Spartan Catcher Finds Success at Tournament
Pickerington, OH (June 28, 2004) There were 20 of the area's best fast-pitch players competing against teams of the same caliber at Pickerington High School two weeks ago. Joining the ladies tournament was junior Laura Tipton who caught for her team in the All-Ohio Underclassmen Summer Tournament held on June 28 and 29.
Tipton's team went 3-2. Going into the event she was excited to play, but had to fight away her nerves at the opening of the competition.
"It was fun. I was kind of nervous at first got but I got used to it. I began to become more comfortable playing with the other girls as the tournament went on," Tipton said.
Besides having the honor of playing with exceptional athletes, Tipton also had the privilege of playing at Pickerington High School.
"Pickerington-North High School itself is a sight to see. They have a cluster of four fast-pitch fields at the school site that were used for the event. All immaculately maintained with regulation fences, dugouts, bleachers . . . the works," Varsity Coach Dona Layman said.
Each player received equal playing time. There were two players for each position except pitcher and catcher, which had three.
"The feeling among the Ohio High School Fast-Pitch Association is that pitcher and catcher are such highly specialized positions, that an injury to one of those players would significantly impact team play in a negative way. So, Laura had to share the spot with two other girls," Layman commented.
"Laura is very selfless as a team player, but it has to be tough to spend any time on the pin. In fact, other players who have gone from Valley View in the past have said that it's hard to sit out. But, there is still much to be gained as a student of the game even from the dugout," added Layman.
Tipton tried out several weeks prior to the tournament for a spot behind home plate. The experience of playing with the area's best players brought a lot to Tipton's game.
"I was nervous and not doing my best, but I had a lot of fun. The pitchers were absolutely amazing which gave me the chance to learn and use new signals," Tipton said.
Tipton had several family members' drive the long route to Pickerington High School and that helped her find her way through the nervousness flowing through her.
"Laura has a terrific support system in her parents and family and this experience will only broaden her as a player," Dona added.
Six Ohio districts were represented at the event with the best of the best competing.
"I think anytime our athletes are selected for this kind of recognition, it speaks well of the athlete. It can be tough to take initiative in this setting, where she did not go with a friend. While it was a great learning opportunity, it was also challenging to "show your stuff" among a group of talented athletes," Layman stated.
"I knew some of the other players from previously playing with them. I stayed with a couple Springboro players I knew. It was a great opportunity and I definitely learned a lot," Tipton added.
On the hitting side, Laura struggled a little. The transition from average pitchers to long time practicing and speedy pitches is difficult. It took a moment to adjust, but Tipton was still pleased to just have the opportunity to play with such renowned pitchers.
Next year Tipton will have another chance to tryout for the team, but she's not quite sure what she will do as of now.
"Right now I'm playing with the 16 and up league and I haven't decided on whether I will tryout next year or not. But, I definitely think that this tournament was a great learning opportunity and just an overall great experience," Tipton noted.
Some other Valley View girls who have been selected for the All-Ohio team in the past were Krista Smith, Ashley Clapsaddle (currently playing with Wright State University), Jeni Schamp (currently playing at Northern Kentucky University), Randy Leppla (currently playing at the University of Chicago), Trazy Izor, Spencer Izor (who played for the University of Dayton), Sara Gebhart (who is now a teacher at Valley View) and current varsity assistant coach Jill Dickson (nee Stoutenborough).
