Lady Panthers help lead softball camp

Jun. 14—CHULA — Young softball players polished their skills last week and Tiftarea Academy coach Rob Flick at softball camp.

Camp was open for elementary and middle school players and was held on campus.

Rain hindered, but did not hold up the camp. Flick dug a trench to drain the area around home plate and he said he was able to procure extra sod from the baseball field. The infield remained wet throughout the drills, but playable. In previous years, rain might have flooded the infield completely, but field improvements and Flick's work meant the show went on.

Flick said campers worked on a bit of everything over the three days: hitting, baserunning, infield and outfield fielding drills and plenty of Wiffle Ball. Sliding was out because of the rainfall, but those in attendance did not seem to mind.

Lady Panthers were in abundance on the field, meaning the camp had nearly as many helpers as campers. That was a big help, he said, not just for him, but for the campers. He believes the young attendees, most of whom attend Tiftarea, look up to their classmates.

Assistant Tiftarea players in attendance included McKenna McCard, a 2021 graduate. McCard, who has signed to play softball for Elon University, could have taken the summer off, said Flick, but instead was one of the most enthusiastic of the group.