Convention/Coaches Clinic feedback

I was only able to attend Saturday's event, but what a great time I had. It was fun to see Coach Evans, Coach Pope, Coach Hignight, Rummage, Wright, Little and all the other coaches I haven't seen in awhile. From what I witnessed, there appeared to be around 150+ coaches in attendance. Just like Coach Bagwell's practices, it was well organized, well attended and very informative.

The breakout sessions were terrific. To hear the college guys explain their aggressive base running techniques, building chemistry, stealing bases, pick off moves, warm up training by Alan Tyson and just to listen to these guys' stories were worth much more than the token cost of a two day convention admission. I would recommend to any school (college or HS) to ask Alan Tyson to spend some time with their team to discuss training drills for arms, legs and torso. NC is so fortunate to have a person of his credentials to be able to speak before their players. The guy has worked with all the Pro teams (Football, basketball and baseball)...but he has a special affinity with the baseball players. Nobody knows more about pitcher's arms and players bodies in the SE. I can not stress enough the resource we have with Alan Tyson being so near.

Coach Shumate (who received the college coach award) was entertaining and informative. What he has achieved at NC A&T is nothing short of a miracle. As long as Shumate continues to stay at A&T, this will be a school that will be in the NCAA playoffs year after year....he is spectacular.

I particularly was interested in the award given to the Sportswriter of the Year. Mike London, whom we discussed on this very board, was the well deserved recipient. Before his presentation, they read a letter from Mike. In the letter he stated though he covers the ACC, Panthers and Bobcats, his love is with the HS sports and American Legion teams. That he understands the importance to the players and parents that he gets his stories right...and they benefit short term and long term from the importance of their accomplishments. The fact that Mike continues to follow the kids into college and after says a lot about the man. He's an amazing man that is in the right business for the right reasons.

A very deserving award went to Gary Robinson for all that he has done for many, many players in HS, AAU and all the other associations that he has been with. Gary has developed more kids in and around Mecklenburg, Gastonia and Cabarrus counties (I probably am leaving a few counties out) then anybody else in the Charlotte area.

I hope that everybody who attended had a good time and took away from the convention some things that they learned. After listening to Coach Cooke from Davidson, Pollard from ASU and Raleigh from WCU, I was reminded that you are never too old to learn new things. Thanks to all the coaches that graciously gave their time and to all the coaches that attended. I hope next year we are able to have all the schools to attend.

My hats off to Coach Hal Bagwell in organizing this event. He did a terrific job...but I knew that before I went. He's the best!!!!! and another to Danny Hignight with all of his help. You put these two guys together and there is no way that you will lose.

PS- I sure did enjoy my good friend Steve Evans' company. There is not anybody with more strength of character than this coach. He makes one proud to call him your friend....and he has a sense of humor as well. My kind of guy!

I only had a chance to say Hi to Coach Randy Pope as I was leaving, but I made a mental note to myself...Coach Pope is a big man and not to upset him on this board. He may find out where I live.

I also got a chance to wear a State Championship ring from S. Alamance. Boy, if that won't motivate you as a coach and player....nothing will.

 

Ditto on Alan Tyson. When my son had some shoulder problems I took him to see Alan. We had to go back quite a few times and I was overwhelmed with his knowledge and expertise. Also glad to see Gary get an award. I have the utmost respect for his baseball knowledge. I had the opportunity to coach his son Michael when he was 14 and I have gotten to know Gary over the years.

 

Great clinic

Thanks to Pete Shankle and his wife Wanda, Hal Bagwell, Danny Hignight and all of the other coaches and clinicians for making this year's NCBCA Convention successful. Special thank you to all of the college coaches for taking the time out of their schedule to be there.

NCBCA website coming soon.

 

GREAT JOB GUYS!!

IT was indeed a great job done by Pete Shankle and his wife Wanda, Coach Bagwell, Coach Hignight and the college coaches who attended that made this a great experience. I always pick up good information to use with my kids, and this time was no exception.

BRAVES--- It was great to see you again and though we only had a short chat, I thoroughly enjoyed it!! Your check is in the mail for the exaggerated remarks on my behalf (like those fishing stories)...

TO ALL--

For those of you that are not members of the NCBCA, you should join this organization, you will not regret it one bit!!

 

This years coaching clinic was a class act. thanks to all that played a part in organizing it. it is a very good time for learning and socializing with the rest of the high school coaches.

braves, enjoyed the chat. tell TJ hello and good luck this season. i am sure i'll see a few of his games.

 

I can tell you that Dan Poindexter is looking really, really good. I'm expecting a lot of great outings from him....and as excited as I am for Dan, I'm equally disappointed for Dusty with his injury. I spoke to him Friday and you can feel the sadness in his voice. But Dusty will bounce back better than ever.

 

What kind of injury did Dusty have??

 

Ligament damage in his knee