Spring Break
Column: Team stays loose in OVC play
Kevin Murphy / Sports Editor
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: Sports
The Eastern softball team's ability to have fun this season has come from almost any team member.
They can be seen dancing in the infield, outfield or near the dugout.
It's part of Eastern head coach Kim Schuette's plan for the team to stay relaxed and have a fun atmosphere.
Despite Eastern's five-game losing streak, the Panthers are all smiles before a game and after a game as well, despite a loss.
"It's a different person each time," Schuette said about her team and the ability to produce a spark.
Schuette said Eastern junior right fielder Denee' Menzione leads the team in singing and dancing. She also leads the team in home runs.
Schuette said Eastern junior second baseman Megan Nelson inserts her comments here and there.
Schuette said red-shirt junior center fielder Angie Danca is a different leader, and seniors, shortstop Sarah Coppert and pitcher Kathleen Jacoby, are quiet.
Coppert, Nelson and Jacoby told the team at the beginning of the season that it could be any person to step up this season.
They focus on how to improve themselves throughout the season, and while the Panthers (24-19) have had bumps in the road, it's game by game for all of them.
That's something that's not easily done with eight newcomers. They take wins and losses as a cohesive unit. And they want to win every single game.
"That's something I am proud of," Schuette said. "I don't think we turn to the same person for spunk or the same person to kick us in the butt either."
This good balance of emotion and having a fun, relaxed atmosphere could carry the Panthers.
Kevin Murphy can be reached at 581-7944 or at kjmurphy@eiu.edu.
They can be seen dancing in the infield, outfield or near the dugout.
It's part of Eastern head coach Kim Schuette's plan for the team to stay relaxed and have a fun atmosphere.
Despite Eastern's five-game losing streak, the Panthers are all smiles before a game and after a game as well, despite a loss.
"It's a different person each time," Schuette said about her team and the ability to produce a spark.
Schuette said Eastern junior right fielder Denee' Menzione leads the team in singing and dancing. She also leads the team in home runs.
Schuette said Eastern junior second baseman Megan Nelson inserts her comments here and there.
Schuette said red-shirt junior center fielder Angie Danca is a different leader, and seniors, shortstop Sarah Coppert and pitcher Kathleen Jacoby, are quiet.
Coppert, Nelson and Jacoby told the team at the beginning of the season that it could be any person to step up this season.
They focus on how to improve themselves throughout the season, and while the Panthers (24-19) have had bumps in the road, it's game by game for all of them.
That's something that's not easily done with eight newcomers. They take wins and losses as a cohesive unit. And they want to win every single game.
"That's something I am proud of," Schuette said. "I don't think we turn to the same person for spunk or the same person to kick us in the butt either."
This good balance of emotion and having a fun, relaxed atmosphere could carry the Panthers.
Kevin Murphy can be reached at 581-7944 or at kjmurphy@eiu.edu.
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