Youth learn from GSC players
By Staff
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT – Amber James, left, of Meridian gets catcher instructions from University of Central Arkansas' Erin Davis, as Valdosta State's Tammi Momberg, left, University of Central Arkansas' Meredith Mills and Valdosta State's Tonya Coffey offer extra tips. PHOTO BY PAULA MERRITT / THE MERIDIAN STAR
By Jeff Byrd/staff writer
May 4, 2002
Artesian Boyd of Meridian seems to reflect the goals of many of the young girls who were on hand here for the NCAA sponsored, Youth Education through Sports (Y.E.S) girls fast-pitch clinic here at Northeast Park on Friday night.
Acting as instructors for the three-hour clinic were team members from the eight participating schools in this year's Gulf South Conference Women's Fast-Pitch Tournament. The clinic, which serves as a kickoff to the tournament weekend, drew another strong crowd of young softball players from Lauderdale County.
Boyd, who played her first season of prep fast-pitch at Meridian High School, was one of 159 youth players in attendance.
Ebonee Ball, who played with Boyd on Meridian's first-ever fast-pitch team this spring, was also here to improve her skills.
Meridian city councilman George Thomas was gratified to see the clinic operate under beautiful conditions.
Valdosta State slugger Tammie Momberg was one of the 100 or so college players giving the young players tips.
Momberg comes into this weekend as one of the top power hitters in the GSC. She has hit nine home runs for the Lady Blazers this season.
Delta State freshman Lauren Lasuzzo of Monroe, La., was helping with the hitting instruction.
Delta State ace pitcher Niki Genre was out giving pitching tips.
Allison Heflin, 10, of Meridian was able to learn some valuable information about her position, third base.