All Sports Trophy

[flyingMoose]

Why does Breezy always get "smacked down" in these discussions?

In last year's conference play, she had the lower ERA (which is the common measure of effectiveness, but not necessarily the best measure), the lower OOPS (opponents' on-base percentage plus slugging percentage), and an equivalent (1.26 v 1.22) WHIP (walks+hits per innings pitched).

Just sayin'.

[1972Shocker]

Breezy is a possibility to step up and be that effective 2nd pitcher, but so far I just have not been able to develop a great deal of confidence in her (perhaps unfairly so) especially in clutch situations. Nevertheless, I would love to see her step it up and be a key factor in the Shocks improvement this next season.

I guess I am giving Kasha the benefit of the doubt since her high school and Gold level careers where so stellar and last year was her 1st exposure to D-1 softball.

Hopefully, both of these ladies come back with solid years this year.

[WuDrWu]

I like our chances for another All-Sports Trophy for the 2009-2010 year.

I see the arrow pointing up for Men's Basketball and Baseball.

The Cross Country and Track & Field teams are in solid shape under 'Bolts leadership and should continue to compete for solid finishes in MVC competition.

Despite the departure of Chris Young he has left the Tennis programs in solid shape.

The golf programs have some interesting recruits coming in and should hold their own in the MVC.

Volleyball is arguably our most successful sport over the past 5 years and looks set to conitinue that success this year.

Women's Basketball and Softball may be our two most questionable sports. The BB team is coming off 6 poor years with a cumulative 61-113 record, 0-4 in the MVC Tournament and not even coming close to sniffing post-season play plus the team faced significant player turnover under allegedly less than cordial circumstances during Jody Adams' 1st year. OTOH, we have a highly rated recruiting class coming in so it will be interesting to see if all these new faces can come together and start this program on the road to recovery.

The Softball team would seem to require an upgrade in the key component of fast-pitch softball and that would be more consistent and effective pitching. The Shocks lost a lot of big leads and games in the late innings last year.

Bottom line though is that we seem pretty well positioned to win another All-Sports trophy this year.

Best of luck to all Shocker Teams, Coaches and Players in 2009-2010. Should be another solid year overall for Shocker athletics.

:goshocks:

Just felt like a brief update. Men's basketball look as good or better than first thought.

Womens XC were champs as expected. men a disappointing 7th.

Womens T&F should be good (1 or 2)....men yet to be seen but we have absolutely no distance runners and will not score at all there.

Womens tennis is a mortal lock to win the Valley. The men should be top 3.

Mens golf will be tough to beat again. Womens golf could finish anywhere but there is a lot of talent and upside in this program. I think anything less than top 3 will be frustrating for the team.

Volleyball will be a surprising 2nd or 3rd.

Womens basketball should be better. Softball, who knows?