March 27, 2021 Issue, Page 5 of 5

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March 27, 2021 “This gives us a chance to improve’: Why slowpitch softball is growing in Oklahoma James D. Jackson gradually added it to their pitcher's goal is to throw the lot harder consistently.” Even though she won't be regular school hour, the ath- ‘The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City athletic program. As the ball past or around a batter's ‘The slowpitch season al- at Deer Creek next season, letic hour gives Patterson and 2021 slowpitch season kicks swing. But in slowpitch, the lows coaches to either experi- Ritz is a prime example of the team just 55 minutes to (TNs) off, Oklahoma schools will pitcher tosses the ball over ment with different players playing out of position in or- practice softball, per rules of field the most teams it has the plate with the intent of at different positions or teach der to gain more reps. the OSSAA. Mar. 25—Booker Blakley in the past seven seasons, ac- the batter making contact. players new positions as they “Being a first-year guy, it A time limit Patterson knew of the benefits of slow- cording to numbers provided With the ball in play more prepare for the next fastpitch found difficult to achieve the was something that I felt pitch softball from experi- by iwasatthegame.com. With often, players have a higher season. would be vital to the success practice he wanted. ence. Deer Creek, Guthrie, North chance to gain defensive reps “Us players are playing “By the time the girls get of our program,” Patterson Blakley had spent six years Rock Creek and Pryor adding and baserunning opportuni- in spots we haven’t usually down there, get dressed and said. “Getting the extra prac- at Okarche High School, slowpitch this season, 305 ties. More players and coach- played in and for me, 'm go through our whole catch- tice time specifically, with the coaching the game before programs will take the field. es are recognizing the ben- playing second base,” Deer young ones. Because if we're ing and stretching routine, moving to Guthrie. In his “I think part of it is a lot of efits of participating in the Creek pitcher and Central not in season we only get to that gives us about 25 mii third year at his new school, the high school coaches are “offensive-minded” game. Oklahoma signee Terin Ritz practice during the athletic utes of practice time with Blakley brought slowpitch to pushing for it more just to get “There’s a lot more oppor- said. hour.” the girls each day,” Patterson Guthrie. the extra practice time,” Deer tunity to be successful hit- “It’s weird playing in a dif- ‘The athletic hour is a sched- said. “It was an opportunity to ting balls compared to if you ferent spot other than pitch- uled class period that ath- Creek coach Trent Patterson “So we felt like adding slow- compete and put in more use- said. “We love competing and have a dominant pitcher, it er but it’s fun getting to be in letes are able to practice their pitch gives us another chance ful work in the spring,” Blak- we want to go out and win, might be a 1-0 game in sev- more of the action. Being on preferred sport. Like most to be competitive and try to ley said. “It was a no-doubter but we also realize that this en innings,” Patterson said. the first Deer Creek slowpitch schools, Deer Creek holds its make a run and be successful. for me, really.” gives us a chance to improve “However, with that being team is pretty cool and you're athletic hour during 7th peri- But it also gives us that ex- Although slowpitch soft- and to get better.” said, with slow-pitch there’s a getting to set the standard od, its last hour of the school tra prep time with the young ball is not a collegiate sport, In fastpitch softball, the tendency for balls to be hit a for everyone coming in after.” day. Because it’s considered a ones.” Oklahoma high schools have Joshlyn Sanders MVP %. pia THALILLLER kh Nukesss Joshlyn Sanders, man year. Not only her senior year, stu- a senior at Merritt is Sanders a straight dent council Presi- High School, has A student but she dent and she was on 1037 career points recently received the Superintendent Hof- on the basketball prestigious 5 County meister’s Student Ad- court since her fresh- MVP award. In ad- visory council both dition to being a star her Jr. and Sr. year. basketball _ player, Sanders has received Sanders has been a basketball scholar- wt Cy |- Good Luck to all of President of the Key ship from Western Club, a member of Oklahoma State Col- the FFA, salutatorian lege in Altus where our area teams! her freshman year, student of the month she plans to become a nurse. =~ TERRY'S FURNITURE (580)225-4006 OR (800)925-4006} tenrysfumitureshowroomcom ELK CITY: 2714 W. 3rd St. 102 S. Main St. 580.225.2580 SAYRE: 711 N.E. Highway 580.928.2580 SHOWROOM Monday https://www.fnbec.com/ 2001 SOUTH MAIN ‘Through Saturday Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ELK CITY, OKLAHOMA 9-6. 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