Pat Murphy instructs Iowa prep athletes at winter camp
The 2010 Kirkwood Community College winter softball camp was a success with around 80 athletes from grades eight through 12. Participants had the opportunity to learn basic fundamentals while developing their hitting, pitching and defensive skills.
Athletes received instruction from Independence, Iowa native and University of Alabama Head Coach Pat Murphy, Syracuse University Pitching Coach Mike Bosch, Elon University Pitching Coach Monica Wright, Belmont Abbey College Assistant Baseball Coach Brian Hoop and the Kirkwood coaching staff, current and past players.
Coach Murphy made it clear to camp participants that, “Championships are won in the offseason.” He stressed that working hard in offseason training can make a difference leading to a successful season.
In an opening statement Murphy said, “All of the athletes here today are making a big step in getting better. Coming to camp and working on your skills on a cold, offseason day over winter break says a lot about your character and passion for the game.”
Murphy also took time to praise Kirkwood’s campus. “I came on campus and I was very impressed by the size of campus and what it has to offer to students. All of the facilities are extremely nice and maintained well. Typical community colleges have a few small buildings, but Kirkwood is like a small university.”
Coach Murphy can be credited for building the University of Alabama’s softball program from the ground up. From the program’s start in 1999, he has lead Alabama to six NCAA College World Series appearances, 12 straight NCAA tournament appearances, six consecutive 50+ win seasons, has coached 61 NCAA All-Americans and the list goes on.
The Kirkwood Eagles begin the 2011 softball season ranked second on the NJCAA Division II National Preseason Polls. The 2010 season ended with a second place ranking on the polls, and the Eagles look to continue that success this season. The first game is set for March 5 in Rochester, Minnesota.