Months following Jamestown College's season-ending loss to Dickinson State at the Dakota Athletic Conference softball tournament, fastpitch softball is still on the minds of many.
The Jamestown community has come together to start a youth fastpitch softball program, targeting girls from sixth to 10th grade.
"I've been the coach at (Jamestown) College for 10 years and people over the years have asked me, 'When are we going to get fastpitch in Jamestown?'" said JC softball coach and youth fastpitch softball vice president Kevin Gall. "It was one of those deals where things fell together and in the end people were willing to put the time and the effort in to make this work for their girls and for the young girls in Jamestown. ... It's kind of neat to start something up like this."
"There were a number of girls that wanted to play softball," fastpitch softball director Darin Peterson said. "We had a lot interest and a lot of demand and we just wanted to meet that demand."
Jamestown has three teams --12 and under, 14 and under and 16 and under -- that have all been primarily funded by sponsors, fundraisers and player fees.
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"With everything we've done, it has been very good," said youth fastpitch softball president Mike Soulis. "So far the girls have had a good attitude and work ethic on the field and the parents seem to be helping with the other stuff,"
Like with any new program, it may take some time before it really takes off, and this instance is no different.
Over 40 girls have come out to compete this year, but as the program continues to grow the idea is that so will the numbers.
"Our focus is to get enough younger (girls) to continue to build this for the next three or four years," said Peterson. "Right now, we have the numbers where we want them."
"I think next year we'll probably have a goal of four teams," Gall said. "We'll see how it goes."
The Gunslingers -- the nickname for all three Jamestown teams -- will not only learn the basics through 10 weeks of practice but they will also have the opportunity to travel throughout the state competing against other cities.
"We could sit at home and play intersquad games or pick-up games and that would be fun, but it would be somewhat of a waste of time," said Gall. "You have to test yourself against other teams to find out what they are doing well."
Jamestown's 14 and under team kicked off its inaugural season last weekend with a tournament in West Fargo, and despite leaving without a victory, Gall still considered the weekend a success.
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"The girls loved it," Gall said. "Their eyes were opened and they learned so much. Even though we lost, they were able to see that there are some really good players out there."
There were also a few highlights to go along with it as well, like the first-ever hit which came off the bat of Ashlie Meier in Jamestown's contest with Thief River Falls, or Alieca Beckman's double against Moorhead.
"We're just kind of scratching the surface," said Gall. "We still have a lot of potential to get better. ... One of our goals is to be the most improved teams in the state."
The message of the program is not only to each the game of softball to some of Jamestown's youth, but to also promote teamwork and teach a few life lessons along the way.
"There are a lot of lessons to be learned from playing sports and the game of softball teaches you all kinds of things," Gall said. "It builds character and in that respect it makes people better people."
Sun sports writer David Griswold can be reached at (701) 952-8462 or by email at dgriswold@jamestownsun.com
