Strathmore Girls Fastpitch hoping for a good year

Times Contributor 

 

The Strathmore Girls Fastpitch Softball teams are getting ready for the 2013 season with spring now here.

League games for all age groups begin during the last weekend in April, followed by mid-week games. There are also various tournaments that the teams will participate in during the season. A total of nine teams will play, with three U10 Mite teams, two U12 Squirt teams, two U14 Pee Wee teams, one U16 Bantam team, and one U18 Midget team.  

One change for this year is that all of the provincial representative teams will fall under the “Strathmore Thunder” club name, with the U12 to U18 levels each having a “rep” team.

There are high expectations on all of the teams participating this year.  

“We began last season with U16 going ‘A’ level for the first time, (and) that is the highest level in fastpitch softball,” said Strathmore Minor Ball Association Girls Director Lanky Johnson. “So the goal this year is (to have) all Thunder provincial teams play at a minimum ‘B’ level in provincials, and work towards ‘A’ level.”

Specifically, this year’s U18 team has a lot of pressure on it. After having a very successful season last year as the U16 team, where they won a bronze medal at “A” provincials, and then placing fifth in the Western Canadian championships, they will be expected to repeat.  

“2013 will be a challenge again, (with) moving up to U18 and trying to do it all (over) again,” said Johnson. “They know what it takes for that elite level, and that is the biggest hurdle.”

However, Johnson also believes that the other provincial representative teams can achieve success this season.

“Our U12, U14, and U16 provincial teams are all capable to medal this year at provincials,” he said.

A significant factor for these high expectations is the talent level that the teams have this season.

“We have never had so much young talent in our younger levels, so if they remain working and enjoying it with their friends, ‘B’ and ‘A’ will not be hard to achieve for years,” said Johnson. “Then as they grow, it can help them with possible college scholarships to go with education and life advancements.”

Despite the expectations, Johnson feels that the overall goal for everyone is to enjoy themselves and have fun, regardless of what level they are playing at.