BOAZ – The Snead State Community College baseball team recently welcomed close to 150 kids to its free camp.
The camp was held at the Snead State Community College baseball field and was free of charge. Players were split into groups and rotated between stations that concentrated on base running, pitching, throwing, catching, fielding and batting. Each station was led by Snead State players and coaches.
Players and parents from across Sand Mountain attended the camp. During the camp, retired Jacksonville State University baseball coach Rudy Abbott spoke to the parents. Coach Abbott served as the Gamecocks' head coach from 1970-2001. He coached the JSU baseball teams to NCAA Division II national championships in 1990 and 1991. Seven of his teams advanced to the NCAA Division II World Series.
"It was a privilege and honor for us to be able to present this camp for the young players in our area," said Coach Gerry Ledbetter. "We wanted to make baseball fun for these kids and motivate them to keep getting better."
Following the camp, Snead State players and coaches lined up and signed team posters for the campers.
"Our student-athletes take the time and invest in the community by serving as positive ambassadors for our College," said Athletic Director Mark Richard.
Snead State student-athletes are expected to work with young people from around the surrounding communities while also raising money for their respective programs, keeping up in the classroom and trying to win games as well.
"We hold them to a high academic standard so they can achieve their goals and demonstrate sportsmanship and the accomplishments that come through hard work and sacrifice," said Mr. Richard. "We hold them to a high citizenship standard so they set the example of the difference a productive and dedicated individual can make in the community."
