December 2019 Academy Happenings

Golden Flashes at the Academy!

Kent State came down once again for their softball clinic on Nov. 10. Head coach Eric Oakley helped girls ages 14 through 18 learn the fundamentals of softball by working on hitting, fielding and throwing.

About Coach Oakley

Eric Oakley is entering his fourth season at Kent State. Last year, he led the Golden Flashes to a 28-26 record including a postseason berth in the National Invitational Softball Championship, falling to Marshall in the Lynchburg Regional.

Last season, Oakley became the fastest coach in Kent State history to reach 100 wins.
(source: kentstatesports.com)

About Kent State

  • Location: Kent, Ohio
  • Students: 28,972
  • Name: Golden Flashes
  • Conference: Mid-American Conference (Division 1)
  • Mascot: Flash the Golden Eagle
  • Colors: Navy Blue and Gold
     

Colonels at the Academy

The Eastern Kentucky University Baseball team drove up to the Academy for a baseball clinic held on Nov. 16. Head coach Edwin Thompson and his team taught boys ages eight through 12 baseball fundamentals by working on hitting, fielding and throwing.

Members of the Academy and non-members worked on hitting off the tee, proper fielding techniques as well as played some Wiffle Ball and Home Run Derby.

About Edwin Thompson:

Head coach Edwin Thompson is entering his fifth season as head coach of the Colonels. Thompson has led the Colonels to consecutive 30-win seasons, including back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference tournaments. 

In the past nine years, Thompson has recruited 20 All-Americans and 42 players who have gone on to play professional baseball. 
(source: ekusports.com)

About Eastern Kentucky University:

  • Location: Richmond, Kentucky
  • Students: 15,816
  • Name: Colonels
  • Conference: Ohio Valley Conference (Division I)
  • Mascot: The Colonel
  • Colors: Maroon and White

    Interview with head coach Edwin Thompson about the clinic and coaching at the Division-I level.

    Athlete of the Month - November 2019

    About Savannah Smith

    • Game Day Ritual: Deep breathes and pray
    • Favorite Food: Spaghetti
    • Pre-Game Meal: Steak
    • Favorite Movie: Frozen
    • Favorite TV Show: Friends
    • Favorite Animal: Dog
    • Favorite Color: Yellow
    • Role Model: Mom
    • Meet One Celebrity: Frank Sinatra
    • Favorite Music: 1950's
    • Favorite Part of Softball: Always keeps a smile on my face
    • Do Pineapples belong on Pizza?: Yes

    Coaching Highlights - Episode 1

    In this issue, we take a look at two of our outstanding coaches here at the Academy! Watch these videos to learn more about Gino McGowens and Pat Spurlock.

    COMMITTED: RBI Player signs with Eastern Kentucky University

    RBI player Quinton Hall has signed the dotted line to continue his baseball career as a Colonel of Eastern Kentucky University.

    Hall, out of Vandalia-Butler High School in Vandalia, Ohio, completed his junior season with a 4.25 ERA and a 2-1 record in nine appearances, according to Maxpreps.com.

    In his 26.1 innings pitched last season, Hall gave up 26 hits while striking out 25. Opponents batted .274 against the left-hander.

    Hall helped lead the Aviators to a 21-9 overall record, including a perfect 10-0 in conference play.