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Showing them the ropes

The Alpena Community College softball team began its three-day summer camp on Wednesday. The camp consists of infield, outfield, pitching and catching drills before ending with hitting lessons. The camp began at 10 am and runs until 5 pm and will be similar for the next two days.

“We’re trying to rebuild this program and this camp gives us exposure. Along with building our program, I want to enhance the area, because originally this camp was just open to the older kids, but I had a lot of people ask and show interest, so we decided to open it up to all ages which ended up being a good thing,” ACC softball coach Shelley Hance said.

The goal for the camp is to gain knowledge and learn about the fundamentals and techniques closely related to all areas of the game. Hance is hoping that the kids gain a better understanding of what positions they want to play and get a good start on their mechanics while working on and improving their skills.

There is plenty of help during the camp as three knowledgeable coaches are helping run the camp and teaching these young athletes. Along with Hance, ACC assistant coach Kaili Ponik, current ACC pitcher Ashley Meyers and former Drury University standout Molly Bender are helping run the camp. Bender has also spent time coaching at several schools, while being a pitching coach out in California. She has spent time at Drury University and at Grand Rapids Community College as a pitching instructor.

Ponik was a standout behind the plate, catching for the University of Michigan Dearborn as she put together a solid collegiate career. Ponik will be in her second season as an assistant coach for the Lumberjacks during the 2016-2017 season.

Meyers will be a returning captain for ACC and was a star pitcher at Posen High School. Meyers is from the area and is giving back to the community and area that she grew up in.

“I am absolutely excited to have all of these coaches here to help me run this camp. All of them have plenty of experience and have enjoyed success at all levels,” Hance said.

The summer camp will hopefully help open some eyes about the ACC softball program that is currently in a rebuilding phase. Along with this summer camp, Hance hopes to hold another camp in the winter.

Despite the struggles of last season, the Lumberjacks look to be heading in the right direction under the guidance of Hance and Ponik. For the first time, the team will have a fall season in which the team will play various teams throughout September and October. This will be a huge help as the team was over 20 games behind its competition when the regular season started.

“No one was aware that we could have a fall season. We are going to start practices, conditioning and other workouts starting at the end of August and will run through October. Being able to get some game action in during the fall will go a long way in helping us prepare for the upcoming season,” Hance said.

This camp is just another step in the right direction for the coaching staff in what they hope will help them turn the corner and build ACC into a winner.

“My goal is to just enhance from where we came from and just understand that these girls are eager to have Alpena get recognized again and realize that there are a lot of girls from the north that are ready to play and are good at what they do. I’m just proud to be here and very excited for the opportunity to continue this positive process.” Hance said.

Jonny Zawacki can be reached via email at jzawacki@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5690.

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