TD softball is offering clinics for gorge-area youths

It has been awhile since an opportunity of this magnitude has been offered for young girls between the ages of 6-18.

Coming off a 2015 season where his Riverhawk varsity softball group won 15 games and secured its 11th consecutive 5A state playoff berth, there is no better time than now to establish a foundation of fielding some competitive high school teams on a consistent basis for years to come.

“The best way to do that is to develop fundamentals in girls at an early age,” said Garrett. “Learning the skills of the game early, they can enjoy the game more fully as they play better. I have had the idea in formation for several years to develop a continuity of play that will assure quality players on an ongoing basis.”

Garrett announced two days of The Dalles High School softball clinics on March 5 and 12 to be held at the Wahtonka Gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The opening session on March 5 is open for girls ages 12-years old and under.

On March 12, athletes who are 13-years old or older will hit the gym for seven hours of fundamental work.

Costs are set at $45 pre-paid before March 1, and $50 at the door.

There is a special $450 team price for all players, and costs include a free shirt for each participant.

Garrett will employ some of the varsity players and graduated athletes as guides and instructors, but himself and assistant Duane Witter will be the primary teachers.

Garrett wants to involve people such as hitting guru Doug Sawyer and perhaps other coaches for pitching and specialty skills.

“I am sure that increasing interest in the camp could succor other outside coaches to offer services,” he added.

Garrett’s goal is to generate interest of between 40-50 kids.

The daily routine would begin at 9 a.m. with skill drills, basic infield, and outfield, pitching and catching workouts, tailored to the skill level of each participant.

“We would progress through offensive as well as defensive drills, allowing players to examine different positions to perhaps define more fully their individual abilities and skill levels,” Garrett said. “With adequate breaks and as much one-on-one instruction as possible, each player would be able to increase their stamina, skills and acumen accordingly.”

At noon, the kids would break for an hour lunch of Subway Sandwiches along with fruit and beverages that would be provided in the camp fee.

Beginning at 1 p.m., Garrett plans to do more individualized work with returning varsity players providing inspiration and instruction.

In addition, coach Witter will hold pitching sessions and defensive drills.

Camps are of supreme importance in the development of any athlete let alone softball players.

The coach said that any time you can get participants into an extended time of learning skills and re-using them over a short period, there is a good possibility many of those ideas and concepts can be cemented more fully in the players’ minds.

“To get them to realize that disciplined, consistent effort can help to develop those basic skills into a new level is tantamount,” the veteran coach said. “A camp experience with continued re-emphasis on those basic fundamentals, broken down into easily rehearsable skill sets, is a proven formula for success.”

Garrett feels the collegiate style of play today provides adequate evidence of this school of taught regarding hitting – Hitting is one of the most critical items he will cover over the course of the camp.

Always a teacher, Garrett said he looks forward to coaching and added there is a thrill to see a kid have that light go off to the point where they only excel to newer heights.

“To see a player get that same fire in their heart, to begin working out in November or December to make sure they are ready for the opening of softball season, that is a great feeling,” he said.

“Then when you help a player see a flaw and correct it, or tweak a small thing that brings them success like they haven’t had before, that makes it all worthwhile,” he explained.

To inquire about the camp or to sign up, call 541-303-2463 or email garretts@nwasco.k12.or.us.