FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2008

Lions announce softball camps

Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern softball program will be hosting two different camps over the next few months.

The Missouri Southern Softball Academy will feature two different components, one for those in grades 1-7 and another for those in grades 8-12.

The Academy will give student-athletes the opportunity to develop their hitting or pitching skills in a cost-effective manner. Players will receive tips on the skill of hitting, bunting and slap hitting as head coach Bill Gray and the rest of the Lions coaching staff will lead in instruction. The pitchers will be led by MSSU assistants David Wright and Tamika Barnes.

The Elementary Academy (grades 1-7) runs on November 2, 9, 16 and 23 with one hour sessions from 1-4 pm and will be held in Young Gymnasium on the campus of Missouri Southern. The Secondary Academy (grades 8-12) runs on November 30, December 7, 21, and 28 and will have one hour sessions from 1-4 pm in Young Gymnasium, as well. Cost for each session is $15, but those who sign up for the entire four-week session will receive a $10 discount and those who sign up for more than one session in a day will receive a $5 discount. Registration is due by October 24 and each session will be capped at 12 participants.

The MSSU Winter Camp will feature two different components, one on hitting that will run from 9 am to Noon on December 20 and the other on pitching that will run from 1 to 4 pm on that same day. The camps will be held in Young Gymnasium.

Both camps will be led by Coach Gray and his staff and will help to improve on offensive pitching skills of the participants. Hitting tips will will include technique on the proper stance, the mechanics of the swing and short game instruction, including bunting and slap hitting. Pitching tips will include proper snaps and body position, practice techniques for each pitch and game related situations.

Hitters will need to bring batting gloves, bats and helmets, while pitchers will need gloves, balls (if they use smaller than 11") and possibly a catcher. The deadline to register for the Academy will be October 30, while the winter camp will be December 10.

For any questions or for more information on both camps, please contact Coach Gray at gray-w@mssu.edu or at 417-625-9873. Registration forms for the Academy or the Winter Camp can be obtained by clicking on the respective links.