JULIE BERTRAND/Independent reporter
Stettler minor ball treated its mosquito, peewee and bantam teams to baseball clinics hosted by Darcy Warawa, a former collegiate and Team Alberta player turned National Coaching Certification Program certified coach.
The association was given $200 by Central Alberta Baseball and used some of its funds to pay for the clinic.
“He’s giving a new perspective as well as an old perspective. He’s just encouraging the kids and having fun,” said Kim Poapst, member of the Stettler minor ball association.
The team coaches were also present to observe Warawa’s teaching technique.
“The coaches got some new ideas with breaking it down,” said Poapst.
“The coaches know how to play baseball but to break it down to the beginning level is another thing. It’s kind of nice for them to be able to go back and learn.”
Poapst believes the timing of the clinic is perfect, as it’s already mid-season and the kids have had the chance to get familiar with baseball.
“I’m sure the clinic will make a difference,” said Poapst.
“Parents and coaches were excited about watching the kids hit the other day.”
Meanwhile, the association is happy with the number of young players participating this year.
“We have lots of Grade 3 students this year. We’d like to get more Grade 4 and 5 students though,” said Poapst.
She hopes that some of the players will play beyond the regular season past June on one of Stettler’s provincial teams.
“We do have a mosquito provincial team and a peewee provincial team,” concluded Poapst.