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Camp builds chemistry
By JOE SCALZO
YOUNGSTOWN
A few weeks ago, one of the YSU softball players stood on a tightrope 30 feet in the air with a harness across her body and a series of ropes above her.
“She was so scared,” said senior infielder Kim Klonowski. “She was crying, she was so upset, but she made it halfway through the course because the team was below her cheering her on and I was right next to her pushing her on.”
When Penguin softball coach Brian Campbell assessed what went wrong during last spring’s 14-36 season, one problem stood out above all else: team chemistry. So he decided to take a fall trip to Camp Frederick in Rogers, believing the problem could be cured by a combination of bunk beds, bonfires and jokes about bear attacks.
He was right.
“It was awesome,” said Klonowski, who started all 50 games last year and batted .297. “It was just such a rewarding experience. It brought us together and forced us to know each other outside of softball so we’d know each other on the field.
“I think you can see the results on the field already. I completely trust the girl on my right and in front of me and behind me.”
Considering 11 of YSU’s 18 players are underclassmen, including seven freshmen, it was important the Penguins build that chemistry quickly. Even better, seniors like Klonowski have embraced the younger players, believing they’ve made her a better player.
“You know if you make a mistake or you’re not quite on your game, there’s somebody behind you that can pick it up,” she said. “It’s made me love the game even more and want to be better for them down the road.”
Will the experience translate into wins? Only time will tell. Regardless, Campbell thinks it was worth it.
“To be able to do something like that, it’s very special for the kids and for the coaches,” said Campbell. “I think it’s something they’ll never forget.”