JULIE BERTRAND/Independent reporter
Snow might still cover Stettler’s ball diamonds, but fastball players already have their mind on the upcoming season.
Kevin Turner, president of Stettler minor ball, fastball division, has organized for a second year the “Can Pitch Clinic.”
Jackie Desilets, instructor for Softball Canada, helped 20 girls perfect their pitching during the clinic, which was held in Stettler Middle School gym on April 2 and 3.
“I’m looking forward to these girls learning and refining their skills so they can go out and compete in some provincial competitions,” said Desilets.
She believes that Stettler has an excellent pool of fastball players.
“Last year’s peewee girls won the provincial championship,” said Desilets.
“It’s my second time here and it’s looking good. I hope to come back every year.”
Desilets has been a softball instructor for Softball Canada for more than 20 years. She is in fact the master pitching instructor for Alberta.
“I think that, with each year that girls participate in the pitching clinic and some other skills clinics, their talent increases and it’s starting to happen,” said Desilets.
Squirt level players can also attend a camp called Best Ever Camp either in Camrose or in Ponoka.
This year’s snow has had an impact on the provincial league’s schedule.
“This year, the fastball season will start when snow will be off the ground. The league dates will probably shift to accommodate the snow,” said Desilets.
In Stettler, softball practice will start after April 17 and the season will start in May.
It’s Turner’s second year as softball president.
“Softball is a popular sport in Stettler,” said Turner.
“It’s a good team sport and it gives the girls the occasion to socialize at the same time.”
Stettler has seven softball teams.
Turner started organizing clinics after he read information about them on Softball Canada’s website.
“It gives the players a better technique,” said Turner.