Hide Article Text (OCR)
Pre AidsSeason Women9rogram s SportsBv BOB MANKYwMessenger Sports KditorWe re off the sandlots now,’’ said one enthusiastic Ohio University coed We redeveloping our skills under real coaches and with good equipment The speaker was one ot 39 participants in a special training program for women athletes at Ohio University this week The session is the first of its type in the state, and may be one of the first in the countryThe athletes, most of whom were letterwinners at Ohio last season, came to the university 10 days early and are undergoing two-a-day training sessions in field hockey, volleyball and swimming The pre-season camp is the brainchild of Barbara Berry, the women’s sports co-ordinator at the university“Last year I saw my field hockey team Sept 26, and our first game was Oct. 5,” she said. “ That just wasn t enough time to get ready. ‘‘The players were not in shape and we suf fered needless injuries which were caused by just plain fatigue“So, 1 decided to do something about it, and we began to formulate the program last spring.’’A big factor in the program was a bigger budget, and the two new additions to the women’s sports staff“This is the first time that we've had fulltime coaches, Miss Berry said “Before, we've had to depend upon volunteers from the physical education department who were willing to donate time.’’ This fall Nancy Schaub is coaching volleyball, Sharon O Mara is handling the swimmers and Miss Berry is teaching field hockey A fourth sport, golf, will be handled by graduate assistant Judy Games The reinstitution of golf will give us nine sports this year, Miss Berry said “We don’t plan to addany new ones in the future, but wed like to add toour staff if the budget permits.”The plans for this fall’s pre-season practices began last spring when the returning athletes were asked if they'd be interested in such a program.“The response was overwhelming,” Miss Berry said We had to limit the numbers the first year and we decided to hold the practices by invitation only. We issued written invitations explaining the program and the few who couldn't make it had job conflicts.”1 he biggest problem proved to be livingquarters, and that wasn’t solved until late this summer“Every place I checked had a conflict,” MissBerry said But in the middle of the summerSigma Kappa house called and gave its OK Afterthat 1 contacted the girls and told them when to report.”The athletes reported to camp Monday and will continue their morning and evening practices until school starts The women all live at the Sigma Kappa house and have their own cook and training rulesThe first days were spent mainly on conditioning, with the latter part of the camps being devoted to basic skills and executionThis is actually the second such camp for some of the field hockey players. Some of them joined their coach at a training camp in the Poeonos in late August and early September*»'nI’his is the first program ol its type in Ohio as tar as 1 know Miss Berry said But 1 expect others to start soon Several schools have contacted me and asked me to explain it to them I know it's a precedent setting thing at Ohio University, and it's something we hope to continue ”
Newspaper Details
Athens Sunday Messenger
Athens, Ohio, US
Sun, Sep 22, 1974
Page 26
Full Page
Clipped by
Nancy R.
OH, USA 22 Dec 2021
Other Publications Near Athens, Ohio
Athens Messenger
Athens Messenger and Herald
Athens Daily Messenger
Athens Sunday Messenger
