western CC Dana (NE)	10 0	5 Innings
Apr 19, 2004	Iowa Western CC Dana (NE)	16 0	5 Innings
Apr 19, 2004	University of Chicago Aurora	5 3	Innings
Apr 19, 2004	Aurora University of Chicago	1 0	Innings
Apr 19, 2004	Tulsa Hawaii	2 1	7 Innings
Apr 19, 2004	Tulsa Hawaii	5 4	7 Innings
Apr 19, 2004	Tiffin Ohio Dominican	7 6	7 Innings
Apr 19, 2004	Ohio Dominican Tiffin	6 0	7 Innings
Apr 19, 2004	Edgewood Marian (WI)	3 0	7 Innings
Apr 19, 2004	Marian (WI) Edgewood	4 0	7 Innings
Apr 19, 2004	Culver-Stockton Evangel	1 0	Innings	Read more >>
Apr 19, 2004	Evangel Culver-Stockton	4 3	9 Innings	Read more >>
Apr 19, 2004	Lesley Castleton State	7 4	Innings
Apr 19, 2004	Castleton State Lesley	13 11	8 Innings

STACEY NUVEMAN

Nothing surprising out of Parma – do congratulate Cat, Jennie, Lori and Lisa on those combined ho-hitters. But, the really welcome news from USA Softball is that Nuvey is back: Stacey Nuveman (LaVerne, CA) got her first start of the year in game two after spending the first part of the tour recovering from minor surgery and she made the most of it. In the game she went 3-for-3 that included a double with four RBI.

SOONERS’ NICOLE DENES OUT FOR SEASON

Denes Sidelined For Remainder Of Season

Courtesy: SoonerSports.com

Release: 04/05/2004

Courtesy: SoonerSports.com
Nicole Denes

NORMAN, Okla. — The Oklahoma softball program announced Monday morning that starting pitcher Nicole Denes will be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a heart arrhythmia.

Denes noticed she had an irregular heart beat while the Sooners were in College Station for their Big 12 opener at Texas A&M on March 27. The condition, medically termed Supraventricular Tachycardia, was diagnosed last week by OU athletics staff cardiologist Dr. Phil Adamson.

“I look at the situation two ways,” explained OU head coach Patty Gasso. “I am so thankful that we caught it early. Dr. Adamson told me something that I will always remember. He said that if we didn’t get this figured out when we did, it could have been one of those tragic situations that you read about in the newspaper. It is a major disappointment for Nicole, but she is a strong woman who is determined to return from this setback.”

Gasso continued, “As a team we are absolutely devastated. Nicole has done a great job for us all year. She carried the staff for the first month of the season. It leaves a big hole in the middle of our pitching staff. We have to stand tall and battle through this adversity. Everyone on this team has to step up their level of play.”

Denes is currently on medication for the condition. In six weeks there will be a determination if surgery is needed. The arrhythmia is located in the lower chamber of her heart.

Coach Gasso indicated that the medical staff believes Denes can return to playing softball and she added, “We expect, and Nicole expects, to be in our lineup next season.”

Denes was the ace of the Sooner staff for the first month of the season when junior Kami Keiter was sidelined with a strained biceps. Denes finishes the 2004 campaign with a 16-6 record, 1.77 ERA, five shutouts, 12 complete games and 128 strikeouts in 142.1 innings of work. The sophomore hurler was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Week on March 2 and currently ranks in the top-six of seven different Big 12 pitching categories.

The Sooners are down to two healthy pitchers at the moment. Junior April Valdez has a cracked rib that causes severe pain when she throws. There is no timetable set for her return to the pitching circle, although Valdez is capable of hitting with the ailment. Valdez will likely serve as OU’s No. 2 pitcher in the absence of Denes. She is currently 2-1 on the season with a 2.27 ERA.

Remaining on the short staff are Keiter and freshman Jessica Johnson. Keiter, an All-American in 2003, is 6-6 on the season with a 1.13 ERA in 87 innings of work. Johnson is 4-0 with a 2.43 ERA in 31.2 innings pitched.

Spy comment: Nicole: you have our prayers and support. Watching you hold the fort while Kami was down reminded me of the summer you were pitching every game for Katy Cruisers while Cat was away. Boulder in particular was like an endurance contest but you persevered. I have every confidence that same kind of strength and determination will see you through your medical problem. Rayburn

A SOFTBALL FAMILY BATTLES CANCER

Sarah Bryers, who signed with the University of Illinois (2004 Recruiting Class)., and plays for the Chicago White Sox Training Academy in the summer is the subject of a profile in the Chicago media which tells the story of how her family has come together to deal with her mother's cancer. Heartwarming story about a player who puts family first and doesn't let adversity get her down.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/softball/cs-040401prepsoftpreview,1,5136306.story?coll=cs-hs-softball-print

A BIT MORE ON CLUBS

A READER ASKS: Can clubs play defense? At their level of competition – yes. You can’t compare their infielders with Olympians like Natasha Watley, Lovie Jung et al, and few if any would challenge UCLA’s Lisa Dodd at short, but, playing below the D1 level, you can sit back and appreciate fielders like Virginia’s Sarah Panek who turned several fine plays. Or, take Navy’s first game on Sunday, tied with runners on and two out. A line drive rockets to the fence, but Abby Brandon fired the ball to shortstop Katie Bland who whirled and roped a throw to catcher Jamie Lupo for the tag. Ordinary? Navy was playing on a slow pitch field with 300 foot fences! One heck of a throw!

ASA seeks applicants for Associate Director of Membership Services
4/20/2004

Oklahoma City, OK---The Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States, seeks applicants for the position of Associate Director of Membership Services. This individual’s primary responsibility will be Umpire Program Manager.

This position is a Division Supervisor II position and is responsible for promoting and coordinating the overall development of ASA Umpire Program. The salary range for the position is $44,456-$54,353.

Interested applicants should include a resume and a cover letter explaining why they wish to fill the position. Applicants will be screened and a select number will be invited to interview in Oklahoma City in mid June. The successful candidate will be brought on board as soon as possible but no later than October 1st.

Applications for the Associate Director of Membership Services will be accepted until May 21, 2004.

Applications should be mailed to the following address:

ASA National Office

c/o Craig Cress, Associate Director of Membership Services / Umpire Program Manager Search

2801 NE 50th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73111

Primary Responsibility: UMPIRE PROGRAM MANAGER

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Promote and coordinate the overall development of ASA Umpire Program working with the Local Associations and giving direction to the National Umpire Staff.

2. Responsible for providing Rule Interpretations and serving as playing rules interpreter for ASA, providing interpretation through written correspondence, e-mail, telephone and “Balls and Strikes”.

3. Responsible for directing the National Umpire Staff to arrange periodic meetings and assignments for these members. Provides direction and oversees the National Deputy Director and Regional Umpires-In-Chief.

4. Responsible for the preparation of necessary videos, materials and publications relating to umpire programs and activities, such as bulletins, memorandums, and training material.

5. Responsible for Umpires at National Championships and will establish assigned umpire totals; select at-large umpires; maintain all records leading to, during, and following the tournaments; and maintains liaison with organizing committees for umpire related activities at the tournament.

6. Responsible for coordinating all National Umpire Schools with regional directors, local commissioners, and local coordinators, including the promotion, scheduling, registration, budgeting, ordering materials and supplies, assigning instructors and reviewing school content.

7. Responsible for working with ASA Committees and serving as secretary to Playing Rules Committee and Umpire Committee, making recommendations to each committee as necessary through out the year and at the annual meeting.

8. Responsible for coordinating dates, times and agenda for biennial Umpire in Chief Workshop.

9. Responsible for handling ASA Code related items and other Membership Services Department supervisory functions in the absence of the Membership Services Director.

10. Assist the Communications Department by being a contributing writer as needed for magazine and website articles.

11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required / Desired Skills:

1. Computer skills and knowledge required.

2. College degree desired.

3. Ability to be self starter as well as work in team environment to assist the Membership Services Department in providing quality customer service.

The ASA uses a five ( 5 ) step salary system and the pay range for this position is $44,456-$54,353.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

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