Things I Learned at Kent State that was no way affiliated with the QDS

[default]

After being away from softball for a few months, it was downright exhilarating to be there at Kent with my DD seeing friends and their DD's showcase their talents in front of so many coaches. Wow

1--make sure to get your fill of College pamphlets left near the bleachers before people like Chad Brown of the Classics gets them all

2. Sodas and waters were three dollars at the concession stand, and doesn't it seem fitting that every pop machine has "out of order" signs on them. I need to keep some disposable dollars with me at all times just to try it and see if the machines really are out of order or not filled. Hmmmm

3. The announcer who was calling the pitchers to pitch certain pitches and to get the athletes to their stations reminded me of the ship computer in "Alien" when Sigourney Weaver is rescuing the cat. Especially with that giant digital clock!

4. Kent State even draws colleges from Florida and Vegas!

5. After throwing several drop balls the pitchers were then told to pitch a rise ball. Of course, half of the first risers were on the floor. Funny

6. When coach Eikenmeyer (sp?) of the now 10u Miami Valley Express and Wittenberg College speaks, you listen.

7. Coaches Facebook stalk recruits, so girls, if you keep posting "i hate my life" rants, you're asking to play at No Scholarship University.

8. Parents, don't do the recruiting for your DD.

9. The QDS sign-ins were outside under the Dix stadium bleachers. It all looked like everyone was outside the urinal of some Ohio state game.

10. According to a Kent state player, getting on a team that travels to Colorado for a tourney isn't necessarily needed to get recruited, but it sure is fun.

11. The quote of the morning on Saturday was the response to the questions, "are you here for camp too?" "no, the QDS." WELL!

12. Statman's chair was the most popular of all chairs brought in by the parents.

13. BA (Lionsfastpitch) looks good in a Buckeye Heat sweater. It's almost reminds me that he actually wore pink socks and those Gahanna colors on a regular basis.:lmao:;&

14. Coaches really do wonder why you've been on 10 different teams since 10u

15. Realizing that having my own DD as a "friend" on FB is quite rare in the annals of Dad/DD computerdom. I count myself lucky!

 

[default]

Noticed the pop machine thing myself.

I will add that black pants definatly the popular choice so if your daughter wears red pants you can find her much easier in the cages from across the field.

 

[default]

hamburg $3.00 and a water $3.00?

the pre-camp paperwork suggested to bring a chair and water to drink.

 

[default]

Quit crying free parking and no adm

 

[default]

It was a fantastic weekend, LOTS of COLLEGE COACHES and a big thanks to Karen Linder who provides the facility for such an amazing event! GO Ohio!

 

[default]

Noticed the pop machine thing myself.

I will add that black pants definatly the popular choice so if your daughter wears red pants you can find her much easier in the cages from across the field.

Red pants rule! Good to see you Saturday Brian.

 

[default]

My 15 year old DD a pitcher had a great time, where else can you get that kind of time in front of so many differnt college coaches. Thanks to every body at Kent State for putting this on,she is already talking about next year.

 

[default]

A great opportunity to show your stuff! My DD had an awesome time! Exhausted, but loved it! A HUGE confidence boost when coaches give you a look and chat with you too. Will definitely have it on our calendar for next year!

 

[default]

Ray
Pop was $3.00 at the QDS as well (Concessions were run by the university apparently and the machines were still "out of order"). I had 1 pop and laughed that my dd must have made it to the big time since I paid 3 bucks for a coke at a game she was playing in.

 

[default]

If you are going to an offensive session go to the one that does not run the same time as the pitching because it seemed there were far more coaches on the field watching the pitchers than watching the girls in the cages.....

 

[default]

Statman any dads celebrating spirit wear?

 

[default]

I liked Stat Man's chair - thought our scorekeeper had the best one but Stat man - you take the prize!

 

[default]

It would be very easy to impersonate a coach; just wear a golf shirt with a school logo and carry around a clipboard and people would look to see who you were watching...

 

[default]

Personally I thought the talent level was down a bit, and the food way over priced. Also, what was up with the dance thing that delayed the game by five minutes to get started. Only saw a few high end pitchers, where was all the big flame throwers that is bragged about? Only saw 2/3 kids hitting 60. Lots of 52/53 mph pitchers there.

Go to the Kent Camp prior, money better spent to attend this, more coaches, and many more reps.

I watched 2 of the games: Field A at 7:00 and Field B at 8:15 and agree that the pitching speeds seemed a little off....the same pitcher back to back would throw 54 then, 68, and the pitch looked as if it were the same speed? I wonder if the radar was not accurate?? I did see some 52/53 mph pitching speeds but I thought they were throwing harder than what the radar was reading....

I will say that the event drew a huge amount of college coaches-and the cages looked like the place to be (there were some coaches watching the games but most seemed like they were watching the pitchers/hitters)

My dd did not participate (she is only in 6th grade and our purpose for going was to meet up with family friends that were from out of town who were there), BUT I would recommend taking the younger ones so that they can experience an event like this before they have to participate in one. IN fact, I saw quite a few 6th-8th graders there "watching"

 

[default]

If you ever imagined what a goldfish in a bowl felt like QDSN has to be pretty close. Thats a pretty good idea taking the younger ones there to see it before they experience it. Mine participated in the 8th grade there and she was shell shocked the first half of the event.

Pitching speeds will always be suspect there but the top speeds you see are true just ask the pitchers dad they will always be honest about that number lol.

Tim

 

[default]

I was informed that QDSN had secured a pitcher throwing 70mph.....didn't see it, just upper 50's....well, except for MY DD, she was pitching 68 with her right arm, then 67 with her left....while on one knee....blindfolded....and not really trying that hard......:lmao:

 

[default]

Pretty sure the radar will read the bat speed on a swing and miss. That explains a pitch showing in the 50's then right after recording the swing and showing in the 60's

 

[default]

Pretty sure the radar will read the bat speed on a swing and miss. That explains a pitch showing in the 50's then right after recording the swing and showing in the 60's

I did hear that from quite a few Coaches that were at the games and watching the pitching speeds...

 

[default]

Statman any dads celebrating spirit wear?

you, know, not too bad!

 

[default]

If you are going to an offensive session go to the one that does not run the same time as the pitching because it seemed there were far more coaches on the field watching the pitchers than watching the girls in the cages.....

I observed this also. plus, it appears colleges are really looking for outfielders. infield sessions had very little watching. BUT, the outfielders were well attended.